Illustrated school history of the United States and the adjacent parts of America : from the earliest discoveries to the present time ...

Front matter

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It i LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I i €l,ap.^ EH'^ I

§ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, g

Part I. Aboriginal Period

CHAPTER. PAGK.

I. Origin of the American Indians 11

II. The Great Indian Families 16

III. Indian Languages 20

lY. Aboriginal Remains 26

V. Description of the Indians .-. 81

Part II. Colonial Period

I. Voyages and Discoveries of Columbus 48

II. Early Explorations. — First Permanent Settlements 51

III. Conquest of Mexico and Peru. — Voyage of Magellan 60

IV. English Explorations and Settlements 66

V. Dutch Discoveries and Settlements 76

VI. Landing of the Pilgrims 79

VII. Massachusetts Bay Colony.— Settlement of Rhode Island 83

VIII. Settlement of Connecticut.— Pequod War 88

IX. Founding of Maryland and Delaware 92

X. New Netherlands from 1621 to 1664.— Founding of New Jersey 95

XL Virginia from 1620 to 1660 99

XII. Eliot's Preaching.— Union of the New England Colonies 102

XIII. Domestic Life, Character, and Laws of the Puritans 105

XIV. King Philips War 108

XV. Bacon's Rebellion 114

XVI. Settlement of Carolina 118

XVII. Settlement of Pennsylvania 121

XVIII. Indian History.- Jesuit Missionaries 125

CONTENTS. 5

OHAPTEE. PAGE.

XIX. New York to 16S9.— French and Iroquois War 130

XX. New England under Andros and Phipps 132

XXI. King William's War 134

XXII. Witchcraft in New England 138

XXIII. New York under Leisler, Sloughter, Fletcher, and Bellamont— Captain

Kidd 140

XXIV. South Carolina from 1690 to 1700 143

XXV. French Settlements in the Southwest— Chickasaw War 144

XXVI. Queen Anne's War 147

XXVII. Settlement of Georgia ,. 148

XXVIII. King George's War, 1744-174S 152

XXIX. Commencement of Washington's Career 154

XXX. Commencement of the French and Indian War 160

XXXI. Braddock's Campaign 164

XXXII. French and Indian War (continued).— Campaigns of 1757-58 171

XXXIIL French and Indian War (continued).— Campaigns of 1759-60 175

XXXIV. Pontiac's War 181

XXXV. state of Society in the Colonies 184

XXXVI. Causes of the American Kevolution t 188

Part III. Revolutionary Period

I. Battle of Lexington 203

II. Capture of Ticonderoga. — Washington elected Commander-in-chief 206

III. Battle of Bunker Hill 209

IV. Invasion of Canada 214

V. Siege and Evacuation of Boston 218

VI. British Attack on Charleston. — Declaration of Independence >. 220

VII. Battle of Long Island 224

VIII. Washington's Pvetreat.— Battle of White Plains 229

IX. Battles of Trenton and Princeton 2-32

X. La Fayette's Arrival. — Tryon in Connecticut — Capture of Gen. Prescott. 236

XI. Burgoyne's Campaign and Surrender 239

XII. Movements of Howe and Washington in 1777 248

XIII. The American Army at Valley Forge 253

XIV. Campaign of 1778. — Monmouth. — Newport — Savannah. — Wyoming 257

XV. Campaign of 1779. — Movements in South Carolina. — Capture of Stony

Point— Sullivan's Indian Expedition.— Siege of Savannah.— PaulJones. 262 XVI. Campaign of 1780.— Fall of Charleston.— Partisan Warfare in the South.

—Battle of Camden 269

XVIL Arnold's Treachery.— Battle of King's Mountain 276

XVIIL Campaign of 1781.— The Cowpens.— Guilford Court House.— Ninety-Si.x.

— Eutaw Springs 282 b CONTENTS.

CHAPTEK. PAOE.

XIX. Siege of Yorktown.— Surrender of Cornwallis 293

XX. End of tlie Revolutionary War 298

XXI. Formation of a Federal Constitution 304

Part IV. Constitutional Period

I. Washington's Administration, 17S9-1797 312

II. John Adams' Administration, 179T-1801 326

III. Jefferson's Administration, 1801-1S09 329

IV. Madison's Administration, from 1809 to 1S12 338

V. Madison's Administration (continued), 1812 344

VI. Madison's Administration (continued), 1813 353

VII. Madison's Administration (continued), 1814-1817 371

VIII. Monroe's Administration, 1817-1825 390

IX. John Quincy Adams' Administration, 1825-1829 397

X. Jackson's Administration, 1829-1837 401

XL Van Buren's Administration, 1837-1841 411

XII. Admmistration of Harrison and Tyler, 1841-1845 413

XIII. Polk's Administration, 1845-1849 423

XIV. Administration of Taylor and Fillmore, 1849-1S53 445

XV. Pierce's Administration, 1853-1857 452

Present Condition of the United Slates 469

XVI. Buchanan's Administration, 1857 458

Present condition of tiie United States 4

THE WESTERN CaNTINENT.

