NORTH AMERICA 
49 S 
mico goes on an expedition, he heads the army, 
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 di- 
ftinguiffied themfelves in war by valour, fubtility 
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 prieft, * 
tifually called by the white people jugglers, or 
con]urers, befides feveral juniors or graduates. 
But the ancient high prieft or feer, prefid.es in 
fpiritual affairs, and is a perfon of confequence ; 
he maintains and exercifes great influence in the 
hate, particularly in military affairs ; the fenate 
never determine on an expedition againft their 
enemy without his counfel and affiftance. Thefe 
people generally believe that their feer has com- 
munion with powerful invisible fpirits, who they 
fuppofe have a fbare in the rule and government 
of h liman 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 days journey of their enemy, after a march 
of feveral hundred miles ; and indeed their pre- 
dictions have furprized many people. They fore- 
tel rain or drought, and pretend to bring rain 
at pleafure, cure difeafes, and exercife witchcraft, 
invoke or expel evil fpirits, and even affurae 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. 
