NOTE: This webpage taken entirely from mormonstudies
I have provided two page numbering systems. Page numbers from the printed copy have been inserted in the text in brackets, e.g., [10]. Page numbers from Spalding's manuscript are preceded by an S, e.g., [S10].
The history of the discovery of the Manuscript can be told in a few words. D. P. Hurlbut, an apostate, the orginator of the fabrication that the Book of Mormon originated in Mr. Spaulding's tale, wrote a bitter assault on the Latter-day Saints in 1836, entitled "Mormonism Unveiled," which was published in the name of, and by E. D. Howe, of Painesville, Ohio. During the time Hurlbut was gathering material for this work, he obtained from the family of the then deceased clergyman [iv] the original of the "Manuscript Story," but discovering that it would, if published, prove fatal to his assumptions, he suppressed it: and from that time it was entirely lost sight of until about two years ago, when a Mr. L. L. Rice, residing at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, found it among a numerous collection of miscellaneous papers which he had received from Mr. Howe, the publisher of Hurlbut's "Mormonism Unveiled," when in 1839-40, he, with his partner, purchased from that gentleman the business, etc., of the Painesville Telegraph.
In 1884 President James H. Fairchild, of Oberlin College, Ohio, was paying a visit to Mr. Rice, and he suggested that the latter look through his numerous papers, in the hope of finding amongst them some antislavery documents of value. In his search he discovered a packet marked in pencil on the outside, "Manuscript Story -- Conneaut Creek," which, to their surprise, on perusal, proved to be the veritable, long-lost romance of Dr. Spaulding, to which so much undeserved importance had been ignorantly or maliciously given. After retaining the manuscript some time Mr. Rice presented it to Oberlin College, but before doing so, made an exact copy, with all its peculiarities of style, errors of grammar and orthography, alterations, erasures, etc., which copy he placed in our hands with the distinct understanding that it should be printed and published exactly as he had copied it.
We have endeavored to faithfully carry out our part of the agreement, and now present to the world this wishy-washy production, with all its peculiarites of spelling and grammar, whose only conceivable value is that it utterly dispels and demolishes a long existing error, and compels those who will not acknowledge the divinity of the Book of Mormon to seek in other directions plausible excuses for rejecting its truths.
Those portions of the work altered or erased by Mr. Spaulding have, in the following pages, been printed in italics and between brackets.
They were written on a variety of Subjects. But the Roll which principally attracted my attention contained a history of the authors life & that part of America which extends along the great Lakes & the waters of the Missisippy.
Extracts of the most interesting and important matters contined in this Roll I take the liberty to publish -- --
[Gentle Reader tread lightly on the ashes of the venerable dead -- Thou must know that this country was once inhabited by great & powerful nations considerably civilized & skilled in the arts of war, and that on ground where thou now treadest many [an hard fou] a bloody [S4]
Battle hath been faught -- & heroes by the thousand [have been] made to bite the dust.In the history given of these nations by my Author you will find nothing but what will correspond with the natural sentiments we should form on viewing the innumerable remains of Antiquity which are scattered over an extensive Country. This is an evidence of the authors impartiality and veracity. But if any should pretend that the whole story is fictitious or fabulous.
]To publish a translation of every particular circumstance [3] mentioned by our author would produce a volume too expensive for the general class of readers. But should this attempt to throw off the vail which has secluded our view from the transactions of nations who, for ages have been extinct, meet the approbation of the public, I shall then be happy to gratify the more inquisitive & learned part of my readers by a more minute publication. Apprehensive that sceptical, illiberal or supersticious minds may censure this performance with great accrimony I have only to remark that they will be deprived of a great fund of entertainment which those [S5] of a contrary disposition will obtain. My compassion will be excited more than my resentment and there the contest will end.
Now Gentle Reader the Translator who wishes well to thy present & thy future existence entreats the to peruse this volume with a clear head a pure heart & a candid mind -- If thou shalt that thy head & thy heart are both improved it will afford him more satisfaction than the approbation of ten thousand who have received no benefit. -- --
[And now permit me to admonish thee that if thou shouldst reside in or travel thro' any part of the Country]
[My name was [is] Fabious] The family name I sustain is Fabius, being decended from the illustrius General of that name -- I was born at Rome and received my [tuition] education under the tuition of a very learned Master -- At the time that Constantine arived at that city & had overcome his enimies & was firmly seated on the throne of the Roman empire I was introduced to him as a young Gentleman [litera] genius & learning and as being worthy of the favourable notice of his imperial majisty -- He gave me the appointment of one of his Secritaries, and such were the gracious intimations which he frequently gave me of his high approbation of my conduct that I was happy in my stations. One day he says to me -- Fabius you must go to Brittain and carry an important * * * to the general of our army there * * * * [S7] sail in a vessel and return when she returns. Preparation was made instantly and we sailed -- The vessel laden with provisions for the army -- cloathing, knives and other impliments for their use had now arived near the coasts of Britan when a tremendous storm arose & drove us into the midst of the boundless Ocean. Soon the whole crew became lost & bewildered -- They knew not the direction to the rising Sun or polar Star -- for the heavens were covered with clouds: & darkness had spread her sable mantle over the face of the raging deep. Their minds were filled with consternation & dispair --[and unaimously agreed that] What could we do? How be extrecated from the insatiable jaws of a watry tomb. Then it was that we felt our absolute dependence on that Almighty & gracious Being who holds the winds and storms in his hands -- From him alone could we expect deliverance. To him our most fervent desires ascended -- prostrate & on [S8] bended nees we poured forth incessant supplications. & even Old Ocean appeared to sympathize in our distress by returning the [5] echo of our vociforos cries and lamentations. After being driven five days with incridable velocity before the furious wind, the storm abated in its violance -- but still the wind blew strong in the same direction -- Doubt whether the wind had not changed her point we gave the ship full sail & let her drive -- On the sixth day after, the storm wholly subsided, the sun rose clear & the heavens once more appeard to smile -- Inexpressible was the consternation of all the crew. they found themselves in the midst of a vast Ocean No prospect of returning -- all was lost -- The wind blowing westwardly & the presumption was that it had been blowing in that direction during the whole of the storm. No pen can paint the dolorious cries & lamentations of the poor mariners -- for the loss of friends for the loss of every thing they held most dear. At length a Mariner stept forward in [S9] the midst and proclaimed. Attend O friends & listen to my words -- A voice from on high hath penetrated my soul & the inspiration of the Almighty hath bid me proclaim -- Let your sails be wide spread and the gentle winds will soon waft you into a safe harbor -- A country where you will find hospitality. -- Quick as the lightnings flash joy sparkled in every countenance -- A Hymn of Thanksgiving spontaniously bust forth from their lips -- In full confidence that the divine prediction would be accomplished they extoled the loving-kindness and tender mercies of their God & promised, by the assistance of his grace to make ample returns of gratitude. On the fifth day after this we came in sight of Land -- we entered a spacious River -- & continued sailing up the same many leages until we came [S10] in view of a Town -- Every heart now palpitated with joy -- & loud shouts of gladness expressed the enthusiastic transports of our souls. We anchored within a small distance from shore -- Immediately the natives ran with apparent signs of surprise & astonishment, to the bank of the River -- After viewing us for some time, and receiving signs of Friendship -- they appeard to hold a counsel for a few a few [6] minutes -- Their King then stept forward to the edge of the bank -- & proffered us the hand of friendship -- & by significant gestures invited us to Land promising us protection & hospitality. We now found ourselves once more on terra firma -- & were conducted by the King & four cheifs into the town whilst the multitude followed after, shouting and performing many odd jesticulations -- The King ordered an entertainment to be prepared for his new friends which consisted of * * * * meat fish, boiled beans & samp * * * * * * * [S11] The whole was placed under a wide spreading Oak in wooden dishes -- A large clam shell & a stone Knife were provided for each one The King then came forward with about twenty of his principal subjects -- & seated us, (being twenty in number) by the side of our repast -- He and his company then took seats in front. After waving his hand & bowing all fell to eating and a more delicious repast we never enjoyed -- The repast being finished our attention was called to a collection of about One thousand men and women who had formed a ring and invited our company to come forward into the midst -- after gazing upon us for some time with surprize we were permitted to withdraw and to take our stand in the Ring -- About forty in number then walked into the midle of the Ring & began a song with such discordant and hedious modifications of sounds and such frantic jesticulations of body, that it seemed that chaos had bro't [S12] her furies to set the world in an uproar -- And an uproar it was in a short time for the whole company fell to shouting, & screaming, whooping, & screaming [at intervals] -- then dancing, jumping & tumbling with many indisdiscrible distortions in their countenance & indelicate jestures -- In fact they appeared more like a company of devils than human Beings. This lasted about one hour -- They then took their places in a circle & at a signal given gave three most tremendous whoops; they then instantly dispersed, playing many antike capers -- & making such a confused medly of sound by skreaming, whooping screaching like owls, [7] Barking like dogs & wolvs & croaking like Bull frogs, that my brains seemed to be turned topse turvy -- & for some time could scarce believe that they belonged to the human species.
[S13]Arrangements must now be made for our settlement. Vessel & cargo had suffered no material damage, & by [S14] striping the vessel of its plank we could erect a house in which we could deposite the whole cargo safety -- All hands were immediatly employed some in procuring timber, which was hued on two sides & then locked together, some in procuring shingles & some in striping the vessel of its plank; & having a large quantity of nails on board, in ten days we finished a very convenient storehouse, sufficiently spacious to receive the whole cargo. We also built a [small] house adjoining which was to be the habitation of the Captain and myself -- Having [8] secured all our property we then found it necessary to establish some regulations for the government of our little society. -- The Captain whose name was Luian and myself were appointed judges in all matters of controversy & manages of the public property, to make bargains with [S15] the natives & barter such articles as we did not need for necessaries. -- As we all professed to believe in the religion of Jesus Christ we unanimously chose Trojanus the mate of the Ship, a pious good man, to be our minister. to lead our devotions morning & evening & on the Lords day. --
But now a most singular & delicate subject presented itself for consideration. Seven young women we had on board, as passengers, to visit certain friends they had in Britain -- Three of them were ladies of rank, and the rest were healthy bucksom Lasses. -- Whilst deliberarating on this subject a mariner arose whom we called droll Tom -- Hark ye shipmates says he, Whilst tossed on the foming billows what brave son of nepture had any more regard for a woman than a sturgeon, but now we are all safely anchored on Terra firma -- our sails furled & ship keeled up, I have a huge longing for some of those rosy dames -- But willing to take [S16] my chance with my shipmates -- I propose that they should make their choise of husbands. The plan was instantly adopted. As the choie fell on the young women they held a consultation on the subject, & in a short time made known the result -- Droll Tom was rewarded for his benevolent proposal with one of the most sprightly rosy dames in the company. -- Three other of the most cheerful resolute mariners were chosen by the other three buxhum Lasses -- The three young Ladies [of rank] fixed their choise on the Captain the mate & myself. [Happy indeed in my partner I had formed an high esteem for the excellent qualities of her mind] The young Lady who chose me for a partner was possessed of every attractive charm both of body & mind -- We united heart & hand with the fairest prospects of enjoying every delight & satisfaction which are [9] attendant on the connubial State. Thus ended the affair. [S17] You may well conceive our singular situation. The six poor fellows who were doomed to live in a state of Cebicy or accept of savage dames, discovered a little chagrine & anxeity -- However they consoled themselves with the idea of living in families where they could enjoy the company of the fair sex & be releived from the work which belongs to the department of Women. Our community might be said to be one family tho we lived in separate houses, situate near each other. The property was common stock -- what was produced by our labor was likewise to be common, all subject to the distribution of the judges who were to attend to each family & see that propper industry and econimy were practised by all. --
The Capt. & myself, attended with our fair Partners & two mariners repaired to a new habitation which consisted of [S18] two convenient apartments. After having partook of an elligant Dinner & drank a bottle of excellent wine our spirits were exhilerated & the deep gloom which beclouded our minds evaporated. The Capt. assuming his wonted chearfulness made the following address My sweet good soald fellows we have now commenced a new voige -- Not such as brot us over mountain billows to this butt end of the world -- No, no, our voyge is on dry land -- & now we must take care that we have sufficient ballast for the riging -- every hand on board this ship must clasp hands & condecend to each others humour, this will pro-good cheer and smooth the raging billows of life. Surrounded by innumerable hords of human beings, who resemble in manners the Ourang Outang -- let us keep aloof from them & not embark in the same matrimonial ship [with them] -- At the same time we will treat them with good cheer -- & inlighten their dark souls with good instruction -- By continuing a distinct people & preserving our customs manners, religion & arts and sciences another [S19] Italy will grow up in this wilderness & we shall be celebrated as the fathers [10] of a great & happy nation. -- May God bless your soul, says one of our mariners, what would you have us do who have had the woful luck not to get mates to cheer our poor souls & warm our bodies, methinks I could pick out a healthy plum Lass from the copper coulered tribe that by washing and scrubing her fore & aft & upon the labbord & stabbord sides she would become a wholsome bedfellow -- & I think may it please your honour I could gradually pump my notions into her head & make her a good shipmat for the cupboard & as good hearted a christian as any of your white damsels. -- & upon my soul -- I warrant you if we have children. by feeding them with good fare & keeping them clean they will be as plump & as fair & nearly as white as your honors children. -- Upon this I filled the bottle with wine & observing to honest Crito that he was at liberty to make the experiment if he could find a fair * * * * to his liking -- I then expressed the [S20] great pleasure I received from the addresses of the speakers. & drank success to the new voige -- All drank plentifully & the exhileration produced the greatest cheerfulness & hilarity. -- By this time the sun had hid his head below the horizon & darkness invited all the animal creation to sleep & rest. We retired two & two hand in hand -- Ladies heads little awri -- blushing like the morn & -- But I forgot to mention that our society passed a resolution to build a church in the midst of our village.
When the time arives -- which is in September, the whole tribe assemble -- They are dressed & ornimented in the higest fashion -- The women in particular have their garments & heads so adorned with feathers shells & wampum that they make a very brilliant & grotesque appearance. -- They form a circle -- their countinances are solemn. A Speaker mounts a stage in the midst. At [12] this moment two Black Dogs led by two Boys & two White Dogs led by two young damsels enter the circle and are tied together [S23] The Speaker then extended his hands & spoke Hail ye favorite children of the great & good Spirit, who resides in the Sun, who is the father of all living creatures & whose arms incircle us all around -- who defends us from the malicious designs of that great malignant Spirit that pours upon us all the evils we endure he gives us all our meat & our fish -- & causes the corn & the fruits to spring up & makes us to rejoice in his goodness. He hath prepared a delightful country to receive us -- if we are valiant in battle or are benevolent & good -- There we can pick all kinds of delicious fruit & have game & fish in abundance & our women being improved in beuty & sprighliness will cause our hearts to dance with delight -- But wo unto you wicked malicious, mischevous mortals -- your lot will be cast in a dark mirey swamp -- where the malignant Spirit will torment you with musquetoes & serpents & will give you nothing to eat but toads, frogs & snails. -- [S24] But O my dear friends -- all hail -- here is a custom which is sanctioned by time immemorial -- Look steadfastly on the black dogs & let not your eyes be turned away -- when they are thrown on the sacred pile & the flames are furiously consuming their bodies -- then let your earnest prayers assend for pardon & your transgressions will flee away like shadows & your sins will be carried by the smoke into the shadows of oblivion -- When this solemn expatory sacrifice is ended then prepare your souls to partake of the holy festival -- Each one will receive a precious morsel from these immaculate snow coulered Dogs in token that your offences have all evaporated in the smoke of the holy sacrifice, & that you are thankful to the benevolent Spirit for the abundance of good things that you enjoy -- & that you humbly anticipate the continuance of his blessings & that he will defend you against the evil designs of that malignant Spirit, who gives gawl & wormwood, & fills our bosoms with pain & our eyes with [13] tears. [S25] He then proclaimed, let the sacred pile be erected & the solemn sacrifice performed. Instantly about one hundred men came forward with small dry wood & bundles of dry sticks & having thrown them in one pile within the circle -- they sat the pile on fire -- The black dogs were knocked on the head & thrown on the top -- in a moment all was in a blaze & the flame assended in curls to heaven. The whole company assumed the most devout attitude & muttered in sounds almost inarticulate their humble confessions & ernest requests --
When the dogs were consumed & the fire nearly extinguished, the cerimonies of their sacred festival began -- the white dogs which were very plump & fat, were knocked on the head & their throats cut. Their hair was then singed off, having first their entrails taken out -- & being suspended by the nose before a hot fire they were soon roasted -- thrown upon a long Table & desected into as many pieces as there were persons to swallow them. The company immediately formed a procession, one rank of men, the other of women -- the men marching to the left & the women to the right of the Table each one took a piece & devoured it with as good a * * * * as if it had been the most delicious morsel. [S26] Having completed these sacred cerimonies with great solemnity -- the whole company formed themselves into a compact circle round the stage -- ten musitians immediately mounted & at once, the multitude on every side sang a song -- The tune & the musical voices of the singers pleased the ear, whilst the immagination was delighted with the poetic inginuety of the composition -- The multitude all joined in the chorus, with voices so loud & multifarious that the atmosphere quaked with terror -- & the neighboring hills [sent back] by way of mockery -- sent back the sound of their voices improved by tenfold confusions. Perhaps, reader, you have the curiosity to hear the song -- I can give you only the last stanzy & the chorus. -- --[14]
For us the sun emits his rais
The moon shines forth for our delight
The stars extol our heroes prais
And warriors flee before our fight.Chorus
Delawan to chakee poloo
Manegango farwah teloo
Chanepauh, lawango chapah
Quinebogan hamboo gowah.
The solemnities are ended & in their opinion their poor souls are compleatly whitewashed -- & every stain entirely effaced. A little diversion [S27] will now dissipate the solemnity & inspire them with cheerfulnes & merriment.
The whole tribe repair to the top of an hill, at one place their is a gradual slope a small distance & then it decends about twenty five feet in an almost perpendicular direction, at the bottom of which is a quagmire, which is about ten feet in length & the soft mud is about three feet deep -- at each end the ground is soft but not miry -- Down this declivity twenty pair of very suple & sprightly young men & women are to decend, If by their agility & dexterity they escape the quagmire -- a piece of wampum will be the reward of each fortunate champion -- but if they plunge in, their, their recompence will be the ridecule & laughter of the multitude.
In making this decent, six young women & five young men by a surprising dexterity in whirling their bodies as they decended cleared themselves from the quagmire -- The rest as their turns came plunged in & came out most wofully muded to the great diversion of the spectators. The incident which excited the most merriment hapned when the last party decended. by an unlucky spring to [S28] clear himself from the quagmire he bro't his body along side of the declevity & roled his whole length into the midst of the quagmire where he lay [his whole length in an horizontal position on his back] -- neither [15] heels up or head up, but horizontally -- soft & easy -- but alas when one unlucky event happens another follows close on the heels. -- the fair, [plump] corpulent Damsel, his affectionate sweetheart came instantly, sliding with great velocity -- She saw the woful position of her beloved -- She wished him no harm -- She raised her feet this bro't the center of gravity directly over the center of his head -- here she rested a moment -- his head sunk -- she sunk after him his heels kicked against the wind like Ieshuran waked fat -- but not a word from his lips -- but his ideas came in quick succession -- tho't he, what a disgrace to die here in the mud under the pressure of my sweet heart -- however his time for such reflections, were short -- the tender hearted maid collecting all her agility in one effort dismounted and found herself on dry land in an [S29] instant -- not a moment to be lost; she seized her lover by one leg & draged him from the mud -- a curious figure, extending about six feet six inches on the ground, -- all bismeared from head to foot, spiting, -- puffing, panting & strugling for breath -- Poor man, the whole multitude laughing at thy calamity, shouting, rediculing -- none to give thee consolation but thy loving & simpithetec partner [in misfortune -- Upon my soul, exclaims droll Tom -- stem fermost -- that bouncing Lass ought to have the highest prize for draging her ship from the mud] -- She was cleaning the filth from his face.
