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# Full text of "The "manuscript story" of Reverend Solomon Spalding : or, "Manuscript found" : from a verbatim copy of the original now in the Library of Oberlin College, Ohio : including correspondence touching the manuscript, its preservation and transmission until it came into the hands of the publishers"

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    The  Mbyinscript  Found

    L

    "

    Manuscript  Story,

    Reverend  Solomon  Spalding;

    Manuscript  Found.

    ;  i

    From  a  verbatim  copy  of  the  original  now  in  the  Library  ofOberlin  College.

    Ohio;    including    correspondence  touching  the  Manuscript,   its

    preservation  and  transmission  until  it  came  into  Iht

    hands  of  the  publishers.

    LAMONI.  fOWA:

    Printed  and  published  by  the  Reorganized  Church  of  Jesus  Christ
    of  Latter  Day  Saints.

    fix

    EMMANUEL

    LIBRARY  RULES.

    1.  Borrowers  are  only  entitled  to
    one  book  at  a  time.

    2.  Books  should  not  be  retained  on
    loan  for  a  period  longer  than
    two  weeks.

    3.  Any  borrower  retaining  a  book
    for  a  longer  period  than  four
    teen  days  shall  pay  a  fine  of
    3d.  for  each  week  over  that
    period.

    4.  Any  borrower  losing  a  book  must
    replace  same  or  pay  an  amount
    equal  to  the  new  value  of  the
    lost  book.

    5.  Books  will  not  be  loaned  out
    unless  the  Borrower  supplies
    the  Librarian  with  his  or  her
    Library  Card.

    6.  The  fees  are  Id.  per  book  for
    adults  and  id.  for  children.

    I  A  oo

    55

    TllL  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    THE    "MANUSCRIPT     STORY."

    A  Verbatim   Copy  from   tHe   Original.

    HEREWITH  we  present  to  the  reader  the  notorious
    "Manuscript  Story"  ["Manuscript  Found"],  of  the
    Reverend  Solomon  Spalding.  What  gives  this  docu
    ment  prominence  is  the  fact  that  for  the  past  fifty
    years  it  has  been  made  to  do  ducy  by  the  opposers  of
    the  Book  of  Mormon  as  the  source,  the  root,  and  the
    inspiration,  by  and  from  which  Joseph  Smith  and
    Sydney  Rigdon  wrote  the  Book  of  Mormon.  It  has
    been  popularly  and  persistently  claimed  that  the
    plan,  subject  matter,  including  prominent  names  and
    localites,  history  of  the  origin  of  the  aboriginal  races
    of  America,  with  their  arts  and  sciences,  civilizations
    and  customs,  were  identical  in  this  "Manuscript
    Found"  and  in  the  Book  of  Mormon.  Thousands
    have  believed  this  false  and  foolish  statement,  with
    out  giving  its  truth  or  falsity  an  hour's  fair  and
    unprejudiced  investigation,  and  then  fought  the  book
    and  the  church  with  a  readinesc  and  a  zeal  almost
    without  a  parallel.  And  now  that  this  veritable
    "Manuscript  Found,"  with  an  unbroken  chain  of
    evidence  proving  its  identity  and  running  back  to
    E.  D.  Howe,  D.  P.  Hurlbut,  Spalding's  "old  trunk,"
    and  so  back  to  Pittsburg,  Conneaut,  and  to  the  very
    pen  of  Solomon  Spalding,  has  by  the  providence  of
    God  been  furnished  us,  and  that,  too,  by  those  not  of
    the  church,  we  take  pleasure  in  exhibiting  in  the

    4  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    sunlight  of  solid  facts,  this  hob -goblin  of  the  pulpit,
    this  "nigger-in-the-woodpile"  of  the  press  and  the
    forum,  that  with  which  they  have  fooled  and  fright
    ened  the  masses  and  blinded  those  inquiring  into  the
    origin  and  character  of  the  Book  of  Mormon.

    This  seeming  huge  hindrance  and  insurmountable
    obstacle  which  is  always  thrown  in  the  way  of  the
    investigator  with  all  the  skill  and  power  that  craft
    and  cunning  and  malice  and  fear  and  blind  zeal  can
    invent  and  command,  vanishes  from  the  presence  of
    this  original  witness  in  the  case;  for  when  it  speaks
    it  reveals  the  flimsiness  and  falsity  of  the  claim  that
    it  was  in  any  way  or  in  any  sense  the  origin  of  the
    Book  of  Mormon,  or  that  there  is  the  least  likeness
    between  the  two.  This  newly  found  "missing  link"
    completes  the  chain  of  evidence  which  proves  that
    the  "Manuscript  Found"  never  was  and  never  could
    be  made  the  occasion,  cause,  or  germ  of  the  Book  of
    Mormon.

    Mr.  Spalding  has  been  exalted  by  the  opposers  of
    the  Latter  Day  Saints  to  the  very  pinnacle  of  fame,
    as  a  very  learned,  very  moral,  and  very  pious  man.
    It  is  fortunate  that  his  true  measure  and  worth  in
    respect  to  his  learning,  his  morals,  and  his  piety,  is
    now  furnished  us  in  this  "Manuscript  Story."  God
    judges  men  by  their  works,  and  it  is  wise  for  men  to
    judge  of  each  other  after  this  manner.  And  when
    we  estimate  Mr.  Spalding  by  the  character  of  his
    work  as  exhibited  in  this  document,  we  must  grade
    him  down  to  a  very  low  level,  whether  in  respect  to
    scholarship,  mental  power,  moral  purity,  or  pious
    attainments  and  tendencies.

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  5

    The  following  correspondence  explains  the  man
    ner  in  which  the  manuscript  was  preserved  and
    placed  in  the  hands  of  the  present  publishers.

    The  following  from  the  Bibliotheca  Sacra  was
    republished  in  many  leading  journals  east  and  west,
    among  them  the  Herald  of  Grinnell,  Iowa;  the
    Western  Watchman,  Eureka,  California;  the  New
    York  Observer,  and  Frank  Leslie's  Sunday  Maga
    zine.

    "The  theory  of  the  origin  of  the  Book  of  Mormon  in  the  tra
    ditional  manuscript  of  Solomon  Spaulding,  will  probably  have
    to  be  relinquished.  That  manuscript  is  doubtless  now  in  the
    possession  of  Mr.  L.  L.  Rice,  of  Honolulu.  Hawaiian  Islands,
    formerly  an  anti-slavery  editor  in  Ohio,  and  for  many  years
    State  Printer,  at  Columbus.  During  a  r  cent  visit  to  Honolulu,
    I  iOggested  to  Mr.  Rice  that  he  might  have  valuable  anti-slav
    ery  documents  in  his  possession,  which  he  would  be  willing  to
    contribute  to  the  rich  collection  already  in  the  Oberlin  College
    Library.  In  pursuance  of  this  suggestion,  Mr.  Rice  began  look
    ing  over  his  old  pamphlets  and  papers,  and  at  length  came  upon
    an  old,  worn,  and  faded  manuscript  of  about  one  hundred  and
    seventy-five  pages,  small  quarto,  purporting  to  be  a  history  of
    the  migrations  and  conflicts  of  the  ancient  Indian  Tribes,  which
    occupied  the  territory  now  belonging  to  the  States  of  New  York,
    Ohio,  and  Kentucky.  On  the  last  page  of  this  manuscript  is  a
    certificate  and  signature,  giving  the  names  of  several  persons
    known  to  the  signer,  who  have  assured  him  that  to  their  per
    sonal  knowledge  the  manuscript  was  the  writing  of  Solomon
    Spaulding.  Mr.  Rice  has  no  recollection  how  or  when  this
    manuscript  came  into  his  possession.  It  was  enveloped  in  a
    coarse  piece  of  wrapping  paper,  and  endorsed  in  Mr.  Rice's
    handwriting,  'A  Manuscript  Story.*

    "There  seems  no  reason  to  doubt  that  this  is  the  long-lost
    story.  Mr.  Rice,  myself,  and  others,  compared  it  with  the  Book
    of  Mormon,  and  could  detect  no  resemblance  between  the  two,

    6  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    in  general  or  in  detail.  There  seems"  to  be  no  name  or  incident
    common  to  the  two.  The  solemn  style  of  the  Book  of  Mormon,
    in  imitation  of  the  English  Scriptures,  does  not  appear  in  the
    manuscript.  The  only  resemblance  is  in  the  fact  that  both  pro
    fess  to  set  forth  the  history  of  lost  tribes.  Some  other  explana
    tion  of  the  origin  of  the  Book  of  Mormon  must  be  found,  if  any
    explanation  is  required."  Signed,  James  H.  Fairchild.

    The  letter  below  was  written  in  answer  to  our  sug
    gestion  that  the  Manuscript  b©  sent  for  safe  keeping
    to  some  Historical  Society  in  Chicago,  Illinois.

    HONOLULU,  Sandwich  Islands,  March  28, 1885.
    MR.  JOSEPH  SMITH  :

    The  Spaulding  Manuscript  in  my  possession  came  into  my
    hands  in  this  wise.  In  1839-40  my  partner  and  myself  bought  of
    E.  D.  Howe  the  Painesville  Telegraph,  published  at  Painesville,
    Ohio.  The  transfer  of  the  printing  department,  types,  press,
    &c.,  was  accompanied  with  a  large  collection,  of  books,  manu
    scripts,  &c.,  this  manuscript  of  Spaulding  among  the  rest.  So,
    you  see,  it  has  been  in  my  possession  over  forty  years.  But  I
    never  examined  it,  or  knew  the  character  of  it,  until  some  six  or
    eight  months  since.  The  wrapper  was  marked,  "Manuscript
    Story — Conneaut  Creek."  The  wonder  is,  that  in  some  of  my
    movements,  I  did  not  destroy  or  burn  it  with  a  large  amount  of
    rubbish  that  had  accumulated  from  time  to  time.

    It  happened  that  President  Fairchild  was  here  on  a  visit,  at
    the  time  I  discovered  the  contents  of  it,  and  it  was  examined  by
    him  and  others  with  much  curiosity.  Since  President  Fairchild
    published  the  fact  of  its  existence  in  my  possession,  I  have  had
    applications  for  it  from  half  a  dozen  sources,  each  applicant
    seeming  to  think  that  he  or  she  was  entitled  to  it.  Mr.  Howe
    says  when  he  was  getting  up  a  book  to  expose  Mormonism  as  a
    fraud  at  an  early  day,  when  the  Mormons  had  their  headquar
    ters  at  Kirtland,  he  obtained  it  from  some  source,  and  it  was
    inadvertently  transferred  with  the  other  effects  of  his  printing
    office.  A.  B.  Deming,  of  Painesville,  who  is  also  getting  up
    some  kind  of  a  book  I  believe  on  Mormonism,  wants  me  to  send
    it  to  him.  Mrs.  Dickinson,  of  Boston,  claiming  to  be  a  relative

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  7

    of  Spaulding,  and  who  is  getting  up  a  book  to  show  that  he  was
    the  real  author  of  the  Book  of  Mormon,  wants  it.  She  thinks,
    at  least,  it  should  be  sent  to  Spaulding's  daughter,  a  Mrs.  Some
    body—but  she  does  not  inform  me  where  she  lives.  Doming
    says  that  Howe  borrowed  it  when  he  was  getting  up  his  book,
    and  did  not  return  it,  as  he  should  have  done,  etc.

    This  Manuscript  does  not  purport  to  be  "a  story  of  the  Indians
    formerly  occupying  this  continent;"  but  is  a  history  of  the  wars
    between  the  Indians  of  Ohio  and  Kentucky,  and  their  progress
    in  civilization,  etc.  It  is  certain  that  this  Manuscript  is  not  the
    origin  of  the  Mormon  Bible,  whatever  some  other  manuscript
    may  have  been.  The  only  similarity  between  them,  is,  in  the
    manner  in  which  each  purports  to  have  been  found — one  in  a
    cave  on  Conneaut  Creek— the  other  in  a  hill  in  Ontario  County,
    New  York.  There  is  no  identity  of  names,  of  persons,  or  places;
    and  there  is  no  similarity  of  style  between  them.  As  I  told  Mr.
    Deming,  I  should  as  soon  think  the  Book  of  Revelations  was
    written  by  the  author  of  Don  Quixote,  as  that  the  writer  of  this
    Manuscript  was  the  author  of  the  Book  of  Mormon.  Deming
    says  Spaulding  made  three  copies  of  "Manuscript  Found,"  one
    of  which  Sidney  Rigdon  stole  from  a  printing-office  in  Pitts-
    burg.  You  can  probably  tell  better  than  I  can,  what  ground
    there  is  for  such  an  allegation.

    As  to  this  Manuscript,  I  can  not  see  that  it  can  be  of  any  use
    to  any  body,  except  the  Mormons,  to  show  that  IT  is  not  the
    original  of  the  Mormon  Bible.  But  that  would  not  settle  the
    •claim  that  some  other  manuscript  of  Spaulding  was  the  original
    of  it.  I  propose  to  hold  it  in  my  own  hands  for  a  while,  to  see  if
    it  can  not  be  put  to  some  good  use.  Deming  aad  Howe  inform
    me  that  its  existence  is  exciting  great  interest  in  that  region.  I
    am  under  a  tacit,  but  not  a  positive  pledge  to  President  Fair-
    child,  to  deposit  it  eventually  in  the  Library  of  Oberlin  College.
    I  shall  be  free  from  that  pledge,  when  I  see  an  opportunity  to
    put  it  to  a  better  use.  Yours,  etc.,

    L.  L.  RICE.

    P.  S.— Upon  reflection,  since  writing  the  foregoing,  I  am  of
    the  opinion  that  no  one  who  reads  this  Manuscript  will  give
    credit  to  the  story  that  Solomon  Spaulding  was  in  any  wise  the

    8  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    author  of  the  Book  of  Mormon.  It  is  unlikely  that  any  one  who
    wrote  so  elaborate  a  work  as  the  Mormon  Bible,  would  spend  his
    time  in  getting  up  so  shallow  a  story  as  this,  which  at  best  is  but
    a  feeble  imitation  of  the  other.  Finally  I  am  more  than  half
    convinced  that  this  is  his  only  writing  of  the  sort,  and  that  any
    pretence  that  Spaulding  was  in  any  sense  the  author  of  the
    other,  is  a  sheer  fabrication.  It  was  easy  for  anybody  who
    may  have  seen  this,  or  heard  anything  of  its  contents,  to  get  up
    the  story  that  they  were  identical.  L.  L.  R.

    HONOLULU,  Sandwich  Islands,

    May  14,  1885.
    MR.  JOSEPH  SMITH;

    Dear  Sir:  I  am  greatly  obliged  to  you  for  the  information  con
    cerning  Mormonism,  in  your  letters  of  April  30  and  May  2.  As
    I  am  in  no  sense  a  Mormonite,  of  course  it  is  a  matter  of  curi
    osity,  mainly,  that  I  am  interested  in  the  history  of  Mormonism.

    Two  things  are  true  concerning  this  manuscript  in  my  posses
    sion:  First,  it  is  a  genuine  writing  of  Solomon  Spaulding;  and
    second,  it  is  not  the  original  of  the  Book  of  Mormon.

    My  opinion  is,  from  all  I  have  seen  and  learned,  that  this  is
    the  only  writing  of  Spaulding,  and  there  is  no  foundation  for
    the  statement  of  Deming  and  others,  that  Spaulding  made
    another  story,  more  elaborate,  of  which  several  copies  were
    written,  one  of  which  Rigdon  stole  from  a  printing-office  in
    Pittsburg,  etc.  Of  course  I  can  not  be  as  certain  of  this,  as  of
    the  other  two  points.  One  theory  is,  that  Rigdon,  or  some  one
    else,  saw  this  manuscript,  or  heard  it  read,  and  from  the  hints
    it  conveyed,  got  up  the  other  and  more  elaborate  writing  on
    which  the  Book  of  Mormon  was  founded.  Take  that  for  what
    it  is  worth.  It  don't  seem  to  me  very  likely.

    You  may  be  at  rest  as  to  my  putting  the  manuscript  into  the
    possession  of  any  one  who  will  mutilate  it,  or  use  it  for  a  bad
    purpose.  I  shall  have  it  deposited  in  the  Library  of  Oberlin
    College,  in  Ohio,  to  be  at  the  disposal  for  reading  of  any  one
    who  may  wish  to  peruse  it;  but  not  to  be  removed  from  that
    depository.  My  friend,  President  Fairchild,  may  be  relied  on  as
    security  for  the  safe-keeping  of  it.  It  will  be  sent  there  in  July,

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY"  9

    by  a  friend  who  is  going  there  to  "take  to  himself  a  wife."
    Meantime,  I  have  made  a  literal  copy  of  the  entire  document-
    errors  of  orthography,  grammar,  erasures,  and  all— which  I  shall
    keep  in  my  possession,  so  that  any  attempt  to  mutilate  it  will  be
    of  easy  detection  and  exposure.  Oberlin  is  a  central  place,  in
    the  vicinity  of  Conneaut,  where  the  manuscript  was  written.

    I  have  had  an  idea,  sometimes,  that  it  is  due  to  the  Mormons
    to  have  a  copy  of  it,  if  they  took  interest  in  it  enough  to  publish
    it.  As  it  is  only  of  interest  as  showing  that  it  is  not  the  original
    of  the  Book  of  Mormon,  no  one  else  is  likely  to  wish  it  for  pub
    lication.

    Miss  Dickinson,  whom  you  call  a  granddaughter  of  Solomon
    Spaulding,  represents  herself  to  me  as  his  grandniece:  "My
    great  uncle,  Rev.  Solomon  Spaulding,"  she  writes.

    Rev.  Dr.  Hyde,  President  of  the  Institution,  in  this  place,  for
    training  Native  Missionaries  for  Micranesia,  (a  very  prominent
    and  successful  institution),  has  written  an  elaborate  account  of
    this  manuscript,  and  of  Mormonism,  and  sent  it  for  publication
    in  the  Congregalionalist,  of  Boston.  I  presume  it  will  be  pub
    lished,  and  you  will  be  interested  in  reading  it.

    Very  respectfully,  yours,

    L.  L.  RICE.

    In  a  postscript  Mr.  Rice  says  he  found  the  follow
    ing  endorsement  on  the  Manuscript:

    "The  writings  of  Solomon  Spaulding  proved  by  Aron  Wright,
    Oliver  Smith,  John  N.  Miller  and  others.  The  testimonies  of
    the  above  gentlemen  are  now  in  my  possession.

    (Signed)  D.  P.  HURLBUT."

    COPY  OP  MR.  RICE'S   LETTER.

    HONOLULU,  H.  I.,  June  12,  1885.
    PRESIDENT  J.  H.  FAIRCHILD:

    Herewith  I  send  to  you  the  Solomon  Spalding  Manuscript,  to
    be  deposited  in  the  Library  of  Oberlin  College,  for  reference  by
    any  one  who  may  be  desirous  of  seeing  or  examining  it.  As  a
    great  deal  of  inquiry  has  been  made  about  it  since  it  became

    10  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    known  that  it  was  in  my  possession,  I  deem  it  proper  that  it  be
    deposited  for  safe  keeping,  where  any  one  interested  in  it,
    whether  Mormon  or  Anti-Mormon,  may  examine  it.  It  has
    been  in  my  possession  forty-six  years — from  1839  to  1885 — and
    for  forty-four  years  of  that  time  no  one  examined  it,  and  I  was
    not  aware  of  the  character  of  its  contents.  I  send  it  to  you
    enclosed  in  the  same  paper  wrapper,  and  tied  with  the  same
    string  that  must  have  enclosed  it  for  near  half  a  century— cer
    tainly  during  the  forty-six  years  since  it  came  into  my  posses
    sion.  I  have  made  and  retain  in  my  possession  a  correct  literal
    copy  of  it,  errors  of  orthography,  of  grammar,  erasures  and  all.
    I  may  allow  the  Mormons  of  Utah  to  print  it  from  this  copy,
    which  they  are  anxious  to  do;  and  a  delegation  is  now  in  the
    Islands,  awaiting  my  decision  on  this  point.  They  claim  that
    they  are  entitled  to  whatever  benefit  they  may  derive  from  its
    publication;  and  it  seems  to  me  there  is  some  justice  in  that
    claim.  Whether  it  will  relieve  them  in  any  measure,  from  the
    imputation  that  Solomon  Spalding  was  the  author  of  the  Book
    of  Mormon,  I  do  not  attempt  to  decide.  It  devolves  upon  their
    opponents  to  show  that  there  are  or  were  other  writings  of
    Spalding — since  it  is  evident  that  this  writing  is  not  the  original
    of  the  Mormon  Bible.

    Truly,  yours,  etc.,

    L.  L.  RICE.

    F.  S.— The  words  "Solomon  Spaulding's  Writings"  in  ink
    on  the  wrapper  were  written  by  me,  after  I  became  aware  of
    the  contents.  The  words  "Manuscript  Story — Conneaut
    Creek,"  in  faint  penciling,  were  as  now  when  it  came  into  my
    possession.

    OBERLIN  COLLEGE,  Oberlin,  Ohio.

    July  23,  1885.

    I  have  this  day  delivered  to  Mr.  E.  L.  Kelley  a  copy  of  the
    Manuscript  of  Solomon  Spaulding,  sent  from  Honolulu  by  Mr.
    L.  L.  Rice,  to  the  Library  of  Oberlin  College,  for  safe-keeping,
    and  now  in  my  care.  The  copy  was  prepared  at  Mr.  Kelley's
    request,  under  my  supervision,  and  is,  as  I  believe,  an  exact

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  11

    ;ranscript  of  the  original  manuscript,  including  erasures,  mis
    spellings,  etc.  JAS.  H.  FAIRCHILD,

    Prest.  of  Oberlin  College.

    KIRTLAND,  Ohio,  July  24,  1885.
    PRES.  W.  W.  BLAIR,  Lamoni,  Iowa:

    Herewith  I  transmit  to  you  the  copy  of  the  Spaulding  Manu
    script  prepared  by  President  Fairchild  as  attested  by  him,
    together  with  his  certificate,  and  photograph  sheets.

    E.  L.  KELLEY.

    Words  and  sentences  underlined  were  stricken  out  In  the  Manuscript.
    Places  marked  thus the  copy  was  Illegible.

    INTRODUCTION.

    NEAR  the  west  Bank  of  the  Coneaught  River  there
    are  the  remains  of  an  ancient  fort.  As  I  was  walk
    ing  and  forming  various  conjectures  respecting  the
    character  situation  &  numbers  of  those  people  who
    far  exceeded  the  present  Indians  in  works  of  art  and
    inginuety,  I  hapned  to  tread  on  a  flat  stone.  This
    was  at  a  small  distance  from  the  fort,  <fe  it  lay  on  the
    top  of  a  great  small  mound  of  Earth  exactly  horizon
    tal.  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  rav
    ages  of  time,  that  I  could  not  read  the  inscription.
    With  the  assistance  of  a  leaver  I  raised  the  stone.

    But  you  may  easily  conjecture  my  astonishment
    when  I  discovered  that  its  ends  and  sides  rested  on
    stones  &  that  it  was  designed  as  a  cover  to  an  arti-

    12  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    ficial  Cave.     I  found  by  examining  that  its  sides  were

    lined  with  stones  built  in  a  connical  form  with

    down,  &  that  it  was  about  eight  feet  deep.  Deter
    mined  to  investigate  the  design  of  this  extraordinary
    work  of  antiquity,  I  prepared  myself  with  the  neces
    sary  requisites  for  that  purpose  and  descended  to  the
    Bottom  of  the  Cave.  Observing  one  side  to  be  per
    pendicular  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  doar.  I  immedi
    ately  tore  it  down  and  Lo,  a  cavity  within  the  wall
    presented  itself  it  being  about  three  feet  in  diamiter
    from  side  to  side  and  about  two  feet  high.  Within
    this  cavity  I  found  an  earthern  Box  with  a  cover  which
    shut  it  perfectly  tite.  The  Box  was  two  feet  in  length
    one  &  half  in  breadth  &  one  &  three  inches  in  diame
    ter.  My  mind  filled  with  awful  sensations  which
    crowded  fast  upon  me  would  hardly  permit  my  hands
    to  remove  this  venerable  deposit,  but  curiosity  soon
    gained  the  assendency  &  the  box  was  taken  &  raised
    to  open  it.  When  I  had  removed  the  Cover  I  found
    that  it  contained  twenty-eight  rolls  of  parchment-&-
    that  when  -  -  -  appeared  to  be  manuscrips  written  in
    eligant  hand  with  Roman  Letters  &  in  the  Latin  Lan
    guage.

    They  were  written  on  a  variety  of  Subjects.  But
    the  Roll  which  principally  attracted  my  attention
    contained  a  history  of  the  author's  life  &  that  part
    of  America  which  extends  along  the  great  Lakes  &
    the  waters  of  the  Mississippy.

    Extracts  of  the  most  interesting  and  important  mat-

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.'1  18

    ters  contined  in  this  Roll  I  take  the  liberty  to  pub
    lish.

    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  &  skilled  in  the  arts  of  war,  <t
    that  on  ground  where  thou  now  treadeat  many  a
    bloody  Battle  hath  been  fought,  &  heroes  by  thou
    sands  have  been  made  to  bite  the  dust.

    In  the  history  given  of  these  nations  by  my  author
    you  will  find  nothing1  but  what  will  mi-respond  with
    the  natural  sentiments  we  should  form  on  viewing  the
    innumerable  remains  of  antiquity  which  are  scattered
    OYer  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  cir
    cumstance  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  seculded  our  view  from  the  transactions  o  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  skep
    tical  illiberal  or  superstitous  minds  may  censure  this
    performance  with  great  accrimony  I  have  only  to
    remark  that  they  will  be  deprived  of.  a  great  fund  of
    entertainment  -  -  -  of  a  contrary  disposition  will

    14  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    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  travil  thro*  any  part  of  the

    CHAPT.  I.

    AN  EPITOME  OF  THE  AUTHOR'S    LIFE   &  OF  HIS
    ARIVAL  IN  AMERICA.

    As  IT  is  possible  that  in  some  future  age  this  part
    of  the  Earth  will  be  inhabited  by  Europians  &  a  his
    tory  of  its  present  inhabitants  would  be  a  valuable
    acquisition  I  proceed  to  write  one  &  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  succint  account  of  his  life  and  of  the
    cause  of  his  arival  which  I  have  extracted  from  a
    manuscript  which  will  be  deposited  with  this  history.

    My  name  was  is  Fabius  The  family  name  I  sustain
    is  Fabius,  being  decended  from  the  illustrious  general
    of  that  name.  I  was  born  at  Rome  &  received
    my  education  under  the  tuition  of  a  very  Learned
    Master.  At  the  time  that  Constantine  arived  at  that
    city  and  had  overcome  his  enimies  &  and  was  firmly

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.'9  15

    seated  on  the  throne  of  the  Roman  empire  I  was
    introduced  to  him  as  a  young  Gentleman  of  genius
    and  learning  &  as  bevig  worthy  of  the  favourable
    notice  of  his  imperial  majesty.  He  gave  me  the
    appointment  of  one  of  his  secritaries,  &  such  were
    the  gracious  intimations  which  he  frequently  gave
    me  of  his  high  approbation  of  my  conduct  that  I  was
    happy  in  my  station.

    One  day  he  says  to  me  Fabius  you  must  go  to
    Brittian  &  carry  an  important  -  -  -  to  the  general  of
    our  army  there  -  -  -  sail  in  a  vessel  &  return  when
    she  returns.  Preparation  was  made  instantly  and  we
    sailed  -  -  -  The  vessel  laden  with  provisions  for  the
    army  -  -  -  Cloath -knives  and  other  impliments  for
    their  use  had  now  arived  near  the  coast  of  Britain
    when  a  tremendous  storm  arose  &  drove  us  into  the
    midst  of  the  boundless  Ocean.  Soon  the  whole  crew
    became  lost  &  bewildered.  They  knew  not  the  direc
    tion  for  to  the  rising  Sun  or  polar  Star,  for  the  heav
    ens  were  covered  with  clouds;  &  darkness  had  spread
    her  sable  mantle  over  the  face  of  the  raging  deep.
    Their  minds  were  filled  with  consternation  and
    despair.  &  unanimously  agreed  that  What  could  we  do?
    How  be  exfrecated  from  the  insatiable  jaws  of  a
    watry  tomb.  Then  it  was  that  we  felt  our  absolute
    dependence  on  that  Almighty  &  gracious  Being  who
    holds  the  winds  &  floods  in  -  -  hands.  From  him
    alone  could  we  expect  deliverance.  To  him  our  most
    fervent  desires  assended.  Prostrate  <fc  on  bended
    nees  we  poured  forth  incessant  Supplication  &  even
    Old  Ocean  appeared  to  sympathize  in  our  distress  by
    returning  the  echo  of  our  vociforos  Cries  &  lamenta-

    16  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    tions.  After  being  driven  five  days  with  incridable
    velocity  before  the  furious  wind  the  storm  abated  in
    its  violance.  but  still  the  strong  wind  blew  strong
    in  the  strong  as  I  now  believe  in  the  same  direction.
    Doubtful  whether  the  wind  had  not  changed  her  point
    we  give  the  ship  full  sail  &  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,  &  the  presump
    tion  was  that  it  had  been  blowing  in  that  direc
    tion  during  the  whole  of  the  storm.  No  pen  can
    paint  the  dolorious  cries  &  lamentations  of  the
    poor  mariners^  for  the  loss  of  friends  for  the  loss
    of  everything  they  held  most  -  -  -  At  length  a
    Mariner  stept  -  -  -  the  midst  and  proclaimed.
    Attend  O  friends  &  listen  to  my  words.  A  voice  from
    on  high  hath  penetrated  my  soul  &  the  inspiration  of
    the  Almighty  hath  bid  me  proclaim.  Let  your  sails
    be  wide  spread  &  the  gentle  winds  will  soon  waft  you
    into  a  safe  harbor,  a  Country  where  you  will  find
    hospitality.  Quick  as  the  lightnings  flash  joy
    sparkled  in  every  countenance.  A  Hymn  of  Thanks
    giving  spontaniously  burst  forth  from  their  lips.  In
    full  confidence  that  the  divine  prediction  would  be
    accomplished  they  extoled  the  loving  kindness  and
    tender  mercies  of  their  God  &  promised  by  the  assist
    ance  of  his  grace  to  make  ample  return  of  Gratitude.
    On  the  fifth  day  after  this  we  came  in  sight  of  sand,
    we  entered  a  spacious  river  &  continued  sailing  up

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  17

    the  -  -  -  many  leagues  until  we  came  in  view  of  a
    town.  Every  heart  now  palpitated  with  joy,  <fc  loud
    shouts  of  gladness  expressed  the  enthusiastic  trans
    ports  of  our  souls.  We  anchored  within  a  small  dis
    tance  from  shore.  Immediately  the  natives  ran  with
    apparent  signs  of  surprize  &  astonishment  to  the  bank
    of  the  River.  After  viewing  us  for  some  time,  &
    receiving  signs  of  Friendship,  they  appeared  to  hold
    a  counsel  for  a  few  minutes.  Their  King  then  stept
    forward  to  the  edge  of  the  bank,  &  proffered  us  the
    hand  of  friendship,  &  by  significant  gestures  invited
    us  to  Land,  promising  us  protection  and  hospitality
    We  now  found  ourselves  once  more  on  terra  firma,  &
    were  conducted  by  the  king  <fe  four  chiefs  into  the
    town  whilst  the  multitude  followed  after,  shouting
    <fc  performing  many  odd  jesticulations.  The  King
    ordered  an  entertainment  to  be  prepared  for  his  new
    friends  which  consisted  of  -  -  -  fish  boiled  beans
    <fc  samp  -  -  -  The  whole  was  placed  under  a  wide-
    spreading  Oak  in  wooden  dishes  A  large  clam  shell  &
    a  Stone  Knife  were  provided  for  each  one.  The  king
    then  came  forward  with  about  twenty  of  his  principal
    subjects,  &  con  seated  us  (being  about  twenty  in
    number)  &  seated  us  by  the  side  of  our  repast.  He
    <fc  his  company  then  took  seats  in  front.  After
    waving  his  hand  &  bowing  all  fell  to  eating  &  a  more
    delicious  repast  we  never  enjoyed.  The  repast  being
    finished,  our  attention  was  called  to  a  collection  of
    about  one  thousand  men  &  women  who  had  formed  a
    ring  &  invited  our  company  to  come  forward  into  the
    midst.  After  gazing  upon  us  sometime  with  surprize
    we  were  permitted  to  withdraw  &  to  take  our  stand  in

    18  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    the  Ring.  About  forty  in  number  then  walked  into
    the  midle  of  the  Ring  &  began  a  song  with  but  a  dis
    cordant  and  hedious  modification  of  sounds,  &  such
    frantic  jesticulations  of  body  that  it  seemed  that
    chaos  had  bro't  her  furies  to  set  the  world  in  an
    uproar.  And  an  uproar  it  was  in  a  short  time  for  the
    whole  company  fell  to  dancing,  shouting,  whooping,
    &  screaming  at  intervals,  then  dancing  jumping  &
    tumbling  with  many  indescribable  distortions  in  their
    countanance  &  indelicate  jestures.  In  fact,  they
    appeared  more  lik  a  company  of  devils  than  human
    Beings.  This  lasted  about  one  hour.  They  then
    took  their  places  in  a  circle  &  at  a  signal  given  gave
    three  most  tremendous  whoops,  they  then  instantly
    dispersed  playing  many  antike  capers  &  making  such
    a  confused  medly  of  sound  by  skreaming,  whooping,
    screaching  like  owls,  Barking  like  dogs  &  wolves  &
    bellowing  croaking  like  Bullfrogs,  that  my  brain
    seemed  to  be  turned  topseturvy,  &  for  some  time  I
    could  scarce  believe  that  they  belonged  to  the  human
    species.

    CHAPT.  II

    AN   ACCOUNT   OF  THE   SETTLEMENT   OF  THE   SHIP'S
    COMPANY   &  MANY  PARTICULARS  RESPECT
    ING  THE   NATIVES.

    As  no  alternative  now  remained  but  either  to  make
    the  desperate  attempt  to  return  across  the  wide  bois-
    trous  Ocean,  or  to  take  up  our  residence  in  a  country
    in  a  land  of  savages  inhabited  by  savages  &  wild

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  19

    ferocious  beasts,  we  did  not  long  hesitate.  We  held
    a  solemn  treaty  with  the  King  &  all  the  chiefs  of  his
    nation.  They  agreed  to  cede  to  us  a  tract  of  excel
    lent  land  on  the  north  part  of  the  town  on  which  was
    six  wigwams  &  engaged  perpetual  amity  &  hospitality
    &  the  protection  of  our  lives  &  property.  In  consid
    eration  of  this  grant  we  cave  them  fifty  yards  of
    scarlet  cloth  &  fifty  knives  With  this  present  they
    were  highly  pleased.

    Arrangements  must  now  be  made  for  -  -  -  set
    tlement.  Vessel  &  cargo  had  received  no  material
    damage  &  by  striping  the  vessel  of  its  plank  we  could
    erect  a  house  in  which  we  could  deposite  the  whole
    cargo  in  safety.  All  hands  were  immediately  em
    ployed,  some  in  procuring  timber  which  we  hued  on
    two  sides  &  then  locked  together,  some  in  procuring
    shingles  &  some  in  striping  the  vessel  of  its  plank;  &
    having  a  large  quantity  of  nails  on  board,  in  ten
    days  we  finished  a  very  convenient  store-house,  suffi
    ciently  spacious  to  receive  the  whole  cargo.  We  also
    built  a  small  house  adjoining  which  was  to  be  the
    habitation  of  the  Captain  &  myself.  Having  secured
    all  our  property,  we  then  found  it  necessary  to  estab
    lish  some  regulations  for  the  government  of  our  little
    society.  The  Captain  whose  name  was  Lucian  &
    myself  were  appointed  judges  in  all  matters  of  con
    troversy  &  managers  of  the  public  property  to  make
    bargains  with  i/he  natives  &  barter  such  articles  as
    we  did  not  need  for  necessaries.  As  we  all  professed
    The  next  thing  to  be  done  was  to  to  believe  in  the
    religion  of  ^Jesus  Christ  we  unanimously  chose  Tro-

    20  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    janus,  the  mate  of  the  ship,  a  pious  good  man  to  be
    our  minister,  to  lead  our  devotions  every  morning  &
    evening  &  on  the  Lords  day

    But  now  a  most  singular  &  delicate  subject  pre
    sented  itself  for  consideration.  Seven  young  women
    we  had  on  board  as  passenjers  to  viset  certain  friends
    in  Brittian.  Three  of  them  were  ladies  of  rank  &  the
    rest  were  healthy  bucksom  lassies.  Whilst  deliber
    ating  on  this  subject  a  mariner  arose  whom  we  called
    Droll  Tom  Hark  ye,  shipmates  says  he.  Whilst
    tossed  on  the  foming  billows  what  brave  son  of
    Neptune  had  any  more  regard  for  a  woman  than  a
    Sturgeon,  but  now  we  are  all  safely  anchored  on
    Terra  firma,  our  sails  furled  &  ship  keeled  up,  I
    have  a  huge  longing  for  some  of  those  rosy  dames.
    But  willing  to  take  my  chance  with  my  shipmates,  I
    propose  that  they  should  make  their  choice  of  hus
    bands.  The  plan  was  instantly  adopted.  As  the
    choice  fell  on  the  young  women  they  had  a  consul
    tation  on  the  subject,  <fc  in  a  short  time  made
    known  the  result.  Droll  Tom  was  rewarded  for
    his  benevolent  proposal  with  one  of  the  most
    sprightly,  rosy  dames  in  the  company.  Three  other
    of  the  most  cheerful,  resolute  mariners  were  chosen
    by  the  other  three  bucksom  Lassies.  The  three
    young  Ladies  of  rank  fixed  their  choice  on  the
    Captain  the  Mate  &  myself.  Happy  indeed  in  my
    partner,  I  had  formed^  an  high  esteem  of  the  excel-
    lent  qualities  of  her  mind  The  young  Lady  who
    chose  me  for  a  partner  was  possessed  of  every
    attractive  charm  both  of  body  &  mind.  We  united

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  21

    heart  A  hand  with  the  fairest  prospect  of  enjoy
    ing  every  delight  &  gratification  which  are  attend
    ant  on  the  connubial  state.  Thus  ended  the  affair.
    You  may  well  conceive  our  singular  situation.  The
    six  poor  fellows  who  were  doomed  to  live  in  a  state
    of  celibacy  or  accept  of  savage  dames,  discovered
    a  little  chagrin  &  anxiety.  However,  they  consoled
    themselves  with  the  idea  of  living  in  families,  where
    they  would  enjoy  the  company  of  the  fair  sex,  <fc
    be  relieved  from  the  work  which  belongs  to  the
    department  of  women.

