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There is yet another reason why no important information is ever obtained by white men from Indians relative to their antiquities. It is this, people are slow to believe what they do not wish to be true. Now almost all United States citizens, missionaries as well as others, have a most degraded opinion of the Indians: and when they solicit information concerning them, it is to establish this opinion. Thus, for instance, one enquires of some ignoramus what the [unknown] Indians used to say about Noah's flood. The reply, perhaps is that on a certain occasion when all the people were assembled at an all night dance, a dog commenced howling in a most astonishing manner, and when his master commanded silence, this dog spoke and told him the cause of his distress, viz. that the world was to be drowned. Now, on hearing this the inquisitive mind is satisfied, and ever after when the subject of Indian antiquities is introduced, the above story is brought forward with a sarcastic laugh, in order to put to the blush every one who would speak honorably of the ancient Indians. I need not say that such persons may spend all their days among the Indians and yet die as ignorant of their true character, almost as if they had never been born. There are others who live among the Indians too indifferent to make enquiries; and, to excuse this indifference, will readily assert that there is nothing relative to Indian antiquities worthy of investigation, when the fact is, if there had been ten thousand diamonds, shaded by the least possible obscurity their sluggish minds would never have discovered them. Of course should such persons intrude their remarks on any subject of Indian antiquities Now, Sir, with regard to the character of the information I may have given relative to the Cherokees I must have you to judge. It was obtained after a residence of about twenty years in the nation, and a general acquaintance with the people. In order to allay any suspicions that might arise, I sometimes need a confirmation from W Hicks one of their beloved chiefs. Finding the aged antiquarians still rather retired, I requested a letter from W Ross one of their most beloved chiefs, eliciting such information as I requested. This letter, together with that of Hon. Charles R. [Hicks?], I submit to your perusal + direction through the written and verbal [advice?] of those chiefs I have doubtless enabled to obtain much information which otherwise must have remained a secret with themselves. Yours Respectfully D. S. [unknown]