Thus I reasoned respecting the solar system, of which the earth is a part. Provided the earth is stationary, according to the present system of philosophy -- then the sun, the moon & the plannets, being at an immense distance from the earth -- must perform their revolutions round her with inceivable velocity -- whereas, if according to the Platonic system, the earth is a globe -- & the sun is stationary then the earth by a moderate velocity can [S31] perform her revolutions -- This scheme will represent the solar system as displaying the transcendent wisdom of its almighty Architect -- for in this, we behold the Sun suspended by omnipotence & all the planents moving round him as their common center in exact order & harmony -- In this we can easily account for days & nights & the different seasons of the year, -- When the earth presents one part of her face to the sun it is day -- When that part is turned from his beams it is night -- When she varies to the south the sun shines upon us in a more perpendicular direction -- the suns beams become more dence & the heat increases -- as she returns back the heat decreases in proportion as this part of earth looses its perpendicular direction to the sun & the cold [17] becomes more intence in the same proportion. -- This accounts for the various seasons of the year, appears correct and consistent & highly honorable to the divine perfections
[But behold the other system -- The Earth firmly fixed on a firm foundation -- perhaps as some on a giants back who stands on a prodigious Rock -- Its surfice widely extended nearly horizontal -- [& its cut down] [S32] & its sides cut down strait or perpendicular to the very bottom below which is a bottomless abiss Pray Mr. Philosopher what man was ever there and looked down? & what prevents the Ocean, unless it is damd with earth & rocks from pouring down & loosing itself in this horrible abiss? But how extensive is this teraque-surface? Indeed I am of opinion, if this sistem is true I am nearly at one end of it. But the hipothises is too absurd & inconsistent. The earth must be of a sperical form & a westerly course will lead us to the land of our nativity -- Perhaps this is a part of the eastern Continent, or perhaps only a narrow strip of the Ocean intervenes? On no other principle can we account for the emigration of the ancestors of those innumerable hords of human beings that possess this continent -- Their tradition is that their ancestors came form the west -- & they agree in their information that at the distance of fifteen days journey in a westerly direction, there are nations vastly more numerous, powerful & civilized than themselves.]
[S33] The earth therefore must be a globe and a westerly course will lead us to the land of our nativity. On what principle can we account for the emigration of the ancestors of these innumerable hords of human beings that possess this Continent? Their tradition tells them that they emigrated from the westward -- From this I draw the conclusion -- that the sea if any, which intervenes between the two Continents at the westward is not so extensive, but that it may be safely navigated. [I have also learnt from some of the] we are also informed by some of the natives, that at the distance of there is a great River which runs in a [south] westerly [18] about fifteen days journey in a northwesterly course direction. [they cannot tell how far] -- & that along the banks of this river there are great towns & mighty kings & a people who live in a state of civilization -- From all these considerations I am determined to remove -- pursue a westerly course & seek the delightful country of my ancestors. -- Immediately I communicated my determination & the reasons on which it was founded to our little Society, who joyfully acquiesed -- It was tho't to be the most prudential to find out the disposition & character of the inhabitants, who were [S34] settled along the great River lest we should fall into the hands of Robbers -- For this purpose my man crito & myself & a Delawan for an interpreter set off. We passed thro' a a country interspersed with vilages, inhabited by the same kind of people as the Delawans until we came to a great mountain. Having passed over this we had not traveled far before we came to the confluence of two great Rivers which in conjunction produced a river which was called Owaho deep enough, for the navigation of Ships. -- Here was a large town or city inhabited by a distinct race of people from any we had seen before. We were immediately conducted to the King & were received very graciously -- & having asked a number of very pertinent questions & received answers to his satisfaction -- I then made known to him our business & had all my requests granted -- As we proposed to move into his territory he offered to furnish us for our convenience with four Mammoons & four men to manage them. These were an annimal of prodigious magnitude, even biger than the eliphant, which the natives had tamed & domesticated -- They were very segacious & docile & were employed in carying burthens and in drawing timber -- [& in ploughing their land] -- Their hair at the spring season was abaut seven inches in length [S35] & was of a fine wooly consistence -- & being sheared off at the proper season was manufactured into course Cloth -- and the milk of the females, which they produced in [19] abundance, afforded a very wholsome nutriment. Having thus succeeded beyond our expectation we made as much expidition to return as possible -- We arrived in safety without any material accidents -- The Little Society I had left were greatly rejoised on our returne -- & highly pleased with the account we gave of the country we had visited -- & at the sight of those [extraordinary & prodigious animals] mammoons which we had bro't to convey our baggage. -- No time was lost to make preparation for the journey -- The Captain, Mate & myself went to the King & held a conference with him & the chiefs & obtained leave to depart, tho with apparent regret & reluctance. [S36] Sacks were provided from Course Cloth to receive the most valuable part of our goods & furniture -- These were thrown across three of the Mammoons -- The other was caparisoned, in a manner too tedious to discribe for the accomidation of our women & children -- They were all mounted upon him & road with great convenience & safety. [Being thus prepared & ready] Thus having resided among the Delivans two years -- & being prepared to take our departure The King and his chiefs & many of his principal subjects came forward to take an affectionate farewell. This was done on both sides, with mutual expressions of the most ardent and sincere Friendship & the most earnest wishes and prayers for future prosperity and happiness [S37] Having taken our final adieu I observed honest Crito sheding tears very plentifully -- You seem to be affected said I -- God bless your honour said, he, when I think how kind & generous these poor Delawans have been to us I cannot help feeling an affection & friendship for them -- We were obliged to anchor amongst them -- we were strangers -- & helpless and they were ignorant Savages -- yet they held out the hand of kindness & treated us as brothers & sisters. -- Have they not fulfilled the law of Christian charity -- O that they were good Christians -- may God forgive their ignorance & unbeleife -- and reward them for their kindness & gerosity. We passed on -- No obsticles impeded [20] our journey until we came to the great River Suscowah -- which runs between the Deliwah River and the great [S38] mountain -- The water being too deep for fording, we built a small boat and with this, at several times we conveyed the whole of the baggage & Company across, except the manager of the Mammoons, who mounted them & swam them across -- We then proceeded on by slow marches, -- but in crossing the great mountain we had some difficulties to encounter [but hower met with received no material damage] -- but finally arived safely at the great city Owhahon on the twenty fifth day after our departure from the Deliwan.
Fatigued with a long and difficult journey, great joy and gladness were visible in every Countenance, and all were disposed to establish our residence here until further information could be obtained & further measures concerted to prosecute our journey to Europe [S39] The King and his principal officers proffered us every assistance necessary to make our situation agreeable. They assigned us in [conformity to our wishes] compliance with our request, a number of houses on the bank of the river at a little distance from the City -- We made him some valuable presents in return, which he received as a token of friendship but not as a compensation -- For such was the high sence of honour which this prince sustained, that when he made a present, he would take it as an insult to offer him any thing as a compensation.
[The 1910 edition omits this sentence: Having now once more become setled our little community continued the same regulations which they had established at Deliwan -- & all things proceeded in peace & our affairs prospered.]
[S40]They cloathed themselves in cloth which was manufactured [among themselves] from the hair of Mammoons & from Cotton which was transported from the South west westward. The men wore shoes and long stockings, -- wide trousses -- a waistcoat & a garment with wide short sleaves which came down to their nees & in cold weather a Cloak over the whole The covering for the head was generaly a kind of a Cap which ran up high and tapered to a point -- This was generally made of fur skins & was ornimented with feathers. It had a small brim in the shape of an half moon to project over the forehead --
[S42] The women beside a stockings & shoes wore a short petecoat a shirt of cotton a loose garment with sleaves which they girted round them with belts -- & a cloak -- They had various orniments such as ribbons made from cotton & coulored with different coulars -- the most beautiful feathers that could be obtained and shels of various kinds -- Indeed the higher class of women were extreemly fond of ornament -- & placed a large share of their happiness in the bliancy & gaudy appearance of their garments. The people obtained their living generally by the cultivation of the land -- & [the manage] by tending and managing certain animals which had been so long domesticated that they have lost their wild nature & become tame [22]
Corn, wheat, beans squashes & carrots they raised in great abundance -- The ground was plowed [S43] by horses & generally made very mellow for the reception of the seed. --
It was the occupation of a certain part of the men to tend upon the tame animals to drive them to pasture & keep them from straying and feed them when the snow was on the ground. -- Two men would tend twenty Mammouth, which were indifferent whether they fed on grass or cropt the bushes -- when these animals were fat, their flesh was highly esteemed -- They had droves of Elk, which they had so tamed and tutored that they could manage them as they pleased -- and they would follow them like a flock of sheep -- & it was but seldom that any would leave their companions. -- The elk constituted a considerable part of their animal food -- The horses were managed in the same way -- & the people tho't their meat to be a savory dish.
[S44] They had large numbers of turkeys and gees -- which tho originally wild yet by treating them with great familiarity by croping their wings and feeding them frequently they discovered no disposition to ramble off but propagated their species & laid eggs in abundance. --
Hunting & fishing were the employments of some -- others followed mechanical business -- others carried on a bartering trade to the southwestward -- in order to furnish the people with cotton & other articles whose production was not conginial to the their climate. By pursuing these various employments they generally had a plenty of provisons at all seasons & were comfortably cloathed. -- And here I would remark as one striking characteristic of this people -- that they observed great neatness in their dress -- in their cookery and in their houses.
[S45] The manufacturing of Iron & lead was understood but was not carried on to that extent & perfection as in Europe. A small quantity of Iron in proportion to the number of inhabitants served to supply them with all [23] the impliments which custom had made necessary for their use -- By hamering & hardening their Iron they would convert it nearly into the consistence of steal & fit it for the purpose of edge tools.
The potery Business was conducted with great inginuity, & great quanitites of stone and earthan ware consisting of [every kind] of vessels of every construction which were needed for family use, were manufactured in every part of this extensive country. These vessels [S46] they ornimented with [pictures with] the likenesses of various kinds of animals & trees & impressed upon them such coulors as would strike the fancy with delight. -- The females of the [higher Class] most wealthy class would often have a large and superfluous quantity of this brittle furniture to decorate one apartment of the house -- The vessels they arranged in such order as to make a display of taste and impress the mind with the agreeable sensation of beauty. --
In architecture there can be no comparison with the civilized nations of Europe -- In their most welthy & popolous Cities their houses and public buildings, exhibit no eligance -- no appearans of wealth & grandure -- all is plain -- & [S47] nothing superfluous -- but convenience appears to be the whole object they had in view in the construction of their buildings of every kind.
Their houses were generally but one story high -- built of wood, being framed & covered with split clapboards or shingles & in the inside the walls were formed of clay, which was plastered over with a thin coat of lime -- Their houses seldom consisted of more than three apartments As to their chimnies, they construt a wall of stone about five feet hight [for the fire to be] against which they build their fire -- from the top of this wall they construct their chimney with thin pieces of split timber on the inside [with wet dirt or clay] of which they plaister wet, dirt or clay -- which compleatly covers & adheres to the timber & prevents the [S48] fire form having any operation upon it. The inside of their houses, as the [24] women generally practiss neetness makes a much better appearance than the outside.
It is my opinion, says Trojanus that this people display a taste in building which is formed upon the true principles of Reason -- Their houses are sufficiently spacious for convenience No expence or labour are thrown away in building useless apartments -- or in the erecting their houses higher than what convenience requires -- The whole catalogue of ornimental trumpery is neglected -- This in Room produces more than half the labor & expence in buildings -- [Yes says Lucian & without this, these laboring people must starve for the want of employment, & the citizens of the Roman empire would be deprived of the honour [S49] of possessing a splendid Capital & of the exquisite pleasure of beholding the greatest exhibition of human inginuity in the eligance, [the] splendore [the] simitry & beauty of their houses, [their,] palices & public edifices -- True indeed, replies Trojanus, men may be dazled & delighted with such objects for a moment -- But could not wealth be better bestowed [upon] to promote the intrest of the community & for charitable purposes -- & these artists better employ their strength & inginuity in producing some substantial benefits to themselves & others. -- Rejoins Lucian, the course reason dictates is to avoid extremes. -- A slab coloured world would tire the sences by its uniformity & too much orniment & splendor would cease to please by its frequency.] -- Besides -- lofty houses can more easily be overthrown by tornadoes or tumbled [S50] down upon our heads by earthquakes. -- The course says Lucian, that reason dictates is to avoid extremes. A slab coloured, [would] by its uniformity would tire the sences -- & by its possessing too much orninent & splendor it would cease to please. [25]
*But the wonder would cease when it is considered that mankind with but few execptions to walk in the tracts of their fathers & pursue the road marked out by their education.
+Tho the most probable conjecture is that they were communicated from one nation to the other.
[26] of considerable Labour & time to obtain such a knowledge of their characters & and the application as to be able to read with fluency & to write with ease & accuracy --
In their principal Cities & towns the Government appoint learned men to instruct the sons of the higher class of citizens & in the course of four or five years they will make such proficiency as to become tolerable schollars.
The works of the learned are not very voluminous. Records are kept of the transactions of their government. Their constitution & laws are committed to writing -- [A sacred Roll in in manuscript is preserved among the Records [S53] of their Emperors & kings] & are dispersed thro the impire -- & much pains is taken to defuse the knowledge of them among the people -- In all their large towns & cities they have deposited under the care of a priest a sacred Roll, which contains the tenets of their Theology & a discription of their religious cerimonies. This order of men publish comments upon these sacred writings -- they publish some tracks on moral philosophy -- & some containing a collection of proverbs & the wise sayings of their sages. --
But the kind of composition in which they most excel is poetry -- In poetic numbers they describe the great events, which take place -- & the exploits and mighty atcheivments of their heroes -- In soft eligies they paint the amours of Lovers & in pathetic strains they delineate the calamimities & sorrows of the unfortunate. In their assemblies it is very common for a certain class of the Learned to entertain the company with a repetiton [S54] of poetic peices describing the battle and exploits of their warriors -- Or to sing some amarous or witty ballad -- As for Theators they have none -- but as a kind of substitute -- there are actors, who entertain the people by pronounsing dialogues or plays, in which they display all the arts of mimicry -- & [act out the] express in their countenance their gesture & the tone of their voices different [27] passions of the human mind As only a small proportion of the people are instructed in the arts of reading & writing, of consequen the great mass, must possess a large share of ignorance -- but not so great a share as savages who have no learning among them -- They head the conversation & the letures of their sages -- [They are entertained with] Their poetic orators entertain them with the productions of their poets, containing the history of great events & mighty atcheivments -- Their actors devert and please them by exciting the various passions -- [at the same time communicating instruction & correcting the natural savageness [S55] of maners by.] & as the peices they reherse contain many ideas & sentiments tending to expose the deformity of vice, the folly of superstition & the disgustfulness of rude & clownish manners, the people of consequence are improved & considerably refined -- add to this their living in compact towns or cities in which there is a constant and reciprocal communication of ideas -- which of course would have no small effect to inform their minds -- To all these causes combined the [Ohons] the great mass of the people are indebted for possessing a considerable share of knowledge and civilization.
*No crime is so horrid as maliciously to destroy the life of man.
[30] their minds in useful knowledge -- Contention and strife is the Bane of Families & the destruction of domestic happiness -- being yoked together the husband and wife ought to draw in the same direction -- their countenances will then [appear beautiful] shine with the effulgent Beams of Friendship & love -- peace & harmony will attend their habitation & their affairs will prosper.
Hold out the hand of kindness and friendship to thy neighbour -- consider him when reduced to indigence & distress -- he is as dear to the great and good being as what thou art [& now thou hast an opportunity to manifest the disposition of thy heart] To afford him relief will be pleasing to thy maker & an expression of thy gratituge Envious & malicious souls are almost incurably contaminated with that hellish poison which first disordered the soul of man -- [S60] partake not of their guilt by joining them in the malignant work of slander & detraction. Their intended mischief returns upon their own heads & the slandered character of the innocent & just shines forth with increasing lusture. Let the stranger find a[n hospitable] resting place under thy Roof -- give him to eat from thy portion, that when he departs he may bless thee & go on his way rejoicing. --
Say not to thyself I will indulge in inactivity & idleness & lie upon the bed of sloth & slumber away the precious moments of time -- for in this thou art unwise -- for disease will attend thee, hunger will torment thee -- & Rags will be thy clothing -- Let industry & econemy fill up the measure of thy waking moments, so shall thy countenance display health and sprightliness plenty shall supply the wants of thy family & thy reputation shall be respectable.
[But I behold a being in human form, from whom I turn away with disgust and abhorrance He is covered with so much dirt & filth, that no etherial body is provided for him nor can he be received into the abodes of the blessed.]
[S61] Suffer not thy bodies or thy garments to remain bismered with dirt & filth -- Cleanliness prevents many [31] deceases & is pleasant to the sight But from a dirty filthy mortal we turn with disgust & abhorrance As the great author of our existence is benevolent to all his offspring so it becomes us to be benevolent to our fellow beings around us -- Our country is one Body & we are part of its members -- We are therefore bound to maintain the rights & priviledges & the honour and dignity of our country at the Risk of our lives -- Great rewards attend the Brave -- & their expploits & atchivements in contending against tyrants & in defending the Rights of their country will be celebrated on the plains of story. --
[S62] But the vision now expands & directs our comtemplation to fix on his attributes, whose spiritual substance is commensurate with infinity -- As only a single particle from his substance constitutes our souls, how small, how diminitive must we appear in the view of Onnicience -- We must therefore contemplate his attributes thro the medium of his works -- & admire with profound reverance & adoration his wisdom goodness and power which are visible in the formation & arrangement of all materiall bodies & spiritual beings. He requires us to suplicate his favours -- & when received to express our gratitude -- As our passions & appetites often get the assendence of reason -- we are [S63] therefore bound to confess our faults & implore forgiveness --
Now that you know & keep all these things which were made known by divine inspiration, it is ordained that on every eighth day ye lay asside all unnecessary labour -- that ye meet in covenient numbers & form assemblies That in each assembly a learned holy man shall preside, who shall lead your devotion, & explain this sacred Roll & give you such instruction as shall promote your happiness in this life & in the life to come Once in three months -- ye shall hold a great festival in every city & towns & your priests shall sacrifiice an Elk as a token that your sins deserve punishment -- but that the divine mercy has banished them into shades of forgetfulness. [32] Be attentive O man to the words of truth which have been recorded [S64] & pay respect to all the commandments which have been written for your observance -- Your maker will then be pleased to see you rejoice in the participation of his favours & to behold your faces brighten with the benign beams of cheerfulness. --
Whilst the Siotans were thus rapidly progressing in their improvements they were unhappily disturbed by the certain prospect of war. Bombal the king of the Kentucks -- a nation which lived on the south side of the [36] great River Ohio, had taken great umbrage against Hadokam the King of Siota -- This Bombal was the most haughty & powerful prince, who reigned in this part of the western Continent -- It had been the custom for several ages for the king & chiefs of the Kentucks to have the exclusive right to wear, in their Caps a bunch of blue feathers, which designated their pre-eminance over every nation -- The Siotan princes envying them this distinguished [S72] honor & considering themselves as being at least their equals assumed the liberty to place bunches of Blue feathers upon their Caps. -- This in the opinion of the Kentucks, was an unpardonable offence, if persisted in, & a most daring insult upon their super-eminent dignity -- [A messenger was immedi.] After a solemn council was held with his chiefs, Bombal, with their unanimous consent dispached a messenger to Hadoram -- who thus proclaimed -- Thus saith Bombal the king of kings & the most mighty prince on earth -- ye have insulted our honour & dignity in assuming blue feathers, which was the badge of our preeminence -- know ye that unless ye tear them from your Caps, ye shall feel the weight of of our [S73] vengence. Hadoram replied, tell your Master that a great company of Wolves made an attack upon a city to rob the citizens of their dear & elk. & they let forth their dogs upon them, which attacked them with such fury & courage, that they fled, mangled, & torn, to a most dreary swamp -- here by the most plaintive howling, they lamented their sad disaster & disgrace.