1. TsE Western Continent, represented above, is about 9,000 miles long. It attains its greatest AYidth in the north, where it is nearly 3,000 miles across. From this point the shores slope towards each other, till an isthmus 50 niiles wide is formed ; whence they again expand, inclosing a tract of nearly equal size on the south. The contment is thus naturally divided into two parts, known as North and South America. Between the two, near the eastern coast, lie the West India Islands.

Including the islands just named and Greenland, the American continent embraces 15,000,000 square miles, of whi<;h North America contains eight million, and South America nearly seven. Together they comprise more than a third of the land surface of the globe. The territory of

1. How long is the Western Continent? Wliere does it attain its greatest width? How wide is it there ? From this point, describe the shores. How is the continent thus divided? What islands lie between the two? Inchnling the West Indies and Greenland, how many square miles does America contain ? How many, North America? How many. South America? Together, what part of the land surface of the

8 THE WESTERN CONTINENT.

the United States contains 2,983,153 square miles, — more than one third of the surface of North America.

America is bounded on each side by a great ocean. On the east, the Atlantic, 3,000 miles broad, separates it from Europe and Africa ; on the west, it is separated from Asia by the Pacific, the greatest width of which is about 10,000 miles. This ocean gradually narrows towards the north, till it termmates in Behring's [pronounced heer'4ngz\ Strait, where the extreme points of the two continents are only 36 miles apart.

2. The American Continent is distinguished for the grandness of its natural features. It is intersected by large rivers, which aiford every facility for commerce. The Mississippi, the Missouri, and the Amazon, surpass in length every other river on the earth. Lakes equal in size to seas are scattered over its surface. Its valleys and plains, its volcanoes and mountain ranges, are aU on the grandest scale. Its mineral resources are inexhaustible. The silver and diamond mines i>f South America, and. In the United States, the gold placers of California, and the vast subterranean treasures of lead, iron, and coal, which elsewhere abound, are of inestimable value.

3. The temperature of any given locality in America is much colder than that of a place in the same latitude on the Eastern Continent. New York is on nearly the same parallel as Naples ; yet in the latter snow is rarely seen, and fires are hardly ever required. There is no city in America as far north as Paris; and Stockholm, transported to the same latitude in the Western Continent, would be in a region of perpetual snow.

4. The animals originally found in America were, as a general thing, neither so large nor so strong as those of the old world. Instead of the elephant, rhinoceros, hippopota-

globe do they comprise ? How much of this belongs to the United States? By what is America bounded? How wide is the Atlantic? the Pacific? In what does the Pacific terminate towards the north? How wide is Behring's Strait? 2. For what is the American Continent distinguished? By what is it intersected? What is said of its valleys, plains, «Ssc. ? What, of its mineral resources? 3. How does the Western Continent compare in temperature with the Eastern ? What two cities are mentioned in illustration of this fact? What is the temperature of America in the latitude of Stockholm ? 4. How did the animals of America compare with those of the old world ?

DIVISION INTO PEKIODS. 9

nius, lion, and tiger, which are natives of many parts of the Eastern Continent, here were found the bison, musk-ox, jagu-ar", taj^ir, and lama. Remains of the elephant, however, and of a still larger quadruped known as the mastodon, now extinct, have been dug up in diflerent parts of the United States. All our domestic animals were introduced from Europe. Horses are now found T\41d in great numbers, but America is not then- native land. They have sprung from those introduced by the Spaniards. The same is the case with the wild cattle that traverse in myriads the plains of Buenos Ayres [bwa'-nos i'res]. Our varieties of native birds are numerous; we have many not found in the Eastern Continent, of which the turkey is the most important.

5. Having thus considered the natural features of America, we proceed to treat of its history. The part now constituting the United States will occupy most of our attention ; but we shall take occasion to glance at the great events in other portions of the continent also, particularly such as have had a bearmg on the history of our own country.

DIVISION INTO PERIODS.

