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appeared so incongruous, that I took but little pains to learn it. An Indian can tell you without hesitating what degree of relationship exists between himself and any other individual of the same clan you may see proper to point out. A man & woman of the same clan, are not allowed to become husband & wife. This appearance of ancient custom is yet prevalent to some extent, and the disregard of it is disgusting in the eyes of many; but, like other peculiar usages, it is crumbling into decay. -- Each town has its leader, -- head man, -- or patriarch.

Although the excellent laws & regulations which were adopted and put into practice some few years ago, by the council of the nation, through the exertions of enlightened men, were regularly executed until the seizure of the country by the states; yet the influence of the patriarchs in their respective towns was considerable; especially in matters of minor importance; wherein they presided and made decisions which the parties saw proper to obey. But in most, (and in all criminal & important), cases, the written laws triumphed over the old barbarous customs. the old custom was, in case of murder, to