There were but two men of them together (with each his family). Things bore a most dismal aspect.
At last the wife of the other, who, by-the-bye, is said to [be] a little affected that way too, told him one day that he sprang forward to seize one of his own children, "Keep quiet for, thou dog, if a gun hath no effect on thee, my axe shall. I shall chop thee up into slices! Thou hast then better be quiet!"
This kept him indeed quiet for some time. How they are now I cannot say, not having heard of them from the beginning of December (now April 20th).
They appear most inclined to prey first upon their own family. And they also think that firearms are absolutely unable to injure them. A ball cannot injure Ice. To destroy Ice, it must be chopped up. And the heart then is all Ice.
They sometimes, indeed frequently, recover with the warm weather, for the sun then animates all nature!!!
There are many other instances of a like kind in their tendency or consequences, but different in their proceedings, that I cannot bring to mind at present. I mention several of these to shew you the different manner they are infected. In the mean time I shall relate you others not less entertaining.
[Malignant Spirits]
[North, Ice, Skeletons and the Crazy Woman]
There are several spirits of whom these people are much afraid, but four principally, they being the most malignant and little accepting of excuses, however great and urgent they may be, for the non performance of their sacrifices. These are the North, Ice, Skeletons and the Crazy Woman, or foolish, mad, jealous woman.
Not very many years ago an Indian had entered his conjuring hut. She came among the rest. But being displeased with the conjurer on account of some sacrifice to other spirits, she seized and carried him off! Skeleton perceived it, and being [fond] of the conjurer, pursued Jealousy. Finding herself nearly overtaken, she prefered her own safety to vengeance and let the Indian fall in some place at a vast distance from where he had been taken. Skeleton took him up and brought him back to the great satisfaction of all parties.