The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1825-05-12
From SiHimnn' : Journal Of Science aud mt
SEMINOLE INDIANS.

The Seminole Indians of Flnrid.
are derived from the Lower Greeks
aud obtained their present location
by conquest--thcy were once nu
mcrons. but have been reduced b,
wars 10 n small remnant. probably
mol exceeding or thousand, who
a'' socially grouped in small villa
: Is. principally in the secondary on
rolling districts, uniting the hunter,
pastoral. and agricultural states ot
society The men hunt. erect dwell
ings, d attend To their cattle. They
have many dogs of European spc-
Cics, but rarely use them in pursuit
81 game. On hunting excursions,
they often lie in ambush with their
rifles, on the border of the Ticket.
and arrest the deer with uncrriug
aim, as they issue forth ut dusk To-
Craze en- verdaut prairics. Fire
hunting With torches is sometime.
rcsorted to nj night--tl' game re-
mains stationary, and il is easily
killed this mode Ia prohibited a
mong the whites az dangerous. For
tunatc hunters supply their less sue
ccssful neighbours. The Seminole
formerly possessed large herds of
fine cattle, but lost many during the
late civil war. They have hogs and
poultry. ! he male Indians regard
agricultural labour as Degrading
but every settlement has its enclns-
cd and cultivated field, often extcn-
sivc. The ground is prepared, plant.
ed and tended by females, with
hoes, raising good crops of corn,
sweet potatoes, pumpkins, beans,
roots, md tobacco, on fertile hills,
and rice in sWamps. They milk a,
make butter. procure wood and wa
ter. and do all the drudgcry. The
wives and daughters oil chiefs are
not exempted from labour some Of
the principal Indians, following the
example of their civilized neigh
hours. are propriciors ot blacks,
mostly born in the Indian region, 4
occupy separate iIlages. They are
well treated being rarely required
10 do much labour, except in press
ing seasons oftillagc, have acquired
The erect independent bearing and
manners Of the aboligincs. and are
faithful. There is a mixed race in
form and intelligence superior 10 the
Indian and negro.
The male Indians, IN warm wca-
Their. are almost Invested of ClothinG,
but females are modcstly dressed,
ordinarily with short gown and pet
tiCoat, initiating the fashions OF the
whites, from whom the materials arc
procured in exchange for skins.
furs, moo asins, leather, ycnison. nut
oil. &c. Females have ornaments of
silver in their ears, and around their
ncCks aud arms married women
wear plates Of silver on their breasts,
sometimes suspended by small silver
chains-thcy behave with modesty
aud propricty ; long Sits are some
tunes observed in the ears Of both
sexes. The men are fond Of ar
dent spirits aud tobacco, the only
articles they ask for unfortunately /;
but if refused. no dissatisfaction is
expressed. When presented with
bottle of whisky, ii is fairly distrl-
butcd among the adult males pre-
sent. but observed none was offer
ed 10 The women and children, who
did not appear to expect or desire
any, though often requesting tobac-
co and segars for smoking, OF which
the smallest are fond.
The Indians We had communiCa-
ton with were honest and fair in
their dealings, eyiuCing no thicvish
disposition We mere received with
kindness aud hospitality, our wants
supplied, and they chcertully put
themselves to considerable neon
ycnicncc for our accommodation
They are in general tall and well
formed. The ScUinoles differ CON
sidcrably in their manners from
northern tribes, being very curious,
lively and inqnisitivc. Our clothes,
arms, knives, umbrellas, &c. were
carefully examined .. some mark
ed on the ground with much exact
ness the component parts OF a coat or
other garments they fancied.
Out mode Of cooking and eating
r IL.
amusement and laughter, eliciting
many humorous remarks. They
are usually cheerful and the inter
course of relatives and neighbours
cyinced good feelings. At the In
dian village OF SAnfaslasco, not far