    Our  community  might  be  said  to  be  one  family,
    tho'  we  lived  in  separate  houses  situate  near  each
    other  The  property  was  common  stock.  what
    was  produced  by  our  labor  was  likewise  to  be  com
    mon.  All  subject  to  the  distribution  of  the  judges,
    who  were  to  attend  to  each  family  &  to  see  that
    propper  industry  &  econimy  were  practised  by  all.

    The  Captain  &  myself,  attended  with  our  fair  part
    ners  &  two  mariners,  repaired  to  the  new  habitation,
    which  consisted  of.  two  convenient  apartments.
    After  having  partook  of  an  elligant  dinner  &  drank  a
    bottle  of  excellent  wine  our  Spirits  were  exhilerated
    &  the  deep  gloom  which  beclouded  our  minds  evapo
    rated.  The  Captain  assuming  his  wonted  cheerful
    ness,  rnada  the  following  address.  "My  sweet,  good
    "soul'd  fellows,  we  have  now  commenced  a  new  voy-
    1  'age.  Not  such  as  bro't  us  over  mountain  billows  to
    "this  butt  end  of  the  world.  No,  no,  our  voige  is  on
    "dry  land,  <fc  now  we  must  take  care  that  we  have
    "sufficient  ballast  for  the  riging.  Every  hand  on
    "board  this  ship  must  clasp  hands  &  condesend  to  each

    22  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    "others  humour.  This  will  promote  good  cheer  &
    "smooth  the  raging  billows  of  life.  Surrounded  by
    "innumerable  hordes  of  human  beings,  who  resemble
    "in  manners  the  Orang  outang,  let  us  keep  aloof
    "from  them  &  not  embark  in  the  same  matrimonial
    "ship  with  them.  At  the  same  time,  we  will  treat
    "them  with  good  cheer  &  inlighten  their  dark  souls
    "with  good  instruction.  By  continuing  a  different
    "people  &  prefering  our  customs,  manners,  religion
    "&  arts  &  sciences  &  other  things  another  Italy  will
    "grow  up  in  this  wilderness,  &  we  shall  be  celebrated
    "as  the  fathers  of  a  great  &  happy  nation."

    May  God  bless  your  soul,  says  one  of  the  mariners,
    what  would  you  have  us  do  who  have  had  the  woful
    luck  not  to  get  mates,  to  cheer  our  poor  souls  &
    warm  our  bodies.  Methinks  I  could  pick  out  a
    healthy  plum  Lass  from  the  copper  colored  tr;be  that
    by  washing  &  scrubing  her  fore  &  aft  &  upon  the
    labbord  &  stabbord  sides  she  would  become  a  whole
    some  bedfellow.  I  think,  may  it  please  your  honour,
    that  I  could  gradually  pump  my  notions  into  her
    head  &  make  her  a  good  shipmate  for  the  cupboard  &
    as  good  hearted  a  Christian  as  any  of  your  white
    damsels  &  upon  my  Soul  I  warrant  you  if  we  have
    children,  by  feeding  them  with  good  fare,  &  keeping
    them  clean,  they  will  be  as  plump  &  as  fair  &  nearly
    as  white  as  your  your  honours  children.  Upon  this  I
    filled  the  bottle  with  wine  &  observing  to  honest  Crito
    that  he  was  at  liberty  to  make  the  experiment  if  he
    could  find  a  fair  -  -  -  to  his  liking.  I  then
    expressed  the  the  sweet  pleasure  I  received  from  the

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  23

    addresses  of  the  speakers  A  wished  drank  success  to
    the  new  voige.  All  drank  plentifully,  &  the  exhil-
    eration  produced  the  greatest  cheerfulness  &  hilarity.
    By  this  time  the  Sun  had  hid  his  head  below  the
    horizon  &  darkness  invited  all  the  animal  creation  to
    sleep  &  rest.  We  retired  two  &  two,  hand  in  hand.
    Ladies  heads  a  little  awri,  blushing  like  the  morn  <fc
    ....  But  I  forgot  to  mention  that  our  society
    passed  a  resolution  to  build  a  church  in  the  in  the
    midst  of  our  vilage.

    CHAPT.  III.

    MANY   PARTICULARS  RESPECTING  THE  NATIVES.

    INTEREST  as  well  as  curiosity  invited  an  acquaint
    ance  with  our  new  neighbours.  They  were  called  in
    their  Language  Deliwanucks.  They  were  Tall,  bodies
    weel  proportioned,  strait  limbs,  complections  of  a
    brownish  hue  broad  cheek  bones,  black  wild  roling
    eyes,  &  hair  black  &  course.  To  strangers  they  were
    both  -  -  -  true  to  their  engagements,  ardent  in  their
    friendship,  but  to  enimies  implacable,  cruel  <fe  bar
    barous  in  the  extreme.  Innumerable  hordes  of  this
    description  of  people  were  scattered  over  an  exten
    sive  country,  who  gained  their  living  by  hunting  the
    elk,  the  deer  &  a  great  variety  of  other  wild  animals
    by  fishing  &  fowling  &  by  raising  corn,  beans  &
    squashes  Shooting  the  arrow,  flinging  stones,  wres
    tling,  jumping,  hoping,  and  runing  were  their  princi
    pal  amusements,  &  prizes  would  often  be  staked  as  a
    reward  to  the  conqueror.  Their  cloathing  consisted
    of  skins  dressed  with  the  hair  on,  but  in  warm

    24  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    weather  only  the  middle  part  of  their  bodies  were
    incumbered  with  any  covering.  The  one  half  of  the
    head  of  the  men  was  shaved  &  painted  with  red  &  the
    one  half  of  the  face  was  painted  with  black.  The
    head  was  adorned  with  feathers  of  various  kinds,  &
    their  ears  &  noses  were  adorned  ornamented  with
    rings  formed  formed  from  the  sinues  of  certain  ani
    mals,  on  which  were  suspended  smooth  stones  of
    different  coulors.  Thus  cloathed,  thus  painted,  thus
    ornimented,  the  Deliwannuck  made  a  most  terrif
    -  -  -  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  particularly
    singular  &  different  from  any  that  were  ever  practised
    by  any  nation.  Here  a  description  would  give  us
    some  idea  of  their  religion,  &  would  gratify  the  curi
    osity  of  an  injenious  mind.

    When  the  time  arives,  which  is  in  September,  the
    who  whole  tribe  assemble.  They  are  dressed  &  orni
    mented  in  the  highest  fashion.  The  women  in  par
    ticular  have  their  garments  &  heads  so  adorned  with
    feathers,  shells,  &  wampum,  that  they  make  a  very
    brilliant  &  grotesque  appearance.  The  form  a  cir
    cle:  their  countanances  are  solemn.  A  Speaker
    mounts  a  stage  in  the  midst.  At  this  moment  two
    Black  Dogs  led  by  two  Boys  &  two  white  Dogs
    led  by  two  young  damsels  enter  the  circle  &  are
    tied  together.  The  Speaker  then  extended  his
    hands  &  spoke.  Hail,  ye  favorite  children  of  the
    great  and  good  Spirit,  who  resides  in  the  Sun

    <£     I  IBRA^Y

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  -STO/M***'  '

    who  18  the  father  of  all  living,  creatures  &  whose
    arms  encircle  us  all  around,  who'x^f^rida  us  from
    the  malicious  design  of  that  great
    that  pours  upon  us  all  the  evils  we  endure  He
    gives  us  all  our  meat  <fe  our  life  &  causes  the
    corn  &  the  fruits  to  spring  up  &  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  <fe  good.  There  we  can  pick  all
    kinds  of  delicious  fruit,  &  have  game  &  fish  in
    abundance  <fc  our  women  being  improved  in  beauty
    &  sprightliness  will  cause  our  hearts  to  dance  with
    delight.  But  wo  unto  you  wicked,  malicious  mis
    chievous  mortals.  Your  lot  will  be  cast  in  a  dark
    dreary,  mirey  swamp,  where  the  malignant  Spirit
    will  torment  you  with  musquetoes  &  serpents  &  will
    give  you  nothing  to  eat  but  toads,  frogs  &  snails.
    But  my  dear  friends,  all  hail,  here  is  a  custom
    which  is  sanctioned  by  time  immemorial.  Look
    steadfastly  on  the  black  dogs  &  let  not  your  eyes
    be  turned  away,  when  they  are  thrown  on  the
    sacred  pile  <fe  the  flames  are  furiously  consuming
    their  bodies,  then  let  your  earnest  prayer  assend
    for  pardon  &  your  transgressions  will  flee  away
    like  shadows  &  your  sins  will  be  carried  by  the
    smoke  into  the  shades  of  oblivion.  When  this  sol
    emn  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  offences  have
    all  evaporated  in  the  smoke  of  the  holy  sacrifice.
    &  that  you  are  thankful  to  him  the  benevolent

    26'  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    Spirit,  for  the  abundance  of  good  things  that  you
    enjoy,  &  that  you  humbly  anticipate  the  continu
    ance  of  his  blessing  that  he  will  defend  you  against
    the  evil  designs  of  that  malignant  Spirit,  who  gives
    us  gawl  &  wormwood,  &  fills  our  bosom  with  pain
    &  our  eyes  with  tears.  He  then  proclaimed,  let  the
    sacred  pile  be  erected  &  the  solemn  sacrifice  per
    formed.  Instantly  about  one  hundred  men  come
    forward  with  small  dry  wood  &  bundles  of  dry  sticks
    &  having  thrown  them  in  one  pile  within  the  circle,
    they  set  the  pile  on  fire.  The  black  dogs  were
    knocked  on  the  middle  head,  &  thrown  on  the
    top,-  in  a  moment  all  was  in  a  blaze  &  the  flames
    assended  in  curls  to  heaven.  The  whole  company
    assumed  the  most  devout  attitude  &  muttered  in
    sounds  almost  inarticulate  their  humble  confession
    &  earnest  requests.

    When  the  dogs  were  consumed  &  the  fire  nearly
    extinguished,  the  ceremonies  of  their  sacred  festival
    began.  The  white  dogs  which  were  very  plump  &
    fat  were  knocked  on  the  head  &  their  throats  cut.
    Their  hair  was  then  singed  off,  having  first  their
    entrails  taken  out,  &  being  suspended  by  the  nose
    before  a  hot  fire,  they  were  soon  roasted,  thrown
    upon  a  long  table  &  desected  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  &
    the  women  to  the  right  of  the  table,  each  one  took  a
    piece  &  devoured  it  with  as  good  a  -  -  -  if  it  had
    been  the  most  delicious  moreel.  Having  completed
    these  sacred  ceremonies  with  great  solemnity,  the

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.'1  27

    whole  company  formed  themselves  into  a  compact
    circle  round  the  stage  ten  musitians  immediately
    mounted,  &  facing  the  multitude  on  every  side  sang  a
    song.  The  tune  &  the  musical  voices  of  the  singers
    pleased  the  ear,  whilst  the  imagination  was  delighted
    with  the  poetic  inginuity  of  the  composition.  The
    multitude  all  joined  in  the  chorus  with  voice  so  loud
    &  multifarious,  that  the  atmosphere  quaked  with  ter
    ror,  &  woods  &  neighbouring  hills  sent  back  by  way
    of  mockery,  sent  back  the  sound  of  their  voices,
    their  vociferation  improved  by  ten -fold  confusion.
    Perhaps,  reader,  you  have  the  curiosity  to  hear  the
    song.  I  can  give  you  only  the  last  stanzy  &  the
    chorus.

    "For  us  the  sun  emits  his  rais
    "The  moon  shines  forth  for  our  delight.
    "The  stars  shine  forth  extol  our  heroes  praia
    "And  warriors  flee  before  our  sight.

    CHORUS.

    "Delawan  to  chakee  poloo
    "Manegengo  forwah  toloo
    "Chanepant,  lawango  chapah
    "Quinebogan  hamboo  gowah.

    The  solemnities  are  ended  &  in  their  opinion  their
    poor  souls  are  compleatly  whitewashed  &  every  stain
    entirely  effaced.  A  little  -  -  -  will  now  dissipate
    the  solemnity  &  inspire  them  with  cheerfulness  &
    meriment.  The  whole  tribe  repair  to  the  top  of  an
    hill,  at  one  place  their  is  a  gradual  slope  a  small  dis
    tance,  <fc  then  it  desends  about  twenty-five  feet  in  an
    almost  perpendicular  direction,  at  the  bottom  of
    which  is  a  quagmire  which  is  about  ten  feet  in  length.

    28  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    &  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  suple  &  sprightly  young
    men  &  women  are  to  desend.  If  by  their  dexterity
    &  agility  they  escape  the  quagmire,  a  piece  of  wam
    pum  will  be  the  reward  of  each  fortunate  champion ;
    but  if  they  plunge  in  their  recompense  will  be  the
    ridicule  of  the  multitude.  In  making  this  desent,  six
    young  women  &  five  young  men  by  a  surprizing
    dexterity  in  whirling  their  bodies  as  they  desended,
    cleared  themselves  from  the  quagmire.  The  rest  as
    their  turn  came,  plunged  in  &  came  out  most  wofully
    muded  to  the  great  diversion  of  the  Spectators.  The
    incident  which  excited  the  most  meriment,  hapned
    when  the  last  pair  desended.  by  an  unlucky  spring  to
    clear  himself  from  the  quagmire  he  bro't  his  body
    alongside  of  the  declivity  &  roled  his  whole  length
    into  the  midst  of  the  quagmire,  where  he  lay  his
    whole  length  in  an  horizontaj^position  on  his  back
    neither  heels  nor  head  up,  but  horizontally,  soft  &
    easy,  but  alas,  when  one  unlucky  event  happens
    another  follows  close  on  its  heals,  the  fair-plump
    corpulent  damsel  his  affectionate  sweetheart  came
    instantly  sliding  with  great  velocity.  She  saw  the
    woful  position  of  her  beloved.  She  wished  him  no
    harm,  she  raised  her  feet,  this  bro't  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,  tho't  he,  what  a  disgrace
    to  die  here  in  the  mud  under  the  pressure  of  my

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  29

    sweet  heart,  however  his  time  for  such  reflections
    were  short,  the  tender  hearted  maid  collecting  all  her
    agility  in  one  "effort,  dismounted  &  found  herself  on
    dry  land  in  an  instant,  not  a  moment  to  be  lost.  She
    seized  her  lover  by  one  leg,  &  draged  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  &  struggling  for
    breath.  Poor  man,  the  whole  multitude  laughing  at
    thy  calamity,  shouting  ridiculing,  none  to  give  thee
    consolation  but  thy  loving  &  sympathetic  partner
    in  misfortune.

    Upon  my  soul,  exclaims  1  >n»ll  T«>m.  Stoni  f<>rem<^t.
    That  bouncing  Lass  ought  to  have  the  highest  prize
    for  drawing  her  ship  from  the  mud.  She  was  clean
    ing  the  filth  from  his  faoe.

    CHAPT.   IV.

    A  JOURNEY   TO    THE  N.   W.    &  REMOVALL

    Gracious  God!  how  deplorable  our  situation  Are  we
    doomed  to  dwell  among  hordes  of  savages  <fc  be
    deprived  of  all  intercourse  with  friends  &  the  civilized
    world?  &  what  will  be  the  situation  of  our  offspring?
    Will  they  preserve  our  customs  <fc  manners,  cultivate
    the  arts  &  sciences  &  maintain  our  holy  religion;  or
    i-athtT  will  they  not  rather  degenerate  into  savages  &
    by  mingling  with  them  become  the  most  -  -  -  race
    of  beings  in  existence.  Who  can  indure  such  reflec
    tion,  such  heart-rending  anticipation?  They  pour
    upon  my  soul  like  a  flood  &  bear  me  down  with  the
    weight  of  a  milstone.  O  that  my  head  were  water,  &

    30  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    my  eyes  a  fountain  of  tears,  Then  my  intolerable
    burthen  should  should  be  poured  forth  in  a  torrent  &
    my  soul  set  at  liberty.  But  behold  the  light  springs
    up  &  beams  upon  my  soul.  She  brings  in  her  train
    Hope  that  celestial  Codes,  that  sure  &  strong  anchor
    that  dispenser  of  comfort  &  pleasing  anticipation,  &
    that  dispeller  of  corroding  grief  &  blank  dispair.  She
    bids  me  review  the  exploded  reasoning  of  of  a  great
    philosopher  &  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  sta
    tionary  according  to  the  present  system  of  philoso
    phy,  then  the  sun  the  moon  &  the  plannets,  being  at
    an  immense  distance  from  the  earth,  must  perform
    their  revolutions  around  her  with  inconceivable
    velocity;  Whereas,  if  according  to  the  platonio  sys
    tem,  the  earth  is  a  globe  &  the  sun  is  stationary,  then
    the  earth  by  a  moderate  velocity  -  -  -  perform  her
    revolutions.  This  scheme  will  represent  the  solar
    system  as  displaying  the  transendant  wisdom  of  its
    Almighty  architect,  for  in  this  we  behold  the  Sun
    suspended  by  Onmipotence  &  all  the  plannets  moving
    round  him  as  their  common  center  in  exact  order  &
    harmony.  In  this  we  can  easily  account  for  days  &
    nights  &  the  diferent  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  &  the  heat  increases,  as

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  31

    she  turns  back  the  heat  decreases  in  proportion  as
    this  part  of  the  earth  looses  its  perpendicular  direc
    tion,  <fc  to  the  sun  &  the  cold  becomes  more  intense  in
    the  same  proportion.  This  account  for  the  various
    seasons  of  the  year  appears  correct  &  consistent  &
    highly  honourable  to  the  divine  perfection.

    But  behold  the  other  system.  The  earth  firmly
    fixed  on  a  firm  foundation,  perhaps  a  stone,  some  say
    on  a  giants  back  who  stands  on  a  -  -  -  back.  Its
    surface  widely  extends  nearly  horizontal,  <fc  its  cut
    down  <fc  its  sides  cut  down  Btrait  or  perpendicular  to
    the  the  very  bottom,  below  which  is  a  fathomless
    abis8.  Pray,  Mr.  Philosopher,  what  man  was  ever
    there  &  looked  down  &  what  prevents  the  Ocean,
    u  n  1  ess  it  is  damd  with  earth  &  rooka,  from  pouring
    down  A-  loosing  itsr'f  in  this  ImrnMe  a)>in?  IUit  h<>\v
    expensive  is  this  teraqueous  surface?  Indeed  I  am  of
    opinion  if  this  system  is  true,  I  am  nearly  at  one  end
    of  it.  But  the  hipothises  is  too  absurd  &  inconsistent.
    The  earth  must  be  of  a  spherical  form  <fc  a  westerly
    course  will  lead  us  to  the  land  of  our  nativity.  Per
    haps  this  is  a  par!  of  the  eastern  foiitiiit'iit,  <>r  j.er-
    haps  only  a  narrow  strip  of  the  Ocean  intervenes?
    On  no  other  principle  can  we  account  for  the  emigra
    tion  of  the  ancestors  of  these  innumerable  hords  of
    human  beings  that  possess  this  continent.  Their
    tradition  is  that  their  ancestors  came  from  the  west,
    &  they  agree  in  their  information  that  at  the  distance
    of  fifteen  days  journey  in  >  westernly  direction  there

    32  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    are  nations  vastly  more  numerous,  powerful  <fc  civil  -
    ized  than  themselves.

    The  earth  therefore  must  be  of  a  spherical  form
    a  Globe  &  a  westerly  course  will  lead  us  to  the  land
    of  our  nativity.  On  what  principle  can  we  account
    for  emigration  of  the  ancestors  of  these  innumer
    able  hords  of  human  beings  that  possess  this
    Continent?  Their  tradition  tells  them  that  they  emi
    grated  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
    I  have  also  learnt  from  some  of  the  natives  We
    are  also  informed  by  some  of  the  natives  that  at
    the  distance  of  about  fifteen  days  journey  in  a
    north  westerly  course  there  is  a  great  river  which
    runs  in  a  south  westerly  direction,  they  can  not  tell
    how  far  &  that  along  the  banks  of  this  river  there
    are  great  towns  &  mighty  kings  &  a  people  who
    live  in  a  state  of  civilation.  From  all  these  con  7
    siderations  I  am  determined  to  remove,  pursue  a
    westerly  course,  &  seek  the  delightful  country  of  my
    ancestors.  I  immediately  communicated  my  deter
    mination  &  the  reasons  on  which  it  was  founded  to
    our  little  Society,  who  joyfully  acquiessed.  It  was
    thot  to  be  the  most  prudential  to  find  out  the  dis
    position  &  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  &  myself  &  a  Delawan  for  an  interpreter  set
    forth.  We  passed  thro*  a  country  interspersed  with

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  33

    vilages,  inhabited  by  the  same  kind  of  people  as
    the  Delawans,  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  Owaho,  deep  enough  for  the  navigation  of
    ships.  Here  was  a  lagge  town  or  city  inhabited  by
    a  different  race  of  people  from  any  we  had  seen
    before.  We  were  immediately  conducted  to  the  King
    &  were  received  who  received  us  very  graciously,
    &  having  asked  a  number  of  very  pertinent  ques
    tions  <fc  received  answer  to  his  satisfaction,  I  then
    made  known  to  him  our  business  &  had  all  my
    requests  granted.  As  we  proposed  to  move  into  his
    territory,  he  offered  to  furnish  us  for  our  conven
    ience,  with  four  Mammoons  A  four  men  to  manage
    them.  These  were  an  animal  of  prodigious  magni
    tude  even  biger  than  the  elephant,  which  the
    natives  had  tamed  <fc  domesticated.  They  were  very
    sagacious  &  docile  &  were  employed  in  carying
    burthens  &  in  drawing  timber  &  in  plowing  their
    land.  Their  hair  at  the  Spring  season  was  about
    seven  inches  in  length,  &  was  of  a  fine  wooly  con
    sistence,  &  being  sheared  off  at  the  proper  season,
    was  manufactured  into  course  cloath.  And  the  milk
    of  the  female  which  they  produced  in  abundance,
    afforded  a  very  wholesome  nutriment.  Having  thus
    succeeded  beyond  our  expectations,  we  made  as
    much  expidition  to  return  as  possible.  We  arrived
    in  safety  without  any  material  accidents.  The  Lit
    tle  Society  I  had  left  were  greatly  rejoiced  at  our
    returne,  <fc  highly  pleased  with  the  account  we  gave

    34  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.'1

    of  the  country  we  had  visited,  &  at  the  sight  of
    those  extraordinary  &  prodigious  animals  Mammoons
    which  we  had  bro't  to  convey  our  baggage.  No
    time  was  lost  to  make  preparation  for  the  journey.
    The  Captain,  Mate  &  myself  went  to  the  King  &  held
    a  conference  with  him  &  the  chiefs  &  obtained  leave
    to  depart,  tho'  with  apparent  regret  &  reluctance.
    Sacks  were  provided  from  course  cloth  to  receive
    the  most  valuable  part  of  our  goods  &  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  &
    children.  They  were  all  mounted  upon  him  &  rode
    with  great  convenience  &  safety.  Being  thus  pre
    pared  &  ready  Thus  having  resided  among  the  Deli-
    wans  two  years,  &  being  prepared  to  take  our  depart
    ure.  The  King  &  his  chiefs  &  many  of  his  principal
    Subjects  came  forward  to  take  an  affectionate  fare
    well.  This  was  done  on  both  sides  with  with  mutual
    expressions  of  the  most  ardent  &  sincere  friendship
    &  the  most  earnest  wishes  &  prayers  for  future  pros
    perity  &  happiness.  Having  taken  our  final  adieu  1
    observed  honest  Crito  sheding  tears  very  plenti
    fully.  You  seem  to  be  affected,  said  I.  God  bless
    your  honour  said  he,  when  I  think  how  kind  &  gen
    erous  these  poor  Delawans  have  been  to  us,  I  can
    not  help  feeling  an  affection  &  friendship  for  them.
    We  were  obliged  to  anchor  amongst  them,  we  were
    strangers,  &  helpless,  &  they  were  ignorant  Savages,
    yet  they  held  out  the  hand  of  kindness,  &  treated
    us  as  brothers  &  sisters.  Have  they  not  fulfilld  the
    law  of  Christian  charity?  O  that  they  were  good

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  36

    Christians,  may  God  forgive  their  ignorance  A  unbe
    lief,  &  reward  them  for  their  kindness  &  genosity.
    We  passed  on.  No  obsticles  impeded  our  journey
    until  we  came  to  the  great  river  Suscowan,  which
    lif.s,  runs  between  the  Deliwah  River  &  the  great
    moun  mountain.  The  water  being  too  deep  for  ford
    ing,  we  built  a  small  boat,  &  with  this  at  several
    times,  we  conveyed  the  whole  of  the  baggage  &
    company  &  baggage  across,  except  the  managers  of
    the  Mammoons,  who  mounted  them  Afforded  &  swam
    across.  We  then  proceeded  on  by  slow  marches.
    -  -  -  But  in  crossing  the  great  mountain  we  had
    some  difficulties  to  encounter,  but  however  met
    with  received  no  material  damage,  but  finally  arived
    safely  at  the  great  city  Owkahon  on  the  twenty -
    fifth  day  after  our  departure  from  Delawan.

    Fatigued  with  a  long  &  difficult  journey  great  joy
    &  gladness  were  visible  in  every  in_  countanance  <fe
    all  were  disposed  to  establish  our  residence  here,
    until  further  information  could  be  obtained,  &  further
    measures  concerted  to  prosecute  our  journey  to
    Europe.  The  King  &  his  principal  officers  proffered
    us  every  assistance  necessary  to  make  our  situation
    agreeable.  They  assigned  us  in  compliance  with  our
    request  conformity  to  our  desire  a  number  of  houses
    on  the  bank  of  the  river  a  little  distance  from  the
    city.  We  made  him  some  valuable  presents  in  return,
    which  he  received  as  a  token  of  friendship,  but  not  as
    a  compensation.  For  such  was  the  high  sense  of
    honour  which  this  prince  sustained,  that  when  he
    made  a  present  he  would  take  it  as  an  insult  to  offer
    him  anything  as  a  compensation.

    36  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    Having  now  once  more  become  settled  our  little
    community  continued  the  same  regulations  which
    they  had  established  at  Deliwan  &  all  things  pro
    ceeded  in  peace  &  our  affairs  prospered.

    CHAP.  V.

    A  DESCRIPTION   OF  THE   OHONS,  &  MANNER  OF
    PROCURING  A  LIVING.

    I  AM  now  to  describe  a  species  of  nation  who  have
    but  little  resemblance  to  those  to  those  inumerable
    tribes  of  savages,  who  live  along  the  coast  of  the
    Atlantic.  Their  complexion,  the  form  &  construction
    of  their  bodies,  their  customs  manners  laws  govern
    ment  &  religion  all  demonstrate  that  they  must  have
    originated  from  some  other  nation  &  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  strait  &  shoulders  broad.  Their  eyes  rather
    smalll  &  sunk  deep  in  the  head.  Their  foreheads
    were  prominent  &  the  face  below  tapering  in  such  a
    manner  that  the  chin  that  was  formed  nearly  to  a
    point.  As  to  their  complexion  it  was  bordering  on
    an  olive  tho'  of  a  lighter  shade.  Their  eyes  were
    generally  of  a  dark  brown  or  black.  Their  hair  of
    the  same  color,  tho'  I  have  sometimes  seen  persons,
    whose  hair  was  of  a  redish  hue.

    They  cloathed  themselves  in  choath  which  was
    manufactured  among  themselves  from  the  hair  of  the
    Mammoon  &  from  Cotton,  which  was  transported
    from  the  South  west  westward.  The  men  wore  shoes

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.1'  87

    <fc  long  stockings  wide  trouses,  a  waistcoat  <t  a  gar
    ment  with  wide  short  sleaves,  which  came  down  to
    their  nees,  &  in  cold  weather  a  cloak  over  the  whole.
    The  covering  for  the  head  was  generaly  a  kind  of
    a  Cap,  which  ran  up  high  &  tapered  to  a  point.  This
    was  generally  made  of  fur  skins  &  was  ornimented
    with  feathers.  It  had  a  small  brim  in  the  shape  of  an
    half  moon  to  project  over  the  forehead.  The  women
    besides  stockings  &  shoes  wore  a  short  petecoat  a  shirt
    of  cotton  a  loose  garment  with  sleaves  which  they
    girted  round  them  with  belts  &  a  cloack.  They  had
    various  orniments  such  as  ribbons  made  from  cotton
    &  coulared  with  different  coulars,  the  most  beautiful
    feathers  that  could  be  obtained  &  shells  of  various
    kinds.  Indeed  the  higher  class  of  women  were
    extremely  fond  of  ornament,  &  wore  placed  a  large
    share  of  their  happiness  in  the  brilliancy  <fe  gaudy
    appearance  of  their  garments.  These  people  obtained
    their  living  generally  by  the  cultivation  of  the  Land,  &
    the  manage  by  tending  &  managing  certain  animals
    which  had  been  so  long  domesticated  that  they  had
    lost  their  wild  nature  &  become  tame.  Corn,  wheat,
    beans,  squashes  &  carrots  they  raised  in  great  abun
    dance.  The  ground  was  plowed  by  horses  &  gen
    erally  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  pas
    ture,  &  keep  them  from  straying,  &  feed  them  when
    the  snow  was  on  the  ground.  Two  men  would  tend
    twenty  Mammouth,  which  were  indifferent  whether
    they  fed  on  grass  or  cropt  the  bushes.  When  these

    38  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    animals  were  fat  their  flesh  was  highly  esteemed.
    They  had  droves  of  Elk,  which  they  had  so  tamed
    &  tutored  that  they  could  manage  them  as  they
    pleased.  These  had  their  tenders  (several  words

    illegible)  &  would  follow  them  like  a  flock  of
    of  sheep.  &  it  was  but  seldom  that  any  would  leave
    their  companions.  The  elk  constituted  a  considera
    ble  portion  of  their  animal  food.  The  horses  were
    managed  in  the  same  way  &  the  people  tho't  their
    meat  to  be  a  savoury  dish.  They  had  large  numbers
    of  turkies  &  gees,  which  tho'  originally  wild,  yet  by
    treating  them  with  great  familiarity  by  croping  their
    wings  &  feeding  them  they  frequently  they  discovered
    no  disposition  to  ramble  off,  but  would  propogated
    their  species  &  laid  eggs  in  abundance.

    Hunting  &  fishing  were  the  employment  of  some
    others  followed  the  mechanical  buciness  &  others  car
    ried  on  a  bartering  trade  to  the  Southwestward  in  order
    to  furnish  to  furnish  the  people  with  cotton  &  other  arti
    cles  whose  production  was  not  congenial  to  their  cli
    mate.  By  pursuing  these  various  employments  they
    generally  had  an  abundance  of  provision  &  were  at
    all  seasons  comfortably  cloathed.  And  here  I  would
    remark  as  one  striking  characteristic  of  this  people,
    that  they  observed  great  neatness  in  their  dress,  in
    their  cookery  &  in  their  houses.

    The  manufacturing  of  lead  Iron  &  lead  was  under
    stood,  but  was  not  carried  on  to  that  extent  &  perfec
    tion  as  in  Europe.  A  small  quantity  of  Iron  in
    proportion  to  the  number  of  Inhabitants  served  to
    supply  them  with  all  the  impliments  which  custom

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY"  39

    had  made  necessary  for  their  use.  By  hammering  &
    hardening  their  Iron  they  would  convert  it  nearly
    into  the  consistence  of  Steal  &  fit  it  for  the  purpose  of
    edged  tools.

    The  potery  business  was  conducted  with  great
    inginuity  &  great  quantities  of  stone  &  earthen  ware
    consisting  of  every  kind  of  vessel  of  every  construc
    tion  which  were  needed  for  family  use,  were  manu
    factured  in  every  part  of  this  extensive  country.
    They  would  These  vessels  they  they  ornimented  with
    pictures  with  the  likenessess  of  various  kinds  of  ani
    mals  &  trees  &  impressed  upon  them  such  coulars  as
    would  strike  the  fancy  with  delight.  The  females  of
    the  high  Class  most  welthy  Class  would  often  have  a
    large  &  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  &  impress  the  mind  with  the  agreeable  sensa
    tion  of  beauty.

    In  Architecture  there  can  be  no  comparison  with
    the  civilized  nations  of  Europe.  In  their  most  welthy
    and  populous  Cities  they  their  houses  &  public  build
    ings  exhibit  no  eligance,  no  appearance  of  wealth  or
    grandure,  all  is  plain  <fc  nothing  superfluous.  But
    convenience  seems  to  be  the  whole  object  they  had  in
    view  in  the  construction  of  their  buildings  of  every
    kind.

    Their  houses  were  generally  but  one  story  high
    built  of  wood,  being  framed  &  covered  with  split
    clapboards  or  shingles,  &  in  the  inside  the  walls  were
    formed  of  clay,  which  was  plastered  over  with  a  thin

    40  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    coat  of  lime.  Their  houses  seldom  consisted  of  more
    than  three  apartments.  As  to  their  chimneys  they
    built  construct  a  wall  of  stone  about  five  feet  hight
    for  the  fire  to  be  against  which  they  build  their  fire,
    from  the  top  of  this  wall  they  construct  the  chimney
    with  thin  pieces  of  split  timber,  on  the  inside  with  wet
    dirt  or  clay  of  which  they  plaister  wet  dirt  or  clay
    which  compleatly  covers  &  adheres  to  the  timber  &
    prevents  the  fire  from  having  any  operation  upon  it.
    The  inside  of  their  houses  as  the  women  generally
    practise  neatness,  makes  a  much  better  appearance
    than  the  outside.

    It  is  my  opinion  says  Trojanus  that  this  people  dis
    play  a  taste  in  building  which  is  formed  upon  the
    true  principles  of  Reason.  Their  houses  are  suffi
    ciently  spacious  for  convenience.  No  expense  or
    Labour  are  thrown  away  in  building  useless  apart
    ments  or  in  erecting  their  houses  higher  than  what
    convenience  requires.  The  whole  catalogue  of  orna
    mental  trumpery  is  neglected.  This  in  Rome  pro
    duces  more  than  half  the  Labour  &  expense  in
    building.  Yes  says  Lucian,  and  without  this  these
    labouring  people  must  starve  for  want  of  employ-
    ment,  &  the  citizens  of  the  Roman  empire  would  be
    deprived  of  the  honour  of  possessing  a  splendid  Capital
    &  of  the  exquisite  pleasure  of  beholding  the  greatest
    exhibition  of  human  ingenuity  in  the  elegance  the
    splendour  the  purity  &  beauty  of  their  houses,  their
    palaces  &  their  public  edifices.  True  indeed,  replies
    Trojanus,  men  may  be  dazed  &  delighted  with  such
    objects  for  the  moment,  But  could  not  wealth  be  bet-

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  41

    ter  bestowed  upon  to  promote  interest  of  the  com
    munity  A  for  charitable  purposes  <fe  these  artists
    tn-tter  employ  their  strength  A  ingenuity  in  producing
    some  substantial  benefits  to  themselves  A  others?
    Rejoins  Lucian,  the  course  reason  dictates  is  to  avoid
    extremes.  A  slab  coulared  world  would,  tire  the
    senses  by  its  uniformity  A  too  much  orniment  A
    splendor,  would  cease  to  please  by  its  frequency.

    Besides,  lofty  houses  can  be  more  easily  over
    thrown  by  tornadoes  or  tumbled  down  upon  our
    heads  by  earthquakes.  The  course,  says  Lucian
    that  reason  dictates  is  to  avoid  extremes.  A  slab
    coulored  world  by  its  uniformity  would  tire  the
    senses,  A  by  its  possessing  too  much  ornament  A
    splendor  it  would  cease  to  please.  (But  the  wonder
    wont  cease  when  it  is  considered  that  mankind  with
    but  few  exceptions  to  walk  in  the  tracks  of  their
    fathers  A  to  pursue  the  road  marked  out  by  their
    education.)

    CHAP.  VI.

    DESCRIPTION   OF  THE    LEARNING,   RELIGION    &    CUSTOMS
    OF    THE   OHONS.

