University of California Berkeley
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND.
MANUSCRIPT STORY,
BY
Rev. Solomon Spaulding,
DECEASED.
Printed from a Verbatim Copy, made (expressly for this edition)
from the Original, now in the possession of
President James H. Fairchild, of
Oberlin College, Ohio.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH,
THE DESERET NEWS COMPANY, PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS.
1886.
ary
PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
the last fifty years the " Manuscript Found" has been
the staple stock in trade of almost every objector to the
genuineness of the Book of Mormon. When every other
imaginable theory and hypothesis were overthrown, this
reputed romance was the unfailing refuge to which they fled.
It could not be found, so their baseless assertions could not
be disproved by an appeal to itself. But unfortunately for all
such who make lies their refuge, this long-lost treasure has,
at last, most unexpectedly to all parties, been brought to light,
and is now given to the world with all its inanities, absurd-
ities and inaccuracies. After carefully perusing both books,
we believe we can truthfully assert that there is not one sen-
tence, one incident, or one proper name common to both, and
that the oft boasted similarity in matter and nomenclature is
utterly false. No two books could be more unlike; in fact
Mr. Spaulding's "Manuscript Story" no more resembles the
Book of Mormon than " Gulliver's Travels " is like the Gospel
of St. Matthew.
The history of the discovery of the Manuscript can be
told in a few words. D. P. Hurlbut, an apostate, the originator
of the fabrication that the Book of Mormon originated in Mr.
Spaulding's tale, wrote a bitter assault on the Latter-day
Saints in 1836, entitled " Mormonism Unveiled," which was
published in the name of, and by E. D. Howe, of Painesville,
Ohio. During the time Hurlbut was gathering material for
this work, he obtained from the family of the then deceased
clergyman the original of the "Manuscript Story," but dis-
covering that it would, if published, prove fatal to his assump-
tions, he suppressed it; and from that time it was entirely
lost sight of until about two years ago, when a Mr. L. L. Rice,
iv PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
residing at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, found it among a
numerous collection of miscellaneous papers which he had
received from Mr. Howe, the publisher of Hurlbut's " Mormon-
ism Unveiled," when in 1839-40, he, with his partner, pur-
chased from that gentleman the business, etc., of the Painesville
Telegraph.
In 1884 President James H. Fairchild, of Oberlin College,
Ohio, was paying a visit to Mr. Rice, and he suggested that
the latter look through his numerous papers, in the hope of
finding amongst them some anti-slavery documents of value.
In his search he discovered a package marked in pencil on
the outside, " Manuscript Story Conneaut Creek," which, to
their surprise, on perusal, proved to be the veritable, long-lost
romance of Dr. Spaulding, to which so much undeserved
importance had been ignorantly or maliciously given. After
retaining the manuscript some time Mr. Rice presented it to
Oberlin College, but before doing so, made an exact copy,
with all its pecularities of style, errors of grammar and orthog-
raphy, alterations, erasures, etc., which copy he placed in our
hands with the distinct understanding that it should be
printed and published exactly as he had copied it.
We have endeavored to faithfully carry out our part of
the agreement, and now present to the world this wishy-washy
production, with all its peculiarities of spelling and grammar,
whose only conceivable value is that it utterly dispels and
demolishes a long existing error, and compels those who will
not acknowledge the divinity of the Book of Mormon to seek
in other directions plausible excuses for rejecting its truths.
Those portions of the work altered or erased by Mr.
Spaulding have, in the following pages, been printed in italics
and between brackets.
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
MANUSCRIPT STORY.
INTRODUCTION
Near the west Bank of the Coneaught River there are
the remains of an ancient fort. As I was walking and
forming various conjectures respecting the character situation
and numbers of those people who far exceeded the present race
of Indians in works of art & inginuety I hapned to tread on a
flat Stone. This was at a small distance from the fort : & it
lay on the top of a small mound of Earth exactly horizontal
The face of it had a singular appearance I discovered a
number of characters which appeared to me to be letters but
so much effaced by the ravages of time, that I could not read
the inscription. With the assistance of a leaver I raised the
Stone But you may easily conjecture my astonishment when
I discovered that its ends and sides rested on Stones & that it
was designed as a cover to an artificial cave. I found on ex-
amining that its Sides were lined with * * * built in a
connical form with * * * down & that it was about
eight feet deep Determined to investigate the design of this
extraordinary work of antiquity I prepared myself with
necessary requisites for that purpose and decended to the
Bottom of the cave Observing one side to be perpendicular
2 THE
nearly three feet from the bottom, I began to inspect that part
with accuracy ; Here I noticed a big flat Stone fixed in the
form of a doar, I immediately tore it down & Lo a cavity
within the wall presented itself it being about three feet in
diameter from side to side and about two feet high Within
this cavity I found an earthan Box with a cover which shut it
perfectly tite The Box was two feet in length one & half in
breadth & one and three inches in diameter. My mind filled
with awful sensations which crowded fast upon me would
hardly permit my hands to remove this venerable deposit but
curiosity soon gained the ascendancy & the box was taken &
raised to open * * * When I had removed the cover I
found that it contained twenty eight sheets of parchment. &
that when ****** appeared to be manuscripts
written in an eligant hand with Roman Letters & in the Latin
Language
They were written on a variety of Subjects. But the Roll
which principally attracted my attention contained a history
of the authors life & that part of America which extends along
tho great Lakes & the waters of the Missisippy.
Extracts of the most interesting and important matters
contined in' this Roll I take the liberty to publish
[Gentle Reader tread lightly on the ashes of the venerable dead
Thou must know that this Country was once inhabited by 'great
& powerful nations considerably civilized & skilled in the arts of
ivar, and that on ground where thou now treadest many [o.n hard
fou] a bloody Battle hath been f aught & heroes by the thousand
[have been"] made to bite the dust.
In the history given of these nations by my Author you will
find nothing but what will correspond with the natural sentiments
ir '. should form on viewing the innumerable remains of Antiquity
which are scattered over an extensive Country. This is an evidence
of the authors impartiality and veracity. But if any should pre-
tend that the whole story is fictitious or fabulous^
To publish a translation of every particular circumstance
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
mentioned by our author would produce a volume too ex-
pensive for the general class of readers. But should this
attempt to throw off the vail which has secluded our view
from the transactions of nations who, for ages have been
extinct, meet the approbation of the public, I shall then be happy
to gratify the more inquisitive & learned part of my readers
by a more minute publication. Apprehensive that sceptical,
illiberal or supersticious minds may ceDSure this performance
with great accrimony I have only to remark that they will
be deprived of a great fund of entertainment which those of a
contrary disposition will obtain. My compassion will be
excited more than my resentment and there the contest will
end.
Now Gentle Header the Translator who wishes well to
thy present & thy future existence entreats the to peruse this
volume with a clear head a pure heart & a candid mind If
thou shalt that thy head & thy heart are both improved it
will afford him more satisfaction than the approbation of ten
thousand who have received no benefit.
[-4?wZ now permit me to admonish thee that if thou shouldst
reside in or travel thro' any part of the Country^
CHAPT I
An Epitomy of the Authors life & of his arival in America
As it is possible that in some future age this part of the
Earth will be inhabited by Europians & a history of its
present inhabitants will be a valuable acquisition I pro-
pose to write one & deposit it in a box secured * *
so that the ravages of time will have effect upon it. That you
may know the Author I will give a succint account of his life
& of the cause of his arival which I have extracted from a
manuscript which will be deposited with this history :
\_My name was [is] Fabius] The family name I sustain
is Fabius, being decended from the illustrius General of that
name I was born at Rome and. received my [tuition]
education under the tuition of a very learned Master At
the time that Constantine arived at that city & had overcome
his enimies & was firmly seated on the throne of the
Roman empire I was introduced to him as a young Gentle-
man [litera] genius & learning and as being worthy of
the favourable notice of his imperial majisty He gave me the
appointment of one of his Secritaries, and such were the
gracious intimations which he frequently gave me of his
high approbation of my conduct that I was happy in my
stations. One day he says to me Fabius you must go
to Brittain and carry an important * * * * to the
general of our army there * * * * sail in a vessel and
return when she returns Preparation was made instantly and
we sailed The vessel laden with provisions for the army
cloathing, knives and other impliments for their use had now
arived near the coasts of Britan when a tremendous storm
arose & drove us into the midst of the boundless Ocean.
Soon the whole crew became lost & bewildered They knew
not the direction to the rising Sun or polar Star for the
heavens were covered with clouds; & darkness had spread her
sable mantle over the face of the raging deep. Their minds
were filled with consternation & dispair [and unaimously agreed
thai] What could we do? How be extrecated from the insa-
tiable jaws . of a watry tomb. Then it was that we felt our
absolute dependence on that Almighty & gracious Being who
holds the winds and storms in his hands From him alone
could we expect deliverance. To him our most fervent
desires ascended prostrate & on bended nees we poured forth
incessant supplications, & even Old Ocean appeared to sym-
pathize in our distress by returning the echo of our vociforos
cries & lamentations After being driven five days with
incridable velocity before the furious wind, the storm abated
in its violance but still the wind blew strong in the same
direction Doubt whether the wind had not changed her
point we gave the ship full sail & let her drive On the sixth
day after, the storm wholly subsided, the sun rose clear & the
heavens once more appeard to smile Inexpressible was the
consternation of all the crew, they found themselves in the
midst of a vast Ocean No prospect of returning all was lost
The wind blowing west war dly & the presumption was that
it had been blowing, in that direction during the whole of the
storm. No pen can paint the dolorious cries & lamenta-
tions of the poor mariners for the loss of friends for the loss
of every thing they held most dear. At length a Mariner
stept forward in the midst & proclaimed. Attend friends &
listen to my words A voice from on high hath penetrated
my soul & the inspiration of the Almighty hath bid me pro-
claim Let your sails be wide spread and the gentle winds
will soon waft you into a safe harbor A country where you
will find hospitality. Quick as the lightnings flash joy
sparkled in every countenance A Hymn of Thanksgiving
spontaniously bust forth from their lips In full confidence
that the divine prediction would be accomplished they extoled
the loving-kindness and tender mercies of their God & pro-
mised, by the assistance of his grace to make ample returns of
gratitude. On the fifth day after this we came in sight of
Land we entered a spacious River & continued sailing up
the same many leages until we came in view of. a Town
Every heart now palpitated with joy & loud shouts of glad-
ness expressed the enthusiastic transports of our souls. We
anchored within a small distance from shore Immediately
the natives ran with apparent signs of surprise & astonish,
ment, to the bank of the River After viewing us foj^some
time, and receiving signs of Friendship they appeard to hold
6 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
& counsel for a few a few minutes Their King then stept for-
ward to the edge of the bank & proffered us the hand of
friendship & by significant gestures invited us to Land
promising us protection & hospitality. We now found ourselves
*once more on terra firma & were conducted by the King &
ifbur cheifs into the town whilst the multitude followed after,
shouting and peforming many odd jesticulations The King
ordered an entertainment to be prepared for his new friends
which consisted of * * * * meat fish, boiled beans &
samp ******* rpj ie w h o i e was placed under a
wide spreading Oak in wooden dishes A large clam shell & a
stone Knife were provided for each one The King then came
forward with about twenty of his principal subjects & seated
us, (being twenty in number) by the side of our repast He
and his company then took seats in front. After waving his
hand & bowing all fell to eating and a more delicious repast we
never enjoyed The repast being finished our attention was
called to a collection of about One thousand men and women
who had formed a ring and invited our company to come for-
ward into the midst after gazing upon us for some time with
surprize we were permitted to withdraw and to take our stand
in the Ring About forty in number then walked into the
midle of the Ring & began a song with such discordant and
hedious modifications of sounds and such frantic jesticulations
of body, that it seemed that chaos had bro't her furies to set
the world in an uproar And an uproar it was in a short time
for the whole company fell to shouting, & screaming, whooping,
& screaming \at entervals] then dancing, jumping & tumbling
with many indisdiscrible distortions in their countenance &
indelicate jestures In fact they appeared more like a company
of devils than human Beings. This lasted about one hour
They then took their places in a circle & at a signal given gave
three most tremendous whoops; they then instantly dispersed?
playing many an tike capers & making such a confused
medly of sound by skreaming, whooping screaching like owls.
THE
Barking like dogs & wolvs & croaking like Bull frogs, that
my brains seemed to be turned topse turvy & for some time
could scarce believe that they belonged to the human species.
CHAPT. II
An account of the settlement of the Ships Company [and many particulars
respecting the natives]
As no alternative now remained, but either to make the
desparate attempt to return across the wide boistrous ocean or
to take up our residence in a country inhabited by savages &
wild ferocious beasts we did not long hesitate. We held a
solem treaty with the king & all the chiefs of his nation.
They agreed to cede to us a tract of excellent Land on the
north part of the town on which was six wigwams, & engaged'
perpetual amity & hospitality & the protection of our lives &
property. In consideration of this grant we gave them fifty
yards of scarlet cloth & fifty knives; with this present they
were highly pleased.
Arrangements must now be made for our settlement.
Vessel & cargo had suffered no material damage, & by striping
the vessel of its plank we could erect a house in which we
could deposite the whole cargo safety All hands were
immediatly employed some in procuring timber, which was
hued on two sides & then locked together, some in procuring
shingles & some in striping the vessel of its plank; & having
a large quantity of nails on board, in ten days we finished a
very convenient storehouse, sufficiently spacious to receive the
whole cargo. We also built a [small] house adjoining which
was to be the habitation of the Captain and myself Having
secured all our property we then found it necessary to estab-
8 THE
lish some regulations for the goverment of our little society.
The Captain whose name was Luian and myself were
appointed judges in all matters of controversy & manages of the
public property, to make bargains with the natives & barter
such articles as we did not need for necessaries. As we all
professed to believe in the religion of Jesus Christ we
unanimously chose Trojanus the mate of the Ship, a pious good
man, to be our minister, to lead our devotions morning &
evening & on the Lords day.
But now a most singular & delicate subject presented
itself for consideration. Seven young women we had on
board, as passengers, to visit certain friends they had in
Britain Three of them were ladies of rank, and the rest were
healthy bucksom Lasses. Whilst deliberarating oiithis subject
a mariner arose whom we called droll Tom Hark ye ship-
mates says he, Whilst tossed on the foming billows what brave
son of neptune had any more regard for a woman than a
sturgeon, but now we are all safely anchored on Terra firma
our sails furled & ship keeled up, I have a huge longing for
some of tho^e rosy dames But willing to take my chance
with my shipmates I propose that they should make their
choise of husbands. The plan was instantly adopted. As the
choie fell on the young women they held a consultation on
the subject. & in a short time made known the result Droll
Tom was rewarded for his benevolent proposal with one of the
most sprightly rosy dames in the company. Three other of
the most cheerful resolute mariners were chosen by the other
three buxhum Lasses The three young Ladies [of rank] fixed
their choise on the Captain the mate & myself. [Happy
indeed in my partner I had formed an high esteem for the excellent
qualities of her mind] The young Lady who chose me for a
partner was possessed of every attractive charm both of body
& mind We united heart & hand with the fairest prospect of
enjoying every delight & satisfaction which are attendant on
the connubial State. Thus ended the affair. You may well
9
conceive our singular situation. The six poor fellows who
were doomed to live in a state of Cebicy or accept of savage
dames, discovered a little chagrine & anxeity However they
consoled themselves with the idea of living in families where
they could enjoy the company of the fair sex & be releived
from the work which belongs to the department of Women.
Our community might be said to be one family tho we lived
in seperate houses, situate near each other. The property was
common stock what was produced by our labour was like-
wise to be common, all subject to the distribution of the
judges who were to attend to each family & see that propper
industry and econimy were practised by all.
The Capt. & myself, attended with our fair Partners &
two mariners repaired to a new habitation which consisted of
two convenient appartments. After having partook of an
elligant Dinner & drank a bottle of excellent wine our spirits
were exhilerated & the deep gloom which beclouded our minds
evaporated. The Capt. assuming his wonted chearful-
ness made the following address My sweet good soald
fellows we have now commenced a new voige Not such as
brot us over mountain billows to this butt end of the world
No, no, our voyge is on dry land & now we must take care
that we have sufficient ballast for the riging every hand on
hoard this ship must clasp hands & condecend to each others
humour, this will pro-good cheer and smooth the raging
billows of life. Surrounded by innumerable hords of human
beings, who resemble in manners the Ourang Outang let us
keep aloof from them & not embark in the same matrimonial
ship [with them] At the same time we will . treat them with
good cheer & inlighten their dark souls with good instruction
By continuing a distinct people & preserving our customs
manners, religion & arts and sciences another Italy will grow
up in this wilderness & we shall be celebrated as the fathers of
a great & happy nation. May God bless your soul, says one of
our mariners, what would you have us do who have had the
10
woful luck not to get mates to cheer our poor souls & warm
our bodies, methinks I could pick out a healthy plum Lass
from the copper coulered tribe that by washing arid scrubing
her fore & aft & upon the labbord & stabbord sides she would
become a wholsome bedfellow & I think may it please your
honour I could gradually pump my notions into her head &
make her a good shipmat for the cupboard & as good hearted
a Christian as any of your white damsels. & upon my soul
I warrant you if we have children, by feeding them with good
fare & keeping them clean they will be as plump & as fair &
nearly as white as your honors children. Upon this I filled
the bottle with wine & observing to honest Crito that he was
at liberty to make the experiment if he could find a fair
* * * * to his liking I then expressed the great
pleasure I received from the addresses of the speakers.
& drank success to the new voige All drank plentifully
& the exhileration produced the greatest cheerfulness &
hilarity. By this time the sun had hid his head below the
horizon & darkness invited all the animal creation to sleep &
rest. We retired two & two hand in hand Ladies heads little
awri blushing like the morn & But I forgot to mention
that our society passed a resolution to build a church in the
midst of our village.
CHAP. Ill
Many particulars respecting the Natives
Intrest as well as curiosity invited an acquaintance with
our new neighbours They were called in their language
Deliwares. They were tall bodies well proportioned, strait
limbs, complections of a brownish hue broad cheek bones,
black wild roling eyes, & hair black & course. To strangers
11
they were hospitable true to their engagements, ardent
in their friendship, but to enemies implacable cruel &
barbarous in the extreme. Innumerable hords of this dis-
cription of people were scattered over an extensive country,
who gained their living by hunting the elk, the dear & a great
variety of other wild animals by fishing & fowling & by rais-
ing corn, beans & squashes. Shooting the arrow slinging
stones, wrestling, jumping, hoping & runing were their prin-
cipal amusements & prizes would often be staked as a reward
to the conqueror. Their cloathing consisted of skins dressed
with the hair on but in warm weather, only the middle part
of their bodies were incumbered with any covering The one
half of the head of the men was shaved & painted with red
& the one half of the face was painted with black. The head
was adorned with feathers of various kinds & their ears &
noses were ornimented with rings, formed from the sinues of
certain animals, on which were suspended smooth stones of dif-
ferent coulars. Thus cloathed, thus painted, thus ornimented
the Deliwares made a most terrefic appearance They held
festivals at stated times, which varied in the manner of con-
ducting them, according to the object they had in view At
one of their annual festivals their cerimonies were peculiarly
singular & different from any that were ever practised by any
nation Here a description would give us some idea of their
religion & would gratify the curiosity of an ingenious mind.
When .the time arives which is in September, the whole
tribe assemble They are dressed & ornimented in the higest
fashion The women in particular have their garments &
heads so adorned with feathers shells & wampum that they
make a very brilliant & grotesque appearance. They form a
circle their countinances are solemn. A Speaker mounts a
stage in the midst. At this moment two Black Dogs led by
two Boys & two White Dogs led by two young damsels enter
the circle and are tied together The Speaker then extended his
hands & spoke Hail ye favorite children of the great & good
12
Spirit, who resides in the Sun, who is the father of all living
creatures & whose arms incircle us all around who defends
us from the malicious designs of that great malignant Spirit
that pours upon us all the evils we endure he gives us all our
meat & our fish & causes the corn & the fruits to spring up
& makes us to rejoice in his goodness. He hath prepared a
delightful country to receive us if we are valiant in battle
or are benevolent & good There we can pick all kinds of
delicious fruit & have game & fish in abundance & our
women being improved in beuty & sprighliness will cause
our hearts to dance with delight But wo unto you wicked,
malicious, mischevous mortals your lot will be cast in a dark
mirey swamp where the malignant Spirit will torment you
with musquetoes & serpents & will give you nothing to eat
but toads, frogs & snails. But my dear friends all hail
here is a custom which is sanctioned by time immemorial
Look steadfastly on the black dogs & let not your eyes be
turned away when they are thrown on the sacred pile & the
flames are furiously consuming their bodies then let your
earnest prayers assend for pardon & your transgressions will
flee away like shadows & your sins will be carried by the
smoke into the shadows of oblivion When this solemn expa-
tory sacrifice is ended then prepare your souls to partake of
the holy festival Each one will receive a precious morsel
from these immaculate snow coulered Dogs in token that your
offences have all evaporated in the smoke of the holy
sacrifice, & that you are thankful to the benevolent Spirit for
the abundance of good things that you enjoy & that you
humbly anticipate the continuance of his blessings & that he
will defend you against the evil designs of that malignant
Spirit, who gives us gawl & wormwood, & fills our bosoms
with pain & our eyes with tears. He then proclaimed, let the
sacred pile be erected & the solemn sacrifice performed.
Instantly about one hundred men came forward with small
dry wood & bundles of dry sticks & having thrown them in
13
one pile within the circle they sat the pile on fire The black
dogs were knocked on the head & thrown on the top in a
moment all was in a blaze & the flame assended in curls to
heaven. The whole company assumed the most devout
attitude & muttered in sounds almost inarticulate their
humble confessions & ernest requests
When the dogs were consumed & the fire nearly extin-
guished, the cerimonies of their sacred festival began the
white dogs which were very plump & fat, were knocked on
the head & their throats cut. Their hair was then singed off,
having first their entrails taken out & being suspended by
the nose before a hot fire they were soon roasted thrown
upon a long Table & desected into as many pieces as there
were persons to swallow them The company immediately
formed a procession, one rank of men, the other of women
the men marching to the left & the women to the right of the
Table each one took a piece & devoured it with as good a *
* * * as if it had been the most delicious morsel. Having
completed these sacred cerimonies with great solemnity the
whole company formed themselves into a compact circle
round the stage ten musitians immediately mounted & at
once, the multitude on every side sang a song The tune &
the musical voices of the singers pleased the ear, whilst the
immagination was delighted with the poetic inginuety of the
composition The multitude all joined in the chorus, with
voices so loud & multifarious that the atmosphere quaked
with terror & the woods and neighboring hills [sent back'] by
way of mockery sent back the sound of their voices improved
by tenfold confusions. Perhaps, reader, you have the curiosity
to hear the song I can give you only the last stanzy & the
chorus.
' For ua the sun emits his rais
' The moon shines forth for our delight
' The stars extol our heroes prais
' And warriors flee before our light.
14 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
CHORUS
' Delawan to chakee poloo
' Manegango farwah teloo
' Chanepauh, lawango chapah
' Qtiinebogan bamboo gowah.
