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oration. I have been present at the preaching of many sermons by missionaries, and invariably perceived, that the interpreter delivered the sermon without gesture or motion of any kind worthy of notice. I have observed that white men living contiguous to vast mountains; or uninhabited wilds, & who have spent much time in hunting, have acquired the habit of using strong & numerous gestures in speaking. Many who are not wanting in descriptive powers, or appropriate language, are under the influence of this habit.

The Cherokees are extremely superstitious; -- believing in the power of numerous charms, incantations, spells and enchantments. They seldom trust to the operations of medicine alone in the cure of disease; but resort to conjurations & with perfect confidence in their efficacy. I will have occasion, in the course of my sketches, to relate an anecdote characteristic of their superstitious credulity.

The conjurors pretend to have the art of ascertaining whether a sick person will live or die. After invoking a supposed spiritual being, either