    LEARNING  appears  to  be  so  important  to  the  nature
    of  man  A  a  good  convenient  share  of  it  so  easy  to
    obtain,  that  some  may  wonder  why  it  is  not  univer
    sally  diffused  thro*  the  world.  But  If  we  can  place
    any  reliance  on  the  dark  annals  of  antient  history,  it
    is  certain  that  letters  are  indebted  for  their  existence
    to  the  inventive  genius  of  certain  extraordinary  char-

    42  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    acters.  Egypt  &  Chaldea  contended  for  the  honour
    of  being  the  first  who  invented  letters.  Perhaps  they
    were  invented  in  each  nation  nearly  at  the  same  time.
    But  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  obsticle  to  prevent
    their  production  in  America  as  well  as  in  Asia?
    Whatever  may  be  the  reasoning  of  some  on  this  sub
    ject,  the  fact  is  that  I  found  Letters  or  some  share  of
    learning,  tho'  in  a  very  imperfect  state  among  this
    people.  At  present  I  shall  wave  the  account  of  its
    introduction  &  shall  merely  describe  the  state  of
    learning  as  it  existed  among  the  Ohons.  They  had
    characters  which  represent  words  &  all  compound
    words  were  had  each  part  represented  by  its  appro
    priate  character.  The  variation  of  cases,  moods  &
    tenses  was  designated  by  certain  marks  placed  under
    the  characters.  They  generally  wrote  on  parchment
    &  beginning  at  the  right  wrote  from  the  top  to  the  bot
    tom,  placing  each  character  directly  under  the  pro
    ceeding  one  &  having  finished  one  column  or  line  they
    begin  the  write  the  next  on  the  left  of  that  &  so  con
    tinue  on  until  they  cover  the  parchment  if  the  subject
    requires  it.  It  is  a  work  of  considerable  labour  <fc
    time  to  obtain  such  a  knowledge  of  their  characters  &
    the  application  as  to  be  able  to  read  with  fluencey  &  to
    write  with  ease  &  accuracy.

    In   the   principal   Cities  &  towns  the   government
    appointed  learned  men  to  instruct  the  sons  of  the

    *  Note.    The  most  probable  conjecture  is  that  they  were  communicated  from
    one  nation  to  the  other.

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.11  43

    higher  class  of  Citizens  <fc  in  the  course  of  four  or  five
    years  they  will  make  such  proficiency  as  to  become
    tolerable  schollars.

    The  works  of  the  learned  are  not  very  voluminous.
    Records  are  kept  of  the  transactions  of  their  govern
    ment.  Their  constitution  &  laws  are  committed  to
    writing.  A  sacred  Roll  in  manuscript  is  preserved
    among  the  Records  of  tln-ir  Kmporors  <fe  kings.  <fc  are
    dispersed  thro*  the  Empire  <fe  much  pains  taken  to
    diffuse  the  knowledge  of  them  among  the  people.  In
    all  their  large  towns  &  Cities  they  have  deposited
    under  the  care  of  a  priest  a  sacred  Roll  which  con
    tains  the  tenets  of  their  Theology  &  a  description  of
    their  religious  ceremonies.  This  order  of  men  pub
    lish  comments  upon  these  sacred  writings.  They
    publish  some  tracts  on  moral  philosophy  &  some  con
    taining  a  collection  of  proverbs  &  the  wise  sayings
    of  their  sages.

    But  the  kind  of  composition  in  which  they  most
    exult  is  poetry.  In  poetic  numbers  they  describe
    the  great  events  which  take  place  &  the  exploits  &
    mighty  achievements  of  their  heroes.  In  soft  elegies
    they  describe  paint  the  Amours  of  Lovers  &  in
    pathetic  strains  they  delineate  the  calamities  of  sor
    row  of  the  unfortunate.

    In  their  assemblies  it  is  very  common  for  a  certain
    class  of  these  learned  poets  to  entertain  the  company
    (-  -  -  line  gone  -  -  -  -)  with  a  resital  of  poetic
    pieces  describing  the  baties  <fc  exploits  of  their  war
    riors,  or  to  sing  some  arnourous  or  witty  ballad.  As
    for  theators  they  have  none,  but  as  a  kind  of  sussti-
    tute  there  are  actors  who  entertain  the  people  by

    44  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    pronounsing  dialogues  or  plays  in  which  they  display
    all  the  arts  of  mimicry  &  act  out  the  express  in  their
    countanance  their  gesture  &  the  tone  of  their  voices
    the  different  passions  of  the  human  mind.  As  only
    a  small  portion  of  the  people  are  instructed  in  the
    arts  of  reading  &  writing,  of  consequence  the  great
    mass  must  possess  a  large  share  of  ignorance,  but
    not  so  great  a  share  as  savages  who  have  no  learn
    ing  among  them.  They  hear  the  conversation  &  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
    &  mighty  athievements.  Their  actors  divert  &  please
    them  by  exciting  the  various  passions  at  the  same
    time  communicating  instruction  &  correcting  the  nat
    ural  savageness  of  manner  by  &  as  the  pieces  they
    rehearse  contain  many  ideas  &  sentiments  tending  to
    expose  the  deformity  of  vice  &  the  folly  of  supersti
    tion  &  the  disgustingness  of  rude  &  clownish  man
    ners,  the  people  are  of  consequence  improved  &
    considerably  refined  &  add  to  their  living  in  compact
    towns  or  considerable  cities  in  which  there  is  a  con
    stant  &  reciprocal  communication  of  ideas,  which  of
    course  would  have  no  small  effect  to  inform  their
    minds.  To  all  these  causes  combined  the  Ohons  the
    great  mass  of  the  people  are  indebted  for  possessing
    a  considerable  share  of  knowledge  &  civilization.

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  45

    RELION  VH.

    IN  every  nation  there  is  some  kind  of  Religion  &  in
    every  religion,  however  adulterated  &  corrupted,  there
    are  some  things  which  are*  commendable,  some
    things  which  serve  to  improve  the  morals  &  influence
    mankind  to  conduct  better  than  what  they  would  do
    provided  they  pursued  the  natural  dictates  of  their
    depraved  mind,  without  any  restraint  As  this  senti
    ment  is  an  established  maxim  which  has  been  believed
    in  every  nation  from  the  earliest  ages  in  every  nation,
    hense  it  has  been  the  policy  of  all  governments  to
    encourage  &  protect  some  kind  of  religion.  In  exam
    ining  the  religious  systems,  sentiments  <fc  precepts
    which  are  believed  &  practised  throughout  this  exten
    sive  Empire,  &  which  are  encouraged  &  protected  by
    the  government.  I  found  some  things  which  are
    common  to  the  various  systems  of  theology  in  Europe
    &  Asia,  &  some  things  which  have  no  resemblance  to
    either  From  the  sacred  Roll  as  it  is  denominated  I
    shall  extract  the  tenets  of  their  theology  &  a  descrip
    tion  of  their  religious  ceremonies.  It  expresses  them
    them  to  this  effect

    "There  is  an  intelligent  omnipotent  Being  who  is
    self-existent  <fc  infinitely  good  <fc  benevolent.  Matter
    eternally  existed.  He  put  forth  his  hand  &  formed  it
    into  such  bodies  as  he  pleased.  He  presides  over  the
    universe  <fc  has  a  perfect  knowledge  of  all  things.
    From  his  own  spiritual  substance  he  formed  seven
    sons.  These  are  his  principal  agents  to  manage  the

    46  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    affairs  of  his  empire.  He  formed  the  bodies  of  men
    from  matter.  Into  each  body  he  emitted  infussed  a
    particle  of  his  own  spiritual  substance,  in  conse
    quence  of  which  man  in  his  first  formation  was
    inclined  to  benevolence  &  goodness.  There  is  also
    another  great  intelligent  Being  who  is  self -existent  &
    possessed  of  great  power  but  not  of  Omnipotence.
    He  is  filled  with  infinite  malice  against  the  good
    Being  &  exerts  all  his  subtlety  &  power  to  ruin  his
    works.  Seing  the  happy  situation  of  man  he
    approached  so  near  as  to  tuch  his  soul  with  his
    deliterious  -hand.  The  poison  was  immediately  dif
    fused  &  contaminated  his  passions  &  appetites.  His
    reason  &  understanding  received  no  injury.  The
    good  being  looking  upon  his  unhappy  offspring  with
    infinite  love  &  compassion,  made  a  decree  that  if
    mankind  would  reduce  their  passions  &  appetites
    under  the  government  of  reason,  he  should  be  enjoy
    blessings  in  this  world,  &  be  compleatly  happy  after
    death  his  soul  quits  his  body.  Death  dissolves  the
    connection.  Material  Bodies  are  prepared  for  the
    souls  of  the  righteous.  These  bodies  can  pass  thro'
    any  part  of  the  universe  &  are  invisible  to  mortal
    eyes.  Their  place  of  residence  is  on  a  great  &  city
    vast  plain,  which  is  beautiful  with  magnificent  build
    ings,  with  Trees  fruits  &  flowers.  Here  they  enjoy
    every  delight  which  No  imagination  can  paint  the
    delights  the  felicity  of  the  Righteous.  But  the
    wicked  have  no  etherial  are  denied  etherial  bodies.
    Their  souls  naked  &  incapable  of  seeing  light  dwel  in
    darkness  &  are  tormented  with  the  keenest  anguish.

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  47

    Ages  roll  away  A  the  good  Being  has  compassion
    upon  them.  He  permits  them  to  take  possession  of
    etherial  bodies  &  they  arise  quick  to  the  abodes  of
    delight  &  glory.  Now,  O  man,  attend  to  thy  duty  <fc
    thou  shalt  escape  the  portion  of  the  wicked.  <fc  enjoy
    all  the  delights  of  the  righteous.  Avoid  all  acts  of
    cruelty  to  man  &  beast.*

    defraud  not  thy  neighbours  nor  suffer  thy  hands
    secretly  to  convey  his  property  from  him.  Preserve
    thy  body  from  the  contamination  of  lust,  <fe  remember
    that  the  seduction  of  thy  neighbours  wife  would  be  a
    great  Crime.  Let  thy  citizens  be  numbered  once  in
    two  years,  A  if  the  young  women  who  are  fit  for  mar-
    riage  are  more  numerous  than  the  young  men,  then
    wealthy  men  who  are  young  <fc  who  have  but  one  wife
    shall  have  the  privilege  with  the  permission  of  the
    king  to  marry  another  until  the  number  of  the  single
    young  women  A  the  single  young  men  are  made
    equal.  But  he  who  hath  two  wives  shall  have  a
    house  provided  for  each  &  he  shall  spend  his  time
    equally  with  each  one.

    Be  grateful  for  all  favours  A  forsake  not  thy  friend
    in  adversity.  Treat  with  kindness  &  reverence  thy
    Parents.  Forsake  them  not  in  old  age  nor  let  their
    cheek  be  furrowed  with  tears  for  the  want  of  bread.
    Bow  down  thy  head  before  the  aged,  treat  thy  superi
    ors  with  respect,  &  place  thy  rulers  &  thy  teachers  in
    the  most  honourable  seats.  Let  Rulers  consult  the
    welfare  of  the  people  &  not  agrandize  themselves  by

    *No  crime  Is  BO  horrid  as  maliciously  to  destroy  the  life  of  man.

    48  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    oppression  &  base  bribes.  Let  Religious  Teachers
    walk  in  the  road  which  leads  to  celestial  happiness  &
    lead  the  people  after  them.  Let  Parents  restrain  the
    vices  of  their  children  &  instruct  their  minds  in  useful
    knowledge.  Contention  &  Strife  is  is  the  Bane  of
    Families  &  the  destruction  of  domestick  happiness,
    being  yoked  together  the  husband  &  wife  ought  to
    draw  in  the  same  direction.  Their  countanances  will
    then  appear  beautiful  shine  with  the  effulgent  Beams
    of  Friendship  &  love,  peace  &  harmony  will  attend
    their  habitation  &  their  affairs  will  prosper.

    Hold  out  the  hand  of  kindness  &  friendship  to
    thy  neighbour,  consider  him  when  reduced  to  indigence
    &  distress,  He  is  as  dear  to  the  great  &  good  being  a-s
    what  thou  art.  &  thou  now  hast  an  opportunity  to
    manifest  the  disposition  of  thy  heart  To  afford  him
    relief  will  be  pleasing  to  thy  Maker  &  an  expression
    of  thy  gratituge.

    Envious  &  malicious  Souls  are  almost  incurably
    contaminated  with  that  hellish  poison  which  which
    was  first  disordered  the  soul  of  man.  Partake  not  of
    their  guilt  by  joining  them  in  the  malignant  work  of
    slander  &  detraction.  Their  intended  mischief  returns
    upon  their  own  heads,  &  the  slandered  character  of
    the  innocent  &  just  shines  forth  with  increasing  lus
    tre.  Let  the  stranger  find  an  hospitable  resting
    place  under  thy  roof.  Give  him  to  eat  from  thy  por
    tion  that  when  he  departs  he  may  bless  thee  &  go  on
    his  way  rejoicing.

    Industry  will  Say  not  to  thyself  I  will  indulge
    inactivity  &  idleness  &  lie  upon  the  bed  of  sloth  &

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  .  49

    slumber  away  the  precious  moments  of  time,  for  in
    this  thou  art  unwise,  for  unwise  disease  will  attend
    thee,  hunger  will  torment  thee  &  Rags  will  be  thy
    clothing.  Let  industry  &  economy  fill  up  the  meas
    ure  of  thy  waking  moments.  So  shall  thy  counta-
    nance  display  health  &  sprightliness,  plenty  shall
    supply  the  wants  of  thy  family  &  thy  reputation  shall
    be  respectable.

    But  behold  a  being  in  human  form  from  whom  I
    turn  away  in  disgust  &  abhorrence.  He  is  covered
    with  so  much  dirt  &  filth  that  no  etherial  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  &  filth.
    Cleanliness  prevents  many  diseases  <fc  is  pleasant  to
    the  sight.  But  from  a  dirty  filthy  mortal  we  turn
    with  disgust  &  abhorrance.  As  the  great  Author  of
    our  existence  being  is  benevolent  to  all  his  offspring,
    so  it  becomes  us  to  be  benevolent  to  our  fellow  beings
    around  us.  Oou  Country  is  one  body  &  we  are  part
    of  its  members.  We  are  therefore  bound  to  maintain
    their  rights  &  priviledges  &  the  the  honour  &  dignity
    of  our  Country  at  the  risk  of  our  lives.  Great
    rewards  attend  the  brave  &  their  exploits  &  achieve
    ments  in  contending  against  tyrants  &  in  defending
    the  Rights  their  of  their  Country  will  be  celebrated  on
    the  plains.  But  the  vision  now  expands  &  directs
    our  contemplation  to  fix  on  his  attributes,  whose
    spiritual  substance  is  commensurate  with  infinity.
    As  only  a  single  particle  from  his  substance  consti
    tutes  our  souls,  how  small  how  diminutive  must  we

    50  m  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    appear  in  the  view  of  Omniscience.  We  must  there
    fore  contemplate  his  attributes  thro*  the  medium  of
    his  works,  &  admire  with  profound  reverance  &
    adoration  his  wisdom  goodness  &  power  which  are
    visible  in  the  formation  &  arrangement  of  all  material
    bodies  &  spiritual  beings.  He  requires  us  to  supli-
    cate  his  favours,  &  when  received  to  express  our
    gratitude.  As  our  passions  &  appetites  often  get  the
    assendence  of  our  reason,  we  are  therefore  bound  to
    confess  our  faults  &  implore  forgiveness.

    Now  that  you  may  know  and  keep  all  these  thing
    which  were  made  known  by  divine  inspiration,  it  is
    ordained  that  on  every  eighth  day,  ye  lay  aside  all
    unnecessary  labour,  that  ye  meet  in  convenient
    numbers  &  form  assemblies,  that  at  each  assembly
    a  learned  holy  man  shall  preside,  who  shall  lead  your
    devotions  &  explain  this  sacred  Roll  &  give  you  such
    instruction  as  shall  promote  your  happiness  in  this
    life  &  in  the  life  to  come.  Once  in  three  months  ye
    shall  hold  a  great  festival  in  every  great  city  &  town,
    &  your  priests  shall  sacrifice  an  Elk  as  a  token  that
    your  sins  deserve  punishment,  but  that  the  divine
    mercy  hath  banished  them  into  shades  of  forgetful-
    ness.

    Be  attentive  oh  man,  to  the  words  of  truth  which
    have  been  recorded  &  &  respect  to  all  the  command
    ments  which  have  been  written  for  your  observance.
    Your  Maker  will  then  be  rejoiced  to  see  you  rejoice
    in  the  participation  of  his  favour  &  to  behold  your
    faces  brighten  with  the  cheering  benign  beams  of
    cheerfulness.

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  51

    AN  ACCOUNT   OF  BASKA   CHAP  VIII

    AMONG  the  great  A  illustrious  characters  who  have
    appeared  in  the  world  in  different  ages  as  instructors
    &  reformers  of  mankind,  Baska  holds  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  appearing  at  the
    great  City  of  Golanga,  which  is  situate  on  the  Banks
    of  the  Siota  River.  He  was  attended  by  his  wife  &
    two  little  sons.  The  fashion  of  their  garments  were
    different  from  the  natives.  Their  complexion  like
    wise  was  of  a  little  whiter.  They  were  Baska  was
    grave  solemn  &  sedate  reserved  in  his  conversation,
    but  when  he  spoke  wisdom  proceeded  from  his  lips.
    His  fame  spread  rapidly  thro'  the  city  &  country,  &
    he  was  celebrated  as  a  man  of  the  most  brilliant  &
    extraordinary  talents.  He  was  conducted  to  the  King
    &  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

    CHAPT  VHI

    PERHAPS  reader,  before  we  describe  the  government
    of  the  Ohons  it  might  be  proper  to  relax  our  mind  by
    with  a  few  seeches  of  Biography.  The  character
    which  will  best  connect  with  the  history  of  the  learn
    ing  &  religion  &  the  government^:  laws  of  the  Ohons
    is  that  of  the  great  and  illustrious  Lobaska.

    52  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    He  is  the  man  who  first  introduced  their  present
    method  of  writing  who  presented  them  with  the
    sacred  Roll  which  contains  the  tenets  &  precepts  of
    their  religion,  &  who  formed  their  political  constitu
    tion  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  &
    hence  I  conclude  they  must  be  fabulous  Such  as  his
    As  for  instance  he  is  represented  as  forming  a  curious
    machine  by  which  &  having  placed  himself  upon  it  he
    mounted  into  the  Atmosphere  &  assended  a  great
    hight  &  having  sailed  a  considerable  time  distance
    thro'  the  air  he  desended  slowly  &  received  no
    damage  &  that  multitudes  of  astonished  Spectators
    had  a  number  of  times  seen  him  perform  this  miracu
    lous  exploit,  &  that  he  declared  that  when  he  took
    these  excursions,  his  extraordinary  wisdom  &  knowl
    edge  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  can
    not  be  contested.  The  place  of  his  nativity  is  not
    recorded.  The  first  account  given  of  him  was  his
    appearance  in  the  great  City  of  Golanga  which  is
    situate  on  the  Banks  of  the  Siota  River.  When  he
    entered  that  city  he  was  attended  by  his  wife  &  four
    sons  the  the  eldest  of  whom  was  about  eighteen  years
    of  age.  He  himself  appeared  to  be  about  forty.  His

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  68

    personal  appearance  was  commanding  being  of  mid-
    ling  Stature  of  a  bold  frank  countanance  &  eyes  lively
    &  penetrating.  In  his  general  deportment  he  was
    cheerful  yet  displayed  much  sedateness  &  gravity.
    He  was  affable  &  familiar  in  conversation  but  not
    loquacious,  he  never  would  converse  long  on  trifling
    subjects,  had  a  wonderful  faculty  to  intermix  some
    wise  sayings  <fc  remarks  that  should  improve  &  of
    turning  with  dignity  and  gravefulness  the  attention
    of  the  company  to  subjects  that  were  important  &
    interesting.  None  could  then  withstand  the  energy
    of  his  reasoning,  &  all  were  astonished  at  the  inge
    nuity  of  his  arguments  &  the  great  knowledge  &
    wisdom  which  he  displayed.  His  fame  spread  thro*
    the  City  Ajnulti  <fc  country  A  multitudes  frequently
    assembled  &  importuned  him  to  give  them  instruction.
    Always  cheerful  to  gratify  the  curiosity  &  comply
    with  the  reasonable  requests  of  the  multitude,  he
    entertained  them  by  conversing  with  them  familiarly,
    &  by  exhibiting  public  discourses.  All  were  charmed
    with  his  wisdom  &  eloquence,  and  all  united  in  pro
    nouncing  him  to  be  the  most  extraordinary  man  in
    existence,  &  generally  believed  that  he  had  conver
    sation  with  the  celestial  beings,  &  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  with  respect  to
    wisdom  &  eloquence  to  any  man  who  had  ever
    appeared  before  him  in  the  nation,  he  then  at  an
    enterview  which  he  held  with  the  king  &  the  chiefs
    told  them  that  he  had  invented  the  art  of  expressing

    B4  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    ideas  by  certain  marks  or  characters,  &  having
    explained  the  nature  of  the  subject  to  their  full  satis
    faction,  he  then  proposed  to  establish  a  school  for  the
    instruction  of  the  sons  of  the  principal  subjects  of  the
    King.  This  proposal  was  received  &  accepted  with
    much  gratitude  &  cheerfulness.  A  house  was  imme
    diately  prepared  for  the  accommodation  of  Schollars,
    &  in  a  short  time  the  number  amounted  to  nearly  two
    hundred.  But  here  it  must  be  observed  that  the  art
    of  making  &  applying  the  characters  to  the  words
    which  they  represented,  was  taught  principally  by
    his  sons.  They  had  all  received  an  education  from
    their  father  &  even  the  youngest  who  was  but  eleven
    years  old  could  read  &  write  with  great  correctness.
    &  facility.  He  superintended  their  instruction  &  very
    frequently  gave  them  lectures  on  scientific  &  moral
    subjects,  his  schollars  made  great  progress  in  learn
    ing  &  delighted  their  parents  with  the  improvement
    they  had  made  in  literature  civilization  &  refinement.
    He  still  continued  to  associate  among  the  people,  &
    was  indefatigable  in  his  labours  to  dispel  their  igno
    rance,  correct  their  superstition  &  vices  &  to  diffuse  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,  &  to  cast  iron  ware,  &  then  to
    build  a  small  forge  &  there  refine  pigs,  &  convert
    them  into  Iron.

    He  had  resided  among  the  Siotans  about  three
    years,  &  the  happy  effects  of  his  labours  were  visible
    to  all  observers.  A  great  reformation  had  taken
    place  in  the  morals  &  manners  of  the  people,  Industry

    THE  ''MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  66

    had  encreased,_&  agriculture  A  the  mechanical  arts
    had  received  great  improvement  &  houses  were  built
    on  a  more  commodious  &  eligant  construction.  But
    not  willing  to  stop  here  the  benevolent  mind  of  the
    great  Tobaska  meditated  a  more  important  revolu
    tion.  Now  was  the  propitious  era_to  had  arived  &  the
    way  was  prepared  for  the  introduction  of  that  system
    of  Theology,  which  is  comprized  in  the  sacred  Roll.

    In  the  first  place  he  read  &  explained  the  whole
    system  to  the  King  &  the  chiefs  of  the  nation,  who
    cordially  gave  it  their  approbation  &  gave  permission
    to  propogate  it  among  the  people.  Under  the  pre
    tense  that  this  system  was  revealed  to  him  in  several
    enterviews,  which  he  had  been  permitted  to  have  with
    the  second  son  of  the  great  <fc  good  Being,  the  people
    did  not  long  hesitate  but  received  as  sacred  &
    divine  truth  every  word  which  he  taught  them.  They
    forgot  their  old  religion  which  was  a  confused  &
    absurd  medly  of  Idolitry  &  superstitious  nonsense  &
    embraced  a  religion  more  sublime  &  consistent,
    db  more  fraught  with  sentiments  which  would  pro
    mote  the  happiness  of  mankind  in  this  world.

    Whilst  the  Siotans  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  that  lived  on  the  south  side
    of  the  great  River  Ohio,  had  taken  great  umbrage
    against  Kadokam  the  King  of  Siota.  This  Bombal
    was  the  most  haughty  &  the  jnost  powerful  prince
    who  reigned  in  this  part  of  the  western  Continent.  It
    had  been  the  custom  for  several  ages  for  the  King

    56  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    &  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  Siotan  princes  envying  them  this  dis
    tinguished  honor  &  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,  &  a  most  daring  insult  upon
    their  supreme  dignity.  A  messenger  was  immedi
    After  a  solemn  Council  was  held  with  his  chiefs
    Bombal,  with  their  unanimous  consent  dispatched  a
    messenger  to  Kadocam,  who  thus  proclaimed.

    Thus  saith  Bombal,  the  king  of  kings  &  the  most
    mighty  prince  on  earth.  Ye  have  insulted  my  our
    honour  &  dignity,  in  assuming  blue  feathers  which
    was  the  badge  of  our  preeminence.  Know  ye  that
    uless  you  tear  them  from  your  caps  ye  shall  feel  the
    weight  of  our  ven-gence.

    Kadocam  replied.  Tell  your  master  that  a  great
    Company  of  Wolves  made  an  attack  upon  a  City,  to
    rob  the  citizens  of  their  dear  &  elk,  &  they  let  forth
    their  dogs  upon  them,  which  attacked  them  with  such
    fury,  &  courage  that  they  fled  mangled  &  torn  to  a
    most  dreary  swamp.  Here  they  by  the  most  tremen-
    dous  the  most  plaintive  howling,  they  lamented  their
    sad  disaster  &  disgrace.

    An  answer  so  shrewd  &  insulting  it  was  expected
    would  soon  be  followed  by  an  invasion.  Measures
    must  immediately  be  taken  for  the  defense  of  the
    kingdom.  Lobaska  was  invited  to  set  in  council.  All

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  .57

    were  unanimously  of  opinion  that  to  comply  with  the
    haughty  demand  of  Bombal,  by  tearing  the  Blue
    feathers  from  their  caps  would  be  degrading  the
    honour  of  the  nation  &  a  relinquishment  of  their
    natural  right,  that  they  were  likewise  sensible  that
    the  most  vigorous  exertions  were  necessary  to  save
    the  country  from  ruin.  The  opinion  &  advice  -of
    Lobaska  was  requested.  It  is  my  opinion  says  he
    that  by  using  a  little  stratigem,  this  war  might  be
    bro't  to  a  conclusion,  which  will  be  honourable  to  this
    kingdom.  We  will  pursue,  says  the  King  your
    advice  &  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,  pro
    vide  two  thousand  shovels  five  hundred  mathooks  &
    five  hundred  wheelbarrows,  &  one  hundred  axes.  I
    will  give  directions  how  to  make  them.  Not  a
    moment  was  lost.  The  army  was  assembled,  &  impli-
    ments  provided  with  the  utmost  expidition.  &  they
    marched  down  the  river,  to  a  certain  place  where  the
    Army  of  the  Enimy  must  pass  in  order  to  arrive  at
    the  city  of  Golanga.  At  this  place  the  hills  or  moun
    tains  came  within  less  than  a  mile  of  the  river,  &  a
    flat  or  level  land  intervened.  Here  Lobaska  directed
    that  a  canal  should  be  cut  from  the  River  to  the  River
    to  the  Hill  That  it  should  be  eight  feet  wide  &  eight
    deep  &  that  the  dirt  which  they  dug  should  be  thrown
    into  the  river.  That  the  canal  except  what  should  be
    wanted  to  lay  over  thin  pieces  of  split  timber,  which
    should  be  extended  over  the  canal  so  weak  &  slender
    that  the  weight  of  a  man  would  break  them  down.
    This  novel  invention  invention  was  soon  carried  into

    58  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.1'

    effect  &  the  work  compleatly  finished.  Every  pre
    caution  was  used  to  prevent  any  intelligence  of  these
    transactions  from  getting  to  the  enimy.

    In  the  meantime  Kadokam  bro't  into  the  field  seven
    thousand  more  of  his  warriors,  men  of  brave  hearts  &
    valiant  for  the  battle.  The  indignant  king  of  the  Ken-
    tucks  had  by  this  time  assembled  an  army  of  Thirty
    Thousand  men,  who  were  ready  at  the  risk  of  their
    lives  to  vindicate  the  preeminence  of  their  nation.
    &  the  transendent  dignity  of  their  King  &  his  chiefs.
    Had  of  this  At  the  head  of  this  army  Bombal  began
    his  march  to  execute  his  threatened  vengance  on  the
    Siotans.  As  he  entered  their  country  he  found  the
    viliges  deserted,  &  all  the  movable  property  con
    veyed  away,  not  a  man  or  worn  was  to  be  seen  until
    he  came  in  view  of  the  army  of  Kadokam,  who
    was  encamped  within  a  small  distance  of  the  Canal.
    Bombal  halted  &  formed  his  men  in  two  Ranks,
    extending  from  the  River  to  the  Hill.  He  had  a
    reserved  core,  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  alould,  we
    have  been  insulted,  brave  Soldiers,  by  these  cow
    ardly  Siotans.  They  have  assumed  the  blue  Feather
    the  badge  of  our  preeminance  &  exalted  dignity.
    Behold  it  flying  in  their  Caps.  Will  your  highborn
    souls  submit  to  behold  such  Dastards  place  them
    selves  on  equal  terms  with  you?  No,  my  valiant
    warriors,  let  us  revenge  the  insult  by  the  destruc
    tion  of  their  puny  army,  &  the  conflagration  of  their
    city.  Make  a  furious  charge  upon  them  &  &  the
    victory  is  ours.  Let  your  motto  be  blue  Feather  &

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  59

    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  &
    extended  them  in  one  rank  only  from  the  River  to
    the  Hill.  As  the  Kentucks  approached  within  a
    small  distance,  the  Siotans  gave  back  &  began  a
    retreat  with  apparent  confusion,  notwithstanding  the
    pretended  efforts  of  the  King  &  his  officers  to  pre
    vent  their  retreating.  Bombal,  observing  this  com
    manded  to  rush  forward  on  the  full  run,  but  to  keep
    their  ranks  in  order.  This  they  instantly  obeyed
    as  one  man,  <fc  as  soon  as  their  feet  stept  on  the
    slender  covering  of  the  canal  it  gave  way  &  they
    fell  to  the  bottom,  some  in  one  position  &  some  in
    another.  A  disaster  so  novel  &  unexpected  might
    have  appalled  the  stoutest  &  filled  their  minds  with
    amazement  &  terror.  Nor  did  this  compleat  their
    misfortune  of  the  army  of  Bombal.  An  ambush  of
    the  Siotans,  who  lay  on  the  side  of  the  hill  opposite
    to  the  reserved  Corps  of  the  Kentucks,  rushed  down
    upon  them  in  an  instant.  Surprize  &  terror  pre
    vented  resistance,  they  threw  down  their  arms  &
    surrendered.  The  retreating  army  of  Hadocam
    immediately  returned  with  shouting  to  the  edge  of
    the  Canal.  Their  enimies,  who  but  a  moment  before
    thot  themselves  invincible  &  certain  of  victory,  were
    now  defenceless  &  wholly  in  their  power.  When
    Lobaska  was  present  &  saw  the  success  of  his  strati-
    gem,  his  great  soul  disdained  revenge  on  an  enimy
    helpless  &  prostrate  enimy.  He  conjured  the  Siotans
    not  to  shed  one  drop  of  Blood,  but  to  be  generous
    &  merciful.  Bombal  had  now  recovered  from  his

    60  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    surprize,  &  feeling  the  deplorable  situation  of  his
    army,  his  haughty  soul  felt  the  keenest  anguish.
    Where  says  he  is  the  King  of  the  Siotans?  Here  I  am
    says  Hadokam.  What  is  your  re-quest  my  brother?
    Reduced  says  he  by  stratigem  the  most  ingenious  &
    artful  to  a  situation  which  subjects  us  wholly  under
    your  power,  &  in  which  you  can  take  ample  revenge.
    I  now  implore  your  generosity  &  compassion  for  my
    army.  Spare  their  lives  &  then  name  your  terms,  &
    if  I  can  comply  with  them  without  degrading  the
    honour  of  my  crown  it  shall  be  done.  Your  request
    says  Hadokam  is  granted  Surrender  your  army,  &  let
    you  army  return  in  peace.  As  for  your  majesty  &
    the  chiefs  of  your  nation  who  are  present,  you  will
    give  us  the  pleasure  of  your  company  in  our  return
    to  the  city  of  Golanga,  there  we  will  execute  a  treaty
    of  peace  &  amity,  that  shall  be  advantageous  &  hon
    ourable  to  both  nations.  These  terms  were  accepted
    &  the  Kentucks  returned  in  peace  to  their  own  Coun
    try,  not  to  describe  exploits  &  bloody  victories,  but
    the  curious  stratigem  of  Lobaska.

    The  two  kings  &  their  splendid  retinue  of  princes
    having  arived  at  Golanga,  every  attention  was  paid
    by  the  Hodokam  &  his  chiefs  to  their  honorable
    visitors.  Hadokam  made  a  sumptuous  entertainment
    at  which  all  were  present.  The  next  day  both  parties
    met  for  for  the  purpose  of  agreeing  to  terms  of  peace
    &  perpetual  amity.  What  are  your  terms  says  Bom-
    bal?  Lobaska,  says  Hadokam,  shall  be  our  Arbitra
    tor.  He  shall  name  the  terms  his  wisdom  will  dictate
    nothing  which  will  be  dishonourable  for  either  party.

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  61

    Your  proposal,  says  Bombal  is  generous.  Lobaska
    shall  be  our  Arbitrator.  Lobaska  then  rose.  Attend,
    says  he  to  my  words,  ye  princes  of  Siota  &  Kentuck.  t
    You  have  all  derived  your  existence  from  the  great
    Father  of  Spirits,  you  are  his  children  &  belong  to
    his  great  family.  Why,  then  have  you  thirsted  for
    each  others'  blood?  for  the  Blood  of  Brothers?
    &  what  has,  &  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
    unruled  ambition  &  avarice  which  devastate  the
    world  &  produce  rivers  of  human  Blood.  &  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,  &
    that  they  shall  be  protected  in  their  persons  &
    property.

    Let  thjsjbe  the  third,  that  I  shall  be  at  liberty  to
    establish  a  school  or  schools  in  any  part  of  the
    dominion  of  Kentuck  &  furnish  them  with  such
    instructors  as  I  please  That  none  shall  be  restrained
    from  hearing  our  instructions  &  that  we  shall  be
    patronized  &  protected  by  the  King  <fc  his  chiefs.

    Let_fhia_be_the  fourth,  that  perpetual  peace  &  amity
    shall  remain  between  both  nations  &  as  a  pledge  for
    the   fulfilment  of  these   articles  on  the  part  of  the*
    princes  of  Kentuck,  that  the  eldest  son  of  the  King  &

    fJ2  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    four  sons  of  the  principal  chiefs,  shall  be  left  as  hos-
    tiges  in  this  City  for  the  term  of  Term  of  Three  years.
    These  terms  met  the  cordial  approbation  of  both
    parties  &  were  ratified  in  the  most  solemn  manner.

    Thus  happy  was  the  termination  of  the  war  about
    the  blue  feather  having  taken  place  Lobaska  pro
    ceeded  with  indefatigable  industry  &  perseverance  in
    his  benevolent  scheme  of  enlightening  &  reforming
    mankind.  And  how  happy  would  it  be  for  mankind
    if  all  wars  about  as  trifling  causes  as  this  might  ter
    minate  in  the  same  way.  The  benevolent  mind  of
    Loboska  soared  above  trifles  viewing  all  mankind  as
    brothers  &  sisters  he  wished  the  happiness  of  all.  He
    then  made  provision  in  the  treaty  with  the  Kentucks
    for  the  introduction  of  schools  in  Kentuck  amongst
    them.  This  was  the  first  step  which  he  foresaw  would
    introduce  improvement  in  agriculture  &  the  mechani
    cal  arts,  produce  a  reformation  in  their  morals  &
    religious  principals,  &  a  happy  revolution  in  some
    part  of  their  political  institutions.

    Bombal  had  become  so  captivated  with  Lobaska,
    that  he  invited  him  to  bear  him  company  to  his  own
    dominions.  He  consented,  &  when  he  had  arived  at
    the  royal  City  of  Gamba,  which  is  situate  on  the
    River  Kentuck,  he  there  pursued  the  same  course
    which  he  had  done  at  Golanga,  &  his  success
    answered  his  most  sanguine  expectations.  The  peo
    ple  were  now  prepared  for  the  introduction  of  a  school.
    He  returned  back  to  Tolanga,  &  sent  his  second  son
    &  three  of  the  most  forward  scholars  of  the  Siotans  to
    establish  a  school  at  Gamba.

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  63

    In  the  meantime  his  intention  was  to  make  some
    a m endments  in  the  government  of  Sciota.  But  as
    there  were  several  Cities  <fc  a  great  number  oTviliages
    that  Acknowledged  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Sciotan
    king  which  still  were  ignorant  of  the  principles  <fc  doc^
    trines^ which  he  taught,  he  found  it  necessary  to  visit
    them  &  to  introducejnstructors  amongst  them.  In
    t !  i  i  s  work  he  was  engaged^  about  two  years,  <fe  the
    happy  effect  of  his  labors  were  now  visible,  in  various
    kinds  of  improvement  &7n  the  reformation  of  man-
    n ers  morals  &  religion.  The  way  was  now  prepared  to
    introduce  his  system^o^gay^nnient.^jThe  chiefs  of
    the  nation  were  invited  to  attend  a  grand  council  at

    Tolanga. When  th ey  were  met  Lobaska  roBe,~&

    presented   them  with   the  following  constitution  of
    government.