The solemnities are ended & in their opinion their poor
soiils are compleatly whitewashed & every stain entirely
effaced. A little diversion will now dissipate the solemnity &
inspire them with cheerfulness & merriment.
The whole tribe repair to the top of an hill, at one place
their is a gradual slope a small distance & then it decends
about twenty five feet in an almost perpendicular direction, at
the bottom of which is a quagmire, which is about ten feet in
length & the soft mud is about three feet deep at each end
the ground is soft but not miry Down this declivity twenty
pair of very suple & sprightly young men & women are to
decend, If by their agility & dexterity they escape the
quagmire a piece of wampum will be the reward of each
fortunate champion but if they plunge in, their, their recom-
pence will be the ridecule & laughter of the multitude
In making this decent, six young women & five young
men by a surprising dexterity in whirling their bodies as they
decended cleared themselves from the quagmire The rest as
their turns came plunged in & came out most wofully muded
to the great diversion of the spectators. The incident which
excited the most merriment hapned when the last party
decended. by an unlucky spring to clear himself from the
quagmire he bro't his body along side of the declevity & roled
his whole length into the midst of the quagmire where he lay
[his whole length in an horizontal position on his bade] neither
heels up or .head up, but horizontally .-soft & easy but alas
when one unlucky event happens another follows close on the
heals. the fair, [plump] corpulent Damsel, his affectionate
sweetheart came instantly, sliding with great velocity She saw
the woful position of her beloved She wished him no harm
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 15
She raised her feet this bro't the center of gravity directly
over the center of his head here she rested a moment his
head sunk she sunk after him his heels kicked against the
wind like leshuran waked fat but not a word from his lips
but his ideas came in quick succession tho't he, what a
disgrace to die here in the mud under the pressure of my
sweet heart however his time for such reflections, were short
the tender hearted maid collecting all her agility in one effort
dismounted and found herself on dry land in an instant not
a moment to be lost; she seized her lover by one leg & draged
him from the mud a curious figure, extending about six feet
six inches on the ground, all bismeared from head to foot,
spiting, puffing, panting & strugling for breath Poor man.
the whole multitude laughing at thy calamity, shouting,
rediculing none to give thee cbnsolatioii but thy loving &
simpithetec partner [in misfortune Upon my soul, exclaims droll
Tom stemfermost that bouncing Lass ought to have the highest
prize for draging her ship from the mud~\ She was cleaning
the filth from his face.
CHAP IV.
A journey to the N W. & [removal.]
Gracious God! how deplorable our situation! are we
doomed to dwell among hords of savages & be deprived of all
social intercourse with friends & the civilized world? & what
will be the situation of our offspring? will they preserve our
customs & manners, cultivate the arts & sciences & maintain
our holy religion or [rather'] will they not rather degenerate
into savages & by mingling with them become the most *
* * * * race of beings in existence Who can indure
such reflections, such heart-rending anticipations? they pour
16 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
upon my soul like a flood and bear me down with the weight of
a milstone. that my head were waters & my eyes a fountain
of tears then my intolerable burthen should be poured forth
in a torrent & my soul set at liberty. But behold the light
springs up & beams upon my soul. She brings in her train
Hope that celestial Godes, that sure & strong anchor that
dispencer of comfort & pleasing anticipation & that dispeller
of coroding grief & black dispair She bids me review the
exploded reasning of a great philosopher & compair it with my
own observations perhaps the result will point out a safe road
to the land of our nativity.
Thus I reasoned respecting the solar system, of which the
earth is a part. Provided the earth is stationary, according to the
present system of philosophy then the sun, the moon & the
plannets, being at an immense distance from the earth must
perform their revolutions round her with inceivable velocity
whereas, if according to the Platonic system, the earth is a
globe & the sun is stationary then the earth by a moderate vel-
ocity can perform her revolutions This scheme will represent
the solar system as displaying the transcendant wisdom of its
almighty Architect for in this, we behold the Sun suspended
by omnipotence & all the planents moving round him as their
common center in exact order & harmony In this we can
easily account for days & nights & the different seasons of the
year, When the earth presents one part of her face to the
sun it is day When that part is turned from his beams it is
night When she varies to the south the sun shines upon us
in a more perpendicular direction the suns beams become
more dence & the heat increases as she returns back the heat
decreases in proportion as this part of earth looses its perpen-
dicular direction to the sun & the cold becomes more intence
in the same proportion. This accounts for the various seasons
of the year, appears correct and consistent & highly honourable
to the divine perfections.
[But behold tJie other system The Earth firmly fixed on a
17
firm foundation perhaps as some on a giants back who stands on
a prodigious Rock Its surfice widely extended nearly horizontal
[& its cut down] & its sides cut down strait or perpendicular to the
very bottom beloiv which is a bottomless abiss Pray Mr. Phil-
osopher what man was ever there and looked down? & what prevents
the Ocean, unless it is damd with earth & rocks from pouring down
& loosing itself in this horrible abiss? But how extensive is this
teraque-surface ? Indeed I am of opinion, if this sistem is true I
am nearly at one end of it.' But the hipothises is too absurd & incon-
sistent. The earth must be of a spherical form & a westerly course
will lead us to the land of our nativity Perhaps this is a part of
the eastern Continent, or perhaps only a narrow strip of the Ocean
intervenes? On no other principle can we account for the emigra-
tion of the ancestors of those innumerable hords of human beings
that possess this continent Their tradition is that their ancestors
came form the west & they agree in their information that at the
distance of fifteen days journey in a westerly direction, there are
nations vastly more numerous, powerful & civilized than
themselves J\
The earth therefore must be a globe and a westerly course
will lead us to the land of our nativity. On what principle
can we account for the emigration of the ancestors of these
innumerable hords of human beings that possess this Con-
tinent? Their tradition tells them that they emigrated from
the westward From this I draw the conclusion that the sea
if any, w r hich intervenes between the two Continents at the
westward is not so extensive, but that it may be safely navi-
gated. [I have also learnt from some of the~\ we are also informed
by some of the natives, that at the distance of about fifteen
days journey in a northwesterly course there is a great River
which runs in a \_south~] westerly direction, \_they cannot tell how
far] & that along the banks of this river there are great towns
& mighty kings & a people who live in a state of civilization
From all these considerations I am determined to remove
pursue a westerly course & seek the delightful country of my
3
18
ancestors. Imediately I communicated my determination &
the reasons on which it was founded to our little Society, who
joyfully acquiessed It was tho't to be the most prudential to
find out the disposition & character of the inhabitants, who
were settled along the great River lest we should fall into the
hands of Robbers For this purpose my man Crito & mysell
& a Delawan for an interpreter set off. We passed thro' a a
country interspersed with vilages, inhabited by the same lyind
of people as the Delawans until we came to a great mountain.
Having passed over this we had not traveled far before we
came to the confluence of two great Rivers which in conjunc-
tion produced a river which was called Owaho deep enough,
for the navigation of Ships. Here was a large- town or city
inhabited by a distinct race of people from any we had seen
before. We were immediately conducted to the King & were
received very graciously & having asked a number of very
pertinent questions & received answers to his satisfaction I
then made known to him our business & had all my requests
granted As we proposed to move into his territory he offered
to furnish us for our convenience with four Mammoons & four
men to manage them. These were an annimal of prodigious
magnitude, even biger than the eliphant, which the natives
had tamed & domesticated They were very segacious &
docile & were employed in carying burthens & in drawing
timber [& in plowing their land] Their hair at the spring
season was about seven inches in length & was of a fine
wooly consistence & being sheared off at the proper season
was manufactured into course Cloth and the milk of the
females, which they produced in abundance, afforded a very
wholsome nutriment. Having thus succeeded beyond our
expectation we made as much expidition to return as possible
We arrived in safety without any material accidents The
Little Society I had left were greatly rejoised on our returne
& highly pleased with the account we gave of the country we
had visited & at the sight of those {extraordinary prodigious
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 19
animals'] mammoons which we had bro't to convey our baggage.
No time was lost to make preparation for the journey The
Captain, Mate & myself went to the King & held a conference
with him & the cheifs & obtained leave to depart, tho with
apparent regret & reluctance. Sacks were provided from
Course Cloth to receive the most valuable part of our goods &
furniture These were thrown across three of the Mammoons
The other was caparisoned, in a manner too tedious to
discribe for the accomidation of our women & children
They were all mounted upon him & road with great conveni-
ence & safety. [Being thus prepared &, ready] Thus having
resided among the Delivans two years & being prepared to
take our departure The King & his chiefs & many of his prin-
cipal subjects came forward to take an affectionate farewell.
This was done on both sides, with mutual expressions of the
most ardent and sincere Friendship & the most earnest wishes
& prayers for future prosperity and happiness Having taken
our final adieu I observed honest Crito sheding tears very
plentifully You seem to be affected said I God bless your
honour said, he, when I think how kind & generous these poor
Delawans have been to us I cannot help feeling an affection &
friendship for them We were obliged to anchor amongst them
we were strangers & helpless and they were ignorant Sav-
ages yet they held out the hand of kindness & treated us as
brothers & sisters. Have they not fulfilled the law of Chris-
tian charity that they were good Christians may God for-
give their ignorance & unbeleife and reward them for their
kindness & gerosity. We passed on No obsticles impeded our
journey until we came to the great River Suscowah which
runs between the Deli wall River and the great mountain The
water being too deep for fording, \\ e built a small boat and
with this, at several times we conveyed the whole of the bag-
gage & Company across, except the manager of the Mam-
moons, who mounted them & swam them across We then
proceeded on by slow marches, but in crossing the great
'20 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
mountain we had some difficulties to encounter [but hower met
with received no material damage] but finally arived safely at
the great city Owhahon on the twenty fifth day after our depart-
ure from the Deliwan.
Fatigued with a long and difficult journey, great joy and
gladness were visible in every Countenance, and all were dis-
posed to establish our residence here until further information
could be obtained & further measures concerted to prosecute
our journey to Europe The King and his principal officers
proffered us every assistance necessary to make our situation
agreeable. They assigned us in [conformity to our wishes] com-
pliance with our request, a number of houses on the bank of
the river at a little distance from the City We made him some
valuable presents in return, which he received as a token of
friendship but not as a compensation For such was the high
sence of honour which this prince sustained, that when he
made a present, he would take it as an insult to offer him any
thing as a compensation.
Having now once more become setled our little com-
munity continued the same regulations which they had
established at Deliwan & all things proceeded in peace & our
affairs prospered.
CHAP V
A discription of the Ohons,
[c manner of procuring a living,]
I am now to discribe a [species of] nation who have but
little resemblance to those [innumerable tribes of] Savages, who
live along the coasts of the Atlantic Their complexion, the
form and construction of their bodies, their customs manners,
Laws, government & religion all demonstrate that they must
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 21
have originated from some other nation & have but a very
distant affinity with their Savage neighbours. As to their
persons, they were taller on an average than I had ever seen
in any nation their bones wer large, limbs strait & shoulders
broad Their eyes rather small & sunck deep in the head
Their forheads were prominant & the face below tapering in
such a manner that the chin was forned nearly to a point. As
to their complexion, it was hording on an olive tho of a lighter
shade Their eyes were generally of a dark brown or black
Their hair of the same colour, tho I have sometimes seen per-
sons, whose hair was of a redish hue.
They cloathed themselves in cloth which was manufac-
tured [among themselves] from the hair of the Mammoons &
from Cotton which was transported from the South westwest-
ward. The men wore shoes and long stockings, wide trousses
a waistcoat & a garment with wide short sleaves which came
down to their nees & in cold weather a Cloak over the whole
The covering for the head was generaly a kind of a Cap which
ran up high and tapered to a point This was generally made
of fur skins & was ornimented with feathers. It had a small
brim in the shape of an half moon to project over the fore-
head
7 The women beside a stockings & shoes wore a short pete-
coat a shirt of cotton a loose garment with sleaves which they
girted round them with belts & a cloak They had various
orniments such as ribbons made from cotton & coulored with
different coulars the most beautiful feathers that could be
obtained and shels of various kinds Indeed the higher class
of women were extreemly fond of ornament & placed a large
share of their happiness in the bliancy & gaudy appearance of
their garments. The people obtained their living generally by
the cultivation of the Land & [the manage'] by tending and
managing certain animals which had been so long domesti-
cated that they had lost their wild nature & become tame
Corn, wheat, beans squashes & carrots they raised in great
22 THE
abundance The ground was plowed by horses & generally
made very mellow for the reception of the seed.
It was the occupation of a certain part of the men to tend
upon the tame animals to drive them to pasture & keep them
from straying and feed them when the snow was on the
ground. Two men would tend twenty Mammouth, which
were indifferent whether they fed on grass or cropt the bushes
when these animals were fat, their flesh was highly esteemed
They had droves of Elk, which they had so tamed and tutored
that they could manage them as they pleased and they
would follow them like a flock of sheep & it was but seldom
that any would leave their companions, The elk constituted a
considerable part of their animal food The horses were man-
aged in the same way & the people tho't their meat to be a
savory dish.
They had large numbers of turkeys and gees which tho
originally wild yet by treating them with great familiarity by
croping their wings and feeding them frequently they dis-
covered no disposition to ramble off but propagated their
species & laid eggs in abundance.
Hunting & fishing were the employments of some others
followed mechanical business others carried on a bartering
trade to the southwestward in order to furnish the people
with cotton & other articles whose production was not con-
ginial to their climate. By pursuing these various employ-
ments they generally had a plenty of provisions at all seasons
& were comfortably cloathed. And here I would remark as
one striking characteristic of this people that the} r observed
great neatness in their dress in their cookery and in their
houses.
The manufacturing of Iron & lead was understood but was
not carried on to that extent & perfection as in Europe. A
small quantity of Iron in proportion to the number of inhab-
itants served to supply them with all the impliments which
custom had made necessar}^ for their use By hamnering &
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 23
hardening their Iron they would convert it nearly into the
consistence of steal & fit it for the purpose of edge tools.
The potery Business was conducted with great inginuity, &
great quantities of stone and earthan ware consisting of [every
kind] of vessels of every construction which were needed for
family use, were manufactured in every part of this extensive
country. These vessels they ornirnented with [pictures witli]
the likenesses of various kinds of animals & trees & impressed
upon them such coulors as would strike the fancy with delight.
The females of the [higher Class] most wealthy class would
often have a large and superfluous quantity of this brittle
furniture to decorate one apartment of the house The vessels
they arranged in such order as to make a display of taste &
impress the mind with the agreeable sensation of beauty.
In architecture there can be no comparison with the civil-
ised nations of Europe' In their most welthy & popolous
Cities their houses and public buildings, exhibit no eligance
no appearans of wealth & grandure all is plain & nothing
superfluous but convenience appears to be the whole object
they had in view in the construction of their buildings of
every kind.
Their houses were generally but one story high built of
wood, being framed & covered with split clapboards or shingles
<fe in the inside the walls were formed of clay, which was
plastered over with a thin coat of lime Their houses seldom
consisted of more than three appartments As to their chimnies,
they construt a wall of stone about five feet hight [for the fire to
be] against which they build their fire from the top of this wall
they construct their chimney with thin peices of split timber
on the inside [with wet dirt or day] of which they plaister wet,
dirt or clay which compleatly covers & adheres to the
timber & prevents the fire from having any operation upon it.
The inside of their houses, as the women generally practiss
neetness makes a much better appearance than the outside.
It is my opinion, says Trojanus that this people display a
24
taste in building which is formed upon the true principles of
Reason Their houses are sufficiently spacious for convenience
No expence or labour are thrown away in building useless
apartments or in the erecting their houses higher than what
convenience requires; The whole catalogue of ornimen-
tal trumpery is neglected This in Room produces more
than half the labour & expence in buildings [Yes says
Lucian & without this, these labouring people must starve
for the want of employment. & the citizens of the Roman
empire would be deprived of the honour of possessing a
splendid Capital & of the exquisite pleasure of beholding the
greatest exhibition of human inginuity i:i the eligance, [the]
splendor [the'] simitry & beauty of their houses, \their} polices
& public edifices True indeed, replies Trojanus, men may be
dazled & delighted with such objects for a moment But could
not wealth be better bestowed [upon] to promote the intrest of the
community & for charitable purposes & these artists better
employ their strength & inginuity in producing some substantial
benefits to themselves & others. Rejoins Lucian, the course reason
dictates is to avoid extremes. A 'slab coloured world would tire the
sences by its uniformity & too much orniment <$c splendor ivould cease
to please by its frequency.] Besides lofty houses can more easily
be overthrown by tornadoes or tumbled down upon our heads
by earthquakes. The course says Lucian, that reason dictates
is to avoid extremes. A slab coloured, [would] by its uniformity
would tire the sences & by its possessing too much orninent
& splendor it would cease to please.
CHAP. VI
Discription of the Learning [Religion ct customs of the Ohons\
Learning appears to be so consonant to the nature of
man & [a good] convenent share of it so easy to obtain, that
some may wonder why it is not universally defused thro the
25
world;* [But] If we can place any reliance on the dark annals
of antient history, it is a certain fact that Letters are indebted
for their existence to the inventive genius of certain extraor-
dinary characters Egypt & Chaldea contended for the honour
of being the firstf who invented letters Perhaps they were
invented in each nation nearly at the same time [But] let
this be as it may could no other nation in the world produce
as great geniuses as Egypt or Chaldea? Is there any natural
obsticle to prevent their prodution in America as well as in
Asia? Whatever may be the reasonings of some on this sub-
ject, the fact is, that I found [Letters or] some share of learning,
tho' in a very imperfect state, among this people At present
I shall wave the account of its introduction & shall merely
discribe the state of learning as it existed among the Ohons
They had characters which represent words & all compound
words had each part represented by its apropriate character.
The variation of cases moods & tenses was designated by
certain marks placed under the character. They generally
wrote on parchment & beginning at the right wrote from the
top to the botton, placing each character directly under the
preceding one & having finished one colum or line they
[begin the] wrote the next on the left of that & so continue on
until they cover the parchment if the subject require it. in a
work of considerable Labour & time to obtain such a knowl-
edge of their characters & the application as to be able to read
Avith fluency & to write with ease & accuracy
In their principal Cities. & towns the Government appoint
learned men to instruct the sons of the higher class of citizens
& in the course of four or five years they will make such pro-
ficiency as to become tolerable schollars.
* But the wonder would cease when it is considered that mankind with
but few exceptions to walk in the tracts of their fathers & pursue the road
marked out by their education.
fTho the most probable conjecture is that they were communicated
from one nation to the other.
26
The works of the learned are not very voluminous.
Records are kept of the transactions of their government.
Their constitution & laws are committed to writing [ A sacred
Roll in in 'manuscript is preserved among the Records of their
Emperors & kings'] & are dispersed thro the impire & much
pains is taken to defuse the knowledge of them among the
people In all their large towns & cities they have deposited
under the care of a priest a sacred Roll, which contains the
tenets of their Theology & a discription of their religious
cerimonies. This order of men publish comments upon these
sacred writings they publish some tracks on moral phil-
osophy & some containing a collection of proverbs & the
wise sayings of their sages.
But the kind of composition in which they most excel is
poetry In poetic numbers they describe the great events,
which take place & the exploits and mighty atcheivments of
their heroes In soft eligies they paint the amours of Lovers
& in pathetic strains they delineate the calamimities & sorrows
of the unfortunate. In their assemblies it is very common for
a certain class of the Learned to entertain the company with
a repetition of poetic peices describing the battles and exploits
of their warriors Or to sing some amarous or witty ballad
As for Theators they have none but as a kind of substitute
there are actors, who entertain the people by pronounsing
dialogues or plays, in which they display all the arts of mim-
icry & [act out the] express in their countenance their gesture
& the tone of their voices different passions of the human
mind As only a small proportion of the people are instructed
in the arts of reading & writing, of consequen the great mass,
must possess a large share of ignorance but not so great a share
as savages who have no learning among them They head the
conversation & the letures of their sages [they are entertained
with] Their poetic orators entertain them with the productions
of their poets, containing the history of great events & mighty
atcheivments Their actors divert and please them by exciting
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 27
the various passions [at the same time communicating instruc-
tion & corecting the natural savageness of maners by.~\ & as the
peices they reherse contain many ideas & sentiments tending
to expose the deformity of vice, the folly of superstition & the
disgustfulness of rude & clownish manners, the people of con-
sequence are improved & considerably refined add to this
their living in compact towns or cities in which there is a
constant and reciprocol communication of ideas which of
course would have no small effect to inform their minds To
all these causes combined the [Ohons] the great mass of the
people are indebted for possessing a considerable share of
knowledge and civilization.
RELION. VII.
In every nation there is some kind of Relion. & in every
religion, however adulterated & corrupted there are some
things which are commendable some things which serve to
improve the morals & influence mankind to conduct better
than what they would do, provided they pursued the natural
dictates of their depraved minds, [without any restraint] As
this sentiment is an established maxim, which has been be-
lieved in every nation from the earliest ages [of time in every
nation^ hence it has been the policy of all governments to
encourage & protect some kind of Religion & precepts In
examining the religious sentiments which are believed and
practised thro'out this extensive empire & which are encour-
aged & protected by the government. I found some things
which are common to the various sistems of Theology in
Europe & Asia & some things which have no resemblance to
either. From the sacred Roll as it is denominated I shall
extract the tenets of their Theology & a description of their
28
religious cerimonies. It expresses them to this effect. "There
is an intelligent omnipotent Being, who is self existant &
infinitely good & benevolent Matter eternally existed He
put forth his hand & formed it into such bodies as he pleased
He presides over the universe & has a perfect knowledge of
all things From his own spiritual substance he formed seven
sons These are his principal agents to manage the affairs of
his empire He formed the bodies of men from matter Into
each body he infused a particle of his own spiritual substance,
in consequence of which man in his first formation was
inclined to benevolence & goodness. There is also another
great inteligent Being who is self existent & possessed of great
power but not of Omnipotence - He is filled with infinite
malice against the good Being & exerts all his subtlety & pow
to ruin* his works Seeing the happy situation of man he
approached so near as to touch his soul with his deliterious hand
The poison was immediately defused & contaminated his
passions & appetites His reason and understanding received
no injury The good being looking upon his unhappy ofspring
with infinite love and compassion made a decree that if man-
kind would reduce their passions & appetites under the gov-
ernment of reason he should enjoy blessings in this world &
be compleatly happy after his soul quits his body. Death
desolves the connection Etherial Bodies are prepared for the
souls of the righteous These bodies can pass thro' any part of
the universe & are iiivisable to mortal eyes. Their place of
residence is on a vast plain which is beautified with magnifi-
cent Buildings with Trees, fruits & flowers. [Here they enjoy
every delight which'] No immagination can paint the delights,
the felicity of the Righteous. But the wicked are denied
etherial bodies Their souls naked and incapable of seeing
light, dwel in darkness & are tormented with the keenest
anguish Ages roll away & the good being has compassion
upon them He permits them to take possession of etherial
bodies and they arise quick to the abodes of delight & glory:
29
Now man attend to thy duty & thou shalt escape the por-
tion of the wicked & enjoy the delights of the righteous
Avoid all acts of cruelty to man and beast* defraud not thy
neighbour, nor suffer thy hands secretly to convey his property
from him Preserve thy body from the contamination of lust
& remember the seduction of thy neighbors wife would be
a great Crime [Let thy citizens be numbered once in two years V
& if the young women, who are fit for marriage are more numerous
than the young men then wealthy men, who are young & who
have but one wife, shall have the priviledge, [with the permis-
sion of the King~\ to marry another until the numbers of the
single young men $ the single young women are made equal But
he ivho hath two wives shall have a house provided for each <f ^ ie
shall spend his time equally with each oneJ-^Be grateful for all
favours & forsake not thy friend in adversity. Treat with
kindness & reverence thy Parents Forsake them not in old
age, nor let their cheeks be furrowed with tears for the want
of bread. Bow down thy head before the aged, treat thy
superiors with respect & place thy rulers & thy teachers in
the most honorable seats. Let rulers consult the welfare of
the people and not agrandize themselves by oppression & base
bribes Let Religious Teachers walk in the Road which leads
to celestial happiness & lead the people after them Let
. Parents restrain the vices of their children & instruct their
minds in useful knowledge Contention and strife is the Bane
of Families & the destruction of domestic happiness being
yoked together the husband and wife ought to draw in the
. same direction their countenances will then [appear beautiful]
shine with the effulgent Beams of Friendship & love peace
& harmony will attend their habitation & their affairs will
prosper.
