PREFACE. [35J 3 



logic probk-ms ; but many traditions unci otlur points ol" interest also escape their memo- 

 ries, and we have to fall back again on the early authors with all their prejudices and 

 oddities. 



To find out the truth from all the fictions and contradictions only one pathway lies open 

 to us that may lead to safe results concerning migrations in general, and the Kasi'hta 

 migration, which forms the subjectof these pages, as our special object of research. It is 

 historic criticism applied by means of the comparative method. The process is lengthy, 

 cumbersome and not without serious difficulties, for the ethnography of many American 

 tribes has to be investigated, sifted and compared to arrive at this end. 



These pages were composed for a purely scientific purpose to aid the studies of the more 

 earnest seekers after historic truth in Indian matters. Its contents and style will scarcely 

 suit the taste of readers spoiled by the sensational press and literature of our days, for what 

 I have gathered is an array oi facts only, which will speak for themselves to those able to 

 grasp their meaning. Especially the results to be gathered from lingtiistics can only be 

 grasped by attentive perusal and study, and not by desultory reading. 



America, with its numerous cities and states now flourishing upon a soil which ■was 

 once the undisputed domain of the Indian race, owes it to its aboriginal population to inves- 

 tigate their history, languages and ethnic peculiarities with fairness and veracity. To this 

 lofty purpose 1 have endeavored to contribute by studying one of its most conspicuous 

 nationalities, that of the Creek Indians. It is fervently to be wished for, that educated 

 Indians arouse their own race from its apathy, and strive to reclaim the memory of the deeds 

 and languages of their warlike ancestors from undeserved oblivion. With some scientific 

 training they can easily outdo the studious men of the white race in this, for their facilities 

 in gathering facts and performing the work are largely superior to ours. 



The Author. 

 Washington, D. C. 



