Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/63

 Muncey, expecting the arrival of the Rev. A. Torry about noon. Two or three Indians came for the purpose of hearing more about the Christian religion, but as I waited some time for Mr. J. Carey and Rev. A. Torry, they went away without my having any opportunity of speaking publicly to them.

Thursday, 1st September, 1825. — This day Rev. A. Torry arrived at George Turkey's. In the evening we all went to Lower Muncey, where there was to be a great feast of the offerings of the first fruits of the earth — which feast the Munceys hold annually. They brought a little of all that they raised, such as Indian corn, potatoes, pumpkins, beans, melons, and squashes, together with twelve deer. The Indian women were busily engaged cooking their provisions. Previous to the commencement of their exercises, they invited us strangers into a long Pagan Temple, prepared for such purposes. There is a door at each end, one opening to the east, and the other to the west. On entering we observed all the Indians seated on the ground round two fires. In the centre of the temple was a large post, round which was suspended a number of deer skins and wampum. I was also informed that wampum is kept buried at the foot of this post. Near the post sat two Indian singers, each with a large bundle of undressed deer skins, which served as drums. There were two young men appointed to watch the doors and keep the fires burning. The doors being closed, the young men brought each of them an armful of hemlock boughs, which being thrown on the fires, smothered them and caused a great smoke, in order that the smoke might fill every corner of the temple. Each man waved his blanket over the fire. This was done with the idea of purifying the temple and driving out the evil spirits. After the smoke subsided, an old Chief rose up, who was the master of the ceremony, with a turtle shell in his hand, which he began to rattle; he then delivered a speech to the people, telling them the object of their