    The  king  of  Siota  shall  be  stiled  the  Emperor  of
    Ohion_&_the  King^f  Siota,  his  crown  shall  be  heredi
    tary  injhej)lde8t  male  heir  of  his  family.  The  cities
    A  vilages  who  acknowledge  his  jurisdiction  or  who
    may  hereafter  do  it,  shall  bejmtitled  to  protection
    tV''mJhe^mjperor1_if ^inyaded_by  an  enimy,  he  shall
    defend  them  with  all  the  force  of  the  Empire.  Once
    every  year,_the  chief  s  shall  meet  at  Golan  ga~  to  nmke
    l.-iwg  for  the  good  of  the  nation.

    These  young  men  having  imbibed  the  spirit  &  prin
    ciple  of  their  great  preceptor,  spared  no  exertions  to
    instruct  the  schollars  &  to  diffuse  useful  knowledge
    amongst  the  people.  The  happy  effects  of  their
    Labors  were  visible  in  a  short  time.  The  people  The

    64  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    people  embraced  the  religion  of  Lobaska  <fc  became
    more  industrious  &  civilized.  In  their  various
    improvements  in  agriculture,  the  mechanical  arts
    they  &  literature  they  even  exeled  the  Sciotans,  &
    appeared  to  be  as  prosperous  &  flourishing.  Even
    Bombal  himself  declared  that  the  termination  of  the
    war  about  the  blue  feather,  which  at  first  appeared
    unfortunate,  yet  as  it  occationed  such  happy  effects
    among  his  people,  it  gave  him  more  satisfaction  &
    pleasure  than  the  reputation  of  being  a  great  Con-
    queror.  what  he  could  have  received  from  the  repu
    tation  of  being  a  great  Conqueror.

    CHAP.  IX.

    GOVERNMENT  &  MONET

    THE  people  who  were  denominated  Ohians  were  set
    tled  on  both  sides  of  the  River  Ohiojrom  &  along  the
    various  branches  of  the  river.  The  settlements
    extended  to  a  great  distance  in  the  time  of  Lobaska,
    but  how  far  it  is  not  mentioned.  They  lived  in  com
    fortable  villages  or  towns  except  the  cities.  We
    might  except  the  cities,  Golanga  on  the  River  Sciota
    &  Gamba  on  the  which  River  Kentuck.  The  various
    villiges  or  towns  formed  independent  soveranties,  &
    were  governed  by  their  respective  chiefs.

    Excepting  the  Cities  of  Golanga  &  Gamba,  whose
    Kings  claimed  jurisdiction  over  an  extent  of  country
    of  country  of  about  one  hundred  &  fifty  miles  along
    the  River  Ohio  &  about  the  same  extent  distance  back
    from  the  River,  the  remaining  part  of  this  extensive

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  65

    country  was  settled  in  compact  vialiges  or  towns  A
    These  formed  independent  soveranties  A  were  gov
    erned  by  their  respective  chiefs.  Frequent  bicker
    ings  contentions  &  wars  took  place  among  these
    chiefs,  which  were  often  attended  with  perilous  con
    sequences.  To  remedy  these  evils  &  to  facilitate  &
    accomplish  the  general  &  benevolent  plan,  of  reform
    ing  &  civilizing  the  Ohians,  Lobaska  had  formed  a
    system  of  Government,  with  a  design  of  establishing
    two  great  Empires  one  on  each  side  of  the  River
    Ohio.  Their  different  constitutions  were  on  the  same
    plan  &  were  presented  by  the  hand  of  Lobaska  to  the
    respective  Kings  of  Sciota  <fc  Kentuck.

    The  Sciotan  Constitution  was  comprised  in  these
    words.

    The  country  east  of  the  great  River  Ohio  shall
    form  the  Empire  of  Sciota.  At  the  head  of  this
    Empire  shall  be  placed  with  the  title  of  Emperor,
    Labamack  the  oldest  son  of  Lobaska.  The  office
    shall  be  hereditary  in  the  eldest  male  of  his  family.
    He  and  his  sons  successively  shall  marry  natives  of
    the  kingdom  of  Sciota  &  all  their  daughters  shall
    marry  within  their  own  dominions.  He  shall  have
    four  counsellors.  He,  with  the  advice  of  his  coun
    sellors,  shall  have  the  exclusive  right,  of  making  war
    &  peace,  <fc  of  forming  treaties  with  other  nations.
    He  shall  be  the  commander  in  chief  of  all  the  forces
    of  the  King  &  the  King  of  Sciota  shall  be  next  to  him.
    All  controversies  between  the  rulers  or  chiefs  of  the
    different  tribes  shall  be  reffered  to  the  decision  of  him
    &  his  counsellors,  &  he  is  authorized  to  compel  a
    compliance.  He  shall  hold  his  settings  annually  in

    66  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY"

    four  different  parts  of  the  Empire.  The  King  of
    Sciota  &  the  chiefs  of  the  different  tribes  shall  hold
    their  offices  &  exercise  the  same  authority  in  civil
    matters  that  they  have  done.  They  shall  be  ameni-
    able  to  the  emperor  &  his  counsellors,  whose  duty  it
    shall  be  to  inquire  into  all  complaints  against  them
    from  their  subjects  &  to  redress  grievances  &  punish
    for  oppression  &  injustice  by  fines.  He  &  his  Coun
    sellors  shall  have  the  explusive  priviledge  of  coining
    money.  They  may  likewise  lay  taxes  for  the  sup
    port  of  the  government  &  for  the  defence  of  the
    nation.  They  shall  coin  no  more  money  than  what
    is  necessary  for  the  convenience  of  the  people,  &  in
    such  quantity  only  that  the  value  shall  not  depre
    ciate.  In  time  of  war  he  shall  appoint  the  officers  of
    his  army  except  where  the  chiefs  chuse  to  command
    their  own  subjects.  In  that  case,  they  shall  be  sub
    ject  to  the  commands  of  the  Emperor.  The  people
    in  every  City  town  or  village  shall  respectively  chuse
    one  or  more  Censors,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to
    enquire  into  all  mal-conduct  of  rulers,  &  all  vicious
    &  improper  conduct  of  the  priests  &  the  people  &  they
    shall  pursue  such  measures  to  obtain  justice  &  to
    produce  a  reformation  of  morals  in  the  offenders  as
    the  laws  shall  direct.

    In  order  that  the  priests  &  instructors  of  learning
    may  know  &  perform  their  duty  for  the  benefit  of
    civilization,  morality  &  religion,  Lambon  the  third
    son  of  Lobaska  shall  preside  over  them  &  shall  have
    the  title  of  high  Priest,  &  the  office  shall  be  heredi
    tary  in  the  eldest  males  of  his  family  successively.
    There  shall  be  associated  with  him  four  priests  as  his

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  67

    assistants.  They  shall  exercise  a  jurisdiction  over  all
    the  priests  of  the  Empire,  &  shall  see  that  they  faith
    fully  perform  the  duties  of  their  office.  They  shall
    attend  to  the  instructors  of  learning  &  shall  direct
    that  a  suitable  number  are  provided  thro'out  the
    Empire.  It  shall  likewise  be  their  duty  at  all  suita
    ble  times  &  places  to  instruct  Rulers  &  people  in  the
    duties  of  their  respective  Stations,  <fc  to  labour  inces
    santly  to  persuade  mankind  to  restrain  subject  their
    passions  &  appetites  under  the  government  of  Rea
    son,  that  they  may  secure  happiness  to  themselves
    in  this  life  &  immortal  happiness  beyond  the  grave.
    The  people  shall  make  contribution  in  proportion  to
    their  wealth  for  the  support  of  their  priests.  If  any
    refuse  they  shall  be  denied  the  priviledge  of  their
    instructions  &  shall  be  subjected  to  the  ridicule  &
    contempt  of  the  people.

    For  the  convenience  of  the  people  and  the  easy
    support  of  the  government  it  is  necessary  that  there
    government  shou  should  be  something  which  shall
    represent  property,  &  which  is  of  small  weight.  It  is
    therefore  provided  that  certain  small  pieces  of  iron
    stamped  in  a  peculiar  manner  shall  be  this  circu
    lating  medium.  Each  piece  according  to  its  particu
    lar  stamp  shall  have  a  certain  value  fixed  upon  it.  It
    shall  be  the  peculiar  prerogative  of  the  Emperor  &
    his  counsellors  to  direct  the  coining  of  these  pieces,
    which  shall  be  denominated  money.  No  more
    money  shall  be  coined  than  what  will  be  for  the
    benefit  of  the  Empire,  nor  shall  the  Emperor  &  his
    counsellors  receive  any  more  of  it  than  an  adequate
    compensation  for  their  services.  They  shall  keep  an

    68  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    account  of  the  amount  of  money  coined  annually  &
    the  manner  in  which  it  has  been  distributed  &
    expended.  This  account  shall  be  submitted  to  the
    examination  of  the  King  of  Sciota  &  the  chiefs  of  the
    Empire.  The  Emperor  shall  always  be  ready  to
    receive  the  petitions  &  complaints  of  his  subjects,
    He  shall  consult  the  welfare  of  his  people  &  save
    them  from  oppression  &  tyranny  &  by  his  beneficent
    acts  shall  gain  their  affections  &  obtain  the  appella
    tion  of  a  just,  a  good  &  a  glorious  Prince.

    When  Hadocam  King  of  Sciota  had  received  this
    plan  of  government,  he  immediately  assembled  all  the
    chiefs  or  princes  within  his  kingdom.  Lobaska
    pointed  out  the  defects  of  the  existing  governments,
    &  the  excellencies  of  that  form  which  he  presented
    for  their  acceptance.  His  reasons  could  not  be
    resisted,  they  unanimously  agreed  to  establish  it  as
    their  constitution  of  Government.  Labamack
    accepted  the  office  of  Emperor  &  his  four  counsellor
    were  appointed.  Lambon  was  ordained  high  Priest  &
    his  four  assistants  chosen.  The  new  government  was
    now  put  in  operation.  The  various  tribes  living  con
    tiguous  to  the  Empire  seeing  its  prosperity,  solicited
    the  priviledge  of  being  received  as  parts  of  the
    Empire.  Their  requests  were  granted.  Improvement
    &  prosperity  attended  them.  This  induced  other  con
    tiguous  Tribes  to  request  the  same  priviledge,  <fc
    others  still  adjoining  them  came  forward  with  their
    petitions.  All  were  granted  &  the  same  regulations
    established  in  every  part.  Within  about  three  years
    from  the  first  establishment  of  the  Empire,  Lobaska
    had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  his  son  reign  over  a  ter-

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  69

    ritory  of  more  than  four  hundred  miles  in  length
    along  the  River  Ohio,  A  of  beholding  a  nation  rapidly
    progressing  from  a  state  of  barbarism,  ignorance  &
    wretchedness,  to  a  state  of  civilization  4  prosperity.

    Having  now  beheld  the  happy  result  of  his  experi
    ment  at  Sciota,  Lobaska  made  a  second  viset  to
    Bambo  king  of  Kentuck.  The  second  son  whose
    name  was  Hamback,  was  present  at  the  city  of
    Gamba  at  His  youngest  son  Kalo  attended  him.  He
    made  known  his  plan  of  revolution  to  Bambo,  who
    cordially  acquiessed  <fe  called  together  his  princes.
    They  unanimously  agreed  to  place  Hamback  on  the
    throne  of  the  Empire  south  of  the  Ohio  River,  &  to
    ordain  Kalo  as  their  high  Priest.  With  the  excep
    tion  of  names  &  places  the  constitution  of  government
    was  the  same  as  that  which  the  Sciotans  adopted.
    The  same  measures  were  purpued  to  insure  its  suc
    cess.  A  great  &  flourishing  Empire  arose  <fc  barba
    rous  tribes  connected  themselves  with  the  Empire,  &
    under  the  fostering  care  of  the  government  became
    wealthy  civilized  &  prosperous.

    Thus  within  the  term  of  twelve  years  from  the
    arival  of  Lobaska  at  Golanga,  he  had  the  satisfaction
    of  beholding  the  great  &  benevolent  objects  which  he
    had  in  view  accomplished.  He  still  continued  his
    useful  Labours  &  was  the  great  Oriole  of  both
    Empires.  His  advice  &  sentiments  were  taken  upon
    all  important  subjects,  &  no  one  ventured  to  contro
    vert  his  opinions.  He  lived  to  behold  the  successful
    experiment  of  his  institutions,  <fc  to  see  them  acquire
    that  strength  &  firmness  as  not  easily  to  be  over
    thrown.

    70  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    Having-  acquired  that  renown  &  glory  which  are
    beyond  the  reach  of  envy,  &  which  aspiring  ambition
    would  despair  of  attaining,  at  the  age  of  eighty  he
    bade  an  affectionate  adieu  to  two  Empires  &  left  them
    to  lament  in  tears  hisjmle  exit.

    These  two  empires  continued  to  progress  in  their
    improvements  &  population,  &  to  rival  each  other  in
    prosperity  during  the  reign  of  Ten  successive  Emper
    ors  on  the  throne  of  Sciota.  Peace  &  harmony  &  a
    friendly  intercourse  existed  between  them.  No  wars
    took  place  to  disturb  their  tranquility,  except  what
    arose  from  the  surrounding  Savages,  who  sometimes
    disturbed  the  frontiers  in  a  hostile  manner  for  the
    sake  of  gaining  plunder.  But  these  attacks  were
    generally  repelled  &  defeated,  without  much  loss  of
    blood.  They  were  in  fact  of  such  trifling  conse
    quence  as  to  make  no  perceptible  impediment  to
    prevent  the  population  improvement  &  prosperity  of
    both  Empires,  &  happy,  thrice  happy  would  it  have
    been  for  them  if  they  had  still  continued  to  have  pur
    sued  the  amicable  &  benevolent  principles,  which  first
    marked  the  commencement  &  progress  of  their  insti
    tutions.

    CHAT.  X.

    MILETARY     ARRANGEMENTS,     AMUSEMENTS,     CUSTOMS     &
    EXTENT    OP    THE    EMPIRES.

    THE  customs  &  amusements  of  a  Nation  evince  the
    state  of  society  which  exists  among  the  people.
    When  the  two  Empires  of  Sciota  &  Kentuck  had
    commenced  their  new  career  on  the  plan  which  was

    >      \*1  v

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.1'  71

    formed  by  Lobaska,  they  adopted  as  a  true  maxim
    that  to  avoid  wai  it  was  necessary  to  be  in  constant
    preparation  for  it.  It  was  the  wise  policy  of  of  the  two
    governments  to  make  such  military  arrangements  as
    never  to  be  surpriz^  by  any  enimy  unprepared.  In
    every  city  town  &  vir'ge  the  people  were  required  to
    provide  military  impliments,  &  to  deposit  them  in  a
    secure  place.  These  magazines  were  to  contain  a
    sufficient  quantity  of  arms  &  warlike  impliments  to
    furnish  every  man  who  should  be  able  to  bear  arms
    should  be  destitute.  In  order  that  every  man  might
    have  sufficient  skill  to  use  them  to  advantage,  great
    p;iins  was  taken  to  prepare  him  by  teaching  him  the
    arts  of  war.

    The  knowledge  of  military  tackticks  as  they  it  was
    then  attainable,  was  likewise  difused  among  the  peo
    ple.  Young  men  from  sixteen  to  twenty  five  years
    old  were  required  to  take  the  field  four  times  in  each
    year.  &  to  spend  sixteen  days  during  each  time  in
    learning  the  military  art,  <fc  in  building  fortifications.
    And  very  able-bodied  men  were  required  to  spend
    eight  days  in  each  year  in  the  same  employments.

    In  consequence  of  these  regulations  a  rivalship
    existed  among  the  different  sexions  of  the  Empire  to
    exceed  each  other  in  skill  &  dexterity  in  their  mili
    tary  manoevers.  Hence  it  was  a  general  custom  in
    every  part  of  the  country  for  different  bodies  of  men
    to  meet  to  engage  in  feigned  battles  once  every  year,
    in  order  to  make  a  display  of  their  improvements  in
    the  art  of  war.  Premiums  were  given  to  those  who
    were  the  most  expert  in  shooting  the  arrow  or  in

    72  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    managing  the  spear  &  the  sword.  Their  amusements
    were  generally  of  the  athletick  kind,  calculated  to
    improve  their  agility  &  strength  &  prepare  them  for
    warriors.  Wrestling,  slinging,  &  throwing  stones  at
    marks,  leaping  ditches  &  fences  dfc  climbing  trees  &
    pricipices  were  some  of  their  most  favorite  diversions.
    And  as  they  took  great  pains  to  perfect  themselves
    in  these  exercises,  it  would  astonish  Spectators  of
    other  nations,  to  observe  the  improvement  they  had
    made  &  the  extraordinary  feats  of  agility  &  strength
    which  they  exhibited.

    Other  diversions  which  had  no  tendency  to  fit  them
    for  war  they  seldom  practiced,  except  when  in  the
    company  of  women,  being  taught  by  their  religion
    the  social  virtues,  they  manifested  a  great  regard  for
    the  rights  of  the  other  sex  &  always  treated  them  with
    attention  civility  &  tenderness.  Hence,  when  in  the
    company  of  the  fair  sex  it  was  curious  to  observe
    that  when  in  the  company  of  women  they  easily
    exchanged  the  warriors  ruged  AJbold  attitude  of  the
    bold  warrior  for  the  complasant  &  tender  deport
    ment  of  the  affectionate  galant.  The  amusements
    which  were  pleasing  to  the  female  mind  were  equally
    pleasing  to  the  men,  whenever  they  held  their  social
    meeting  for  recreation.  These  meetings  were  fre
    quent  among  the  younger  class  of  Citizens,  whether
    married  or  single.  Various  kinds  of  amusements
    would  frequently  be  introduced  at  such  times  for
    their  mutual  entertainment,  but  that  which  held  the
    most  conspicuous  place  was  dancing.  But  their
    manner  of  Dancing  was  different  from  that  of  the
    polished  Europians.  Gracefulness  &  easy  attitude

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  73

    were  not  so  much  studied  in  their  movements  as
    sprightliness  &  agility,  &  those  tunes  which  admitted
    the  greatest  display  of  activity  &  sprightliness  were
    generally  the  most  pleasing  fashionable.  Hence
    those  whose  bodies  were  formed  for  the  quickest
    movements  if  they  keept  time  with  the  music,  were
    the  most  admired.  In  small  assemblies  it  was  fash
    ionable  to  amuse  themselves  with  at  playing  with
    pieces  of  parchment.  This  they  denominate  the
    Bird  Play.  Each  peice  o_f  is  of  an  oval  form  A  of
    convenient  length  &  width  &  on  each  one  is  portraid
    the  likeness  of  a  Bird.  All  the  birds  of  Prey  that
    came  within  their  knowledge  have  the  honour  of
    being  represented  on  these  peices  of  Parchment.  On
    the  other  pieces  are  portraid  other  birds  of  different
    kinds  The  whole  number  of  the  peices  amount  to
    about  sixty.  These  are  promiscuous  placed  in  a  pack
    &  dealt  of  to  the  company  of  players  whose  number
    does  not  exceed  six.  The  person  then,  who  has  the
    greatest  number  of  carnivorous  Birds  by  a  dextrous
    management,  may  catch  the  greatest  number  of  the
    other  Birds  &  thus  obtain  the  victory.

    During  these  enterviews  of  the  different  sexes  <fc
    even  in  their  common  intercouse  with  each  other  they
    are  always  very  cheerful  &  sociable  <fc  often  display
    that  fondness  &  familiarity,  which  in  Europe  would
    be  considered  as  indicative  of  a  lascivious  character,
    but  in  this  country  are  considered  as  what  good  man
    ners  requird^  Nothing  rude  nothing  indecent  or
    immodest  according  to  their  ideas  of  the  meaning  of
    these  terms,  are  admissible  in  company,  <fc  absolute

    74  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.1'

    lasciviousness  would  meet  the  most  severe  reprehen
    sion.  When  a  young  man  wishes  to  settle  himself  in
    a  family  state  he  proclaims  it  by  wearing  a  red  feather
    in  his  cap.  This  is  considered  as  an  admonition  to
    the  young  women  who  would  not  receive  him  for  a
    husband,  to  avoid  his  company,  whereas  those  whose
    inclinations  towards  him  are  more  favourable  admit
    his  attentions.  From  this  number  he  selects  one  as
    the  object  of  his  addresses.  He  obtains  an  enterview
    &  proposes  a  courtship.  If  the  proposition  accords
    with  her  wishes,  they  then  agree  on  a  time  when  he
    shall  make  known  the  affair  to  her  parents,  whose
    approbation  being  obtained,  he  is  then  permited  to
    viset  her  ten  times  in  sixty  days.  At  the  expiration
    of  this  time  the  bargain  for  matrimony  must  be  fin
    ished.  Otherwise  there  must  be  a  final  termination
    of  the  courtshi  or  a  postponement  of  the  courtship,
    for  the  term  of  one  year,  or  else  a  The  parties  are  at
    liberty  during  the  postponement  to  But  if  the  parties
    are  pleased  with  each  other,  the  contract  is  made  &
    the  time  for  the  celebra  performance  of  the  nuptial
    ceremonies  is  appointed.  An  entertainment  is  pro
    vided  made  friends  are  invited  &  the  Bridegroom  &
    the  Bride  present  themselves  in  their  best  apparel.
    The  company  form  a  circle  &  they  take  their  stand  in
    the  centre.  The  father  of  the  Bride  speaks.  For
    what  purpose  do  you  present  yourselves  They
    answer,  to  join  hands  in  wedlock.  Our  hearts  are
    already  joined,  &  we  have  made  a  solemn  contract
    covenant  to  be  true  &  faithful  to  each  other.  The
    company  then  all  explain.  "Blessings  will  attend

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  75

    you  if  ye  fulfil,  but  Curses  if  ye  transgress.  They
    are  then  conducted  jinto  a  log,  round  which  a  Rope  is
    tied.  The  Bride  groom  takes  hold  of  one  end  of  the
    rope  &  the  Bride  the  other,  <fc  being  commanded  to
    draw  the  log  into  the  house.  They  pull  in  opposite
    directions  with  all  their  might.  Having  worried
    themselves  for  some  time  to  no  purpose  to  the  great
    diversion  of  the  company,  the  parents  of  both  parties
    step  forward  &  giving  them  a  severe  reprimand,  com
    mand  them  to  draw  in  the  same  direction.  They
    instantly  obey  &  the  Log  is  easily  drawn  to  its  des
    tined  place.  The  rest  of  the  time  is  spent  in  great
    cheerfulness,  &  meriment.  They  partake  of  the
    entertainment  &  conclude  with  customary  amuse
    ments.  The  Bridegroom  &  Bride  are  now  desirous  to
    form  a  family  by  themselves.  If  their  parents  are  of
    sufficient  ability  they  furnish  them  with  a  convenient
    house  &  such  furniture  as  will  be  required  for  family
    use  &  such  other  property  as  they^will  need  to  enable
    them  to  obtain  a  comfortable  living.  But  if  their
    parents  are  poor  they  receive  a  pittance  &  contribu
    tions  from  relations  &  neighbours,  db  are  placed  in  such
    a  situation  that  with  proper  industry  &  econimy  they
    can  live  live  above  indigence  <fe  enjoy  life  agreeably.
    At  the  time  they  enter  their  new  habitation  they  are
    attended  by  Priests  <fc  by  their  relation  &  friends.
    They  kneel  in  the  centre  of  the  Room  <fc  the  Priest
    places  his  right  hand  on  the  head  of  the  Bridegroom
    &  his  left  on  the  head  of  the  Bride.  After  explaining
    &  enjoining  in  the  most  solemn  manner  the  various
    duties  of  the  married  state,  he  concludes  his  injunc
    tions  with  these  words.  "My  Dear  children,  I  con-

    76  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    jure  you  as  you  regard  your  own  peace  <fe  felicity,  as
    you  would  wish  to  acquire  wealth  <fe  reapectibility__A
    set  an  example  worthy  of  emitation,  that  as  you  are
    now  yoked  together  to  draw  in  the  same  direction.
    They  then  rise  &  he  presents  each  with  a  piece  of
    Parchment  on  which  is  written  Draw  in  the  same
    direction  All  the  duties  of  the  conjugal  state  in
    their  opinion  are  comprized  in  this  injunction  Com
    mand.

    As  the  Priests  <fe  the  Censors  were  vigilent  &  care-
    f ul  to  required  to  see  that  parents  restrained  the
    vices  of  their  children  &  instructed  them  in  the
    knowledge  of  their  religious  principles  the  effects
    were  very  conspicuous.

    Having  been  early  taught  to  restrain  the  govern
    their  passions  &  to  regard  the  practice  of  virtue  as
    their  greatest  good,  it  was  generally  the  case  that
    love  friendship  &  harmony  existed  in  families.  &
    when  parents  were  treated  by  their  children  with
    great  tenderness  &  respect

    Parents  manifested  an  anxious  solicitude  for  the
    future  welfare  &  respectibility  of  their  children,  &  in
    their  turn  children  treated  their  parents  with  respect
    &  reverence.  Nor  did  they  forsake  them  in  old  age,
    but  paid  provided  liberally  for  their  support  &^

    But  we  are  not  to  suppose  that  in  the  most  virtu
    ous  age  of  the  nation  all  were  virtuous.  Far  from
    this.  But  with  such  punctual  exactness  were  the
    laws  executed,  in  the  most  prosperous  state  of  the
    nation,  that  vice  &  impiety  had  but  few  advocates  &

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  77

    the  wicked  were  ashamed  of  their  own  characters.
    Tho'  every  vice  was  prohibited  by  law,  yet  the  pen
    alties  were  not  severe.  Murder  alone  was  punished
    with  death.  With  respect  to  other  Laws,  they  were  cal
    culated  to  wound  the  pride  &  ambition  of  the  trans
    gressor,  <fc  produce  shame  <fc  regret.  Adultery  was-
    is  punished  by  obliging  the  Culprit  to  wear  a  pair  of
    Elk  horns  on  his  shoulders  six  days,  &  to  walk  thro*
    the  City  or  vilage  once  each  day,  at  which  times
    the  boys  are  at  liberty  to  pelt  him  with  rotten  eggs.
    The  thief  is  compelled  to  make  ample  restitution.
    For  the  third  offense  he  is  covered  with  tar  &  feath
    ers  &  exhibited  as  a  specticle  for  laughter  &  ridicule.
    Pugilists  or  boxers,  if  they  are  equally  to  blame  for
    fighting,  are  yoked  together  at  least  one  day,  &  in
    this  situation  are  presented  to  the  view  of  the  multi
    tude.  They  must  wear  the  yoke  until  the  quarrel
    is  settled.  Such  being  the  nature  of  their  penal
    laws  &  such  the  punctuality  of  executing  the  penal
    ties  on  offenders  that  crimes  were  far  less  frequent  in
    this  country  than  in  Europe,  where  the  Laws  are
    more  severe,  &  offenders  more  often  escape  punish
    ment.  Tho'  learning  civilization  &  refinement  had
    not  arrived  at  that  state  of  perfection,  in  which  they
    exist  in  a  great  part  of  the  Roman  Empire,  yet  the
    two  Empires  of  Sciota  &  Kentuck  during  their  long
    period  of  peace  &  prosperity,  were  not  less  happy  As
    luxury  and  extravagance  were  scarcely  known  to
    exist  especially  among  the  common  people,  an
    happy  equality  was  hence  there  was  a  great  simi
    larity  in  their  manner  of  living,  their  dress,  their
    habits  &  manners.  Pride  was  not  bloated  &  puffed

    78  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    up  with  enormous  wealth.  Nor  had  envy  fewel  to
    inflame  her  hatred  &  malice.  As  the  two  Empires
    were  not  displeased  with  each  others  prosperity  &
    happiness  &  the  two  governments  had  no  thirst  nor
    jealous  of  nor  jealous  of  each  others  power,  &  as  the
    governments  were  not  infested  with  a  thirst  for  con
    quest,  Peace  of  consequence  waved  her  olive  branch,
    &  the  malignant  passions  lay  dormant.  Avarice  &
    corruption  did  not  contaminate  the  ruling  powers  nor
    bribery  infest  the  seats  of  justice.  The  people  felt
    secure  in  the  enjoyment  of  their  rights,  &  desirous
    to  raise  up  families  to  partake  of  the  same  blessings
    which  they  enjoyed

    We  can  now  trace  the  causes  of  their  increase  &
    prosperity.  To  a  religion  which  presented  powerful
    motives  to  restrain  vice  &  impiety,  &  encourage  vir
    tue.  To  the  difusion  of  a  competent  share  of  learn
    ing  &  knowledge  to  enable  the  people  to  understand
    their  right  &  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  social  intercourse.
    To  the  establishment  of  political  institutions,  which
    gagrded  property  &  life  against  oppressing  injustice  &
    tyranny..  To  the  knowledge  which  the  people
    obtained  of  agriculture  &  the  mechanical  arts  &  their
    habits  of  industry  &  econimy.  To  the  mild  nature
    of  their  laws  &  the  certainty  of  executing  the  penalty
    upon  transgressors,  &  to  such  an  equality  of  property
    as  to  prevent  the  pride  of  wealth  &  the  extravagance
    of  Luxury.  To  such  causes  may  be  ascribed  the
    rapid  encrease  of  population,  &  the  apparent  content
    ment  &  felicity  which  extended  thro'  every  part  of
    the  country  of  the  Empires.  We  might  add  like  wise
    the  long  peace  that  continued  &  the  friendly  inter-

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  79

    course  that  existed  between  the  two  rival  Empires.
    A  peace  which  had  no  interruption  for  the  term  of
    near  five  hundred  years.  During  this  time  their  vil
    lages  &  cities  were  greatly  enlarged,  new  settlements
    were  formed  in  every  part  of  the  country  which  had
    not  been  inhabited,  &  towns  a  vast  number  of  towns
    were  built,  which  rivaled  as  to  number  of  inhabitants,
    those  which  existed  at  the  time  their  imperial  govern
    ments  were  founded.  Their  settlements  extended  the
    whole  length  of  the  great  River  Ohio  to  its  confluence
    with  the  Mississippi,  <fc  over  the  whole  country  on
    both  sides  of  the  Ohio  River,  which  are  watered  by
    streams  which  empty  into  it.  And  also  along  the
    great  lakes  of  Eri  &  Mishigan,  &  even  some  settle
    ments  were  formed  in  some  parts  of  the  country
    which  borders  on  Lake  Ontarion.  Such  was  the  vast
    extent  of  the  country  which  they  inhabited,  &  such
    the  fertility  of  the  soil,  that  many  milions  were  easily
    fed  &  supported  with  such  a  plenty,  &  competence  of
    provision  as  was  necessary  for  their  comfort  &  hap
    piness.

    During  the  time  of  their  rising  greatness  &  tran
    quillity,  their  policy  led  them  to  fortify  the  country  in
    every  part,  the  interior  as  well  as  the  frontiers.  This
    they  did  partly  for  their  own  safety,  provided  a  war
    should  take  place,  &  they  should  be  invaded  by  an
    enimy,  &  partly  to  keep  alive  a  military  &  improve  a
    warlike  spirit,  &  the  knowledge  of  military  tackticks.
    Near  every  vilage  or  City  they  constructed  forts  or
    fortifications  These  were  generally  of  an  oval  form  &
    of  different  dimentions  according  to  the  number  of
    inhabitants  who  lived  in  the  town.  The  Ramparts  or

    80  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    walls  were  formed  of  dirt  which  was  taken  in  front  of
    the  fort.  A  deep  canal  or  trench  would  likewise  be
    formed.  This  would  still  increase  the  dificulty  of
    surmounting  the  walls  in  front  In  addition  to  this
    they  inserted  sticks  pieces  of  Timber  on  the  top  of
    the  Ramparts.  These  peices  were  about  seven  feet
    in  length  from  the  ground  to  top,  which  was  sharp-
    ned.  The  distance  between  each  piece  was  about
    six  inches,  thro'  which  they  would  shoot  their  arrows
    against  an  Enimy.  Some  of  their  fortifications  have
    two  Ramparts  which  run  paralel  with  each  other,
    built  in  the  same  manner  with  a  distance  between  of
    about  two  or  three  perches.  Their  gates  are  strong
    &  well  constructed  for  defense.  Within  these  forts
    are  likewise  a  number  of  small  houses,  for  the  accom
    modation  of  the  army  &  inhabitants,  in  case  of  an
    invasion  <fc  likewise  a  storehouse  for  the  reception  of
    provisions  &  arms.  A  country  thus  fortified,  con
    taining  so  many  milions  of  inhabitants  hearty  &
    robust  &  with  habits  formed  for  war,  might  well  be
    supposed  as  able  to  defend  themselvs  against  an
    invading  enimy.  If  they  were  beat  from  the  frontier,
    they  would  still  retreat  back  to  the  fortifications  in
    the  interior  &  there  make  a  successful  stand.  But
    what  avails  all  the  wisdom,  the  art  &  the  works  of
    men,  what  avails  their  valour  their  strength  &  num
    bers,  when  the  Almighty  God  is  provoked  to  chastise
    them,  &  to  execute  his  vengeance  in  their  overthrow
    &  destruction.

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT

    (

    CHAT.  XI.

    As  the  Sciotans  &  the  Kentuoks  had  maintained
    with  eaoh  other  an  unterrupted  peace  &  friendly
    intercourse  for  the  space  of  four  hundred  &  eighty
    years,  it  seems  almost  incredible  that  a  Cause  which
    was  of  no  great  importance  to  either  nation,  should
    excite  their  resentment  against  each  other  &  produce
    all  the  horrors  of  war.  But  such  was  the  unhappy
    effect  of  an  affair,  which  had  no  regard  to  a  single
    person  except  the  imperial  families  Gi  the  two  empires
    &  the  king  of  Sciota.  As  the  families  had  were
    dessended  from  the  great  Lobaska,  they  had  during
    the  reign  of  all  their  Emperors  been  in  the  habit  of
    visiting  each  other,  but  as  each  Emperor  &  his  chil
    dren  were  required  not  to  marry  out  of  their  respec
    tive  dominions,  no  intermariages  had  taken  place.
    They  however  claimed  relationship,  &  still  continued
    to  each  other  the  appelation  of  our  dearest  &  best
    beloved  Cousen.

    A  Cousen  of  this  description,  who  was  the  eldest
    son  of  Hamboon,  the  Emperor  of  Kentuck  arrived  at
    the  City  of  Golanga  with  a  small  but  splendid  retinue
    of  Friends.  At  that  time  Rambock,  who  was  the
    fourteenth  Emperor,  was  seting  on  the  throne  of
    Sciota.  He  received  the  young  Prince  with  apparent
    sensation  of  the  highest  pleasure,  &  spared  no  pains
    to  manifest  towards  him  by  his  treatment  the  greatest
    esteem  &  friendship.  The  Emperor  had  an  only  son

    82  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    whose  name  was  Moonrod.  He  ordered  him  to  attend
    the  young  prince  &  to  treat  him  with  every  token  of
    affection  &  honour.  They  spent  their  time  in  receiv
    ing  visets  from  the  officers  of  the  government,  in
    viewing  curiosities,  &  in  the  assemblies  of  the  first
    Class  of  young  citizens  who  met  for  recreation.

    Elseon,  for  this  was  the  name  of  the  young  prince,
    was  soon  after  his  arival  introduced  to  Lamesa,  the
    eldest  daughter  of  the  Emperor.  She  was  a  young
    Lady  of  a  very  fair  &  beautiful  countenance.  Her
    features  &  the  construction  of  her  person  were  formed
    to  please  the  fancy,  whilst  the  ease  &  gracefulness  &
    modesty  of  her  deportment,  were  very  pleasing  to  all
    her  acquaintance.  Her  mind  was  replenished  with
    the  principles  of  knowledge  &  virtue  &  such  was  her
    vivacity  and  the  ease  with  which  she  expressed  her
    ideas,  that  all  were  delighted  with  her  conversation.
    No  wonder  that  this  fair  imperial  dansel  attracted  the
    attention  of  Elsion,  &  at  their  first  enterview  enkindled
    a  spark  in  his  boosom,  which  he  could  hardly  prevent
    from  being  discovered  thro  his  blushing  counta-
    nance,  &  the  embarassment  he  felt  in  conversation.
    He  strove  to  erase  those  tender  impressions  which
    she  had  made  on  his  heart,  but  in  vain;  every
    renewed  enterview  only  served  only  to  fix  her  image
    deeper  in  his  mind  with  &  to  make  the  flame  of  Love
    more  difficult  to  extinguish.  He  reasoned  on  the
    obsticles  in  the  way  of  obtaining  this  young  lady  for
    his  partner,  but  instead  of  cooling  only  ser  it  only
    increased  the  ardor  of  his  passion,  &  produced  a
    resolution  that  with  the  consent  of  Lamesa,  nothing
    should  prevent  the  attainment  of  his  wishes.

