This is now the fact among the most remote Indians. Butas, since the introduction of fire arms, they no longer fight in close bodies, but every man is his own general, T am inclined to think this has contributed to lessen the power -- of achief. This chief of a whole nation has the custody of the belts of wampum, &c. which are as records of public transactions: he prompts the speakers at all treaties, and proposes affairs of consequence. The chief sachems form the grand council; and those of each tribe often deliberate on the affairs of their particular tribes. All their deliberations are conducted 'with extraordinary regularity and decorum. They never interrupt him who is speaking; nor-use harsh language, whatever may be their thoughts. The chiefs assume most authority in the field, but this must be done, even there, with great caution; as a head: warrior thinks himself of most consequence in that place. :

The Indians believe'in, and are much afraid of witchcraft: those suspected of it are therefore often punished with death. Several nations are equally severe on those guilty of theft, a crime indeed uncommon among,them; but in cases of murder, the relations are left to take what revenge they please. In general, they are unwilling to inflict capital punishments, as these defeat their grand political object, which is, to increase their numbers by all possible means.

On their haunts, as on all other occasions, they are strict observers of meum and tuum; and this from principle, holding . theft in contempt; so that they are rarely guilty of it, though tempted by articles of much value. Neither do thé strong attempt to seize the prey of the weak; and I must do them the justice to say that, unless heated by liquor, or inflamed by revenge, their ideas of right and wrong and their practices in consequence of them, would, if more known, do them much honour.