A 
210 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 domedic utenfils from the whites. 
They feem to be free from want or defires. No 
cruel enemy to dread 5 nothing to give them dif- 
quictude, but the gradual encroachments of the 
white people. Thus contented and undidurbed, 
they appear as blithe and free as the birds of the 
air, and like them as volatile and adtive, tuneful 
and vociferous. The vilage, addon, and deport- 
ment of the Siminoles, form the mod driking pidture 
of happinefs in this life; ]oy, contentment, love, 
and friend fhip, without guile or affedlation, feern 
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 condraint upon their 
ancient chiefs and lenators, to maintain a neceffary 
decorum and lolemnity, in their public councils; 
not even the debility and decrepitude of extreme old 
age, is diffident 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 Wedern 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 lead as 
they appeared to me, will charge me with partiality 
or prejudice in their favour. 
I will, however, now endeavour to exhibit their j 
vices, immoralities, and imperfedtions, from my 
own obfervations and knowledge, as well as ac- 
counts from the white traders, who refide amongd 
them. 
The 
