Page:A Topographical Description of the State of Ohio, Indiana Territory, and Louisiana.djvu/232

216 It is said the Muskegirtge language, which is soft and musical, is spoken throughout the confederacy, although different tribes retain their native tongues. These people are generally well formed, expert, hardy, sagacious and politic. They are extremely jealous of their rights, and averse to parting with their lands. They are faithful friends, but inveterate enemies; hospitable to strangers; and honest and fair in their dealings. They have a most contemptable opinion of the white man's faith, and yet place great confidence in the justice and integrity of the government of the United States. They have no coercive laws, but support an excellent policy in their civil government. It is said some of their most favourite songs and dances, they have received from their enemies, the Choctaws, who are distinguished for poetry and music. They allow polygamy in the greatest latitude. Any man may take as many wives as he pleases, but the first wife is to be treated as queen, and the rest as only hand-maids and associates. One of the regulations said to have been adopted by the Creek nation, merits the highest commendation. It is the prohibition of the use of spirituous liquors. In their treaties with the white people, it has been said, they have insisted that no kind of spirits should be sold to their people; and when attempts have been made to run kegs of spirits, the Indians, on a discovery, have destroyed them with their tomahawks.

The Catalaw nation is only the remnant of a formidable, brave, generous people, now reduced to a small tribe. They reside on a river of the same name, which forms a boundary line between North and South Carolina. In their present situation, they are entirely surrounded by white inhabitants. A tract of land of 444,000 acres, has been assigned them, on which they have agricultural improvements. They are said to consist of about four hundred and fifty souls, and have about one hundred and fifty warriors.

An account has been given of a particular tribe of Indians residing, on elevated land, in a part of the Eokeefanoke, or Ekanfanoga swamp, between Flint and Oakmulgee rivers,