Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-15
From the New Orleans Weekly Delta.
Indian FreemasOnry.
A Mississippi Legend.
BY REV. r. MORRIS, p @. C. OF TIE G. L.
OF MISSISSIPPI.

traits IN the Aboriginal character worthy
of all praise and imitation. Their un-
deviating truth,--their steadfast temper.
ance, (belore the white man introduced
his destructive drink, )--their unmatched
patience and fortiiude, gave them claims
to high distinction in the ranks of man.
All that makes up the trusty and true
Freemason, may be discovered in their
character, save one thing, whose abb
scence originated in no fault of theirs
viz: a knowledge of the Christian relig-
ion; for we are among those who be-
lievc that all the teachings of Freema-
sonry point TO, and terminate in, the re-
ligion taught by Jesus Christ.
Historians have expressed their high
admiration of the Aboriginal character.
The early Spanish writer's, who descri-
bed the Indians first discovered by Col
umbus, endow them with surprising vir-
tues and qualifications; and e know
from what we have seen GER days,
that until they became acc led with
the vices OF their conqueror by never
lost the stern rude virtues 6s'iheir own
race.
Those who have blamed them for the
love Of war~apd their clan-like partizan-
ship, forgetS kt in, all ages, among the
most civilized, as well as the uncultiva-
ted, the instinct for strife has equally
ragged; and that the roar Of cannon is
daily heard on the plains OF Europe, for
oansos mora tr;y;,J th,p thoSo tl,.t ,,.;.r
mated and sustained the natiopal ami
mosities of the Indians. 1t is study
that promises profitto every Freemason.
TO take some good manual of his craft,
anil read il with reference to the Indian
character. Those who have not made
the attempt, will wonder to observe how
many of the Masonic virtues were ex-
emplified by those whom we are accus.
toned TO consider savage and mishapen.
The perfect .ashler, polished and fitted
for the ancient temple, was not unfre-
quenily found in the midst of the Indian
wigwam ready for the masters use.
My tale is designed to illustrate the
patience and fortitude of the Indian race,
and have denominated il Indian Free
masonry, that might call attention to a
theory | have entertained regarding that
peculiar people.
Many years ago, white man was
travelling on the long and dangerous
path, known in those days as the Match
ez, on the Mississippi river, far up into
I'd dRe&se*~
In tSflwas pursued with all the
,pN n1Eyssary in days when ev-
cry, buskpmight shelter an assassin, and
every treG shield murderer. At the
close of hard days stretch, he had
sough. out a deep, retired ravine, in
which to shelter himself and horse for
the night. Here, feeling safe from a
night attack, he turned out his faithful
animal to browse, kindled fire, and pre-
pared his own meal; then throwing him
self down at length, lay musing upon
the objects of his journey. Sleep in
sensibly stole upon him. Fugitive
dreams fitted across ms pininlealing
the way for that deep slumbel bGch is
the reward Of a days protracled toll; and
the wearied traveller would soon have
been insensible 10 sight and sound had
no, some sudden thought, such as those
Which do come over us incomprehensi-
.bly in our dreams, aroused him. Spring
ing up. he was astoundei to observe, sit
ting before him and warming themselves
by The blaze of his fire two Indian war;
riors. His first impulse was to seize and
cock his rifle, but his alarm was imme-
diately quelled by the discovery that
both his visitors were unarmed. while
the quiet, fearless look they cast upon
him, bespoke intentions peaceable and
friendly.
Advancing, therefore, in a hospitable
manner, he salu,ed them in the Indian
tongue, offering his hand. II was read
ily accepted, but no word of reply was
made to his greeting, although it was ev-
ilent from their dress that they were
Chickasaw warriors, and he knew that
they must have understood his saluta-
ton, which was addressed in that Ian
guagc. In the rough politeness Of the
day, he now pressed upon them share
of his food, and offered the brandy bot
lie, which made part Of every travel
er's store. The former was received in
silence, the latter refused.
After hearty repast, thetwo Indians
stretched themselves fearlessly down,
and were soon lost in sleep. Our trave-
Ter sa, long musing upon the strangeness
oftheir conduct, until wearied with tho't,
he, too, gave way to slumber. Frequent
ly through the nigh, he awoke to find his
companions still reposing, and his horse
grazing in safety. Morning broke upon
them, the fire was rekindled, the break
fast eaten, still in unbroken silence on
the part Of the Indians, and as the white
man mounted and rode upon his jour-
ney, they fell in behind him, and pur-
sued the same direction. For two days
and nights the same course was contin-
ued, the Indians following in unwearied
patience and unbroken silence, joining
his camp at night, sharing his food, yet
refusing his brandy bottle and joining
his march at day-break. Such inexpli-
cable conduct racked the ingenuity ol
our traveller. He was we'll acquainted
with Indian customs, but had hitherto