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Dear Sir,
Supposing that a continual reference to one another would appear unpleasant, I requested some of our Cherokee friends from or by whom I obtained my information, to become themselves directly your informants, and permit you to refer to them as your authors. This they readily agreed to, and accordingly we made This fact known to you last year in a letter by Mr. Ross, and a note perhaps, by Mr. Blunt. If there communications were received, you will feel authorized to refer to Andrew Sanders, a Cherokee, whose Indian name is Snake, as your author with regard to all the ancient traditions relative to God, -- The creation, the history of mankind before the flood, -- the flood, the confusion of languages -- Gods love to the Indians --. Their journey through the wilderness -- entering the promised land. -- their fighting, sun standing still, -- their two great kings, greatest before the flood & , and whatever was said of ancient traditions, he is willing to be your author. He was my interpreter, With regard to the whole process of of war, from first to last three Cherokees from whom I received my information authorized me to say to you that you might refer to them as your authors. Their names are Thomas Smith (Cherokee name Shield eater) Thomas Nie tsa wi, and Thomas Pridget. All information respecting the septenial feast, or U Ki dance ceremonies for keeping of the small pox. -- As for keeping off fevers, etc you may refer to Thomas Smith & Shield eater. All information respecting the Divining Stone and the manner of educating, & training up priests to use it, and the manner of using it please refer to Thomas Nu - tsa wi. In this case you will have occasion to refer to me but seldom, as one among a number of authors. And I can see no unfairness in this method as it has been explained to and approved by the above Cherokees. I have to lament, however that the shield eater, Thomas Smith, is no longer an inhabitant & of this vale of tears. He died about 3 weeks ago. Respecting what was said of their having had two great kings the greatest before the flood, and the second after they went to the land given their fathers. Permit me to add what I have since learned, viz. Their second great King being as preacher taught them many things; especially he instructed them respecting the nature and use of all herbs and roots trees and shrubs. And the manner of using them for medical purposes. He taught them what to say in doctoring, and what charms to sing. In his day the Indians were all wise. He taught them how to use poison, poisoned (bewitched) by evil spirits & how to drive the spirit away. (See Josephus Ps 63 vol. 1.)