American History may be divided into four periods : — I. The Aboriginal Period, extending from the first peoplmg of America to its discovery by Columbus, A. D. 1492 ; H. The Colonial Period, fi'om the discovery by Columbus to the breakmg out of the American Revolution, A. D. 1775 ; HI. The Revolutionary Period, from the breaking out of the Revolution to the organization of a government under the Federal Constitution, a. d. 1789 ; TV. The Constitlttional Period, from the organization of a government under the Federal Constitution to the present time.

Mention some not found in this country. By what was their place supplied ? What remains are found? What is said of our domestic animals? Whence came the horse and the wild cattle of South America? What is said of our native birds? 5. Into how many periods may American History be divided ? Give the name and limits of each.

1»

MAP

cfthe

INDIAN lAMILIES

as located in /fJO.

HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES.

Part I. Aboriginal Period

EXTENDING FROM THE FIRST PEOPLING OF AMERICA TO ITS DISCOVERY BY COLUMBUS, A. D. 1492.

CHAPTER I. ORIGIN OF THE AiMERICAN INDIANS

6. When America was discovered by Europeans, it was occupied by tribes differing in many respects from the nations of the old world. Their manners, customs, languages, and personal appearance, all proclaimed them a distinct race. From their color, they were by some styled Red Men; while the erroneous idea of early adventurers that America formed part of the East Indies, led to their being called Indians, and by this name they have generally been known. As these native tribes play a promment part in our early history, it is important to consider theu' origin and pecuharities, their territorial limits and mutual relations.

7. We must first ask whence and how America was peopled. It is separated from the Eastern Conthaent, on one side by three thousand miles of ocean, and on the other by an expanse of water for the most part three times as broad.

6. When discovered, by whom was America occupied? In what did they diflfer from the nations of the old world ? What names were given them, and why ? 7. What would seem to render it impossible for America to have been peopled from the Eastern Conti-

12 ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN INDIANS.

Hence it seems, at first glance, almost impossible that it should have been reached, in an age when ships were small and frail, when the mariner's compass was unknoT\m and the sailor dared not trust himself out of sight of land. This led men to suppose that the inhabitants of America did not descend from Adam and Eve, but from a race previously created. Such a theory is plainly contrary to the Bible record, nor is it needed to account for the settlement of America.

8. Later discoveries have brought to Hght a fact unknowTi to geographers three hundred years ago, that America widens rapidly in the north, and there juts out into the ocean till it comes withm thirty-six miles of Asia. As a current sets towards the American shore, the passage thither can be readily made even in rude vessels. Boats may have been driven over by stress of weather, and the continent thus have been discovered without design. But there was a stiU easier means of communication. In severe seasons, Behring's Strait is frozen over. Many varieties of animals have passed on the ice from one continent to the other ; and the first occupants of America, led by curiosity, or driven by violence, may have reached the new world in the same manner.

9. At what time this event took place, we are not informed. History makes no mention of it. It is probable that it occurred at an early date, not many centuries after the dispersion at Babel and the consequent emigration from the plain of Shi'nar. Mankind soon spread out from the limited district to which they were at first confined, and took possession of the vacant lands around them, which, as their numbers increased, became necessary to their comfort. Thus they gradually found their way to Northeastern Asia ; and at length adventure or accident made them acquainted with the existence of a new continent.

10. Behring's Strait or the northern part of the Pacific

nent? What weye men first led to suppose? What book contradicts this opinion?

8. What fact have later discoveries brought to light ? How near do the extreme points of America and Asia come? How may boats have been driven across? What easier means of access was there? What, besides man, appear to have crossed on the ice?

9. When did the migration to America take place? What led mankind to spread out from their original location? Where at last did they find themselves? 10. How do

EARLY VOYAGES.

coiild thus have been easily crossed ; but some thmk that ancient navigators first reached the new world by way of the Atlantic. As early as the days of Solomon, the Phoenician seamen made voyages to O'-phu*. At a later date, Hanno, the Carthaginian, is said to have sailed thirty days southwest from the Strait of Gibraltar. The early Egyptian navigators were particularly distinguished for theu* skill and daruig ; and we are told that during the reign of Pharaoh Necho [fa'-ro ne'-ko], about 600 b. c, a company of explorers started from the Isthmus of Suez [soo-ez'l, on the Red Sea, and sailed completely round Africa to the opposite point of the Isthmus, — a distance of 16,000 miles. Other re- i markable voyages are recorded, durmg some of which America may have been reached. Plato and several other ancient writers appear to have been aware that there was a large body of land in the west, and speak of an island in that direction more extensive than Europe and Africa.

