THE DELAWARES. 83 
only been making an excursion in the neighbourhood, anit 
came in as unconcerned as only an Indian can be. . 
They were paid—for their services during our expedition— 
one dollar and a half a day, and one ration, besides having 
transportation for the skins of deer, &c., that they might kill. 
We congratulated ourselves on the prospect of now having 
plenty of game, (as they are famous hunters,) which would 
be a delightful change from salt provisions in such hot 
_ Weather. 
The Delawares and Shawnees are among Indians, what the 
Jews are among Christians. 
Coming originally from the shores of the Delaware River, 
they are scattered thoughout the South and West, though 
their principal settlement is on Caw River, in Missouri. 
Wherever they are found, they preserve the same character 
for truth, honesty, and intelligence, and are ever ready, at a 
moment’s warning, to take service, as hunters, guides, or 
interpreters, and travel off hundreds of miles from home. 
They serve entirely in these capacities, and are universally 
known and esteemed by travellers in our wild territories, in 
fact, it is almost impossible to get any other Indians to 
perform these duties; they are either too selfish, too lazy, 
or too ignorant, and when applied for, always make the same 
reply, “Delaware he do dat, may be so you get him.” 
We tried the experiment—as a matter of curiosity—when 
in the Choctaw and Chickasaw country, but to no parpose. 
They all knew the capabilities of the Delawares, and always: 
hall 
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