Horizontal periphery, . . . 20. inches.
Internal c a p a c ity ,................................................ 85. cubic inches.
Capacity of the anterior chamber, . . . 39.25 cubic inches.
Capacity of the posterior chamber, . . . 45.75 cubic inches.
Capacity of the coronal region,. . . . 13.25 cubic inches.
Facial angle,' . ................................................ 71 degrees.
TH E MUSKOGEES OR CREEKS, AND SEMINOLES.
The Muskogee or Creek confederacy is composed of several nations or
remnants of nations, among which the most prominent, at the present time, are
the Seminoles. I am indebted to the politeness of Dr. Forry, of the United
States Army, for some interesting particulars in reference to this coalition.
Muskogees. “Among the great nation of Creek Indians,” says he^“ the
principal and original tribe was the Muskogee, by whom the claim of having
always occupied the country recently in their possession is boldly asserted. Long
known as a powerful and restless confederacy, its sway extended over the present
limits of Georgia, Alabama and Florida. It consisted of a Community of tribes,
which, having become reduced in numbers, incorporated themselves with the
ruling band. In progress of time these various clans or tribes became, in some
measure, a homogeneous people.
“ The Seminoles, who have a similar origin, consist chiefly of Muskogees.
The ancient possessors of the soil have become extinct, or at least have lost their
identity among the wars, and changes and confusion incident t'o our aborigines.
The collective appellation of Seminoles, in its Muskogee acceptation, has a
signification expressive of the character of the Bedouin Arab. Detaching
themselves from the main body of the Creeks, they wandered wherever a greater
abundance of game or undisturbed possession of the soil might offer inducements.
The Yamassees, a powerful people of whom much is said in our early colonial
history, were, after long wars with their ancient enemies the Creeks, completely
broken up, and under the elder king Payne, the Seminoles reduced as tributaries
all refractory tribes. Thus from this nucleus of a people, there gradually arose
by natural increase and accessions from other tribes, a nation of Seminoles, or
wanderers.”*
Mr. Bartram describes the Creek women as of short stature but well formed:
their visage, says he, is round, their features regular and beautiful: the brow is
high and arched; the eye large, black and languishing, and expressive of modesty,
and diffidence. “ They are, I believe, the smallest race of women yet known,
seldom above five feet high, and the greater number never arrive to that stature:
their hands and feet are not larger than those of Europeans of nine or ten years
of age; yet the men are of gigantic stature, a full size larger than Europeans;
many of them above six feet, and few under that, or five feet eight or ten
inches.”f He adds that their complexion is much darker than that of any tribe
he had seen to the north of them.
Bernard Romans observes, that they are remarkably well shaped and a very
hardy race. “ What deserves notice here is, that their thorax is very shallow, so
that a savage of this race may appear almost a giant by the breadth of his
shoulders, yet not measure so much in circumference as an ordinary European;
but whether this is the effect of art or nature, I cannot pretend to decide.” Their
women, he adds, are handsome, and the whole nation so hospitable that they are
always ready to share their pipe and board with a stranger. On the other hand
they are adepts in cruelty when they wreak their vengeance on a captive enemy4
Bartram confirms this picture, by stating that they are fond of their wives
and children, and kind to travellers who pass through their country with pacific
intentions. “ I have been weeks and months amongst them in their towns,” says
h e ; “ I never observed the least sign of contention or wrangling; never saw an
instance of an Indian beating his wife or reproving her in anger. In this case
they stand as examples of reproof to the most civilised nations, as not being
deficient in justice, gratitude and a good understanding. ”$
Bartram has justly characterised the Creeks as a proud and arrogant people,
“ valiant in war, ambitious of conquest, restless, and perpetually exercising their
arms, yet magnanimous and merciful to a vanquished enemy, when he submits,
add seeks their friendship and protection.” They habitually unite the subjected
* Sketch of the Indian Tribes known under the appellation of Muskogee, with some general
remarks on the Manners and Customs, &c., o f the American Aborigines. By Samuel Forry, M. D.,
Medical Staff, U. S. Army. MS.
t Trav. in Florida, p. 484.
§ Trav. in Florida, p. 490.
42
t Nat. Hist, of Florida, I, p. 92.