Traditions of the North American Indians, Vol. 1

BEING
A SECOND AND REVISED EDITION
———
LONDON: F. SHOBERL, JUN., LONG ACRE.
Designed & Etched by W. H. Brooks, A. R. H. A. I bore her away in my arms from the battle of Warriors. page 23 . London, Published by Colburn & Bentley, April 1830 .
THESE VOLUMES
ARE RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED
BY HIS FRIEND AND COUNTRYMAN,
THE AUTHOR.
It has been thought that the introduction prefixed to the first edition, and which was intended as a mere framework upon which to hang the traditions, was not satisfactorily contrived, and that the title did not set forth the true nature of the work. I think so myself, and have therefore suppressed that introduction, and given to the work a strictly accurate title. I have supplied the place of the introduction with a brief statement of the opportunities I have had of studying the Indian character, and with an exhibition of proofs of the genuineness of the traditions themselves. The public having been pleased to say that if the matter was genuine, the manner was good, and that a successful attempt to stamp the legends with the character of authenticity would elevate them to the dignity of historical records, I have been at some pains to collect and offer the required proofs.
I was born within twelve miles of a principal tribe of Indians, within two miles of a small band, and within six miles of two other small bands, of that tribe. They were a remnant of the Pawkunnawkuts, who, at the first settlement of the country, were a very numerous, powerful, and warlike nation, but at the time of my birth had dwindled in numbers to about five hundred souls, and were restricted in territory to some six or seven thousand acres. They then, and at present, sank their primitive appellation in the less poetic name of Gayheads, which was given them by the white people with reference to the little elbow or promontory of land where they lived. Though the manners and customs of the Whites had made sad inroads on the primitive Indian character, there yet remained, at the time of my birth, enough to make them objects of ardent and profitable interest.