Hold out the hand of kindness & friendship to thy neigh-
bour consider him when reduced to indigence & distress he
* No crime is so horrid as maliciously to destroy the life of man
30 THE
is as dear to the great and good being as what thou art [<& now
thou hast an opportunity to manifest the disposition of thy heart]
To afford him relief will be pleasing to thy maker & an
expression of thy gratituge Envious & malicious souls are
almost incurably contaminated with that hellish poison which
first disordered the soul of man partake not of their guilt by
joining them in the malignant work of slander & detraction.
Their intended mischief returns 'upon their own heads & the
slandered character of the innocent & just shines forth with
increasing lusture. Let the stranger find a[n hospitable] rest-
ing place under thy Roof give him to eat from thy portion,
that when he departs he may bless thee & go on his way
rejoicing.
Say not to thyself I will indulge inactivity & idleness &
lie upon the bed of sloth & slumber away the precious
moments of time for in this thou art unwise for disease will
attend thee, hunger will torment thee & Rags will be thy
clothing Let industry & econemy fill up the measure of thy
waking moments, so shall thy countenance display health &
sprightliness plenty shall supply the wants of thy family &
thy reputation shall be respectable.
\_ButIbcliold a being in human form, from whom I turn away
with disgust & abhorrance He is covered with so much dirt & filth,
that no etherial body is provided for him nor can he be received into
the abodes of the blessed]
Sufer not thy bodies or thy garments to remain bismered
with dirt & filth Cleanliness prevents many deceases & is
pleasant to the sight But from a dirty filthy mortal we turn
with disgust & abhorrance As the great author of our exist- '
ence is benevolent to all his offspring so it becomes us to be
benevolent to our fellow beings around us Our country is one
Body & we are part of its members We are therefore bound
to maintain the rights & priviledges & the honour & dignity of
our country at the Risk of our lives Great rewards attend
the Brave & their expploits & atchievments in contending
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 31
against tyrants & in defending the Rights of their country will
be celebrated on the plains of story.
But the vision now expands & directs our contemplation
to fix on his attributes, whose spiritual substance is commen-
surate with infiriity As only a single particle from his sub-
stance constitutes our souls, how small, how diminitive must
we appear in the view of Onnicience We must therefore con-
template his attributes thro the medium of his works &
admire with profound reverance & adoration his wisdom good-
ness & power which are visible in the formation & arrange-
ment of all materiall bodies & spiritual beings. He requires
us to suplicate his favours & when received to express our
gratitude As our passions & appetites often get the assend-
ence of reason we are therefore bound to confess our faults
& implore forgiveness
Now that you know & keep all these things which were
made known by divine inspiration, it is ordained that on
every eighth day ye lay asside all unnecessary labour that
ye meet in convenient numbers & form assemblies That in
each assembly a learned holy man shall preside, who shall
lead your devotion, & .explain this sacred Roll & give you
such instruction as shall promote your happiness in this life &
in the life to come Once in three months ye shall hold a
great festival in every city & towns & your priests shall sacri-
fice an Elk as a token that your sins deserve punishment
but that the divine mercy has banished them into shades of
forgetfulness.
Be attentive man to the words of truth which have
been recorded & pay respect to all the commandments which
have been written fpr your observance Your maker will then
be pleased to see you rejoice in the participation of his favours
& to behold your faces brighten with the benign beams of
cheerfulness.
32 THE
AN ACCOUNT OF BASK A. [CHAP] VIII
Among the great & illustrious characters who have appeard
in the world in different ages as instructors & reformers of mankind
Baska is entitled to a conspicuous place The place of his nativity
is not recorded. But the first notice which is given of him is
his appearance at the great city of Tolanga, which is situate
on the Banks of the Siota River. He was attended by his wife
& two little sons. The fashion of their garments were differ-
ent from the natives Their complexion likewise was a little
whiter Baska was grave solemn and sedate reserved in his
conversation but when he spoke wisdom preceded from his
lips & all were astonished at his eloquence His fame spread
rapidly thro, city & country & he was celibrated as a man of
the most briliant & extraordinary Talents. He was conducted
to the King & introduced to him The King asked him from
what country he came His reply was at a great distance from
the westward He then asked him induced him to come into
his country He replied
CAPT VIII
Perhaps Reader before we describe the government of the
Ohons it might be proper to relax our minds with a few seeches
of Biography The character which will best connect with the
history of the learning, rereligion & government of the Ohons
is that of the great & illustrious Lobaska He is the man, who
first introduced their present method of writing, who first pre-
sented them the sacred Roll which contains the tenets & pre-
cepts of their religion & who formed their political Constitu-
tion as it respects the connection of various kingdoms or tribes
under one government There are many anecdotes, which
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 33
tradition has handed down respecting this extraordinary man
which have the complexion of [the miraculous & hence I con-
clude they must be fabulous] fables [Such as] as for instance he is
represented as forming a curious machine & having seated
himself upon it he mounted into the atmosphere & assended a
great hieght & having sailed a considerable distance thro the
air he decended slowly & received no damage that multitudes
of astonished spectators had, a number of times seen him per-
form this miraculous exploit & that he declared that when
he took these excurtions his extraordinary wisdom & knowl-
edge was communicated to him If he did in fact perform
such exploits no wonder that he managed an ignorant people
as he pleased But as it is not my intention to amuse my
readers by a splended relation of fables I shall confine myself
to facts which cannot be contested The place of his nativity
is not recorded -The first account given of him was his
appearance in the great city of Tolanga which is situate on the
Banks of the Siota River. When he entered that city he was
attended by his wife & four sons, the eldest of which was
about eighteen years of age He himself appeared to be about
forty. His personal appearance was commanding, being of
midling stature of a bold frank countenance & eyes livly and
penetrating, In his general deportment he was chearful, yet
displayed much sedateness & gravity. He was affable and
familliar in conversation but not loquacious He never would
converse long on trifling subjects had a wonderful facility to
intermix some wise sayings & remarks [that should improve']
& of turning with dignity & gracefulness the attention of the
company to subjects that were important & interesting None
could then withstand the energy of his reasoning & all were
astonished at the inginuety of his arguments & the great
knowledge & wisdom which he displayed His fame spread
thro the city and country & multitudes frequently assembled
& importuned him to give them instruction Always cheerful
to gratify the curiosity & comply with the reasonable requests
34
of the multitude he entertained them by conversing with
them familiarly & by exhibiting public Discourses All were
charmed with his wisdom & eloquence & all united in pro-
nouncing him to be the most extraordinary man in existence
& generally believed that he held conversation with celestial
beings & always acted under the influence of divine inspira-
tion. The people were very liberal in their donations, which
enabled him to support his family' in affluence Having thus
in a* short time established a character superior with respect to
wisdom & eloquence to any man who had ever appeared before
him in the nation, he then, at an enterview which he held
with the King & the chiefs, told them, that he had invented
the art of expressing ideas by certain marks or characters &
having explained the nature of the subject to their full satis-
faction he then proposed to establish a school for the instruc-
tion of the sons of the principal subjects of the King. The
proposal was received & accepted with much gratitud &
cheerfulness A house was immediately prepared for the
accommidation of schollars & in a short time the numbers
amounted to near two hundred. But here it must be observed
that the art of making & applying the characters to
the words which they represented was taught principally
by his sons they had all received an education from their
father & even the youngest, who was but about eleven years old
could read and write with great correctness & facility He
superintended their instruction & very frequently gave thorn
lectures on scientific & moral subjects his scollars made
great progress in learning & delighted their parents with the
improvements they had made in literature civilization &
refinement. He still continued to associate among the
people & was indefatigable in his labours to dispel their ignor-
ance, correct their superstition & vices to excite their industry
& to defuse a more accurate knowledge of the mechanical arts
The manufacture of Iron in particular was not known; this
he taught a number by showing them how to build a small
35
furnace & to cast iron ware & then how to build a small
forge & refine pigs and convert them into Iron He had
resided among the Sciotans about three years & the happy
effects of his Labors were visible to all observs A great
reformation had taken place in the morals & manners of the
people industry had encreased agriculture & the mechanical
arts had received great improvement & houses were built on
a more commodious & eligant construction But not willing
to stop here the benevolent mind of the great Lobaska mide-
tated a more important revolution now the propicious era had
arived & the way was prepared for the introduction of that
system of Theology which is comprised in the Sacred Roll
In the first place he read & explained the whole system to the
king & the cheifs of the nation, who cordially gave it their
approbation & gave permission to propogate it among the
people Under a pretence that this system was revealed to
him in several interviews which he had been permitted to
have with the second son of the great & good Being
the people did not long hisitate,. but received as sacred &
divine truth every word which he taught them They for-
sook their old religion which was a confused \_& absurd]
medley of Idoletry & supersticious nonsence & embrace^,
a religion more sublime & consistent & more fraught with
sentiments which would promote the happiness of mankind
in this world.
Whilst the Siotans were thus rapidly progressing in their
improvements they were unhappily disturbed by the certain
prospect of war. Bombal the king of the Kentucks a nation
which lived on the south side of the great River Ohio, had
taken great umbrage against Hadokam the King of Siota This
Bombal was the most haughty & powerful prince, who
reigned in this part of the western Continent It had been
the custom for several ages for the king & chiefs of the Ken-
tucks to have the exclusive right to wear, in their Caps a
bunch of blue feathers, w r hich designated their pre-eminance
36 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
over every nation. The Siotan princes envying them this
distinguished honor & considering themselves as being at least
their equals assumed the liberty to place bunches of Blue
feathers upon their Caps. This in the opinion of the Ken-
tucks, was an unpardonable offence, if persisted in, & a most
daring insult upon their supereminent dignity [A messenger
was immediJ] After a solemn council was held with his chiefs,
Bombal, with their unanimous consent dispached a messenger
to Hadoram who thus proclaimed Thus saith Bombal, the
king of kings & the most mighty prince on earth ye have
insulted our honour & dignity in assuming blue feathers,
which was the badge of our preeminence know ye that
unless ye tear them from your Caps, ye shall feel the weight
of our vengence. Hadoram replied, tell your Master that a
great company of Wolves made an attack upon a city to rob
the citizens of their dear & elk, & they let forth their dogs
upon them, which attacked them with such fury & courage,
that they fled, mangled, & torn, to a most dreary swamp
here by the most plaintive howling, they lamented their sad
disaster & disgrace.
An answer so shrewd & insulting, it was expected would
soon be followed by an invasion. Measures must immediately
be taken for the defence of the kingdom Lobaska was invited
to set in Council all were unanimously of opinion that to
comply with the haughty demand of Bombal, by tearing the
blue feathers from their caps would be degrading the honour
of the nation and a relinquishment of their natural right
they were likewise sensible that the most vigorous exertions
were necessary to save the country from ruin. The opinion
and advice of Lobaska, was requested, It is my opinion says
he, that by using a little stratigem this war might be bro't
to a conclusion which will be honourable to this kingdom. We
will pursue, says the King, your advice & directions. I shall
be happy, says Lobaska to assist you with my best advice
Call immediately into the field an army of Three thousand
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 37
men provide two thousand shovels, five hundred mathooks,
& one thousand wheelbarrows & one hundred axes; I will
give directions how to make them Not a moment was lost,
the army was assembled and impliments provided with the
utmost expidition & they marched down the river to a cer-
tain place where the army of the enimy must pass, in order to
arrive at the City of Tolanga At this place the hill or moun-
tain came within less than a mile of the River & flat or level
Land intervened Here Lobaska directed that a Canal should
be dug from the River [to the River,] to the Hill That it
should be eight feet wide & eight deep & that the dirt which
they dug should be thrown into the River [that the canal]
except what should be wanting to lay over thin pieces of split
timber, which should be extended across the Canal & so weak
and slender that the weight of a man would break them down.
This novel invention was soon carried into effect & the work
completely finished Every precaution was used to prevent,
any inteligence of these transactions from geting to the enimy.
In the meantime Hadokam bro't into the field seven thous-
and more of his warriors, men of brave hearts and valiant for
the Battle The indignant King of the Kentucks by this time
had assembled an army of thirty thousand men who were
ready at the risk of their lives to vindicate the pre-eminance
of their nation and the transcendent dignity of their king &
his chiefs [Had of this] At the head of this army Bombal
began his march to execute his threatned vengance on the
Siotans As he entered their country he found the viliges
deserted & all the movable property conveyed away Not a
man, [or worn] to be seen until he came in view of the army of
Hadokam, who was encamped within a small distance of the
Canal. Bombal halted and formed his men in two Ranks
extending from the river to the hill He had a reserved core,
who were placed in the rear of the main body Having thus
arranged them for battle, he went from one wing to the other
proclaiming aloud, we have been insulted, brave soldiers, by
38 THE
these cowardly Siotaiis They have assumed the blue Feather,
the badge of our preeminance & exalted dignity Behold it
flying in their Caps will your high born souls submit to
behold such Dastards place themselvs on equal ground with
you No my valiant warriors, let us re veng the insult by the
destruction of their puny army & the conflagration of their
City Make a furious charge upon them & the victory is
ours Let your motto be the blue Feather & you will fight
like wolvs robed of their puppies. Hadoram had by this time
formed his army in order of Battle close to the edge of the
Canal & extended them only in one rank from the River to the
Hill. As the Kentucks approached within a small distance,
the Sciotans gave back & began a retreat with apparent confu-
sion, notwithstanding the pretended exertions of the King &
his officers to prevent their retreating Bombal observing this
commanded to rush forward on the full run but to keep their
Ranks in order This they instantly obeyed as one man & as
soon as their feet stept on the slender covering of the canal it
gave way & they fell to the bottom, some in one position and
some in another A disaster so novel & unexpected must have
appalled the stoutest heart & filled their minds with amase-
ment & terror. Nor did this complete the misfortune of the
army of Bombal an ambush of the Sciotans, who lay on the
side of the hill opposite to the reserved Corps of the Kentucks,
rushed down upon them in an instant Surprise & terror pre-
vented resistance they threw down their arms & surrendered
The retreating army of Hadoram immediately returned with
shouting to the edge of the Canal Their enimies, who but a
moment before, tho't themselves invincible & certain of victory
were now defenceless & wholly in their power Lobaska was
present & saw the success of his stratigem his great soul dis-
dianed revenge on an helpless & prostrate Enimy he conjured
the Siotans not to shed one drop of Blood but to be gener-
ous & merciful Bombal had now recovered from his surprise
& seeing the deplorable situation of his army, his haughty
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 39
soul felt the keenest anguish Where says he is the King of
the Siotans? Here I am says Hadoram what is your
request my Brother? Reduced says he by a Stratagim the
most ingenious & artful, to a situation which subjects us
wholly under your power, & in which you can take ample
revenge I now emplore your generosity & compassion for my
army Spare their lives & then name your terms & if I can
comply with them, without degrading the honor of my Crown,
it shall be done. Your request says Hadoram is granted
Surrender your arms & let your army return in peace As
for your majesty, & the chiefs of your nation, who are present,
you will give us the pleasure of your company in our return
to the city of Tolanga, & there we will execute a treaty of
peace & amity that shall be advantageous & honourable to both
nations. These terms were accepted, & the Kentucks returned
in peace to their own country, not to describe exploit,
& bloody victories, but the curious Stratigim of Lobaska
The two Kings & their splendid Retinue of princes, having
arived at Tolanga [every attention was paid by Hodaram $ his
chiefs to their honorable visitors.] Hodaram made a sumptuous
entertainment at which all were present The next day both
parties met for the purpose of agreeing to terms of peace &
perpetual amity What are your terms says Bombal Lobaska
says Hodaram shall be our Arbitrator He shall name the
terms his wisdom will dictate nothing which will be dishon-
erable to either party. Your proposal, says Bombal is gener-
ous Lobaska shall be our Arbitrator Lobaska then rose
Attend says he, to my words ye princes of Siota & Kentuck.
You have all derived your existence from the great father of
Spirits You are his children^ belong to his great family
Why then have you thirsted for each others Blood for the
Blood of Brethren & [what has~] what has produced this
mighty war A blue feather, a badge of preeminence. It is
pride, it is cursed ambition & avarice which devastate the
world & produce rivers of human Blood & the wars which
40
take place among nations generally originate from as trifling
causes as the blue feathers.
Let this be [the first article of ] your treaty that any person
may wear a blue feather in his Cap or any other feather that
. he pleases. [Let this be second,] that the individuals of each
nation may carry on a commerce with each other & that they
shall be protected in their persons and property. [Let this be
the third] that I shall be at liberty to establish [a school or]
schools in any part of the domains of Kentuck & furnish them
[such] instructors [as I please] That none shall be restrained
from hearing our instructions & that we shall be patronized
& protected by the King & his chiefs [Let this be the fourth]
that perpetual peace & amity shall remain between botli
nations And as a pledge for the fulfilment of th*ese articles,
on the part of the princes of Kentuck that the eldest son of
the King & four sons of the principal Chiefs' shall be left as
hostiges in this City for [the term of] Term of three years.
These terms met the cordial approbation of both parties &
were ratified in the most solemn manner
[ Thus happy, was the termination of the war, about the blue
feather, [having taken place] Lobaska proceeded with indefatigable
industry & perseverance in his benevolent scheme of enlightening cC
reforming mankind. ]
And how happy would it be for mankind, if all wars
about as trifling causes as this, might terminate in the same
way The benevolent mind of Lobaska soared above trifles
viewing all mankind as brothers & sisters he wished the hap-
piness of all. Hence he made provision in the Treaty with the
Kentucks for the introduction of Scools [in Kentuck] among
them This was the first step, which he foresaw would intro-
duce improvements in agriculture & the mechanical arts
produce a reformation in their morals & religious principals &
a happy revolution in some part of their political institutions.
Bombal had became so captivated with Lobaska that he
solicited him to bear him company to his own dominions He
41
consented & when he had arived at the royal City of Gamba,
which is situate on the River Kentuck he there pursued the
same course which he had done at Tolanga & his success
answered his most sanguine expectations: The people were
now prepared for the introduction of a school He returned
back [to Tolanga] & sent his second son & three of the most
forward scollars of the Sciotans to establish a school at Gamba
\_In the mean time his intention was to make some amendments in
the government of Sciota. But as there were several Cities and a
great number of viliges, that acknowledged the jurisdiction of the
Sciotan King,which still were ignorant of the principles $ doctrines
ivhich he taught he found it necessary to visit them $ to introduce
instructors amongst them. In this work he was engaged about two
years the happy effect of his labours were now visible in various
kinds of improvements & in the reformation of manners, morals $
religion. The way was now prepared to introduce his system of
government The chiefs of the nation were invited to attend a grand
council at Tolanga When they were met Lobaska rose & pre-
sented them with the following constitution of goverment
[The king of Siota shall bv stiled the Emperor of Ohson the
King of Siota His croivn shall be hereditary in the oldest male
heir of his family The cities & vilages who now acknowledged his
jurisdiction or who may hereafter do it shall be entitled to protection
from the emperor If invaded by an enimy he shall defend them
ivith the force of the empire once every year the chiefs shall meet
at Tolanga to make laws for the good of the nation. ]
These young men having imbibed the spirit & principles of
the great preceptor, spared no exertions to instruct the scholars
& to defuse useful knowledge among the people The happy
effects of their labours were visible in a short time. The
people embraced the religion of Lobaska & became more
industrious & civilized. In their various improvements in
agriculture, the mechanical arts & literature they even exsaled
the Sciotans & appeared to be as prosperous & flourishing
Even Bombal himself declared that the termination of the
42
war about the blue feather which at first appeared unfor-
tunate yet as it occationed such happy effects among his people
it gave him more satisfaction & pleasure than [the reputation of
being a great Conqueror] what he could have received from the
reputation of being a great conqueror.
CHAP. IX
Goverment & money
The people who were denominated Ohians, were setled on
both sides of the River Ohio & along the various branches of
the River The settlements extended a great distance in the
time of Lobaska but how far it is not mentioned They lived
in compact viliges or towns [We might except the Cities Tolanga
on the river Sciota & Gamba on the River Kentuck These various
viliges or towns formed independant Soveranties & were gov-
erned by their respective chiefs ]
Excepting the Cities of Tolanga & Gamba whose Kings
claimed jurisdiction over an extent of country about one
hundred & fifty miles along the River Ohio & about the same
distance back from the river, the remaining part of this exten-
sive country was setled in compact viliges or towns. These
formed independent sovereigties & were governed by their
respective Chiefs. Frequent bickerings, contentions and wars
took place among these Chiefs, which were often attended with
pernicious consequencies. To remidy these evils & to facilitate
& accomplish the great & benevolent plan of reforming &
civilizing the Ohians, Lobaska had formed a system of Govern-
ment, with a design of establing two great empires one on
each side of the River Ohio. Their [different] constitutions
were on the same plan & were presented by the hand of
Lobaska to the respective Kings of Sciota & Kentuck
The Sciotan Constitution was comprised in the words.
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 43
The country east of the great River Ohio shall form the
Empire of Sciota At the head of this empire shall be placed
with the title of Emperor Labarmack the oldest son of Lobaska
The office shall be hereditary in the eldest male of his
family He and his sons successively shall mary natives of
the kingdom of Sciota: & all their daughters shall mary
within their own dominions. He shall have four counsellors
He with the advice of his Councellors shall have the exclusive
right of making war & peace & of forming treaties with other
nations He shall be commander in chief of all the forces &
the King of Sciota. shall be next to him All controversies
between the Rulers or chiefs of the different tribes shall be
refered to the descicion of him & his Councellors & he is
authorised to compel a compliance He shall hold his settings
annually in four different parts of the empire. The King of
Sciota & the chiefs of the different tribes shall hold their offices
& exercise the same authority in civil matters that they have
done They shall be ameniable to the emperor & his councel-
lors, whose duty it shall be to enquire into all complaints
against them from their subjects, & to redress grievances &
punish for oppression & injustice by fines. He and his coun-
cellors shall have the exclusive priviledge of coining money
They may likewise lay taxes for the support of goverment
& for the defence of the nation. They shall coin no more
money than what is necessary for the convenience of the
people & in such quantity only that the value shall not depre-
ciatehe shall appoint the officers of his army except where
the chiefs chuse to command their own subjects in that case
they shall be subject to the command of the Emperor The
people in every city, town or village shall respectively chuse
one or more Censors whose duty it shall be to enquire into
all mal-conduct of Rulers & all vicious & improper conduct of
the preists & the people & they shall pursue such measures
to obtain justice & to produce a reformation of morals in the
offenders as the laws shall direct.