An answer so shrewd & insulting, it was expected would soon be followed by an invasion. Measures must immediately be taken for the defence of the kingdom -- Lobaska was invited to set in Council -- all were unanimously of opinion that to comply with the haughty demand of Bombal, by tearing the blue feathers from their caps would be degrading the honour of the nation and a relinquishment of their natural right -- they were likewise sensible that the most vigorous exertions were [37] necessary to save the country from ruin. The opinion and advice of Lobaska, was requested, It is my opinion says he, that by using a little stratigem this war might be bro't to a conclusion [S74] which will be honourable to this kingdom. We will pursue, says the King, your advice & directions. I shall be happy, says Lobaska to assist you with my best advice -- Call immediately into the field an army of Three thousand men -- provide two thousand shovels, five hundred mathooks, & one thousand wheelbarrows -- & one hundred axes; I will give directions how to make them -- Not a moment was lost, the army was assembled and impliments provided with the utmost expidition -- & they marched down the river to a certain place where the army of the enimy must pass, in order to arrive at the City of Tolanga At this place the hill or mountain came within less than a mile of the River & flat or level Land intervened -- Here Lobaska directed that a Canal should be dug from the River [to the River,] to the Hill -- That it should be eight feet wide & eight deep & that the dirt which they dug should be thrown into the River -- [that the canal] except what should be wanting to lay over thin pieces of split timber, which should be extended across the Canal & so weak and slender that the weight of a man would break them down. This novel invention was soon carried into effect -- & the work completely finished -- Every [S75] precaution was used to prevent, any inteligence of these transactions from geting to the enimy. -- In the meantime Hadokam bro't into the field seven thousand and more of his warriors, men of brave hearts and valiant for the Battle -- The indignant King of the Kentucks by this time had assembled an army of thirty thousand men who were ready at the risk of their lives to vindicate the pre-eminance of their nation and the transcendent dignity of their king & his chiefs -- [Had of this] At the head of this army Bombal began his march to execut his threatned vengance on the Siotans -- As he entered their country he found the viliges deserted & all the movable property [38] conveyed away -- Not a man, [or wom] to be seen until he came in view of the army of Hadokam, who was encamped within a small distance of the Canal. -- Bombal halted and formed his men in two Ranks extending from the river to the hill -- He had a reserved core, who were placed in the rear of the main body -- Having thus arranged them for battle, he went from one wing to the other -- proclaiming aloud, we have been insulted, brave soldiers, by these cowardly Siotans -- They [S76] have assumed the blue Feather, the badge of our preeminance & exalted dignity -- Behold it flying in their Caps -- will your high born souls submit to behold such Dastards place themselves on equal ground with you -- No my valiant warriors, let us reveng the insult by the destruction of their puny army & the conflagration of their City -- Make a furious charge upon them -- & the victory is ours -- Let your motto be the blue Feather & you will fight like wolvs robed of their puppies. Hadoram had by this time formed his army in order of Battle close to the edge of the Canal & extended them only in one rank from the River to the Hill -- As the Kentucks approached within a small distance, the Sciotans gave back & began a retreat with apparent confusion, notwithstanding the pretended exertions of the King & his officers to prevent their retreating -- Bombal observing this commanded to rush forward on the full run but to keep their Ranks in order -- This they instantly obeyed as one man & as soon [S77] their feet stept on the slender covering of the canal it gave way & they fell to the bottom, some in one position and some in another -- A disaster so novel & unexpected must have appalled the stoutest heart & filled their minds with amasement & terror. -- Nor did this complete the misfortune of the army of Bombal -- an ambush of of the Sciotans, who lay on the side of the hill opposite to the reserved Corps of the Kentucks, rushed down upon them in an instant -- Surprise & terror prevented resistance -- they threw down their arms & surrendered -- The retreating army of Hadoram immediately returned [39] with shouting to the edge of the Canal -- Their enimies, who but a moment before, tho't themselves invincible & certain of victory were now defenceless & wholly in their power -- Lobaska was present & saw the success of his stratigem his great soul disdianed revenge on an [S78] helpless & prostrate Enimy -- he conjured the Siotans not to shed one drop of Blood -- but to be generaous & merciful -- Bombal had now recovered from his surprise & seeing the deplorable situation of his army, his haughty soul felt the keenest anguish -- Where says he is the King of the Siotans? Here I am says Hadoram -- what is your request my Brother? Reduced says he by a Stratagim the most ingenious & artful, to a situation which subjects us wholly under your power, & in which you can take ample revenge -- I now emplore your generosity & compassion for my army -- Spare their lives -- & then name your terms & if I can comply with them, without degrading the honor of my Crown, it shall be done. Your request says Hadoram is granted -- Surrender your arms & let your army return in peace -- As for your majesty, & the chiefs of your nation, who are present, you will give us the pleasure of your company in our return to the city of Tolanga, & there we will excute a treaty of peace & amity that shall be advantageous & honourable to both nations. -- These terms were accepted [S79] & the Kentucks returned in peace to their own country, not to describe exploit, & bloody victories, but the curious Stratigim of Lobaska -- The two Kings & their splendid Retinue of princes, having arived at Tolanga -- [every attention was paid by Hodaram and his chiefs to their honorable visitors.] Hodaram made a sumptuous entertainment at which all were present -- The next day both parties met for the purpose of agreeing to terms of peace & perpetual amity -- What are your terms says Bombal -- Lobaska says Hodaram shall be our Arbitrator -- He shall name the terms -- his wisdom will dictate nothing which will be dishonerable to either party. Your proposal, syas Bombal is generous Lobaska shall be our [40] Arbitrator -- Lobaska then rose -- Attend says he, to my words ye princes of Siota & Kentuck. You have all derived your existence from the great father of Spirits -- You are his children & belong to his great family -- Why then have you thirsted for each others Blood for the Blood of Brethren -- & [what has] [S80] what has produced this mighty war -- A blue feather, a badge of preeminence. It is pride, it is cursed ambition & avarice which devastate the world & produce rivers of human Blood -- & the wars which take place among nations generally originate from as trifling causes as the blue feathers.
Let this be [the first article of] your treaty that any person may wear a blue feather in his Cap -- or any other feather that he pleases. -- [Let this be second,] that the individuals of each nation may carry on a commerce with each other -- & that they shall be protected in their persons and property. [Let this be the third,] that I shall be at liberty to establish [a school or] schools in any part of the domains of Kentuck & furnish them [such] instructors [as I please] -- That none shall be restrained from hearing our instructions -- & that we shall be patronized & protected by the King & his chiefs -- [Let this be the fourth] -- that perpetual peace & amity shall remain between both nations -- [S81] And as a pledge for the fulfilment of these articles, on the part of the princes of Kentuck -- that the eldest son of the King & four sons of the principal Chiefs shall be left as hostiges in this City for [the term of] Term of three years. These terms met the cordial approbation of both parties & were ratified in the most solemn manner --
Thus happy, was the termination of the war, about the blue feather, [having taken place] Lobaska proceeded with indefatigable industry & perseverance in his benevolent scheme of enlightening & reforming mankind. --
And how happy would it be for mankind, if all wars about as trifling causes as this, might terminate in the same way The benevolent mind of Lobaska soared [41] above trifles -- viewing all mankind as brothers & sisters he wished the happiness of all. -- Hence he made provision in the Treaty with the Kentucks for the introduction of Scools [in Kentuck] among them This was the first step, which [S82] he foresaw would introduce improvements in agriculture & the mechanical arts -- produce a reformation in their morals & religious principals & a happy revolution in some part of their political institutions.
Bombal had become so captivated with Lobaska that he solicited him to bear him company to his own dominions -- He consented & when he had arrived at the royal City of Gamba, which is situate on the River Kentuck -- he there pursued the same course which he had done at Tolanga & his success answered his most sanguine expectations: The people were now prepared for the introduction of a school -- He returned back [to Tolanga] & sent his second son & three of the most forward scollars of the Sciotans to establish a school at Gamba [In the mean time his intention was to make some amendments in the government of Sciota. But as there were several Cities and a great number of viliges, that acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Sciotan King, which still were ignorant of the [S83]
principles & doctrines which he taught -- he found it necessary to visit them & to introduce instructors amongst them. In this work he was engaged about two years -- & the happy effect of his labours were now visible in various kinds of improvements & in the reformation of manners, morals & religion. The way was now prepared to introduce his system of government -- The chiefs of the nation were invited to attend a grand council at Tolanga -- When they were met -- Lobaska rose -- & presented them with the following constitution of government --[The king of Siota shall be stiled the Emperor of Ohson & the King of Siota -- His crown shall be hereditary in the oldest male hier of his family -- The cities & vilages who now acknowledged his jurisdiction or who may hereafter do it shall be entitled to protection from the emperor -- If [42] invaded by an enimy he shall defend them with the force of the empire -- once every year the chiefs shall meet at Tolanga to make laws for the good of the nation.--]
[S84] These young men having imbibed the spirit & principles of the great preceptor, spared no exertions to instruct the scholars & to defuse useful knowledge among the people -- The happy effects of their labors were visible in a short time. The people embraced the religion of Lobaska & became more industrious & civilized. In their various improvements in agriculture, the mechanical arts and literature they even exsaled the Sciotans & appeared to be as prosperous & flourishing -- Even Bombal himself declared that the termination of the war about the blue feather -- which at first appeared unfortunate yet as it occationed such happy effects among his people it gave him more satisfaction & pleasure than [the reputation of being a great Conqueror] what he could have received from the reputation of being a great conqueror.
Excepting the Cities of Tolanga & Gamba -- whose Kings claimed jurisdiction over an extent of country about one hundred & fifty miles along the River Ohio & about the same distance back from the river, the remaining [43] part of this extensive country was setled in compact viliges or towns. These formed independent sovereigties & were governed by their respective Chiefs. Frequent bickerings, contentions and wars took place among these Chiefs, which were often attended with pernicious consequencies. To remidy these evils & to facilitate & accomplish the great & benevolent plan [S86] of reforming & civilizing the Ohians, Lobaska had formed a system of Government, with a design of establing two great empires -- one on each side of the River Ohio. -- Their [different] constitutions were on the same plan -- & were presented by the hand of Lobaska to the respective Kings of Sciota & Kentuck --
The Sciotan Constitution was comprised in the words. The country east of the great River Ohio shall form the Empire of Sciota -- At the head of this empire shall be placed with the title of Emperor Labarmock the oldest son of Lobaska -- The office shall be hereditary in the eldest male of his family -- He and his sons successively shall mary natives of the kingdom of Sciota: -- & all their daughters shall mary within their own dominions. He shall have four counsellors -- He with the advice of his Councellors shall have the exclusive right of making war & peace & of forming treaties with other nations -- He shall be commander in chief of all the forces -- & the King of Sciota shall be next to him -- All controversies between the Rulers of chiefs of the different tribes shall be refered to the descicion of him & his Counsellors -- & he is authorised to compel a compliance -- He shall hold his settings annually in four different parts of the empire. The King of Sciota & the chiefs of the different tribes shall hold their offices & exercise the same authority in civil matters that they have done -- They shall [S87] be ameniable to the emperor & his councelors, whose duty it shall be to enquire into all complaints against them from their subjects, & to redress grievances & punish for oppression & injustice by fines. -- He and his councellors shall have the exclusive priviledge of coining money -- They may [44] likewise lay taxes for the support of government & for the defence of the nation. -- They shall coin no more money than what is necessary for the convenience of the people & in such quantity only that the value shall not depreciate -- he shall appoint the officers of his army -- except where the chiefs chuse to command their own subjects -- in that case they shall be subject to the command of the Emperor The people in every city, town or village shall respectively chuse one or more Censors -- whose duty it shall be to enquire into all mal-conduct of Rulers -- & all vicious & improper conduct of the preists & the people -- & they shall pursue such measures to obtain justice & to produce a reformation of morals in the offenders as the laws shall direct.
In order that the priests & instructors of learning may know and perform their duty for the benefit of civilization, morality & religion, Lambon the third son of Lobaska shall preside over them & shall have the title of high Priest -- & the office shall be hereditary in the eldest males of his family successively -- There shall be associated with him four priests as his assistants -- they shall exercise a jurisdiction over all the priests of the empire & shall see that they faithfully perform the duties of their office -- They shall attend to the instructors of Learning -- & shall direct that a suitable number are provided thro'out the empire -- It shall likewise be their duty at all suitable times & places to instruct Rulers & people in the duties of their respective [S88] stations --& to labor incessantly to persuade mankind to subject their passions & appetites under the government of Reason -- that they may secure happiness to themselves in this life -- & imortal happiness beyond the grave. -- The people shall make contributions, in proportion to their wealth for the support of their priests -- If any refuse, they shall be denied the privilege of their instructions -- & shall be subjected to the ridecule & contempt of the people. -- For the convenience of the people & for the easy support of the goverment, it is necessary that [45] there should be something which shall represent property -- & which is of small weight. It is therefore provided that certain small pieces of iron -- stamped in a peculiar manner, shall be this circulating medium, to represent property -- Each peice according to its particular stamp shall have a certain value fixed upon it. -- It shall be the peculiar prerogative of the Emperor & his councellors to direct the coining of these peices -- which shall be denominated money -- No more money shall be coined than what will be for the benefit of the empire -- Nor shall the Emperor or hi Counsellors receive any more of it, than an adequate compensation for their services. -- They shall keep an account of the amount of money coined annually & the [S89] manner in which it has been distributed & expended. This amount shall be submitted to the examination of the King of Siota & the chiefs of the empire. The Emperor shall always be ready to receive the petitions & complaints of his subjects -- He shall consult the welfare of his people & save them from oppression & tyranny -- & by his beneficent acts shall gain their affection & obtain the apalation of a just, a good & gracious Prince. --
When Hadoram king of Sciota had received this plan of government, he immediately assembled all the Chiefs or princes within his kingdom Lobaska pointed out the defects of the existing government, & the excellences of that form which he presented for their acceptance -- His reasons could not be resisted -- they unanimously agreed to establish it as their constitution of Government. Labamack accepted the office of Emperor, & his four counsellors were appointed -- Lambdon was ordained High priest & his four assistance chosen -- The new goverment was now put in operation -- The various tribes living contiguous to the empire seeing its prosperity [S90] sollicited the privilege of being received as parts of the empire -- Their requests were granted. Improvement & prosperity attended them -- This induced other contiguous [46] Tribes to request the same priviledge -- & others still adjoining them came forward with their petitions, all were granted & the same regulations established in every part -- Within about three years from the first establishment of the empire Lobaska had the pleasure of seeing his son reign over a territory of more than four hundred miles in length along the River Ohio -- & of beholding a nation rapidly progressing from a state of barbarism, ignorance & wretchedness to a state of civilization knowledge & prosperity --
Having now beheld the happy success of his experiment at Sciota, Lobaska made a second viset to Banbo king of Kentuck. His second son whose name was Hamback was present at the City of Gamba. [S91] His youngest son Kato attended him -- He made known his plan of revolution to Bambo who cordially acquiesed -- & calling together his princes -- they unimously agreed to place Hamback on the throne of the empire south of the Ohio River -- & to ordain Kato as their high priest -- With the exception of names and places the Constitution of goverment was the same as that which the Sciotans adopted -- The same measures were pursued to ensure its success -- A great & flourishing empire arose -- & barbarous tribes connecting themselves with the empire & under the fostering care of the goverment became civilized wealty & prosperous. --
Thus within the term of twelve years from the arival of Lobaska at Tolanga, he had the satisfaction of beholding the great & benevolent objects which he had in view accomplished -- He still continued his useful Labors -- & was the great Oricle of both empires -- His advise & sentiments were taken upon all important subjects -- & no one ventured to controvert his opinoins -- He lived to behold the successful experiment of his institutions -- & to see them acquire that strength & firmness as not easily to be overthrown. [S92] Having acquired that renown & glory which are beyond the reach of envy & which aspiring ambition would dispair of attaining -- at the age [47] of Eighty he bade an affectionate adue to two empires & left them to lament in tears his exit.
These two empires continued to progress in their improvements & population & to rival each other in prosperity during the reign of Ten successive Emperors on the Throne of Sciota -- Peace & harmony & a friendly intercourse existed between them -- No wars took place to disturb their tranquility except what arose from the surrounding Savages, who sometimes disturbed the frontiers in a hostile manner for the sake of gaining plunder. But these attacks were generally repelled & defeated without much loss of blood -- They were in fact of such trifling consequence as to make no perceptible impediment to prevent the population, improvement or prosperity of both Empires -- & happy thrice happy would it have been for them, if they had still continued to have pursued the amiable & benevolent principles which first marked the commencement & progress of their institutions
[S93]Their Amusements were generally of the athletick kind -- calculated to improve their agility & strength -- & prepare them for warriors. Wrestling, slinging & throwing stones at marks -- leaping ditches & fences & climbing trees and pricipices were some of their most favorite diversions -- And as they took great pains to perfect themselves in these exercises it would astonish spectators of other nations to observe the improvement they had made in the extraordinary feats of agility & strength which they exibited. --
Other diversions, which had no tendency to fit them for war, they seldom practised, except when in the company of women -- Being taught by their religion the social virtues they manifested a great regard for the rights of the other sex & always treated them with attention, civility & tenderness -- Hence it was curious to observe that [when in the company of women] they easily exchanged the [warriors] ruged [& bold] attitude of the bold warrior for the complasant [&tender] deportment of the affectionate galant -- The amusements which were pleasing to [S95] the female mind were equally pleasing to the men whenever they held their social meetings for recreation. -- These meetings were frequent among the younger class of Citizens, whether married or single -- Various kinds of amusements would frequently be introduced at such times for their mutual entertainment -- but that which held the most conspicuous place was dancing -- But their manner of dancing was different from that of the polished Europians. -- Gracefulness and easy attitude were not so much studied in their movements as sprightliness & agility -- those tunes which admitted the greatest display of activity and sprightliness were generally the most [pleasing &] fashionable -- Hence those Bodies were formed for the quickest, if they keept time with the music were the most admired. --
In small assemblies it was fashionable to amuse themselves [with] at playing with pieces of parchment -- This they denominated the Bird Play. Each piece was of an oval form & of convenient length & width -- & on each is portraied the likeness of a Bird -- All the birds of Prey that came within their knowledge, have the honour of being represented on these pieces of Parchment -- On the other pieces are portraied other Birds of different kinds -- The whole number of the pieces amount to about sixty -- These are promiscuously placed in a pack & dealt of to the company of Players [S96] whose number does not exceed six -- The person then who has the greatest number of carniverous Birds -- by a dextrous management, may catch the greatest number of the other birds & thus obtain the victory. --
During these interviews of the different sexes -- & even in their common intercourse with each other they are always very cheerful & sociable & often display that fondness & familiarity, which in Europe, would be considered indicative of a lacivious character -- but in this country are considered as harmless, as what good [50] manners required. Nothing rude, nothing indecent or immodest according to their ideas of the meaning of these terms, are admissible in company -- & absolute laciviousness would meet the most severe reprehension. --
When a young man wishes to settle himself in a family state, he proclaims it by wearing a red feather in his Cap. This is considered as an admonition to the young women, who would not receive him for a husband to avoid his company -- whereas those whose inclinations towards him are more favourable admit his attention -- from this number he selects one as the object of his addresses -- He obtains an interview & proposes a courtship -- If the proposition accords with her wishes, they then agree on a time, when he shall make known the affair to her parents -- whose approbation being obtained he is then permitted to visit her ten times in sixty days. At the expiration of this time, the bargain for matrimony must be finished. Otherwise there must be a final termination or a postponment of the courtship for the term of one year: [The parties are [S97] at liberty, during the postponment to] But if the parties are pleased with each other, the contract is made & the time for the performance of the nuptial cerimonies is appointed -- An entertainment is provided -- friends are invited -- & the Bridegroom and Bride present themselves in their best apparal -- The company form a circle & they take their stand in the center -- The father of the Bride speaks, For what purpose do you present yourselves -- They answer, to join hands in wedlock. Our hearts are already joined & we have made a solem covenant to be true and faithful to each other -- The company then all exclaim -- “Blessings will attend you, if ye fulfil -- but curses if ye transgress. -- They are then conducted to a log round which, a Rope is tied -- The Bridegroom takes hold of one end of the rope & the Bride the other -- & being commanded to draw the Log into the house, they pull in opposite directions with all their might. Having worried themselves for some time to no purpose, to the great [51] diversion of the company, the parents of both parties step forward -- & giving them a severe reprimand command them to draw in the same direction -- They instantly obey -- & the Log is easily drawn to its destined place. The rest of the time is spent with with great chearfulness & merriment, -- They partake of the entertainment & conclude with customary amusements. --
[S98] The Bridegroom & Bride are now desirous to form a family by themselves -- If there parents are of sufficient ability they furnish them with a convenient house and such furniture as will be required for family use & such other property as they need, to enable them to obtain a comfortable living. But if their parents are poor they receive assistance and contributions from relations & neighbours & are placed in such a situation that with proper industry & econimy, they can live above indigence & enjoy life agreeably. At the time they enter their new habitation, they are attended by a Priest & by their relation & friends -- They kneel in the center of the Room -- & the priest places his right hand on the head of the Bridegroom & his left on the head of the Bride -- After explaining and enjoining in the most solemn manner, the various duties of the marriage state he concludes his injunctions with these words -- My dear children. I conjure you. [as you regard your own peace & felicity -- as you would wish to acquire wealth and respectability -- & set an example worthy of emitation, that as you are now yoked together] to draw in the same direction. They then rise and he presents each with a piece of Parchment on which is written -- Draw in the same direction. All the duties of the conjugal state, in their opinion, are comprized in this [injunction] Command.
