NORTH AMERICA* 
town, having been repeatedly warned by appari- 
tions and dreams to leave it. 
At the time of their leaving this old town, like 
the ruin or difperfion of the ancient Babel, the in- 
habitants feparated from each other, forming fe~ 
veral bands tinder the conduct or aufpices of the 
chief of each family or tribe. The greatefl number, 
however, chofe to fit down and build the prefent 
new Apalachucla town, upon a high bank of the 
river above the inundations. The other bands 
purfued different routs, as their inclinations led 
them, fettling villages lower down the river; fome 
continued their migration towards the fea coaft, 
feeldng their kindred and countrymen amongft the 
Lower Creeks in Eaft Florida, where they fettled 
themfelves. My intelligent friend, the trader of 
Apalachucla, having from a long refidence amongft 
thefe Indians acquired an extenfive knowledge of 
their cuftoms and affairs, I inquired of him what 
were his fentiments with refpedt to their wander- 
ing, unfettled difpofition; their fo frequently break- 
ing up their old towns and fettling new ones, &c. 
His anfwers and opinions were the neceffity they 
were under of having frefh or new ftrong land for 
their plantations, and new, convenient and exten- 
five range or hunting ground, which unavoidably 
forces them into contentions and wars with their 
confederates and neighbouring tribes ; to avoid 
which they had rather move and feek a plentiful 
and peaceable retreat, even at a cliftance, than con- 
tend with friends and relatives or embroil themfelves 
temporary wives. They all met together in one houfe, under the avowed 
protection of the chiefs of the town, waiting the event; but whilft the chiefs 
were affembled in council, deliberating on ways and means to protedt them, 
the Indians in multitudes furrounded the houfe and fet fire to it ; they all, 
to the number of eighteen or twenty, perifhed with the houfe in the flames 
The trader lhowed zne the ruins of the houfe where they were burnt. 
C c 3 
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