TRAVELS IN 
mankind. The hides of deer, bears, tigers and 
wolves, together with honey, wax and other pro- 
ductions of the country, purchafe their clothing, 
equipage, and domeltic utenfils from the whites. 
They feem to be free from want or defires. No 
cruel enemy to dread ; nothing to give them dif- 
quietude, but the gradual encroachments of the 
white people. Thus contented and undifturbed, 
they appear as blithe and free as the birds of the 
air, and like them as volatile and active, tuneful 
and vociferous. The vifage, aclion, and deport- 
ment of the Siminoles, form the moft finking pi&ure 
of happinefs in this life ; joy, contentment, love., 
and friendfhip, without guile or affectation, feem 
inherent in them, or predominant in their vital prin- 
ciple, for it leaves them but with the laft breath of 
life. It even feems impofing a conftraint upon their 
ancient chiefs and fenators, to maintain a neceffary 
decorum and folemnity, in their public councils ; 
not even the debility and decripitude of extreme old 
age, is fufficient to erafe from their vifages, this 
youthful, joyous fimplicity ; but like the gray eve 
of a ferene and calm day, a gladdening, cheering 
blufh remains on the Weilern horizon after the fun 
is fet. 
I doubt not but fome of my countrymen who may 
read thefe accounts of the Indians, which I have 
endeavoured to relate according to truth, at leaft as 
they appeared to me, will charge me with partiality 
or prejudice in their favour. 
I will, however, now endeavour to exhibit their 
vices, immoralities, and imperfections, from my 
own obfervations and knowledge, as well as ac- 
counts from the white traders, who refide amongft 
them. 
The 