11. Some historians have tried to trace the American Lidians to the ten " lost tribes" of Israel, who were conquered by Shalmaneser [shal-ma-?ie'-zer], kmg of Assyria, about '700 B. c. Many of the vanquished were carried into captivity, and uniting with their conquerors lost all separate existence as a nation. But there were some, who, we are told in Esdras, "took this counsel among themselves, that they

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN SHIP.

Bome think America was first reached? In Solomon's time, what voyages were made? At a later date, what is Hanno said to have done ? What early navigators were particularly distinguished for their skill ? What remarkable voyage of theirs is mentioned? Who appear to have known that a large body of land existed in the west? 11. To whom have some tried to trace the American Indians? What befell these ten tribes? What did some of them resolve to do ? How far does History trace them ? What is the only

1-4: ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN INDIANS.

would leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further country where never mankind dwelt". These unfortunate remnants of the ten tribes are thought by some to have carried out their design by crossing into America, and there to have become the progenitors of the Indian race.

History tells us that they advanced as far as Media. Beyond this, we know nothing of theii' travels ; nor is there any evidence of their having finally settled in America exce^^t a fancied resemblance between the customs and religious ceremonies of the Indians and those of the ancient Israehtes. Both had their priests and prophets, theii* washings and anointings, their fasts, feasts, and sacrifices. But neither these, nor other alleged points of resemblance, are sufiicient to prove the theory.

12. It seems far more probable that the first settlers of America were from Egypt. Their taste and skill in building would indicate this, as well as the fact that in difierent caves in the West bodies have been found, preserved somewhat m the style of Egyptian mummies.

The history of these early immigrants seems to be as follows : — Soon after the Confusion of Languages, a large body of men, after a temporary residence in Central Lidia, driving their flocks before them, moved to Eg;y^3t, and conquered its original settlers, the descendants of Miz'-ra-im. Under the name of Shepherd Kings, they there founded a noble empu-e, built large cities, and erected massive pyramids which stiU remain as monuments of their power. The JVIizraimites, however, roused by thek tyranny, finally rose against them, and after a long contest drove them fi'om the land. The defeated Sheioherds, in quest of a new home, turned then* course to the northeast, and left numerous traces of their passage through Central Asia and Siberia in the form of w^ell-built walls and mounds. They are supposed at last to have crossed into America in the manner before described, to have erected evidence of their having reached America? Mention these points of resemblance. Are they sufficient to prove the theory? 12. What seems far more probable? What evidence is there that the first settlers of America came from Egypt? Give the history of the Shepherd Kings. What are they finally supposed to have done? When was the

SUCCESSIVE EMIGRATIONS TO AMERICA. 15

the mounds and ancient works whose remains are still visible in the valley of the Mississippi, and ultimately to have made their way to Mexico, and built the city of that name early in the fourteenth century.

13. The Indians of America must have spnmg from later bodies of Asiatic adventurers than the Mexicans. Behrino-'s Strait, or the ocean near it, may often have been crossed during the lapse of ages ; and, judging from the dilFerence of character and language in the various tribes, it is highly probable that the passage was made a number of times at different eras. Curious aboriginal remains are still to be seen in various parts of our country, which show that the first settlers arrived there at a very early period, before they had forgotten the mechanical arts through the allurements of forest life. They were probably followed by less civilized bands, who drove them from their original seats. Thus successive immigrations may have taken place, each party of new-comers pushing its predecessors further east and south, and being themselves afterwards driven in these directions, until the whole continent was peopled.

14. The traditions current among the Indians throw but little light on their origin. They have a general belief that they are aborigines, or, in other words, that they sprung from the earth and are not connected with any other people. By one account they are represented as having climbed up the roots of a large vine from the interior of the globe. According to another, their ancestors, while living as they had done for ages under ground, accidentally espied the light of day through the opening of a cavern, and by dint of great efforts scaled the walls of their subterranean prison and came out upon the surface.