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  83

    To  a  mind  thus  ardent  which  possessed  the  native
    courage,  resolution  &  perseverance  of  Elseo,  the  most
    gigantic  obsticles  would  vanish  into  vapour.  Nor
    was  it  long  before  he  found  that  a  correspondent  pas
    sion  was  excited  in  her  breast.  The  moment  she  first
    saw  him,  her  heart  palpitated,  her  face  was  covered
    with  crimson,  she  turned  her  eyes  &  attempted  to
    speak,  her  tongue  stopt  its  motion  in  the  midle  of  a
    period.  She  .named,  sat  down  &  observed  that  she
    was  not  well.  A  description  of  this  scene  is  painted
    by  a  Sciotan  bard  in  poetic  numbers.  He  represents
    the  young  Lady  as  recovering  in  a  short  time  from  this
    state  of  agitation  <fc  confusion,  &  as  being  afterwards
    composed  &  having  a  better  command  of  her  pas
    sions.  To  follow  the  poet  in  the  description  which  he
    gives  of  Elseon,  to  whom  he  attaches  a  countenance
    &  figure  superior  to  other  mortals,  &  qualities  which
    produced  the  universal  esteem  &  admiration,  would
    not  comport  with  the  faithful  page  of  history.  Suf
    fice  it  to  say  that  Lamesa  was  captivated  with  his
    person,  &  was  impressed  with  those  ideas  <fc  senti
    ments  that  her  happiness  fled  except  when  she  either
    enjoyed  or  anticipated  his  company.  After  Elsion
    had  firmly  determined  to  marry  Lamesa,  he  was
    impatient  for  a  private  enterview  with  her  to  disclose
    his  sentiments.  This  occured  in  a  short  time.  They
    were  together  in  one  of  the  apartments  of  the  Emper
    ors  palace,  the  company  had  all  retired.  I  have,  said
    he  in  a  low  voice  to  Lamesa,  conceived  that  opinion
    of  you  that  I  hope  you  will  not  be  displeased  if  I
    express  my  feelings  with  frankness  &  sincerity.
    You  must,  she  replied,  be  the  best  judge  of  what  it  is

    84  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    proper  for  you  to  express.  I  am  always  pleased  with
    sincerity.  As  the  sun,  says  he,  my  dear  Lamesa,
    when  he  rises  with  his  radiant  beams,  dispels  the
    darkness  of  knight,  so  it  is  in  your  power  to  dispel
    the  clouds  of  anxiety  that  rest  upon  my  soul.  The
    Crown  of  Kentuck  will  be  like  a  Rock  on  my  head,
    unless  you  will  condesend  to  share  with  me  the  glory
    &  felicity  of  my  reign.  Will  you  consent  to  be  my
    dearest  friend  &  companion  for  life?  There  is
    nothing,  she  replies,  would  give  me  more  pleasure
    than  a  compliance  with  your  request,  provided  it
    shall  meet  the  approbation  of  my  Father.  But
    how  can  he  consent,  when  our  Constitution  requires
    that  his  daughters  should  marry  in  his  own  domin
    ions?  Beside,  my  father  intends  that  I  shall  receive
    the  King  of  Sciota  for  my  husband.  By  perform  -
    ming,  says  he,  the  oerimonies  of  maraige  at  Talanga,
    we  shall  literally  comply  with  the  imperial  constitu
    tion,  as  Talanga  is  within  the  dominions  of  your
    Father.  But  as  for  the  King  of  Sciota,  do  you  sin
    cerely  wish  to  have  him  for  a  husband?  No,  she
    quickly  replies,  speaks  anger  sparkled  in  her  eyes.
    No.  the  King  of  Sciota  for  my  husband.  His  pride,
    his  haughtiness,  the  pomposity  of  all  his  movements
    excite  my  perfect  disgust.  I  should  as  leave  be
    yoked  to  a  porcupine.  Several

    These  Lovers,  as  you  may  well  conjecture,  said
    many  things  too  tender  &  endearing  to  please  the
    taste  of  the  common  Class  of  Lovers.  In  this  enter-
    view  which  lasted  about  four  hours,  they  exchanged
    the  most  transporting  expression  of  love,  made  the
    most  solemn  protests  vows  of  sincerity  &  perpetual

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  86

    friendship  &  finally  agreed  that  Elseon  should  make
    known  to  the  Emperor  their  mutual  desire  to  be  joined
    in  wedlock.  The  next  day  he  wrote  to  the  Emperor
    as  follows.

    May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Majesty.  Per
    mit  me  to  express  my  most  sincere  gratitude  for  the
    high  favors  &  honour,  which  thro'  the  beneficence  of
    of  your  Majesty  I  have  enjoyed  in  your  dominions.
    I  am  likewise  impelled  to  request  a  favour,  which  to
    me  would  be  the  most  precious  gift,  that  is  in  the
    power  of  your  Majesty  to  bestow.  Having  contracted
    an  acquaintance  with  your  most  amiable  daughter
    Lamesa,  &  finding  that  a  correspondent  affection  A
    esteem  exist  in  our  hearts  toward  each  other  A  a
    mutual  desire  to  be  united  by  the  solemn  covenant  of
    maraige,  I  would  therefore  solicit  your  Majesty's  per
    mission  that  such  a  connection  be  formed.

    Such  a  connection  I  conceive,  may  in  its  effect  be
    very  salutary  &  beneficial  to  bothe  Empires.  It  will
    unite  the  two  imperial  families  in  a  nearer  in  the  bond
    of  consanguinity,  A  fix  upon  them  an  additional  obli
    gation  to  cultivate  friendship,  peace  &  an  amiable
    intercourse.  It  will  strengthen  the  sinues  of  both
    governments  &  promote  &  promote  an  happy  inter
    change  of  friendly  offices.  As  to  the  objection  that
    might  arise  from  the  constitution  requiring,  that  the
    Emperors  daughters  should  marry  in  his  own  domin
    ions,  this  according  to  its  literal  meaning  can  have
    respect  only  to  the  place  where  the  Emperors
    daughter  shall  marry.  If  by  your  Majestys  permis
    sion,  I  should  marry  your  daughter  Lamesa  in  your
    dominions  it  will  be  a  literal  fulfillment  of  the  oonsti-

    88  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.'1

    tution.  From  this  ground  therefore,  I  conceive  that
    no  objection  of  any  weight  can  arise.  Will  your
    majesty  please  to  vouchsafe  me  an  answer  to  my
    request.

    Signed.    ELSEON.    PRINCE  OF  KENTUOK.

    This  letter  was  presented  to  the  Emperor  by
    Helicon,  an  intimate  friend  of  Elseon.  The  Emperor
    read  it  assumed  the  aspect  of  deep  consideration,
    walked  the  room  a  few  moments,  then  took  a  seat
    &  told  Helicon  that  he  might  inform  the  young
    prince  that  he  should  receive  an  answer  in  a  ten
    days.

    But  why  this  few  Ten  days,  a  long  time  for  two
    ardent  lovers  to  remain  in  suspense.  But  the  Em
    peror  must  consult  his  counsellors,  his  priests  &  the
    last  &  most  fatal  counsellor  of  all  the  King  of  Sciota,
    who  presumed  to  claim  the  hand  of  the  fair  Lamesa.
    The  affair  became  public.  The  popular  sintiment  at
    first  favoured  the  connection.  The  Emperors  coun
    sellors  &  his  priests  were  at  first  inclined  to  recom
    mend  an  affirmative  answer.  But  the  interest  of  the
    Sciotan  King  soon  prevailed.  This  produced  a  dif
    ferent  view  of  the  subject  The  Counsellors  perceived
    that  such  a  connection  would  be  a  most  flagrant
    violation  of  the  true  meaning  &  spirit  of  the  constitu
    tion,  &  the  priests  considered  that  it  would  be  an  act
    of  the  greatest  impiety,  as  it  transgress  an  explicit
    injunction  of  the  great  founder  of  their  government
    &  religion.  This  opinion  had  vast  Weight  on  the
    minds  of  a  great  majority  of  the  people.  The  more
    liberal  sort  vindicated  the  cause  of  Elseon.  This

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  87

    produced  a  great  debate  altercation  A  confusion  thro*
    the  City.  All  were  anxious  to  know  the  Emperora
    decision.

    On  the  tenth  day  the  Emperor  transmitted  to  the
    prince  the  following  answer  to  his  letter.

    To  our  best  beloved  Cousen  Elseon  Prince  of  Ken-
    tuck.  The  letter  we  received  from  your  highness  has
    impressed  our  hearts  with  a  deep  sense  of  the  honor
    &  benefit,  which  you  intended  uor  family  &  Empire.
    At  first  we  were  inclined  to  accept  of  the  alliance  you
    proposed.  But  having  examined  <fe  considered  the
    subject  with  great  seriousness  &  attention,  we  that
    find  that  to  admit  your  Highness  who  is  not  a  citizen
    of  our  Empire  to  marry  into  our  family,  would  be  a
    most  flagrant  violation  of  the  true  meaning  <fe  spirit
    of  our  constitution.  &  an  impious  outrage  on  the
    sacred  memory  of  its  Founder  For  these  reasons  we
    must  solicit  your  Highness  not  to  insist  on  our  com
    pliance  with  your  request.

    Signed.      HAMBOCK,  EMPEROR  OF  SCIOTA.

    As  Elseon  had  been  informed  of  the  complexion
    which  his  affairs  had  assumed  in  the  court,  &  thro'
    the  City,  he  was  prepared  for  the  alswer  which  he
    received.

    Without  manifesting  the  least  chagrin  or  Resent
    ment,  he  appeared  to  acquiesse  in  the  decision  of  the
    Emperor.  He  displayed  his  in  his  countenance,  his
    conversation  <fc  deportment,  his  usual  cheerfulness
    &  vivacity.  He  continued  his  amusements  &  asso
    ciated  with  company  with  the  same  ease,  gracefulness
    &  dignified  conduct  which  he  had  done  before.  At

    88  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    the  same  time,  his  determination  was  fixed  to  trans
    port  the  fair  Lamesa  into  his  fathers  dominions.  The
    first  enterview  he  had  with  her  after  he  received  the
    Emperors  letter,  he  informed  her  of  its  contents.  She
    trembled,  paleness  began  to  cover  her  face,  &  had
    not  Elseon  received  her  into  his  arms,  perhaps  she
    would  have  falen  from  her  seat  However,  by  a  few
    soothing  words  and  caresses,  she  was  restored  to  her
    former  composure  &  recollection.  Believe  me,  quoth
    he,  my  Dearest  Lamesa,  you  shall  be  mine.  This
    heart  shall  be  torn  from  my  bosom,  &  these  limbs
    from  my  body,  nothing  else  shall  prevent  our  union
    &  compleat  enjoyment  of  happiness.  Can  the  ancient
    scribbling  of  a  great  sage  or  the  degree  of  an  Em
    peror  prevent  the  streams  from  uniting  with  the  ocean?
    With  the  same  ease  &  propriety  can  they  prevent  the
    union  of  our  hands,  since  our  hearts  are  united.
    With  your  consent,  you  shall  be  mine.  Is  it  possible,
    she  replies,  is  it  possible  to  disregard  the  authority
    of  an  indulgent  &  beloved  parent  &  disobey  his  com
    mand.  This  I  never  did.  What  if  he  should  com
    mand  you,  says  Elseao,  to  marry  the  King  of  Sciota?
    would  you  obey?  He  might,  she  replies,  with  more
    regard  to  my  happiness,  command  me  to  plunge  a
    dagger  into  my  heart.  I  cannot  endure  that  super
    cilious  bundle  of  pride  &  affectation.

    At  this  moment  her  maid  entered  the  room  &
    gave  her  a  letter.  I  received  this  letter,  she  says,
    from  your  Brother,  who  told  me  it  was  from  the
    Emperor.  She  opened  it  &  read.

    My  Dearest  &  best  beloved  Daughter.

    Having  the  most  tender  &   affectionate

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  89

    regard  for  your  future  welfare  A  felicity,  we  have
    concluded  a  treaty  of  marriage  between  you  <fc
    Lambul  the  King  of  Sciota.  This  alliance  will  be
    honourable  to  our  family  &  be  productive  of  many
    benefits  to  the  Empire.  On  the  tenth  day  from  this
    time  the  nuptial  ceremonies  will  be  celebrated,  con
    summated  in  our  Palace.  You  will  be  in  readiness  &
    yield  a  cheerful  compliance  with  our  will.

    Signed.  BAMBOCK.  EM'R  OP  SCIOTA.
    Had  the  lightning  flashed  from  the  clouds  &  pierced
    her  heart,  it  could  not  have  produced  a  more  instan
    taneous  effect.  She  fell  into  the  arms  of  Elseon,  the
    maid  ran  for  a  cordial.  Elseon  rubed  her  temples
    &  hands  &  loosened  the  girdle  about  her  waist.
    Within  about  an  hour  her  blood  began  to  circulate.
    Elseon  to  his  inexpressible  joy  felt  her  pulse  begin
    to  beat,  &  perceived  flashes  of  colour  in  her  face.
    With  a  plaintive  groon,  she  once  more  opened  her
    eyes  to  the  beams  of  day,  &  in  a  kind  of  wild  dis
    traction  exclaimed,  Ah  cruel,  cruel  Father,  why  have
    you  doomed  your  daughter  to  a  situation  the  most
    odious  &  disgustful.  As  well  might  you  have  thrown
    her  into  a  den  of  porcupines,  opossums  A  serpents.
    With  such  animals  I  could  enjoy  life  with  less  disgust
    <fc  torment,  than  with  this  mighty  King  of  Sciota,  and
    An  alliance  with  him  an  honour  to  our  family,  an
    honour  to  the  descendants  of  the  great  Lobaska!
    What  wicked  counsellors  have  deceived  my  Father,  &
    induced  him  to  throw  me  into  the  arms  of  this  hateful
    monster?  Ah,  whither  shall  I  fly  &  escape  my  bar-
    berous  destiny.  I  am  your  protector,  says  Elseon.  |
    am  your  friend  &  will  conduct  you  beyond  the  loving

    90  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    &  gigantic  grasp  of  Sambol.  His  loathsome  arms
    shall  never  encircle  my  dear  Lamesa.  Consent  to
    my  request  &  we  will  be  within  ten  days  at  the  City
    of  Gamba.  There  you  will  be  esteemed  as  the
    brightest  Orniment  of  my  Fathers  Empire.  No
    longer  Oh  Elseon,  she  exclaimed,  can  I  refuse  my
    consent  to  your  proposal.  When  a  compliance  with
    my  fathers  commands  will  entail  wretchedness  &
    misery  thro'  life.  Heaven  will  pardon  my  disobe
    dience.  Yes,  Elseo,  I  will  go  with  you,  &  place  my
    happiness  in  your  power,  rather  than  fall  into  the
    hands  of  this  haughty  Sambul.

    What  could  she  say  more  to  excite  the  feelings  of  a
    heartTstruggling  under  the  operation  of  different  pas
    sions  &^pposite^motives.  She  has  taken  her  resolu
    tion,  love  has  gained  the  preeminence  over  every
    obsticle

    At  this  resolution,  Elseon  was  transported  with  joy.
    He  now  proceedejMx)  form  his  plans  for  their  flight.
    On  the  fourth  day  after,  he  called  upon  the  Emperor
    &  requested  his  permission  to  depart  to  his  own
    Country^  The  Emperor  importuned  him  to  tarry  &  be
    one  of  the  guests  at  Lamesas  wedding.  But  he
    declined  ^by  urging  as  his  apology  the  anxiety  &
    impatience  of  his  father  for  his  return.  Permission
    was  granted,  &  the  Emperor  aded  that  he  should  do
    himself  the  honour  to  furnish  the  prince  with  an
    escort  when  he  left  the  city.  Elseon  replied  that  as
    he  was  not  fond  of  much  parade,  he  would  wish  that
    the  escort  might  not  consist  of  the  Emperors  soldiers,

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  91

    only  his  friend  <fe  his  daughter  A  with  with  each  of
    them  a  friend.  These  says  he,  are  my  dearest  <fe  best
    beloved  cousens,  for  whom  I  shall  ever  retain  the
    most  sincere  friendship.  Nothing  can  afford  me
    more  pleasure,  says  the  Emperor,  than  to  comply
    with  your  request.

    Elseon  took  an  affectionate  leave  of  the  Emperor
    A  on  the  second  day  after,  being  prepared  for  his
    journey  he  set  off  with  his  three  friends  <t  their  eerv-
    ants.  Moonrod,  prince  of  the  Empire,  &  Lamesa
    with  her  two  sisters,  with  each  of  them  a  friend,
    attended  them  on  his  journey  about  twenty  miles.
    They  all  tarried  at  a  vilage  over  night.

    Imagination  alone  can  paint  the  pleasant  <fe  happy
    scene.  Elseon  was  transported  with  joy.  He  prest
    her  to  his  bosom  with  all  the  ardor  of  inthusiasm,  <fc
    she  yielded  to  all  his  tender  &  innocent  embraces
    with  a  grateful  sensibility  &  modest  resignition.

    The  invention  &  ingenuity  of  Elseon  must  now
    be  employed  in  forming  a  plan  for  their  flight  to  his
    Fathers  dominions.  As  he  appeared  to  acquiesse  in
    the  decision  of  the  Emperor,  &  had  maintained  the
    same  cheerful  deportment,  none  were  suspicious  of
    his  design.  The  Emperor  &  the  whole  court  still
    manifested  toward  him  every  token  of  high  respect  &
    sincere  friendship.  Without  any  hesitation,  the
    Emperor  complied  with  his  request  that  his  dear
    cousins,  the  son  &  the  three  daughters  of  the
    Emperor,  with  each  of  them  a  friend,  should  accom
    pany  him  about  twenty  miles  on  his  return  to  Ken-
    tuck.  The  retinue  of  the  young  Prince  consisted  of

    92  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    four  of  his  most  intimate  friends  &  their  servants.
    He  took  care  to  send  their  baggage  on  by  two  serv
    ants  one  day  before  they  set  out.  The  morning
    arived,  the  sun  shone  with  radiant  splendor,  not  a
    cloud  intervened  or  was  seen  to  float  in  the  atmos
    phere.  It  was  the  fourth  day  after  Lamesa  had
    received  the  letters  which  doomed  her  to  the  embraces
    of  Sambul.  The  Emperor,  his  Counsellors,  his  Priests
    &  principal  officers  assembled,  &  having  invited  the
    young  prince  &  his  friends  to  meet  them,  they
    entered  the  circle  with  great  ceremony.  The  Em
    peror  then  addressed  the  Young  Prince,  thanked
    him  for  the  honour  of  his  viset  &  expressed  his  firm
    determination,  to  maintain  a  sincere  friendship  &  an
    inviolable  peace  with  the  government  of  Kentuck.
    Elseon  replied  that  the  whole  sentiments  would  meet
    the  cordial  approbation  of  his  Father,  who  retained
    the  same  sentiments  of  friendship  &  peace  toward
    the  government  of  Sciota.  He  then  thanked  the
    Emperor  &  the  whole  assembly  for  the  high  respect
    they  had  shown  him.  This  was  done  with  that  frank
    ness  &  apparent  sincerity  that  the  whole  assembly
    were  highly  pleased.  The  Emperor  then  embraced
    him  &  gave  him  his  blessing.  Customary  ceremonies
    were  mutually  exchanged  by  the  whole  company,  &
    even  tears  were  seen  to  drop  from  every  eye.

    As  the  whole  of  this  parade  indicates  no  flight  of
    Elseon  &  Lamesa,  we  must  now  view  them  with  their
    select  company  of  friends  setting  out  on  a  short
    journey.  All  mounted  on  horses,  they  rode  about
    twenty  miles  to  a  village  where  they  halted.  An  eli-
    gant  supper  was  provided,  they  were  chearful  &

    TUB  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  93

    sociable,  none  appeared  more  so,  that  Elseon  &
    Lamesa.  The  next  day  Elsean  requested  the  com
    pany  of  his  dear  cousens  a  short  distance  on  his
    journey.  When  they  had  rode  about  two  miles  they
    halted  &  proposed  to  take  their  leave  of  each  other
    Lamesa  &  her  friend,  without  being  perceived  by  the
    company  rode  on.  It  was  a  place  where  the  road
    turned,  &  by  riding  one  rod,  they  could  not  be  seen.
    The  rest  of  the  company  entered  into  a  short  con
    versation  &  passed  invitation  for  reciprocal  visets  <fc
    friendly  offices.  They  then  clasped  each  others
    hands  &  bowing  very  low,  took  an  affectionate  fare
    well.  But  where  are  Lamesa  &  her  friend?  During
    these  ceremonies  their  horses  move  with  uncommon
    swiftness,  her  heart  palpitates  with  an  apprehension
    that  she  might  be  overtaken  by  her  brother.  But
    now  a  friend  more  dear,  her  beloved  Elseon,  with  his
    companions,  outstrip  the  wind  in  their  speed.  &
    within  one  hour  &  half  they  overtake  these  fearful
    Damsels.  They  all  precipitate  their  course,  casting
    their  eyes  back  every  moment  to  no  purpose,  her
    pursuers.  But  pursuers  had  not  sufficient  time  to
    overtake  them.  They  safeijTarive  on~the  Bank  of
    the  Great  River.  Elseon  &  Lamesa  were  the  first
    that  entered  the  boat,  the  rest  follow.  &  such  was
    Klseons  engagedness  &  anxiety  to  secure  his  fair
    prize,  that  he  even  seized  an  oar  and  used  it  with
    great  strength  &  dexterity.  As  their  feet  stept  on  the
    opposite  shore,  Elseon  claspt  his  hands  <fc  spoke
    aloud,  Lamesa  is  mine.  She  is  now  beyond  the  grasp
    of  a  pompous  tyrant,  &  the  control  of  a  father  whose
    mind  is  blinded  by  the  sordid  advice  of  a  menial

    94  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    junto  of  counsellors  &  priests.  She  is  mine  &  shall
    soon  be  the  Princess  of  Kentuck.  Their  movement  is
    no  slow  thro'  the  remaining  part  of  their  journey.
    They  at  length  arive  at  the  great  City  of  Gamba.
    We  may  now  contemplate  them  as  having  new  scenes
    to  pass  thro*  Not  to  delineate  the  parade  which  was
    made  at  the  court  of  Hamboon,  for  the  reception  of
    his  son,  Lamesa,  &  their  friends,  or  to  describe  the
    joy  that  was  exhibited  in  every  part  of  the  city  on
    their  arival,  &  the  universal  surprize  occasioned  by
    the  story  of  the  flight  of  these  two  Lovers.  Suffice  it
    to  say,  that  those  who  beheld  Lamesa  did  not  blame
    Elseon.

    As  Hamboon  was  not  very  punctilious  in  his  regard
    for  the  constitution,  being  possessed  of  very  liberal
    sentiments,  Elseon  found  no  difficulty  in  obtaining
    his  consent  to  marry  Lamesa.  On  the  fourth  day
    after  their  arival,  Elseon  &  Lamesa,  with  each  of
    them  a  friend  appeared  on  a  stage,  which  was  erected
    on  the  public  square  of  the  City.  The  Emperor  &
    Empress  with  his  counsellors,  his  Priests  his  officers,
    &  all  his  relations,  with  the  -principal  Ladies  of  the
    City,  formed  a  procession  &  surrounded  the  stage.
    The  common  Citizens  being  a  great  multitude,  took
    their  stands  as  they  pleased.  The  Emperor  &
    Empress  then  mounted  the  stage,  &  united  Elseon  &
    Lamesa  in  the  bond  of  wedlock  according  to  custom.
    &  as  pulling  the  Log  was  an  indespensible  ceremony
    one  was  provided  with  a  rope  around  it  on  the  stage.
    The  Bridegroom  &  Bride  played  their  parts  in  pulling
    the  rope  with  such  dexterity  &  gracefulness,  that  the
    whole  assembly  was  most  pleasingly  entertained.

    THE  ''MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  95

    When  all  was  ended,  the  whole  assembly  clapetf  their
    hands  &  cried,  Long  live  Elseon  &  Lamesa.  &  giv
    ing  three  huzzas,  the  common  citizens  dispersed.
    The  rest  repaired  to  a  sumptuous  entertainment,  &
    spent  the  remaining  part  of  the  day  &  evening  in
    conversation,  singing  &  recreation.

    CHAP    XII.

    THE  reader  will  recollect  that  Elseon  A  his  friends
    left  Moonrod  &  his  friends  in  a  very  pleasant  mood
    without  the  least  suspicion,  that  Lamesa  &  her  friend
    had  deserted  them.  When  they  had  arrived  at  the
    vilage,  what  was  their  surprize  when  they  found  that
    Lamesa  &  her  friend  were  not  in  the  company,  nor
    had  any  one  any  recollection  of  her  being  in  com
    pany,  after  they  had  stopped  to  take  their  leave  of
    Elseon.  Moonrod  &  the  other  gentlemen  immediately
    rode  back  with  the  greatest  speed  to  the  place  where
    they  had  halted,  <fc  not  finding  any  traces  of  her
    Lamesa  the  conclusion  was  then  certain  that  she  had
    prefered  the  company  of  the  young  Prince  &  was  on
    her  \vay  to  Kentuck.

    Pursuit  would  be  in  vain.  Their  only  alternative
    was  to  hasten  back  to  carry  the  doleful  intelligence
    to  the  Emperor.  Their  speed  was  nearly  equal  to
    that  of  Elseon.  Without  waiting  to  perform  the  cus
    tomary  ceremony  of  entering  the  palace,  Moonrod
    immediately  rushed  into  the  Emperors  presence,  &
    exclaimed,  your  daughter  Lamesa  has  been  seduced
    by  Elseon  to  leave  our  company  unperceived,  &  has
    gone  with  him  to  Kentuck.  Nothing  but  the  pencil

    96  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    of  the  Limner,  could  paint  the  Astonishment  of  the
    Emperor.  He  rose,  stood  motionless  for  a  moment,
    then  staring  fiercely  on  Moonrod  he  spoke,  is  it  pos
    sible,  is  it  possible,  are  you  not  mistaken  my  Son.  I
    am  not,  says  he,  my  most  excellent  Father.  I  am
    not  mistaken.  This  morning  we  attended  Elseon  a
    small  distance  from  the  village  where  we  lodged.
    When  we  had  halted  to  take  our  leave  &  our  attention
    was  all  engaged  she  &  her  friend  she  &  her  friend
    rode  off  unperceived  by  any  of  our  company  nor  did
    we  miss  her  until  we  arived  again  at  the  vilage.  We
    have  made  full  search  &  enquiry,  &  find  that  she  has
    absolutely  gone  with  the  young  prince  to  Kentuck.
    What  an  ingrate  says  the  Emperor,  what  a  monster
    of  hipocrisy  Did  the  honourable  attention  we  have
    shown  him  demand  such  treatment?  How  has  he
    insulted  the  dignity  of  our  family  &  outraged  the
    high  authority  of  our  government.  This  affair  will
    demand  the  most  serious  consideration.  O  Lamesa,
    Lamesa,  my  darling  my  best  beloved  child,  was  it
    possible  for  you  to  be  so  deceived  by  that  artful
    prince,  was  it  possible  for  you  to  disobey  the  com
    mand  of  your  indulgent  father?  as  they  stept  on  the
    covering  top  of  the  canal,  the  thin  pieces  of  timber
    broke  &  they  all  plunged  in  &  found  themselves  in  an
    instant  at  the  bottom  of  the  canal.  Surprised  &  ter-
    rified  &  tliey  soon  found  themselves  in  no  situation  to
    vindicate  their  exclusive  right  to  wear  blue  feathers
    in  their  caps.  They  were  compleatly  in  the  power  of
    their  enimies  who  returned  quick  upon  them  They
    demanded  quarter  &  surrendered  themselves  pris-

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  97

    oners  of  war.  And  giving  up  their  arms,  their
    demand  was  granted.  In  the  meantime  a  party  of
    Soiotans  who  lay  in  ambuah,  on  the  side  of  the  Hill
    rushed  down  upon  the  reserved  corps  of  the  Ken-
    tucks,  who  being  filled  with  consternation  at  the
    direful  disaster  of  their  companions,  surrendered
    themselvs  prisoners  of  war  without  a  struggle.
    Thus  in  a  few  moments,  by  pursuing  the  stratigem  or
    plan  of  Lobaska,  An  army  of  thirty  Thousand  men
    were  captured,  <fe  the  pride  &  haughtiness  of  a  mighty
    Prince  was  humbled.  Not  a  drop  of  blood  was  shed
    to  accomplish  the  whole.

    &  bring  upon  our  family  such  wretchedness  <fc  dishon
    our.  Fame  with  Her  Thousand  tongues  commenced
    her  pleasing  employment,  &  as  swift  as  the  wings  of
    Time  she  wafted  the  inteligence  thro'  the  City  with
    many  distorted  &  exaggerated  particulars.  All  was
    astonishment  confusion  &  uproar.  Resentment
    enkindled  her  indignant  sparks  into  a  flame  &  the
    general  cry  was  revenge  &  war.  The  Sciotan  King
    was  walking  in  his  parlour,  feeding  his  imagination
    with  the  pleasing  prospect  of  his.  future  glory  &
    felicity.  I  am,  quoth  he  to  himself,  honoured  above
    all  the  other  princes  of  the  Empire,  <fc  even  above
    the  heair  apparent  to  the  imperial  crown  of  Kentuck.
    Who  could  be  admitted  except  myself  to  marry  this
    fair  Lamesa,  the  eldest  daughter  of  the  Emperor,  the
    most  amiable  the  most  accomplished  &  the  most  hon
    orable  Lady  in  the  universe.  This  is  a  distinction
    which  will  place  me  on  equal  ground  with  the

    98  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    Emperor  himself,  &  command  from  all  my  subjects
    the  homage  of  their  highest  respect  and  reverence.
    Besides  I  have  a  soul  that  can  relish  the  charms  of
    the  beautiful  maid.  She  will  adore  me  as  her  Lord  &
    think  herself  highly  honoured  &  exceeding  happy  to
    submit  to  my  most  endearing  &  affectionate
    embraces.  But  ah,  mighty  Sambul,  you  little
    tho't  how  soon  this  delightful  prospect  would  be
    reversed,  &  that  your  soul  would  be  filled  with
    chagrin  indignation  &  revenge.  A  messenger  burst
    into  his  parlour  &  announced  the  astonishing  tidings
    of  Lamesas  elopement.  She  had  absolutely  gone,
    says  he,  to  become  the  wife  of  Elseon,  &  the  empress
    of  Kentuck.  Not  the  wondrous  &  instantaneous
    roar  of  ten  Thousand  thunders  instantaneously
    thro*  the  atmosphere,  could  have  produced  greater
    surprise.  His  countanance  was  all  amazement  It  was
    for  a  moment  covered  with  paleness,  his  lips  quiv
    ered,  his  knees  smote  together  &  his  gigantic  body
    trembled  like  the  shaking  of  a  tower  under  the  effects
    of  an  earthquake.  But  soon  after  a  little  silent  his
    reflections  &  cogitations  caused  the  blood  to  return
    with  a  ten -fold  velocity  into  his  face,  it  assumed  the
    colour  of  redness  &  clinching  He  assumed  the  atti
    tude  of  terrific  majesty  &  poured  forth  his  feelings  in
    a  voice  more  terrible  than  the  roaring  of  a  volcano.
    How  have  I  been  abused,  dishonoured,  insulted  &
    outraged.  How  have  my  prospects  of  glory  been
    instantaneously  blasted  &  my  character,  my  character
    become  the  ridicule  of  a  laughing  world.  What
    felicities  of  enjoying  the  imperial  maid  in  my  arms,

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.'1  99

    adoring  me  for  her  husband  are  now  vanished.  A  by
    whom  am  I  thus  disgraced  insulted  &  injured?  By
    the  mock  prince  of  Kentuck,  an  effeminate  stripling,
    a  cringing  &  plausible  Upstart.  He  has  robed  me
    of  the  fairest  orniment  of  my  kingdom,  sjhe  Lamesa,
    who  was  mine  by  solemn  contract,  &  must  he  now
    revel  in  her  charms  which  are  mine,  &  pride  himself
    in  those  deceitful  arts  by  which  he  has  seduced  her,
    &  stolen  her  from  my  enjoyment?  No,  ungrateful  &
    insidious  monster,  your  triumph  shall  be  of  short
    duration,  &  this  arm  shall  viset  your  crimes  upon
    your  head  with  a  ten -fold  vengence.  Having  poured
    forth  a  torrent  of  the  most  dreadful  imprecations  &
    menaces,  he  left  his  parlour  &  walked  forth  to  consult
    his  principal  officers  on  the  best  plan  to  obtain
    revenge.

    In  the  meantime  the  Emperor,  less  haughty  &
    indignant,  &  possessed  of  sentiments  more  humane
    &  benelent,  sent  an  invitation  to  his  Counsellors  to
    attend  him.  They  were  unanimous  in  the  opinion
    that  the  offense  of  Elseon  required  reparation.  But
    should  war  be  the  consequence,  if  he  refused  to
    return  Lamesa?  On  this  question,  two  of  the  coun
    sellors  contended  that  an  humble  recantation  would
    repair  the  injury  done  to  the  honour  of  the  imperial
    family,  &  the  authority  of  the  government.  The
    other  two  insisted  that  they  should  demand  in  addi-
    tion  that  would  not  be  sufficient  But  that  they  should
    demand  in  addition  ten  Mammouth  which  would  be
    an  adequate  compensation,  but  they  all  depreciated
    the  horrors  of  war.  In  the  midst  of  their  debetea
    which  were  managed  with  great  coolness  &  imparti-

    100  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    ality,  Sambul  presented  himself.  I  have  come  forward
    says  he,  may  it  please  your  most  excellent  majesty,
    to  demand  the  fulfillment  of  that  solemn  contract,
    which  you  made  to  deliver  me  your  eldest  daughter
    in  marriage.  She  has  been  surreptitiously  carried
    off  by  the  young  prince  of  Kentuck.  She  is  mine  by
    contract  &  your  majesty  is  bound  to  deliver  her  to  me.
    I  demand  Let  her  be  immediately  demanded,  &  if  the
    Emperor  the  father  of  the  young  prince  shall  refuse
    to  return  her,  this  will  implicate  him  in  the  same  crime
    &  be  a  sufficient  cause  of  war.  In  that  case  war  will
    be  indespensible  to  vindicate  the  honour  of  our
    respective  crowns,  &  the  rights  of  the  Empire.  I
    should  then  give  my  voice  for  war,  &  would  then
    never  sheathe  my  sword  until  the  torrents  of  blood
    had  made  expiation  for  the  ingratitude  baseness  &
    perfidy  of  the  young  Princy.  An  humble  recanta
    tion  or  the  delivery  of  ten  mammouth,  would  this  be
    a  sufficient  reparation  for  such  an  offense  so  flagi
    tious?  No,  the  very  proposal  would  be  an  insult  on
    the  dignity  of  our  government.  Can  anything  short
    of  the  repossession  of  the  fair  object  stolen,  of  the
    invaluable  prize  felonously  taken  from  us,  be  an
    adequate  compensation?  Nothing  short  of  this  can
    heal  our  bleeding  honour,  appease  the  indignation
    of  our  subjects,  &  reinstate  friendship  &  and  an  ami
    cable  intercouse,  between  both  Empires.  Let  this  be
    your  demand  that  Lamesa  shall  be  returned.  Let  a
    refusal  be  followed  by  an  immediate  declaration  of
    war,  Let  the  resources  &  energies  of  the  nation  be
    called  forth.  Assemble  your  armies  &  pour  destruc
    tion  upon  all  who  shall  oppose  the  execution  of  our

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.'1  101

    revenge.  I  myself  will  lead  the  van  A  mingle  my  arm
    with  those  who  fight  the  most  bloody  battles. .  Heroes
    shall  fall  before  us,  their  towns  shall  be  laid  in  ruins,
    &  carnage  shall  glut  our  indignant  Swords.

    When  further  deliberation  had  taken  place,  the
    Emperor  &  two  of  his  counsellors  adopted  the  advice
    of  Sambul  to  demand  Lamesa  <fc  an  envoy  was
    immediately  "dispatched  to  the  Emperor  of  Kentuck
    with  the  following  Letter.

    May  it  please  your  most  gracious  majesty.  Noth
    ing  could  have  given  us  more  pleasure  than  the  dis
    position  you  manifested  in  sending  Elseon,  the  heir
    apparent  to  your  crown  to  viset  our  family.  We
    treated  him  as  our  dearest  Cousen  <fc  as  our  most
    intimate  friend.  He  was  invited  to  associate  with  our
    children,  <fc  to  consider  himself  whilst  he  tarried  as  a
    member  of  our  family.  Such  being  the  confidence
    we  placed  in  his  rectitude  &  honour,  that  he  assumed
    the  liberty  to  contract  the  most  intimate  acquaint
    ance  with  Lamesa,  our  eldest  daughter.  This  pro
    duced  an  agreement  between  them,  that  with  our
    consent  they  would  be  united  in  marriage.  Nothing
    could  have  been  more  pleasing  than  such  a  connec
    tion.  But  we  found  that  it  would  be  a  most  flagrant
    violation  of  the  true  meaning  &  spirit  of  our  constitu
    tion,  &  an  impious  outrage  on  the  memory  of  its
    great  founder.  For  these  reasons,  we  signified  our
    pleasure  that  Elseon  would  not  insist  on  our  com
    pliance  with  his  request.  He  appeared  to  acquiesse
    in  our  decision.  &  we  afterwards  contracted  with
    Sambul,  King  of  Sciota  to  give  her  in  marriage  to
    him.

