was invented by a native Indian of that tribe, and by means of which any
individual of the nation can be taught to write his own language in three weeks.
Mr. Gallatin records the following interesting observation. “ The only well
ascertained instance, among our own Indians, of their having, at least in part,
become an agricultural nation, (meaning thereby that state of society in which the
men themselves do actually perform agricultural labor,) is that of the Cherokees,
and it is in proof, that, in this case also, cultivation was at first introduced through
the means of slavery. In their predatory incursions they carried away slaves from
Carolina; these were used to work, and continued to be thus employed by their
new masters. The advantages derived by the owners were immediately perceived.
Either in war, or in commercial intercourse, slaves of the African race became
objects of desire; and gradually, assisted by the efforts of the government and the
beneficial influence of the missionaries, some among those Indians who could not
obtain slaves, were induced to work for themselves. Accounts vary as to the
extent of that true civilisation, but it is believed that it embraces nearly one third
of the male population.”*
The same learned author observes that the late Dr. Barton thought the
Cherokee language belonged to the Iroquois family, “ and on this point,” he adds,
“ I am inclined to the same opinion. The affinities are few and remote; but there
is a similarity in the general termination of the syllables, in the pronunciation and
accent, which has struck some of the native Cherokees.”f
PLATE XXY.
CHEROKEE.
The head of a Cherokee warrior who was known in the army by the name
Ljtsfcof Join O d Sin.N’ I S S .T h ir i SUM ?