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No 9 46 48 Dear Sir, Yours of Dec. 25th was duly received. You are doubt aware that I promised Mr Ross to send nothing relative to Indian antiquities, abroad for publication without previously submitting it to his inspection. I took the liberty however to state a few things to you, on the supposition that Mr Ross' approbation had been obtained. Leaning on the same supposition, I now present you with some traditions, handed down from generation to generation, known and communicated, as I am told, long before any white man appeared in this country. I must beg leave, however, considering my obligations to Mr Ross, to request that nothing be published in my name, unless you may wish to refer to me as a voucher? to the truth of these traditions. The old Cherokees taught that God created man of red earth, and made the woman of one of man's ribs. God soon taught mankind to build high places, on which to erect places of worship, and alters, and offer sacrifices. There the priests called the people together, and on some occasions continued their preaching the whole day; while the audience? remained perfectly silent. The priest enjoined perfect obedience to God, and forbid all idle & foolish talk, all lewdness, and polygamy. He taught children to be industrious and obedient to their parents. He enjoined obedience to God in secret, as well as in public, because God always saw them & was with them. He also delivered predictions of future events. He forewarned the people that if they did not serve? God, He would bring a flood to drown them all. But the earth would not be destroyed by water but once, the second destruction would be by fire. About sun set the priest offered sacrifice on an alter of stone or a hant? two feet high. The people in process of time becoming more more wicked, would not obey what was told them but pursued their own wicked course. God then sent a messenger to a certain man, commanding him to warn the people to turn from their sins, or he would bring a flood to destroy them. This man obeyed, but to no effect. The messenger was sent again & again, but the people would not hear. Then God directed this man to build a house sufficiently large to accommodate his own family, and some of all the different kinds of animals. This being done the animals came to him & he took them in and shut the doors. The rain then commenced and continued forty days and forty nights. At the same time the water gushed out of the ground, as fast as it came down from the clouds.