with Indian canoes. A pretty lawn, planted with clumps of trees, is spread before it, at the bottom of which stands a large wigwam, or council-house, where the Indians assemble whenever they transact any affairs of importance with the officers in the Indian department. During our stay at the house of this gentleman, I had the pleasure of seeing the ceremony of distributing the presents. Previous to the day appointed, a number of chiefs, of different tribes, brought each a bundle of little bits of cedar wood, containing the exact number of his tribe, who expected to share the bounty of their Great Father, as they style the king of England. The longest sticks represented the warriors; the next in size the women; and the shortest the childrer. This contrivance gave as exact information of what was necessary to prepare, as if the notice had been sent in writing. Early in the morning of the day they were to receive the gifts, a number of large stakes were first fixed in the lawn, to each of which was fastened a label, with the name of the tribe, and the number of warriors, women, and children in it, to whom presents were to be given. Presently the whole place appeared like a country fair. Bales of thick blankets; blue, scarlet, and brown cloth, and coarse figured cottons; with large rolls of tobacco, guns, flints, powder, balls, shot, caseknives, ivory and horn combs, looking-glasses, pipe-tomahawks, hatchets, scissars, needles, bags of vermilion, pots and kettles, were displayed in

order

order. The bales of goods were opened, and the blankets, cloths, and cottons, divided into pieces of sufficient length to make a wrapper, shirt, or other article of dress for a single person. The allotment of the whole for each tribe was afterwards thrown in a heap, at the foot of the stake inscribed with its name.

After this preparation, the chiefs were ordered to assemble their warriors, who were loitering about the grounds at the outside of the lawn. They soon obeyed the summons; and, having formed a circle, listened attentively to a speech delivered to them by the superintendant. "Chiefs and warriors," said he, "your great and good father, (mean. ing the king of England,) who lives on the opposite side of the Big Lake, as they term the Atlantic, being ever attentive to the happiness of his faithful people, has, with his accustomed bounty, sent the presents you see spread on the grass, for his good children, the Indians. The guns, the hatchets, and the ammunition, are for the young men ; but I hope that the hatchet of war will long lie dormant, and that it will only be applied to the purposes of hunting. For the comfort of the aged, the women, and children, he has supplied you with blankets, clothing, and kitchen utensils. Young men, (continued he,) be attentive to the wants of your aged parents, and divide the spoils you take in the chace between them and your wives and children. May the Great Spirit grant you bright suns, clear skies,

and

and a favourable season for hunting; and when another year shall be passed, if you continue peaceable, obedient, faithful children, your good father will again send a vessel across the Big Lake, laden with tokens of his friendship."

Interpreters were present, who repeated this speech in the different languages of each tribe, who expressed their approbation by loud exclamations, "Hoah! Hoah!"

After this address the chiefs were called forward, and their respective portions committed to their care. The chiefs received them with gratitude and satisfaction, and, beckoning to their warriors, a number of young men quickly started from the crowd, and in a few minutes the presents were conveyed from the lawn, and stowed on board the canoes, which were waiting to carry them to an island in the river, called Bois Blanc, where manyof the Indians reside.

Your brother enjoys the most perfect health, and desires to unite his love to you, and the rest of your family circle, with that of your attached

H. FRANKLIN.

LETTER

LETTER XXXIX.

Arthur Middleton to Mrs. Middleton.

Detroit.

MY DEAR MOTHER,

WE are now at Detroit, on the side of the river opposite to Malden. Many settlements are to be seen on both shores, adorned with the most tempting orchards of peaches, apples, and cherries. The last were ripe; and for a few pence, the owners were willing we should take as many as we chose. The apples were green, and of many different kinds. They boasted particularly of that called pomme caille, as of exquisite flavour. It is of a very large size, and deep red colour to the core. The manners of the people are much like those of Lower Canada. Almost every body speaks French; and the generality retain traces of their French descent. The town of Detroit is the largest in the western country. It is surrounded by a strong stockade, through which there are four gates, each defended by a blockhouse. It is situated in a land of plenty, being well supplied with all kinds of provisions. Fish, in particular, is excellent, and abounds in the river and neigh

bouring

bouring lakes. A large species of trout, called here the Michillimakinack white fish, is a dainty morsel; but you know I am not attached to good eating, and can make a hearty meal on the plainest fare.

The streets of the town are always crowded with Indians; and I already fancy I am in the midst of their country, They appear a harmless race, did not their wiser neighbours, the white people, teach them to drink spirits, which makes them, at times, almost mad; and excite them to revenge, by trespassing upon their territory; and injure them, in many respects, by imposing on their ignorance.

When the States purchase lands of them, the chiefs sign the deeds by the token that distinguishes their tribe, which is generally the fignre of some animal. Many individuals are likewise honoured with peculiar titles, that express the qualities for which they are famed. One of my acquaintance is called the Blue Snake; another the Little Turkey; his father the Big Bear; and a nimble fellow, that is well known at Detroit, has received the name of the Active Squirrel. Their ingenuity is charming, as you would acknowledge were you to see the carving on some of their wooden bowls, dishes, and other household furniture. But they be stow the greatest pains in decorating the handles. of their tomahawks, powder-horns, and the bowls of their pipes, which are carved very neatly, considering they have no other tool than a knife and a

hatchet.