[As the Priests & the Censors were [vigilent & careful] to see that parents restrained the vices of their children & instructed them in the knowledge of their religious principles -- the effects were very conspicious Parents] --
Having been early taught to [restrain the] govern their passions & to regard the practice of virtue as their [52] greatest good, it was generally the case, that love, friendship & [S99] harmony existed in families, [& when parents were treated by their children with great tenderness & respect --] Parents manifested an anxious sollicitude for the future welfare & respectability of their Children. & in their turn children treated their parents with respect & reverance. -- Nor did they forsake them in old age -- but provided liberally for their support -- But we are not to suppose that in the most virtuous age of the nation, all were virtuous -- Far from this. But with such punctual exactness were the laws executed, in the most prosperous state of the nation, that vice & impiety had but few advocates & the wicked were ashamed of their own characters. -- Tho' every vice was prohibited by Law, yet the penalties were not severe -- Murder alone was punished with death -- with respect to other Laws, they were calculated to wound the pride of & ambition of the transgressor, & produce shame & regret --
Adultery is punished by obliging the culprit to were a pair of Elk-horns on his shoulders six days & to walk thro' the city or vilage once each day, at which times the boys are at liberty to pelt him with rotten eggs. -- The theif is compelled to make ample restitution -- For the third offence he is covered with tar & feathers & exhibited as a specticle for laughter & ridicule. Pugilists or boxers, if they are equally to blame for fighting are yoked together at least one day -- & in this situation are presented to the view of the multitude. They must were the yoke until the quarrel is setled. [S100] Such being the nature of their penal Laws & such the punctuality of executing the penalties on offenders, that crimes were far less freequent in this country than in Europe where the Laws are more severe -- & offenders more often escape punishment. Tho' learning, civilization & refinement had not arived to that state of perfection in which they exist in a great part of the Roman Empire -- yet the two Empires of Sciota & Kentuck during their [53] long period of peace & prosperity were not less happy. As luxery & extravigance were scarcely known to exist, especially among the common people, [an happy equality was] hence there was a great similarity in their manner of living, their dress, their habits & manners. -- Pride was not bloated & puffed up with enormous wealth -- Nor had envy fewel to inflame her hatred & malice -- As the two empires were not displeased with each others prosperity & happiness -- [& the two goverments had no thirst] nor jealous of each others power -- & as the goverments were not infected with thirst for conquest peace of consequence waved her olive branch & the maligant passions lay dormant -- As avarice & corruption did not contaminate the ruling powers nor bribery infect the seats of justice the people felt secure in the enjoyment of their rights, & desirous to raise up families to partake of the same blessings which they enjoyed. --
We can now trace the causes of their increase & prosperity. [S101] To a religion, which presented powerful motives to restrain vice & impiety, & encourage virtue -- To the defusion of a competant share of learning & knowledge to enable the people to understand their rights & enjoy the pleasures of social intercourse -- To the establishment of political institutions, which garded property & life against oppression injustice & tyranny -- to the knowledge which the people obtained of agriculture & the mechanical arts & their habits of industry & economy -- To the mild nature of their laws & the certainty of executing the penalties upon transgressors -- and to such an equality of property as to prevent the pride of wealth & the extravagance of luxury -- To such causes may be ascribed the rapid increase of population & the contentment & felicity which extended thro' every of the country. -- We might add likewise the long peace that continued & the friendly intercourse that existed between the two rival Empires -- A peace which had no interruption for the term of near five hundred years -- During this time their vilages & cities were greatly enlarged -- new settlements [54] were formed in every part of the country which had not been inhabited -- & a vast number of towns were built -- which rivaled as to number of inhabitants, those which existed at the time their imperial governments were founded -- Their settlements extended the whole length of the great River Ohio to its confuence with the Mississippi, & over the whole country on both sides of the Ohio River, which are watered by streams which empty into it. -- And also along the great Lakes of Eri & Mishigan [S102] & even some settlements were formed in some part of the country which borders on Lake Ontario. -- Such was the vast extent of the country which they inhabited -- & such the fertility of the soil that many millions were easily fed & supported with such a plenty & competence of provision, as was necessary for their comfort and happiness --
During the time of their rising greatness & tranquility their policy led them to fortify their country in every part, the interior as well as the frontiers -- this they did partly for their own safety, provided a war should take place & they should be invaded by an enimy -- & partly to keep alive [a military] & improve a warlike spirit & the knowlege of military Tacticks. Near every vilage or city they constructed forts or fortifications. Those were generally of an oval form & of different dimentions according to the number of inhabitants who lived in the town, -- The Ramparts or walls, were formed of dirt which was taken in front of the fort. A deep canal or trench would likewise be formed -- This would still encrease the difficulty of surmounting the walls in front. -- In addition to this they inserted a piece of Timber on the top of the Ramparts -- These pieces were about seven feet in length from the ground to top which was sharpned -- The distance between each piece was about six inches -- thro. which they could shoot their arrows against an Enimy Some of their fortificatioins [S103] have two Ramparts, which run parallel with each other built in the same manner, with a distance between of about [55] two or three perches -- Their Gates are strong & well constructed for defence -- Within these forts are likewise a number of small houses -- for the accomidation of the army & inhabitants in case of an invasion -- & likewise a storehouse for the reception of provision & arms, A country thus fortified -- containing so many milion of inhabitants, hardy & robust & with habits formed for war -- might well be supposed as able to defend themselves against an invading Enimy -- If they were beat from the frontier, they could still retreat back to the fortifications in the interior & their make a successful stand -- But what avails all the wisdom, the art & the works of men -- what avails their valour, their strength & numbers when the Almighty is provoked to chastise them & to execute his vengence in their overthrow & destruction --
[S104] As these families were descended from the great Lobaska, they had, during the reigns of all their Emperors been in the habit of visiting each other, but as each Emperor & his children were required not to marry out of their respective dominions, no intermarriages had taken place. They however claimed relationship & still continued to each other, the appellation of our dearest & best beloved Cousen. -- A Cousen of this description, who was the eldest son of Hamboon [56] the Emperor of Kentuck arived at the City of Talanga with a small but splendid Retinue of Friends. -- At that time Rambock, who was the fourteenth Emperor, was siting on the throne of Siota -- He received the young Prince with apparent sensations of the highest pleasure & spared no pains to manifest towards him by his treatment the greatest esteem and friendship. The Emperor had an only son, whose name was Moonrod -- He ordered him to attend the young Prince & to treat him with every to -- of affection & honour. They spent their time in receiving visets from the officers of the goverment -- in viewing curiosities, & in the assemblies of the first class of young citizens who met for recreation. -- Elseon, for this was the name of the young Prince, was, soon after his arival, introduced to Lamesa, the eldest daughter of the Emperor -- She was a young Lady of a very fair and beautiful countenance. Her features & the construction of her person, were formed to please the fancy, whilst the ease, the gracefulness & modesty of her deportment were very pleasing to all her acquaintance -- Her mind was replenished with the principles of knowledge & virtue -- & such was her vivacity & the ease with which she expressed her ideas, that all were delighted with her conversation. -- [S105] No wonder that this fair imperial damsel attracted the attention of Elsion -- & at their first enterview, enkindled a spark in his boosom -- which he could hardly prevent from being discovered thro his blushing countenance & the embarisment he felt in conversation. He strove to erase those tender impressions which she had made on his heart -- but in vain -- every renewed enterview only served to fix her image deeper in his mind, & to make the flame of Love more difficult to extinguish. He reasoned on the obsticles in the way of obtaining this young Lady for his partner -- but instead of cooling it only encreased the ardor of his passion & produced a resolution, that with the consent of Lamesa, nothing should prevent the attainment of his wishes. -- To a mind thus ardent, which possessed the native courage [57] resolution & perseverance of Elseon, the most gigantic obsticles would vanish into vapour, -- Nor was it long before he found that a correspondent passion was existed in her breast. The moment she first saw him her heart palpitated -- her face was covered with crimson. -- She turned her eyes & attempted to speak -- her tongue stopt its motion in the middle of a period -- She hamed -- sat down & observed that she was not well. -- A discription of this scene is painted by a Sciotan Bard in poetic numbers -- he represents the young Lady as recovering in a short time from this state of agitation & confusion & as being afterwards composed, & of having a better command of her passions. To follow this Poet in the description which he gives of Elsion, to whom he attaches a countenance & figure, superior to other mortals -- & qualities which produced universal esteem & admiration, would not comport with the faithful page of history. Suffice it to say that Lamesa was captivated with his person, & was impressed with those ideas & sentiments, that her happiness fled, except when she either enjoyed or antisipated [S106] his company. After Elsion had firmly determined to marry Lamesa he was impatient for a private interview with her to disclose his sentiments -- This occurred in a short time. They were together in one of apartments of the Emperors palace -- the company had all retired. -- I have said he in a low voice to Lamesa -- conceived that opinion of you, that I hope you will not be displeased if I express my feelings with frankness & sincerity. -- You must, she replied be the best judge of what is proper for you to express -- I am always pleased with sincerity. As the sun, says he my dear Lamesa, when he rises with his radiant beams dispels the clouds of anxiety which rest upon my soul -- The Crown of Kentuck will be like a Rock upon my head, unless you will condesend to share with me the glory & felicity of my reign. Will you consent to be my dearest friend & companion for life? There is [58] nothing she replies would give me more pleasure than a compliance with your request, provided it shall meet the approbation of my Father -- But how can he consent, when our Constitution requires that his daughters should marry in his own dominions? Besides my father intends that I shall receive the King of Sciota for my husband. By performing says he, the cerimonies of Mariage at Tolanga we shall literally comply with the imperial constitution, as Talanga is within the dominions of your Father -- But as for this King of Sciota do you sincerely wish to have him for a husband? No, she quickly speaks, anger sparkled in her eyes -- No! The King of Sciota for my husband! his pride, his haughtiness -- the pomposity of all his movements, excite my perfect disgust. I should as leave be yoked to a porcupine. --
These Lovers, as you may well conjecture, said many things too tender & endearing to please the taste of the common class of Lovers -- In this interview, which [S107] lasted about four hours, they exchanged the most transporting expressions of Love -- made the most solemn vows of sincerity & perpetual friendship -- & finally agreed that Elseon should make known to the Emperor their mutual desire to be joined in wedlock. The next day he wrote to the Emperor as follows --
May it please your most excellent Majesty. Permit me to express my most sincere gratitude for the high favours & honour which thro' the beneficence of your majesty, I have injoyed in your dominions -- I am likewise impelled to request a favour which to me would be the most precious gift that is in the power of your majesty to bestow -- Having contracted an acquaintance with your most amiable daughter Lamesa & finding that a correspondent affection and esteem exist in our hearts towards each other & a mutual desire to be united by the solemn covenant of mariage, I would therefore solicit your majesty's permission, that such a connection [59] may be formed. -- Such a connection, I conceive, may in its effects be very salutary & beneficial to both Empires --It will unite the two imperial families nearer in the bond of consanguinity & fix upon them an additional obligation to cultivate friendship, peace & amiable intercourse -- It will strengthen the sinues of both goverments & promote an happy interchange of friendly offices. -- As to the objection which might arise from the constitution requiring, that the Emperors daughters should marry in his own dominions -- This according to its literal meaning can have no respect only to the place where the Emperors Daughters shall marry -- If by your Majesties permission I should marry your daughter Lamesa, in your dominions [S108] it will be a literal fulfillment of the constitution. From this ground therefore I conceive no objection of any weight can arise -- Will your majesty please to vouchsafe an answer to my request.
Signed. Elseon, Prince of Kentuck.
This letter was presented to the Emperor by Helicon an intimate friend of Elseon. -- The Emperor read it -- assumed the aspect of deep consideration -- walked the room a few moments, then took a seat & told Helicon that he might inform the young prince -- that he should receive an answer within Ten days. --
But why Ten days -- a long time for two ardent Lovers to remain in suspense -- But the Emperor must consult his Counsellors, his priests -- & the last & most fatal councellor of all the King of Sciota, who presumed to claim the hand of the fair Lamesa -- The affair became public -- The popular sentiment at first favoured the connection -- The Emperors Councellers & his priests were at first inclined to recommend an affirmative answer. But the interest of the Sciotan King soon prevailed -- This produced a different view of the subject -- The Councellors perceived that such a connection would be a most flagrant violation of the true meaning & spirit of the constitution & the Priests considered that it would be [60] an act of the greatest impiety, as it would transgress an explicit injunction of the great founder of their goverment & religion. This opinion had vast weight on the minds of a great majority of the people. The more liberal sort vindicated the cause of Elseon -- This produced a great debate, altercation & confusion thro' the City -- All were anxious to know the Emperors descision --
[S109] On the tenth day the Emperor transmitted to the prince the following answer to his letter --
To our best beloved Cousen Elseon, Prince of Kentuck. The letter we received from your Highness has impressed our hearts with a deep sense of the honour & benefits which you intended our family & impire -- At first we were inclined to accept of the alliance you proposed -- But having considered the subject with great seriousness & attention we find that to admit your Highness, who is not a citizen of our Empire, to marry into our family, would be a most flagrant violation of the true meaning and spirit of our Constitution & an impious outrage on the sacred memory of its Founder -- For these reasons we must solicit your Highness, not to insist on our compliance with your request.
Signed Hambock Emperor of Sciota.
As Elseon had been informed of the complexion which his affairs had assumed in the court & thro' the City he was prepared for the answer which he received. -- Without manifesting the least chagrine or Resentment, he appeared to acquiesce in the decision of the Emperor. He displayed in his countenance, his conversation & deportment his usual cheerfulness & vivacity. He continued his amusements, & associated with company with the same ease, gracefulness and dignified conduct which he had done before. -- At the same time his determination was fixed to transport the fair Lamesa into his fathers dominions. -- The first interview which he had with her after he received the Emperors Letter, he [61] informed her [S110] of its contents. -- She trembled, paleness began to cover her face & had not Elseon received her into his arms, perhaps she would have falen from her seat -- However by a few soothing words & caresses, she was restored to her former composure & recollection -- Believe me, quoth he -- my dearest Lamesa -- you shall be mine -- This heart shall be taken from my bosom & these limbs from my Body, nothing else shall prevent our union & compleat enjoyment of happiness. -- Can the ancient scribbling of a great Sage or the decree of an Emperor prevent the Streams from uniting with the Ocean -- with the same ease & propriety can they prevent the union of our hands since our hearts are united. -- with your consent, you shall be mine! Is it possible, she replies, is it possible O Elseon, to disregard the authority of an indulgent & beloved Parent & disobey his command -- This I never did -- What if he should command you says Elseon to marry the King of Siota, would you obey. -- He might she replies, with more regard to my happiness command me to plunge a dagger into my heart -- I cannot endure that supercilious bundle of pride & affectation.
At this moment her maid entered the room & gave her a Letter. I received this Letter she says, from your Brother, who told me it was from the Emperor. Lamesa opened the letter & read --
My dearest & best beloved Daughter -- Having the most tender & affectionate regard for your future welfare & felicity we have concluded a treaty of marriage between you and Sambal the King of Sciota -- This aliance will be honourable to our family -- & be productive of many benefits to the Empire. On the tenth nay from this time the nuptial ceremonies will be consummated in our Palace -- You will be in readiness & yield a cheerful compliance with our will. --
Signed, Rambock, Em. of Sciota,
Had the Lightning flashed from the clouds & pierced [62] her heart, it could not have produced a more instantaneous effect -- She fell into the arms of Elseon -- the maid ran for a cordial -- Elseon rubed her temples & hands & loosned the girdle about her waist. Within about [S111] an hour the blood began to circulate. Elseon to his inexpressible joy felt her pulse beginning to beat & perceived flashes of colour in her face -- With a plaintive groan she opened her eyes once more to the beams of day -- & in a kind of wild destraction exclaimed -- Ah cruel cruel Father -- why have you doomed your daughter to a situation the most odious & disgustful -- As well might you have thrown her into a den of porcupines, opossums & serpents -- With such animals I could enjoy life with less disgust & torment, than with this mighty King of Sciota. -- An aliance with him an honour to our family -- an honour to the decendents of the great Lobasca! -- What wicked councellors have deceived my father & induced him to thro' me into the arms of this hateful monster -- Ah whether shall I fly & escape my barberous destiny. -- I am your protector, says Elseon -- I am your friend & will conduct you beyond the loving & gigantic grasp of Sambal. -- His loathsome arms shall never incircle my dear Lamesa -- Consent to my request & we will be within ten days at the City of Gamba -- Their you will be esteemed as the brightest orniment of my Fathers Empire. --
No longer she replies, O Elseon can I refuse my consent to your proposal. When a compliance with my fathers command will entail wrechedness & misery thro' life, Heaven will pardon my disobedience -- Yes Elseon I will go with you -- & place my happiness in your power -- I would share with you the worst of fortune, rather than fall into the hands of this haughty Sambal. [What could she say more, to express the feelings of a heart strugling under the operation of different passions & opposite motives -- She has taken her resolution -- Love has gained the preeminence over every obsticle.]
[At this resolution Elseon was transported with joy -- [63] he now proceeds to form his plans for their flight. On the fourth day after he called upon the Emperor & requested his permission to depart to his own country -- The Emperor importuned him to tarry & be one of the guests at Lamesa's weding -- But he declined by urging as his apoligy the anxiety & impatience of his father for his return. -- Permission was granted & the Emperor added that he should do himself the honour to furnish the Prince with an escort when he left the City -- Elseon replied that he was not fond of much parade, he would wish the escort might consist of the Emperor's Children [S112] only with each of them a friend. These says he are my dearest & best beloved cousens, for whom I shall ever retain the most sincere friendship -- Nothing can afford me more pleasure says the Emperor than to comply with your request. -- Elseon took an affectionate leave of the Emperor & on the second day after, being prepared for his journey, he sat off with his three friends and their servants -- Moonrod prince of the empire & Lamesa, with her two sisters -- With each of them a friend attended him on the journey about twenty miles -- They all tarryed at a viliage over night --]
Imagination alone can paint the pleasant & happy scene -- Elseon was transported with joy -- He prest her to his bosom with all the ardor of inthusiasm & she yielded to all his tender & innocent embraces, with a grateful sensibility & modest resignation.