Some of the Bed Men, however, retain an indistinct tradition of having crossed a tract of water to reach their present habitations. The Ath-a-pas'-cas, who bear a striking resem-

city of Mexico founded ? 13. What reason is there for thinking that Behring's Strait was crossed a number of times? What are to be seen in various parts of our country? What do these show ? By whom were the first immigrants followed ? 14. What is the general belief of tlie Indians respecting their origin ? How do different accounts represent them as having reached the surface of the earth? What tradition do some tribes

16 THE GREAT INDIAN FAMILIES.

))hiiic(j ill dress and manners to the people of Eastern Asia, say that they once lived in a region far to the west. The Chei^eweyans [tshe2>e-ica-anz\ also, state that they originally came from another land, inhabited by very wicked people ; that they were obliged to traverse a narrow lake, shallow and fnll of islands, on which they suifered greatly from cold and encountered immense masses of ice and snow. If this " narrow lake" was Behring's Strait or the northern extremity of the Pacific, the islands referred to may have been the iUeutian \ci-leu' -she-an\ group, in which inexperienced na^dgators would be very likely to become entangled.

Chapter II. The Geeat Indian Families

15. The various Indian tribes that occupied America on the first arrival of Europeans closely resembled each other in customs, complexion, and general appearance. There were minor points of difference, but these were hardly sufficient for grouping them into great families. This could not be done tiU their languages were compared ; and it was then found that the numerous tribes east of the Mississippi and south of the St. Lawrence sprimg from eight parent stocks. Little was then known respecting those west of the Mississippi, nor have we yet sufficient acquaintance with them for a proper classification.

16. These eio^ht o^reat families are known bv the following^ names : Algonquin [cd-zhon' -kwi7i\ Huron-Iroquois [Jiu'-ron e'-ro-kwah\ Dah-ko'-tah or Sioux \soo\ Ca-taw'-ba, Cher-okee', U'-chee, Nat'-chez, and Mo-bil'-i-an. The Map on page 10 shows theii' resiDective locations in the year 1650, before which the interior of the continent was but little kno^^Ti.

retain ? What do the Athapascas believe ? What, the Chepeweyans ? What islands uiaj' be refeiTed to in this story ?

15. In wliat did all the Indians closely resemble each other? What was necessary Defore they could be isronped into families ? How many great families were there found to be? What is said of the tribes west of the Mississippi? 16. Name the eight great

ALGONQUIN TRIBES.

Among these families, the mdely extended Esquimaux [es'-Jce-mo] {fish-eaters) are not inckided. They do not he within the hmits of the United States, but occupy the shores of all the seas, bays, and inlets of America, north of lat. 60°.

11. The Algonquin was the largest of these families. It occupied about half the territory now embraced in the United States east of the Mississippi, and contained as many warriors as the remaining families put together. It even extended north of the St. Lawrence, including, among other tribes, the Knisteneaux \nis' -te-no\ scattered throughout the wide tract between Hudson's Bay and the Rocky Mountains. The Algonquin family embraced most of the nations connected with the history of the first settlers : the Nar-ra-gan^-setts, Wampanoags \ioom-2Jarno^-ags\ Pe^-quods, and Paw-tuck'- ets, in Xew England ; the Mo-he'-gans, on Long Island and the banks of the Hudson ; the Delawares, who owned an extensive tract on the river now called by their name ; and the Pow-ha-tans', originally a confederacy of more than twenty tribes on Chesapeake Bay, afterwards extermmated by war and disease. The Ottawas [of-ta-wawz\ Chip'-pe-ways, Sacs and Foxes, Miamis \rne-amf-eez\ Shaw-nees, and other western tribes, were also Algonquins.

Though speaking dialects of one great language, and grouped in the same family, many of the smaller Algonquin tribes were constantly at war with each other, their hostility often arising fi-om trifling causes, and being handed down from generation to generation. Their numbers were thus kept reduced, and it was not rare for a tribe to become in this way entu-ely extinct.

18. Surrounded by the Algonquins, but occupying a large tract and enjoying a high reputation for prowess, the Huron- Iroquois was the next family in importance. They covered

families. What extensive family is not included among them ? What does the word Esquimaux signify? What part of America do they occupy? 17. Which was the largest of these families ? How much territory did it occupy ? North of the St. Lawrence, what large tribe did it embrace? Mention some of the tribes belonging to the Algonquin family, and their respective locations. What kept many of the Algonquin tribes reduced in number? In what did their hostility often originate ? 18. What family was ne.xt in importance to the Algonquins ? Where did they live? Mention the

18 THE GREAT INDIAN FAMILIES.

a great part of the state of New York, as well as the Canadian penmsula formed by Lakes Ontario, Erie, and Huron. To this family belonged the Hurons or Wy'-an-dots, the E'-ries, and the formidable confederated tribes generally knoA\Ti as the Five Nations, who were afterwards joined by the Tus-ca-ro'-ras, a kindred tribe from Carolina. The Iroquois proper, or Five Nations, were as distinguished for their intelligence as for then* superior skill and courage in war. They displayed great wisdom in the management of their domestic aifairs, and advanced further in the arts of Indian Hfe than the rest of their race. Conscious that they owed their strength to union, they maintained their confederacy with the utmost care, and thus were more than a match for enemies that met them singly. Their position, as may be seen from the Map, was highly favorable. Lake Ontario on the north, and an extensive mountain range on the southeast, served as bulwarks against their enemies; while their uitercourse with, the Dutch settlements kept them well supplied mth arms and ammunition.

