TRAVELS IN 
*n deftrudlive wars with their neighbours, when 
either can be avoided with fo little inconvenience. 
With regard to the Mufcogulges, the firft object in 
order to obtain thefe conveniencies was the de- 
fciudlion of the Yamafes, who held the poffeffion of 
Florida, and were in clofe alliance with the Spani- 
ards, their declared and molt inveterate enemy, 
which they at length fully accompliihed ; and by 
this conqueft they gained a vaft and invaluable ter- 
ritory, comprehending a delightful region, and moil 
plentiful country for their favourite game, bear and 
deer. But not yet fatisfied, having already fo far 
conquered the powerful Cherokees, as, in a man- 
ner, to force them to alliance, and compelled the 
warlike Chicafaws to fue for peace and alliance with 
them ; they then grew arrogant and infatiable, and 
turned their covetous looks towards the potent and 
intrepid Cha6taws, the only Indian enemy they had 
to fear, meaning to break them up and poffefs them- 
felves of that extenfive, fruitful and delightful coun- 
try, and make it a part of their vaft empire. But 
the Chadtaws, a powerful, hardy, fubtile and intre- 
pid race,eftimated at twenty thoufand warriors, are 
likely to afford fufticient exercife for the proud and 
reftlefs fpirits of the Mufcogulges, at leaft for fome 
years to come ; and they appear to be fo equally 
matched with the Chadtaws, that it feems doubtful 
which of thefe powerful nations will rife vidtorious. 
The Creeks have fworn, it feems, that they never 
will make peace with this enemy as long as the 
rivers flow or the fun purfues his courfe through 
the fkies* 
Thus we fee that war or the exercife of arms 
originates from the fame motives, and operates in 
the fpirits of the wild red men of America, as it 
2 formerly 
