384 ANTIQUITIES. 



widow. From Mr. Stevens, who assisted in llic exploration, I drew tlie follow- 

 ing particulars : 



There are several mounds scattered throughout this country, but the largest 

 group, and that from which these relics were taken, is on section 6, township 

 24, range 1 7, extending over about ten acres of ground. The mounds vary from 

 10 to 30 feet in heiglit, and many of them, on exph^ration, have yielded relics. 



The most convenient point of approach is from Columbus, Kentucky, being 

 about eight miles distant, and about seven miles from the balslle-ground of Bel- 

 mont. 



Yours, very truly, 



J. W. FOSTER. 



mound in tennessee. 



Salem, Marion County, Oregon, 



December 12, 1863. 



Sir : We write on a subject of some though not of great moment. That 

 subject is this : On a mound, in East Tennessee, on Lick creek, near its junc- 

 tion with the Nolechuckey, in Gpeene county, six miles north of Warrensburg. 

 It is some twenty-five or more feet high, covers an area of half an acre or more, 

 is cone-like or round, is quite steep, and flat on its apex. It is a made mound, 

 is of loam, and in the bottom next the creek. There is an excavation near, 

 showing, evidently, that the earth removed is that of M'hich is formed the mound. 

 This mound is full, so far as examined, of human bones and carbonized wood. 

 The bones lay irregularly, and seem to have been thrown in promiscuously. We 

 think this a cemetery, or burial of slain in battle. The skeletons are larger than 

 our race ; are yellow and firm and strong when disinterred, but soon crumble on 

 exposure. The apex is flat and sunken in the centre. Our informant, Mr. 

 Isaac W. Bewley, brother to the martyr, Anthony Bcwley, dug down some 

 three feet, on top, and came to a burnt, smooth surface, under which, in sinking, 

 he found large pieces of charcoal and considerable ashes. Mr. Bewley's father 

 settled, or rather bought the place, some fifty years ago. How long it had been 

 settled before we are not informed. The cause of our informant digging down 

 on its top was from mere curiosity. This mound has no name that we know of. 

 We have given you its location, hoping you may make known this, we think, 

 important matter. The opening of this mound might lead to more than mere 

 conjecture concerning a once enlightened race. The earth seems to have been 

 dug and elevated for a toinh. This shows some advance in the race who did it. 

 An excavation might reveal important facts. We think the mound should be 

 examined. "What has an examination of the lacustrian cities led to ? To im- 

 portant results to the archa3ologist. And might not some good result from an 

 exhumation of the remains in this mound ? We think so, and therefore urge it. 



We have Avritten this for the cause of science — the light that may flow from 

 an examination of this Lick creek mound, near the junction of Lick creek with 

 the Nolechuckey. 



And now another matter: We have here some relics of Indians, as stone 

 mortars and pestles, arrow points, stone axes, stone scrapers, or knives, &c. 

 Would these be of any use to the Smithsonian Institution? If so, please write 

 me at your earliest opportunity. 



There are mounds in this country, too, and if you desire it we will write you 

 about them. 



We are, &c., 



A. F. DANILSEN. 



Joseph IIenry, 



Secretary Smithsonian Institution, Washington city, D. G. 