19. The Dahkotahs, or Sioux, a widely extended family, lived mostly west of the Mississippi. Hence little was kno^\Ti about them by early settlers. One Dahkotah tribe, the Win-ne-ba'-goes, migrated eastward, at what period we are not informed, and settled on the western coast of Lake Michigan [mish-e-ffcm''] among the Algonquins. The promment members of the Dahkotah family were the Man''-dans, I'-o-was, Misrsou'-ries, O-sa'-ges, Arkansas [ah-'-kcm-smc]^ and Kan'-sas.

20. The Ca-taw'-bas, living in the interior of Carolina, south of* the original seat of the Tuscaroras, were once a powerful people. Becoming engaged in war with the Iroquois, they were vanquished and nearly destroyed. Hardly a hundred now survive.

21. West of the Catawbas lived the Cherokees. Occupy-

principal Huron -Iroquois tribes. For what -were the Five Nations distinguished? To what was much of their strength owing? What advantages did their position have ? 19. Where did the Dahkotahs live? What tribe of this family migrated eastward? Where did they settle? Mention some prominent Dahkotah tribes. 20. Where did the Catawbas live ? By whom were they vanquished ? What is their present condition ?

UCHEES, NATCHEZ, MOBILIAN TRIBES. 19

iiig the fastnesses of the Bhie Riclge and the Alleghanies, they were the monntameers of eastern America. In spite of long and bloody wars with their hereditary foes, the Shawnees, and other nations, they now constitute one of the largest, as well as the most civilized and prosperous, Indian tribes within the hmits of the United States. They number about 15,000 souls, having, unlike most of their race, become more numerous since exchanging savage for civilized hfe.

22. The Uchees, a small tribe little known in history, were the sixth of the great families. They were never known to change theii' location, and boasted that they were the oldest mhabitants of the region in which they were found. This was the northern part of Georgia. Their language was pecuUarly harsh and guttural.

23. On the east bank of the Mississippi, in the neighborhood of the city now called by their name, lived the Natchez ; a tribe said to have been connections of the Mexicans, and to have possessed at one time an extended dormnion. They probably settled m tliis locality early in the sixteenth century, as they retained a tradition of having seen, far in the southwest where they formerly Uved, " warriors of fire," by which name they no doubt designated the soldiers of Cortez. The Natchez were nearly destroyed by the French in 1730. From a few sm*vivors, who crossed the Mississippi into Louisiana, the Ten'-sas Indians are supposed to have sprung.

24. The Mobilian family, otherwise called the Mus-co^-gee- Choc'-taw, remains to be noticed. This group of tribes extended over the region which now forms the southern part of the United States ; being boimded on the northeast by the Cape Fear River, and reachmg as far north as the mouth of the Tennessee. It included many powerful nations, the most important of which was the Creek, or Muscogee. Though

21. West of the Catawbas, -what family was found? What are they called, and why? With whom did they wage protracted wars ? What is their present condition ? How many do they number ? 22. What was the sixth great family ? What was their boast? Where did they live? Describe their language. 23. Where did the Natchez live? With whom were they connected? When did they probably settle in this region? What tradition did they retain ? What happened to the Natchez in 1730 ? What tribe is thought to have sprung from them ? 24. Where did the Mobilian tribes lie ? What bounded them on the north and northeast? What was the most important tribe of thivs

20 INDIAN LANGUAGES.

fond of war, they paid considerable attention to agriculture ; and in the intervals between their military expeditions their warriors assisted the women in tilHng the soil. Like the Iroquois in the north, the Creeks united the neighboring tribes Avith themselves in a confederacy, which greatly increased their power. Among the nations thus allied to them at a later day, were the Sem'-i-noles, who have long troubled our government in Florida.

The brave Chick'-a-saws, also members of the Mobilian group, dwelt on the banks of the great " Father of Waters" (the Mississippi), north of the Katchez. On the other side of the latter, towards the Tom-big'-bee, lived the Choctaws, in a delightful country, which yielded rich crops ahuost without cultivation.