AiTENDIX B. 321 



PoNTEACH : OR THE Savages OF AMERICA. A Tragedy. London 

 Printed for the Author ; and Sold by J. Millan, opposite the Admi- 

 ralty, WhitehaU. MDCCLXVI. 



The author of this tragedy was evidently a person well acquainted 

 with Indian affairs and Indian character. Various allusions contained in 

 it, as well as several peculiar forms of expression, indicate that Major 

 Rogers had a share in its composition. The first act exhibits in detail the 

 causes which led to the Indian war. The rest of the play is of a differ- 

 ent character. The plot is sufficiently extravagant, and has little or no 

 historical foundation. Chekitan, the son of Ponteach, is in love witli 

 Moneiia, tlie daughter of Hendrick, Emperor of the Mohawks. Monelia 

 is murdered by Chekitan's brother Philip, partly out of revenge and jeal- 

 ousy, and partly in furtherance of a scheme of policy. Chekitan kills 

 Philip, and then dies by his own hand ; and Ponteach, whose warriors 

 meanwhile have been defeated by the English, overwhelmed by this 

 accumulation of public and private calamities, retires to the forests of 

 the west to escape the memory of his griefs. The etyle of the drama is 

 superior to the plot, and the writer displays at times no small insight into 

 the workings of human nature. 



The account of Indian wrongs and sufferings given in the first act 

 accords so nearly with that conveyed in contemporary letters and docu- 

 ments, that two scenes from this part of the play are here given, with a 

 few omissions, which good taste demands. 



ACT I. 



Scene I. — An Indian Trading House. 



Enter M'Dole and Murphet, Tivo Indian Traders, and their Servants, 



M'Dole. So, Murphey, you are come to try your Fortune 

 Among the Savages in this wild Desarf? 



Murphey. Ay, any thing to get an honest Living, 

 Which, faith, I find it hard enough to do ; 

 Times are so dull, and Traders are so plenty, 

 That Gains are small, and Profits come but slow. 



M'Dole. Are you experienced in this kind of Trade ? 

 Know you the Principles by which it prospers, 

 And how to make it lucrative and safe ? 

 If not, you're like a Ship witliout a Rudder, 

 That drives at random, and must surely sink. 



Murphey. I'm unacquainted with your Indian Commerce 

 And gladly would I learn the arts from 3'ou, 

 Who're old, and practis'd in them many Years. 



VOL. II. 21 



