Page:Surprising life and sufferings of Peter Williamson.pdf/18

 were a little fearful, lest the white people should, by their traces, find out their skulking retreats; which obliged them to make the best of their way to the winter quarters, about 200 miles farther from any plantations or inhabitants; where, after a long and tedious journey, being almost starved, I arrived with this infernal crew.

The place we were to rest in their tongue, is called Alamingo There was found a number of wigwams*, full of their women and children. Dancing, singing, and shouting, were their general amusements; and in all their festivals and dances, they relate what successes they have had, and what damages they have sustained in their expeditions; in which I became part of their theme. The severity of the cold increasing, they stript me of my clothes for their own use, and gave me such as they usually wore themselves, which was a piece of blanket, a pair of moggans, or shoes, with a yard of coarse cloth, to put round me, instead of breeches.

Here was I kept near two months, until the snow was off the ground. A long time to be among such creatures, and naked, as I almost was! However, I contrived to defend myself against the inclemency of the weather as well as I could, by making myself a little wigwam with the bark of trees, covering it

* ''are the names they give their houses, which are no more than little huts, made with three or four forked stakes drove into the ground. and covered with Deer or other skins, or for want of them, with large leaves and earth.''