HISTORY OF VERMONT. 171 



ill defined. Real or supposed encroachments 

 and injuries, were constantly taking place* 

 Hence arose innumerable subjects of dispute 

 and controversy, which easily inflamed the 

 fierceness of the savage temper, and brought on 

 mutual injuries, reproaches, hostilities, and war. 

 In this state, most of the Indian tribes were 

 found. Interest had become a source of dis- 

 cord, anions: the nei^'^hbourinsc tribes. From 

 this cause, arose most of their inveterate and 

 perpetual wars. 



. The manner in which the Indians carry on 

 their wars, is very different from that of civili- 

 zed nations. To defend themselves against an. 

 enemy, they have no otlier fortification but an 

 irregular kind of fortress, which they call a cas- 

 tie or fort. It consisted of a square without 

 bastions, surrounded with pallasadoes. This 

 was erected where the most considerable num- 

 ber of the tribe resided, and was designed as an 

 asylum for their old men, their women, and 

 children, while the rest of the tribe were gone 

 out to war. The weapons of the Indian were a 

 club made of hard wood, a bow and arrow. 

 Thus armed, the Indian takes with him a small 

 bag of corn, and is completely equipped for a 

 campaign. When he takes the field, it is with 

 such a number of warriors as the tribe can sup- 

 ply. During their march, they are dispersed 

 in straggling companies, that they may better 

 supply themselves b}- hunting. When they 

 approach near to the enemies' frontiers, their 

 troops are more collected : All is then caution, 

 stratagem, secrecy, and ambuscade. Their 

 c-mployment as hunters has taught them great 



