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LETTER XVIII. 



Some Particulars relating to the Char after, Cuff 

 toms, and Government of the Indians. 



The Narrows, June 14, 1721. 



Madam, 



A F T E R I had clofed my lafl: letter and given 

 it to a perfon who was going down to Quebec, 

 I made myfelf ready to purfue my voyage, and ac- 

 cordingly embarked next day ; but I have not 

 been able to get over, and through the neglect of 

 thofe who conducted me, am returned back to 

 fort Pontchartrain, where I very much fear being 

 obliged to remain feveral days longer. Thefe are 

 difappointments we muffc lay our account with, in 

 travelling with Canadians who are never in a hur- 

 ry, and who are very carelefs in taking their mea- 

 fures. But, as we are to make the mod of every 

 thing, I will take the opportunity of this delay, to 

 divert you with beginning fome account of the 

 government of the Indians, and their manner of 

 proceeding in the difpatch of public bufinefs : by 

 this means, you will more eafily underftand many 

 things, which I mail have occafion to mention to 

 you in the fequel. 



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