There are many feats attributed to Nanibojou, but I have confined the above account to the statement of the chief, whose name is O-SHE-WE-GWUN, or, a log over a stream. His daughter's name is KICH-E-WYN E'QUA, or, a big river woman. It is not possible, my dear ***, to read this account of Nanibojou, as given by this Chippeway chief, (and he gives what is the belief of his tribe,) without perceiving the analogy between it, and the Noatic flood. In the account of that flood, we read, "the tops of the highest mountains were covered," and that is the substance of this tradition, Nor is the mystery of the incarnation lost sight of in the tradition of the birth of Nanibojou. He was the son of a woman who had never had a husband. And may not his invisible and twin brother refer to the Holy Spirit? Now, if the Jesuits had never been among these people, nor any christian travellers; nor any of these had ever been in a christian community, the proof might be esteemed conclusive, that they are descendants in some direct line, from Noah, and had preserved the tradition, though much incumbered by the accumulations of ages, of the Noatic flood. As the case is, I do not feel at liberty to force any such conclusion, but give you the statement with these reflections, for your own consideration. I also asked this chief where the Indians all went when they died? He said, to a large village towards the setting sun, that has no end to it-to Jelbyug-aindahnukee-éwaud, or, the country of souls. How long is it before the dead arrive at this great village? Some, he answered, get there directly-others have to encamp several nights by the way before they reach it. I asked him if the Great Spirit lived in this great village? He said, no-He lives in the sky. One mode of burying the dead, among the Chippeways, is, to place the coffin, or box, containing their remains, on two cross pieces, nailed, or tied with wattap to four poles, The poles are about ten feet high. They plant near these posts, the wild hop, or some other kind of running vine, There are many feats attributed to Nanibojou, but I have confined the above account to the statement of the chief, whose name is O-SHE-WE-GWUN, or, a log over a stream. His daughter's name is KICH-E-WYN E'QUA, or, a big river woman. It is not possible, my dear ***, to read this account of Nanibojou, as given by this Chippeway chief, (and he gives what is the belief of his tribe,) without perceiving the analogy between it, and the Noatic flood. In the account of that flood, we read, "the tops of the highest mountains were covered," and that is the substance of this tradition, Nor is the mystery of the incarnation lost sight of in the tradition of the birth of Nanibojou. He was the son of a woman who had never had a husband. And may not his invisible and twin brother refer to the Holy Spirit? Now, if the Jesuits had never been among these people, nor any christian travellers; nor any of these had ever been in a christian community, the proof might be esteemed conalusive, that they are descendants in some direct line, from Noah, and had preserved the tradition, though much incumbered by the accumulations of ages, of the Noatic flood. As the case is, I do not feel at liberty to force any such conclusion, but give you the statement with these reflections, for your own consideration. I also asked this chief where the Indians all went when they died? He said, to a large village towards the setting sun, that has no end to it-to Jelbyug-aindahnukee-éwaud, or, the country of souls. How long is it before the dead arrive at this great village? Some, he answered, get there directly-others have to encamp several nights by the way before they reach it. I asked him if the Great Spirit lived in this great village? He said, no-He lives in the sky. One mode of burying the dead, among the Chippeways, is, to place the coffin, or box, containing their remains, on two cross pieces, nailed, or tied with wattap to four poles, The poles are about ten feet high. They plant near these posts, the wild hop, or some other kind of running vine, I saw one of these It was the coffin near the lodge of which spreads over and covers the coffin. on the island, and as I have described it. of a child about four years old. It was the sick girl. I have a sketch of it. I asked the chief why his people disposed of their dead in that way? He answered, they did not like to put them out of their sight so soon by putting them under ground. Upon a platform they could see the box that contained their remains, and that was a comfort to them. We have concluded to open the council to-morrow-the subjects to be presented, and the order of them being arranged. We have seen signs of restlessness among some of the Indians, especially those who have been here for some days. To amuse them, the Governor proposed to throw in among them brooches, and various little ornaments, to be scrambled for. This inspired them with new life. The interpreter was then directed to fix a goal, and place a hat, or knife, or handkerchief, at it, and set them to running, two at a time, for the prize. The effect was electric. All signs of animation, and the most perfect satisfaction were restored. Then a pole was stuck in the bottom of the river, about ten feet from the shore, and in eight or ten feet water-(the Indians swim like fish,) and here, truly, was a most animating spectacle. There was no preparation necessary, in undressing. The air and the water are both alike congenial, and are both met by the same nakedness. They had nothing to do but pair off, at some hundred yards distance, and run and spring off from the shore, with one hand extended as they went towards the prize, which the foremost generally bore off with him under water, whither he went by a kind of curving pitch, head foremost. Last of all, a blanket was put in a canoe, and set afloat in the middle of the streamfor this prize a dozen started. It was taken by a skulking fellow, who dove in at the edge of the water from under a barge. But he was directed to give it up to the foremost who started in the race, and who reached the canoe first. Two of these Indian youths were under water for at least |