402 The Natural Historic 



There was an honest and substantial Planter in those 

 Parts who was afflicted with a strange and lingering distem- 

 per, not usual amongst the Christians, under which he ema- 

 ciated and grew every Month worse and worse ; this Disorder 

 continued for some Years, during which time he had made 

 use of the best and ablest Doctors and Surgeons in those 

 parts, but all to no purpose, for the Disorder still persever'd. 

 In the beginning of this Distemper the Patient was very 

 wealthy, and had several Slaves which he was obliged to sell 

 to satisfie the Doctors. But one Day it happen'd, as he and 

 his Wife were comiserating his miserable Condition, and 

 that in all appearance he could not expect to recover, and 

 that Death must speedily put a period to his Days, and then 

 in what misery he should leave his poor Wife and Family, 

 since all his Negroes were already gone and dispos'd off. 

 Whilst he and his Wife were thus debating the Misfortunes 

 that in all probability might attend the Family after his 

 Death. An Indian happen'd to come into the House, who 

 was well acquainted in the Family, and hearing their Dis- 

 course (and having a very great regard and value for the 

 Sick-man from whom he received many Favours) made this 

 Reply to what he had heard them talk off, Brother, you have 

 had a long fit of sickness, you have given away your Slaves 

 to the English Doctors, what made you do so, and now be- 

 come Poor ? They do not know how to cure you, for it is an 

 Indian Distemper that troubles you, and they know not the 

 ^Nature of it. If it had been a Distemper known in their 

 Country, probably they cou'd have cured you. But had you 

 employ'd me at first, I coud have cur'd you for a small mat- 

 ter without taking your Slaves from you that provided Corn 

 and other ISTecessaries for you, and your Family's support. 

 And yet if you will give me a Blanket to keep me warm and 



some 



