[21] The evidence in this matter has long ago been thoroughly sifted; and it is now certain that, so far from being present aiding at the massacre of Logan's family, Colonel Cresap earnestly endeavored to dissuade the party from its purpose. And yet the falsehood is perpetuated even in the common school-books of the country, while its object has been mouldering in his grave for a quarter of a century.—Western Annals, p. 147. American Pioneer, vol. i., p. 7, et seq.
[22] Bancroft, vol. iii., p. 254.
[23] Bancroft, vol. iii., p. 285.—“The God of the savage was what the metaphysician endeavors to express by the word substance.” But the Indian's idea of substance was altogether concrete.
[24] The best authority upon this subject is found in the Jesuit “Relaciones:” but it is at least probable, that the preconceptions of the good Fathers colored, and, perhaps, shaped, many of the religious wonders there related.
[25] “Lettres Edifiantes,” vol. vi., p. 200, et seq. Warburton, vol. i., p. 187.
[26] The extravagant stories told of the Natchez Indians (among whom there was said to be a remarkable temple for worship) are quite incredible, even if they had not been disproved.
[27] When the manitou of the Indian has failed to give him success in the chase, or protection from danger, “he upbraids it with bitterness and contempt, and threatens to seek a more effectual protector. If the manitou continues useless, this threat is fulfilled.” Warb. ut supra. Vide, also, Catlin's “American Indians,” vol. i., p. 36, et seq.
[28] Bancroft, vol. iii., p. 258.
[29] “He calls it [the soul] the shadow or image of his body, but its acts and enjoyments are all the same as those of its earthly existence. He only pictures to himself a continuation of present pleasures.” Warb. vol. i., p. 190. Vide, also, Catlin's “American Indians,” vol. i., p. 158, et seq.
[30] The Indian never believed in the resurrection of the body; but even corn and venison were supposed to possess a spirit, which the spirit of the dead warrior might eat.—Jesuit “Relacion,” 1633, p. 54.