170 



A N (■ 1 K N T M O N U M E N T S 



In respect to the number of sepulchral chambers and enclosed skeletons, this 

 mound is quite extraordinary. It may be conjectured with some show of reason, 

 that it contained the bones of the family of a chieftain, or distinguished individual 

 amons the tribes of the builders. 



It is common to find two or three, sometimes four or five, sepulchral mounds in 

 a group. In such cases it is always to be remarked that one of the group is much 

 the largest, twice or three times the dimensions of any of the others ; and that the 

 smaller ones, of various sizes, are arranged around its base, generally joining it, 

 thus evincing a designed dependence and intimate relation between them. 



Plans ol' three groups of this description are herewith presented. Fig. 57. 



Number 1 is situated six miles below Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio. The 

 relative sizes, positions, etc., of the mounds composing it, are indicated in the plan. 

 The largest is twenty-seven feet high ; the rest range from four to ten feet in 

 height. 



placed horizontally, above which were piled a quantity of loose stones. The second vault appears to 

 have been smaller than the first, but corresponded with it in structure. 



For detailed descriptions of this mound and its contents, see an account by Dr. Cle.mens, published in 

 1839, in Morions Crai.iu Americana, p. 221 ; by the proprietor of the mound. Mr. Tomlinson, in the 

 Amerirnn Pinneer for 1843, vol. ii., pp. 195 — 203 ; and by Henry R. Schoolcraft, Esq., in the first 

 volume of the Tramaclions of the American Ethnological Society, 1846. 



It should be remarked that some discrepancies exist between these several accounts. That of Dr. 

 Clemens, which is the earliest, .states that in carrying in the horizontal excavation, "at the distance of 

 twelve or fifteen feet, were found numerous masses composed of charcoal and burnt bones. Before 

 reaching the centre, a passage-way was discovered to a vault at the base ; this passage had an inclination 

 often or fifteen degrees, and had been covered with timbers, of which the impre-ssion in the earth alone 

 remained. Tlu^ vault itself appeared to ha^•e been covered with timbers and loose stones. Aftcn- removing 

 all the nibbish from the vault, two skeletons were found, one on the east, the other on the west side. 

 The former was the smaller and more perfect of the two. * * * On reaching the lower vault from 

 the top it was determined to enlarge it for the accommodation of visitors. In so doing ten more skeletons 

 were discovered, all in a sitting posture, but in so fragile a state as to defy all attempts at preservation." 



It may be suggested, that the smaller or female skeleton in the vault, as well as those surrounding it, 

 were the remains of victims sacrificed, in accordance with barbarian practice, as attendants in the 

 world of spirits upon the chieftain, in honor of whom tliis mound was erected. This practice was 

 common among the Natchez. Mexicans. Peruvians, and other aboriginal nations. 



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