13G SUPPOSED FORTIFICATIONS OF 



other respects, the decision must be made according to fixed 

 and unalterable principles. The same reasons which determi- 

 ned every particular as to height, depth, and position of the 

 earth thrown up, among the Romans, would equally deter- 

 mine the conduct of any other nation. What defence requi- 

 red ; what would oppose a sufficient obstacle to human agility, 

 was the point to be decided ; and this point would be decided 

 in nearly the same manner by every people unacquainted with 

 gun-powder. The decision would not admit of such fosses 

 and parapets as we find dispersed over the western country. 

 Man in this new world, has lost no portion of his former agi- 

 lity. 



2dly. Because, near to most of these imaginary fortifica- 

 tions and I think I may say, near to every one, which is formed 

 upon the plan first mentioned, in a direct line with the gate- 

 way, ydh will find a mound, of an easy ascent, and from 10 

 to '20 feet in height. These mounds effectually command the 

 whole enclosure. There is not a missil weapon, which would 

 not, from the height and distance of the mound, fall within 

 the fortification ; nor would they fall in vain. But, to rear a 

 fortification, and then build a castle or mound without, at the 

 distance of 40 or 50 yards, which would give to an enemy 

 the entire command of such a Fortification, would be as lit- 

 tle recommended by an Esquimaux, as by a Bonaparte. The 

 truth is, no such blunder has been committed ; there is no such 

 discordancy of means to be here found. On the contrary, we 

 may trace a perfect harmony of parts. Those mounds are, 

 universally cemeteries. Wherever they have been opened, we 

 find human bones, and Indian relicks. They have grown up 

 gradually, as death robbed a family of its relatives, or a tribe of 

 its warriors. Alternate strata of bones and earth, mingled with 

 stones and Indian relicks, establish this position. And hence 

 it is, that we find near the summit of those mounds articles of 

 European manufacture, such as the tomahawk and knife; but 

 never are they seen at any depth in the mound. Besides, it is 

 well known, that among many of the Indian tribes, the bones 

 of the deceased are annually collected and deposited in one 

 place; that funeral rites are then solemnized with the warmest 



