NORTH AMERICA. 
495 
rnico goes on an expedition, he heads the amiy, 
and, is there the war chief. There are many of 
thefe war chiefs in a town or tribe, who are cap- 
tains or leaders of military parties ; they are el- 
derly men, who in their youthful days have dif~ 
tinguifhed themfelves in war by valour, mbtilty 
and intrepidity ; and thefe veteran chiefs, in a 
great degree, conftitute their truly dignified and 
venerable fenates. 
There is in every town or tribe a high priefc, 
ufually called by the white people jugglers, or con- 
jurers, befides feveral juniors or graduates. But 
the ancient high pried or feer, prefides in fpiritual 
affairs, and is a perfon of confequence ; he main- 
tains and exercifes great influence in the (late, par- 
ticularly in military affairs ; the fenate never deter- 
mine on an expedition againft their enemy without 
his counfel and affiftance. Thefe people generally 
believe that their feer has communion with power- 
ful invifible fpirits, who they fuppofe have a mare 
in the rule and government of human affairs, as 
well as the elements ; that he can predict the refult 
of an expedition ; and his influence is fo great, 
that they have been known frequently to flop, and 
turn back an army, when within a day's journey of 
their enemy, after, a inarch of feveral hundred 
miles ; and indeed their predictions have furprized 
many people. They foretel rain or drought, and 
pretend to bring rain at pleafure, cure difeafes, and 
exercife witchcraft, invoke or expel evil fpirits, 
and even alTume the power of directing thunder 
and lightning. , 
Thefe Indians are by no means idolaters, un- 
lefs their puffing the tobacco fmoke towards the 
fun, and rejoicing at the appearance of the new 
moon, 
