The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-08-16
Origin OF the Choctaws.

Pitchlyn, a distinguished chief of the Choctaws,
used to give the following account of the origin of
his people, the original occupants of Alabama
Tennessee, and Mississippi The people have a
claim upon the attention of the country. II will
be remembered that the Mobiles and Tensas were
but subdivisions Of the great race of which the
Choctaws were the type:
According to the traditions of the Choctaws, the
first of their race came from the bosom of mag.
nfcent sea. Even when they first made their ap-
pearance upon the earth, they were so numerous
to cover the sloping and sandy shore of the
ocean, far as the eye could reach, and for long
time did they follow the margin Of the sea before
they could find place suited TO their wants. The
name of their principal chief has long since been
forgotten, but 1t is well remembered that he was a
prophet Of great age and wisdom. For many moons
did they travel without fatigue, and all the time
were their bodies strengthened by pleasant breezes,
and their hearts on the other hand gladdened by
the luxurlance of perpetual summer. In process
of time, however, the multitude was visited by
sickness, and one after another were left upon the
shore the dead bodies of old women and little chill
dren. The heart of the prophet became troubled,
and, planting long staff that he carried in his
hand, and which was endowed with the miracu-
lous power of an oracle, he told his people that
from the spot thus designated they must turn their
faces towards the unknown wilderness But be-
B.
he designated certain day for starting, and told
them that they were at liberty, in The mean time,
to enjoy themselves by feasting and dancing, and
performing their national rites.
1t was now early morning, and the hour APP
pointed for starting Heavy clouds and flying
msts rested upon the sea, but the beautiful waves
melted upon the shore as joyfully as ever before.
The staff which the Prophet had planted was found
leaning towards the north, and in that direction did
the multitude take up their line of march Their
journey lay across streams, over hills and noun
tans, through tangled forests, and over immense
prairies. They were now in entirely strange
country, and as they trusted in their magic staff,
they planted 1t every night with the utmost care,
and arose in the morning with great eagerness to
ascertain the direction towards which it leaned
And thus had they travelled for many days. when
they found themselves upon the margin of an O-kee-
na-chitto. or great highway of water. Here did
they pitch their tents, and having planted their
staff, retired to repose. When morning came, the
oracle told them that they cross the river be-
fore them. They built themselves thousand RATS,
and reached the opposite shore in safety. They
now found themselves in country of SURPRISING
loneliness, where the trees were high as almost
to touch the clouds, and where game of every va
rley and the sweetest Of fruits were found in the
greatest abundance. The flowers of this land were
more brilliant than any they had ever before seen,
and so large as often to shield them from the sun
light of noon. With the climate of the land they
were delighted and the air they breathed seemed
to fill their bodies with new vigor. So pleased
were they with all that they saw, that they built
mounds IN all the beautiful valleys they
passed through, so that the master of life might
know that they were not an ungratelul people, In
this new country did they conclude to remain, and
here did they establish their national government,
with It's benign laws.
"Time passed on, and the Choctaw nation became
so powerful that It's hunting-grounds extended even
TO the sky. Troubles now arose among the
younger warriors and hunters Of the nation, until
It came to pass that they abandoned the cabins Of
their forefahers, and settled in distant regions of
the earth Thus, from the very body Of the Cboc-
taw nation, have sprung those other nations which
are known as the Chickasaws, the Cherokces, the
Creeks or Mukogees, the Shawnees, and the Della
wares. And IN the process of time the Choctaws
founded great city, wherein their more aged men
might spend their days in peace; and because they
loved those of their people who had long before de-
parted into distant regions, they called the city Ya-
200, the meaning of which is home Of the people ,cho
gone"