    102  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.1'

    But  the  after  conduct  of  your  son,  may  it  please
    your  most  gracious  majesty,  did  not  correspond  with
    the  high  confidence  we  placed  in  him.  With  deep
    regret  &  the  most  painful  sensations  we  are  compeled
    to  declare  that  he  has  committed  a  crime  which  has
    disturbed  our  peace  &  happiness,  dishonoured  our
    family  &  outraged  the  authority  of  our  government,
    &  the  rights  of  our  Empire.  He  has  formed  a  plan
    to  transport  Lamesa  into  your  dominions.  To  accom
    plish  this,  he  made  use  of  the  most  insidious  arts,
    He  took  advantage  of  our  clemency  &  indescretion,
    &  the  high  respect  we  manifested  toward  him,  &
    without  our  consent  &  contrary  to  our  will,  he  has
    succeeded  in  transporting  to  the  City  of  Gamba.
    in  his  perfidious  design.  Lamesa  is  doubtless  with
    you  in  the  City  of  Gamba.  A  crime  which  of  such
    malignity,  committed  against  the  honour  &  interest  &
    dignity  of  our  family  government  &  Empire  demands
    reparation.  Your  majesty  will  perceive  that  the  only
    adequate  reparation  which  can  be  made,  will  be  the
    return  of  Lamesa  to  our  dominions.  We  therefore
    demand  that  she  be  conveyed  back  with  all  possible
    expidition.

    No  other  alternative  can  prevent  the  interruption
    of  that  confidence  friendship  &  peace,  which  have
    long  continued  between  both  Empires,  &  save  them
    from  the  horrors  &  calamities  of  war.

    Signed.    RAMBOCK,  EMPEROR  OF  SCIOTA.

    When  Hamboon  had  received  this  letter,  he  imme
    diately  invited  his  counsellors  to  attend  him,  &  laid
    it  before  them,  &  as  it  was  a  subject  of  vast  impor-

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  103

    tance  to  the  Empire,  he  likewise  invited  his  priests  &
    principal  officers  to  join  them  in  council.  The  vari
    ous  passions  appeared  to  operate  in  the  course  of
    their  consultation.  To  avoid  Hostilities,  with  all  its
    attendant  calamities,  was  what  they  most  ardently
    desired,  &  some  contended  that  if  no  other  alterna
    tive  could  be  agreed  upon,  it  would  be  for  the  inter
    est  of  the  Empire  &  the  best  policy  to  return  the
    princess,  but  others  reprobated  this  measure  as
    pusilanimous,  &  cowardly  &  advised  if  no  other  repa
    ration  would  be  received,  to  retain  the  princess  &
    maintain  the  conflict  with  a  manly  &  heroic  firmness.
    What,  say  they,  do  not  honour  &  justice  require  that
    we  should  defend  the  rights  of  the  imperial  family?
    If  the  Sciotan  government  should  demand  that  we
    should  send  them  our  Emperor  or  Empress,  would
    not  honour  impel  us  to  spurn  at  the  demand,  &  reject
    it  with  indignation?  Their  present  demand  is  as  pre
    posterous  &  as  insulting.  No  satisfaction  will  they
    receive  for  the  supposed  injury,  except  that  we
    should  seize  the  Princess  of  the  Empire,  tare  her
    from  the  bosom  of  her  consort  &  transport  her  to
    Sciota.  Are  we  capable  of  an  act  so  unjust  &  inhu
    man,  so  base  &  disgraceful?  As  the  debate  was  pro
    ceeding  Elseon  rose.  May  I  says  he— claim  your
    attention  a  moment.  Undaunted  by  the  cruel
    demand  <fc  haughty  menace  of  the  Sciotan  govern
    ment,  I  am  willing  to  abide  your  decision.  If  trans
    porting  Lamesa  into  our  dominions  when  she  had
    been  most  unjustly  &  inhumanly  denied  me  for  a
    companion,  is  a  crime  so  perfidious  <fc  flagitious  as  of
    such  magnitude,  then  inflict  a  punishment  that  shall

    104  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    be  adequate  to  the  offense.  But  if  the  Almighty,
    whose  benevolence  is  infinite,  has  designed  the  union
    of  hands  where  hearts  are  united,  I  have  then  trans
    gressed  no  divine  law,  but  have  obeyed  the  divine
    will.  I  am  therefore  innocent  of  any  crime.  I  have
    an  undoubted  right  to  retain  Lamesa  for  my  wife,  &
    no  government  on  earth  have  any  authority  from
    heaven  to  tear  her  from  my  bosom.  Nor  will  I  sub
    mit  to  such  an  event,  so  long  as  the  life  blood  circu
    lates  thro*  my  heart  &  warms  my  limbs.  If  war  must
    be  the  consequence  of  my  proceedings,  which  trans
    gressed  no  principle  of  honour  justice  or  humanity,
    were  both  innocent  <fc  honourable,  it  will  give  me  the
    most  painful  feelings.  I  shall  deplore  its  calamities,
    but  will  never  shrink  like  a  Dastard  from  the  conflict.
    The  Sciotan  King,  who  is  at  the  bottom  of  all  the
    mischief  shall  never  behold  me  fleeing  before  his
    gigantic  sword,  or  skulking  to  avoid  a  single  combat
    with  him.  You  have  therefore  no  other  alternative
    but  either  first  to  slay  your  prince,  &  then  like
    cowards  to  send  back  your  princess  to  Sciota,  or  else
    to  make  immediate  preparations  to  meet  their  threat
    ened  vengeance,  with  fortitude  &  courage.

    This  speach  of  the  young  prince  united  the  whole
    council.  &  they  unanimously  agreed  to  reject  the
    demand  of  the  Sciotan  government.  A  letter  was
    written  &  an  Envoy  dispatched,  with  instructions  to
    attempt  a  reconciliation.  He  precipitated  his  journey
    to  the  court  of  Rambock,  &  when  he  arrived,  he
    delivered  him  the  following  letter.

    May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Majesty.     Next

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  105

    to  the  welfare  &  prosperity  of  our  Empire,  we  should
    rejoice  in  the  welfare  A  prosperity  of  yours.  It  is
    therefore  with  extreme  regret  that  we  view  the
    unhappy  difference,  which  has  arisen  A  which  threat
    ens  to  involve  the  two  Empires  in  the  calamities  of
    war.

    Had  you  demanded  a  reparation  for  the  supposed
    injury  which  which  would  consist  with  the  principles
    of  justice  A  the  honour  of  our  crown  &  government,  it
    should  be  given  you  with  the  utmost  cheerfulness.
    But  to  return  you  Lamesa,  who  has  now  become  the
    princess  of  Kentuck,  would  be  tearing  her  from  the
    arms  of  an  affectionate  husband  A  breaking  the  bond
    of  solemn  wedlock.  As  the  compliance  with  your
    demand,  will  subject  us  to  the  commission  of  such  an
    injustice  A  cruelty,  it  must  therefore  be  our  duty  to
    declare  that  we  will  not  return  the  young  princess.  A
    as  such  an  event  would  destroy  her  happiness  as  well
    as  that  of  her  affectionate  consort,  we  shall  permit  her
    to  tarry  in  our  dominions  A  grant  her  protection.  We
    are  however  desirous  that  an  honourable  reconcilia
    tion  may  take  place,  &  a  good  understanding  be
    restored.  To  effect  this  most  important  A  very  desir
    able  object,  we  have  given  full  authority  to  Labanko
    our  beloved  brother,  the  bearer  of  this  Letter,  to
    negotiate  a  settlement  of  our  difference,  provided
    you  will  receive  anything  as  a  substitute  for  what
    the  object  you  have  demanded.

    Signed.    HAMBOON,  EMPEROR  OP  KENTUCK.

    The  mind  of  Rambock  was  not  formed  for  the  per
    petual  exercise  of  resentment,  A  malice,  A  having
    conversed  a  considerable  time  with  Labanco,  who

    106  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    apologized  for  the  conduct  of  the  young  prince  with
    great  ingenuity  his  anger  abated  &  he  felt  a  disposi
    tion  for  the  negotiation  of  friendship.  But  the  indig
    nation  &  malice  of  Sambul  encreased  with  time,  his
    dark  soul  thirsted  more  ardently  for  revenge,  &  noth
    ing  would  satisfy  but  blood  &  carnage.  He  employed
    instruments  to  assist  in  faning  the  spark  of  resent
    ment,  &  blowing  them  into  the  flames  of  war.  Not
    content  to  represent  facts  as  they  existed,  &  in  their
    true  colours,  monstrous  stories  were  fabricated  &  put
    in  circulation,  calculated  to  excite  prejudice  &  rouse
    the  resentment  of  the  people  against  Elseon,  &  the
    whole  Empire  of  Kentuck.  He  had  recourse  to  a
    class  of  men  who  were  denominated  prophets  &  con
    jurors  to  favour  his  designs.  They  had  for  many
    ages  a  commanding  influence  on  the  minds  of  a  great
    majority  of  the  people.  As  they  pretended  to
    understand,  have  art  of  investigating  the  councils  &
    designs  of  the  heavenly  Hierarchy,  &  to  have
    a  knowledge  of  future  events,  the  people  listened
    with  pleasure  to  their  representations,  predictions  &
    tho't  it  impious  to  question  or  doubt  their  fulfilment
    A  small  company  of  these  necromanceers  or  juglers
    assembled  on  the  great  square  of  the  City,  &  mounted
    a  stage  which  was  provided  for  them.  The  citizens
    attended  It  was  a  prodigious  concourse  of  all  classes
    of  citizens  The  of  all  descriptions  both  wise  &  simple,
    both  male  &  female.  They  surrounded  the  stage  &
    were  all  attention.  All  anxious  to  learn  the  decrees
    of  heaven,  &  the  future  destinies  of  the  Empire.
    Drofalick,  their  chief  prophet  extended  his  arms  &
    cast  up  his  eyes  to -Heaven.  Quoth  he,  Heaven

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  107

    unfolds  her  massy  gates,  &  opens  to  my  view  a  pros
    pect  wide  &  vast.     The  seven  sons  of  the  great  Spirit
    seize  their  glittering  swords,  &  swear  that  they  shall
    not  be  sheathed  till  blood  in  torrents  run  &  deluge
    the  fair  land  of  Kentuck  I  behold  armies  martialing
    on  the  celestial  plain,  &  hear  warriors  4  heroes  cry,
    Avenge  the  crime  of  Elseon.    I  hear  a  thundering,
    voice  proceeding  from  the  great  throne  of  him  who
    rules  the  world,  proclaiming  thus,  Corn   shall  not
    grow  in  the  Sciotan  fields  nor  mammouth  yield  their
    milk,  nor  fish  be  taken  in  the  snare  but  pestilence
    shall  roam,  unless  Sciota  shall  avenge  the  crime  of
    Elseon.      Drofalick  ended  his   prophesy.      Hamaok
    then  arose  &  in  his  hand  he  held  a  stone  which  he
    pronounced  transparent.      Thro'  this  he  could  view
    things  present  &  things  to  come,  could  behold  the
    dark  intriques  &  cabals  of  foreign  courts,  A  behold
    discover  hidden  treasures,  secluded  from  the  eyes  of
    other  mortals.     He  could  behold  the  galant  A  his
    mistress  in  their  bedchamber,  &  count  all  their  moles
    warts   &  pimples.      Such  was   the  clearness   of  his
    sight,  when  this  transparent  stone  was  placed  before
    his   eyes.      He  looked  firmly   &  steadfastly  on   the
    stone  &  raised  his  prophetick  voice.     I  behold  Ham-
    boon  with  all  his  priests  &  great  officers  assembled
    around  him  "With   what    contempt    he  declares    he
    despises  all  the  Sciotans.     They  are,  says  he,  cow
    ards   &  poltroons.      They  dare  not  face   my  brave
    warriors.     Here  I  see  four  men  coming  forward  bear
    ing  an  image,  formed  with  all  the  fetures  of  ugliness
    &  deformity.     This  they  called  Sambul  the  King  of
    Sciota,  the  whole  company  break  forth  into  boister-

    108  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    ous  Laughing.  Ah,  see  &  they  are  outing  off  his
    head  with  their  swords.  Yes,  &  are  now  kicking  it
    about  the  palace.  Here  is  a  pole,  it  is  stuck  upon
    that  &  carried  thro'  the  City.  Oh  my  loving  sparks,
    Elseon  &  Lamesa,  what  makes  you  so  merry?  Why
    Elseon  says  he  has  outwitted  the  Sciotans,  he  has
    got  the  prize  &  he  little  regards  their  resentment.
    Hamack  was  proceeding  with  such  nonsensical  vis
    ions,  when  the  whole  multitude  interrupted  him  with
    a  cry,  Revenge,  Revenge,  "We  will  convince  the
    Kentuckans  that  we  are  not  cowards  or  poltroons.
    Their  heads  shall  pay  for  their  sport  in  kicking
    about  the  pretended  head  the  head  of  our  pretended
    beloved  King  We  will  avenge  the  crime  of  Elseon.
    The  great  &  good  Being  is  on  our  side  &  threatens  us
    with  famine  &  pestilence,  unless  we  avenge  the  crime
    of  Elseon.

    The  arts  of  the  Conjurers  were  the  consummation
    of  Sambuls  plan  to  produce  in  the  minds  of  the  mul
    titude  an  enthusiasm  &  rage  for  war.  He  now  repairs
    to  the  Emperor  &  solicits  him  to  assemble  his  coun
    sellors  immediately,  proclaim  war  &  concert  measures
    for  its  prosecution.  The  Emperor  replies  that  they
    should  soon  be  assembled,  but  as  to  war,  it  was  a
    subject  which  reguired  great  consideration.

    Early  on  the  next  day  his  counsellors -priests  &
    principal  officers  met  him  in  the  council  room.  He
    laid  before  them  the  Letter  of  Hamboon,  &  added
    observed  that  tho*  the  government  of  Kentuck  had
    refused  to  return  Lamesa,  yet  they  had  offered  to
    make  to  our  government  a  recantation,  for  Elseon's
    crime,  <fe  to  pay  us  almost  any  sum  as  a  reparation

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  109

    for  our  injury.     The  council  sat  silent  for  some  time.
    At  length  the  venerable  Boakim  arose.

    I  must  beg,  says  he,  the  indulgence  of  your
    majesty,  <fe  this  honourable  council  for  a  few
    moments.  Never  did  I  rise  with  such  impressions
    of  the  high  importance  of  our  deliberations,  as  what
    I  now  feel.  The  great  question  to  be  decided,  is
    peace  or  war.  If  peace  can  be  preserved  with  honour,
    then  let  us  maintain  peace,  but  if  not,  let  us  meet  war
    with  fortitude  &  courage.

    As  to  the  great  Crime  of  Elseon,  no  one  presumes
    to  present  an  apoligy.  Even  their  own  government
    acknowledge  that  he  had  been  guilty  of  a  great
    Crime.  But  is  it  of  such  malignity  as  to  require  the
    conflagration  of  towns,  &  cities  &  the  lives  of  milions
    to  make  an  expiation?  Can  no  other  reparation  con
    sistent  with  justice  and  humanity  be  received?  Or
    must  we  compel  in  order  to  have  an  atonement  made
    for  the  crime  of  Elseon  compel  the  government  of
    Kentuck  to  commit  another  crime  to  separate,  to  tear
    from  each  others  embrace  the  husband  &  wife?  Such
    a  reparation  as  this,  we  cannot  in  justice  expect.
    Shall  we  then  accept  of  no  other?  Cannot  our  bleed
    ing  honour  be  healed  without  sheding  blood  without
    laying  a  whole  Empire  in  ruins?  Such  refined  notions
    of  honour  may  prove  our  own  ruin,  as  well  as  the
    ruin  of  those  on  whom  we  attempt  to  execute  our
    vengence  The  calamities  of  war  have  a  reciprocal
    action  on  the  parties.  Each  must  expect  to  endure  a
    portion  of  evils,  how  large  a  portion  would  fall  to  our
    share  in  case  of  war,  it  is  not  for  us  to  determine.
    While  thirsting  for  revenge,  we  contemplate  with

    110  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    infinite  pleasure,  their  armies  routed,  &  their  warriors
    bleeding  under  our  swords  their  women  helpless  &
    children  expiring  by  thousands,  &  their  country  in
    flames.  But  reverse  the  scene.  Suppose  the  enimy
    have  as  much  wit,  as  much  stratagim,  courage,
    strength  &  inhumanity  as  what  we  you  possess,  &
    such  may  be  your  situation.  When  the  floodgate  is
    once  opened,  who  can  stop  the  torrent,  &  prevent
    devastation  &  ruin.  We  ought  therefore  It  was  never
    designed  by  the  great  &  good  Being  that  his  children
    should  contend,  &  destroy  that  existence  which  he
    gave  them,  they  all  have  equal  rights  &  ought  to
    strive  to  maintain  peace  &  friendship.  This  has  been
    the  maxim  of  our  fathers  &  this  the  doctrine  taught
    by  the  great  Founder  of  our  government  &  religion.
    Under  the  influence  of  this  maxim,  our  nation  has
    grown  to  an  emence  multitude,  &  contentment  &  hap
    piness  have  been  universal.  But  why  can  we  not
    enjoy  peace  with  honour?  What  insurmountable
    obsticles  are  there  to  prevent?  Why  truely  a  recan
    tation  & — (word  illegible) — are  no  compensation  for
    the  injury?  For  other  offenses  these  are  accepted,
    &  why  must  the  offense  of  Elseon  be  singular?

    The  Emperors  daughter  we  presume  is  happy,  nor
    can  it  be  a  disgrace  to  the  imperial  family  that  she
    has  married  the  son  of  an  emperor,  the  heir  apparent
    to  his  crown.  But  she  wasjo  have  been  the  wife  of
    Sambui,  the  King  of  Sciota  We  can  therefore  with
    honour  to  our  government  accept  the  reparation
    offered.  &  thus  preserve  the  blessings  of  peace.
    But  if  we  suffer  resentment,  pride  &  ambition  to

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  ill

    plunge  us  into  a  war,  where  will  its  mischiefs,  where
    will  its  miseries  end?  As  to  both  empires  are  nearly
    equal  as  to  numbers  &  resources,  I  will  venture  to
    predict  their  eventual  overthrow  &  destruction.

    Boakim  would  have  proceeded,  but  Hamkol  rose  &
    interrupted.  It  was  impudence  in  the  extreme,  but
    he  had  much  brass  &  strong  lungs,  &  could  be  heard
    further  than  Boakim

    "Such  sentiments,  says  he,  may  comport  with  the
    infirmities  of  age,  but  they  are  too  degrading  &  cow
    ardly  for  the  vigor  of  youth  &  manhood.  If  we  suffer
    insult,  perfidy  &  outrage  to  pass  with  impunity,  we
    may  afterwards  bend  our  necks  to  be  trodden  upon
    by  every  puny  upstart,  and  finical  coxcomb.  No.
    Let  us  march  with  our  brave  warriors  into  the  domin
    ion  of  Hamboon.  This  effeminate  &  luxurious  Court
    will  tremble  at  our  presence  &  yield  the  fair  Lamesa
    unto  our  possession.  But  if  they  should  still  have  the
    temerity  to  refuse,  we  will  then  display  our  valour  by
    inflicting  upon  them  a  punishment,  which  their  crimes
    deserve.  Yes,  our  valiant  heroes  shall  gain  immortal
    renown  by  their  heroic  exploits.  &  by  the  destruction
    of  all  shall  who  Sciota  will  ever  after  have  the  pre
    eminence  over  Kentuck,  &  compel  her  haughty  sons
    to  bow  in  our  presence.  Let  war  be  proclaimed.  &
    every  kingdom  &  tribe  from  the  River  to  the  Lakes
    will  pour  forth  their  warriors,  anxious  to  avenge  our
    countrys  wrongs.  Scarce  had  he  done  speaking.
    And  Lakoonrod,  the  High  Priest  arose.  He  was  in
    the  interest  of  Sambul  &  had  married  his  sister.  He
    had  taken  great  umbrage  at  Elseon,  for  saying  that

    112  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.1'

    the  priesthood  had  too  great  an  assendency  at  the
    court  of  Hambock.  And  lifting  up  his  sanctimoneous
    eyes  slowly  toward  heaven,  &  extending  his  right
    reverand  hand  a  little  above  an  horizontal  position  he
    spoke.

    When  the  laws  which  are  contained  in  our  holy
    religion  are  transgressed,  it  is  my  duty  as  High
    Priest  of  the  Empire  to  give  my  testimony  against
    the  transgression.  Elseon,  the  heir  apparent  to
    the  imperial  throne  of  Kentuck  has  been  guilty  of
    Robery  &  impiety  within  our  dominions.  He  has
    robed  this  Empire  of  an  invaluable  treasure,  &  as
    his  crime  is  a  most  flagicious  transgression  of  our
    divine  law  it  must  have  been  committed  in  defiance
    of  the  high  authority  of  heaven,  therefore  it  is  an
    act  of  the  greatest  impiety.  The  injury  the  insult
    &  the  outrage  has  not  been  committed  against  us
    alone,  if  this  was  the  case,  perhaps  we  might  accept
    of  reparation;  but  it  is  committed  against  the  throne
    of  Omnipotence  &  in  defiance  of  his  authority.  No
    reparation  can  of  consequence  be  received,  except  it
    be  a  return  of  the  stolen  treasure,  or  the  Blood  of
    the  Transgressor.  Nothing  else  can  satisfy  the
    righteous  demand  of  the  Great  and  good  Being.  He
    therefore  calls  upon  the  civil  power  to  execute  his
    vengeance,  to  inflict  an  exempleary  punishment.  And
    as  it  is  his  cause  &  you  are  imployed  as  his  instru
    ments,  you  may  be  assured  that  his  almighty  arm  will
    add  strength  to  your  exertions,  &  give  you  a  glori
    ous  victory  over  your  enimies.  The  mighty  atchieve-
    ments  of  your  warriors  shall  immortalize  their  names,

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  113

    &  their  heads  shall  be  crowned  with  never  fading
    laurels.  &  as  for  those  who  shall  die,  gloriously
    fighting  in  the  cause  of  their  country  &  their  God,
    they  shall  immediately  receive  etherial  bodies,  &
    shall  arise  quickly  to  the  abodes  of  increasing
    delight  and  glory.

    He  said  no  more.  He  had  discharged  some  part
    of  his  malice  against  Elseon,  for  saing  that  the
    priesthood  had  too  much  influence  in  the  court  of
    Rambock.  The  door  was  now  opened  &  it  was  seen
    that  Sambul  at  the  head  of  a  great  multitude  of
    citizens,  had  taken  their  stand  in  front  of  the  house,
    all  crying  with  a  loud  voice,  Revenge  &  war.  Long
    live  the  Emperor  &  King.  We  will  avenge  their
    wrongs.  This  uproar  &  the  harang  of  the  high
    Priest  determined  the  wavering  mind  of  the  Em
    peror.  But  the  venerable  Boakim  <fc  Bilhawa
    opposed~the  torrent  &  stood  as  stood  firm  They
    boldly  affirmed  that  a  war  was  impolitic  &  unjuBtifi-
    abe  But  the  Their  opposition  however,  was  in  vain.
    The  popular  voice  was  against  them  &  the  other  two
    counsellors  Hamkal  &  Gammaok  gave  their  vote  for
    war  urged  with  great  vehemence  that  war  should  be
    declared.

    In  vain  were  all  the  reasonings  of  the  venerable
    Boakim  &  Bilhawan.  The  other  two  counsellors,
    Hamkol  &  Gamanko  joining  the  Emperor,  they  pro
    ceeded  to  made  out  a  declaration  of  war.  It  was  in
    these  words.

    War  is  declared  by  the  government  &  Empire  of
    Sciota  against  the  government  &  Empire  of  Ken-

    124  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    tuck.  The  Sciotans  are  required  to  exterminate  with
    distinction  of  age  or  sex  all  the  inhabitants  of  the
    Empire  of  Kentuck.  They  are  required  to  burn  their
    houses  &  either  to  destroy  or  take  possession  of  their
    property,  for  their  own  use  &  benefit.  This  des
    truction  is  demanded  by  the  great  benevolent  Spirit
    &  the  Empire  government  of  Sciota

    Signed.  RAMBOCK  EMPEROR  OF  SCIOTA.
    A  copy  of  this  declaration  was  given  to  Labanco
    the  brother  &  Envoy  of  Hamboon.  He  demanded  a
    guard  to  defend  him  against  the  rage  of  the  common
    people,  who  discovered  a  disposition  to  plunge  their
    swords  into  the  heart  of  every  man  whose  fortune  it
    was  to  be  born  on  the  other  side  of  the  River.
    Labanco  was  guarded  as  far  as  the  River  &  con
    veyed  across  in  safety.  He  repaired  to  Gamba
    &  there  he  proclaimed  the  intelligence  of  the  declara
    tion  of  War  &  there  made  known  all  the  proceedings
    of  the  Sciotan  government.
    Fond  Parents

    I  have  received  two  letters  the  10th  jan
    1812  the  last  mentioned  Mr.  Kings  dismission  from
    you,  wich  no  doubt  is  great  trial  to  you  Christian
    Minister  is  great  loss  to  any  to  any  people  -  -  -  -
    teaches  us  the  uncertainty  of  all  sublinary  enjoy
    ments  &  where  to  place  our  better  trust  &  happiness
    NOTE  OF  COPYIST.— The  above  fragment  of  a  letter  is  all

    that  appears  on   page  132,  after  which  the  next  leaf,  pp.

    133-4,  is  missing.    The  narrative  then  goes  on  thus.

    Hambolan,  King  of  Chiauga  was  the  next  proud  chief
    who  appeared  at  Tolanga,  with  a  chosen  band  of
    warriors.  He  had  fifteen  thousand  who  boasted  of

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  115

    superior  strength  A  ability.  Their  countanances
    were  fierce  &  bold,  being  true  indicators  of  their
    hearts  which  feared  no  danger.  They  were  always
    obedient  to  the  orders  of  their  king,  who  always
    sought  the  most  conspicuous  place  for  the  display  of
    his  valor.  Possessed  of  gigantic  strength  &  of  aston
    ishing  agility,  he  was  capable  of  performing  the  most
    brilliant  achievements,  which  would  almost  exceed
    belief  His  mind  was  uncultivated  by  science  &  his
    passions  were  subject  to  no  restraint.  His  resent
    ment  was  quick  &  fiery  &  his  anger  knew  no  bounds
    for  expression  Nothing  was  concealed  in  his  heart,
    whether  friendship  or  enmity,  but  always  exhibited
    by  expressions  by  expressions  strong  &  extravagant.
    He  had  a  soul  formed  for  war.  In  the  bustle  of  the
    campaign  in  the  sanguine  field  where  heroes  fell,
    beneath  his  conquering  sword  his  ambition  was  grati
    fied  &  he  acquired  the  highest  martial  glory.

    Ulipoon  King  of  Michegan  received  the  orders  of
    the  Emperor  twith  with  great  joy  War  suited  his  nig-
    ardly  &  avaricious  soul,  as  he  was  in  hopes  to
    obtain  great  riches  from  the  spoils  of  the  enimy.
    Little  did  he  regard  the  miseries  &  destruction  of
    others,  if  by  this  means  he  oould  obtain  wealth  &
    agrandize  himself.  A  mind  so  contracted  &  selfish,
    was  not  capable  of  imbibing  one  sentiment  of  gen
    erosity  or  humanity  or  even  of  honour.  None
    however,  were  more  boisterous  than  he  for  war.
    None  proclaimed  their  own  valour  with  so  loud
    a  voice.  Yet  none  were  more  destitute  of  courage  &
    more  capable  of  treachery,  baseness  &  cruelty.  Yet

    116  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    with  the  sounding  epithets  of  patriotism,  honour  &
    valour,  he  proceeded  with  great  expedition  to  collect
    a  chosen  band,  of  dauntless  warriors  the  consisted  of
    Eighteen  thousand  warriors.  Their  martial  appear
    ance  entitled  them  to  a  commanded  of  more  gener
    osity  &  valour  than  the  nigardly  <fc  treacherous
    Ulipoon.

    Nemapon,  the  King  of  Cataraugus  made  no  was
    prompt  to  comply  with  the  imperial  requisition.
    Tho'  he  prefered  the  scenes  of  peace  &  being  very
    fond  of  study  &  of  the  mechanical  arts,  his  mind
    was  replenished  with  knowledge  db  &  he  took
    great  pleasure  in  promoting  works  of  inge
    nuity.  He  was  famed  for  great  wisdom  &  subtlety-
    penetration  of  mind,  was  capable  of  forming  great
    plans  &  of  prosecuting  them  with  great  vigour  &  per*
    severance.  He  was  deliberate  &  circumspect  in  all
    his  movements,  but  was  always  quick  on  any  sudden
    emergency,  to  concert  plans  &  to  determine,  had  the
    full  command  of  his  mental  powers  in  every  situa
    tion.  &  even  when  dangers  surrounded  him,  could
    instantly  determine  the  best  measures  to  be  pursued.
    He  prefered  the  scenes  of  peace,  but  could  meet  war
    with  courage  &  firmness.  At  the  head  of  a  select
    band  of  Seventeen  thousand  men,  all  compleatly
    armed  &  anxious  to  meet  the  foe,  he  marched  to  join
    the  grand  Army.

    Not  far  behind  appeared  Ramack,  the  King  of
    Geneseo.  "With  Furious  &  resolute,  he  had  made  the
    utmost  expidition  to  collect  his  forces.  Nor  did  he
    delay  a  moment  when  his  men  were  collected  &  pre-

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  127

    pared  to  move.  At  the  head  of  ten  Thousand  bold
    &  robust  wariors,  he  appeared  at  the  place  of  gen
    eral  rendezvoz,  within  one  day  after  the  King  of
    Cataraugus  had  arrived.  He  bosted  of  the  rapidity
    of  his  movements  &  tho  he  commanded  the  smallest
    division  of  the  grand  army,  yet  he  anticipated  dis
    tinguished  laurels  of  glory,  not  less  than  what  would
    be  obtained  by  their  first  commanders.

    When  these  kings  with  their  forces  had  all  arived
    at  Tolanga,  the  Emperor  Rambock  ordered  them  to
    parade  on  a  great  plain.  They  obeyed  &  and  were
    formed  in  solid  coilums.  The  Emperor  then  attended
    by  his  son  Moonrod,  his  Counsellors  &  the  high
    Priest  presented  himself  before  them.  His  garments
    glittered  with  ornaments,  &  a  bunch  of  long  feathers
    of  various  colours  were  placed  on  the  front  of  his
    cap.  His  sword  he  held  in  his  right  hand  &  being
    tall  <fc  straight  in  his  person,  &  having  a  countenance
    grave  &  bold,  when  he  walked  his  appearance  was
    majestic.  He  was  the  commander  in  chief  &  such
    was  the  high  esteem  <fc  reverence,  with  which  the
    whole  army  viewed  him,  that  none  were  considered
    so  worthy  of  that  station.  Taking  a  stand  in  front
    of  the  army  he  brandished  his  sword.  All  fixed  their
    eyes  upon  him  &  gave  profound  attention.  He  thus
    made  an  address.

    Brave  warriors.  It  is  with  the  greatest  satisfaction
    A  joy,  that  I  now  behold  you  assembled  to  revenge
    one  of  the  most  flagitious  Crimes  of  which  man  was
    ever  guilty.  Ingratitude  &  perfedy,  seduction  <fc
    Robery,  <fc  the  most  daring  impeity  against  heaven
    have  been  perpetrated,  within  our  dominions.  The

    118  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    young  Prince  of  Kentuck  is  the  monster  who  has
    been  guilty  of  these  Crimes.  Our  most  amiable
    daughter  Lamesa  he  has  seduced,  &  contrary  to  our
    will  has  transported  her  into  his  own  country.  Wish
    ing  to  avoid  the  effusion  of  human  blood,  we  offered
    to  withhold  our  revenge,  if  the  Emperor  of  Kentuck
    would  restore  our  daughter.  But  he  has  refused.
    He  has  implicated  himself  &  all  his  subjects  in  the
    horrid  Crimes  of  his  son.  Their  whole  land  is  now
    guilty  &  every  man  woman  &  child  are  the  proper
    objects  of  severe  chastisement.  The  great  &  Good
    Being  is  indignant  towards  them,  &  views  them  with
    the  utmost  detestation  &  abhorrence  As  we  have
    received  our  power  from  him  he  requires  that  we
    should  not  only  avenge  our  own  wrongs,  but  likewise
    execute  his  vengeance  on  the  perfidious  ingrates  &
    monsters  of  wickedness  &  impiety  That  this  is  his
    divine  will  has  been  clearly  investigated  by  our  holy
    prophets  &  priests,  who  have  given  us  the  most
    indubital  positive  assurance  that  success  shall  attend
    our  arms,  that  we  shall  be  enriched  with  the  plun
    der  of  our  enemies,  that  laurels  of  immortal  fame
    will  crown  the  achievements  of  our  warriors,  &  that
    they  shall  be  gloriously  distinguished  on  the  plains
    of  Glory,  like  suns  &  stars  in  the  firmement  of
    heaven.  Our  cause  is  just,  the  celestial  powers
    above  are  on  our  side,  they  have  brandished  theis
    swords  &  sworn  that  blood  shall  deluge  the  fair  land
    of  Kentuck.  You  have  done  well  my  Brave  warriors
    that  you  have  assembled  around  the  standard  of  your
    Emperor.  I  will  conduct  you  to  the  field  of  battle  &

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  3TORY."  119

    direct  your  movements.  My  son  Moonrod,  whose
    arm  like  mine  is  not  enfeebled  by  age,  will  mingle
    with  the  boldest  combatants  &  lead  you  on  to  victory.
    By  the  most  valorous  exploits  by  blood  <fc  slaughter,
    we  will  convince  our  enimies  that  we  are  not  cowards
    &  poltroons.  Their  ridicule  &  derision  shall  be  turned
    into  mourning  &  lamentation.  <fc  we  will  teach  their
    effeminate  &  luxurious  government  not  to  despise  the
    hardy  &  brave  sons  of  Sciota.

    In  full  confidence  that  we  shall  gloriously  triumph
    &  add  immortal  lustre  to  our  names,  we  will  now
    march  forward  we  will  &  avenge  the  injuries  done  to
    the  honour  of  our  imperial  government  &  the  rights
    of  our  Empire  &  all  the  celestial  beings  above  shall
    rejoice  in  the  execution  of  divine  vengeanoe.

    He  said  no  more.  The  whole  army  with  one  voice
    proclaimed  Long  live  the  Emperor.  We  swear  that
    he  shall  never  find  us  Cowards  <fc  Poltroons.  The
    Emperor  then  ordered  them  to  march  by  divisions  <fc
    each  king  to  lead  on  his  own  subjects.  They  began
    their  march  toward  the  land  of  Kentuck.  Their  pro
    visions  &  baggage  were  borne  on  the  backs  of  mam-
    mouth.  Each  man  had  a  sword  by  his  side  &  a  spear
    in  his  hand.  &  on  their  breasts  down  to  their  hips  <fc
    on  their  thighs  they  wore  peices  of  mammouth  skin
    to  guard  them  from  arrows  &  the  weapons  of  death.
    &  on  their  Caps  they  wore  bunches  of  long  feathers.
    Their  garments  were  short  so  as  not  to  encumber
    them  in  Battle.  Thus  equipped  A  mounted,  they
    moved  on  in  exact  order  until  they  arrived  at  the
    great  River.  Here  they  halted  to  provide  boats  to
    transport  them  across.  Their  baggage  <fe  provision

    120  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    were  borne  on  the  backs  of  their  mamm  mammouth,
    which  carried  prodigious  loads

    And  here  we  will  leave  them  for  the  present  dk  take
    a  view  of  the  proceedings  in  Kentuck.

    When  Labanco  had  presented  to  Hamboon  the
    Emperor  of  Kentuck  the  declaration  of  war  &  related
    the  proceedings  of  the  Sciotan  government  he  imme
    diately  assembled  his  counsellors  who  unanimously
    agreed  to  make  the  most  active  &  vigirous  prepara
    tions  for  war.  The  Emperor  sent  forth  his  mandates
    to  all  the  princes  of  his  Empire  requiring  them  to
    assemble  the  most  courageous  warriors,  in  their
    respective  kingdoms  &  to  march  to  the  City  of
    Gamba.  All  the  princes  of  the  Empire  were  quick  to
    obey  the  requisition  of  their  Sovereign.  The  army
    assembled  &  paraded  on  a  great  plain  before  the
    City.  Hamboon  attended  by  his  two  sons  Elseon  <fc
    Hanock,  &  by  his  counsellors  &  three  of  his  principal
    priests,  walked  out  of  the  city  &  presented  himself
    before  his  army.

    His  garments  were  of  various  colours  &  his  Cap
    was  adorned  with  a  bunch  of  beautiful  Feathers,
    which  waved  high  in  the  wind.  In  his  left  hand  he
    held  a  spear  &  in  his  right  a  sword.  His  countenance
    was  bold  &  resonute,  &  such  was  his  gracefulness  &
    eloqution,  when  he  spoke  that  all  eyes  were  fixed
    upon  him.  &  all  ears  were  attention.

