.MTA1Mg.NzA1MjQ

8 220 As the largest Divining stone was used in war, and as the following statements relative to a general, or national war, differ, in some respects, from any I have communicated, I would take the liberty to transmit them in full. They will show at last the manner of using the above stone in war.

It may be well here to call to mind that among the Cherokees each town was furnished with both civil and military rulers, whose official duties were in general entirely distinct, not interfering in the least with each other. 
The great war chief and his suit resided at the seat of government, near the national council house. But each town was also furnished with a war council, i.e., a war chief, his assistant, his speaker, and seven counsellors. In every case, however, the war chief his assistant and speaker were such as had been devoted in their childhood. and trained up as above described. The war or martial name of the chief was Raven, that of his second or assistant was standard bearer, or literally flag carrier, because he carried the flag. (a red skin or cloth hoisted on a rod pole) the name of the third or speaker was ska li lo ski. These men by looking at the sun &c. &c. had been fully qualified for their office and took the lead of their men. It is said they could see in the night as well as in the day, could fly, could handle coals of fire, could track an enemy in any place and at any time, could not be  shot with a ball,  and if an enemy approached them they could throw themselves  down, and disappear. In every town there were also war priests devoted in infancy  or childhood to that office. These were trained up in the same manner as those above and endowed with the same powers. Their physical business was to take charge of the holy fire, offer the sacrifices requisite and consult the oracle, or Divining stone for the war.
 Each town was also furnished with doctors for the war. Now suppose some Cherokees had been killed by people of another nation, and their blood remained yet unrevenged. This being told the great war chief he immediately consulted with his fellow next in office. Being  seated and after some conversation, the great chief remarked to his companion, I am in favour of war; what is your opinion on the subject? He replied I am agreed. The great chief then arose, saying, we will mourn and taking a rattling gourd in his hand went to the farther side of his door yard, raised  the war whoop and then commenced the war song. This consisted of one line, U gi wa ne e, four times repeated. After whooping and singing alternately (and now and then shaking the gourd) a short time, he returned to his seat in the house. His companion then arose, took the gourd and when through the same maneuvers, and again took his seat. By this time the warriors began to come in. Those who