TRAVELS IN 
plantations, in league and friendfhip with the In* 
dians, in a few years they became a populous, 
rich and growing colony ; when through the im- 
prudent and tyrannical conduct of the commandant 
towards the Natches, the ancients of the country, 
a very powerful and civilized nation of red men, 
who were fovereigns of the foil, and polfefTed the 
country round about them, they became tired of 
rhefe comers, and exafpeiated at their cruelty and 
licentiour- cfs, at length determining to revenge 
fhemfelves of fuch inhumanity and ingratitude, 
fecretly confpired their deftruclion ; and their 
meafures were fo well concerted with other Indian 
tribes, that if it had not been for the treachery of 
one of their princevTes, with whom the commander 
was in favour (for by her influence her nation at- 
tempted the deftruction of the fettlement, before 
their auxiliaries joined them, which afforded an 
opportunity for fome few of the fettlers to efcape), 
they would have fully accompiifhed their purpofe. 
However the fettlement was entirely broken up, 
moft of the inhabitants being flaughtered in one 
night, and the few who efcaped betook themfelves 
to their canoes, descending the river until they 
arrived at this place, where they eftablifhed them- 
felves again ; and this gentleman had only time and 
opportunity to take into his boat one heifer calf, 
which he allured us was the mother of the nume- 
rous herds he now pofTelles, confiding of many 
hundred head. Here is now a very refpeclable 
village, defended by a ftrong fortrefs and garrifon 
of Spaniards, the commander being governor of 
the diflricl. 
The French here are able, ingenious and in- 
dufcrious planters: they live eafy and plentifully, 
and are far more regular and commendable in the 
enjoy- 