The invention & inginuity of Elseon must now be employed in forming a plan of their flight to his fathers dominions -- As he appeared to acquiesse in the decision of the emperor & had maintained the same cheerful deportment none were suspicious of his designs -- The Emperor & the whole Court, still manifested toward him every token of high respect & sincere friendship. Without any hesitatiion the Emperor cheerfully complied with his request, that his dear Cousens -- the son and the three daughters of the Emperor, with each of them a friend, should accompany him about twenty miles, on his return to Kentuck -- The ritenue of the young Prince [64] consisted of four of his most intimate friends & other servants -- He took care to send their baggage on by two servants one day before they set out -- The morning arived -- the sun shone with radiant splendor -- not a cloud intervened or was seen to float in the atmosphere -- It was the fourth day after Lamesa [S113] had received the Letter which doomed her to the embraces of Sambal -- The Emperor, his Counsellors, his priests & principal officers assembled -- & having invited the young prince & his friends to meet them, they entered the circle with great cerimony. The Emperor then addressed the Young Prince, thanked him for the honor of his viset & expressed his firm determination to maintain a sincere friendship & an inviolable peace with the goverment of Kentuck. Elseon replied -- that these sentiments would meet the cordial approbation of his Father -- who retained the same sentiments of friendship & peace toards the goverment of Siota -- He then thanked the Emperor & whole assembly for the high respect they had shewn him -- This was done with that frankness & apparent sencerity that the whole assembly were highly pleased. -- The Emperor then embraced him & gave him his blessing -- Customary cerrimonies were mutually exchanged by the whole company -- & even tears were seen to drop from every eye.
As the whole of this parade indicates no flight of Elseon & Lamesa, we might now view them, with their select company of friends seting out on a short journey. All mounted on horses, they rode about twenty miles to a vilage were they halted. An eligant supper was provided -- they were cheerful & socible -- none appeared more so than Elseon & Lamesa. -- The next day Elseon requested the company of his dear cousens a short distance on his journey -- When they had rode about two miles they halted & proposed to take their lave of each other. Lamesa & her friend without being perceived by the company rode on. -- It was a place where the road turned & by riding one rod they could not be seen. The [65] rest of the company entered into a short conversation & passed invitations for reciprocal visits & friendly office -- They then clasped each others hands, & bowing very low took an affectionate farewell -- But where are [S114] Lamesa & her friend -- During these cerimonies their horses moved with uncommon swiftness -- her heart palpitates with an apprehension that she might be overtaken by her Brother -- But now a friend more dear, her beloved Elseon, with his companions, outstrip the wind in their speed -- & within one hour & half they overtake these fearful Damsels. They all precipitate their course casting their eyes back every moment to her pursuors. But pursuors had not sufficient time to overtake them -- They safely arive on the Bank of the great River -- Elseon & Lamesa were the first that entered the Boat -- the Rest follow -- & such was Elseon's engagedness & anxiety to secure his fair prize, that he even seized an oar, & used it with great strength & dexterity -- As their feet steped on the opposite shore -- Elseon clasped his hands & spoke aloud -- Lamesa is mine; She is now beyond the grasp of a pompous Tyrant -- & the controul of a father, whose mind is blinded by the sorded advice of a menial junto of Councellors & priests. -- She is mine -- & shall soon be the princis of Kentuck. Their movement is slow thro' the remaining part of the journey. -- They at length arive at the great City of Gamba. We may now contemplate them as having new scenes to pass trough. Not to delineate the parade which was made at the court of Hamboon, for the reception of his Son, Lamesa & their friends -- nor to describe the joy that was exhibited in every part of the City on their arival -- & the universal surprise occationed by the story of the flight of these two Lovers -- suffice it to say that those who beheld Lamesa did not blame Elseon. --
As Hamboon was not very punctilious in his regard to the Constitution, being possed of very liberal sentiments, Elseon found no difficulty in obtaining his consent to marry Lamesa -- On the fourth day after their arival, [66] Elseon & Lamesa with each of them a friend -- appeared on a stage which was erected on the public square of the City -- The Emperor & empress with his councellors, his priests, his officers [S115] & all his relation with the principal Ladies of the city formed a procession & surrounded the stage -- The common citizens being a great multitude took their stand as they pleased -- The Emperor & Empress then mounted the stage & united Elseon & Lamesa in the bond of wedlock according to custom -- And as pulling the Log was an indispensible cerimony, one was provided with a rope round it on the stage -- The Bridegroom & bride played their parts in pulling the Rope with such dexterity & gracefulness -- that the whole assembly were most pleasingly entertained. When all was ended -- the whole assembly claped their hands & cried, long live Elseon & Lamesa -- & giving three huzzas the common citizens dispersed -- The rest repaired to a sumptuous entertainment & spent the remaining part of the day & evening in conversation, singing & rereation. --
[S118] Fame with her thousand tongues commenced her pleasing employment -- & as swift as the wings of time she wafted the inteligence thro the City with many distorted & exagerated particulars -- all was astonishment confusion & uproar. Resentment enkindled her indignant sparks into a flame -- & the general cry was revenge & war. The Sciotan King was walking in his parlour feeding his imagination with the pleasing prospect of [68] his future glory & felicity. I am quoth he to himself. honoured above all the other princes of the empire -- & even above the heir apparent to the imperial crown of Kentuck. Who could be admited except myself to marry the fair Lamesa, the eldest daughter of the Emperor, the most amiable, the most accomplished & the most honourable Lady in the universe. This is a distinction which will place me on equal ground with the Emperor himself -- & command from all my subjects the homage of their highest respect & reverence -- Besides I have a soul that can relish the charms of the beautiful Maid -- She will adore me as her Lord & think herself highly honoured & exceeding happy to submit to my most endearing and affectionate embraces. -- But ah mighty Sambal you little thought how soon this delightful prospect would be reversed -- & that your soul would be filled with chagrene, indignation & revenge. -- A messenger burst into his parlour & announced the astonishing tidings of Lamesa's elopement. -- She has absolutely gone says he to become the wife of Elseon & the empress of Kentuck. -- Not the tremendous roar of ten thousand thunders [spontaneously thro' the atmosphere] -- could have produced greater surprise -- His countenace was all amazement -- It was for a moment covered with paleness his lips quivered -- his kneas smote together & his gigantic body trembled like the shaking of a tower under the effects of an earthquake -- But soon [after a little silent] his reflections -- & cogitations caused the blood to return with a tenfold velocity into his face -- [it assumed the coulor of redness & clinghing] He assumed the attitude of terrific majesty & poured forth his feelings in a voice more terrible than the roaring of a volcano -- How have I been insulted, abused, dishonoured & outraged. [S119] How have my prospects of glory been instantaneously blasted & my character [become utter] become the ridicule of a laughing world -- What felicities of enjoying the imperial maid in my arms adoring me for her husband are now vanished -- And by whom am I thus disgraced, insulted & injured? [69] By the mock prince of Kentuck -- an effeminate stripling -- a cringing & plausible Upstart. He has robed me of the fairest orniment of my kingdom Lamesa, who was mine by solemn contract -- & must he now revel in her charms, which are mine, & pride himself in those deceitful arts by which he has seduced her & stolen her from my enjoyment. No ungrateful & insiduous monster -- your triumph shall be of short duration, & this arm shall viset your crimes upon your head with a tenfold vengence -- Having poured forth a torrent of the most dreadful imprecations & menaces, he left his parlor, & walked forth to consult his principal officers on the best plan to obtain revenge --
In the meantime, the Emperor less haughty & indignant, & possessed of sentiments more humane & benevolent, sent an invitation to his Councellors to attend him -- They were unanimous in the opinion that the offence of Elseon required reparation -- But should war be the consequence if he refused to return Lamesa? On this question, two of the Councellors contended that a humble recantation would repair the injury done to the honour of the imperial family & the authority of the government. The other two insisted -- [that would not be sufficient] that they should demand in addition ten Mammouth which would be an adequate compensation -- But they all depricated the horrors of war. In the midst of their debates which were managed with great coolness & impartiality Sambal presented himself. I have come forward says he, may it please your most excellent majesty, to demand the fulfillment of that solemn Contract which you made to deliver me your oldest daughter in marriage -- She has been surreptitiously carried off by the young prince of Kentuck -- She is mine by contract & your majesty is bound to deliver her to me -- [I demand] Let her be immediately demanded, & if the Emperor, the father of the young prince shall refuse to return her -- this will [S120] implicate him in the same crime & be a sufficient cause of war. In that case war will be [70] indispensible to vindicate the honour of our respective Crowns -- & the rights of the Empire. I should then give my voice for war & would never sheath my sword until torrents of blood had made an expiation for the ingratitude baseness & perfedy of the young prince -- An humble recantation or the delivery of ten mammoth -- would this be a sufficient reparation for an offence so flagitious -- so enormous. -- No the very proposal would be an insult on the dignity of our goverment -- Can anything short of the repossession of the fair object stolen -- of the invaluable prize feloniously taken from us be an adequate compensation -- Nothing short of this can heal our bleeding honour -- appease the indignation of our subjects, & reinstate friendship & an amicable intercourse between both Empires -- Let a refusal be followed by an immediate declaration of war -- Let the resources & energies of the nation be called forth -- assemble your arrmies & pour destruction upon all who shall oppose the execution of our revenge. -- I myself will lead the van & mingle my arm with those who fight the most bloody battles -- Heroes shall fall before us -- their towns shall be laid in ruins, & carnage shall glut our indignant swords. --
When further deliberation had taken place, the Emperor & two of his Counsellors adopted the advice of Sambal [to demand Lamesa] -- & an Envoy was immediately despatched to the emperor of Kentuck with the following Letter.
May it please your most gracious Majesty.
Nothing could have given us more pleasure than the disposition you manifested in sending, Elseon the heir apparent to your Crown to viset our family. We treated him as our dearest Cousen & as our most intimate Friend -- He was invited to associate with our children & to consider himself whilst he tarried as a member of our family -- Such being the confidence we [S121] placed in his rectitude & honour, that he assumed the liberty to contract the most intimate acquaintance with Lamesa [71] our eldest daughter -- This produced an agreement between them that with our consent they would be united in marriage. -- Nothing would have been more pleasing than such a connection. But we found that it would be a most flagrant violation of the true meaning & spirit of our Consitution & an impious outrage on the memory of its great founder. -- For these reasons we signified our pleasure that Elseon would not insist on our compliance with his request. -- He appeared to acquiese in our descision -- & we afterwards contracted with Sambal, king of Sciota to give her in marriage to him. -- But the after conduct of your Son, may it please your most gracious majesty, did not correspond with the high confidence we placed in him. -- With deep regret & the most painful sensations we are compelled to declare that he has committed a crime, which has disturbed our peace & happiness, dishonered our family, & outraged the authority of our goverment & the rights of our empire. -- He [has] formed a plan to transport Lamesa into your dominions -- To accomplish this [he made use of the most insidus arts] -- He took advantage of our clemency & condescention & the high respect we manifested towards him -- & without our consent & contrary to our will. he has succeeded [in transporting to the City of Gamba] -- in his perfiduous design. -- Lamesa is doubtless with you in the City of Gamba. A crime of such malignity -- committed against the honour & interest of our family, goverment & empire. demands reparation -- Your majesty will perceive that the only adequate reparation which can be made -- will be, the return of Lamesa to our dominions. -- We therefore demand that she be conveyed back with all possible expedition. [S122] No other alternative can prevent the interruption of that confidence, friendship & peace which have long continued between both empires -- & save them from the horrors & calamities of war. --
Signed. Rambock, Emperor of Sciota.
When Hamboon had received this letter, he immediately [72] invited his Councellors to attend him & laid it before them, & as it was a subject of vast importance to the empire he likewise invited his priests & principal offercers to join them in council. The various passions appeared to operate in the course of their consultations. To avoid Hostilities with all its attendant callamities was what they most ardently desired -- & some concluded that if no other alternative could be agreed upon it would be for the interest of the Empire & the best policy to return the princess -- but others reprobated this measure as pusilanimous & cowardly, & advised, if no other reparation could be received -- to retain the princis & maintain the conflict with a manly & heroic firmness. -- What say they, do not honor & justice require, that we should defend the rights of the imperial Family -- If the Sciotan government should demand, that we should send them our Emperor or Empress, would not honor impel us to spurn at the demand & reject it with indignation -- Their present demand is preposterous, & as insulting. -- No satisfaction will they receive for the supposed injury -- except that we should seize the princis of the Empire tare her from the bosom of her consort & transport her to Sciota -- Are we capable of an act so unjust & inhuman -- so base & disgraceful? As the debates were proceeding, Elseon rose -- May I says he claim your attention a moment. -- Undaunted by the cruel demand & haughty menance of the Sciotan goverment, I am willing to abide your decision -- If transporting Lamesa into our dominions, [S123] when she has been most unjustly & inhumanly demanded for a companion, is a crime [so perfiduous & flagicious as] of such mighty magnitude, then inflict a punishment that shall be adequate to the offence -- But if the Almighty whose benevolence is infinite, has designed the union of hands where hearts are united -- I have then transgressed no divine law, but have obeyed the divine will -- I am therefore innocent of any crime. I have an undoubted right to retain Lamesa for my wife -- & no goverment on [73] earth have any authority from heaven to tear her from my bosom. -- Nor will I submit to such an event -- so long as the life blood circulates thro' my heart & warms my limbs -- If war must be the consequence of my proceedings, [which transgressed no principles of honour justice or humanity, we are both innocent & honourable, it will give me the most perfect feelings.]
I shall deplore it certainly, but will never shrink like a Dastard from the conflict. -- The Sciotan King, who is at the bottom of all the mischief shall never behold me fleeing before his gigantic sword or sculking to avoid a single combat with him. -- You have therefore no other alternative but either first to slay your prince & then like cowards to send back your princes to Sciota -- or else to make immediate preparatioin to meet their threatened vengences with fortitude and courage. This speach of the young prince united the whole council & they unanimously agreed to reject the demand of the Sciotan goverment. A letter was written & an Envoy dispached with instructions to attempt a reconciliation. He precipitated his journey to the court of Rambock & when he arrived he delivered him the following Letter.
[S124] May it please your most excellent Majesty. --
Next to the welfare and prosperity of our Empire we should rejoice in the welfare and prosperity of yours. It is therefore with extreme regret that we view the unhappy difference which has arisen, & which threatens to involve the two empires in the calamities of war -- Had you demanded a reparation for the supposed injury which would consist with the principles of justice & the honour of our crown & goverment, it should be given you with the utmost cheerfulness -- But to return you Lamesa -- who has now become the princis of Kentuck, would be tearing her from the arms of an affectionate Husband & breaking the bond of solemn wedlock -- And compliance with your demand will subject us to the commission of such injustice & cruelty, it must therefore be our duty [74] to declare, that we will not return the young princes -- And as such an event would destroy her happiness as well as that of her affectionate Consort, we shall permit her to tarry in our dominions and grant her protection -- We are however desirous that an honourable reconciliation may take place -- and a good understanding be restored -- To effect this most important and very desirable object, we have given full authority to Labanko our beloved Brother, the Bearer of this Letter, to negociate a settlement of our difference, provided you will receive any thing as a substitute for what you have demanded. --
Signed Hamboon Emperor of Kentuck.
The mind of Rambock was not formed for the perpertual exercise of Resentment & malice. -- And having conversed [S125] a considerable time with Labanco, who appologised for the conduct of the young prince with great inginuety -- his anger abated & he felt a disposition for the restoration of friendship -- but the indignation & malice of Sambol encreased with time -- his dark soul thirsted more ardently for revenge & nothing would satisfy but blood & carnage. He employed instruments to assist in fanning the sparks of resentment & blowing them into the flames of war. Not content to represent facts as they existed -- & in their true colours -- monstrous stories were fabricated & put into cerculation -- calculated to excite prejeudice & rouse the resentment of the people against Elseon & the whole empire of Kentuck. He had recourse to a class of men who were denominated prophets & conjurors to favour his disign. -- They had for many ages a commanding influence over the minds of a great majority of the people -- As they pretended to have art of investigating the councils & designs of the heavenly Hierachy & to have a knowledge of future events, the people with pleasure listened to their predictions [with vast pleasure] -- & thought it impious to question or or doubt their fulfilment. A small company of the necromancers or juglers assembled on the [75] great square of the City & mounted a stage which was provided for them. -- The Citizens attended. It was a prodigious concourse of all classes, of all descriptions, both wise and simple, both male & female. -- They surrounded the stage and were all attention, all anxious to learn the hidden decrees of Heaven, & the future destinies of the empire. Drafolick their chief prophet extended his arms & cast up his eyes towards Heaven. Quoth he -- Heaven unfolds her massy gates & opens to my view a prospect, wide & vast -- The seven sons of the great Spirit seize their glittering swords & swear they shall not be sheathed till blood in torrents run & deluge the fair land of Kentuck I behold enemies martialing on the celestial plain -- & hear warriors & heroes cry -- avenge the crime of Elseon -- I hear a thundering [S126] voice proceeding from the great Throne of him who rules the world -- proclaiming thus -- corn shall not grow on Sciotan fields, nor mamouth yield their milk -- nor fish be taken in the snare but pestilence shall roam -- unless Sciota shall avenge the crime of Elseon. Drafolick ended his prophesy -- Hamack then arose & in his hand he held a stone which he pronounced transparent -- tho' it was not transparent to common eyes. -- Thro' this he could view things present & things to come -- could behold the dark intrigues & cabals of foreign courts -- & discover hidden treasures, secluded from the eyes of other mortals. He could behold the galant & his mistress in their bed chamber & count all their moles warts & pimples. Such was the clearness of his sight when this transparent stone was placed before his eyes. He looked fiercely & steadfastly on the stone and raised his prophetick voice. -- I behold Hamboon with all his priests & great officers assembled around him -- with what contempt he declares he dispises all the Sciotans -- they are says he cowards & paltroons -- they dare not face my brave warriors -- Here I see four men coming forward bearing an immage formed with all the fetures of ugliness and deformity -- This they call Sambal -- the King of Sciota -- The whole company [76] break forth into boisterous laughing -- Ah see & they are cutting off his head with their swords yes -- and are now kicking it about the palace --Here is a pole it is stuck upon that and carried thro' the City. -- O my loving sparks Elseon & Lamesa -- what makes you so merry -- why Elseon says he has outwitted the Sciotans -- he has got the prize & he little regards their resentment. -- Hamack was proceeding with such nonsensical visions when the multitude interrupted him with a cry -- Revenge Revenge -- We will convince the Kentuckans that we are not cowards or poltroons -- Their heads shall pay for their sport in kicking about the pretended head of our beloved King. -- We will avenge the crime of Elseon -- The great and good Being is on our side, & threatens us with famine & pestilence unless we avenge the crime of Elseon.
The arts of these Conjurers were the consummation of Sambal's plan, to produce in the minds of the multitude an inthusiasm & rage for war. -- He now repairs to the Emperor & solicits him to assemble his councellors immediately proclaim war & concert measures for its prosecution. The Emperor replies, that they should soon be assembled -- But as to war it was a subject which required great consideration. --
[S127] Early on the next day his councellors, priests & principal officers all meet him in the council Room -- He laid before them the letter of Hamboon -- & observed, that tho' the goverment of Kentuck had refused to return Lamesa -- yet they had offered to make to our goverment a recantation of Elseon's crime & to pay us almost any sum as a reparation for our injury. -- The council sat silent for some time -- at length the venerable Boakim arose, -- I must beg, says he, the indulgence of your Majesty & this honourable council a few moments -- Never did I rise with such impressions of the high importance of our deliberations as what I now feel -- The great question to be decided is peace or war -- If peace can be preserved with honour -- then let us maintain peace -- but if not, then let us meet war with fortitude & courage. -- As to the great crime of [77] Elseon, no one presumes to present an apology -- Even their own government by offering to make reparation implicitly aknowledge that he has been guilty of a crime. -- But is it of such malignity as to require the conflagration of towns & cities & the lives of millions to make an expiation. -- [Can no other reparation consistent with justice & humanity be received] -- Or must we [compel] in order to have an atonement made for the crime of Elseon, compel the goverment of Kentuck to commit another crime, to separate, to tear from each other's embraces the husband & wife. -- Such a reparation as this we cannot in justice expect. -- Shall we then accept of no other? -- Cannot our bleeding honour be healed without shedding blood -- without laying a whole empire in ruins. -- Such refined notions of honour may prove our own ruin, as well as the ruin of those on whom we attempt to execute vengeance -- The calamities of war have a reciprocal action on the parties, each must expect to endure a portion of evils -- how large a portion would fall to our share, in case of war, it is not for us to determine -- While thirsting for revenge, we contemplate with infinite pleasure, their armies routed & their [S128] warriors bleeding under our swords -- their helpless women and children expiring by thousands & their country in flames -- But reverse the scene -- suppose the enemy have as much wit as much stratagem courage strength & inhumanity as what we possess, & such may be our situation, when the flood gate is once opened, who can stop the torrent & prevent devastation & ruin -- [We ought therefore] It was never designed by the great & good Being that his children should contend & destroy that existence which he gave them -- They all have equal rights -- & ought to strive to maintain peace & friendship -- This has been the maxim of our fathers & this the doctrine taught by the great founder of our goverment & religion -- Under the influence of this maxim our nation has grown to an emence multitude -- & contentment & happiness have been universal. -- But why can we [78] not enjoy peace with honour? -- what insurmountable obsticles are then to prevent. -- [Why truely, a recantation & property are no compensation for the injury? For other offences these are accepted -- & why must the offence of Elseon be singular --]
The Emperor's daughter we presume is happy -- nor can it be a disgrace to the imperial family that she has married the son of an Emperor, the heir apparent to his crown -- [But she was to have been the wife of Sambol the King of Sciota?] We can therefore with honour to our goverment accept the reparation offered -- & thus preserve the blessings of peace. But if we suffer resentment, pride & ambition to plunge us into a war -- where will its mischief -- where will its miseries end -- As both empires are nearly equal as to number & resources I will venture to predict their eventual overthrow & destruction.