44
In order that the priests & instructors of learning may
know and perform their duty for the benefit of civilization,
morality & religion. Lambon the third son of Lobaska shall
preside over them & shall have the title of high Priest & the
office shall be hereditary in the eldest males of his family suc-
cessively There shall be associated with him four priests as
his assistants they shall exercise a jurisdiction over all the
priests of the empire & shall see that they faithfully perform
the duties of their office They shall attend to the instructors of
Learning & shall direct that a suitable number are provided
thro'out the empire It shall likewise be their duty at all suit-
able times & places to instruct Rulers & people in the duties
of their respective stations & to labour incessantly to per-
suade mankind to subject their passions & appetites under the
government of Reason that they may secure happiness to
themselves in this life & imortal happiness beyond the grave.
The people shall make contributions, in proportion to their
wealth for the support of their priests If any refuse, they
shall be denied the privilege of their instructions & shall be
subjected to the ridecule & contempt of the people. For the
convenience of the people & for the easy support of the gov-
erment, it is necessary that there should be something which
shall represent property & which is of small weight. It is
therefore provided that certain small pieces of iron stamped
in a peculiar manner, shall be this circulating medium, to rep-
resent property Each peice according to its particular stamp
shall have a certain value fixed upon it. It shall be the pecu-
liar prerogative of the Emperor & his councellors to direct the
coining of these peices which shall be denominated money-
No more money shall be coined than what will be for the bene-
fit of the empire Nor shall the Emperor or his Counsellors
receive any more of it, than an adequate compensation for
their services. They shall keep an account of the amount of
money coined annually & the manner in which it has been
distributed & expended. This amount shall be submitted to
45
the examination of the King of Siota & the chiefs of the
empire. The Emperor shall always be ready to receive the peti-
tions & complaints of his subjects He shall consult the welfare
of his people & save them from oppression & tyranny & by
his beneficent acts shall gain their affection & obtain the apala-
tion of a just, a good & gracious Prince.
When Hadoram king of Sciota had received this plan of
government, he immediately assembled all the Chiefs or princes
within his kingdom Lobaska pointed out the defects of the
existing goverment, & the excellences of that form which he pre-
sented for their acceptance His reasons could not be resisted
they unanimously agreed to establish it as their constitution of
Goverment. Labamack accepted the office of Emperor, & his
four counsellors were appointed Lambon was ordained High
priest & his four assistance chosen The new goverment was
now put in opperation The various tribes living contiguous
to the empire seeing its prosperity sollicited the priviledge of
being received as parts of the empire Their requests were
granted. Improvement .& prosperity attended them This
induced other contiguous Tribes to request the same priviledge
& others still adjoining them came forward with their peti-
tions, all were granted & the s.ame regulations established in
every part Within about three years from the first establish-
ment of the empire Lobaska had the pleasure of seeing his son
reign over a territory of more than four hundred miles in
length along the River Ohio & of beholding a nation rapidly
progressing from a state of barbarism, ignorance & wretched-
ness to a state of civilization knowledge & prosperity
Having now beheld the happy success of his experiment
at Sciota, Lobaska made a second viset to Bambo king of Ken-
tuck. His second son whose name was Hamback was present
at the City of Gamba. His youngest son Kato attended him
He made known his plan of revolution to Bambo who
cordially acquiesed & calling together his princes they
unimously agreed to place Hamback on the throne of the
46
THE
empire south of the Ohio River & to ordain Kato as their
high priest With the exception of names & places the Con-
stitution of goverment was the same as that which the Sciotans
adopted The same measures were pursued to ensure its
sucess A great & flourishing empire arose & barbarous tribes
connecting themselves with the empire & under the fostering
care of the goverment became civilized wealty & prosperous.
Thus within the term of twelve years from the arival of
Lobaska at Tolanga, he had the satisfaction of beholding the
great & benevolent objects which he had in view accomplished
He still continued his useful Labours & was the great
Oricle of both empires His advise & sentiments were taken
upon all important subjects & no one ventured to controvert
his opinions He lived to behold the successful experiment of
his institutions & to see them acquire that strength & firm-
ness as not easily to be overthrown. Having acquired that
renown & glory which are beyond the reach of envy & which
aspiring ambition would dispair of attaining at the age of
Eighty he bade an affectionate adue to two empires & left them
to lament in tears his exit.
These two empires continued to progress in their improv-
ments & population $ to rival each other in prosperity during
the reign of Ten successive Emperors on the Throne of Sciota
Peace & harmony & a friendly intercourse existed between
them No wars took place to disturb their tranquility except
what arose from the surrounding Savages, who sometimes dis-
turbed the frontiers in a hostile manner for the sake of gaining
plunder. But these attacks were generally repelled & defeated
without much loss of blood They were in fact of such trifling
consequence as to make no perceptible impediment to prevent
the population, improvement or prosperity of both Empires
& happy jthrice happy would it have been for them, if they
had still continued to have pursued the amiable & benevolent
principles which first marked the commencement & progress
of their institutions
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 47
CHAT X
Military arrangements. Amusements. Customs. Extent of the Empire.
Forts.
The Customs & amusements of a Nation evince the state
of Society which exists among the people When the two
Empires of Sciota & Kentuck had commenced their new
career on the plan which was formed by Lobaska they adopted
this as a true maxim, that to avoid war it was necessary to be
in constant preparation for it. It was the wise policy of the
two goverments to make such military arrangements as never
to be surprized by an enimy unprepared. In every city, town
& vilage the people were required to provide military impli-
ments & to deposit them in a secure place. These magizines
were to contain a sufficient quantity of arms to furnish every
man who should be destitute \_In order that every man might
have sufficient skill to use them to advantage, great pains was taken
to prepare him by teaching him the art of war.~] The knowledge
of military tackticks as it was then attainable, was likewise
defused among the people. Young men from sixteen to
twenty years old, were required to take the field four times in
each year, & to spend sixteen days during each time in learn-
ing the military art & in building fortifications And every
able bodied man was required to spend eight days in each
year in the same employment. In consequence of these regu-
lations a revalship existed among the different sexions of the
empires to exceed each other in ski^l & dexterity in miletery
manoevers Hence it was a general custom in every part of
the country for different bodies of men to meet [to engage in
feigned Battles'] once every year, in order to make a display of
their improvements in the art of war Primeurns were given
48
to those who were the most expert in shooting the arrow or in
managing the spear & the sword.
Their Amusements were generally of the athletick kind
calculated to improve their agility & strength & prepare
them for warriors. Wrestling, slinging & throwing stones at
marks leaping ditches & fences & climbing trees and prici-
pices were some of their most favorite diversions And as they
took great pains to perfect themselves in these exercises it
would astonish spectators of other nations to observe the im-
provement they had made in the extraordinary feats of agility
& strength which they exhibited.
Other diversions, which had no tendency to fit them for
war, they seldom practised, except when in the company of
women Being taught by their religion the social virtues they
manifested a great regard for the rights of the other sex &
always treated them with attention, civility & tenderness
Hence it was curious to observe that [when in the company of
women] they easily exchanged the [warriors'] ruged [& bold]
attitude of the bold warrior for the complasant [& tender]
deportment of the affectionate galant The amusements which
were pleasing to the female mind were equally pleasing to the
men whenever they held their social meetings for recreation.
These meetings were frequent among the younger class of Citi-
zens, whether married or single Various kinds of amuse-
ments would frequently be introduced at such times for their
mutual entertainment but that which held the most con-
spicuous place was dancing But their manner of dancing was
different from that of the polished Europians. Gracefulness
& easy attitude were not so much studied in their rnovments
as sprightliness & agility those tunes which admited the
greatest display of activity and sprightliness were generally
the most [pleasing &] fashionable Hence those Bodies were
formed for the quickest, if they keept time with the music were
the most admired.
In small assemblies it was fashionable to amuse them-
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 49
selves [ivitJi] at playing with peices of parchment This they
denominated the Bird Play. Each peice was of an oval form
& of convenient length & width & on each one is portraied
the likeness of a Bird All the birds of Prey that came within
their knowledge, have the honour of being represented on
these peices of Parchment On the other peices are portraied
other Birds of different kinds The whole number of the
peices amount to about sixty These are promiscuously placed
in a pack & dealt of to the company of Players whose number
does not exceed six The person then, who has the greatest
number of carniverous Birds by a dextrous managment,
may catch the greatest number of the other Birds & thus
obtain the victory.
During these enter view^s of the different sexes & even in
their common intercourse with each other they are always very
cheerful & sociable & often display that fondness & familiarity,
which in Europe, would be considered indicative of a lacivi-
ous character but in this country are considered as harmless,
as what good manners required. Nothing rude, nothing in-
decent or immodest according to their ideas of the meaning of
these terms, are admissible in company & absolute lacivious-
ness Avould meet the most severe reprehension.
When a young man wishes to settle himself in a family
state, he proclaims it by wearing a red feather in his Cap.
This is considered as an admonition to the young women, who
would not receive him for a husband to avoid his company
whereas those whose inclinations towards him are more favour-
able admit his attention from this number he selects one as
the object of his addresses He obtains an interview & pro-
poses a courtship If the proposition accords with her wishes,
they then agree on a time, when he shall make known the
affair to her parents whose approbation being obtained he is
then permitted to visit her ten times in sixty days. At the
expiration of this time, the bargain for matrimony must be
finished. Otherwise there must be a final termination or a
50
postponement of the courtship for the term of one year: [The
parties are at liberty, during the postponement to] But if the par-
ties are pleased with each other, the contract is made & the
time for the performance of the nuptial cerimonies is
appointed An entertainment is provided friends are invited
& the Bridegroom & Bride present themselves in their best
apparal The company form a circle & they take their stand
in the center The father of the Bride speaks, For what
purpose do you present yourselves They answer, to join
hands in wedlock, Our hearts are already joined & we have
made a solem covenant to be true and faithful to each other
The company then all exclaim "Blessings will attend you, if
ye fulfil but curses if ye transgress. They are then con-
ducted to a log round which, a Rope is tied The Bridegroom
takes hold of one end of the rope & the Bride the other &
being commanded to draw the Log into the house, they pull
in opposite directions with all their might. Having worried
themselves for some time to no purpose, to the great diversion
of the company, the parents of both parties step forward &
giving them a severe reprimand command them to draw in the
same direction They instantly obey & the Log is easily
drawn to its destined place. The rest of the time is spent with
great chearfulness & merriment, They partake of the enter-
tainment & conclude with customary amusements.
The Bridegroom & Bride are now desirous to form a fam-
ily by themselves If their parents are of sufficient ability
they furnish them with a convenient house and such furniture
as will be required for family use & such other property as
they need, to enable them to obtain a comfortable living. But
if their parents are poor they receive assistance and contribu-
tions from relations & neighbours & are placed in such a situa-
tion that with proper industry & econimy, they can live above
indigence & enjoy life agreeably. At the time they enter their
new habitation, they are attended by a Priest & by their rela-
tion & friends They kneel in the center of the Room & the
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 51
priest places his right hand on the head of the Bridegroom &
his left on the head of the Bride After explaining & enjoining
in the most solemn manner, the various duties of the marriage
state he concludes his injunctions with these words My dear
children, I conjure you, [as you regard your own peace & felicity
as you would wish to acquire wealth & respectibility& set an
example worthy of emitation, that as you are now yoked together']
to draw in the same direction. They then rise and he presents
each with a peice of Parchment on which is written Draw in
the same direction. All the duties of the conjugal state, in
their opinion, are comprized in this [injunction^ Command.
[As the Priests & the Censors were [vigilent & careful] to see
that parents restrained the vices of their children & instructed them
in the knowledge of their religious principles the effects were very
conspicuous Parents']
Having been early taught to [restrain the~] govern their
passions & to regard the practice of virtue as their greatest
good, it was generally the case, that love, friendship &
harmony existed in families, [& when parents were treated
by their children withgre at tenderness & respect ] Parents
manifested an anxious sollicitude for the future welfare &
respectability of their Children, & in their turn children
treated their parents with respect & reverance. Nor did they
forsake them in old age but provided liberally for their sup-
port But we are not to suppose that in the most virtuous age
of the nation, all were virtuous Far from this. But with
such punctual exactness were the laws executed, in the most
prosperous state of the nation, that vice & impiety had but
few advocates & the wicked were ashamed of their own char-
acters. Tho' every vice was prohibited by Law, yet the penal-
ties were not severe Murder alone v/as punished with death
with respect to other Laws, they were calculated to wound the
pride of & ambition of the transgressor, & produce shame &
regret
. Adultery is punished by obliging the culprit to were a
52
pair of Elk-horns on his shoulders six days & to walk thro' the
city or vilage once each day, at which times the boys are at
liberty to pelt him with rotten eggs. The theif is compelled
to make ample restitution For the third offence he is covered
with tar & feathers & exhibited as a specticle for laughter &
ridicule. Pugilists or boxers, if they are equally to blame for
fighting are yoked together at least one day & in this situa-
tion are presented to the view of the multitude. They must
were the yoke until the quarrel is setled. Such being the
nature of their penal Laws & such the punctuality of execut-
ing the penalties on offenders, that crimes were far less free-
quent in this country than in Europe where the Laws are
more severe & offenders more often escape punishment.
Tho' learning, civilization & refinement had not arived to that
state of perfection in which they exist in a great part of the
Roman Empire yet the two Empires of Sciota & Ken tuck dur-
ing their long period of peace & prosperity were not less happy.
As luxery & extravigance were scarcely known to exist,
especially among the common people, [an happy equality was]
hence there was a great similarity in their manner of living,
their dress, their habits & manners. Pride was not bloated <fe
puffed up with enormous wealth Nor had envy fewel to
inflame her hatred & malice As the two empires were not
displeased with each others prosperity & happiness [& the
two goverments had no thirst] nor jealous of each others power
& as the goverments were not infected with a thirst for con-
quest peace of consequence waved her olive branch & the
maligant passions lay dormant As avarice & corruption did
not contaminate the ruling powers nor bribery infect the seats
of justice the people felt secure in the enjoyment of their rights,
& desirous to raise up families to partake of the same blessings
which they enjoyed.
We can now trace the causes of their increase & prosperity.
To a religion, which presented powerful motives to restrain
vice & impiety, & encourage virtue To the defusion of a com-
53
petant share of learning & knowlege to enable the people to
understand their rights & enjoy the pleasures of social inter-
course To the establishment of political institutions, which
garded property & life against oppression injustice & tyranny
to the knowledge which the people obtained of agriculture
& the mechanical arts & their habits of industry & economy
To the mild nature of their laws & the certainty of executing
the penalties upon transgressors & to such an equality of
property as to prevent the pride of wealth & the extravagance
of luxury To such causes may be ascribed the rapid increase
of population & the contentment & felicity which extended
thro' every of the country. We might add likewise the long
peace that continued & the friendly intercourse that existed
between the two rival Empires A peace which had no inter-
ruption for the term of near five hundred years During this
time their vilages & cities were greatly enlarged new settle-
ments were formed in every part of the country which had
not been inhabited & a vast number of towns were built
which rivaled as to number of inhabitants, those which existed
at the time their imperial goverments were founded. Their
settlements extended the whole length of the great River Ohio
to its confuence with the Mississippi, & over the whole country
on both sides of the Ohio River, which are watered by streams
which empty into it. And also along the great Lakes of Eri &
Mishigan & even some settlements were formed in some part
of the country which borders on Lake Ontario. Such was the
vast extent of the country which they inhabited & such the
fertility of the soil that many millions were easily fed & sup-
ported with such a plenty & competence of provision, as was
necessary for their comfort and happiness
During the time of their rising greatness & tranquility
their policy led them to fortify their country in every part, the
interior as well as the frontiers this they did partly for their
own safety, provided a war should take place & they should
be invaded by an enimy & partly to keep alive [a military]
54
& improve a warlike spirit & the knowledge of military Tao
ticks. Near every vilage or city they constructed forts or
fortifications. Those were generally of an oval form & of
different dimentions according to the number of inhabitants
who lived in the town. The Ramparts or walls, were formed
of dirt which was taken in front of the fort. A deep canal or
trench would likewise be formed This would still encrease
the difficulty of surmounting the walls in front. In addition
to this they inserted a piece of Timber on the top of the
Ramparts These peices were about seven feet in length from
the ground to top which was sharpned The distance between
each peice was about six inches thro, which they could shoot
their arrows against an Enirny. Some of their fortifications
have two Ramparts, which run paralel with each other built
in the same manner, with a distance between of about two or
three perches Their Gates are strong & well constructed for
defence Within these forts are likewise a number of small
houses -for the accomidation of the army & inhabitants in
case of an invasion & likewise a storehouse for the reception
of provision & arms, A country thus fortified containing so
many milion of inhabitants, hardy & robust & with habits
formed for war might well be supposed as able to defend
themselves against an invading Enimy If they were beat
from the frontier, they could still retreat back to the fortifica-
tions in the interior & their make a succesful stand But what
avails all the wisdom, the art & the works of men what avails
their valour, their strength & numbers when the Almighty is
provoked to chastise them & to execute his vengence in their
overthrow & destruction
55
CHAT XI
As the Sciotans & Kentucks had maintained with each
other an unterrupted peace & friendly intercourse for the space
of four hundred & eighty years, it seems almost incredible, that
a cause, which was of no great importance to either nation,
should excite their resentment against each other & produce
all the horrors of war. But such were the unhappy effects of
an affair, which had no regard to a single person, except the
imperial families of the two empires & the King of Sciota.
As these families were descended from the great Lobaska,
they had, during the reigns of all their Emperors been in the
habit of visiting each other, but as each Emperor & his chil-
dren were required not to marry out of their respective
dominions, no intermarriages had taken place. They however
claimed relationship & still continued to each other, the appel-
lation of our dearest & best beloved Cousen. A Cousen of this
description, who was the eldest son of Hamboon the Emperor
of Kentuck arived at the City of Talanga with a small but
splendid Retinue of Friends. At that time Rambock, who
was the fourteenth Emperor, was siting on the throne of
Siota He received the young Prince with apparent sensa-
tions of the highest pleasure & spared no pains to manifest
towards him by his treatment the greatest esteem and friend-
ship. The Emperor had an only son, whose name was
Moonrod He ordered him to attend the young Prince & to
treat him with every to- of affection & honour. They spent
their time in receiving visets from the officers of the gover-
meiit in viewing curiosities, & in the assemblies of the first
class of young citizens who met for recreation. Elseon, for
this was the name of the young Prince, was, soon after his
arival, introduced to Lamesa, the eldest daughter of the
56 THE
Emperor She was a young Lady of a very fair and beautiful
countenance. Her features & the construction of her person,
were formed to please the fancy, whilst the ease, the graceful-
ness & modesty of her deportment were very pleasing to all
her acquaintance Her mind was replenished with the prin-
ciples of knowledge & virtue & such was her vivacity & the
ease with which she expressed her ideas, that all were delighted
with her conversation. No wonder that this fair imperial
damsel attracted the attention of Elsion & at their first
enterview, enkindled a spark in his boosom which he could
hardly prevent from being discovered thro his blushing coun-
tenance & the embarisment he felt in conversation. He strove
to erase those tender impressions which she had made on his
heart but in vain every renewed enterview only served to
fix her image deeper in his mind, to make the flame of Love
more difficult to extinguish. He reasoned on the obsticles in
the way of obtaining this young Lady for his partner but
instead of cooling it only encreased the ardor of his passion &
produced a resolution, that with the consent of Lamesa,
nothing should prevent the attainment of his wishes. To a
mind thus ardent, which possessed the native courage resolu-
tion & perseverence of Elseon, the most gigantic obsticles
would vanish into vapour. Nor was it long before lie found
that a correspondent passion was existed in her breast. The
moment she first saw him her heart palpitated her face was
covered with crimson. She turned her eyes & attempted to
speak her tongue stopt its motion in the middle of a period
She hamed sat down & observed that she was not well. A
discription of this scene is painted by a Sciotan Bard in poetic
numbers he represents the young Lady as recovering in a
short time from this state of agitation & confusion & as being
afterwards composed, & of having a better command of 1 im-
passions. To follow this Poet in the description which he
gives of Elsion, to whom he attaches a countenance & figure,
superior to other mortals & qualities which produced uni-
57
versal esteem & admiration, would not comport with the
faithful page of history. Suffice it to say that Lamesa was
captivated with his person, & was impressed with those
ideas & sentiments, that her happiness fled, except when she
either enjoyed or aiitisipated his company. After Elsion had
firmly determined to marry Lamesa he was impatient for a
private enterview with her to disclose his sentiments This
occured in a short time. They were together in one of apart-
ments of the Emperors palace the company had all retired.
I have said he in a low voice to Lamesa conceived that
opinion of you, that I hope you will not be displeased if I
express my feelings with frankness & sincerity. You must,
she replied be the best judge of what is proper for you to
express I am always pleased with sincerity. As the sun, says
he my dear Lamesa, when he rises with his radiant beams
dispels the darkness of knight, so it is in your power to dispel
the clouds of anxiety which rest upon my soul The Crown
of Kentuck will be like a Rock upon my head, unless you will
condesend to share with me the glory & felicity of my reign.
Will you consent to be my dearest friend & companion for life?
There is nothing she replies would give me more pleasure
than a compliance with your request, provided it shall meet
the approbation of my Father But how can he consent, when
our Constitution requires that his daughters should marry in his
own dominions? Besides my father intends that I shall receive
the King of Sciota for my husband. By performing says he, the
cerimonies of Mariage at Tolanga we shall literally comply
with the imperial constitution, as Talanga is within the
dominions of your Father But as for this King of Sciota do
you sincerely wish to have him for a husband? No, she
quickly speaks, anger sparkled in her eyes No ! The King of
Sciota for my husband ! his pride, his haughtiness the pom-
posity of all his movements, excite my perfect disgust. I
should as leave be yoked to a porcupine.
