Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1886-05-21
HISTORY OF THE VALLEY.
&e.-PrcIiminary Obserro'
tiOns on the Character Of the In
dian Mode Of Warfare, and Its
Adoption by the White People.
CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.
CIVILIZATION.
The causes which led to the pres
ent state of civilization In the wes'
tern country, are subjects which
deserve some consideration.
The state of society and manners
Of the early settlers, as presented
in these notes, shows very clearly
that their grade Of civilization was
indeed low enough. The descend
ants Of the English cavaliers from
MARYLAND and Virginia, who set
tied mostly along the rivers, and
the descendants of the Irish, who
settled in the interior parts of the
country, we're neither remarkable
for science OF urbanity Of manners.
The former were mostly illiterate,
rough in their manners, and addict
ed to the rude diversions OF horse
racing, wrestling, shooting, dane
ing, sc. These diversions were
often accompanied with personal
combats, which consisted Of blows,
kicks, biting, and gouging. This
mode of fighting was what they
called rough and tumble. Some
times a previous stipulation was
made to use the fists only. Yet
these people were industrious, en-
terprisIng, generous in their hospi-
tality, and brave in the defense of
their country.
These people, for the most part,
formed the Gordon along the Ohio
river, on the frontiers Of Pennsyl-
vania, Virginia and Kentucky,
which defended the country against
the attacks of the Indians during
the revolutionary war. They were
the janizaries of the country, that
is, they were soldiers when they
chose to be so, and when they chose
laid down their arms. Their mill
tary service was voluntary, and OF
course received no pay.
With the descendants of the Irish
l had but little acquaintance, al
though l lived near them. AT an
early period they were comprehend
ed in the Presbyterian church, and
we're more reserved in their deport
ment than their frontier neighbors,
and from their situation being less
exposed to the Indian warfare, took
less part in that war.
The patriot OF the western region
finds his love of country and nation
al pride augmented to the highest
grade, when he compares the polit'
ical, moral, and religious character
of his people, with that of the in
habitants of many large divisions
of the world. In Asia and Africa
generation after generation passes
without any change in the mora
and religious character or pbysica
condition of the people.
On the Barbary coast, the tray
eler, if a river lies in his way ant
happens TO be too high, must eithe
swim it or wait until it SUBSIDIES
| If the traveller is a christian, h
must have a flrman and a guard
Yet this was once the country o
the famous Cathagenians.
In Upper Egypt, the people grln'
meal for their dhoura bread, b,
rubbing it between two fiat stones
This is done by women.
In Palestine, the grinding G
grain is still performed by an il
constructed hand mill, as in th
days of our Saviour. The roads
the famous city of Jerusalem al
still almost in the rude state OF nj
ture.
In Asiatic Turkey, merchandit
is still carried On by caravan
which are attended with militar
guard; and the naked walls of u
caravansera is their fortress an
place of repose at night, instead
place of entertainment. II
streets of Constantinople, instes
of being paved, are in many plac
almost impossible from mud, fill
and the carcasses of dead beasts.
Yet this is the metropolis Of a gre
empire.
Throughout the whole Of the e
tensive regions of Asia and Afric
man, from his cradle to his gray
sees no change in the aspect of al
thing around him, unless from t
desolations of war. His dress, !
ordinary salutations Of his neig
bors, his diet and his mode OF 81
ing it, are prescribed by his reli
ious institutions and his rank
- society, IS well as his occupatic
are determined by his birth. Stea'
and unvsrying rs the lapse Of til
in every department Of life, gem
ton after generation beats the dl
monotonous round. The Hind
would sooner die martyr at t
stake, than sit on a chair or Z
with o knife and fork.
The descendant of Ishmael
still "a wild man." Hungry, thirs
and half naked, beneath a buI
ing sun, he traverSes the immeu
and inhospitabls desert Of Zahai
apparently without any object,
cause his forefsthers did 60 beft
him ThronRhout life he nnhsiI