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we were comfortable: the place was too immense, and too much connected with tragical events, to allow the mind to sink into indifference, or to relax into that disengaged state which alone is favorable to comfort and tranquil happiness. The days past more equal and serene. the morning I fish for my breakfast; before dinner I amuse myself in a ramble with my gun, and the evening is devoted to writing and visiting the works of my servants.

In

I must not leave this without giving you an opportunity of participating a pleasure of a very grateful nature which this desolate place has but just now afforded me.

I descended the river this morning (Sunday) about a mile, to explore a spot which presented indications of lead-ore. I succeeded in discovering a very fine vein, and was returning with a specimen, when my steps and attention were

arrested by the sudden and extraordinary sound of church-music at one time swelling in the breeze, and at another dying on the stream. I stood in the attitude of one doubting the existence of a fact, and falling into the belief of génie and inchanted ground. It was a mystery I could by no means solve, and I-advanced, agitated with contending ideas of supernatural agency, and of the moral and ordinary laws of the world, which deny encouragement to absurdity and certain impossibilities. As I approached the sound designed, an anthem swelled to a great pitch by numerous voices. Filled with awe and reverence, I hastened to the mouth of the cave whence the divine melody issued, and entered it at the moment that a devout multitude were casting themselves on their knees and supplicating for the mercy and tection of a great and benevolent Providence. Without wasting a time so pre

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cious in frigid speculations of so sublime a spectacle, I followed the bright example; nay more, I prostrated myself in the dust, poured out an effusion of praise to God, and implored him aloud to accept in this splendid tabernacle built by his own hands, the only tribute I had to offer, not the words from my lips, but the blood which emotion ejaculated from my heart, and the tears which gratitude impelled from my eyes. Hurried away by fervid and holy passions, I never perceived that my instantaneous worship had no relation to the general service of the place. The congregation indulged me in so sacred an error. They were silent, and remained so till I recovered serenity, and cast off my surprise. They then continued and finally concluded their devotion with an excellent prayer, and sound though simple discourse. I have to tell you that the congregation which caused me so much

astonishment and reverential delight was composed of about forty religious families who have lately formed a settlement a few miles back, and who have chosen the cave as their place of worship. I had known nothing of this, therefore my delusion was at once grand and enthusiastic. On casting my eye over what I have just written, I find I have given you a very faint idea of the impression made on me on first hearing the sacred hymn. At times the sounds were wafted in their full quire of melody to the ear, and again, melting like the notes of the Eolian harp, they reached it in tremulous and almost imperceptible vibration. There was a transport in the mysterious and simple music of which I did not conceive myself susceptible. touched the most sympathetic chord of my heart, and awakened recollection the most sublime and pleasing.

It

LETTER XXXIII.

Hurricane Island-a violent hurricane-Cumberland River-the Tenassee State-its produce, commerce, &c.-Indian tribes-Tenassee River—the whirl-Shawanee village, an Indian settlement-its inhabitants interesting characteristics and habits-Indian gallantries-Song of Logan-Shawanee practice of physic-jugglers-various customs-marriage and divorce-other habits and traits of the Shawanee character.

Shawanee Village, River Ohio, Sept. 1806.

I HAVE at length left the cave. Three miles below is Hurricane Island, notorious for having been the place of residence of a party of Wilson's gang. It was chosen for that purpose from this circumstance. In consequence of the -contraction of the river the current runs

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