These Lovers, as you may well conjecture, said many
58
THE
things too tender & endearing to please the taste of the
common class of Lovers In this enter view, which lasted
about four hours, they exchanged the most transporting
expressions of Love made the most solemn vows of sincerity
& perpetual friendship & finally agreed that Elseon should
make known to the Emperor their mutual desire to be joined
in wedlock. The next day he wrote to the Emperor as follows
May it please your most excellent Majesty. Permit me to
express my most sincere gratitude for the high favours & honour
which thro' the beneficence of your majesty, I have injoyed in
your dominions I am likewise impelled to request a favour
which to me would be the most precious gift that is in the power
of your majesty to bestow Having contracted an acquaintance
with your most amiable daughter Lamesa & finding that a
correspondent affection & esteem exist in our hearts towards
each other & a mutual desire to be united by the solemn
covenant of mariage, I would therefore solicit your majesty's
permission, that such a connection may be formed. Such a
connection, I conceive, may in its effects be very salutary A
beneficial to both Empires It will unite the two imperial
families nearer in the bond of consanguinity & fix upon them
an additional obligation to cultivate friendship, peace &
amiable intercourse It will strengthen the sinues of both
goverments & promote an happy interchange of friendly
offices. As to the objection which might arise from the consti-
tution requiring, that the Emperors daughters should marry
in his own dominions This according to its literal meaning
can have no respect only to the place where the Emperors
Daughters shall marry If by your Majesties permission I
should marry your daughter Lamesa, in your dominions it
will be a literal fulfilment of the constitution. From this ground
therefore I conceive no objection of any weight can arise
Will your majesty please to vouchsafe an answer to my request.
Signed. ELSEON, Prince of Kentuck.
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 59
This letter was presented to the Emperor by Helicon an
intimate friend of Elseon. The Emperor readj'it assumed
the aspect of deep consideration walked the room a few
moments, then took a seat & told Helicon [that he might
inform the young prince that he should receive an answer
within Ten days.
But why Ten days a long time for two ardent Lovers to
remain in suspense But the Emperor must consult his Coun-
sellors, his priests & the last & most fatal councellor of all
the King of Sciota, who presumed to claim the hand of the
fair Lamesa The affair became public The popular senti-
ment at first favoured the connection The Emperors Coun-
cellors & his priests were at first inclined to recommend an
affirmative answer. But the interest of the Sciotan King soon
prevailed This produced a different view of the subject The
Councellors perceived that such a connection would be a most
flagrant violation of the true meaning & spirit of the constitu-
tion & the Priests considered that it would be an act of the
greatest impiety, as it would transgress an explicit injunction of
the great founder of their goverment & religion. This opinion
had vast weight on the minds of a great majority of the
people. The more liberal sort vindicated the cause of Elseon
This produced a great debate, altercation & confusion thro'
the City All were anxious to know the Emperors descision
On the tenth day the Emperor transmitted to the prince
the following answer to his letter
To our best beloved Cousen Elseon, Prince of Kentuck.
The letter we received from your Highness has impressed our
hearts with a deep sense of the honour & benefits which you
intended our family & impire At first we were inclined to
accept of the alliance you proposed But having considered
the subject with great seriousness & attention we find that to
admit your Highness, who is not a citizen of our Empire, to
marry into our family, would be a most flagrant violation of
60
the true meaning and spirit of our Constitution & an impious
outrage on the sacred memory of its Founder For these
reasons we must solicit your Highness, not to insist on our
compliance with your request.
Signed HAMBOCK Emperor of Sciota.
As Elseon had been informed of the complexion which
his affairs had assumed in the court & thro' the City he was
prepared for the answer which he received. Without manifest-
ing the least chagririe or Resentment, he appeared to acquiesce
in the decision of the Emperor. He displayed in his coun-
tenance, his conversation & deportment his usual cheerfulness
& vivacity. He continued his amusements, & associated with
company with the same ease, gracefulness and dignified con-
duct which he had done before. At the same time his deter-
mination was fixed to transport the fair Lamesa into his
fathers dominions. The first interview which he had with
her after he received the Emperors Letter, he informed her of
its contents. She trembled, paleness began to .cover her face
& had not Elseon received her into his arms, perhaps she
would have falen from her seat However by a few soothing
words & caresses, she was restored to her former composure &
recollection Believe me, quoth he my dearest Lamesa you
shall be mine This heart shall be taken from my bosom &
these limbs from my Body, nothing else shall prevent our
union & compleat enjoyment of happiness. Can the ancient
scribbling of a great Sage or the decree of an Emperor prevent
the Streams from uniting with the Ocean with the same ease
& propriety can they prevent the union of our hands since
our hearts are united. with your consent, you shall be mine!
Is it possible, she replies, is it possible Elseon, to disregard
the authority of an indulgent & beloved Parent & disobey his
command This I never did What if he should command
you says Elseon to marry the King of Siota, would you obey.
He might she replies, with more regard to my happiness
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 61
command me to plunge a dagger into my heart I cannot
indure that supercilious bundle of pride & affectation.
At this moment her maid entered the room & gave her
a Letter. I received this Letter she sa}^s, from your Brother,
who told me it was from the Emperor. Lamesa opened the
Letter & read
My dearest & best beloved Daughter Having the most
tender & affectionate regard for your future welfare & felicity
we have concluded a treaty of marriage between you &
Sambal the King of Sciota This aliance will be honourable
to our family & be productive of many benefits to the
Empire. On the tenth day from this time the nuptual ceri-
monies will be consummated in our Palace You will be in
readiness & } T ield a cheerful compliance with our will.
Signed, RAMBOCK, Em. of Sciota.
Had the Lightning flashed from the clouds & pierced her
heart, it could not have produced a more instantaneous effect
She fell into the arms of Elseon the maid ran for a cordial
Elseon rubed her temples & hands & loosned the girdle
about her waist. Within about an hour the blood began to
circulate. Elseon to his inexpressible joy felt her pulse begin-
ing to beat & perceived flashes of colour in her face With a
plaintive groan she opened her e} r es once more to the beams
of day & in a kind of wild destraction exclaimed Ah
cruel cruel Father why have you doomed your daughter
to a situation the most odious & disgustful As well might
you have thrown her into a den of porcupines, opossums &
serpents With such animals I could enjoy life with less dis-
gust & torment, than with this mighty King of Sciota. An
aliance with him an honour to our family an honour to the
decendents of the great Lobasca! What wicked councellors
have deceived my father & induced him to thro' me into the
arms of this hateful monster Ah whether shall I fly &
62
escape my barberous destiny. I am your protector, says Elseon
I am your friend & will conduct you beyond the loving &
gigantic grasp of Sambal. His loathsome arms shall never
incircle my dear Lamesa Consent to my request & we will
be within ten days at the City of Gamba Their you will be
esteemed as the brightest orniment of my Fathers Empire.
No longer she replies, Elseon can I refuse my consent
to your proposal. When a compliance with my fathers com-
mand will entail wrechedness & misery thro' life, Heaven will
pardon my disobedience Yes Elseon I will go with you &
place my happiness in your power I would share with you
the worst of fortune, rather than fall into the hands of this
haughty Sambal. [What could she say more, to express the feel-
ings of a heart strugling under the operation of different passions
& opposite motives She has taken her resolution Love has gained
the preeminence over every obsticte.~\
[At this resolution Elseon was transported with joy he now
proceeds to form his plans for their flight. On the fourth day after
he called upon the Emperor & requested his permission to depart to
his own country Tlie Emperor importuned him to tarry & be one
of the guests at Lamesa' s weding But he declined by urging as
his apoligy the anxiety & impatience of his father for his return.
Permission was granted & the Emperor added that lie should do
himself the honour to furnish the Prince with an escort when he left
the City Elseon replied that lie was not fond of much parade, he
would wish the escort might consist of the Emperors Children only
with each of them a friend. These says he are my dearest & best
beloved cousens, for whom I shall ever retain the most sincere
friendship Nothing can afford me more pleasure says the Emperor
than to comply with your request. Elseon took an affectionate
leave of the Emperor & on the second day after, being prepared
for his journey, he sat off with his three friends & their servants
Moonrod prince of the empire & Lamesa, with her two sisters
With each of them a friend attended him on his journey about
twenty miles They all tarryed at a village over night ]
63
Imagination alone can paint the pleasant & happy scene
Elseon was transported with joy He prest her to his
bosom with all the ardor of inthusiasm & she yielded to all
his tender & innocent embraces, with a grateful sensibility &
modest resignation.
The invention & inginuity of Elseon must now be
employed in forming a plan of their flight to his fathers
dominions As he appeared to acquiesse in the decision of the
Emperor & had maintained the same cheerful deportment
none were suspicious of his designs The Emperor & the
whole Court, still manifested toward him every token of high
respect & sincere friendship. Without any hesitation the
Emperor cheerfully complied with his request, that his dear
Cousens the son and the three daughters of the Emperor,
with each of them a friend, should accompany him about
twenty miles, on his return to Kentuck The ritenue of the
young Prince consisted of four of his most intimate friends &
other servants He took care to send their baggage on
by two servants one day before they set out The morning
arived the sun shone with radiant splendor not a cloud
intervened or was seen to float in the atmosphere It was the
fourth day after Lamesa had received the Letter which doomed
her to the embraces of Sambal The Emperor, his Counsellors,
his priests & principal officers assembled & having invited
the young prince & his friends to meet them, they entered the
circle with great cerimony. The Emperor then addressed the
Young Prince, thanked him for the honour of his viset &
expressed his firm determination to maintain a sincere friend-
ship & an inviolable peace with the goverment of Kentuck.
Elseon replied that these sentiments would meet the cordial
approbation of his Father who retained the same sentiments
of friendship & peace toards the goverment of Siota He then
thanked the Emperor & whole assembly for the high respect
they had shewn him This was done with that frankness &
apparent sencerity that the whole assembly were highly
64
pleased The Emperor then embraced him & gave him his
blessing Customary cerrimoiiies were mutually exchanged by
tae whole company & even tears were seen to drop from
every eye.
As the whole of this parade indicates no flight of Elseon
& Lamesa, we might now view them, with their select com-
pany of friends seting out on a short journey. All mounted
on horses, they rode about twenty miles to a vilage were they
halted. An eligant supper was provided they were cheer-
ful & socible none appeared more so than Elseon & Lamesa.
The next day Elseon requested the company of his dear
cousens a short distance on his journey When they had rode
about two miles they halted & proposed to take their lave of
each other. Lamesa & her friend without being perceived by
the company rode on. It was a place where the road turned
& by riding one rod they could not be seen. The rest of the
company entered into a short conversation & passed invita-
tions for reciprocal visits & friendly offices They then clasped
each others hands, & bowing very low took an affectionate
farewell But where are Lamesa & her friend During these
cerimonies their horses moved with uncommon swiftness her
heart palpitates with an apprehension that she might be over-
taken by her Brother But now a friend more dear, her
beloved Elseon, with his companions, outstrip the wind in
their speed & within one hour & half they overtake these
fearful Damsels. They all precipitate their course casting
their eyes back every moment to her pursuors. But
pursuors had not sufficient time to overtake them They
safely arive on the Bank of the great River Elseon & Lamesa
were the first that entered the Boat the Rest follow & such
was Elseon's engagedness & anxiety to secure his fair prize, that
he even seized an oar,& used it with great strength & dexterity
As their feet steped on the opposite shore Elseon clasped his
hands & spoke aloud Lamesa is mine; She is now beyond
the grasp of a pompous Tyrant & the controul of a father,
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 65
whose mind is blinded by the sorded advice of a menial junto
of Councellors & priests. She is mine & shall soon be the
princis of Kentuck. Their movement is slow thro' the remain .
ing part of the journey. They at length arive at the great
City of Gamba. We may now contemplate them as having new
scenes to pass trough. Not to delineate the parade which was
made at the court of Hamboon, for the reception of his Son,
Lamesa & their friends nor to describe the joy that was
exhibited in every part of the City on their arival &the
universal surprise occationed by the story of the flight of
these two Lovers suffice it to say that those wno beheld
Lamesa did not blame Elseoii.
As Harnboon was not very punctilious in his regard to
the Constitution, being possed of very liberal sentiments,
Elseon found no difficulty in obtaining his. -consent to marry
Lamesa On the fourth day after their arival, Elseon &
Lamesa with each of them a friend appeared on a stage
which was erected on the public square of the City The
Emperor & empress with his councellors, his priests, his
officers & all his relation with the principal Ladies of the
city formed a procession & surrounded the stage The com-
mon citizens being a great multitude took their stand as they
pleased The Emperor & Empress then mounted the stage &
united Elseon & Lamesa in the bond of wedlock according to
custom And as pulling the Log was an indispensible ceri-
mony, one was provided with a rope round it on the stage
The Bridegroom & bride played their parts in pulling the
Rope with such dexterity & gracefulness that the whole
assembly were most pleasingly entertained. When all was
ended The whole assembly claped their hands & cried, long
live Elseon & Lamesa & giving three huzzas the common
citizens dispersed The rest repaired to a sumptuous enter-
tainment & spent the remaining part of the day & evening in
conversation, singing & rereation.
66 THE
CHAP XII
The Reader will recollect that Elseon & his friends left
Moonrod & his friends in a very pleasant mood without the
least suspicion that Lamesa & her friend had deserted them.
When they had arived at the vilage, what was their surprise
when they found Lamesa & her friend were not in company
nor had any one any recollections of her being in company
after they had stoped to take their leave of Elseon.
Moonrod & the other Gentlemen immediately rode back with
the greatest speed to the place where they had halted, & not
finding any traces of Lamesa, the conclusion was then certain
that she had prefer the company of the young Prince & was
on her way to Kentuck Pursuit would be in vain, their only
alternative was, to hasten back & carry the doleful intelligence
to the Emperor. Their speed was nearly equal to that of
Elseon Without waiting to perform the customary cerimony
of entering the palace Moonrod immediately rushed into the
Emperors presence & exclaimed, your daughter Lamesa ha*
been seduced by Elseon to leave our company unperceived &
has gone with him to Kentuck. Nothing but the pencil
of the Limner could paint the astonishment of the Emperor-
He rose, stood motionless for a moment, then stairing fircely
on Moonrod he spoke is it possible, is it possible are you
not mistaken my Son. I am not says he,~my most excellent
father, I am not mistaken This morning we attended Elseon
a small distance from the vilage where we lodged when we
halted to take our leave, & our attention was all engaged, She
& her friend rode off unperceived by any of our company
nor did we miss her until we arived again at the vilage We
have made full search & enquiry & find that she has absolutely
gone with the young prince to Kentuck. What an ingrate
s ays the Emperor, what a monster of hipocracy Did the hon-
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 67
curable attention we have shown him demand such treatment?
How has he insulted the dignity of our family & outraged the
high authority of our govenment. This affair will demand
the most serious consideration. Lamesa Lamesa my
darling, my best beloved Child was it possible for you to be so
deceived by that artful prince, was it possible to disobey the
command of your indulgent father & bring upon our family
such wretchedness & dishonour.
Fame with her thousand tongues commenced her pleas-
ing employment & as swift as the wings of time she wafted
the inteligence thro the City with many distorted & exagerated
particulars all was astonishment confusion & uproar. Resent-
ment enkindled her indignant sparks into a flame & the
general cry was revenge & war. The Sciotan King was walk-
ing in his parlour feeding his imagination with the pleasing
prospect of his future glory & felicity. I am quoth he to
himself, honoured above all the other princes of the empire
& even above the heir apparent to the imperial crown of Ken-
tuck. Who could be admited except myself to many the fair
Lamesa, the eldest daughter of the Emperor, the most
amiable, the most accomplished & the most honourable Lady
in the universe. This is a distinction which will place me
on equal ground with the Emperor himself & command
from all my subjects the homage of their highest respect &
reverence Besides I have a soul that can relish the charms
of the beautiful Maid She will adore me as her Lord & think
herself highly honoured & exceeding happy to submit to my
most endearing & affectionate embraces. But ah mighty
Sambal you little thought how soon this delightful prospect
would be reversed & that your soul would be rilled with
chagrene, indignation & revenge. A messenger burst into his
parlour & announced the astonishing tidings of Lamesa's elope-
ment. She has absolutely gone says he to become the wife of
Elseon & the empress of Kentuck. Not the tremendous roar
of ten thousand thunders [spontaneously thro' the atmosphere]
68
could have produced greater surprise His countenace was
all amazement It was for a moment covered with paleness
his lips quivered his kneas smote together & his gigantic
body trembled like the shaking of a tower under the effects of
an earthquake But soon [after a little silent] his reflections
& cogitations caused the blood to return with a tenfold velocity
into his face [it assumed the coulor of redness & clinghing~]
He assumed the attitude of terrific majesty & poured forth
his feelings in a voice more terrible than the roaring of a
volcano. How have I been insulted, abused, dishonoured &
outraged. How have my prospects of glory been instan-
taneously blasted & my character [become utter] become the
ridicule of a laughing world What felicities of enjoying
the imperial maid in my arms adoring me for her husband
are now vanished And by whom am I thus disgraced, insulted
& injured? By the mock prince of Kentuck an effeminate
stripling a cringing & plausible Upstart. He has robed me
of the fairest orniment of my kingdom Lamesa, who was
mine by solemn contract & must he now revel in her charms,
which are mine, & pride himself in those deceitful arts by
which he has seduced her & stolen her from my enjoyment.
No ungrateful & insiduous monster your triumph shall be
of short duration, & this arm shall viset your crimes upon
your head with a tenfold vengence Having poured forth a
torrent of the most dreadful imprecations & menaces, he left
his parlor, & walked forth to consult his principal officers on
the best plan to obtain revenge
In the meantime, the Emperor less haughty & indignant,
& possessed of sentiments more humane & benevolent, sent an
invitation to his Councellors to attend him They were unani-
mous in the opinion that the offence of Elseon required repara-
tion But should war be the consequence if he refused to
return Lamesa? On this question, two of the Councellors
contended that a humble recantation would repair the injury
done to the honour of the imperial family & the authority of
69
the goverment. The other two insisted [that would not be
sufficient] that they should demand in addition ten Mammouth
which would be an adequate compensation But they all
depricated the horrors of war. In the midst of their debates
which were managed with great coolness & impartiality
Sambal presented himself. I Have come forward says he, may
it please your most excellent majesty, to demand the fulfilment
of that solemn Contract which you made to deliver me your
oldest daughter in marriage She has been surreptitiously
carried off by the young prince of Kentuck She is mine by
contract & your majesty is bound to deliver her to me [J
demand] Let her be immediately demanded, & if the Emperor,
the father of the young prince shall refuse to return her this
will implicate him in the same crime & be a sufficient cause
of war. In that case war will be indispensible to vindicate
the honour of our respective Crowns & the rights of the
Empire. I should then give my voice for war & would never
sheath my sword until torrents of blood had made an expia-
tion for the ingratitude baseness & perfedy of the young
prince An humble recantation or the delivery of ten mam-
moth would this be a sufficient reparation for an offence so
flagitious so enormous. No the very proposal would be an
insult on the dignity of our goverment Can any thing short
of the repossession of the fair object stolen of the invaluable
prize feloniously taken from us be an adequate compensation
Nothing short of this can heal our bleeding honour appease
the indignation of our subjects, & reinstate friendship & an
amicable intercourse between both Empires Let a refusal be
followed by an immediate declaration of war Let the
resources & energies of the nation be called forth assemble
your armies & pour destruction upon all who shall oppose the
execution of our revenge. I myself will lead the van &
mingle my arm with those who fight the most bloody battles
Heroes shall fall before us their towns shall be laid in ruins,
& carnage shall glut our indignant swords.
70
When further deliberation had taken place, the Emperor
& two of his Counsellors adopted the advice of Sambal [to
demand Lamesa] & an Envoy was immediately dispatched to
the emperor of Kentuck with the following Letter.
. *
May it please your most gracious Majesty.
Nothing could have given us more pleasure than the
disposition you manifested in sending, Elseon the heir appar-
ent to your Crown to viset our family. We treated him as our
dearest Cousen & as our most intimate Friend He was invited
to associate with our children & to consider himself whilst he
tarried as a member of our family Such being the confidence
we placed in his rectitude & honour, that he assumed the
liberty to contract the most intimate acquaintance with
Lamesa our eldest daughter This produced an agreement
between them that with our consent they would be united in
marriage. Nothing would have been more pleasing than such
a connection. But we found that it would be a most flagrant
violation of the true meaning & spirit of our Constitution &
an impious outrage on the memory of its great founder. For
these reasons we signified our pleasure that Elseon would not
insist on our compliance with his request. He appeared to
acquiese in our descision & we afterwards contracted with
Sambal, king of Sciota to give her in marriage to him. But
the after conduct of your Son, may it please your most gracious
majesty, did not correspond with the high confidence we
placed in him. With deep regret & the most painful sensa-
tions we are compelled to declare that he has committed a
crime, which has disturbed our peace & happiness, dishonored
our family, & outraged the authority of our goverment & the
rights of our empire. He [has] formed a plan to transport Lamesa
into your dominions To accomplsh this [he made use of the
most insidus arts] He took advantage of our clemency & con-
descention & the high respect we manifested towards him
& without our consent & contrary to our will, he has succeeded
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 71
[in transporting to the City of Gamba] in his perfiduous design.
Lamesa is doubtless with you in the City of Gamba. A
crime of such malignity committed against the honour &
interest of our family, goverment & empire, demands repara-
tion Your majesty will perceive that the only adequate
reparation which can be made will be, the return of Lamesa
to our dominions. We therefore demand that she be conveyed
back with all possible expedition. No other alternative can
prevent the interruption of that confidence, friendship & peace
which have long continued between both empires & save
them from the horrors & calamities of war.
Signed. RAMBOCK, Emperor of Sciota.
When Hamboon had received this letter, he immediately
invited his Councellors to attend him & laid it before them,
& as it was a subject of vast importance to the empire he like-
wise invited his priests & principal offercers to join them in
council. The various passions appeared to opperate in the
course of their consultation. To avoid Hostilities with all its
attendant callamities was what they most ardently desired
& some concluded that if no other alternative could be agreed
upon it would be for the interest of the Empire & the best
policy to return the princess but others reprobated this
measure as pusilanimous & cowardly, & advised, if no other
reparation could be received to retain the princis & maintain
the conflict with a manly & heroic firmness. What say they ?
do not honor & justice require, that we should defend the
rights of the imperial Family If the Sciotan goverment
should demand, that we should send them our Emperor or
Empress, would not honor impel us to spurn at the demand
& reject it with indignation Their present demand is as pre-
posterous, & as insulting. No satisfaction will they receive for
the supposed injury except that we should seize the princis
of the Empire, tare her from the bosom of her consort &
transport her to Sciota Are we capable of an act so unjust &
72
inhuman so base & disgraceful? As the debates were pro-
ceeding, Elseon rose May I says he claim your attention a
moment. Undaunted by the cruel demand & haughty menace
of the Sciotan goverment, I am willing to abide your decision
If transporting Lamesa into our dominions, when she has
been most unjustly & inhumanly demanded for a companion,
is a crime [so perfiduous & flagitious as] of such mighty magni-
tude, then inflict a punishment that shall be adequate to the
offence But if the Almighty whose benevolence is infinite,
has designed the union of hands where hearts are united I
have then transgressed no divine law, but have obeyed the
divine will I am therefore innocent of any crime. I have
an undoubted right to retain Lamesa for my wife & no gover-
ment on earth have any authority from heaven to tear her
from my bosom. Nor will I submit to such an event so long
as the life-blood circulates thro' my heart & warms my limbs
If war must be the consequence of my proceedings, [which
transgressed no principles af honour justice or humanity, we are
both innocent $ honourable, it will give me the most perfect feelings.~\
I shall deplore it certainly, but will never shrink like a
Dastard from the conflict. The Sciotan King, who is at the
bottom of all the mischief shall never behold me fleeing before
his gigantic sword or sculking to avoid a single combat with
him. You have therefore no other alternative but either first
to slay your prince & then like cowards to send back your
princes to Sciota or else to make immediate preparation to
meet their threatened vengences with fortitude and courage.