[S129] Boakim would have proceeded, -- but Hamkol rose & interrupted -- It was impudence in the extreme -- but he had much brass & strong lungs -- & would be heard further than Boakim. -- Such sentiments says he may comport with the infirmities of age -- but they are too degrading & cowardly for the vigor and youth of manhood -- If we suffer insult, perfedy & outrage to pass of with impunity -- we may afterwards bend our necks to be troden upon by every puny upstart & finical coxcomb -- No -- let us march with our brave warriors into the dominion of Hamboon. His effeminate & luxurious Court will tremble at our presence & yield the fair Lamesa into our possession -- But if they should still have the temerity to refuse -- we will then display our valour by inflicting upon them a punishment which their crimes deserve -- Yes our valiant warriors shall gain immortal renown by their heroic exploits. [& by the destruction of all shall who.] Sciota will ever after have preeminence over Kentuck -- & compel her haughty sons to bow in our presence -- Let war be proclaimed -- & every kingdom & tribe from the River to the Lakes will pour forth their warriors anxious to [79] revenge our country's wrongs. -- Scarce had he done speaking -- And Lakoon the High Priest arose -- [He was in the interest of Sambal & had married his sister. He had taken great umbrage at Elseon for saying that the priesthood had too great an assendence of the court of Rambock.] -- And lifting up his sanctamoneous eyes slowly towards heaven & extending his [right] reverend hand a little above an horizontal position he spoke -- When the Laws which are contained in our holy religion are transgressed, it is my duty as high Priest of the empire to give my testimony [S130] against transgression -- Elseon, the heir apparent to the imperial throne of Kentuck has been guilty of Robery & impiety within our dominions -- He has robed this empire of an invaluable treasure & as this crime is a most flagicious transgression of our divine Law -- it must have been committed in defiance of the high authority of Heaven -- & therefore it is an act of the greatest impiety. The injury, the insult & outrage has not been committed against us alone -- if this was the case perhaps we might accept of reparation -- but it commited against the throne of omnipotence & in defiance of his authority. -- No reparation can of consequence be received except it be a return of the stolen treasure -- or the Blood of the Transgressor -- nothing else can satisfy the righteous demand of the Great & good Being -- He therefore calls upon the civil power to execute his vengeance -- to inflict an exampleary punishment -- and as it is his cause -- & you are imployed as his instruments you may be assured that his almighty arm will add strength to your exertions & give you a glorious victory over your enimies -- The mighty atcheivments of your warriors shall immortalize their names -- & their heads shall be crowned with never fading laurels -- & as for those who shall die, gloriously fighting in the cause of their country & their God, they shall immediately receive etherial Bodies -- & shall arise quickly to the abodes of increasing delight and glory -- He said no more -- he hath discharged some part of his malice again Elseon for saing, that the priesthood [80] had too much influence in the court of Rambock --
The door was opened & it was seen that Sambal, at the head of a great multitude of citizens had taken their stand in front of the house -- all crying with a loud voice -- Revenge & war -- Long live the Emperor & King -- We will avenge their wrongs: This uproar, & the harang of the High Priest determined the wavring mind of the Emperor. -- [But the venerable Boakim & Bithawan opposed the torrent [& stood as stood firm.] They boldly affirmed that a war was impolitic & unjustifiable -- But [they] [S131] Their opposition however was vain -- The popular voice was against them -- & the other two councellors -- Hamkol & Gamasko [gave their vote for war] -- urged with great vehemence that war should be declared. --]
In vain were all the reasonings of the venerable Boakim & Bithawan -- The other two councillors Hamkol, & Gamasko joining the Emperor they proceeded to make out a declaration of War -- It was in these words --
War is declared by the goverment & empire of Sciota against the goverment & empire of Kentuck -- The Sciotans are required to exterminate, without distinction of age or sex all the inhabitants of the empire of Kentuck -- they are required to burn their houses, & either to destroy, or to take possession of their property for their own use & benefit. This destruction is commanded by the great benevolent Spirit & by the goverment of Sciota.
Signed Rambock Emperor of Sciota.
A copy of this declaration was given to Labano the brother & evoy of Hamboon -- He demanded a guard to defend him against the rage of the common people -- who discovered a disposition to plunge their swords into the heart of every man, whose fortune it was to be born on the opposite side of the River -- Labanco was garded as far as the River & conveyed across in safety -- He repaired to Gamba [& there he proclaimed the intelligence of this [81] declaration of War.] & there made known all the proceedings of the Sciotan government.
Here one leaf of the manuscript, pages 133 and 134, appear to be missing. Page 135 proceeds as follows:
[S135] Habelon, King of Chiango was the next proud chief who appeared at Galanga with a chosen band of warriors. He had fifteen thousand who boasted of superior strenth & agility -- Their countenances were fierce & bold, being true indications of their hearth which feared no danger -- They were always obedient to the order of their king who always sought the most conspicuous place for the display of his valour -- Possessed of gigantic strength & of astonishing agility he was capable of performing the most briliant acheivments which would almost exceed belief -- His mind was uncultivated by science & his passions were subject to no restraint -- His resentment was quick & firy & his anger knew no bounds [for expression] -- Nothing was concealed in his heart -- whether friendship or enmity -- but always exhibited by expressions strong & extravagant. -- He had a soul formed for war -- In the bustle of campaigns, in the sanguine field where heroes fell beneath his conquering sword, his ambition was gratafied & he acquired the highest martial glory.
Ulipoon King of Michegan received the orders of the Emperor with great joy -- War suited his nigardly & avaricious soul -- as he was in hopes to obtain great riches from the spoils of the Enimy -- Little did he regard the miseries & destruction of others if by this means he could obtain wealth & agrandize himself -- A mind so contracted & selfish was not capable of imbibing one sentiment of generosity or humanity -- or even of honour -- None however were more boisterous than he for war -- None proclaimed their own valour with so loud a voice -- yet none were more destitute of courage & more capable of treachery, baseness & cruelty -- Yet with the sounding epithets of patriotism, honour & valour -- he proceeded [82] with great expedition to collect a chosen band of [dauntless warriors -- they consisted of] Eighteen thousand wariors. -- Their marshial appearance intitled them to a commander of more generosity & valour, than the nigardly & treacherous Ulipoon.
Numapon, the King of Colorangus [made no] was prompt to comply with the imperial Requistion. Tho' he prefered the scenes of peace -- & Being very fond of study & of the mechanical arts his mind was replenished with knowledge & he took great [S136] pleasure in promoting works of inginuity. He was farmed for [great] wisdom & [subtelty] penetration of mind, was capable of forming great plans & of prossecuting them with vigor & perseverence -- He was deliberate & circumspect in all his movements [but was always quick, on any suden emmergence, to concert plans & to determine] -- had the full command of his mental powers in every situation -- & even when dangers surrounded him would instantly determine the best measures to be pursued. He prefered the scenes of peace -- but could meet war with courage & firmness. -- At the head of a select band of sixteen thousand men, all compleatly armed & anxious to meet the foe he marched to join the grand army. Not far behind appeared Ramuck the King of Genesco -- [With] Furious & resolute, he had made the utmost expedition to collect his forces -- Nor did he delay a moment, when his men were collected & prepared to move -- At the head of ten thousand bold & robust warriors he appeared at the place of general rendesvos within one day after the King of Colorongus had arived. -- He bosted of the rapidity of his movements & tho' he commanded the smalest division of the grand army, yet he anticipated distinguished laurels of glory -- not less than what would be obtained by their first commander.
When these Kings with their forces had all arrived at Talanga. the Emper Rambock ordered them to parade on a great plain. They obeyed and were formed in solid collums. The Emperor, then, attended by his son [83] Moonrod, his Councellors & the high Priest, presented himself before them -- His garments glitered with ornaments -- & a bunch of long feathers of various colours were placed on the front of his Cap. His sword he held in his right hand, and being tall and strait in his person, & having a countenance grave & bold, when he walked his appearance was majestic. He was the commander in chief -- & such was the high esteem & reverance with which the whole army viewed him, that none were considered as being so worthy of that station. Taking a stand in front of the army, he brandished his sword -- All fixed their eyes upon him & gave profound attention. -- He thus made [S137] an address. -- Brave warriors. It is with the greatest satisfaction & joy that I now behold you assembled to avenge the most flagitious crimes, of which man was ever guilty. -- Ingratitude & perfedy, seduction, Robery & the most daring impiety against heaven have been perpetrated within our dominions -- The young prince of Kentuck is the monster, whose has been guilty of these Crimes -- Our most amiable daughter Lamesa he has seduced & contrary to our will has transported her into his own country -- wishing to avoid the effusion of human blood we offered to withhold our revenge if the Emperor of Kentuck would restore our daughter. But he has refused -- He has implicated himself & all his subjects in the horrid crimes of his son -- Their whole land is now guilty -- & every man woman & child are the proper objects of severe chastisement. -- The great & good Being is indignant towards them, [& views them with the utmost detestation & abhorrance] -- As we have received our power from him he requires, that we should not only avenge our own wrongs, but likewise execute his vengence on those perfiduous ingrates & monsters. [of wickedness & impiety] -- That this is his divine will has been clearly investigated by our holy prophets & priests -- who have given us the most [indubital] positive assurance that success shall attend our arms -- that we shall be enriched with the plunder of our [84] enimies -- that laurels of immortal fame will crown the achievments of our warriors -- & that they shall be [gloriously] distinguished on the plains of glory like Suns & Stars in the firmement of heaven -- Our cause is just -- the celestial powers above are on our side -- they have brandished their swords & sworn -- that blood shall deluge the fair Land of Kentuck. You have done well my brave warriors, that you have assembled around the standard of your Emperor -- I will conduct you to the field of Battle & direct your movements -- My son Moonrod, whose arm like mine is not enfebled by age, will mingle with the boldest combatants & lead you on to victory. -- By the most valorous exploits [S138] by blood & slaughter we will convince our enimies that we are not cowards & poltroons -- Their ridecule and derision shall be turned into mourning & lamentation -- & we will teach their effeminate & luxurious Goverment not to dispise the hardy & brave sons of Sciota. In full confidence that we shall gloriously triumph -- & add immortal lustre to our names, we will now march forward -- [we will] & avenge the injuries done to the honour of our imperial goverment & the rights of our empire -- & all the celestial beings above shall rejoice in the execution of divine vengence. He said no more -- the whole army with one voice proclaimed -- Long live the Emperor -- We swear that he shall never find us cowards and poltroons. The Emperor then ordered them to march by divisions & each king to lead on his own subjects. They began their march towards the land of Kentuck -- Their provisians & baggage were born on the backs of Mammouth -- Each man had a sword by his side & a spear in his hand -- & and on their breasts down to their hips & on their thighs they wore pieces of mamouth skins to guard them from arrows & the weapons of death -- & on their Caps they wore bunches of long feathers. Their garments were short, so as not to encumber them in battle. -- Thus equipt & ornimented they moved on in exact order until they arived at the great River -- Here they halted to provide [85] boats to transport them across -- Their baggage & provisions were carried on the backs of their mammouth which carrid prodigious loads. -- And here we will leave them for the present & take a view of the proceedings at Kentuck. --
When Labanco had presented to Hamboon the Emperor of Kentuck the declaration of war & related the proceedings of the Sciotan government, he immediately assembled his Councellors, who unianimously agreed to make the most active & vigorous preparation for war. -- The Emperor sent forth his mandates to all the princes of his empire requiring them [S139] to assemble the most couragious warriors in their respective kingdoms, & to march to the City of Gambo. -- All the princes of the empire were quick to obey the requisition of their Sovereign. The army assembled and paraded on a great plain before the City -- Hamboon attended by his two sons, Elseon & Hanock & by his councellors & three of his principal Priests walked out of the City & presented himself before his army. -- His garments were of various colours & his cap was adorned with a bunch of beautiful Feathers, which waved high in the wind -- In his left hand he held a spear & in his right a sword -- His countenance was bold & resolute -- & such was his gracefulness & elocution, when He spoke, that all eyes were fixed upon him & all ears were attention.
My brave Sons says he, I extremely regreted the necessity of calling you from your peaceable employments to engage in the blody scenes of war -- But such is the violence the malice & ambition of the Sciotan goverment that nothing will satisfy them but hostilities between the empires -- They have proclaimed war, even a war of extermination against our dominions -- Nor was it in our power to prevent this most dreadful calamity unless we tore asunder the bond of wedlock betwen the prince and the princis of the Empire & transported her like a culprit into their dominions. This was the only alternative which they offered to accept to prevent this [86] terrible crisis -- & why the vigor of this demand -- Was it because the young prince had violated any Law either human or divine -- No -- it was because the King of Sciota had fallen in love with the princis -- & wished to have her for his wife -- But as she viewed him with the utmost hatred & disgust, he has been disappointed -- To gratify his malice & revenge he has roused the Sciotans to take arms & threatens to deluge our cities with the blood of our citizens & to lay our country in ruins. It is a war on their [S140] part to gratify malice & revenge -- & nothing will satisfy their malignant passions but our complete extermination -- On our part it is a war of self defence -- or self preservation -- a defence which will extend to our wives & our children & to all the blessings & endearments of life. We must either submit to behold [our dearest friends expiring in agonies,] our property torn from us, our houses in flames -- & our dearest friends expiring in agonies, & like cowards suffer them without resistance to cut our own throats, -- or we must meet them like men determined to vindicate our rights -- & to retaliate all their intended mischief. Nor need we fear the event of the contest -- Infinite benevolence will regard our situation, & grant us that assistance which will give success to our efforts -- You my brave sons will be inspired with courage -- Your hands will be strong for the Battle & their warriors will fall before you like corn before the repers sickel -- With all their mighty boasting, & high confidence in superior cunnig & prowes -- Our swords will find a passage to their hearts -- & the vital blood gushing forth, they will fall prostrate at our feet. Let us march then with courage to meet the implacable foe -- determined either to die gloriously fighting -- or to obtain victory. --
Having thus spoken -- The whole army, with a loud voice, replied -- Victory or death -- Lead us on to victory. At the head of this army, which consisted of one hundred & fifty thousand men, he marched towards the great [87] River -- They arrived on the Bank & beheld the Sciotans, all busily employed in making preparation to cross the River.
The Empress -- the princis Lamesa, & the Emperors daughters attended by a few friends & their servants; arived at the place where the army was encaped -- As soon as Elseon heard the news of their [S141] arival, he hastened to the place, & found the company had alighted [at an house] & that Lamesa & her friend Holiza were in a room by themselves -- As soon as he entered Lamesa arose -- The gloom & anxiety which for a number of days were visible in her countenance, at his appearance were dispelled -- He received her into his arms with an affectionate embrace -- & expressed the greatest pleasure at seeing her once more. The tears ran down his cheeks -- for a moment she was silent -- She raised her head & replied -- O Elseon were it not for you I should be the most wretched being in existence & yet my love for you has been the cause of all my present affliction. -- If I never had seen you, those horrid prospects which now present themselves to my view, would never have been -- But you are innocent -- nor am I guilty of any crime. But how can I endure to behold the calamities which must fall upon both nations in consequence of our connection? -- Two empires at war, spreading carnage & ruin -- warriors bleeding on the field of battle -- innocent women & children screiching in the agonies of death -- & towns & cities in flames -- Ah horrid prospect -- Have you & I my dear Elseon produced these dreadful calamities? [Is our conduct the cause which must.] We are not, says he my dear Lamesa, responsible for the horrid effects of malice & revenge, which may be occationed by our innocent conduct. If men will be so indignant towards each other, because we do right as, to massacre & do all the mischief they can, we may deplore their weakness & depravity -- but have no more reason, to make ourselves unhappy on the account, than if these effects were [word omitted: produced] by some other cause -- They alone are responsible for their crimes -- & have reason for unhappy reflections. -- [88]
But how can I endure says she, to behold my dearest friends, become each others implacable enimy? To see them mutually engaged to destroy each others life? -- My Father, for whom I ever had the greatest affection -- & my only Brother are now at the head of one hostile army -- And your Father and you my dearest husband are at the head of the other -- When these armies meet would you not plunge your sword into the heart of my father & my brother -- & would they not do the same by you if in their power? When such scenes present themselves to my view [S142] they pierce my soul like dagers -- & produce the keenest anguish -- O that I could fly to my Father, & on my bended knees implore forgiveness. Yes says Elseon, & when you have done that, he will give you to the mighty Sambol for his wife --
No never, says she, never would I submit -- I abhor the monstre more than ever -- He is the most malignant scoundrel in existence -- To gratify his revenge whole empires must be laid in ruins. What punishment more just than that he himself should fall in battle, & endure the agonies which his vengful soul is bringing on others, -- But as for my father and my brother, they have, by his artifices been deceived -- I conjure, you if you have any regard for my happiness, not to take their lives if in your power.
Their lives says he are safe from my sword -- Rather that my hands should be stained with the blood of your dearest friends I will present my bosom to their swords -- But hark -- there is an alarm -- An express arived & informed him, that the Sciotan army had found means to get their Boats down the River in the night unperceived -- & had landed, without opposition, about three miles below the Kentuckian encampment. -- Elseon then embraced his wife & said, when your protection & my honour call, I must obey. -- He left her in tears imploring heaven to protect him -- & running swiftly to the army he took his station.
