The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-02-11

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Indian History.

Indian History.
II is well known that Congress passed special
act in March l847, directing the Secretary OF War
to have collected, comprehensive body of his
torical and statistical information, respecting the
Indian tribes Of the United States, tina, Mr.. Hex
NY K. 6CMooLcaAvr was selected for the work,
and that Capt. 3. EAsrMAH, United States Army,
distinguished artist, was detached from duty in
the line, TO illustrate it, The first part of the
suit OF these Investigations has just been distrbu
ed TO Congress and the officers Of the govern
ment, in Il magnifc ent quarto volume Of $40 pa
ges, with rs chrome photographic plates.
High as were our anticipations on this subject
from the known ability, long experience, ripe
judgment and intensity Of interest in the well be-
ing Of the Aborgines, of the person selected for
the literary part Of the work, and also OF the art
list, employed 70 illustrate it. Our expectations
rare specimen of the arts, typography, and EN-
craving in the country, existing, at one of the
earliest seats Of American literature (Philade-
phia,) but the theme itself has been taken up and
handled in a manner TO reflect the highest credit
upon all in any way connected with Its prepafa-
ton or publication.
Mr.. ScHooLcnAvr has not only exhibited the
Indian in his leading characteristics of the
primary races Of man, but has also shown his
condition, numbers, means aud character, (moral
and mental J in most discriminating and master
ly manner.
While exhibiting the red man in his different
phases he is found in the forests, and prairies
and on the bleak eminenccs Of the Rocky noun
tains, the problem is wildly brought up Of his
final destiny, and present prospects. and Of the
policy to be adopted by the government towards
them.
The plan as denoted by the preface, and as car
ried out as far as the inquiry extends, impresses
US as the true one. There is great problem to
be solved, and great political duty to be per-
6nru mad VT sltr,or ruca .ol
in the investigation Of these, it was not only
proper to inquire into their mental capacities hab
its, and idiosyncracieB-i was not only essential
to exhibit the as he is, and as he is known to
be on the great line Of the frontiers, but also to
inquire what is to be his fate and destiny, and
how nation Of high civilization and enlarged
humanities, can best perform its duties towards
them. The topic Of American antiquities, which
has been good deal inflated, is treated as a mere
subsidiary evidence of the hunter state.
: No high state Of former civilization is perceived
in the remains of tumuli and earth works, which
are scattered over the Mississippi valley. The
largest OF their structures exhibit only degree Of
knowledge suited to tribes Of hunters living in
immense numbers, in fertile regions, and flushed
with the success of the chase The small mounds,
yield only pipe sculptures, which are exactly
suited to the state Of the tribes.
The anomalous antiquities which have been
noted from time to time, regarded the results
of intrusive visits, and attempts at colonization
from Europe and Asia. This topic is handled
with singular skill, and drawings are given Of
some of the more noted monuments which have
attracted attention.
The Scandinavian, the Cimbrian, and even ear
lier reports on this topic, are separated from
the manfestly aboriginal remains; while the evil
dences of such intrusive antiquities described,
they are clearly, as we conceive, separated from
the Indian antiquities found at the same place.
This separation of eras, is one of the most pleas
ing and satisfactory traits which we have OBJ
served.
But whatever degree of evidence is furnished
by Indian remains, the languages are deemed the
only true Indications of the atinites and ethnolog
cal tie which bind the tribes together.
The summary Of their history and tradition
which is given is clear, and the value, or rather
want of value of their cosmoganes, is stated in
happy manner
The facts brought forward on the intellectual
traits Of the race such as could only have been
supplied by one who has enjoyed, not only long
opportunities Of observation in the West, but has
also awaited himself Of making record Of his
observations on the spot. What is stated respect
ing the oral lodge tales and legends, is highly GU
rious and instructive, and proves how the human
mind contrives TO indemnify itself, even in the
savage state, for the want Of books and literary
amusement: Herein there is light cast Indian
beliefs, worship, notions Of deity, religion and
philosophy-ideas Of life, death, and Immortality,
which it would be in vain TO seek elsewhere.
This view Of the Indian mind is lifted still
higher, in the observations on their hierog!yphics
rude photography f
The statistics appear to be the result OF eabo-
rate efforts, and are highly instructive. 1t is
shown that there are above 400 900 souls now
within the limits Of the United States as enlarged
by New Mexico, California, and Oregon. But
we have already transcribed the limits proposed
to be assigned to this notice, Altogether, it is
volumes, and be essential to all who would rightly
understand the subject.