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Travels in Some Parts of North America, in the Years 1804, 1805, & 1806, by Robert Sutcliff

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mind, sensations of pity and compassion will pre-dominate. On the other hand it is not unlikely that a similar feeling may prevail in the breasts of these children of the forest, towards those who may consider themselves as raised far above them in education and civilized life. It is remarkable that an Indian boy or girl is rarely found willing to change native habits, for those of towns and cities; but there are many instances, I am told, of those who are called civilized people, assimilating their manners with the Indian's; and of giving their mode of life the preference. Man, as man, is a strange and incomprehensible being when left to himself; whether in what is called a savage or a civilized state. In either, when so left, he stands equally a ready instrument, in the hand of the common enemy of the peace and happiness of the world. I spent the remainder of this evening by Scipio's fire-side, and was accommodated with a good bed at night, on which I slept comfortably. Both the sides and ceiling of that part of the building in which I lodged, were covered with ears of Indian corn in the husk; which, to me, had a novel but not an unpleasant appearance. 11th Month, 22d. I visited the Indian school- master and his school, and was presented with a few specimens of writing. Here I met with a