This speach of the young prince united the whole council &
they unanimously agreed to reject the demand of the Sciotan
goverment. A Letter was written & an Envoy dispached with
instructions to attempt a reconciliation. He precipitated his
journey to the court of Rambock & when he arrived he
delivered him the following Letter.
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 73
May it please your most excellent Majesty.
Next to the welfare aiid prosperity of our Empire we
should rejoice in the welfare and prosperity of yours. It is
therefore with extreme regret that we view the unhappy dif-
ference which has arisen, & which threatens to involve the
two empires in the calamities of war Had you demanded a
reparation for the supposed injury which would consist with
the principles of justice & the honour of our crown & gover-
ment, it should be given you with the utmost cheerfulness
But to return you Lamesa who has now become the princis
of Kentuck, would be tearing her from the arms of an affec-
tionate Husband & breaking the 'bond of solemn wedlock
And compliance with your demand will subject us to the com-
mission of such injustice & cruelty, it must therefore be our
duty to declare, that we will not return the young princes
And as such an event would destroy her happiness as well as
that of her affectionate Consort, we shall permit her to tarry
in our dominions & grant her protection We are however
desirous that an honourable reconciliation may take place
and a good understanding be restored To effect this most
important and very desirable object, we have given full
authority to Labanko our beloved Brother, the Bearer of this
Letter, to negociate a settlement of our difference, provided
you will receive any thing as a substitute for what you have
demanded.
Signed HAMBOON Emperor of Kentuck.
The mind of Rambock was not formed for the perpetual
exercise of Resentment & malice. And having conversed a
considerable time with Labanco, who appologised for the con-
duct of the young prince with great inginuety his anger
abated & he felt a disposition for the restoration of friendship
but the indignation & malice of Sambol encreased with
time his dark soul thirsted more ardently for revenge &
nothing would satisfy but blood & carnage. He employed
74 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
instruments to assist in fanning the sparks of resentment &
blowing them into the flames of war. Not content to repre-
sent facts as they existed & in their true colours mon-
strous stories were fabricated & put in cerculation calculated
to excite prejeudice & rouse the resentment of the people
against Elseon & the whole empire of Kentuck. He had
recourse to a class of men who were denominated prophets
& conjurors to favour his disign. They had for many ages
a commanding influence over the minds of a great majority
of the people As they pretended to have art of investigat-
ing the councils & designs of the heavenly Hierachy & to
have a knowledge of future events, the people with pleasure
listened to their predictions [with vast pleasure] & thought
it impious to question or or doubt their fulfilment. A small
company of these necromancers or juglers assembled on the
great square of the City & mounted a stage which was pro-
vided for them. The Citizens attended. It was a prodigious
concourse of all classes, of all descriptions, both wise & simple*
both male & female. They surrounded the stage and were
all attention, all anxious to learn the hiden decrees of Heaven,
& the future destinies of the empire. Drafolick their chief
prophet extended his arms & cast up his eyes towards Heaven.
Quoth he Heaven unfolds her massy gates & opens to my
view a prospect, wide & vast The seven sons of the great
Spirit sieze their glittering swords & swear they shall not be
sheathed till blood in torrents run & deluge the fair land of
Kentuck I behold enemies martialing on the celestial plain
& hear warriors & heroes cry avenge the crime of Elson
I hear a thundering voice proceeding from the great
Throne of him who rules the world proclaiming thus
corn shall not grow on the Sciotan fields, nor mamouth yield
their milk nor fish be taken in the snare but pestilence
shall roam unless Sciota shall avenge the crime of Elseon.
Drofalik ended his prophesy Hamack then arose & in his
hand he held a stone which he pronounced transparent
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUN." 75
tho' it was not transparent to common eyes. Thro' this he
could view things present & things to come could behold
the dark intrigues & cabals of foreign courts & discover
hidden treasures, secluded from the eyes of other mortals.
He could behold the galant & his mistress in their bed
chamber & count all their moles warts & pimples. Such
was the clearness of his sight when this transparent stone was
placed before his eyes. He looked fiercely & steadfastly on
the stone & raised his prophetick voice. I behold Hamboon
with all his priests & great officers assembled around him
with what contempt he declares he dispises all the Sciotans
they are says he cowards & paltroons they dare not face my
brave warriors Here I see four men coming forward bearing
an immage formed with all the fetures of ugliness and
deformity This they call Sambal the King of Sciota The
whole company break forth into boisterous laughing Ah see
& they are cutting off his head with their swords yes and
are now kicking it about the palace Here is a pole it is stuck
upon that and carried thro' the City. my loving sparks
Elseon & Lamesa what makes you so merry why Elseon
says he has outwitted the Sciotans he has got the prize & he
little regards their resentment. Hamack was proceeding with
such nonsensical visions when the multitude interrupted him
with a cry Revenge Revenge We will convince the Ken-
tuckans that we are not cowards or poltroons Their heads
shall pay for their sport in kicking about the pretended head
of our beloved King. We will avenge the crime of Elseon
The great and good Being is on our side, & threatens us with
famine & pestilence unless we avenge the crime of Elseon.
The arts of these Conjurers were the consummation of
Sambal's plan, to produce in the minds of the multitude an
inthusiasm & rage for war. He now repairs to the Emperor
& solicits him to assemble his councellors immediately pro-
claim war & concert measures for its prosecution. The
Emperor replies, that they should soon be assembled
76 THE
But as to war it was a subject which required great considera-
tion.
Early on the next day his councellors, priests & principal
officers all meet him in the council Room He laid before
them the letter of Hamboon & observed, that tho' the gov-
erment of Kentuck had refused to return Lamesa yet they
had offered to make to our goverment a recantation of
Elseon's crime & to pay us almost any sum as a reparation for
our injury. The council sat silent for some time at length
the venerable Boakim arose. I must beg, says he, the indul-
gence of your Majesty & this honourable council a few
moments Never did I rise with such impressions of the high
importance of our deliberations as what I now feel The great
question to be decided is peace or war If peace can be pre-
served with honour then let us maintain peace but if not,
then let us meet war with fortitude & courage. As to the
great crime of Elseon, no one presumes to present an apology
Even their own goverment by offering to make reparation
implicitly aknowledge that he has been guilty of a crime.
But is it of such malignity as to require the conflagration of
towns & cities & the lives of milions to make an expiation.
[Can no other reparation consistent with justice & humanity be
received] Or must we [compel] in order to ha^e an atonement
made for the crime of Elseon, compel the goverment of Ken-
tuck to commit another crime, to separate, to tear from each
other's embraces the husband & wife. Such a reparation as
this we cannot in justice expect. Shall we then accept of no
other? Cannot our bleeding honour be healed without shed-
ing blood without laying a whole empire in ruins. Such
refined notions of honour may prove our own ruin, as well as
the ruin of those on whom we attempt to execute vengence
The calamities of war have a reciprocal action on the parties,
each must expect to endure a portion of evils how large a
portion would fall to our share, in case of war, it is not for us
to determine While thirsting for revenge, we contemplate
77
with infinite pleasure, their armies routed & their warriors
bleeding under our swords their helpless women & children
-expiring by thousands & their country in flames But reverse
the scene suppose the enemy have as much wit as much
stratagem courage strength & inhumanity as what we possess,
& such may be our situation, when the flood gate is once
opened, who can stop the torrent & prevent devastation &
ruin [We ought therefore"] It was never designed by the
great & good Being that his children should contend & destroy
that existence which he gave them They all have equal
rights & ought to strive to maintain peace & friendship
This has been the maxim of our fathers & this the doctrine
taught by the great founder of our goverment & religion
Under the influence of this maxim our nation has grown to
an emence multitude & contentment & happiness have been
universal. But why can we not enjoy peace with honour?
what insurmountable obsticles are then to prevent. [ Why
truely, a recantation $ property are no compensation for the
injury? For other offences these are accepted why must
the offence of Elseon be singular ]
The Emperor's daughter we presume is happy nor can
it be a disgrace to the imperial family that she has married
the son of an Emperor, the heir apparent to his crown [But
she was to have been the wife of Sambol the King of Sciota?~\
We can therefore with honour to our goverment accept of the
reparation offered & thus preserve the blessings of peace.
But if we suffer resentment, pride & ambition to plunge us
into a war where will its mischief where will its miseries
end As both empires are nearly equal as to number &
resources I will venture to predict their eventual overthrow
& destruction.
Boakim would have proceeded, but Hainkol rose & inter-
rupted It was impudence in the extreme but he had much
brass & strong lungs & would be heard further than Boakim.
Such sentiments says he may, comport with the infirmities
78
of age but they are too degrading & cowardly for the vigor
and youth of manhood If we suffer insult, perfedy & outrage
to pass of with impunity we may afterwards bend our necks
to be troden upon by every puny upstart & finical coxcomb-
No let us march with our brave warriors into the dominion
of Hamboon. His effeminate & luxurious Court will tremble
at, our presence & yield the fair Lamesa into our possession
But if they should still have the temerity to refuse we will
then display our valour by inflicting upon them a punish-
ment which their crimes deserve Yes our valiant warriors
shall gain immortal renown by their heroic exploits: [^ by
the destruction of all shall whoJ] Sciota will ever after have the
preeminence over Kentuck & compel her haughty sons to
bow in our presence Let war be proclaimed & every king-
dom & tribe from the River to the Lakes will pour forth their
warriors anxious to revenge our country's wrongs. Scarce
had he done speaking And Lakoon the High Priest arose
\~He was in the interest of Sambal $ had married his sister. He
had taken great umbrage at Elseon for saying that the priesthood
had too great an assendence of the court of Rambock.~] And
lifting up his sanctamoneous eyes slowly towards heaven &
extending his [right] reverend hand a little above an horizon-
tal position he spoke When the Laws which are contained
in our holy religion are transgressed, it is my duty as high
Priest of the empire to give my testimony against the trans-
gression Elseon, the heir apparent to the imperial throne of
Kentuck has been guilty of Robery & impiety within our
dominions He has robed this empire of an invaluable
treasure & as this crime is a most flagicious transgression of
our divine Law it must have been commited in defiance of
the high authority of Heaven & therefore it is an act of the
greatest impiety. The injury, the insult & outrage has not
been commited against us alone if this was the case per-
haps we might accept of reparation but it commited against
the throne of omnipotence & in defiance of his authority.
79
No reparation can f consequence be received except it be a
return of the stolen treasure or the Blood of the Transgres-
sor nothing else can satisfy the righteous demand of the
Great & good Being He therefore. calls upon the civil power
to execute his vengeance to inflict an exampleary punish-
mentand as it is his cause & you are imployed as his
instruments you may be assured that his almighty arm will
add strength to your exertions & give you a glorious victory
over your enimies The mighty atoheivments of your warriors
shall immortalize their names & their heads shall be crowned
with never fading laurels & as for those who shall die, glor-
iously fighting in the cause of their country & their God, they
shall immediately receive etherial Bodies & shall arise
quickly to the abodes of increasing delight and glory He
said no more he had discharged some part of his malice
against Elseon for saing, that the priesthood had too much
influence in the court of Rambock
The door was opened & it was seen that Sambal, at the
head of a great multitude of citizens had taken their stand in
front of the house all crying with a loud voice Revenge &
war Long live the Emperor & King We will a^nge their
wrongs: This uproar, & the harang of the High Priest deter-
mined the wavring mind of the Emperor. [But the venerable
Boakim $ Bithawan opposed the torrent \_ stood as stood firm."]
Ihey boldly affirmed that a war was impolitic $ unjustifiable
But \_ihey~\ Iheir opposition however was vain The popular voice
was against them $ the other two councellors Hamkol $
Gamasko [gave their vote for war] urged with great vehemence
that war should be declared. ]
In vain were all the reasonings of the venerable Boakim
& Bithawan The other two councillors Hamkol, & Gamasko
joining the Emperor they proceeded to make out a declaration
of vV^ar It was in these words
War is declared by the government & empire of Sciota
80 THE
against the government & empire of Kentuck The Sciotans
are required to exterminate, without distinction of age or sex
all the inhabitants of the empire of Kentuck they are
required to burn their houses, & either to destroy, or to take
possession of their property for their own use & benefit. This
destruction is commanded by the great benevolent Spirit & by
the government of Sciota.
Signed RAMBOCK Emperor of Sciota.
A copy of this declaration was given to Labano the
brother & evoy of Hamboon He demanded a guard to defend
him against the rage of "the common people who discovered
a disposition to plunge th'eir swords into the heart of every
man, whose fortune it was to be born on the opposite side of
the River Labanco was garded as far as the River & conveyed
across in safety He repaired to Gamba, [<f there he proclaimed
the intelligence, of this declaration of War.~] & there made known
all the proceedings of the Sciotan goverment.
Here one leaf of the manuscript, pages 133 and 134, appear to be
missing. Plge 135 proceeds as follows:
Habelon, King of Chiango was the next proud chief who
appeared at Galanga with a chosen band of warriors. He had
fifteen thousand who boasted of superior strength & agility
Their countenances were fierce & bold, being true indications
of their hearts which feared no danger They were always
obedient to the order of their king who always sought the most
conspicuous place for the display of his valour Possessed of
gigantic strength & of astonishing agility he was capable of
performing the most briliant acheivments which would almost
exceed belief His mind was uncultivated by science & his
passions were subject to no restraint His resentment was
quick & firy & his anger knew no bounds [/or expression]
Nothing was concealed in his heart whether friendship or
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 81
enmity but always exhibited by expressions strong & extrava-
gant. He had a soul formed for war In the bustle of
campaigns, in the sanguine field where heroes fell beneath
his conquering sword, his ambition was gratafied & he acquired
the highest martial glory.
Ulipoon King of Michegan received the orders of the
Emperor with great joy War suited his nigardly &
avaricious soul as he was in hopes, to obtain great riches from
the spoils of the Enirny Little did he regard the miseries
& destruction of others if by this means he could obtain
wealth & agrandize himself A mind so contracted & selfish
was not capable of imbibing one sentiment of generosity or
humanity or even of honour None however were more
boistrous than he for war None proclaimed their own valour
with so loud a voice yet none were more destitute of courage
& more capable of treachery, baseness & cruelty Yet with
the sounding epithets of patriotism, honour & valour he
proceeded with great expedition to collect a chosen band of
[dauntless warriors the consisted of] Eighteen thousand
wariors. Their marshial appearanc'e intittled then! to a com-
mander of more generosity & valour, than the nigardly &
treacherous Ulipoon.
Numapon, the King of Colorangus [made no~] was prompt
to comply with the imperial Requisition. Tho' he prefered
the scenes of peace & Being very fond of study & of the
mechanical arts his mind was replenished with knowledge &
he took great pleasure in promoting works of inginuity. He
was farmed for [greaf] wisdom & [subtelty] penetration of
mind, was capable of forming great plans & of prossecuting
them with vigor & perseverance He was deliberate &
circumspect in all his movements [but was always quick, on
any suden emmergence, to concert plans $ to determine] had the
full command of his mental powers in every situation &
even when dangers surrounded him would instantly deter-
mine the best measures to be pursued. He prefered the scenes
82
of peace but could meet war with courage & firmness. At
the head of a select band of sixteen thousand men, all com-
pleatly armed & anxious to meet the foe he marched to join
the grand army. Not far behind appeared Ramuck the King
of Geneseo [ With} Furious & resolute, he had made the
utmost expedition to collect his forces Nor did he delay a
moment, when his men were collected & prepared to move
At the head of ten thousand bold & robust warriors he
appeared at the place of general rendesvos within one day
after the King of Colorongus had arived. He hosted of the
rapidity of his movements & tho' he commanded the smalest
division of the grand army, yet he anticipated distinguished
laurels of glory not less than what would be obtained by
their first commander.
When these Kings with their forces had all arrived at Tal-
anga, the Emper Rambock ordered them to parade on a great
plain. They obeyed and were formed in solid collums. The
Emperor, then, attended by his son Moonrod, his Councellors &
the high Priest, presented himself before them His garments
glitered with ornaments '& a bunch of long feathers of var-
ious colours were placed on the front of his Cap. His sword
he held in his right hand, and being tall and strait in his
person, & having a countenance grave & bold, when he
walked his appearance was majestic. He was the commander
in chief & such was the high esteem & reverance with which
the whole army viewed him, that none were considered as
being so worthy of that station. Taking a stand in front of
the army, he brandished his sword All fixed their eyes upon
him & gave profound attention. He thus made an address.
Brave warriors. It is with the greatest satisfaction & joy that
I now behold you assembled to avenge the most flagitious
crimes, of which man was ever guilty. Ingratitude & perfedy,
seduction, Robery & the most daring impiety against heaven
have been perpetrated within our dominions The young
prince of Kentuck is the monster, whose has been guilty of
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 83
these Crimes Our most amiable daughter Lamesa he has
seduced & contrary to our will has transported her into his
own country wishing to avoid the effusion of human blood
we offered to withhold our revenge if the Emperor of Kentuck
would restore our Daughter. But he has refused He has
implicated himself & all his subjects in the horrid crimes
of his son Their whole land is now guilty & every man
woman & child are the proper objects of severe chastisement.
The great & good Being is indignant towards them, [^ views
them with the utmost detestation & abhorrance] As we have
received our power from him he requires, that we should not
only avenge our own wrongs, but likewise execute his veng-
ence on those perfiduous ingrates & monsters, [of wickedness
$ impiety] That this is his divine will has been clearly inves-
tigated by our holy prophets & priests who have given us
the most [indubtidf] positive assurance that success shall attend
our arms that we shall be enriched with the plunder of our
enimies that laurels of immortal fame will crown the achiev-
rnents of our warriors & that they shall be [gloriously] dis-
tinguished on the plains of glory like Suns & Stars in the
firmement of heaven Our cause is just the celestial powers
above are on our side they have brandished their swords &
sworn that blood shall deluge the fair Land of Kentuck.
You have done well my brave warriors, that you have assem-
bled around the standard of your Emperor I will conduct
you to the field of Battle & direct your movements My son
Moonrod, whose arm like mine is not enfebled by age, will
mingle with the boldest combatants & lead you on to victory.
By the most valorous exploits by blood & slaughter we will
convince our enimies that we are not cowards & poltroons
Their ridecule and derision shall be turned into mourning &
lamentation- 2 & we will teach their effeminate & luxurious
Goverment not to dispise the hardy & brave sons of Sciota.
In full confidence that we shall gloriously triumph & add
immortal lustre to our names, we will now march forward
84 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
[we will'] & avenge the injuries done to the honour of our
imperial goverment & the rights of our empire & all the
celestial beings above shall rejoice in the execution of divine
vengence. He said no more the whole army with one voice
proclaimed Long live the Emperor We swear that he shall
never find us cowards & poltroons. The Emperor then
ordered them to march by divisions & each King to lead on
his own subjects. They began their march towards the land
of Kentuck Their provisians & baggage were born on the
backs of Mammouth Each man had a sword by his side & a
spear in his hand & on their breasts down to their hips & on
their thighs they wore pieces of mamouth skins to guard them
from arrows & the weapons of death & on their Caps they
wore bunches of long feathers. Their garments were short,
so as not to encumber them in battle. Thus equipt & orni-
mented they moved on in exact order until they arived at the
great River Here they halted to provide boats to transport
them across Their baggage & provisions were carried on the
backs of their mammouth which carrid prodigious loads.
And here we will leave them for the present & take a view
of the proceedings at Kentuck.
When Labanco had presented to Hamboon the Emperor
of Kentuck the declaration of war & related the proceedings
of the Sciotan goverment, he immediately assembled his Coun-
cellors, who unanimously agreed to make the most active &
vigorous preparation for war. The Emperor sent forth his
mandates to all the princes of his empire requiring them to
assemble the most couragious warriors in their respective
kingdoms, & to march to the City of Gamba. All the princes
of the empire were quick to obey the requisition of their
Sovereign. The army assembled and paraded on a great plain
before the City Hamboon attended by his two sons, Elseon &
Hanock & by his councellors & three of his principal Priests
walked out of the City & presented himself before his army.
His garments were of various colours & his cap was adorned
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 85
with a bunch of beautiful Feathers, which waved high in the
wind In his left hand he held a spear & in his right a sword
His countenance was bold & resolute & such was his grace-
fulness & elocution, when he spoke, that all eyes were fixed
upon him & all ears were attention.
My brave Sons says he, I extremely regreted the necessity
of calling you from your peaceable employments to engage in
the blody scenes of war But such is the violence the malice
& ambition of the Sciotan government that nothing will satisfy
them but hostilities between the empires They have pro-
claimed war, even a war of extermination against our domin-
ions Nor was it in our power to prevent this most dreadful
calamity unless we tore assunder the bond of wedlock
befwen the prince and the princis of the Empire & transported
her like a culprit into their dominions. This was the only
alternative which they offered to accept to prevent this terrible
crisis & why the vigor of this demand Was it because the
young prince had violated any Law either human or divine
No it was because the King of Sciota had fallen in love with
the princis & wished to have her for his wife But as she
viewed him with the utmost hatred & disgust, he has been
disappointed To gratify his malice & revenge he has roused
the Sciotans to take arms & threatens to deluge our cities with
the blood of our citizens & to lay our country in ruins. It is
a war on their part to gratify malice & revenge & nothing
will satisfy their malignant passions but our complete exter-
mination On our part it is a war of self defence of self
preservation a defence which will extend to our wives & our
children & to all the blessings & endearments of life. We
must either submit to behold [our dearest friends expiring in
agonies,] our property torn from us, our houses in flames &
our dearest friends expiring in agonies, & like cowards suffer
them without resistance to cut our own throats, or we must
meet them, like men determined to vindicate our rights & to
retaliate all their intended mischief. Nor need we fear the
86
event of the contest Infinite benevolence will regard our
situation, & grant us that assistance which will give success
to our efforts You my brave sons will be inspired with
courage Your hands will be strong for the Battle & their
warriors will fall before you like corn before the repers sickel
With all their mighty boasting, & high confidence in
superior cunnig & pro wes they are men formed of the same
material which we possess Our swords will find a passage to
their hearts & the vital blood gushing forth, they will fall
prostrate at our feet. Let us march then with courage to meet
the implacable foe determined either to die gloriously fight-
ing or to obtain victory.
Having thus spoken The whole army, with a loud voice,
replied Victory or death Lead us on to victory. At the
head of this army, which consisted of one hundred & fifty thou-
sand men, he marched towards the great River They arrived
on the Bank & beheld the Sciotans, all busily employed in
making preparation to cross the River.
