HISTORY OF VERMONT. 16T 



counsel and advice. The friends of the injur- 

 ed person might accept of their advice, or of 

 the reparation offered by the aggi^essor, or they 

 might rtject it : If it was accepted, all was set- 

 tled in a quiet and fj'iendly manner : If rejected, 

 nothing remained but to pursue the aggressor 

 with a revenge and rage, that aimed at nothing 

 less than destruction and death. 



The furrn and manner of the Indian govern- 

 ment, was the most simple that can be contriv- 

 ed, or iniagijied. There was no king, nobility, 

 lords, or liouse of representatives, among them. 

 The whole tribe assembled together in their 

 pubic councils. Destitute of writings, records, 

 and hisiory, to preserve the memory of their 

 public transactions ; their most aged men be- 

 eaine the depositories, of what had been gathered 

 from exjierience, observation, and a knowledge 

 of their former transactions. It is by them that 

 the debates and consultations are chiefly carried 

 on. Their councils are slow, solemn, and de- 

 liberate. Every circumstance that they can 

 foresee, is taken into consideration. The prob- 

 able advantages and disadvantages of every 

 measure, are examined and weighed. All the 

 prospects of success and disappointment, are 

 revolv^ed in their debates ; and nothing is omit- 

 ted, which occurs to their views or expectations. 

 The whole business is a scene of consultation, 

 and advice. And the advice has no other forcQ 

 or authority, than what is derived from its sup- 

 posed wisdom, fitness, and propriety. 



The strength Tmd power of the government, 

 is placed wholly in the public sentiment. The 

 chief has no authority to enforce his counsels^ 



