OE EED INDIANS OP NEWFOUNDLAND. 147 



her trunk suspicion fell upon her. Her trunk was searched and the cloth found nicely 

 converted into sixteen pairs of moccasins, which she had made in her bed. Two pairs of 

 children's stockings were also found, made of a cotton nightcap. Mr. Leigh had lost one. 

 But Mary answered angrily to all questions about her merchandise, " John Peyton," 

 " John Peyton," meaning that he had given it to her. At last in the bottom of her trunk 

 the tassel of the cap and the bit marked "J. L." were fouud. Wheu looking steadfastly 

 at Mr. Leigh, she pointed to her manufacture, said " yours," and ran into the woods. 

 When brought back she was very sulky and remained so for several weeks. 



" The poor captive had two children, and this was probably the tie that held her to 

 her wigwam, for, though she appeared to enjoy St. John's when she was taken there, and 

 her improved habits of life, she only " dragged a lengthened chain," and all her hopes and 

 acts appeared to have a reference to her return. She hoarded clothes, trinkets and every- 

 thing that was given her, and was fond of dividing them into sixteen. 



■' She was very obstinate, but was glad to be of any service in her power if not asked 

 to assist. She was playful and was pleased with startling Mr. Leigh by stealing behind 

 him softly. Her perception of anything ridiculous, with her general knowledge of char- 

 acter, showed much archness and sagacity. She particularly despised bachelors. "When 

 she was taken to St. John's, on entering the harbour she said to Messrs. Leigh and 

 Peyton : "You go shore, Mr. Leigh. Mr. Peyton when go shore no enamoose (woman) ha 

 ha, ha ha." She was indifferent to music, did not seem to perceive its force, liked ex- 

 hibiting herself to strangers, and was very fond of putting on and taking off all the 

 dresses, ribbands and ornaments which were given her. 



" Mr. Leigh once drew on a l)it of paper a boat and crew with a female figure in it 

 going up a river, and stopping a moment at a wigwam, then described the boat freighted 

 as before returning. Mary immediately applied the hieroglyphic and cried out: "No 

 no ; no, no." He then altered the drawing, taking the woman out and leaving her behind 

 at the wigwam, when she cried very joyfully : "Yes, yes, good for Mary." A variety of 

 representations more obscure than this she perceived with great quickness, and had much 

 satisfaction in this mode of communication." 



To the above Capt. R. appends the following note : " I have written these notes from 

 the recollection of conversations with Mr. Leigh at Harbour Grace during several weeks, 

 and I regret that I neglected to note them before many interesting particulars had escaped 

 my memory." 



As it is the above is the fullest description of a Beothik that we possess. Its truth- 

 fulness and consequent value are apparent on its face. 



Demasduit, as here delineated, is a specimen, but a very favourable one, of a savage, or 

 one broug-ht up apart from civilization. In her self-will, her occasional pettishness and 

 aversion to steady labour we have the faults of such, so like those of children. Her quick- 

 ness of observation, her reading of character and her power of imit.atiou are the gifts 

 which, being most cultivated among them, become best developed. Her acquisitiveness, 

 which was a feature also of the other females who lived with the whites, can scarcely be 

 regarded as characteristic of the uncivilized, but I scarcely know whether it should be 

 held as evidence of a capacity for civilization. But her modesty and propriety of 

 behaviour, her gentleness and kindness, her gratitude for favours and her affection for her 

 kindred present her in a very favourable light. Indeed, in such respects, she and others 