    Brave  warriors  My  brave  sons  says  he,  I  extremely
    regretted  the  necessity  of  calling  you  from  your
    peaceful  employments  to  engage  in  the  bloody  scenes
    of  war.  But  such  is  the  violence  the  malice  &  ambi-

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  22J

    tion  of  the  Sciotan  government  that  nothing  will
    satisfy  them  but  hostilities  between  the  Empires.
    They  have  proclaimed  war  even  a  war  of  extermina
    tion  against  our  dominions.  Nor  was  it  in  our  power
    to  prevent  this  most  dreadful  calamity,  unless  we  tore
    asunder  the  bond  of  wedlock  between  the  prince  &
    princess  of  the  Empire.  A  transported  her  like  a
    Culprit  into  their  dominions.  This  was  the  only
    alternative  which  they  offered  to  accept,  to  prevent
    this  terrible  crisis.  A  why  the  rigor  of  this  demand?
    Was  it  because  the  young  Prince  had  violated  any
    law  either  human  or  divine?  No ;  it  was  because  the
    King  of  Sciota  had  fallen  in  love  with  the  Princess,
    A  wished  to  have  her  for  his  wife.  But  as  she  viewed
    him  with  the  utmost  hatred  A  disgust,  he  has  been
    disappointed.  To  gratify  his  malice  &  revenge,  he
    has  roused  the  Sciotans  to  take  arms,  A  threatens  to
    deluge  our  lands  with  the  blood  of  our  citizens  cfc  to
    lay  our  country  in  ruins.  It  is  a  war  on  their  part  to
    gratify  malice  A  revenge  &  nothing  will  satisfy  their
    malignant  passions  but  our  compleate  extermination.
    On  our  part  it  is  a  war  of  self  defense  of  self  preser
    vation,  a  defence  which  will  extend  to  our  wives  &
    our  children,  A  to  all  the  blessings  A  endearments  of
    life.  We  must  either  submit  to  behold  our  dearest
    friends  expiring  in  agonies  our  property  torn  from  us
    A  our  houses  in  flames  A  our  dearest  friends  expiring
    in  agonies  A  even  like  cowards  suffer  them  without
    resistance  to  cut  our  own  throats  or  we  must  meet
    them  like  men  determine  to  vindicate  our  rights,  A  to
    retaliate  all  their  intended  mischiefs.  Nor  need  we
    fear  the  event  of  the  contest.  Infinite  benevolence

    122  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    will  reward  our  situation.  &  grant  us  that  assistance
    which  will  give  success  to  our  efforts.  You,  my  brave
    sons  will  be  inspired  with  courage,  your  hands  will  be
    strong  for  the  Battle  &  their  warriors  will  fall  before
    you  like  corn  before  the  reapers  sickel.  With  all
    their  mighty  boasting  &  high  confidence  in  their
    superior  cunning  &  prowess,  they  are  men  formed  of
    the  same  materials  which  we  possess.  Our  swords
    will  find  a  passage  to  their  hearts,  &  the  vital  blood
    gushing  forth  they  will  fall  prostrate  at  our  feet.  Let
    us  march  then  with  courage  to  meet  the  implacable
    foe,  determined  either  to  die  gloriously  fighting  or  to
    obtain  victory.

    Having  thus  spoken,  the  whole  army  with  a  loud
    voice  replied,  Victory  or  death.  Lead  us  on  to  vic
    tory.  At  the  head  of  this  army  which  consisted  of  one
    hundred  &  fifty  thousand  men,  he  marched  toward
    the  great  River.  They  arived  at  the  bank  &  beheld
    the  Sciotas  all  busyly  employed  in  making  prepara
    tions  to  cross  the  River.

    The  Empress,  the  Princess  Lamesa,  &  the  Emper
    ors  daughters  attended  by  a  few  friends  &  their  serv
    ants  arrived  at  the  place  where  the  army  was
    encamped.  As  soon  as  Elseon  heard  the  news  of
    their  arrival,  he  hastened  to  the  place  &  found  the
    company  had  alighted  at  an  house  &  that  Lamesa  &
    her  friend  Holika  were  in  a  room  by  themselves.  As
    soon  as  he  entered  Lamesa  arose.  The  gloom  &
    anxiety  which  were  for  a  number  of  days  displayed
    visible  in  her  countenance  at  his  appearance  were
    dispelled.  He  received  her  into  his  arms  with  an
    affectionate  embrace,  &  expressed  the  greatest  pleas-

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  128

    ure  at  seeing  her  once  more.  The  tears  ran  down
    her  cheeks,  for  a  moment  she  was  silent,  she  raised
    her  head  <fe  replied.  O  Elseon,  were  it  not  for  you  I
    should  be  the  most  wretched  being  in  existence,  &  yet
    my  love  for  you  has  been  the  cause  of  all  my  present
    affliction.  If  I  had  never  seen  you,  those  horrid
    prospects  which  now  present  themselves  to  my  view,
    would  never  have  been.  But  you  are  innocent,  nor
    am  I  guilty  of  any  crime.  Buth  how  can  I  endure  to
    behold  the  calamities  which  must  fall  upon  both
    nations  in  consequence  of  our  connection?  Two
    empires  at  war,  spreading  carnage  &  ruin,  warriors
    bleeding  on  the  field  of  Battle,  innocent  women  &
    children  perishing  in  the  agonies  of  death,  <fc  towns  <fc
    cities  in  flames.  Ah  homed  prospect.  Have  you  &
    I  my  dear  Elseon  produced  these  dreadful  calamities?
    Is  our  conduct  the  cause  which  must  We  are  not  says
    he,  my  dear  Lamesa  responsible  for  for  the  horrid
    effects  of  malice  &  revenge  which  may  be  occasioned
    by  our  innocent  conduct.  If  men  will  be  so  indig
    nant  towards  each  other,  because  we  do  right  as  to
    massacre  &  do  all  the  mischief  they  can,  we  may
    deplore  their  weakness  &  depravity,  but  have  no  more
    reason,  to  make  ourselvs  unhappy  on  that  account
    than  if  these  effects  were  produced  by  some  other
    cause.  They  alone  are  responsible  for  their  crimes  &
    have  reason  for  unhappy  reflections.

    But  how  can  I  endure,  says  she,  to  see  my  dearest
    friends  become  each  others  implacable  enimy?  To
    see  them  mutually  engaged  to  destroy  each  others
    life?  My  Father  for  whom  I  ever  had  the  greatest
    affection,  &  my  only  Brother  are  now  at  the  head  of

    124  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    one  hostile  army,  &  your  father  &  you  my  dearest
    husband  are  at  the  head  of  the  other.  When  these
    armies  meet,  should  you  not  plunge  your  sword  into
    the  heart  of  my  Father  &  my  brother,  &  would  they
    not  do  the  same  by  you  if  in  their  power?  When
    such  scenes  present  themselves  to  my  view,  they
    pierce  my  soul  like  dagers.  &  produce  the  keenest
    anguish.  O  that  I  could  fly  to  my  Father  &  on  my
    bended  knees  implore  forgiveness.

    Yes,  says  Elseon,  when  you  have  done  that,  he  will
    give  you  to  the  mighty  Sambul  for  his  wife.

    No,  never  says  she,  never  would  I  submit.  I  abhor
    the  monster  more  than  ever.  He  is  the  most  malig
    nant  scoundrel  in  existence.  To  gratify  his  revenge
    whole  Empires  must  be  laid  in  ruins.  What  punish
    ment  more  just  than  that  he  himself  should  fall  in
    battle.  &  endure  the  agonies  which  his  vengeful  soul
    is  bringing  on  others?  But  as  for  my  Father  &  my
    Brother,  they  have  by  his  artifice  been  deceived.  I
    conjure  you  if  you  have  any  regard  for  my  happiness,
    not  to  take  their  lives  if  in  your  power.  Rather  than
    that  my  hands  should  be  stained  with  the  blood  of
    your  dearest  friends  I  will  present  my  bosom  to  their
    swords.  There  lives,  says  he,  are  safe  from  my
    sword,  but  hark,  there  is  an  alarm.  An  expres
    arived  &  informed  him  that  the  Sciotan  army  had
    found  means  to  get  their  boats  down  the  River  in  the
    night  unperceived,  &  had  landed  without  opposition
    about  three  miles  below  them  the  Kentuckian
    encampment  Elseon  then  embraced  his  wife  &  said
    when  your  protection  &  my  own  honour  call  I  must
    obey.  He  left  her  in  tears  imploring  heaven  to  pro-

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  125

    tect  him,  &  runing  swiftly  to  the  army  he  took  his
    station.

    CHAP.  XIV

    HAMBOON  mounted  on  an  eligant  horse  richly
    caparisoned,  rode  thro  the  encampment  proclaiming
    aloud,  every  man  to  his  station.  Seize  your  arms
    &  prepare  for  Battle.  All  his  princes  quick  to  obey
    his  commands  instantly  repaired  to  their  respective
    divisions.  &  gave  orders  to  form  their  men  into
    solid  collums.  When  this  was  done,  they  marched
    a  small  distance  to  the  pi  &  paraded  on  the  great
    plain  of  Geheno.  They  were  now  prepared  for  the
    hostile  engagement.  Their  officers  of  the  highest
    Ranks  marched  along  their  in  front  of  their  divisions
    &  by  their  speeches  they  inspired  the  men  with  bold
    ness  &  courage.  They  ardently  wished  to  behold
    their  enimies,  A  to  have  an  opportunity  of  display
    ing  their  valour  in  their  destruction.  Hamboon  then
    commanded  his  principal  officers  to  assemble  around
    him.  When  they  were  collected  which  was  in  front
    of  the  army,  he  thus  addressed  them.

    I  wish  for  your  opinion  my  brave

    NOTE.— Pages  143  and  144  are  missing.

    &  heroic  commanders  had  each  a  chosen  band  of
    warriors,  who  were  ordered  as  soon  as  the  battle
    should  begin  to  march  between  the  divisions  &
    charge  the  enimy.  in  order  to  break  their  order  <fc
    throw  them  into  confusion  The  design  of  this  arrange
    ment  was  to  break  their  ranks  &  to  throw  them  into
    confusion.

    126  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    The  command  of  these  bands  were  given  to  Elseon,
    Labanco  Hanack  &  two  counsellors  of  the  Emperor,
    Hamul  &  Taboon.    The  momentous  period  had  arived.
    Each  grand  army  were  now  ready,  were  anxious  for
    the    combat,   &    sanguine  in    their    expectations   of
    obtaining  a  glorious  victory.     Musicians  with  instru
    ments  of  various  kinds  were  now  playing  thro'  every
    division  of  both   Armies.     They  blowed  horns  pipes
    &  a  kind  of  trumpet,  &  beat  with  sticks  on  little  tubs
    whose    heads    were    formed    of    parchments.      The
    melody  was  truly  martial  &  calculated  to  inspire  each
    warrior  with  an  ardent  desire  for  battle  &  the  most
    daring  heroism.    All  was  hushed.    The  musicians  fell
    back  in  the  rear.     There  was  a  perfect  silence  thro'
    both    armies.      Each     Emperor    with    their    swords
    brandishing  rode  were  in  front  &  facing  their  respec
    tive  armies.     Near   three   hundred  thousand  spears
    were  glittering  with  the  reflection  of  sunbeams.    Not
    a  cloud  to  be  seen  in  the  east.     The  sun  shone  with
    unusual  brightness,  in  the  west  a  dark  cloud  began
    to   arise   &   distant   thunder   was   heard   to  rumble.
    Hambock  .proclaimed  with  a  voice  which  was  heard
    from  the  right   to   the  left  March  march  my  brave
    warriors,  &  fight  like  heroes.     Hamboon   saw  them
    beginning  to   move   but  not   changing   his   counte
    nance,   which  was   placid   &    bold,   he    proclaimed.
    Stand   firm    my  brave   sons      Let   your  arrows   fly
    thick  against  your  enimies  as  they  advance  &  finish
    with  your  spears  &  your  swords  their  destruction.
    The  Musick  again  played  &  both  armies  gave  a  tre
    mendous  shout.     Spears  &  swords
    When  the   Sciotans   had   advanced  with  a  firm  &

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  227

    moderate  step,  within  a  small  distance  of  Hamboons
    army,  they  both  armies  discharged  arrows  with  with
    such  unerring  aim  &  celerity  that  many  brave  war-
    riors  on  both  sides  fell  prostrate.     Others  were  sorely
    wounded  &  retired  back  in  the  rear.     Their  places
    were  immediately  supplied  &  the  second  Rank  coloped
    A  took  their  stations  in  the  front.     Each  man  fixing
    his  spear  horizontaly  &  about  as  high  as  his  breast
    the  Sciotans  rushed  forward  with  heroic  yels  &  horri
    ble  shoutings  &  made  a  most  tremendous  &  furious
    charge  upon  the  Kentucks.    They  received  them  with
    firmness  &  courage  spears  met  spears  &  many  were
    bent  or  broken  &  others  were  thrust  o~n~  both  sides
    into  the  bodies  of  heroes,  whose  blood  gushing  forth
    they  fell  with  horrid  groans  pale  &  lifeless  on  the
    sanguine  plain.     Neither  army  gave  back,  but  being
    nearly  equal  as  to  strength  &  numbers  they  poured
    forth  upon  each  other  with  a  lavish  hand  the  impli-
    ments   the  weapons   of  death  &  destruction   Deter
    mined    to    conquer    or    die,    it    was    impossible    to
    conjecture  which  Emperor  would   have  gained  the
    victory  had  the  divisions  or  bands  in  the  rear  of  each
    army   remained    inactive.      But   anxious  to  mingle
    charge  with  the  boldest  warriors,  the  Ken  tuck  bands
    led  on  by  their  heroic   princes  rushed   between  the
    divisions  of  the  grand  army  &  made  a  most  furious
    charge   on    the    Sciotans.     They   broke    thro*   their
    ranks,   piercing    their    indignant    foes   with    deadly
    wounds.     Heroes   fell   before  them  &  many  of  the
    Sciotans  being  struck  with  surprise  &  terror,  began
    to  retire  back.     But  the  bands  in  the  rear  of  their
    army  instantly  rushed  forward,  &  met  their  furious

    128  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    combatants.  The  battle  was  now  spread  in  every
    direction.  Many  valiant  chiefs  who  commanded
    under  their  respective  Kings,  were  overthrown  &
    many  thousand  robost  &  brave  warriors,  whose
    names  were  not  distinguished  by  office,  were  com-
    peled  to  receive  deadly  wounds  &  to  bite  the  dust.  It
    was  Elseons  fortune  to  attack  the  division  led  by  the
    valiant  Kamoff .  He  broke  his  ranks  &  killed  many
    warriors.  While  driving  them  furiously  before  him,
    he  met  Hamkol  at  the  head  of  many  Thousand  Scio-
    tans.  Hamkol  beheld  the  young  Prince  &  knew  him
    &  being  fired  with  greatest  rage  &  thirst  for  revenge,
    he  urged  on  the  comabat  with  the  most  driving  vio
    lence.  Now,  he  thot  was  a  favourable  chance  to
    gain  immortal  renown.  Elseon,  says  he,  shall  feel
    the  effects  of  my  conquering  sword.  The  warriors
    on  both  side  charged  each  other,  with  incredible
    fury,  &  Elseon  &  Hamkol  met  in  the  centre  of  their
    divisions.  I  have  found  you  says  Hamkol  perfidious
    monster,  I  will  teach  you  to  rob  our  Empire  of  its
    most  valuable  treasure.  He  spoke  &  Elseon  replied.
    Art  thou  Hamkol,  the  counsellor  of  Hamback  Your
    advice  has  produced  this  blood  &  slaughter.  Ham
    kol  raised  his  sword  &  had  not  Elseon  defended  him
    self  from  the  blow  he  never  would  have  spoken  again.
    But,  quick  as  the  lightning  Elseon  darted  his  sword
    thro'  his  heart  Hamkol  He  knashed  his  teeth  together
    &  with  a  groanTtumbling  headlong  with  a  groan
    expired.

    The  battle  raged.  Labanco  attacked  the  division
    of  Sambul.  His  conquering  sword  had  kiled  two
    chief  &  his  band  performed  the  most  brilliant  exploits

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.19  120

    Sambul  met  him  <t  like  an  indignant  panther  he
    sprang  upon  him  &  while  Labanco  was  engaged  in
    combat  with  another  chief  Sambul  thrust  his  sword
    into  his  side.  Thus  Labanco  fell  lamented  &  beloved
    by  all  the  subjects  of  the  Empire  of  Kentuck.
    Hamack  His  learning  wisdom  &  penetration  of  mind,
    his  integrety  firmness  &  courage,  had  gained  him
    universal  respect  &  given  him  a  commanding  influ
    ence  over  the  Emperor  &  his  other  Counsellors.  He
    was  viewed  with  such  respect  <fc  reverence  that  the
    death  of  no  man  could  have  produced  more  grief  &
    lamentation  &  excited  in  the  minds  of  the  Kentuck  a
    more  ardent  thirst  for  revenge.  The  officers  of  his
    phalanx  exclaimed  Revenge  the  death  of  Labanco.
    Even  lightning  could  not  have  produced  a  more
    instantaneous  effect.  With  tenfoldrage  &  fury  his
    warriors  maintained  the  conflict  &  redoubled  their
    efforts  in  spreading  death  &  carnage.  Even  The
    mighty  Sambul  trembled  at  the  slaughter  of  his  sub-
    jects  warriors  &  began  to  despair  of  victory  he  began
    to  fearing  that  his  intended  revenge  was  turning  upon
    his  own  head.  During  this  slaughter  of  Sambuls
    forces  Hamack  was  engaged  in  battle  with  Habelan
    King  of  Chiauga.  No  part  of  the  war  raged  with  a
    more  equal  balance.  Warriors  met  warriors  with
    such  equal  strength  &  courage,  that  it  was  impossible
    to  determine  on  which  side  was  the  greatest  slaughter,
    even  their  heroic  chiefs  prudently  avoided  a  combat
    with  each  other  &  emploid  their  swords  in  overthrow
    ing  those  of  less  distinction.  The  field  was  covered
    with  the  bodies  of  heroes  besmeared  with  blood,

    130  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    which  was  spread  thick  on  every  side.  In  the  mean
    time  Hamul  &  Taboon  who  led  on  the  other  reserved
    divisions  of  the  Kentucks  were  fiercely  engaged  in
    spreading  the  war  thro'  the  ranks  of  the  Sciotans
    Hamul  compelled  to  the  division  commanded  by
    Sabulmah  to  fall  back,  but  still  they  fought  as  they
    slowly  retreated,  &  being  rein  forsed  by  a  body  of
    troops  in  their  rear,  they  continued  the  conflict  &
    maintained  their  position.  The  slaughter  was
    emence  &  each  party  boasted  of  the  most  brilliant
    achievements.

    Taboon  made  his  attack  on  the  division  of  Ulipoon,
    commanded  by  Harnelick.  The  Sciotan  ranks  were
    broken  &  they  must  have  fled  in  confusion  had  not
    Rameck  supported  them  with  his  division,  warlike
    band.  The  contest  now  became  bloody  furious  &
    equal  feats  of  valour  were  displaid  by  contending
    heroes.  The  thirsty  earth  was  overspread  with  the
    dead  and  dying  bodies,  of  thousands  &  saciated  their
    its  thirst  by  copious  draughts  of  human  blood.
    Hamelick  himself  was  slain,  but  not  until  his  sword
    was  crimsoned  with  the  blood  of  his  enimies  But
    The  dubious  war  appeared  at  last  determined.  Ham-
    back  beheld  his  army  giving  ground  on  every  hand.
    He  rode  throout  their  divisions  &  endeavored  to  inspire
    them  with  persvering  courage.  But  in  vain.  They
    could  not  withstand  the  impetuosity  the  numbers  &
    strength  of  their  Enimies.  Aided  by  the  advantage
    they  had  obtained  by  the  arrangement  they  had  made
    to  manage  the  conflict.  The  Sciotans  began  to  retreat.
    Such  was  the  situation  of  both  armies  that  they

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  26' /

    the  Sciotans  must  have  principally  been  to  overthrow
    &  destroyed  if  the  Kentucks  had  been  permitted  to
    continue  the  havoc  &  slaughter  they  had  begun.  But
    how  often  are  the  most  sanguine  expectations  disap
    pointed  by  the  decrees  of  heaven.  At  this  awful
    period  whilst  the  atmosphere  was  repleate  with  the
    multifarious  sounds  of  the  clashing  of  swords  <fc
    spears,  the  playing  melody  of  the  martial  musick
    -  -  -  -  the  shouts  of  the  conquerors  &  the  shrieks  <fc
    groans  of  the  dying,  even  then  the  heavens  were
    overspread  with  clouds  of  the  most  sable  hue,  which
    had  blown  from  the  West.  The  thunders  roared
    tremendously  &  the  flashes  of  lightning  were  incessant.
    The  wind  began  to  blow  from  the  west  with  great
    violence  the  hail  poured  down  from  the  clouds  &  was
    carried  with  great  velocity  full  in  the  faces  of  the  Ken-
    tucks.  They  were  unable  to  see  their  enimy,  or
    continue  the  conflict.  Hambock  &  his  princes  immedi
    ately  rallied  their  retreating  forces  <fe  facing  round
    encouraged  them  to  fight  courageously  since  the
    great  &  good  Being  had  miraculously  interposed  in
    their  behalf.  The  Kentuck  army  were  unable  to
    continue  the  conflict,  they  were  obliged  in  their  turn
    to  retreat,  but  such  was  the  violence  of  the  storm
    that  the  Sciotans  could  not  take  any  great  advantage
    of  the  confusion  of  their  enimies.  They  however
    pursued  them  to  the  hill  which  had  been  in  the  rear
    of  the  Kentucks,  overthowing  and  kiling  some  in
    the  pursuit.  But  as  the  hill  was  overspread  with
    trees,  which  broke  the  violence  of  the  wind  Hamboon
    commanded  his  men  to  face  their  pursuers,  The  Scio
    tans  finding  that  their  enimies  had  the  advantage  of

    132  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    the  ground,  <fe  being  intolerably  fatigued  with  the
    battle,  which  had  lasted  near  four  hours  retired  a
    small  distance  back,  &  as  soon  as  the  storm  abated,
    they  marched  beyond  the  ground  which  was  strewed
    thick  with  the  slain.  Thus  ended  the  great  battle  on
    the  plain  of  Geheno.  Both  There  they  encamped  &
    as  the  storm  had  now  subsided,  both  armies  pro
    ceeded  to  make  provision  to  refresh  themselvs,  being
    nearly  exhausted  by  the  fatcagus  fatigues  of  a  most
    bloody  contest,  which  had  lasted  nearly  five  hours.
    That  day  afforded  them  no  time  to  bury  their  dead.
    The  sun  did  not  tarry  in  his  course,  but  hid  himself
    below  the  horizon,  &  darkness  spread  itself  over  the
    face  of  the  earth.  The  warriors  with  their  spears  in
    their  hands  extended  themselvs  upon  the  earth,  &
    spent  the  night  in  rest  &  sleep.  Next  morning  they
    arose  with  renovated  vigour  Their  thots  were
    immediately  turned  to  the  sanguine  field.  Many
    warriors  say  they,  lie  there  pierced  with  mortal
    wounds  &  covered  with  with  blood.  Their  spirits
    have  assumed  etherial  bodies,  &  they  are  now  receiv
    ing  the  rewards  assigned  to  the  brave  on  the  plains  of
    glory.  But  they  demand  of  us  that  we  should  secure
    their  remains  from  the  voracious  jaws  of  carnivorous
    beasts  animals  by  intering  them  in  the  earth.  But
    how  can  this  be  done  unless  both  armies  will  mutually
    agree  to  lay  down  their  arms  during  the  interment,  of
    the  remains  of  their  respective  warriors.  Hamboon
    dispached  a  messenger  to  Hambock  who  agreed  to
    an  armistice  for  the  term  of  two  days,  &  that  ten
    thousand  men  might  be  emploid  from  each  army  in

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  133

    burying  the  dead.  It  was  indeed  a  melancolly  day.
    The  conquest  was  not  desided.  Neither  army  had
    gained  a  victory,  or  had  reason  to  boast  of  any
    superior  advantage  obtained  or  any  heroic  atchieve-
    ments  which  were  not  matched  by  contending  war
    riors,  an  emence  slaughter  was  made.  Hear  one  hun
    dred  thousand  were  extended  breathless  on  the  field.
    This  was  only  the  beginning  of  the  war  &  what  must  be
    the  dreadful  calamities  if  it  should  continue  to  rage?
    If  a  few  more  battles  should  be  faught,  &  the  enfuri-
    ated  conqueror  should  turn  his  vengeful  sword
    against  defenceless  women  &  children  &  mingle  their
    blood  with  the  blood  of  heroes,  who  had  fallen  bravely
    fighting  in  their  defence.  When  both  armies  viewed
    the  the  emence  slaughter  that  had  been  made  of  their
    respective  friends,  instead  of  cooling  their  ardor  for
    the  war  it  only  served  to  encrease  their  knowledge  &
    their  thirst  for  revenge.

    Ten  thousand  men  from  each  army  without  arms
    marched  to  the  field  where  the  battle  was  faught,  &
    having  selected  the  bodies  of  their  respective  warri-
    ors,  they  carried  as  many  of  them  together  as  what
    could  be  done  with  convenience  <fe  then  diging  into
    the  ground  about  three  feet  deep  ft  throwing  the
    dirt  around  in  a  circular  form  upon  the  edge  of  the
    grave  they  then  deposited  the  bodies  in  it.  covering
    the  ground  over  which  they  had  dug  with  the  bodies
    &  then  placing  others  upon  them  until  the  whole  were
    deposited.  They  then  proceede  to  throw  dirt  upon
    them  &  to  raise  over  them  a  high  mound.  In  this  man-

    134  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    ner  they  proceeded  until  they  had  finished  the  inter-
    ment  The  bodie8  of  the  chiefs  that  were  slain  were
    carried  to  their  respective  armies,  &  performing  many
    customary  solemnities  of  woe,  they  were  intered  &
    prodigious  mounds  of  eart  were  raised  over  them.
    After  the  funeral  rites  were  finished  &  the  armistice
    had  expired,  the  hostile  Emperors  must  now  deter^
    mine  on  further  plans  of  operations.
    The  field  was  widely  strewed  &  in  many  places  thickly
    covered  with  human  bodies  extended  in  various  posi
    tions  on  their  sides  their  backs  &  faces.  Some  with
    their  arms  &  Jegs_jwidely_spread,  some  with  their
    mouths  open  &  eyes  stairing.  Mangled  with  swords
    spears  &  arrows  &  besmeared  with  blood  &  dirt.  Most
    hideous  forms  &  dreadful  to  behold.  Such  objects
    excited  horror  &  all  the  sympathetick  &  compassion
    ate  feelings  of  the  human  heart  As  both  Emperors
    had  agreed  to  the  suspension  of  arms  for  the  pur
    pose  of  burying  the  remains  of  these  of  the  heroic
    warriors,  ten  thousand  men  from  each  army  entered
    the  field  &  began  the  mournful  employment.  They
    dug  holes  about  three  feet  deep  &  in  a  circular  form,
    &  of  about  twenty  or  thirty  feet  diameter.  &  in
    these  they  deposited  the  bodies  of  their  decesed
    heroes  &  then  raised  over  them  large  mounds  of
    earth.  The  bodies  of  the  chiefs  who  had  fallen  were
    carried  to  their  respective  armies,  &  buried  with  all
    the  solemnities  of  woe.  Over  them  they  raised  pro
    digious  mounds  of  earth,  which  will  remain  for  ages
    as  monuments  to  comemorate  the  valiant  feats  of
    these  heroes  &  the  great  battle  of  Gaheno.

    THE  "MANUSCRIPr  STORY."  135

    After  the  funeral  Rites  were  finished,  A  the  armis
    tice  having  expired,  the  hostile  Emperors  must  now
    determine  on  further  plans  for  operation.  Hamback
    requested  the  advice  of  his  principal  officers,  who
    were  unanimous  in  their  opinion  that  it  was  their  best
    policy  to  retire  back,  to  the  hill,  which  was  opposite
    to  the  place  where  they  landed,  &  there  wait  for  rein
    forcements.  This  they  effected  the  next  night  with
    out  being  prevented  by  their  enimy.  Hamboon  the
    next  day  marched  toward  them,  but  not  thinking  it
    good  policy  to  attack  them  at  present  took  possession
    of  the  hill  in  plain  view  of  the  Sciotans  &  there
    encamped  with  his  whole  army.  As  the  Sciotana
    sallied  out  in  parties  to  plunder  &  to  ravage  the  coun
    try,  these  were  pursued  overtaken  A  met  by  parties
    of  the  Kentucks  Many  bloody  skirmishes  ensued  with
    varous  success,  <fc  many  feats  of  heroism  were  dis-
    plaid  on  both  sides.  Wherever  the  Sciotans  marched,
    devastation  attended  their  steps,  A  all  classes  of  peo
    ple  without  distinction  of  age  or  sex,  who  fell  into
    their  hands  became  the  victims  of  their  infuriated
    malice.  The  extermination  of  the  Kentucks  appeared
    to  be  their  oject,  not  considering  that  it  might  soon
    be  their  turn  to  have  such  cruelties  retaliated  upon
    themselves  with  three  fold  vengeance.  They  likewise
    had  a  further  object  in  view,  hich  was  to  provoke
    Hamboon  to  attack  the  main  army,  whilst  posted  in
    an  advantageous  situation  But  it  was  Hamboons
    policy  by  placing  garrisons  in  different  stations,  A  by
    patroling  parties  to  prevent  the  Sciotand  from  plun
    dering  &  destroying  his  towns,  A  from  obtaining  pro
    visions  from  his  country  A  in  this  way  to  compel  them

    136  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    to  cross  the  river  or  to  attack  his  army  in  the  poso-
    tion  he  had  taken.  While  the  two  Emperors  were
    thus  manoevering  &  seeking  by  various  arts  <fc
    stratigems  to  gain  an  advantage  over  each  other,  a
    very  extraordinary  incident_of_heroi8m  &  the  display
    of  the  most  sincere  &  ardent  friendship  transpired,
    displayed  transpired  which  is_worthy~_a_place  on
    the  historic  page  Insidents  transpired  of  heroism  <fc
    friendship.  In  the  dominion  of  Hamboon  there  lived
    two  young  men  who  were  bred  in  the  same  village,
    having  minds  formed  for  the  exercise  of  the  noblest
    principles  &  possessed  of  congenial  tempers.  They
    early  contracted  the  greatest  intimacy  &  formed
    towards  each  other  the  strongest  attachment.  They
    joined  the  standard  of  Hamboon  &  in  the  great  battle
    of  Gaheno  they  faught  side  by  side  &  performed
    exploits  equally  bold  &  heroic  they  eat  at  the  same
    board  &  drank  of  the  same  cup  &  in  all  their  excur
    sions  they  attended  each  other  &  walked  hand  in
    hand.  As  these  two  friends  were  seting  in  their  tent
    one  evening,  Theljard  who  was  the  oldest  says  to
    Hamkon  something  whisper  to  me  that  this  night  we
    can  perform  a  most  brilliant  exploit  The  Sciotans
    have  held  a  great  festival  &  until  midnight  they  will
    be  employed  in  singing  &  in  dancing  &  in  various
    diversions.  Being  greatly  fatigued,  when  they  lie
    down  to  rest  their  sleep  will  be  sound.  We  may  then
    enter  their  camp  by  slyly  getting  round  them  by  their
    centinels  unperceived  &  make  a  most  dreadful
    slaughter.  Your  plan  replied  Hamkion  is  excellent.
    It  is  worthy  of  the  character  of  an  hero.  I  will  join

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  137

    you.  I  will  either  triumph  with  you  in  the  success  of
    the  enterprize  or  perish  in  the  attempt*  Perhaps  we
    may  atchieve  a  glorious  deliverance  to  our  Country
    by  destroying  our  cruel  enimies.  They  both  taking
    their  swords  &  tomehauks  repaired  toward  the  camp
    of  the  Sciotans,  in  order  to  reconoiter  &  find  where
    they  could  enter  &  not  be  perceived  by  the  Centinals.
    The  Moon  shone  bright  but  would  set  about  three
    oclock  in  the  morning  This  was  the  time  they  had
    fixed  upon  to  begin  the  massacer  of  their  enimies.

    At  length  all  became  silent,  the  moon  disappeared
    A  these  young  heroes  had  accomplished  their  plan  in
    getting  into  the  camp  of  the  Sciotans  unperceived.
    They  found  them  lying  in  a  profound  sleep,  for  the
    fatigue  of  the  day  &  revels  of  the  night  had  bro't
    weariness  upon  them,  &  considering  when  they  came
    down  that  the  vigilence  of  their  guards  would  secure
    them  fro  surprize,  they  slept  with  an  unusual  sound
    ness,  but  their  vigilence  could  not  prevent  an  unsus
    pected  destruction.  The  Tomehauks  &  swords  of
    these  daring  youth  soon  caused  hundreds  to  sleep  in
    eternal  slumber,  &  so  anxious  were  they  to  finish  the
    destruction  of  their  enimies  that  the  day  began  to
    dawn,  before  they  had  cleared  themselvs  from  the
    camp  of  their  enimies  Scarce  however  had  they
    passed  the  last  Centinal  &  the  alarm  was  given.  The
    Sciotans  beheld  a  most  terrible  slaughter  of  their
    warriors,  &  being  fired  with  indignation  sallied  forth
    in  parties  in  every  direction.  Kelsock  &  Hamkoo
    had  nearly  gained  the  encampment  of  the  Kentucks,
    &  Hamkoon  with  a  party  of  Sciotans  had  overtaken
    Hamko.  Kelsock  was  so  far  in  advance  that  he  was

    138  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.'1

    now  safe  from  all  danger,  but  turning  his  eyes  round,
    he  beheld  Hakoon  seize  his  friend,  who  was  attempt-  •
    ing  to  defend  himself  against  the  party.  Kelsock
    turned  instantly  &  runing  furiously  back  cried,  Spare
    oh  spare  the  youth,  he  is  innocent.  I  alone  contrived
    the  slaughter  of  the  Sciotans,  too  much  love  to  his
    friend  induced  him  to  join  in  the  enterprize,  Here  is
    my  bosom,  here  take  your  revenge.  Scarce  had  he
    spoken  &  Haloon  plunged  his  sword  into  the  heart  of
    Hamko.  The  young  hero  fell  &  with  a  groan  expired.
    Kelsock  instantly  rushed  upon  Haloon  &  darted  his
    sword  thro'  his  heart.  Prostrate  he  tumbled  at  the
    feet  of  Hamkoo.  But  Kelsock  could  not  long  sur
    vive.  A  spear  pierced  him  in  the  side.  He  cast  his
    eyes  on  the  lifeless  body  of  his  friend  &  fell  on
    his  lifeless  body  it,  he  embraced  it  &  never  breathed
    again.  Ah  heroic  youths,  in  friendship  ye  lived  &  in
    life  &  death  ye  were  joined.

    Forty  days  had  now  expired  since  the  two  armies
    had  taken  their  different  positions.  Each  had
    received  large  reinforcements  which  supplied  the
    place  of  the  slain.  Experience  had  taught  them  to
    use  stratigem  instead  of  attacking  under  great  dis
    advantages  &  yet  to  remain  long  in  their  present
    situation  could  not  possibly  terminate  the  war  suc
    cess  fully  on  the  part  of  the  Sciotans.  Rambock
    considering  the  obsticles  which  attended  the  prose
    cution  of  every  plan  at  last  by  the  advice  of  Sambul
    &  Ulipoon,  determined  on  a  most  rash  &  desperate
    enterprize.  An  enterprize  which  would  in  a  measure
    satiate  their  revenge,  provided  that  it  should  even
    produce  the  annihilation  of  the  army.  As  soon  as

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  13.0

    darkness  had  overspread  the  earth  at  night,  Rambock
    marched  his  whole  army  toward  the  City  of  Gamba.
    <fc  such  was  the  stillness  of  their  movements  that  they
    were  not  perceived,  nor  was  it  known  by  Hamboon
    that  they  had  marched  until  the  morning  light.  As
    soon  as  the  Kentucks  found  that  the  Sciotans  found
    that  had  abandoned  the  place  of  their  encampment  &
    found  the  direction  they  had  gone,  they  immediately
    pursued  them  with  the  utmost  expedition.  But  too
    late  to  prevent  the  intended  slaughter  db  devastation
    The  Sciotans  without  delaying  their  march  by  attack
    ing  any  forts  in  their  way,  merely  entered  the  vilages
    kiling  the  inhabitants  who  had  not  made  their  escape
    &  burning  their  houses.  They  arived  before  the  City
    of  Gamba.  Great  indeed  was  the  surprize  &  terror  db
    consternation  of  the  Citizens.  Many  fled  to  the  fort.
    A  band  of  about  three  thousand  resolute  warriors
    seized  their  arms,  determined  to  risk  their  lives  in
    the  defence  of  the  City.  The  leader  of  the  band  was
    Lamack  the  eldest  son  of  Labanco.  He  inherited  the
    virtue  of  his  excellent  Father  &  even  thirsted  to
    revenge  his  death,  by  sacrificing  to  his  manes  the
    bones  of  his  cruel  enimies.  He  posted  his  warriors
    in  a  narrow  passage  which  led  to  the  City.  The
    Sciotan  Emperor  immediately  formed  his  plan  of
    attack.  A  large  host  selected  from  all  the  grand
    divisions  of  his  army  marched  against  them.  They
    were  commanded  by  Moonrod.  He  led  them  on
    against  this  galant  &  desperate  band  of  Kentucks  <fc
    made  a  most  furious  &  violent  charge  upon  them.
    Bat  they  were  resisted  with  a  boldness  which  will
    forever  do  honour  to  their  immortal  valour.  Many

    140  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    hundreds  of  their  enimies  they  peirced  with  their
    deadly  weapons,  <fc  caused  heaps  of  them  to  lie  pros
    trate  in  the  narrow  passage.  Such  prodigious  havock
    was  made  on  the  Sciotans  by  this  small  band  of  vali
    ant  citizens  who  were  driven  to  desperation  &  whose
    only  object  was  to  sell  their  lives  dear  to  their  eni
    mies.  ,  that  even  Moonrod  began  to  despair  of  forcing
    his  way  into  the  City  thro'  this  naroow  passage.
    Being  informed  by  a  treacherous  Kentuck  of  another
    passage,  he  immediately  dispatched  a  band  of  about
    four  thousand  from  his  army  to  enter  the  city  thro
    that  passage  &  to  fall  upon  the  rear  of  the  Kentucks.
    This  plan  succeeded.  These  heroes  now  found  the
    war  to  rage  both  in  front  &  rear  &  part  facing  their
    new  assailants,  they  attacked  their  new  assailants
    them  with  incredible  fury.  What  could  they  do?
    Resistance  was  now  in  vain.  They  could  no  longer
    maintain  the  bloody  contest  against  such  a  mighty
    host.  Lamack  then  commanded  the  survivors  of  his  lit
    tle  band  to  break  thro'  the  ranks  of  his  last  assailants,
    &  to  retreat  to  the  fort.  It  was  impossible  to  withstand
    the  violence  of  their  charge.  They  broke  thro'  the
    ranks  of  their  enimies,  &  made  a  passage  over  the
    bodies  of  heroes,  thro'  which  the  retreated  &  marched
    to  the  fort.  About  seven  hundred  with  their  valiant
    leader  thus  made  their  escape  &  arived  safe  in  the  fort
    The  remainder  of  the  three  thousand  sold  their  lives  in
    defence  of  their  friends  &  their  country.  This  battle
    checked  the  progress  of  the  enemy  which  prevented
    an  emence  slaughter  of  Citizens,  as  the  greatest  part
    had  opportunity  by  this  means  to  gain  the  fort.  As
    soon  as  all  resistance  was  overcome  &  had  subsided,

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  141

    the  Sciotans  lost  no  time,  but  marched  into  the  city
    &  commenced  a  general  plunder  of  all  articles  which
    could  be  conveniently  transported.  Ulipoon  tho
    careful  not  to  expose  his  person  to  the  deadly
    weapons  of  an  enimy,  was  however  very  industrious
    in  this  part  of  the  war.  None  discovered  so  much
    engagedness  as  himself  to  grasp  the  most  valuable
    property  in  the  City.  But  expecting  the  Kentuck
    army  to  arrive  soon,  they  must  accomplish  their  mis
    chief  with  the  utmost  expidition.  The  City  they  sat
    on  fire  in  various  places  &  then  retired  back  <fc
    encamped  near  the  fort  intending  on  the  next  day,
    unless  prevented  by  the  arival  of  Hamboon  with  his
    army,  to  storm  the  fort  &  massacer  the  whole  multi
    tude  of  citizens  which  were  there  collected.  Behold
    the  conflagration  of  the  city  The  flames  in  curls
    spread  toward  heaven,  &  as  the  darkness  of  the
    night  had  now  commenced,  this  added  to  the  horror
    of  the  scene.  The  illumination  spread  far  &  wide  <fc
    distant  vilages  beheld  the  redning  light  assend.  as  a
    certain  pioneer  of  their  conflagration  should  the  war
    contilnue  to  rage.  But  mark  the  sorrow  &  lamenta
    tion  of  the  poor  citizens  now  encircled  by  the  walls  of
    a  fort.  Happy  that  they  had  escaped  the  massacer
    of  a  barbarious  unrelenting  enimy,  but  indignant  &
    sorrowful  at  beholding  the  ruins  of  all  their  property,
    &  even  filled  with  the  greatest  anxiety  lest  Hamboon
    should  not  arive  in  season  to  prevent  the  storming  of
    the  fort.  But  their  anxiety  soon  vanished.

