Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-12-21

"Reminiscences of Fort Gaines In oIden
Times.


Times.
v. J. Johnson IN Fort Gaines Gi0l ddDsrtiser.
At the time came here. there were
great many more Indians than whites.
They were friendly, and hunting parties
passed through here two or three times
each week, the men mounted on ponies,
the women and children following on
loot. Ii there was a babe IN the crowd 1t
was suspended on the shoulders OF the
mother, by band on the forehead. The
child was nursed by the mother throwing
her breast over her shoulder, which re-
sembled stocking with an apple in II.
They went eight or ten miles below here,
on the waters of the KoiOmOkee, and
built camps Of pine bark, where the
women and children remained, while the
men hunted. They still hunted-that is
without any dog.
In about ten days a party would return
with large packs Of dressed deer skins,
Venison hams and turkeys, which were
generally EXCHANGED for goods. They
had REGULAR method OF dressing deer
skins, by which they were able to have
them ready for market in forty-eight
hours. These skins were beautifully
dressed and brought from 12l4 to % cents
each, according to size. The hides undis-
posed of here, were carried to their town
five miles above were Maj. Holmes now
lives, where they were man.
ufactured into the most beau
titully ornamented moccasins, and
beaded shot bags, ETC., by the women.
The town was called PeTryman Town,
from Sam Perryman. a halt-breed. who
was the chief. lie had eight wives who
supported him in comfort while he led
life of Incidence. The houses of his wives
were arranged in the form OF rectangle
three houses on each side and one house
at each end. He mad IS children. The
town was the largest the Indians ever
had in this section, numbering between
800 and 1000 inhabitants. They paid
no attention to- agriculture. except
to plant a small patch Of corn and few
potatoes, and none except a red variety of
potato. Their principal article Of diet
was dish called "sOiky." it was made
by boiling a pot Of corn, into which
quantity of bamboo brier was thrown.
When prepared it was emptied into a
large wooden bowl, holding about ten
gallons, and of their own manufacture. 1t
was placed aside until it began to sour
before they would touch 1t. When the
squaws announced it ready for eating the
men all squatted around the bowl
and ate from one wooden spoon, which
held about halt pint, the spoon being
passed from one to the other until it made
fed. The men did no work at all-the
drudgery was placed upon the women.
The men considered it disgrace to do
anything but hunt. They had an annual
feast, which lasted usually about one
week, called the green corn dance and
ball play. The ball play ground was in
Mr.. Tip Mandevile's plantation. | at
tended many of their feasts.
Tue Indians from all the surrounding
hrrn ni no
chickens and game, which were placed in
the common stock.
The first day was devoted to their purI-
ication, as they termed it. This con-
sisted of drinking great quantities of a
decOctiOn of black tea made from a
shrub called YOupon, which they denomi-
mated "Black Drink When they began
their publication the women handed the
drink TO the men in largo wooden bowls.
Every man took large draughts Of it,
which acted as a powerful emetic.
During the day they did not eat mouth
full. AT night all partook of hearty sup
per, and the dance began, which was par
ticIpated ia only by the women, and which
lasted all night. About sunrise break
fast was ready, after partaEIug Of this
the ball play began. Two wicker baskets
about two feet long for each player. All
the males were divided into two parties.
The ball, covered with buckskin, was
started in the centre. 1t was always
caught in he baskets. II the ball touched
the ground it was started by that side in
the middle again. Whichever side got
the ball to the end first was victor. A
game lasted five or six hours, and they
played ali day without intermission.
At night the green corn dance be-
gan again. Their dancing was
merely jumping up and down, and NOV
ing around in circle with as much noise
as possible. This programme was carried
on for about seven days, or until the pro-
visions gave out. Many OF their customs
and laws were analogous TO those of the
Jews. For instance, the ball play ground
was as sacred as the cities Of refuge-a
criminal who could reach this place in
safety was always pardoned. 1t was
called the green corn dance, because II
was in the time of roasting ears, or about
July l. No whisky was allowed on the
ground, as this was a religious festival.