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

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much of their time to the same purpose, it will probably be a work of time, requiring a long exercise of patience and perseverance, before the Indians can be brought into a state of complete civilization. It has often appeared to me that there is a natural wildness and quickness in them, which all the pains or labour of the well-disposed white inhabitants, will find it difficult to subdue. However, there are different degrees of stability and prudential care amongst these people, in their natural state; many amongst them paying some attention to agricultural pursuits, and, in summer, providing for the wants of winter; whilst others disclaim all thought or care for the future; and hold in contempt all their neighbours, who depend on any other means for support than hunting. Although friends reside amongst them, they are still, at certain times, in the practice of sacrificing to idols of their own carving, some of which were in the form of an Indian warrior of a gigantic stature; to whom they sacrificed dogs, &;c. Notwithstanding this, they hold a tradition that the universe was created, and is supported, by an all-powerful being, whom they call the Great Spirit; whose influence is felt in every human breast, approving for good, and reproving for evil. 22d of 4th Month. At three o'clock in the after- noon of this may we met again, when the minutes of the meeting for sufferings were read, the consi-