    When  the  shades  of  evening  began  to  overspread
    the  earth  Hamboon  &  his  army  had  arived  within  five
    miles  of  the  city.  They  beheld  the  flames  beginning

    142  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    'to  spread.  The  idea  was  instantly  realized  that  an
    indiscriminate  slaughter  had  taken  place.  What
    were  the  distracted  outcries  of  the  dwellers  of  the
    city.  Fathers  &  mothers  brothers  &  sisters  wives  &
    children?  In  addition  to  the  destruction  of  all  their
    property,  they  now  had  a  realizing  anticipation  of  the
    massacre  of  their  dearest  friends  &  relations.  Such
    was  their  anxiety  to  precipitate  their  march  that  it
    was  scarcely  in  the  power  of  their  commander  to
    retard  their  steps,  so  as  to  prevent  them  from  break
    ing  the  order  of  their  ranks.  They  determined  how
    ever  to  make  the  utmost  expidition,  &  if  they  found
    their  enimy  to  take  ample  vengence.  But  when  they
    arived  &  found  that  the  greatest  part  of  the  citizens
    were  safe  in  the  fort,  this  afforded  no  small  allevia
    tion  to  their  anxiety  &  grief.  But  their  thirst  for
    revenge  &  their  ardent  desire  to  engage  the  enimy  did
    not  in  the  least  abate.

    Determined  that  the  Sciotans  should  have  no
    chance  to  improve  the  darkness  of  the  ensuing  night,
    to  make  their  escape,  every  preparation  was  made  to
    attack  them  the  next  morning.  This  was  expected  by
    the  Sciotans  who  were  wishing  for  another  opportu
    nity  to  measure  swords  with  the  Kentucks.  &  as  soon
    as  the  morning  light  appeared  they  marched  a  small
    distance  to  a  hill  &  there  paraded  in  proper  order  for
    battle.  Scarcely  had  they  finished  their  arrange
    ments  when  they  beheld  Hambooms  army  marching
    towards  them.  He  halted  within  about  half  a  mile  of
    the  Sciotans,  &  sent  out  a  small  party  to  reconoitre  &
    discover  their  situation.  In  the  meantime  he  ordered
    Hamack  his  son  to  march  with  twelve  thousand  men

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT

    around  the  Sciotan  army  &  lie  in  ambusl
    in  order  to  surprize  them  with  an  attack
    battle  should  commence.

    As  the  two  armies  were  paraded  in  fair  view  of
    each  other  the  expectation  was  that  a  most  bloody
    engagement  would  take  place  immediately.  .  The
    cowardly  mind  of  Ulipoon  was  not  a  little  terrified
    when  he  beheld  the  numbers  &  the  martial  appear
    ance  of  the  enimy.  But  his  inventive  genius  was  not
    long  at  a  loss  for  an  expedient  which  he  imagined
    would  extricate  himself  from  all  danger.  He  repairs
    to  Hambock  &  addressed  him  to  this  effect.  May  it
    please  your  your  majesty.  During  the  first  battle  it
    was  my  misfortune  to  be  prevented  from  being  at  the
    head  of  my  brave  warriots  &  displying  my  valour.  It
    is  my  wish  now  to  perform  feats  of  heroism  which
    shall  place  me  on  equal  ground  with  the  most  valiant
    princes  of  your  Empire.  With  your  permission  I  will
    lead  on  my  division  &  storm  the  fort  of  the  Kentucks.
    This  will  fill  their  warroiors  with  consternation  &  ter
    ror.  You  may  then  obtain  an  easy  victory  &  destroy
    them  with  as  much  facility  as  you  would  so  many
    porcupines.  Besides  by  attacking  the  fort  at  this
    time  when  they  are  not  expecting  such  a  manoever,
    the  imperial  family  will  be  prevented  from  making
    their  escape  &  I  shall  then  be  able  to  restore  to  your
    majesty  your  daughter  Lamesa.  The  Emperor  being
    pleased  with  the  plan  granted  to  Ulipoon  his  permis
    sion  to  carry  it  into  effect.  Ulipoon  did  not  wait  a
    moment.  But  immediately  returned  back  &  com
    manded  his  forces  which  consisted  of  about  seventeen
    thousand  to  march.  He  was  careful  to  see  that  they

    144  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    carried  with  them  at  the  same  time  all  the  plunder
    they  had  taken  in  the  City  of  Gamba.  &  particularly
    that  portion  which  had  been  set  apart  for  himself.
    But  nothing  was  further  from  the  heart  of  Ulipoon
    than  to  fulfill  his  promise.  He  had  no  intention  to
    risk  his  person  in  the  hazardous  attempt  to  storm  the
    fort.  But  his  determination  was  to  march  with  the
    utmost  expidition  to  his  own  diminions.  &  to  carry
    with  him  his  rich  plunder.  Having  marched  towards
    the  fort  until  he  had  got  beyond  view  of  the  Sciotan
    army.  He  then  ordered  them  to  turn  their  course  to
    the  great  River  to  the  place  where  they  had  left
    their  boats.  In  this  direction  they  had  not  pro
    ceeded  far  when  they  were  seen  by  a  number  of
    pioneers  whom  Hamack  had  sent  forward  to  make
    discoveries.  As  his  band  were  not  far  distant,  they
    soon  gave  him  the  intelligence.  He  immediately  dis-
    pacht  an  express  to  Ilamboon,  informing  him  that  he
    should  pursue  them  as  their  object  probably  was
    to  ravage  the  country, &  recommending  not  to  attack
    the  Sciotans  until  further  information  from  him
    Hamacks  division  were  not  discovered  by  Uiipoon  &
    of  consequence  he  proceeded  in  his  march  without
    suspecting  any  anoiance  from  the  enimy.  happy  in
    the  reflection  that  he  had  greatly  enriched  himself  by
    a  prodigious  mass  of  plunder  &  not  in  the  least  trou
    bled  about  his  fellow  warriors,  whom  he  had  deserted
    on  the  eve  of  a  most  hazardous  engagement.  Ham
    ack  pursued  him,  but  was  careful  not  to  be  discovered.
    When  the  sun  was  nearly  down  Ulipoon  halted  &
    encamped.  During  the  night,  Hamack  made  his
    arrangements.  He  formed  his  men  into  four  divisions

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.11  145

    &  surrounded  the  enimy.  Their  orders  were  as  soon  as
    the  morning  light  began  to  appear  to  rush  into  Uli-
    poons  encampment  &  to  massacer  his  warriors  with
    out  discrimination.  The  fatal  moment  had  arived,  &
    punctual  at  the  very  instant  of  time,  the  attack  was
    begun  on  evey  part.  &  such  was  the  surprize  &  ter
    ror  which  it  produced  that  the  Sciotans  were  thrown
    into  the  utmost  confusion,  &  it  was  impossible  for
    their  officers  to  form  them  into  any  order  to  make
    defence.  Every  man  at  last  attempted  to  make  his
    escape,  but  wherever  they  rushed  forward  in  any
    direction,  they  met  the  deady  spears  of  the  Keatucks.
    It  is  impossible  to  describe  the  horror  of  the  bloody
    scene,  for  even  humanity  recoils  at  beholding.
    Humanity  sympathy  &  compassion  must  drop  a  tear
    at  beholding  the  uproar  &  confusion,  the  distress  &
    anguish,  the  blood  &  carnage  of  so  many  thousand
    brave  warriors,  whose  great  isfortune  was  to  have  a
    coward  for  their  commander  who  were  reduced  to
    this  situation  by  the  cowardice  4  dk  nigardly  &  avari
    cious  disposition  of  their  commander  But  only
    three  thousand  made  their  escape.  As  for  Ulipoon
    he  was  mortally  wounded  &  lay  prostrate  on  the  field
    After  the  slaughter  was  ended,  in  passing  over  the
    field  of  the  Slain  Hamack  beheld  this  illfated  prince
    an  object  truly  pitiable  to  behold.  In  the  agonies  of
    death  &  wreathing  under  the  most  acute  pains
    he  explaims  Alas  my  wretched  situation.  It  was  ava
    rice,  cursed  avarice  which  induced  me  to  enagge  in
    this  horrid  war  &  now  my  the  mischief  and  cruelties
    I  intended  as  a  means  to  acquire  wealth  &  agrandize-

    146  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    ment  are  justly  turned  upon  my  own  head.  He  spoke
    &  deeply  groaning  he  breathes  no  more  The  galant
    Hamack  droped  a  tear  &  feeling  no  enmity  toward
    the  lifeless  remains  of  those  who  had  been  his  enimies
    he  ordered  three  hundred  men  to  bury  remain  on  the
    ground  &  commit  their  bodies  to  the  Dust.  This
    says  he,  is  the  will  of  him  whose  compassion  is  infinite
    He  then  directed  Como  his  chief  captain  to  pusue  the
    survivors  of  Ulipoons  army  &  to  destroy  them  if  pos
    sible.  With  the  remainder  of  his  own  troops  he
    returned  back  to  cary  into  effect  the  order  of  Ham-
    boon.  Como  overtook  &  killed  about  a  thousand  of  the
    wretched  fugitives.  The  remainder  escaped  to  their
    own  land  except  about  fifty  who  fled  to  the  army  of
    Hamboon  &  gave  him  the  dreadful  intelligence  of
    Ulipoons  destruction.  Great  were  the  amazement  &
    consternation  of  Hambock  &  &  his  whole  army.  They
    now  beheld  their  situation  to  be  extremely  critical  &
    dangerous  &  saw  the  necessity  of  the  most  vigourous
    &  heroic  exertions.  What  says  Hambock  to  his
    princes,  is  our  wisest  Course  to  pursue?  Sabamah,
    Hancoll  &  Wunapon  advised  him  to  retreat  without
    losing  a  moment,  for  say  they  we  have  taken  ample
    revenge  for  the  crime  of  Elseon.  To  effect  this,  we
    have  thrown  ourselvs  into  the  heart  of  their  country,
    have  lost  a  large  division  of  our  army  &  are  so  weak
    ened  by  our  losses  that  we  are  in  the  utmost  danger
    of  being  defeated,  &  even  annahilated.  It  must
    therefore  be  the  hight  of  folly  &  madness  to  prosecute
    the  war  any  further  in  this  country  But  Sambul  &the
    other  other  princes  condemned  this  plan  as  pusilani-
    mous  &  disgraceful  &  proposed  to  steal  a  march  on  the

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  147

    Kentucks  &  to  storm  their  fort, before  be  ore  they  should
    be  apprized  of  their  design.  This  last  advice  met  the
    approbation  of  the  Emperor,  Nothing  says  he  can
    save  our  army  from  destruction  but  the  most  daring
    atchievements.  That  they  might  gain  the  fort  with
    out  being  perceived  by  the  Kentucks,  It  was  neces
    sary  that  they  should  march  some  distance  in  the
    direction  where  Hamack  had  encamped  in  order  to
    cooperate  with  Hamboon,  when  he  should  commence
    the  engagement.  When  the  night  had  far  advanced
    Hambocks  forces  were  all  "in  readiness  <fc  began  their
    inarch  for  the  fort.  They  proceeded  about  two  miles
    &  a  small  party  in  advance  discovered  Hamacks
    warriors.  This  discovery  produced  an  alter  ation  in
    Hambocks  plans.  He  directed  Sambul  to  proceed
    against  the  fort,  whilst  he  as  soon  as  the  light  should
    appear  would  attack  Hamack.  Sambul  was  highly
    pleased  with  this  command,  as  a  victory  would  ensure
    him  the  capture  of  Lamesa.  &  afford  him  an  oppor
    tunity  to  obtain  revenge.  He  arived  at  the  fort  just
    as  the  blushing  moon  began  to  appear.  Great  indeed
    was  the  surprize  which  his  arival  produced^  On  three
    sides  he  stationed  small  parties,  who  were  ordered  to
    massacre  all  the  citizens,  who  should  attempt  to  make
    their  escape.  With  the  main  body  of  his  army,  he
    made  an  assault  upon  the  fort.  Amazement  &  terror
    seized  the  minds  of  the  whole  multitude  of  citizens
    in  the  fort.  This  enterprize  of  the  Sciotans  was
    unexpectected^as  they  were  were  unprepared  to  defend
    the  fort  against  such  a  formidable  force.  Lamack
    however  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  about  one

    148  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY.11

    thousand  warriors,  &  attempted  to  beat  them  back
    from  the  wall  &  prevent  their  making  a  breach.
    But  it  was  impossible  with  his  small  band  to  withstand
    the  strength  of  such  a  mighty  army.  They  broke
    down  part  of  the  palisades  and  entered  the  fort  thro'
    the  breach  &  immediately  began  the  massacre  of  the
    defenceless  multitude  without  regard  to  age  or  sex.
    Sambul  being  anxious  to  find  Lamesa,  rushed  for
    ward  with  a  small  band  &  surrounded  a  small  block
    house  He  then  broke  down  the  door  &  entered.  Here
    he  beheld  all  the  ladies  of  the  imperial  family  &  many
    other  ladies  of  distinction.  He  instantly  sprang
    towards  Lamesa  in  order  to  seize  her,  but  was  pre
    vented  by  Heliza,  who  stept  between  them  &  falling
    upon  her  knees  implored  him  to  spare  the  life  of
    Lamesa.  Scarce  had  she  spoken  when  the  cruel
    monster  buried  his  sword  in  her  bosom,  &  she  fell
    lifeless  before  the  eyes  of  her  dearest  friend.  Lamesa
    gave  a  scream  &  looking  fiercely  on  Sambul  she
    exclaimed,  Thou  monster  of  villiany  &  cruelty,  could
    nothing  satiate  your  revenge  but  the  death  of  my  dear
    friend,  the  amiable  Haliza?  Here  is  my  heart  I  am
    prepared  for  your  next  victim.  Ah  no,  says  Sambul,
    your  life  is  safe  from  my  sword.  I  shall  conduct  you
    to  my  palace  &  you  shall  be  honored  with  me  for  your
    partner.  Insult  me  not  says  she,  thou  malicious
    bloody  villian.  Either  kill  me  or  begone  from  my
    sight.  My  eyes  can  never  indure  the  man  who  is
    guilty  of  such  monstrous  crimes.  Set  your  heart  at
    rest  says  he,  my  dear  Lamesa.  I  will  convince  you
    that  I  am  a  better  man  than  your  beloved  Elseon.
    His  head  shall  soon  satiate  my  revenge.  &  then  you

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  149

    shall  be  the  queen  of  Sciota.  At  this  instant  a  loud
    voice  was  heard.  The  Kentucks  are  marching  with
    a  prodigious  army  toward  the  fort.  Sambul  turning
    to  his  warriors  present  ordered  them  to  guard  the
    women  in  that  house,  &  not  permit  any  of  them  to
    escape.  For,  says  he,  I  must  go  and  destroy  that
    army  of  Kentucks.  Great  already  had  been  the
    slaughters  which  the  Sciotians  had  made  of  the  citi
    zens  in  the  fort.  Those  who  had  attempted  to  escape
    by  a  gate  which  was  thrown  open  were  met  &  massa
    cred  by  the  Sciotan  warriors  on  the  utside,  but  their
    progress  was  arested  by  the  appearance  of  Elseon  at
    the  head  of  thirty  thcmsand  warriors.  They  had
    marched  with  the  greatest  speed,  for  they  were
    informed  by  an  express  that  the  Sciotanshad  invested
    the  fort.  When  Sambul  beheld  them  he  instantly
    concluded  to  withdraw  his  army  out  of  the  fort,  &  to  try
    a  battle  with  them  in  the  open  field.  The  orders  were
    immediately  spread  thro'  every  part  of  the  fort  where
    his  men  were  employed  in  killing  the  defenceless  &  in
    fighting  with  the  little  band  of  desperate  heroes,
    whom  Hamack  commanded.  The  Sciotans  were  soon
    formed  &  marched  out  of  the  fort  &  paraded  in  proper
    order  for  battle.  Elseon  observing  this  commanded
    his  two  men  to  halt,  &  made  his  arrangements  to  rush
    forward  &  commence  the  attack.  Having  brandished
    his  sword  as  a  token  for  silence,  he  then  spoke.

    "My  brave  warriors,"  The  glorious  period  has
    arived,  for  arived  us  to  display  our  valour  in  the
    destruction  of  our  enimies.  What  monstrous  cruel
    ties  have  they  perpetrated?  Behold  your  city  in
    ruins,  listen  to  the  cries  of  your  murdered  friends

    150  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    whose  innocent  blood  calls  for  vengeance.  Consider
    the  situation  of  those  who  are  surrounded  by  the  walls
    of  yonder  fort,  how  many  thousand  are  massacred.
    &  how  many  must  share  their  fate  unless  you  fight
    like  heroes.  By  our  valour  we  can  effect  their  deliv
    erance  &  rid  our  land  of  the  most  disgraceful  mur
    derers  that  ever  disgraced  humanity.  Their  standard
    is  that  of  the  Sciotan  king,  whose  malice  &  vengeful
    disposition  have  produced  tis  horrid  war.  Urged  on
    by  his  malignant  passions,  he  has  engaged  under
    taken  a  most  desperate  &  mad  enterprize.  He  has
    thrown  himself  &  his  army  into  a  most  critical  <fc  dan-
    gerous  situation

    Fight  as  you  did  at  the  great  battle  of  Gaheno  &  your
    enimies  will  lie  prostrate  in  the  dust,  &  your  name
    shall  be  illustrious.  Rush  forward  my  brave  warri
    ors,  <fc  let  your  motto  be  victory  or  death.

    Not  a  moment  when  his  warriors  were  stimulated
    for  the  combat  did  Elseon  tarry,  but  marched  with
    precipitation  prepared  to  make  a  most  furios  charge.
    Sambul  was  ready  to  meet  him,  &  marched  forward
    with  equal  boldness  &  celerity.  The  charge  was  tre
    mendous,  not  the  dashing  against  each  other  of  two
    mighty  ships  in  a  hurricane  upon  the  boistrous  ocean
    would  have  been  more  terrible.  Each  warrior  fear
    less  of  danger  met  his  antagonist,  determined  to
    destroy  his  life  or  loose  his  own  in  the  contest.  The
    battle  extended  thro  every  part  of  both  armies.  As
    warriors  fell  in  the  front  ranks  their  places  were  sup
    plied  from  the  rear.  &  reserved  Bands  rushing
    between  the  divisions  were  met  by  others  of  equal

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STOUl'."  151

    strength  &  valour.  Helicon,  the  intimate  friend  of
    Elseon  beheld  Sambul  who  was  encouraging  his  war
    riors  to  fight  bravely.  As  no  other  alternative
    remained  for  them  but  victory  or  death.  When
    Helicon  beheld  him,  his  youthful  mind  felt  the
    impulse  of  ambition.  He  sprang  toward  Sambul  <fc
    challenged  him  to  the  combat.  Sambul  gave  him
    no  time  to  repeat  the  challenge  but  rushed  upon  him
    with  more  fury  than  a  tiger.  &  with  his  sword  he
    struck  Helicons  head  from  his  body.  Thus  fell  the
    brave  the  amiable  youth,  whose  thirst  for  glory
    impeled  him  to  attempt  an  exploit  too  rash  &  daring.
    Warriors  fell  on  every  side  &  the  field  was  covered
    with  the  dead  &  dying  heroes.  A  messenger  ran  <fc
    told  Elseon  of  the  fate  of  Helicon  who  commanded
    the  left  wing  of  his  army  &  that  Sambul  had  broken
    the  ranks  &  was  making  indiscribible  havock  of  his
    warriors.  What  intelligence  could  have  been  more
    shocking.  Elseon  could  not  refrain  from  tears  for  a
    moment.  Ah  Helicon  says  he,  thou  hast  been  more
    dear  to  me  than  a  brother.  Heaven  demands  that  I
    should  avenge  thy  cruel  death.  He  instantly  selected
    a  small  band  &  marched  with  the  utmost  speed  to  the
    left  wing  of  his  army,  he  ralied  his  retreating  warri
    ors  &  engaged  in  the  conflict  with  tenfold  fury.  Soon
    he  beheld  the  mighty  Sambul  whose  sword  was  crim
    soned  with  the  blood  of  his  friend,  &  Sambul  cast  his
    eyes  upon  him  &  as  he  beheld  him  his  malice  instantly
    inkindled  into  such  a  furious  flame  that  his  reason
    fled  for  a  moment  &  he  raved  like  a  madman,  both
    heroessprang  towards  each  other.  Their  warriors
    beheld  them  &  being  mutually  inspired  with  the  same

    152  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    sentiments  the  respective  bands  retired  back,  &  left
    the  two  indignant  champions  in  the  space  between.

    Ah  ingrate  exclaimed  Sambul.  Robber  &  perfidi
    ous  scoundrel,  after  securing  the  Emperors  daughter
    &  who  was  my  wife  &  transporting  her  from  our
    dominion  have  you  the  temerity  to  meet  my  conquer
    ing  sword?  This  sword  which  pierced  Labanco  &  cut
    of  the  head  of  Helicon  &  which  has  destroyed  hun
    dreds  of  warriors  more  mighty  than  yourself,  shall  be
    plunged  into  your  cowardly  heart,  &  your  head  shall
    be  carried  in  triumph  into  the  City  of  Tolanga,  &
    there  it  shall  be  preserved  as  a  trophy  trophy  of  my
    superior  strength  &  valour.

    Vain  boaster  says  Elseon  I  rejoice  to  meet  you;
    that  The  Benevolent  Being  will  now  terminate  your
    career  of  bloody  crime.  This  sword  shall  pierce  your
    malignant  heart,  &  cut  of  that  head  which  has  ploted
    the  ruin  of  my  country.

    Sambul  eager  for  revenge  could  hear  no  more  He
    sprang  forward  aimed  a  thrust  of  his  sword  at  Else-
    ons  heart  but  Elseon  turned  the  point  of  his  sword
    from  him  with  his  own  &  then  darted  his  sword  into
    his  left  arm.  which  caused  the  blood  to  gush  forth.
    Sambul  was  now  more  indignant  than  ever.  &  rais
    ing  his  sword  he  threw  his  whole  strength  into  one
    mighty  effort  with  the  intention  to  divide  his  body
    in  twain,  but  Elseon  quick  as  the  lightning  sprang
    back  &  Sambuls  sword  struck  the  ground  with  a
    prodigious  force,  which  broke  it  in  the  middle.  He
    himself  had  nearly  tumbled  his  whole  length  but
    recovering  &  beholding  his  defenceless  situation,  he

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  163

    ran  a  small  distance,  A  seizing  a  stone  sufficiently  big
    for  a  common  man  to  lift,  he  threw  it  at  Elseon.  It
    flew  with  great  velocity  &  had  not  Elseon  bowed  his
    head  his  brains  must  have  quited  their  habitation.
    His  Cap  however  was  not  so  fortunate.  Having  met
    the  stone  as  he  bowed  it  was  carried  some  distance
    from  him  &  lodged  on  the  ground.  Elseon  regardless
    of  his  Cap  ran  swiftly  upon  Sambul  whose  feet  hav
    ing  slipped  when  he  threw  the  stone  had  fallen  upon
    his  back  &  had  not  recovered.  Spare  oh,  spare  my
    life  says  he,  &  I  will  restore  peace  to  Kentuck  &  you
    may  enjoy  Lamesa.  No  peace  says  Elseon,  do  I
    desire  with  a  Man,  whose  sword  is  red  with  the  blood
    of  my  friend.  He  spoke  &  plunged  his  sword  into
    Sambuls  heart.  The  Sciotans  beheld  the  huge  body
    of  their  King  pale  &  lifeless.  Consternation  &  terror
    seized  their  minds.  They  fled  in  dismay  &  confusion.
    Elseon  pursued  them  with  his  warriors  &  overtook  &
    killed  thousands  in  the  pursuit.  About  two  thousand
    made  good  their  escape,  &  carried  the  doleful  tidings
    of  Sambuls  death  &  the  slaughter  of  his  army  to  their
    own  land,  &  indeed  their  escape  was  owing  to  the
    great  anxiety  of  Elseon  &  his  warriors  to  visit  their
    friends  in  the  fort  &  to  ascertain  the  extent  of  the
    massacre  that  Sambul  &  his  army  had  made.  After
    pursuing  the  Sciotans  about  six  miles  Elseon  &  his
    army  returned  in  great  haste  &  entered  the  fort.
    Great  inexpressibly  great  was  the  joy  of  the  citizens
    when  they  beheld  them  re-turning  with  the  laurels  of
    Victory.  &  when  they  were  informed  of  the  destruc
    tion  of  so  many  thousands  of  their  enimies.  But  as
    great  was  the  grief  &  lamentation  when  they  beheld

    154  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    &  reflected  on  the  vast  number  of  citizens  &  of  Else-
    ons  warriors  who  hud  fallen  by  the  sword  of  the
    Sciotans.  But  no  death  produced  such  universal
    regret  &  sorrow  as  those  of  Helicon  &  Heliza.  The

    D

    one  was  the  intimate  friend  of  Elseon  &  the  other  of
    Lamesa.  They  both  possessed  hearts  which  were
    formed  for  the  most  ardent  friendship  &  love.  Their
    acquaintance  produced  a  sincere  attachment.  They
    exchanged  vows  of  perpetual  fidelity  &  love  to  each
    other,  &  only  waited  for  the  termination  of  the  war  to
    fulfill  their  mutual  engagement,  to  unite  their  hands
    in  wedlock.  But  their  pleasing  anticipation  of  con
    jugal  felicity  was  destroyed  by  the  cruel  sword  of
    Sambul.  Naught  availed  the  innocence  &  the  amia
    ble  accomplishments  of  the  fair  Haliza.  She  must
    fall  a  victim  to  satiate  the  revenge  of  a  barbarous
    tyrant.  Had  Helicon  known  when  he  attacked  the
    savage  monster,  that  he  had  Iwd  assassinated  his
    beloved  Heliza,  it  would  have  inspired  him  with  the
    added  desire  for  revenge  &  added  vigour  to  hia  arm
    &  keenness  to  hu  sword.  Ah,  said  A  Kentuck  bard
    represented  the  etherial  form  of  Ileliza  as  arriving  on
    the  celestial  plain,  &  being  told  that  she  must  wait  a
    short  time  &  Helicon  would  arrive  &  conduct  her  as
    his  partner  to  a  delightful  bower  which  was  sur
    rounded  by  the  most  beautiful  flowers  &  delicious
    fruits,  &  where  they  singing  of  musikal  birds  would
    charm  them  with  their  melody.

    When  Elseon  had  entered  the  fort  he  found  that
    Lamack  with  his  little  band  had  made  prisoners  of
    the  Sciotan  warriors  whom  Sambul  had  left  to  guard
    the  imperial  ladies,  &  that  the  Sciotans  had  done

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  ZSo

    them  no  injury  nor  even  insulted  them  with  words.
    Says  Elseon,  for  this  honourable  treatment  of  my
    friends  I  will  show  these  enimies  compassion.  Go,
    says  he  to  them,  return  in  peace  to  your  own  land,  A
    tell  your  friends  that  Elseon  will  not  hurt  an  enimy
    who  has  done  him  a  favour.  The  time  of  Elseon  was
    precious.  He  spent  but  a  few  moments  with  Lamesa,
    in  which  they  exchanged  mutual  congratulations  &
    expressions  of  the  most  tender  &  sincere  affection.
    She  conjured  him  to  spare  the  life  of  her  father  &
    brother  &  not  to  expose  his  own  life  any  farther  than
    his  own  honour  &  the  interest  of  his  country  required.
    I  shall  cheerfully  says  he,  comply  with  every  request
    which  will  promote  your  happiness.  He  embraced
    her,  &  bade  her  adieu.  As  the  situation  of  Ham-
    boons  army  might  require  his  immediate  return,  he
    lost  no  time  to  regulate  matters  in  the  fort.  But
    leaving  five  thousand  men  to  bury  the  dead  and  attend
    the  citizens  he  marched  with  the  remainder  which
    consisted  of  about  twenty  thousand  to  Hamboons
    encampment.  When  Sambul  marched  with  his  divi
    sion  against  the  fort,  it  was  Hambocks  intention  to
    have  attacked  Hamack  the  next  morning,  but  per
    ceiving  that  Hamboon  had  been  apprized  of  his
    movements  &  was  then  within  a  small  distance  ready
    to  cooperate  with  Hamacks  division,  Hamback  altered
    his  plan  &  determined  to  wait  for  the  return  of
    Sambul.  As  for  Hamboon  he  concluded  to  wait  until
    Elseons  return.  These  determinations  of  the  hostile
    Emperors  prevented  for  the  time  any  engagements
    between  the  two  grand  armies.  But  when  the  fate
    of  Sambuls  division  was  decided  <fc  Elseon  had

    256  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    returned  with  the  joyful  news  of  his  victory,  the
    Kentucks  were  all  anxious  for  an  immediate  Battle.

    NOTE.— This  was  found  with  the  foregoing  manuscript  and  in
    the  same  handwriting.

    But  having  every  reason  to  place  the  highest  confi
    dence  in  your  friendship  &  prudence  I  have  no  reluc
    tance  in  complying  with  with  your  request,  in  giving
    you  my  sentiments  of  the  Christian  Religion.  And  so
    far  from  considering  the  freedom  you  take  in  making
    the  request  impertinence  I  view  it  as  a  mark  of  your
    high  esteem  for  me  affectionate  solicitude  for  my  hap
    piness.  In  giving  you  my  sentiments  of  the  Chris
    tian  religion,  you  will  perceive  that  I  am  not  trameled
    with  traditionary  &  vulgar  prejudice  that  I  do  not
    believe  certain  parts  <fc  certain  parts  &  certain  propo
    sitions  to  be  treu  merely  because  that  my  ancestors
    believe  them  &  because  they  are  popular.  In  form
    ing  my  creed  I  bring  everything  to  the  standard  of
    reason,  that  intellectual  This  is  an  unerring  &  sure
    guide  in  all  matters  of  faith  &  practice.  Having
    divested  myself  heretofore  of  traditionary  &  vulgar
    prejudice,  &  submiting  to  the  guidance  of  reason  it
    is  impossible  for  me  to  have  the  same  sentiments  of
    the  Christian  religion  which  its  advocates  con
    sider  as  orthodox.  It  is  in  my  view  a  mass  of
    contradictions.  &  an  heterogeneous  mixture  of
    wisdom  &  folly,  nor  can  I  find  any  clear  &  incon-
    trivertible  evidence  of  its  being  a  revelation  from
    an  infinitely  benevolent  &  wise  God.  It  is  true
    that  I  never  have  had  the  leisure  nor  patience
    to  read  the  elaborate  &  varied  productions  of  divines

    THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."  157

    in  its  vindication,  every  part  of  it  with  critical  atten
    tion  or  tostudy  the  metaphysical  jargon  of  divines  in
    its  vindication.  It  is  enough  for  me  to  know  that
    propositions  which  are  in  contradiction  to  each  other
    oannot  both  be  true,  &  that  doctrines  &  facts  which
    represent  the  supreme  being  as  a  barbarous  &  cruel
    tyrant  can  never  be  dictated  by  infinite  wisdom.
    Whatever  the  clergy  say  on  the  contrary  can  have  no
    effect  in  altering  my  sentiments.  I  know  as  well  as
    they  that  two  &  two  make  four,  <fc  that  three  angles
    of  a  triangle  of  a  triangle  are  equal  to  two  right
    angles.  But  notwithstanding  I  disavow  any  belief  in
    in  the  divinity  of  the  Bible,  <fc  consider  it  as  a  mere
    human  production  designed  to  inrich  &  agrandize  its
    authors  &  to  enable  them  to  manage  the  multitude.
    Yet  casting  aside  a  considerable  mass  of  rubbish  &
    fanatical  rant,  I  find  that  it  contains  a  system  of  eth
    ics  or  morals  which  cannot  be  excelled  on  account  of
    their  tendency  to  amiliorate  the  condition  of  man.  &
    to  promote  individual  social  &  public  happiness  &  that
    in  various  instances  it  represents  the  Almighty  as
    possessing  attributes  worthy  of  transcendent  charac
    ter,  having  a  view  therefore  to  those  parts  of  the
    Bible  which  are  truly  good  <fc  excellent  I  sometimes
    speak  of  it  in  terms  of  high  commendation.  And
    indeed  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  notwithstanding
    the  mischief  s&  in  juries  which  have  been  produced  by
    the  bigoted  zeal  of  fanatics  &  interested  priests  yet  that
    such  evils  are  more  than  counterbalanced  in  a  Chris
    tian  land  by  the  benefits  which  result  to  the  great
    mass  of  the  people  by  their  believing  that  the  Bible  is
    of  divine  origin.  &  that  it  contains  a  revelation  from

    158  THE  "MANUSCRIPT  STORY."

    God.  Such  being  my  view  of  the  subject,  I  pre  fer
    my  candle  to  remain  under  to  remain  under  a  bushel,
    nor  make  no  exertions  to  dissipate  their  happy  delu
    sion,  as

    NOTE  OF  COPYIST.— On  the  other  side  of  the  paper  on  which

    the  above  is  written  &  in  what  seems  the  same  hand  is

    the  following:

    Itham  Joyner  privlg  to  erect  Mill,  &  the  pvlg  of  wtr.
    Wright  has  prefern  &  he  next.  To  fix  to  take  out  wtr
    for  himslf  &  to  be  at  one  J-  expense  of  keeping  dam  in
    repair.  If  wishing  to  sell  to  gv  Wrt  pvlg  buing  if
    dont  buy  to  sel  to  another  his  works  but  not  pvlg  of
    wtr  I.  Joyner  &  W.  Brigham  agree  to  build  a  house
    for  their  use.  Sd  B.  to  6  feet  on  the  water  below  the
    width  of  the  house  &  J  to  have  for  six  feet  &  B.  to  12
    feet  on  the  same  side  in  the  rear  bank  &  12  feet  of  the
    garret,  to  be  at  equal  expense  in  the  water  works.
    To  be  at  equal  expense  in  the  partitions  of  the  rooms.

    The  Writing  s  of  Sollomon  Spaulding  Proved  'by  sir  on
    Wright  Oliver  Smith,  John  N  Miller  &  others.
    The  testimonies  of  the  above  Gentlemen  are  now  in  my
    uossession.  Signed

    D.  P.  ffURLBUT.