The Empress the princis Lamesa, & the Emperors
daughters attended by a few friends & their servants; arived
at the place where the army was encaped As soon as Elseon
heard the news of their arival, he hastened to the place, &
found the company had alighted [at an house] & that Lamesa
& her friend Holiza were in a room by themselves As soon
as he entered Lamesa arose The gloom & anxiety which for
a number of days were visible in her countenance, at his
appearance were dispelled He received her into his arms
with an affectionate embrace & expressed the greatest pleas-
ure at seeing her once more. The tears ran down his cheeks
for a moment she was silent She raised her head & replied
Elseon were it not for you I should be the most wretched
being in existence & yet my love for^ou has been the cause
of all my present affliction. If I never had seen you, those
horrid prospects which now present themselves to my view,
would never have been But you are innocent nor am I
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 87
guilty of any crime. But how can I endure to behold the
calamities which must fall upon both nations in consequence
of our connection? Two empires at war, spreading carnage
& ruin warriors bleeding on the field of Battle innocent
women & children screiching in the agonies of death &
towns & cities in flames Ah horrid prospect Have you
& I my dear Elseon produced these dreadful calamities? [Is
our conduct the cause which must.~\ We are not, says he my dear
Lamesa, responsible for the horrid effects of malice & revenge,
which may be occationed by our innocent conduct. If men
will be so indignant towards each other, because we do right
as, to massacre & do all the mischief they can, we may deplore
their weakness & depravity but have no more reason, to
make ourselves unhappy on the account, than if these effects
were by some other cause They alone are responsible for
their crimes & have reason for unhappy reflections.
But how can I endure says she, to behold my dearest
friends, become each others implacable enimy? To see them
mutually engaged to destroy each others life? My Father,
for whom I ever had the greatest affection & my only Brother
are now at the head of one .hostile army And your Father
& you my dearest husband are at the head of the other
When these armies meet would you not plunge your sword
into the heart of my father & my brother & would they not
do the same by you if in their power? When such scenes
present themselves to my view they pierce my soul like dagers
& produce the keenest anguish that I could fly to my
Father, & on my bended knees implore forgiveness. Yes says
Elseon, & when you have done that, he will give you to the
mighty Sambol for his wife
No never, says she, never would I submit I abhor the
monstre more than ever He is the most malignant scoundrel
in existance To gratify his revenge whole empires must be
laid in ruins, What punishment more just than that he him-
self should fall in battle, & endure the agonies which his
88
vengful soul is bringing on others. But as for my father &
my brother, they have, by his artifices been deceived I con-
jure you, if you have any regard for my happiness, not to take
their lives if in your power.
Their lives says he are safe from my sword Rather that
my hands should be stained with the blood of your dearest
friends I will present my bosom to their swords But hark
there is an alarm An express arived & informed him, that
the Sciotan army had found means to get their Boats down
the Eiver in the night unperceived & had landed, without
opposition, about three miles below the Kentuckian encamp-
ment. Elseon then embraced his wife & said, when your pro-
tection & my honour call, I must obey. He left her in tears
imploring heaven to protect him & running swiftly to the
armv he took his station.
CHAP XIV
Hamboon mounted on an eligant Horse richly caparo-
soned, rode thro' the encampment proclaiming aloud every
man to his station, seize your arms & prepare for battle All
his princes quick to obey their commander, instantly repaired
to their respective divisions & gave orders to form the men
into solid columns When this was done they marched a
small distance & paraded on the great plain of Geheno They
were now prepared for the hostile engagement Their officers
of the highest Ranks marched along in front of their divisions
& by their speaches inspired the men with boldness &
courage They ardently wished to behold their enemies &
to have an opportunity of displaying their valour in their des-
truction. Hamboon then commanded his principal officers
to assemble around him When they were collected, which
89
was in front of the army, he then addressed them. I wish for
your opinion, my brave
Here a leaf (pages 143 <fe 144) of the Manuscript is missing. Page 145
proceeds as follows:
<fe heroic Commanders, had each a chosen band of warriors,
who were ordered as soon as the battle should begin, to march
between the divisions, & charge the enimy, [in order to break
their order & throw them into confusion] The design of this
arangement was to break the Ranks & throw them into con-
fusion. The command of these bands were given to Elseon,
Labanko, Hanock, & two counsellors of the Emperor Hamul
& Taboon. The momentous period had arived Each grand
army were now ready were anxious for the combat, & san-
guine in their expectations of obtaining a glorious victory.
Musicians with instruments of various kinds, were now play-
ing thro' every division of both armies They blowed horns,
pipes & a kind of Trumpet & beat with sticks on little tubs
whose heads were formed of parchment. The melody was
truely martial & calculated to inspire each warrior with an
ardent desire for battle & the most daring heroism All was
husht The musicians fell back in the rear There was a per-
fect silence thro' both armies. Each Emperor with their
swords brandishing were in front & facing their respective
.armies. Near three hundred thousand spears were glittering
with the reflection of sun beams Not a cloud to be seen in
the east The sun shone with his usial brightness In the west
a dark cloud began to arise & distant thunder was heard to
rumble. Rambock proclaimed with a voice which was heard
from the right to the left March march, my brave warriors
& fight like heroes. Hamboon saw them beginning to move-
but not changing his countenance which was placid & bold
he proclaimed Stand firm, my brave sons Let your arrows
fly thick against your enimies as they advance & finish with
90 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
your spears & your swords their destruction. The musick
again played & both armies gave a tremendous shout [Spears
& swords] When the Sciotans had advanced, with a firm <fc
moderate step, within a small distance of Hamboons army,
both armies discharged arrows with such unerring aim &
celerity, that many brave warriors on both sides fell prostrate
others were sorely wounded & retired back in the rear
Their places were immediately supplied & the second Rank
colosed & took their stations in the fight Each man fixing his
spear horizontaly & about as high as his breast, the Sciotans
rushed forward with hedious yels & horrible shouting & made
a most tremendous, & furious charge upon the Kentucks
They received them with firmness & courage Spears met
spears many were bent and broken & others were thrust,
on both sides into bodies of Heroes, whose blood gushing forth,
they fell with horrid groans, pale & lifeless on the sanguine
plain. Neither army gave back but being nearly equal as to
strength & numbers they poured forth upon each other with a
lavish hand the implements of death & destruction-
Determined to conquer or die, it was impossible to con-
jecture which Emperor would have gained the victory had the
divisions or bands in the rear of each army remained
inactive. But anxious to engage with the boldest warriors, the
Kentuck-Bands, led on by their heroic princes, rushed between
the division of the grand army & made a most furious charge
upon the Sciotans They broke thro' their Ranks peircing with
deadly wounds their indignant foes heroes fell before them
& many of the Sciotans being struck with surprise & terror
began to retire back But the bands in the rear of their army
instantly rushed forward & met their furious combitants The
battle was now spread in every direction. Many valiant chiefs
who commanded under their respective Kings were overthrown
& many thousand robost & brave warriors, whose names
were not distinguished by office, were compeled to receive
deadly wounds & to bite the dust. It was Elseon fortune to
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 91
attack the division led by the valiant Ramoff He broke his
ranks & killed many warriors while driving them furiously
before him he met Hamkol at the head of many thousand
Sciotans Hamkol beheld the young Prince & knew him &
being fired with the greatest rage & thirst for revenge, he
urged on the combat with the most daring violence Now he
thot, was a favorable chance to gain immortal renown Elseon
says he shall feel the effects of my conquering sword The
warriors on both side charged each other with incredible fury
& Elseon & Hamkol met in the center of their divisions I
have found you says Hamkol perfiduous monster I will teach
you to rob our empire of its most valuable treasure He
spoke & Elseon replied Art thou Hamkol the Counsellor of
Rambock Your advice has produced this blood and slaughter
Hamkol raised his sword & had not Elseon defended him-
self from the blow, he never would have spoken again But
quick as the lightning Elseon darted his sword thro' his heart
[Hamkol] knashed his teeth together & [with a groan] tumb-
ling headlong with a groan expired.
The battle raged Labanko attacked the division of
Sambal His conquering sword had killed two daring
chiefs & his Band performed the most brilliant exploits
Sambol met him & like an indignant panther, he
sprang upon him, & while Labanko was engaged in com-
bat with another chief, Sambol thurst his sword into his
side Thus Labanko fell lamented & beloved by all the
subjects of the empire of Kentuck [Hanocfc] His learning
wisdom & penetration of mind his integrity, firmness &
courage had gained him universal respect & given him
a commanding influence over the Emperor & his other Coun-
cellors He was viewed with such respect & reverence, that
the death of no man could have produced more grief & lamen-
tation & excited in the minds of the Ken tucks a more ardent
thirst for revenge. The officers of his phalanx exclaimed
revenge the death of Labanko Even lightning could not
92 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
have produced a more instantaneous effect.- With tenfold
rage & fury his warriors maintained the conflict & redubled
their efforts in spreading death & carnage The mighty Sam-
bal trembled at the slaughter of his [subjects] warriors & began
to dispair of victory [he began to] fearing that his intended
revenge was turning upon his own head. During this
slaughter of Sambals forces Hanock was engaged in battle
with Habelan King of Chianga No part of the war raged
with more a equal balance Warriors met warriors with such
equal strength & courage that it was impossible to determine
on which side was the greatest slaughter even their heroic
chiefs prudently avoided a combat with each other & emploid
their swords in overthrowing those of less distinction, the
field was covered with the bodies of heroes, besmeared with
blood, which was spread thick on every side. In the mean-
time Hamul & Taboon who led on the other reserved bands of
the Kentucks were fiercely engaged in spreading the war thro'
the ranks of the Sciotans Hamul compelled the division
commanded by Sabamah to fall back but still they fought,
as they slowly retreated & being reinforced by a body of
troops in their rear they continued the conflict & maintained
their position The slaughter was emence & each party boasted
of the most brilliant atchievments.
Taboon made his attack on the division of Ulipoon com-
manded by Hamelick The Sciotan ranks were broken & they
must have fled in confusion had not Rameck supported them
with his warlike band The contest now became [bloody]
furious & equal feats of valour were displaied by contending
heroes. The thirsty earth was overspread with the dead &
dying bodies of thousands & saciated its thirst by copious
draughts of human blood Hamelick himself was slain
But not, until after his sword was crimsoned with the blood
of his enimies.
The dubious war appeared at last determined Hambock
beheld his army giving ground on every part He rode
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 93
through their divisions & endeavoured to inspire them with
persevering courage But in vain they could not withstand the
impetuosity, the numbers & strength of their Enimies aided
by the advantage they had obtained by the arangement [they
had made] to manage the conflict The Sciotans began to
retreat & such was the situation of both armies that [they]
the Sciotans must [/&ave] principally have been overthrow &
destroyed if the Kentucks had been permited to continue the
havock & slaughter they had begun. But how often are the
most sanguine expectations disappointed by the decrees of
Heaven? At this awful period whilst the atmosphere was
replete with the multifarious sounds of the clashing of swords
& spears the melody of [the] martial musick the shouts of
the conquerors & the shrieks & groans of the dying, even then
the heavens were overspread with clouds of the most sable
hue, which had blown from the west The thunders roared
tremendously & the flashes of hightning were incessant.
The wind began to blow from the west with great violence
the hail poured down from the clouds & was carried with
great velocity full in the faces of the Kentucks They were
unable to see their enimy or continue the pursuit. Rambock
& his princes immediately ralied their retreating forces, &
facing round encouraged them to fight courageously since the
great & good Being had miraculously interposed in their
behalf. The Kentuck army were unable to continue the con-
flict. They were obliged in their turn, to retreat. But such
was the violence of the storm that the Sciotans could not take
any great advantage of the confusion of their armies They
however pursued them to the hill which had been in the rear
of the Kentucks overthrowing & kiling some in the pursuit.
But as the hill was overspread with trees which broke the
violence of the wind, Hamboon commanded his men to face
their pursuers The Sciotans finding that their enimies had
the advantage of the ground \_& being intolerably fatigued with a
battle which had lasted near four hours,] retired a small distance
94 THE
back & as soon as the storm abated they inarched beyond
the ground which was strewed thick with the slain. [Thus
ended the great battle on the plains of Geheno] There they
encamped and as the storm had now subsided both armies
proceeded to make provision to refresh themselves, being
nearly exhausted by the fatigues of a most bloody contest
which had lasted nearly five hours. That day afforded them
no time to bury their dead The Sun did not tarry in his
course but hid himself below the Horizon & darkness spread
itself over the face of the earth The warriors with their
spears in their hands extended themselves upon the earth, &
spent the night in rest & sleep Next morning they arose with
renovated vigor. Their tho'ts were immediately turned to the
sanguine field Many warriors say they lie there, pierced with
mortal wounds & covered with blood Their spirits have
assumed etheriel bodies & they are now receiving the rewards
assigned to the brave on the plains of glory but they
demand of us that we should secure their remains from the
voracious jaws of carniverous Beasts, by interring them in the
earth. But how can this be done unless both armies will
mutuall}" agree to lay down their arms during the interment
of the remains of their respective warriors. Hamboon dis-
pached a Messenger to Rambock, who agreed to an armistice
for the term of two days & that ten thousand men might be
employed from each army in burying the dead.
It was indeed a meloncolly day. The contest was not
desided Neither army had gained a victory or had reason to
boast of any superior advantages obtained or any heroic
atcheivments, which were not matched by contending war-
riors. An emence slaughter was made. Near one hundred
thousand were extended breathless on the field This was only
the beginning of the war : & what must be its dreadful calami-
ties if it should continue to rage if a few more battles should
be faught & the infuriated Conqueror should turn his vengful
sword, against defencless women & children & mingle their
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND.'' 95
blood with the blood of heroes, who had fallen bravely fight-
ing in their defence. When both armies viewed the emence
slaughter that had been made of their respective friends
instead of cooling their ardor for the war, it only served to
encrease their malice & their thirst for revenge.
[Ten thousand men from each army, without arms, marched to
the field were the battle was f aught & having selected the dead bodies
of their respective warriors they carried [them] as many of them
together as what could be done with convenience & then digging
into the ground about three feet deep & throwing the dirt around in
a circular form upon the edge of the grave they then deposited the
bodies in it, covering the ground over which they had dug with the
bodies & then placing others upon them until the whole were
deposited they then proceeded to thro? dirt upon them to raise over
them a high mound In this manner they proceeded until they had
finished the interment. The bodies of the Chiefs that were slain,
were carried to their respective armies & performing many cus-
tomary sollemnities of woe, they were intered & prodigious mounds
of earth were raised over them. After the funeral rites were
finished & the armistice had expired, the hostile Emperors must now
determine on their further plans of operation]
The field was widely strewed, & in many places thickly
covered with human bodies extended in various positions
on their sides their backs & faces [some with their arms & legs
widely spread some with their mouths open & eyes stairing] mangled
with swords spears & arrows & besmeared with blood & dirt
Most hedious forms & dreadful to behold! Such objects
excited horror & all the sympethetic & compassionate feelings
of the human heart.
As both Emperors had agreed to the suspension of arms
for the purpose of burying the Eemalns of those [of the] heroic
warriors ten thousand men from each army entered the field
& began the mournful employment They dug holes about
three feet deep & in a circular form & of about twenty or
thirty feet diameter. In these they deposited the bodies of
96
their deceased heroes & then raised over them large mounds
of earth The bodies of the chiefs who had fallen were carried
to their respective armies & buried, with all the sollemnities
of woe over them they raised prodigious mounds of earth
which will remain for ages, as monuments to commemorate
the valiant feats of these heroes of the great Battle of Geheno.
After the funeral Rites were finished & the armistice had
expired, the hostile Emperors must now determine on further
plans of operation
Rambock requested the advice of his principal officers,
who were unanimous in opinion, that it was their best policy
to retire back [to retire bacTc] to the hill which was opposite to
the place where they landed & there wait for reinforcements.
This they effected the next night without being perceived by
their Enimy. Hamboon the next day marched towards
them but not thinking it good policy to attack them at
present, took possession of a hill in plain view of the Sciotans
& there encamped with his whole army.
As the Sciotans sallied out in parties to plunder & to
ravage the country, these were pursud, overtaken or met by
parties of the Kentucks Many bloody skirmishes ensued
with various success & many feats of heroism were displaid
on both sides. Wherever the Sciotans marched devastation
attended their steps & all classes of people without distinc-
tion of age or sex, who fell into their hands became the vic-
tims of their infuriated malice The extermination of the
Kentucks appeared to be their object, not considering that
it might soon be their turn to have such horrid cruelties
retaliated upon them with a three-fold vengence. They like-
wise had a further object in view, which was to provoke Ham-
boon to attack the main army, whilst posted in an advanta-
geous situation. But it was Hamboon's policy by placing
garrison in different stations & by patroling parties to prevent
the Sciotans from plundering & destroying his town & from
geting provisions from his country & in this way to compel
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 97
them to cross the River or to attack his army in the position
he had taken. While the two Emperors were thus manoever-
ing & seeking by various arts & stratigems to gain advantage
over each other, a very extraordinary [instance of heroism &
the display of the most sincere & ardent friendship transpired
which is worthy a place on the historic page,~\ instance trans-
pired of heroism and friendship In the dominions of Ham-
boon there lived two young men who were bred in the same
vilage Having minds formed for the exercise of the noblest
principles & possessed of congenial tempers they early con-
tracted the greatest intimacy, & formed toward each other the
strongest attachment. They joined the standard of Hamboon
& in the great battle of Geheno they faught side by side &
performed exploits equally bold and heroic. They eat at the
same board & drank of the same cup & in all their excur-
sions they attended each other & walked hand in hand. As
these two friends were setiiig in their tent one evening
Thelford who was the oldest says to Hamkien something
whispers me; that this night we can perform a most brilliant
exploit The Sciotans have held a great festival & until mid-
night they will be emploied in music & dancing & in various
diversions Being greatly fatigued, when they lie down to
rest, their sleep will be sound We may then, enter their camp
[by slyly geting round their by their centinel~\ unperceived & make
a most dreadful slaughter. Your plan, replied Hamkien, is
excellent, it is worthy the character of an hero. I will join
you & will either triumph with you in the success of the
enterprise or perish in the attempt. Perhaps we may atcheive
a glorious deliverance to our country, by destroying our cruel
enimies. They both taking their swords and tomehauks
repaired towards the camp of the Sciotans in order to reconoi-
ter & find where they could enter & not be perceived by the
centinals The Moon shone bright but would set about three
clock in the Morning this was the time they had fixed
upon to begin the massacre of their enimies At length all
98
became silent the Moon disappeared & these young heroes
had accomplished their plan in geting into the camp of the
Sciotans unperceived. They found them lying in a profound
sleep for the fatigues of the day & revels of the night had
bro't weariness upon them & considering, when they lay
down that the vigelence of their guards would secure them
from surprise, they slept with unusial soundness but +heir
vigelence could not prevent an unspected destruction. The
Tomehauks and swords of these daring youth, soon caused
hundreds to sleep in eternal slumbers & so anxious were they
to finish the destruction of their enimies, that the day began
to dawn before they had cleared themselves from their camp
\_oftheirenimies] Scarce however had they past the last cen-
tinal, & the alarm was given The Sciotans beheld a most
terrible slaughter, of their warriors & being fired with indig-
nation sallied forth in parties in every direction Kelsock &
Hamkoo had nearly gained the encampment of the Kentucks
& Haboon with a party of Sciotans had overtaken Hamko
Kelsock was so far in advance, that he was now safe from all
danger but turning his eyes round he beheld Hakoon seize
his friend, who was attempting to defend himself against the
party Kelsock turned instantly, and running furiously back
cried, Spare spare the youth, he is innocent I alone con-
trived the slaughter of the Sciotans too much love to his
friend induced him to join me in the enterprise Here is my
bosom here take your revenge Scarce had he spoken &
Haboon plunged his sword into the Heart of Hamko. The
young hero fell & with a groan expired Kelsock instantly
rushed upon Haboon & darted his sword thro' his heart-
prostrate he tumbled at the feet of Hamkoo but Kelsock
could not long survive a spear pierced him in the side he
cast his eyes on the lifeless Body of his friend and fell upon
[his lifeless body] it he embraced it & never breathed again
Ah heroic youths, in friendship ye lived & in life & death
you were joined.
99
Forty days had now expired since the two armies had
taken their different positions Each received large reinforce-
ments which supplied the places of the slain. Experience had
taught them to use stratigem instead of attacking under great
disadvantages, & yet to remain long in their present situation
could not possibly terminate the war successfully on the part
of the Sciotans Rambock considering the obsticles, which
attended the prosicution of every plan, at last, by the advice
of Sambal & Ulipoon, determined on a most rash & desperate
enterprise an enterprise which would in a measure saciate
their revenge, provided that it should even produce the anni-
hilation of their army. As soon as darkness had overspread
the earth at night Rambock marched his whole army
towards the City of Gamba & such was the stillness of their
movements that they were not perceived nor was it known
by Hamboon that they had marched until the morning light.
As soon as the Kentucks perceived that the Sciotans had
abandoned the place of their encampment & found the direc-
tion they had gone, they immediately pursued them with the
utmost expedition. But too late to prevent the intended
slaughter & devastation. The Sciotans without delaying their
march by attacking any forts in their way, merely entered the
vilages, killing the inhabitants who had not made their escape
& burning their houses They arived before the City of Gamba
Great indeed was the surprise, the consternation & terror of
the Citizens Many fled to the fort A band of about three
thousand resolute warriors sceized their arms, determined to
risk their lives in the defence of the City. The leader of this
band was Lamock the eldest son of Labanko He inherited
the virtues of his excellent Father, and even thirsted to avenge
his death by sacrificing to his manes the blood of his cruel
enimies. He posted his warriors in a narrow passage which
led to the City. The Sciotan Emperor immediately formed
his plan of attack. A large host selected from all the grand
divisions of his army marched against them They were com-
100 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
manded by Moonrod He led them against this gallant &
desperate band of Kentucks, & made a most furious & violent
charge upon them, But they were resisted with a boldness,
which will forever do honour to their emmortal valour.
Many hundreds of their Enimies they pierced with their
deadly weapons & caused heaps of them to lie prostrate in the
narrow passage. Such prodigious havock was made on the
Sciotans by this small band of valiant Citizens, who were
driven to despiration & whose only object was to sell their
lives dear to their enimies, that even Moonrod began to despair
of forcing his march into the City thro' this narrow passage-
Being informed by a treacherous Kentuck of another passage,
he immediately dispatched a party of about four thousand
from his band to enter the City thro' that passage & to fall
upon the rear of the Kentucks. This plan succeeded These
heroes now found the war to rage both in front & rear & part
facing their new assailants they attacked them [new assailants]
with incredible fury What could they do? resistance was
now in vain. They could no longer maintain the bloody con-
test against such a mighty host. Lamock then commanded
the survivors of his little Band to break thro' the ranks of his
last assailants & to retreat, [to the fort.] It was impossible to
withstand the violence of their charge they broke thro' the
ranks of their enimies & made a passage over the bodies of
heroes, thro' which they retreated & marched to the fort
About seven hundred with their valiant leader thus made
their escape, [& arived safe in the fort] The remainder of the
three thousand sold their lives in defence of their friends &
their country This Battle checked the progress of the enimy
which prevented an emence slaughter of citizens as the great-
est part by this means had opportunity to gain the fort.