Here a leaf (pages 143 & 144) of the Mansucript is missing. Page 145 proceeds as follows:
[S145] & heroic Commanders, had each a chosen band of warriors, who were ordered as soon as the battle should begin, to march between the divisions, & charge the enimy, [in order to break their order & throw them into confusion] -- The design of this arrangement was to break the Ranks and throw them into confusion. The command of these bands were given to Elseon, Labanko, Hanock, and two counsellors of the Emperor Hamul & Taboon. -- The momentous period had arived -- Each grand army were now ready -- were anxious for the combat, & sanguine in their expectations of obtaining a glorious victory. -- Musicians with instruments of various kinds, were now playing thro' every division [90] of both armies -- They blowed horns, pipes & a kind of Trumpet -- & beat with sticks on little tubs whose heads were formed of parchment. -- The melody was truly martial & calculated to inspire warriors with an ardent desire for battle & the most daring heroism -- All was husht -- The musicians fell back in the rear -- Their was perfect silence thro' both armies. -- Each Emperor with their swords brandishing were in front & facing their respective armies. Near three hundred thousand spears were glittering with the reflection of sun beams -- Not a cloud to be seen in east -- The sun shone with his usial brightness -- In the west a dark cloud began to arise & distant thunder was heard to rumble. -- Rambock proclaimed with a voice which was heard from the right to the left -- March -- march, my brave warriors -- & fight like [S146] heroes. -- Hamboon saw them beginning to move -- but not changing his countenance which was placid & bold -- he proclaimed -- Stand firm, my brave sons -- Let your arrows fly thick against your enimies as they advance -- & finish with your spears & your swords their destruction. -- The musick again played & both armies gave a tremendous shout -- [Spears & swords] When the Sciotans had advanced, with a firm and moderate step, within a small distance of Hamboons army, both armies discharged arrows with such unerring aim & celerity, that many brave warriors on both sides fell prostrate -- others were sorely wounded & retired back in the rear -- Their places were immediately supplied & the second Rank colosed & took their stations in the fight -- Each man fixing his spear horizontaly & about as high as his breast, the Sciotans rushed forward with hedious yels & horrible shouting & made a most tremendous, & furious charge upon the Kentucks -- They received them with firmness & courage -- Spears met spears -- many were bent and broken -- & others were thrust, on both sides into bodies of Heroes, whose blood gushing forth, they fell with horrid groans, pale and lifeless on the sanguine plain. Neither army gave back but being nearly equal [91] as to strength & numbers they poured forth upon each other with a lavish hand the implements of death & destruction. --
[S147] Determined to conquer or die, it was impossible to conjecture which Emperor would have gained the victory had the divisions or bands in the rear of each army remained inactive. But anxious to engage with the boldest warriors, the Kentuck-Bands, led on by their heroic princes, rushed between the division of the grand army & made a most furious charge upon the Sciotans -- They broke thro' their Ranks -- peircing with deadly wounds their indignant foes -- heroes fell before them -- & many of the Sciotans being struck with surprise & terror began to retire back -- But the bands in the rear of their army instantly rushed forward & met their furious combitants -- The battle was now spread in every direction. Many valiant chiefs who commanded under their respective Kings were overthrown -- & many [word omitted: thousand] robost & brave warriors, whose names were not distinguished by office, were compeled to receive deadly wounds & to bite the dust. -- It was Elseon fortune to attack the division led by the valiant Ramoff -- He broke his ranks & killed many warriors -- while driving them furiously before him -- he met Hamkol at the head of many thousand Sciotans -- Hamkol beheld the young Prince & knew him & being fired with the greatest rage & thirst for revenge, he urged on the combat with the most daring violence [S148] Now he thot, was a favorable chance to gain immortal renown -- Elseon says he shall feel the effects of my conquering sword -- The warriors on both sides charged each other with incredible fury -- & Elseon & Hamkol met in the center of their divisions -- I have found you says Hamkol perfiduous monster -- I will teach you to rob our empire of its most valuable treasure -- He spoke & Elseon replied -- Art thou Hamkol the Counsellor of Rambock Your advice has poduced this blood & slaughter -- Hamkol raised his sword & had not Elseon defended himself from the blow, he never would have spoken again -- [92] But quick as the lightning Elseon darted his sword thro' his heart -- [Hamkol] knashed his teeth together & [with a groan] tumbling headlong with a groan expired. --
The battle raged -- Labanko attacked the division of Sambal -- His conquering sword had killed two daring chiefs -- & his Band performed the most brilliant exploits -- Sambol met him & like an indignant panther, he sprang upon him, & while Labanko was engaged in combat with another chief, Sambol thrust his sword into his side -- Thus Labanko fell lamented & beloved by the subjects of the empire of Kentuck -- [Hanock] His learning wisdom & penetration of mind -- his integrity, firmness & courage had gained him universal respect & given him a commanding influence over the Emperor and his other Councellors -- He was viewed with such respect & reverence, that the death of no man could have proproduced more grief and lamentation -- & excited in the minds of the Kentucks a more ardent thirst for revenge. -- The officers of his phalanx exclaimed revenge the death of Labanko -- Even lightning could not have produced a more instantaneous effect. -- With tenfold [S149] rage and fury his warriors maintained the conflict & redubled their efforts in spreading death & carnage -- The mighty Sambol trembled at the slaughter of his [subjects] warriors and began to dispair of victory -- [he began to] fearing that his intended revenge was turning upon his own head. -- During this slaughter of Sambols forces Hanock was engaged in battle with Habelon King of Chianga -- No part of the war raged with more a equal balance -- Warriors met warriors with such equal strength and courage that it was impossible to determine on which side was the greatest slaughter -- even their heroic chiefs prudently avoided a combat with each other and emploid their swords in overthrowing those of less distinction, the field was covered with the bodies of heroes, besmeared with blood, which was spread thick on every side. -- In the mean time Hamul and Taboon who led on the other reserved bands of the Kentucks were fiercely engaged [93] in spreading the war thro' the ranks of the Sciotans -- Hamul compelled the division commanded by Sabamah to fall back -- but still they fought, as they slowly retreated -- & being reinforced by a body of troops in their rear they continued the conflict & maintained their position -- The slaughter was emence & each party boasted of the most brilliant atchievments. --
Taboon made his attack on the division of Ulipoon commanded by Hamelick -- The Sciotan ranks were broken & they must have fled in confusion had not Rameck supported them with this warlike band -- The contest now became [bloody] furious -- & equal feats of valour were displaied by contending heroes. The thirsty earth was overspread with the dead & dying bodies of thousands & saciated its thirsts by copious draughts of human blood -- Hamelick himself was slain -- But not, until after his sword was crimsoned with the blood of his enimies.
The dubious war appeared at last determined -- Hambock beheld his army giving ground on every part -- He rode [S150] through their divisions & endeavored to inspire them with persevering courage -- But in vain they could not withstand the impetuosity, the numbers and strength of their Enemies -- aided by the advantage they had obtained by the arangement [they had made] to manage the conflict -- The Sciotans began to retreat -- & such was the situation of both armies that [they] the Sciotans must [have] principally have been overthrow & destroyed if the Kentucks had been permited to continue the havock & slaughter they had begun. But how often are the most sanguine expectations disappointed by the decrees of Heaven? -- At this awful period -- whilst the atmosphere was replete with the multifarious sounds of the clashing of swords & spears -- the melody of [the] martial musick -- the shouts of the conquerors & the shrieks & groans of the dying, even then the heavens were overspread with clouds of the most sable hue, which had blown from the west -- The thunders roared [94] tremendously -- & the flashes of hightning were incessant. The wind began to blow from the west with great violence -- the hail poured down from the clouds & was carried with great velocity full in the faces of the Kentucks -- They were unable to see their enimy or continue the pursuit. -- Rambock & his princes [word omitted: immediately] ralied their retreating forces, & facing round encouraged them to fight courageously since the great & good Being had miraculously interposed in their behalf. The Kentuck army were unable to continue the conflict. -- They were obliged in their turn, to retreat. But such was the violence of the storm that the Sciotans could not take any great advantage of the confusion of their armies -- They however pursued them to the hill which had been in the rear of the Kentucks -- overthrowing & killing some in the pursuit. -- But as the hill was overspread with trees which broke the violence of the wind, Hamboon commanded his men to face their pursuers -- The Sciotans finding that their enimies had the advantage of the ground [& being intolerably fatigued with a battle which had lasted near four hours,] retired a small distance back -- & as soon as the storm abated they marched beyond the ground which [S151] was strewed thick with the slain. -- [Thus ended the great battle on the plains of Geheno.] -- There they encamped -- and as the storm had now subsided both armies proceeded to make provision to refresh themselves, being nearly exhausted by the fatigues of a most bloody contest which had lasted nearly five hours. That day afforded them no time to bury their dead -- The Sun did not tarry in his course but hid himself below the Horizon & darkness spread itself over the face of the earth -- The warriors with their spears in their hands extended themselves upon the earth, & spent the night in rest and sleep -- Next morning they arose with renovated vigor. Their tho'ts were immediately turned to the sanguine field -- Many warriors say they lie there, pierced with mortal wounds & covered with blood -- Their spirits have assumed etheriel bodies & they are now [95] receiving the rewards assigned to the brave on the plains of glory -- but they demand of us that we should secure their remains from the voracious jaws of carniverous Beasts, by interring them in the earth. But how can this be done unless both armies will mutually agree to lay down their arms during the interment of the remains of their respective warriors. Hamboon dispached a Messenger to Rambock, who agreed to an armistice for the term of two days & that ten thousand men might be employed from each army in burying the dead. --
It was indeed a meloncolly day. -- The contest was not desided -- Neither army had gained a victory or had reason to boast of any superior advantages obtained or any heroic atcheivments, which were not matched by contending warriors. An emence slaughter was made. Near one hundred thousand were extended breathless [S152] on the field -- This was only the beginning of the war -- & what must be its dreadful calamities if it should continue to rage -- if a few more battles should be faught & the infuriated Conqueror should turn his vengful sword, against defencless women & children & mingle their blood with the blood of heroes, who had fallen bravely fighting in their defence. When both armies viewed the emence slaughter that had been made of their respective friends -- instead of cooling their ardor for the war, it only served to encrease their malice & their thirst for revenge. --
[Ten thousand men from each army, without arms, marched to the field were the battle was faught -- & having selected the dead bodies of their respective warriors -- they carried [them] as many of them together as what could be done with convenience -- & then digging into the ground about three feet deep & throwing the dirt around in a circular form upon the edge of the grave -- they then deposited the bodies in it, covering the ground over which they had dug with the bodies -- & then placing others upon them until the whole were deposited -- they then proceeded to thro' dirt upon them to raise over them a high mound -- In this [96] manner they proceeded until they had finished the interment. The bodies of the Chiefs that were slain, were carried to their respective armies -- & performing many customary sollemnities of woe, they were intered & prodigious mounds of earth were raised over them. -- After the funeral rites were finished & the armistice had expired, the hostile Emperors must now determine on their further plans of operations]
[S153] The field was widely strewed, & in many places thickly covered with human bodies -- extended in various positions -- on their sides their backs and faces -- [some with their arms & legs widely spread some with their mouths open & eyes stairing] -- mangled with swords spears & arrows & besmeared with blood and dirt -- Most hedious forms & dreadful to behold! Such objects exicted horror & all the sympethetic & compassionate feelings of the human heart. --
As both Emperors had agreed to the suspension of arms for the purpose of burying the Remains of those [of the] heroic warriors ten thousand men from each army entered the field & began the mournful employment -- They dug holes about three feet deep & in a circular form & about twenty or thirty feet diameter. In these they deposited the bodies of their deceased heroes & then raised over them large mounds of earth -- The bodies of the chiefs who had fallen were carried to their respective armies & buried, with all the sollemnities of woe -- over them they raised prodigious mounds of earth -- which will remain for ages, as monuments to commemorate the valiant feats of these heroes of the great Battle of Geheno. -- After the funeral Rites were finished -- & the armistice had expired, the hostile Emperors must determine on further plans of operation
Rambock requested the advice of his principal officers, who were unanimous in opinion, that it was their best policy to retire back [to retire back] to the hill which was opposite to the place where they landed -- & their wait for reinforcements. This they effected the [97] next night without being perceived by their Enimy. -- Hamboon on the next day marched towards them -- but not thinking it good policy to attack them at the present, took possession of a hill in plain view of the sciotans & there encamped with his whole army.
As the Sciotans sallied out in parties to plunder & to ravage the country, these were pursud, overtaken or met by parties of the Kentucks -- Many bloody skirmishes ensued with various success & many feats of heroism were displaied on both sides. Wherever the Sciotans marched devastation attended their steps -- & all classes of [S154] people without distinction of age or sex, who fell into their hands became the victims of their infuriated malice -- The extermination of the Kentucks appeared to be their object, not considering that it might soon be their turn to have such horrid cruelties retaliated upon them with a three-fold vengence. They likewise had a further object in view, which was to provoke Hamboon to attack the main army, while posted in an advantageous situation. -- But it was Hamboon's policy by placing garrison in different stations & by patroling parties to prevent the Sciotans from plundering & destroying his town & from geting provisons from his country -- & in this way to compel them to cross the River or to attack his army in the position he had taken. While the two Emperors were thus manoevering -- & seeking by various arts & stratigems to gain advantage over each other. a very extraordinary [instance of heroism & the display of the most sincere & ardent friendship transpired which is worthy a place on the historic page.] -- instance transpired of heroism and friendship -- In the dominions of Hamboon there lived two young men who were bred in the same vilage -- Having minds formed for the exercise of the noblest principles & possessed of congenial tempers they early contracted the greatest intimacy, & formed toward each other the strongest attachment. -- They joined the standard of Hamboon & in the great battle of Geheno they faught side by side & performed exploits [98] equally bold and heroic. -- They eat at the same board & drank of the same cup -- & in all their excursions they attended each other & walked hand in hand. -- As these two friends were seting in their tent one evening -- Thelford who was the oldest says to Hamkien something whispers me; that this night we can perform a most brilliant exploit -- The Sciotans have held a great festival & until midnight they will be emploied in music & dancing & in various diversions -- Being greatly fatigued, when they lie down to rest, their sleep wll be sound -- We may then enter their camp [by slyly geting round their by their centinel] unperceived & make a most dreadful slaughter. -- Your plan, replied Hamkien, is excellent, it is worthy the character of an hero. -- I will join you -- & will either triumph with you in the success of the enterprise or perish in the attempt. Perhaps we may atcheive a glorious deliverance to our country, by destroying our cruel enimies. [S155] They both taking their swords and tomehauks repaired towards the camp of the Sciotans in order to reconoiter & find where they could enter & not be perceived by the centinals -- The Moon shone bright but would set about three O clock in the Morning -- this was the time they had fixed upon to begin the massacre of their enimies -- At length all became silent -- the Moon disappeared & these young heroes had accomplished their plan in geting into the camp of the Sciotans unperceived. They found them lying in a profound sleep -- for the fatigues of the day & the revels of the night had bro't weariness upon them -- & considering, when they lay down that the vigelence of their guards would secure them from surprise, they slept with unusial soundness -- but their vigelence could not prevent an unspected destruction. The Tomehauks and swords of these daring youth, soon caused hundreds to sleep in eternal slumbers -- & so anxious were they to finish the destruction of their enimies, that the day began to dawn before they had cleared themselves from their camp [of their enimies] -- Scarce however had [99] they past the last centinal, & the alarm was given -- The Sciotans beheld a most terrible slaughter. of their warriors & being fired with indignation sallied forth in parties in every direction -- Kelsock & Hamkoo had nearly gained the encampment of the Kentucks & Haboon with a party of Sciotans had overtaken Hamko -- Kelsock was so far in advance, that he was now safe from all danger -- but turning his eyes round he heheld Hakoon seize his friend, who was attempting to defend himself against the party -- Kelsock turned instantly, and running furiously back cried, Spare O spare the youth, he is innocent -- I alone contrived the slaughter of the Sciotans -- too much love to his friend induced him to join me in the enterprise -- Here is my bosom -- here take your revenge -- Scarce had he spoken & Haboon plunged his sword into the Heart of Hamko. -- The young hero fell -- & with a groan expired -- Kelsock instantly rushed upon Haboon & darted his sword thro' his heart -- prostrate he tumbled at the feet of Hamkoo -- but Kelsock could not long survive -- a spear pierced him in the side -- he cast his eyes on the lifeless Body of his friend and fell upon [his lifeless body] it -- he embraced it & never breathed again -- Ah heroic youths. -- in friendship ye lived -- & in life & death you were joined. --
[S156] Forty days had now expired since the two armies had taken their different positions -- Each received large reinforcements which supplied the places of the slain. Experience had taught them to use stratigem instead of attacking under great disadvantages, & yet to remain long in their present situation could not possibly terminate the war successfully on the part of the Sciotans -- Rambock considering the obsticles, which attended the prosicution of every plan, at last, by the advice of Sambal & Ulipoon, determined on a most rash & desparate enterprise -- an enterprise which would in a measure saciate their revenge, provided that it should even produce the annihilation of their army. -- As soon as darkness had overspread the earth at night -- Rambock marched his [100] whole army towards the City of Gamba -- & such was the stillness of their movements that they were not perceived -- nor was it known by Hamboon that they had marched until the morning light. -- As soon as the Kentucks perceived that the Sciotans had abandoned the place of their encampment & found the direction they had gone, they immediately pursued them with with the utmost expediton. -- But too late to prevent the intended slaughter & devastation. The Sciotans without delaying their march by attacking any forts in their way, merely entered the vilages, killing the inhabitants who had not made their escape & burning their houses -- They arived before the City of Gamba -- Great indeed was the surprise, the consternation & terror of the Citizens -- Many fled to the fort -- A band of about three thousand resolute warriors sceized their arms, determined to risk their lives in the defence of the City. The leader of this band was Lamock the eldest son of Labanko -- He inherited the virtues of his excellent Father, and even thirsted to avenge his death by sacrificing to his manes the blood of his cruel enimies. He posted his warriors in a narrow passage which led to the City. -- The Sciotan Emperor immediately formed his plan of attack. -- A large host selected from all the grand divisions of his army marched [S157] against them -- They were commanded by Moonrod -- He led them against this gallant & desparate band of Kentucks, & made a most furious & violent charge upon them. But they were resisted with a boldness, which will forever do honour to their emmortal valour. -- Many hundreds of their Enimies they pierced with their deadly weapons & caused heaps of them to lie prostrate in the narrow passage. -- Such prodigious havock was made on the Sciotans by this small band of valiant Citizens, who were driven to desperation & whose only object was to sell their lives dear to their enimies, that even Moonrod began to despair of forcing his march into the City, thro' this narrow passage -- Being informed by a treacherous Kentuck of another passage, he immediately [101] dispatched a party of about four thousand from his band to enter the City thro' that passage & to fall upon the rear of the Kentucks. -- This plan succeeded -- These heroes now found the war to rage both in front & rear & part facing their new assailants they attacked them [new assailants] with incredible fury -- What could they do? resistance was now in vain. They could no longer maintain the bloody contest against such a mighty host. Lamock then commanded the survivors of his little Band to break thro' the ranks of his last assailants & to retreat, [to the fort.] It was impossible to withstand the violence of their charge -- they broke thro' the ranks of their enimies & made a passage over the bodies of heroes, thro' which they retreated & marched to the fort -- About seven hundred with their valiant leader thus made their escape, [and arived save in the fort] -- The remainder of the three thousand sold their lives in defence of their friends & their country -- This Battle checked the progress of the enimy which prevented an emence slaughter of citizens -- as the greatest part by this means the opportunity to gain the fort.
[S158] As soon as all resistance was over come & had subsided, the Sciotans lost no time -- but marched into the City and commenced a general plunder of all articles which could conveniently transported. Ulipoon, tho careful not to expose his person to the deadly weapons of an enimy -- was however very industrious in this part of the war -- None discovered so much engagedness as himself to grasp the most valuable property in the city. -- But expecting the Kentuck army to arive soon they must accomplish their mischief with the utmost expedition -- The City they sat on fire in various places -- & then retired back and encamped near the fort, intending on the next day, unless prevented by the arrival of Hamboon with his army, to storm the fort & massacre the whole multitude of citizens which were there collected. -- Behold the conflagration of the City, -- the flames [102] in curls assend towards heaven -- & as the darkness of the Night had now commenced -- this added to the horror of the scene -- The illumination spread far & wide & distant vilages beheld the redning light assend -- as a certain pioneir of their own conflagration, should the war continue to rage. But mark the sorrow & lamentation of the poor Citizens now incircled by the walls of a fort -- Happy that they had escaped the intended massacre of a barberous unrelenting Enimy -- but indignant & sorrowful at beholding the ruins of all their property. -- & & even filled with the greatest anxiety lest Hamboon should not arive in season to prevent the storming of the fort. -- But their anxiety soon vanished. When the shades of evening began to overspread the earth, Hamboon & his army had arrived within five miles of the City. They beheld the flames beginning to assend. The idea was instantly realized that an indiscrimate slaughter had taken place. -- [What were the destracted outcries of the dwellers of the City. -- Fathers & mothers -- Brothers & sisters, wives & children.] [S159] In addition to the distruction of all their property, they now had a reallizing anticipation of the massacre of the dearest friends & relation. Such was their anxiety to precipitate their march that it was scarcely in the power of their commander to retard their steps, so as to prevent them from breaking the order of their ranks. They made however the utmost expedition -- determined if they found their enimy to take ample vengence But when they arrived & found that the greatest part of the citizens were [word omitted: safe] in the fort this afforded no small aleviation to their anxiety & grief -- But their thirst for revenge & their ardent desire to engage the enimy in battle did not in the least abate.
