It is at the end of this epocha, equal to the antecedent antidiluvian period, that the real or certain history of the Americans begins with many details and dates; both in the north and south. It was then [pg 104] that the empires of the Toltecas, Utatlans, Mexicans, Apalachis, Mayapans, Incas &c. were established on the ruins of many anterior states. We obtain by the annals preserved or recovered of many such nations, a tolerable view of this part of their history, and even an insight into earlier times, when similar revolutions must have happened. If many states or nations rose and fell in this hemisphere, unknown to the other: it was a common fate with others in Africa, Polynesia and even in Asia. But we may hope to rescue their names if not their deeds, from total oblivion, by seeking their monuments, and the fragments of human tribes they left to mourn their fate.
In this period some American nations rose to a degree of splendor and civilization, with knowledge of arts and sciences, little inferior to Greeks and Romans; and superior to the European nations of the middle ages, even down to 1492: quite equal at least to that of the Egyptians and Hindus. The American graphic systems of Apalacha, Anahuac, Maya, Otolum, Peru; although peculiar, were quite sufficient to transmit knowledge in books, schools and inscriptions. This high civilization was not merely confined to Mexico and Peru, as often erroneously supposed; but was scattered from the Apalachis and Nachez of Florida to the Chilians south of Peru, filling the whole intermediate space.
Although war and slavery prevailed in many parts, they were modified by the usage of adoption for individuals and whole tribes, mutual alliances, confederacies &c.: while slavery was changed into a feodal vassalage. The feodal system and the castes prevailed in all civilized nations of America, as in India and Asia from earliest time.
Instead of perpetual wars the ancient annals of America, present us with the soothing view of wise legislators, who gave civilization and happiness to millions for ages, and conquered by deeds of peace. Such were most of the conquests of the Bohitos, Bochicas, Incas, Quetzals, Cuculcans, Tzomes, Maponos, Tamanends, Tarenyos &c. worthy lawgivers of the Antilles, Muyzcas, Peru, Anahuac, Mayas, Guaranis, Manazicas, Linapis, and Ongwis. I shall revive, with pleasure, their memory and deeds, dwelling on them with more pleasure than on the cruel war leaders.
To them the Americans were indebted for their policy, diplomacy, alliances, agriculture and knowledge, with the peculiar happy mode of holding the land in common or feodal tenure, with property in tenements and moveables. To them may be traced the introduction of useful plants, the maize, cotton, quinoa, patatas, yams, manioc, banana, gourds, beans, and 100 other cultivated plants and fruits. The Mexicans had even botanic gardens and [pg 106] pleasure grounds before the modern Europeans. The universities of Cuzco, Tunca, Tezcuco, Cholula, Mayapan, Utatlan &c. were founded earlier than the European universities by such benefactors of mankind; and 112 domestic animals had been tamed in America, while only 80 in the eastern hemisphere. Of which must be reckoned.[12]
| In the W. Hemisphere. | In the Eastern. | |
| Quadrupeds | 33 kinds | only 25 kns. |
| Birds | 32 | 25 |
| Reptiles | 15 | 10 |
| Fishes | 12 | 10 |
| Insects | 8 | 4 |
| Shells and worms | 12 | 6 |
The modern history of America since 1492 presents a multitude of events with regular dates: but the historians of these later times instead of dwelling upon the native nations, appear to notice them merely en passant! while relating at length the discoveries, conquests and wars of the European adventurers and colonists.
It is not thus that we are to notice them; but as equal nations. Now that after four ages, these colonies are also become independent nations, and begin to nurse American feelings, we ought to feel for them, and reveal the truth. It is not number nor dominion alone that constitute a people; but a peculiar language, and peculiar manners. The modern history of the Araucanians, Guaranis, Caribs, and North [pg 107] American tribes, is the best known by peculiar fragments; but similar fragments may be collected on many other tribes.
Meantime Columbus came, another leader of colonists to America; since many had come before him: and with him came the ferocious gold hunters of Castille; who in their greedy search after golden wealth, trampled under foot, both religion and humanity. They enslaved, tortured and destroyed millions of human beings from Hayti to Mexico and Peru; but were checked at last in Florida, Chili, Tologalpa, Santa Marta &c. They overthrew many flourishing states, and erected over them a slavish colonial fabric, soon after sunk in sloth and ignorance.[13]
The dissentions of Mexico and Peru were the cause of their ruin and subjugation by the Spaniards; but the Floridans, Apaches Tayronas, Poyays, Caribs, Mbayas, Chilians &c. withstood forever their utmost efforts, and never were conquered. The happy states of Yucatan, Guatimala, Tunca, Hayti, Cuba &c. fell by their unwarlike and peaceful friendly disposition; being cruelly betrayed and desolated.