266 POLYGAMY, ETC. 
for all inferior crimes; which is the same 
with the Choctaws and Creeks, among whom 
the executioners are called the ‘light-horse, 
a kind of police-guard, also formerly in use by 
the Cherokees, but now their place is supplied 
by a common sheriff and posse. 
As is to be inferred from their institutions, 
the Cherokees stand first among the ‘red men’ 
in civilization, though in industry, morality, 
and sobriety, they are no doubt excelled by the 
Choctaws and Chickasaws, who are reckoned 
the most quiet and Christian-like Indians of 
the border. 
No laws have yet been passed to enforce 
the payment of debts, except by the Chero- 
kees ; and these found it necessary to suspend 
their ‘operation for two years. Even the most 
improved have not prohibited polygamy by 
any law; though, from the example of 
whites and of the more civilized among 
them, as well as the exertions of the mission- 
aries, it is growing out of repute with most 
of the border nations. It is still occasionally 
practised, however; and the ruder classes 
among them all, I believe, sometimes still 
take any number of wives, and divorce them 
at pleasure. But the more enlightened are 
pr aaey by preachers, or authorized civil 
office 
With the united nation of Choctaws and - 
Chickasaws, the executive power is veste 
in four chiefs, called in Choctaw mingoes, 
who are selected one from each of the 
districts into which the country is divided, 
rr 
—., ee, 