As soon as all resistance was over come & had subsided,
the Sciotans lost no time but marched into the City and com-
menced a general plunder of all articles which could con-
veniently transported. Ulipoon, tho careful not to expose his
101
person to the deadly weapons of an enimy was however very
industrious in this part of the war None discovered so much
engagedness as himself to grasp the most valuable property in
the city. But expecting the Kentuck army to arive soon they
must accomplish their mischief with the utmost expedition
The City they sat on fire in various places & then retired
back and encamped near the fort, intending on the next day,
unless prevented by the arrival of Hamboon with his army,
to storm the fort & massacre the whole multitude of citizens
which were there collected. Behold the conflagration of the
City, the flames in curls assend towards heaven & as the
darkness of the Night had now commenced this added to the
horror of the scene The illumination spread far & wide &
distant vilages beheld the redning light assend as a certain
pioneir of their own conflagration, should the war continue to
rage. But mark the sorrow & lamentation of the poor Citizens
now incircled by the walls of a fort Happy that they had
escaped the intended massacre of a barberous unrelenting
Enimy but indignant & sorrowful at beholding the ruins of
all their property. & & even filled with the greatest anxiety
lest Hamboon should not arive in season to prevent the storm -
ing of the fort. But their anxiety soon vanished. When the
shades of evening began to overspread the earth, Hamboon &
his army had arrived within five miles of the City. They
beheld the flames beginning to assend. The idea was instantly
reallized that an indiscrimate slaughter had taken place.
[What were the destracted outcries of the dwellers of the City.
Fathers & mothers Brothers & sisters, wives & children.] In
addition to the distruction of all their property, they now had
a reallizing anticipation of the massacre of their dearest friends
& relation. Such was their anxiety to precipitate their march
that it was scarcely in the power of their commander to retard
their steps, so as to prevent them from breaking the order of
their ranks. They made however the utmost expedition
determined if they found their enimy to take ample vengence
102 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOTOP "
But when they arrived & found that the greatest part of the
citizens were in the fort this afforded no small aleviation to
their anxiety & grief But their thirst for revenge & their
ardent desire to engage the enimy in battle did not in the least
abate.
Determined that the Sciotans should have no chance to
improve the darkness of the ensuing night to make their
escape every preparation was made to attack them the next
morning. This was expected by the Sciotans, who were wish-
ing for another opportunity to measure swords with the Ken-
tucks. & as soon as the morning light appeared they marched
a small distance to a hill & [there] the army paraded in proper
order for battle. Scarce had they finished their arangements
when they beheld Hamboon's Army marching towards them
He halted within about half a mile of the Sciotans & sent
out a small party to reconoiter & discover their situation In
the mean time he ordered Hanock [his son] to march with
twelve thousand men round the Sciotan Army & lie in
ambush in their rear in order to surprise them with an attack
after the battle should commence.
As the two armies were paraded in fair view of each other
the expectation was that a most bloody engagement would
take place immediately. The cowardly mind of Ulipoon was
not a little terrified when he beheld the number & martial
appearance of the Enimy But his inventive genius was not
long at a loss for an expedient, which he immagined would
extricate himself from all danger He repairs to Hambock &
addressed him to this effect. May it please your majesty.
During the first battle it was my misfortune to be prevented
by sickness from being at the head of my brave warriors &
displying my valour. It is my wish now to perform feats of
heroism which shall place me on equal ground with the most
valiant princes of your empire. With your permission I will
lead on my division & storm the fort of the Kentucks This
will fill their warriors with consternation & terror You may
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 103
then obtain an easy victory & and destroy them with as
much facility as you would so many porcupines. Besides by
attacking the fort at this time when they are not expecting
such a manoever the imperial family will be prevented from
making their escape & I shall then be able to restore to your
majesty your daughter Lamesa. The Emperor being pleased
with the plan granted to Ulipoon his permission to carry it
into effect. Ulipoon did not wait a moment But immediately
returned back and commanded his forces, which consisted of
about seventeen thousand to march He was careful at the
same time to see that they carried with them all the plunder
they had taken in the City of Gamba & particularly that
portion which had been set apart for himself. But nothing
was farther from the heart of Ulipoon than to fulfil his pro-
mise He had no intention to risk his person in the hazardous
attempt to storm the fort but his determination was to march
with the utmost expedition to his own dominions & to carry
with him his rich plunder. Having marched towards the
fort until they had got beyond the view of the Sciotan army
he then ordered them to turn their course towards the great
River to the place where the left their boats. In this
direction they had not proceeded far when they were
seen by a number of pioneirs, whom Hanock had sent for-
ward to make discoveries. As his band were not far
distant they soon gave him the inteligence He immediately
dispach an express to Hamboon informing him that he
should pursue them as their object probably was to ravage the
country & recommending not to attack the Sciotans until
further information from him. Hanocks de vision were not
discovered by Ulipoon & of consequence he proceeded in his
march without suspecting any anoiance from the Enimy,
happy in the reflection that he had greatly enriched himself
by a prodigious mass of plunder, & not in the least troubled
about his fellow warriors, whom he had deserted on the eve of
a most hazardous engagement. Hanock pursued him, but
104
was careful not be discovered When the sun was nearly
down Ulipoon halted & encamped. During the Night Hanock
made his arangements he formed his men into four Divisions
& surrounded the Enimy. Their orders were as soon as the
morning light began to appear, to rush into Ulipoon's en-
campment & to massecre his warriors without discremination.
The fatal moment had arived, & punctual at the very
instant of time the attack was began on every part. & such
was the surprise & terror which it produced that the Sciotans
were thrown into the utmost confusion & it was impossible
for their officers to form them into any order to make defence
Every man at last attempted to make his escape but wher-
ever they rushed forward in any direction they met the deadly
spears of the Kentucks It is impossible to discribe the horror
of the bloody scene \_& even humanity recoils at beholding]
Humanity sympathy & compassion must drop a tear at
beholding the uproar & confusion, the distress & anguish, the
blood & carnage of so many thousand brave warriors [who
was great misfortune was to have a coward for their commander]
who were reduced to their dreadful situation by the cowardise
[<fc nigardly] & avaricious disposition of their Commander.
But only three thousand made their escape. As for Ulipoon
he was mortally wounded & laid prostrate on the field After
the slaughter was ended in passing over the [field of] the
slain, Hanock beheld the illfated prince an object truely
pitiable to behold In the agonies of death & wreathing under
the most acute pain, he exclaimed. Alas my wretched situ-
ation It was avarice, cursed avarice which induced me to
engage in this horrid war & now [my] the mischief and
cruelties intended as the means to acquire wealth & agrandize-
merit, are justly turned upon my own head He spoke &
deeply groaning, he breathed no more The galant Hanock
droped a tear & feeling no enmity towards the lifeless
remains of those, who had been his enimies, he ordered three
hundred men to [bury] remain on the ground & commit their
105
bodies to the Dust This says he is the will of him whose
compassion is infinite. He then directed Como his chief
Captain to pursue the survivors of Ulipoon's army & to des-
troy them if possible. With the remainder of his troops, he
returned, back to carry into effect the order of Hamboon.
Como overtook & killed about a thousand of the wretched
fugitives the remainder escaped to their own land, except
about fifty who fled to the army of Rambock & gave him
' the dreadful inteligence of Ulipoon's distruction.
Great were the amazement & consternation of Rambock
& his whole army. They now beheld their situation to be
extremely critical & dangerous & saw the necessity of the
most vigorous & heroic exertions. What says Rambock to
his princes, is our wisest course to pursue? Sabamah, Ran-
coff & Nunapon advised him to retreat without losing a
moment, for say they, we have taken ample revenge for the
crime Elseon. To effect this we have thrown ourselves into
the heart of their country have lost a large division of our
army & are so weakened by our losses that we are in the
utmost danger of being defeated & even anihilated. It must
therefore be the height of folly & madness to prossecute the
war any farther in this country. But Sambal & the other
princes condemned this plan as pusilanimous & disgraceful
& proposed to steal a march on the Kentucks & to storm their
fort before they should be apprised of their designs. This
last advice met the approbation of the Emperor. Nothing
says he can save our army from destruction but the most
daring atcheivments. That they might gain the fort without
being perceived by the Kentucks. It was necessary that they
should march some distance in the direction, where Hanock
had emcamped, in order to cooperate with Hamboon, when
he should commence the engagement When the night had
far advanced Rambock's forces were all in readiness & began
their march for the fort. They proceeded about two miles &
a small party in advance, discovered Hanocks warriors This
106 THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
discovery produced an alteration in Rambock's plan He
directed Sambal to proceed against the fort whilst he, as soon
as the light should appear, would attack Hanock Sambal
was highly pleased with this command as a victory would
ensure him, the capture of Lamesa & afford him an oppor-
tunity to obtain revenge. He arived at the fort just as the
blushing morn began to appear. [Great indeed was the sur-
prize which his arrival produced] On three sides he stationed
small parties who were ordered to massacre all the citizens
who should attempt to make their escape With the main
body of his army he made an assault upon the fort. Amaze-
ment & terror seized the minds of the whole multitude of
citizens ; [in the fort This enterprize of the Sciotans was unex-
pected as they were] were unprepared to defend the fort against
such a formidable force. Lamock however placed himself at
the head of about one thousand warriors & attempted to beat
them back from the walls & prevent their making a breach.
But it was imposible with his small band to withstand the
strength of such a mighty army They broke down part of
the palasadoes & entered the fort thro' the break & imme-
diately began the massacre of the defenceless multitude without
regard to age or sex Sambal being anxious to find Lamesa
rushed forward with a small band & surrounded a [small']
block house He then broke down the door & entered Here
he beheld all the Ladies of the imperial family & many other
Ladies of distinction He instantly sprang towards Lamesa
in order to seize her but was prevented by Heliza who steped
between them & falling upon her knees implored him to spare
the life of Lamesa Scarce had she spoken when the cruel
monster buried his sword in her bosom & she fell lifeless
before the eyes of her dearest friend Lamesa gave a scream,
& looking fiercely on Sambal she exclaimed. Thou monster
of vilany & cruelty, could nothing saciate your revenge but
the death of my dear friend, the amiable, the innocent
Heliza Here is my heart I am prepared for your next vie-
107
tim. Ah no, says Sambal, your life is safe from my sword.
I shall conduct you to my palace & you shall be honored with
me for your partner. Insult me not, says she, thou malicious
bloody villain either kill me or be gone from my sight my
eyes can never indure the man who is guilty of such monstrous
crimes. Set your heart at rest says he my dear Lamesa I
will convince you that I am a better man than your beloved
Elseon his head shall soon saciate my revenge & then you
shall be the Queen of Sciota. At this Instant a loud voice
was heard The Kentucks are marching with a prodigious
army towards the fort. Sambal turning to his warriors pres-
ent ordered them to guard the women in that house & not
permit any of them to escape for says he I must go and
destroy that army of Kentucks. Great already had been the
slaughter which the Sciotans had made of the citizens in the
fort Those who had attempted to escape thro' a gate which
was thrown open were met & massacred by the Sciotan war-
riors on the outside But their progress was arested by the
appearance of Elseon at the head of thirty thousand warriors
They had inarched with the greatest speed for they were
informed by an express that the Sciotans had invested the
Fort. When Sambal beheld them he instantly concluded to
draw his army out of the fort & try a battle with them in the
open field. His orders were immediately spread thro' every
part of the fort where his men were employed in, killing the
defenceless, & in fighting Hemocks little band of desperate
heroes [whom Hanock commanded}. The Sciotans were soon
formed & marched out of the fort & paraded in proper order
for battle. Elseon observing this, commanded his men to
halt, & made his arangements to rush forward and commence
the attack Having brandished his sword as a token for
silence he thus spoke. My brave warriors. "The glorious
period has arrived for us to display our valor in the destruc-
tion of our enimies. What monstrous cruelties have they
perpetrated Behold your City in ruins listen to the cries
108
your murdered friends whose innocent blood calls for ven-
gence consider the situation of those who are surrounded by
the walls of yonder fort How many thousands are massacred
& how many must share their fate unless you fight like
heroes By our valour we can effect their deliverance & rid
our country from the most ferocious band of murderers that
ever disgraced humanity [Their standard is that of the Sciotan
King whose malice & vengeful disposition have produced this
horrid war. Urged on by his malignant passions he has \_engaged]
undertaken a most desperate & mad enterprise He has thrown
himself & his army into a most critical & dangerous situation]
Fight as you did at the great Battle of Geheno & your enirnies
will be prostrate in the dust & your names shall be illustrious.
Rush forward my brave warriors & let your motto be victory
or death. Not a moment, when his warriors were stimulated
for the Combat did Elseon tarry but marched with pricipi-
tation prepared to make a most furious charge. Sambal was
ready to meet him & marched forward with equal boldness
& celerity. The charge was tremendous. Not the dashing
against each other of two mighty ships, in a hurricane upon
the [boisterous] ocean, could have been more terrible. Each
warrior, fearless of danger, met his antagonist determined to
destroy his life or loose his own in the contest The battle
extended thro' every part of 'both armies As warriors fell in
the front ranks, their places were supplied from the rear &
reserved Bands rushing between the divisions were met by
others of equal strength & valour. Helicon the intimate
friend of Elseon beheld Sambal who was encouraging his
warriors to fight bravely, as no other alternative remained
for them but victory or death. When Helicon beheld him
his youthful mind felt the impulse of ambition he sprang
towards Sambal & changeled him to the Combat. Sambal
gave him no time to repeat the chalenge, but rushed upon
him, with more fury than a tiger & with his sword he struck
Helicon's head from his body Thus fell the brave, the
109
amiable youth whose thirst for glory impeled him to attempt
an exploit too rash & daring Warriors fell on every side &
the field was covered with dead & dying heroes A messenger
ran & told Elseon of the fate of Helion who commanded the
left wing of his army & that Sambal had broken their ranks
& was making indisribable havock of his warriors What
intelligence could have been more shocking? Elseon could
not refrain from tears for a moment Ah Helicon says he,
thou hast been more dear to me than a brother Heaven
demands that I should revenge thy cruel death. He instantly
selected a small band & marched with the utmost speed to the
left wing of his army He rallied his retreating warriors &
engaged in the conflict with tenfold fury Soon he beheld the
mighty Sambal, whose sword was crimsoned with the blood
of his friend, & Sambal cast his eyes upon him & as he beheld
him his malice instantly inkindled into such a furious flame,
that [his reason fled for a moment' &~\ he raved like a madman.
Both heroes sprang towards each other Their warriors
beheld them & being mutually inspired with the same senti-
ments the respective bands retired back & left the two indig-
nant Champions in the space between. Ah exclaimed Sambal
Robber & perfiduous scoundrel, after seducing the Emperor
daughter who was my wife & transporting her from our
dominions, have you the temerity to meet my conquering
sword. This sword which has pierced Labano. & cut off the
head of Helicon & which has destroyed hundreds more mighty
than yourself shall be plunged into your cowardly heart &
your head shall be carried in triumph into the city of Talanga
& there it shall be preserved as a trophy of my superior
strength & valour. i . wa
Vain Boaster says Elseon I rejoice to meet you. The
Benevolent Being will now terminate your carere of bloody
crimes This sword shall pierce your malignant heart & cut
of that head, which has ploted the ruin of my country
.Sambal eager for revenge, could hear no more. He sprang
110 THE
forward & aimed a thrust of his sword at Elseon's Heart but
Iseon turned the point of his sword from him with his own
& then darted his sword into his left arm which caused the
blood to gush forth Sambal was now more indignant than
ever & raising his sword he threw his whole strength into
one mighty effort, with an intention to divide his body in
twain. But Elseon, quick as the Lightning sprang back &
Sambals sword struck the ground with a prodigious force
which broke in the middle He himself had nearly tumbled
his whole length but recovering & beholding his defenceless
situation, he ran a small distance, & seizing a stone sufficiently
big for a common man to lift he threw it at Elseon It flew
with great velocity & had not Elseon bowed his head his
brains must have quited their habitation his Cap however
was not so fortunate; haveng met the stone as he bowed it
was carried some distance from him & lodged on the ground.
Elseon regardless of his cap, ran swiftly upon Sambal, whose
feet having sliped when he threw the stone had fallen upon
his back & had not recovered Terror now seized his mind
Spare, spare my life says he & I will restore peace to Ken-
tuck & you may enjoy Lamesa. No peace sais Elseon do
I desire with a man, whose sword is red with the blood of
my friends He spoke & plunged his sword into Sambals
heart.
The Sciotans beheld the heage body of their King pale &
lifeless Consternation & terror seized their minds They fled
in dismay & confusion Elseon pursued them with his war-
riors & overthrew & killed thousands in the pursuit About
two thousand made good their escape & carried the doleful
tidings of Sambals death & the emence slaughter of his army
to their own Land. And indeed their escape was owing to
the great anxiety of Elseon & his warriors to visit their friends
in the fort & to ascertain the extent of the massacre that Sam-
bal & his army had made. After pursuing the Sciotans about
six miles Elseon & his army returned in great haste & entered
Ill
the fort. Great, inexpressably great was the joy of the Citizens
when they beheld them returning with the laurels of victory
& when they were informed of the destruction of so many
thousand of their enimies. But as great was their grief &
lamentation, when they beheld & reflected on the vast num-
ber of citizens & of Elseon's warriors, who had fallen by the
sword of the Sciotans. No death produced such universal
regret & sorrow as those of Helicon & Heliza. The one was
the intimate friend of Elseon & the other of Lamesa. They
both possessed hearts which were formed for the most ardent
friendship & love. Their acquaintance produced the most
sincere attachment They exchanged vows of perpetual fidelity
& love to each other & only waited for the termination of the
war to fulfil their mutual engagement to unite their hands in
wedlock But this pleasant anticipation of conjugal felicity
was destroyed by the cruel sword of Sambal Naught availed
the innocence & the amiable accomplishments of the fair
Heliza? She must fall a victim to saciate the revenge of a
barbarous Tyrant Had Helicon known when he attacked the
savage monster that he had assassinated his beloved Heliza,
it would have inspired him with the most ardent desire for
revenge & added vigor to his arm & keeness to his sword.
[Ah said] A Kentucky Bard represented the erial form of
Heliza as ariving on the celestial plain & being told that she
must wait a short time & Helicon would ascend to conduct
her as his partner to a delightful Bower which was surrounded
by the -most beautiful flowers & delicious fruits & where the
singing of musical birds would charm them with their melody.
When Elseon had entered the fort, he found that Lamock
with the survivors of his little band of warriors had made
prisoners, of the Sciotans whom Sambal had left to guard the
imperial Ladies & that these Sciotans had done them no
injury nor even insulted them with words Says Elseon for
this honourable treatment of my friends I will shew these
enimies compassion Go says he to them, return in peace to
112
your own land & tell your friends that Elseon will not hurt
an Emmy, who has done him a favour.
The time of Elseon was precious He spent but a few
moments with Lamesa, in which they exchanged mutual con-
gratulations & expressions of the most tender & sincere
affection. She conjured him to spare the life of her father &
brother & not to expose his own life any farther than his
honour & the interest of his country required. I shall cheer-
fully says he comply with every request, which will promote
your happiness. He embraced her & bid her adue.
As the situation of Hamboon's army might require his
immediate return, he lost no time to regulate matters in the
fort but leaving five thousand men to bury the dead, &
defend the citizens, he marched with the remainder, which
consisted of about twenty thousand, towards Hamboons
encampment.
When Sambal marched with his division against the fort
it was Rambock's intention to have attacked Hanock the next
morning but perceiving that Hamboon had been apprised
of his movement, & was then within a small distance ready to
co operate with Hanocks division, Rambock altered his plan
& determined to wait for the return of Sambal. As for Ham-
boon he concluded to wait until Elseon's return. These deter-
minations of the hostile Emperors, prevented, in this intervail
of time, any engagement between the two grand armies. But
when the fate of Sambal's division was decided & Elseon
had returned with the joyful news of his victory, the Kentucks
were all anxious for an immediate Battle.
The end of Solomon's Manuscript. Copied by L. L. Rice, 1884 and
1885.
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND. 113
The Writings of Sollomon Spalding
Proved by Aron Wright Oliver Smith John Miller and
ethers
The testimonies of the above Gentlemen are now in my
possession
D P HURLBUT
114
Annexed to the foregoing are three pages of manuscript, in the same
hand writing, apparently unconnected, and expressing the writer's senti-
ments as to revealed religion. The following is a literal copy:
But having evry reason to place the highest confidence in
your friendship & prudence I have no reluctance in comply-
ing with your request in giving you my sentiments of the
Christian Religion & so far from considering the freedom
you took in making the request, impertinence, I view it as a
mark of your [high esteem for me] affectionate solicitude for
my happiness. In giving you my sentiments of the Christian
religion you will perceive [that I am not tramelled with tradi-
tionary & vulgar prejudice] That I do not believe certain facts
[_& certain facts] & certain propositions to be true merely
because that my ancestors believed them & because they are
popular. In forming my creed I bring everything to the
standard of reason [that intellectua] This is an uerring &
sure guide in all matters of faith & practice. Having divested
myself therefore of traditionary & vulgar prejudice & sub-
miting to the guidance of reason it is impossible for me to
have the same sentiments of the Christian religion which its
advocates consider as orthodoxy It is in my view a mass of
contradictions & an heterrogeneous mixture of wisdom & folly
nor can I find any clear & incontrovertable evidence of its
being a revelation from an infinite benevolent & wise God.
It is true that I never have had the leisure nor patience to
read [the elaborate & learned productions of divines in its vindica-
tion] evry part of it with very critical attention or to study
the metaphissical jargon of divines in its vindication It is
enough for me to know that propositions which are in contra-
diction to each other cannot both be true & that doctrines &
facts which represent the Supreme Being as a barbarous & cruel
tyrant can never be dictated by infinite wisdom. Whatever
the clergy say to the contrary can have no effect in altering
my sentiments. I know as well as they that two & two make
four & that three angles of a triangle are equal to two right
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND." 115
ones. But notwithstanding I disavow any belief in the divin-
ity of the Bible & consider it a mere human production
designed to enrich & agrandize its authors & to enable them
to manage the multitude yet casting aside a considerable
mass of rubbish & fanatical rant, I find that it contains a
system of ethicks or morals which cannot be excelled on
account of their tendency to ameliorate the condition of man,
& to promote individual social & public happiness, & that in
various instances it represents the Almighty as possessing
attributes worthy his trancendent character. Having a view
therefore to those parts of the Bible which are truly good &
excellent I sometimes speak of it in terms of high commenda-
tion--^ indeed I am inclined to believe that notwithstanding
the mischiefs & miseries which have been produced by the
bigoted zeal of fanaticks & interested priests yet that such
evils are more than counterbalanced in a Christian land, by
the benefits which result to the great mass of the people by
their believing that the bible is of divine origin & that it con-
tains a revelation from God. Such being my view of the
subject I suffer my candle to remain under to remain under,
nor make no exertions to dissipate their happy delusions.
As
5 OS 9 9