Determined that the Sciotans should have no chance to improve the darkness of the ensuing night to make their escape -- every preparation was made to attack them the next morning. -- This was expected by the Sciotans, who were wishing for another opportunity to measure swords [103] with the Kentucks. & as soon as the morning light appeared they marched a small distance to a hill & [there] the army paraded in proper order for battle. -- Scarce had they finished their arangements when they beheld Hamboon's Army marching towards them -- He halted within about half a mile of the Sciotans -- & sent out a small party to reconoiter & discover their situation -- In the mean time he ordered Hanock [his son] to march with twelve thousand men round the Sciotan Army & lie in ambush in their rear in order to surprise them with an attack after the battle should commence.
As the two armies were paraded in fair view of each other the expectation was that a most bloody engagement would take place immediately. -- The cowardly mind of Ulipoon was not a little terrified when he beheld the number & martial appearance of the Enimy -- But his inventive genius was not long at a loss for an expedient, which he immagined would extricate himself from all danger. -- He repairs to Hambock & addressed him to this effect. May it please [S160] your majesty. During the first battle it was my misfortune to be prevented by sickness from being at the head of my brave warriors & displying my valour. It is my wish now to perform feats of heroism which shall place me on equal ground with the most valiant princes of your empire. -- With your permission I will lead on my division & storm the fort of the Kentucks -- This will fill their warriors with consternation & terror -- You may then obtain an easy victory -- & destroy them with as much facility as you would so many porcupines. -- Besides by attacking the fort at this time when they are not expecting such a manoever -- the imperial family will be prevented from making their escape & I shall then be able to restore to your majesty your daughter Lamesa. -- The Emperor being pleased with the plan granted to Ulipoon his permission to carry it into effect. -- Ulipoon did not wait a moment -- But immediately returned back and commanded his forces, which consisted of about seventeen thousand to march -- He was [104] careful at the same time see that they carried with them all the plunder they had taken in the City of Gamba -- & particularly that portion which had been set apart for himself. -- But nothing was farther from the heart of Ulipoon than to fulfil his promise -- He had no intention to risk his person in the hazardous attempt to storm the fort -- but his determination was to march with the utmost expedition to his own dominions & to carry with him his rich plunder. -- Having marched towards the fort until they had got beyond the view of the Sciotan army -- he then ordered them to turn their course towards the great River -- to the place where the left their boats. -- [S161] In this direction they had not proceeded far when they were seen by a number of pioneirs, whom Hanock had sent forward to make discoveries. -- As his band were not far distant they soon gave him the inteligence -- He immediately dispach an express to Hamboon -- informing him that he should pursue them as their object probably was to ravage the country -- & recommending not to attack the Sciotans until further information from him. -- Hanocks devision were not discovered by Ulipoon -- & of consequence he proceeded in his march without suspecting any anoiance from the Enimy, happy in the reflection that he had greatly enriched himself by a prodigious mass of plunder, & not in the least troubled about his fellow warriors, whom he had deserted on the eve of a most hazardous engagement. -- Hanock pursued him, but was careful not to be discovered -- When the sun was nearly down Ulipoon halted & encamped. -- During the Night Hanock made his arangements -- he formed his men into four Divisions & surrounded the Enimy. Their orders were as soon as the morning light began to appear, to rush into Ulipoon's encampment & to massecre his warriors without discremination. -- The fatal moment had arived, & punctual at the very instant of time the attack was began on every part. & such was the surprize & terror which it produced that the Sciotans were thrown into the utmost confusion & [105] it was impossible for their officers to form them into any order to make defence -- Every man at last attempted to make his escape -- but wherever they rushed forward in any direction they met the deadly spears of the Kentucks -- It is impossible to discribe the horror of the bloody [S162] scene [& even humanity recoils at beholding] Humanity -- sympathy & compassion must drop a tear at beholding the uproar & confusion, the distress & anguish, the blood & carnage of so many thousand brave warriors [who was great misfortune was to have a coward for their commander] -- who were reduced to their dreadful situation by the cowardise [& nigardly] & avaricious dispostion of their Commander. But only three thousand made their escape. As for Ulipoon he was mortally wounded & laid prostrate on the field -- After the slaughter was ended in passing over the [field of] the slain, Hanock beheld the illfated prince -- an object truely pitiable to behold -- In the agonies of death & wreathing under the most acute pain, he exclaimed. Alas my wretched situation -- It was avarice, cursed avarice which induced me to engage in this horrid war & now [my] the mischief and cruelties intended as the means to acquire wealth & agrandizement, are justly turned upon my own head -- He spoke & deeply groaning, he breathed no more The galant Hanock droped a tear -- & feeling no enmity towards the lifeless remains of those, who had been his enimies, he ordered three hundred men to [bury] remain on the ground & commit their bodies to the Dust -- This says he is the will of him whose compassion is infinite. He then directed Como his chief Captain to pursue the survivors of Ulipoon's army & to destroy them if possible. -- With the remainder of his troops, he returned, back to carry into effect the order of Hamboon. Como overtook & killed about a thousand of the wretched fugitives -- the remainder escaped to their own land. -- except about fifty who fled to the army of Rambock -- & gave him the dreadful intelligence of Ulipoon's distruction. --[106]
Great were the amazement and consternation of Rambock [S163] & his whole army. They now beheld their situation to be extremely critical & dangerous & saw the necessity of the most vigorous & heroic exertions. What says Rambock to his princes, is our wisest course to pursue? Sabamah, Rancoff & Nunapon advised him to retreat without losing a moment, for say they, we have taken ample revenge for the crime Elseon. -- To effect this we have thrown ourselves into the heart of their country -- have lost a large division of our army -- & are so weakened by our losses that we are in the utmost danger of being defeated & even anihilated. -- It must therefore be the height of folly & madness to prossecute the war any farther in this country. -- But Sambal & the other princes condemned this plan as pusilanimous & disgraceful & proposed to steal a march on the Kentucks & to storm their fort before they should be apprised of their designs. -- This last advice met the approbation of the Emperor. Nothing says he can save our army from destruction but the most daring atcheivements. That they might gain the fort without being perceived by the Kentucks. It was necessary that they should march some distance in the direction, where Hanock had emcamped, in order to co-operate with Hamboon, when he should commence the engagement -- When the night had far advanced Rambock's forces were all in readiness & began their march for the fort. They proceeded about two miles -- & a small party in advance, discovered Hanocks warriors -- This discovery produced an alteration in Rambock's plan -- He directed Sambal to proceed against the fort -- whilst he, as soon as the light should appear, would attack Hanock -- Sambal was highly pleased with this command -- as a victory would ensure him the capture of Lamesa -- & afford him an opportunity to obtain revenge. He arived at the fort just as the blushing morn began to appear. -- [Great indeed was the surprize which his arrival produced] -- [S164] On three sides he stationed small parties who were ordered to massacre [107] all the citizens who should attempt to make their escape -- With the main body of his army he made an assault upon the fort. -- Amazement & terror seized the minds of the whole multitude of citizens; [in the fort This enterprize of the Sciotans was unexpected -- as they were] were unprepared to defend the fort against such a formidable force. Lamock however placed himself at the head of about one thousand warriors & attempted to beat them back from the walls & prevent their making a breach. But it was imposible with his small band to withstand the strength of such a mighty army -- They broke down part of the palasadoes & entered the fort thro' the break -- & immediately began the massacre of the defenceless multitude without regard to age or sex -- Sambal being anxious to find Lamesa rushed forward with a small band & surrounded a [small] block house -- He then broke down the door & entered -- Here he beheld all the Ladies of the imperial family & many other Ladies of distinction -- He instantly sprang towards Lamesa in order to seize her -- but was prevented by Heliza who steped between them & falling upon her knees implored him to spare the life of Lamesa -- Scarce had she spoken when the cruel monster buried his sword in her bosom & she fell lifeless before the eyes of her dearest friend -- Lamesa gave a scream, & looking fiercely on Sambal she exclaimed. Thou monster of [S165] vilany and cruelty, could nothing saciate your revenge but the death of my dear friend, -- the amiable, the innocent Heliza Here is my heart -- I am prepared for your next victim. Ah no, says Sambal, your life is safe from my sword. I shall conduct you to my palace & you shall be honored with me for your partner. Insult me not, says she, thou malicious bloody villain -- either kill me or begone from my sight -- my eyes can never indure the man who is guilty of such monstrous crimes. -- Set your heart at rest says he my dear Lamesa -- I will convince you that I am a better man than your beloved Elseon -- his head shall soon saciate my revenge & then you shall be the Queen of Sciota -- At [108] this Instant a loud voice was heard -- The Kentucks are marching with a prodigious army towards the fort. -- Sambal turning to his warriors present ordered them to guard the women in that house & not permit any of them to escape -- for says he I must go and destroy that army of Kentucks. Great already had been the slaughter which the Sciotans had made of the citizens in the fort -- Those who had attempted to escape thro' a gate which was thrown open were met & massacred by the Sciotan warriors on the outside -- But their progress was arested by the appearance of Elseon at the head of thirty thousand warriors -- They had marched with the greatest speed -- for they were informed by an express that the Sciotans had invested the Fort. When Sambal beheld them he instantly concluded to draw his army out of the fort & try a battle with them in the open field. -- His orders were immediately spread thro' every part of the fort where his men were employed in killing the [S166] defenceless, & in fighting Hemocks little band of desperate heroes [whom Hanock commanded]. The Sciotans were soon formed & marched out of the fort & paraded in proper order for battle. -- Elseon observing this, commanded his men to halt, & made his arangements to rush forward and commence the attack -- Having brandished his sword as a token for silence he thus spok. My brave warriors. “The glorious period has arrived for us to display our valor in the destruction of our enimies. -- What monstrous cruelties have they perpetrated -- Behold your City in ruins -- listen to the cries of your murdered friends whose innocent blood calls for vengence -- consider the situation of those who are surrounded by the walls of yonder fort -- How many thousands are massacred -- & how many must share their fate unless you fight like heroes -- By our valour we can effect their deliverance & rid our country from the most ferocious band of murderers that ever disgraced humanity -- [Their standard is that of the Sciotan King -- whose malice and vengeful disposition have produced this horrid war. Urged [109] on by his malignant passions he has [engaged] undertaken a most dangerous & mad enterprise -- He has thrown himself & his army into a most critical & dangerous situation] -- Fight as you did at the great Battle of Geheno & your enimies will be prostrate in the dust & your names shall be illustrious. Rush forward my brave warriors -- & let your motto be victory or death. Not a moment, when his warriors were stimulated for the Combat did Elseon tarry -- but marched with pricipitation prepared to make a most furious charge. Sambal was ready to meet him -- & marched forward with equal boldness & celerity. The charge was tremendous. Not the dashing against each other of two mighty ships, in a hurricane upon the [boisterous] ocean, could have been more terrible. Each warrior, fearless of danger, met his antagonist determined to destroy his life or loose his own in the contest -- [S167] The battle extended thro' every part of both armies -- As warriors fell in the front ranks, their places were supplied from the rear -- & reserved Bands rushing between the divisions were met by others of equal strength & valour. -- Helicon the intimate friend of Elseon beheld Sambal -- who was encouraging his warriors to fight bravely, as no other alternative remained for them but victory or death. -- When Helicon beheld him his youthful mind felt the impulse of ambition -- he sprang towards Sambal & changeled him to the Combat. Sambal gave him no time to repeat the chalenge, but rushed upon him, with more fury than a tiger & with his sword he struck Helicon's head from his body -- Thus fell the brave, the amiable youth whose thirst for glory impeled him to attempt an exploit too rash & daring -- Warriors fell on every side & the field was covered with dead & dying heroes -- A messenger ran & told Elseon of the fate of Helion who commanded the left wing of his army & that Sambal had broken their ranks & was making indisribable havock of his warriors -- What intelligence could have been more shocking? Elseon could not refrain from tears for a moment -- Ah Helicon says he, thou hast been [110] more dear to me than a brother -- Heaven demands that I should revenge thy cruel death. He instantly selected a small band & marched with the utmost speed to the left wing of his army -- He rallied his retreating warriors & engaged in the conflict with tenfold fury -- Soon he beheld the mighty Sambal, whose sword was crimsoned with the blood of his friend, and Sambal cast his eyes upon him & as he beheld him his malice instantly inkindled into such a furious flame, that [his reason fled for a moment &] he raved like a madman. -- Both heroes [S168] sprang towards each other -- Their warriors beheld them & being mutually inspired with the same sentiments the respective bands retired back & left the two indignant Champions in the space between. -- Ah exclaimed Sambal Robber & perfiduous scoundrel, after seducing the Emperor daughter who was my wife & transporting her from our dominions, have you the temerity to meet my conquering sword. This sword which has pierced Labano, & cut off the head of Helicon & which has destroyed hundreds more mighty than yourself -- shall be plunged into your cowardly heart -- & your head shall be carried in triumph into the city of Talanga -- & there it shall be preserved as a trophy of my superior strength & valour.
Vain Boaster -- says Elseon -- I rejoice to meet you. The Benevolent Being will now terminate your carere of bloody crimes -- This sword shall pierce your malignant heart & cut of that head, which has ploted the ruin of my country -- Sambal eager for revenge, could hear no more. He sprang forward & aimed a thrust of his sword at Elseon's Heart but Elseon turned the point of his sword from him with his own -- & then darted his sword into his left arm which caused the blood to gush forth -- Sambal was now more indignant than ever -- & raising his sword he threw his whole strength into one mighty effort, with an intention to divide his body in twain. But Elseon. quick as the Lightning sprang back & Sambals sword struck the ground with a prodigious force which broke in the middle -- He himself had nearly tumbled [111] his whole length -- but recovering & beholding his defenceless situation, he ran a small distance, & seizing a stone sufficiently big for a common man to lift he threw it at Elseon -- It flew with great velocity & had not Elseon bowed his head his brains must have quited their habitation -- his Cap however was not so [S169] fortunate: haveng met the stone as he bowed it was carried some distance from him & lodged on the ground. Elseon regardless of his cap, ran swiftly upon Sambal. whose feet having sliped when he threw the stone had fallen upon his back & had not recovered -- Terror now seized his mind -- Spare. O spare my life says he & I will restore peace to Kentuck & you may enjoy Lamesa. -- No peace sais Elseon do I desire with a man, whose sword is red with the blood of my friends He spoke & plunged his sword into Sambals heart. --
The Sciotans beheld the heage body of their King pale & lifeless -- Consternation & terror seized their minds They fled in dismay & confusion -- Elseon pursued them with his warriors & overthrew & killed thousands in the pursuit -- About two thousand made good their escape & carried the doleful tidings of Sambals death & the emence slaughter of his army to their own Land. And indeed their escape was owing to the great anxiety of Elseon & his warriors to visit their friends in the fort & to ascertain the extent of the massacre that Sambal & his army had made. -- After pursuing the Sciotans about six miles Elseon & his army returned in great haste & entered the fort. -- Great, inexpressably great was the joy of the Citizens when they beheld them returning with the laurels of victory & when they were informed of the destruction of so many thousand of their enimies. -- But as great was their grief and lamentation, when they beheld & reflected on the vast number of citizens & of Elseon's warriors, who had fallen by the sword of the Sciotans. No death produced such universal regret and sorrow as those of Helicon & Heliza. The one was the intimate friend of Elseon & [112] the other of Lamesa. -- They both possessed hearts which were [S170] formed for the most ardent friendship & love. -- Their acquaintance produced the most sincere attachment -- They exchanged vows of perpetual fidelity & love to each other -- & only waited for the termination of the war to fulfill their mutual engagement to unite their hands in wedlock -- But this pleasant anticipation of conjugal felicity was destroyed by the cruel sword of Sambal -- Naught availed the innocence & the amiable accomplishments of the fair Heliza? She must fall a victim to saciate the revenge of a barbarous Tyrant -- Had Helicon known when he attacked the savage monster that he had assassinated his beloved Heliza, it would have inspired him with the most ardent desire for revenge & added vigor to his arm & keeness to his sword. -- [Ah said] A Kentucky Bard represented the erial form of Heliza as ariving on the celestial plain -- & being told that she must wait a short time -- & Helicon would ascend to conduct her as his partner to a delightful Bower which was surrounded by the most beautiful flowers & delicious fruits -- & where the singing of musical birds would charm them with their melody. -- When Elseon had entered the fort, he found that Lamock with the survivors of his little band of warriors had made prisoners, of the Sciotans whom Sambal had left to guard the imperial Ladies -- & that these Sciotans had done them no injury nor even insulted them with words -- Says Elseon for this honourable treatment of my friends I will shew these enimies compassion -- Go says he to them, return in peace to your own land -- & tell your friends that Elseon will not hurt an Enimy, who has done him a favour.
The time of Elseon was precious -- He spent but a few moments with Lamesa, in which they exchanged mutual congratulations -- & expressions of the most tender [S171] & sincere affection. -- She conjured him to spare the life of her father & brother & not to expose his own life any farther than his honour & the interest of his country required. I shall cheerfully says he comply with every [113] request, which will promote your happiness. He embraced her & bid her adue. --
As the situation of Hamboon's army might require his immediate return, he lost no time to regulate matters in the fort -- but leaving five thousand men to bury the dead, & defend the citizens, he marched with the remainder, which consisted of about twenty thousand, towards Hamboons encampment.
When Sambal marched his division against the fort it was Rambock's intention to have attacked Hanock the next morning -- but perceiving that Hamboon had been apprised of his movement, & was then within a small distance ready to co operate with Hanocks division, Rambock altered his plan & determined to wait for the return of Sambal. As for Hamboon he concluded to wait until Elseon's return. -- These determinations of the hostile Emperors, prevented, in this intervail of time, any engagement between the two grand armies. -- But when the fate of Sambal's division was decided -- & Elseon had returned with the joyful news of his victory, the Kentucks were all anxious for an immediate Battle.
The end of Solomon's Manuscript. Copied by L. L. Rice, 1884 and 1885.
[114] The Writings of Sollomon SpaldingBut having evry reason to place the highest confidence in your friendship & prudence I have no reluctance in complying with your request in giving you my sentiments of the christian Religion -- & so far from considering the freedom you took in making the request, impertinence, I view it as a mark of your [high esteem for me] affectionate solicitude for my happiness. In giving you my sentiments of the christian religion you will perceive [that I am not tramelled with traditionary & vulgar prejudice] That I do not believe certain facts [& certain facts] & certain propositions to be true merely because that my ancestors believed them -- & because they are popular. -- In forming my creed I bring everything to the standard of reason -- [that intellectua] This is an uerring & sure guide in all matters of faith & practice. Having divested myself therefore of traditionary & vulgar prejudice & submitting to the guidance of reason it is impossible for me to have the same sentiments of the christian religion which its advocates consider as orthodoxy -- It is in my view a mass of contradictions & an heterrogeneous mixture of wisdom & folly -- nor can I find any clear & incontrovertable evidence of its being a revelation from an infinite benevolent & wise God. It is true that I never have had the leisure nor patience to read [the elaborate & learned productions of divines in its vindication] evry part of it with very critical attention or to study the metaphissical jargon of divines in its vindication -- It is enough for me to know that propositions which are in contradiction to each other cannot both be true & that doctrines & facts which represent the Supreme Being as a barbarous & cruel tyrant can never be dictated by infinite wisdom. Whatever the clergy say to the contrary can have no [116] effect in altering my sentiments. -- I know as well as they that two & two make four & that three angles of a triangle are equal to two right ones. -- But notwithstanding I disavow any belief in the divinity of the Bible & consider it a mere human production designed to enrich & agrandize its authors & to enable them to manage the multitude -- yet casting aside a considerable mass of rubbish & fanatical rant, I find that it contains a system of ethicks or morals which cannot be excelled on account of their tendency to ameliorate the condition of man, & to promote individual social & public happiness, & that in various instances it represents the Almighty as possessing attributes worthy his trancendent character. Having a view therefore to those parts of the Bible which are truly good & excellent I sometimes speak of it in terms of high commendation -- & indeed I am inclined to believe that notwithstanding the mischiefs & miseries miseries which have been produced by the bigoted zeal of fanaticks & interested priests yet that such evils are more than counterbalanced in a christian land, by the benefits which result to the great mass of the people by their believing that the bible is of divine origin & that it contains a revelation from God. -- Such being my view of the subject I suffer my candle to remain under to remain under, nor make no exertions to dissipate their happy delusions.
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