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IN

AMERICA,

PERFORMED IN 1806,

For the Purpose of exploring the
RIVERS

ALLEGHANY, MONONGAHELA, OHIO,
AND MISSISSIPPI,

AND

ASCERTAINING THE PRODUCE AND CONDITION

OF

THEIR BANKS AND VICINITY.

BY THOMAS ASHE; Esq.

IN THREE VOLUMES.

VOL. II.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR RICHARD PHILLIPS, BRIDGE-STREET;

By John Abraham, Clement's Lane.

1808.


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IN

AMERICA.

LETTER XV..

Indian incantations and charms—priests— their extraordinary knowledge and giftsinteresting explanation of the cause-very remarkable antiquities—encounter with a rattle-snake, which is killed-deer-wild turkeys-Lanesvelle-farther very remote and grand antiquities-golden treasure found the bubble bursts.

Marietta, June, 1806.

I PASSED the night near the mausoleum without any other interruption than what proceeded from the howl of hungry wolves exasperated on seeing a, fire keep from them victims they durst

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not approach. I also had to renew the fire, and to suffer Cuff to perform certain rites and incantations, in the manner of his country, and which had the faculty of checking the advances of snakes. He expressed these offices by stalking several times round our tent. His gesticulation was strong, and his cries horrible. He also uttered some barbarous words; described a circle on each round with the end of a stick, and, after shedding certain leaves on the circle, he concluded with three more infernal yells; and then, under a decided impression or strong conviction of safety, cast himself near me on his berth. It would seem, that priestcraft, connected as it is in the native ministersof this country, with an affectation of sorcery and supernatural power, gains great dominion over every savage mind, and disposes to the belief and practice of every absurdity. There are,

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