CHAPTER I.
An Epitome of the Authors life & of his arrival in
America
As it is possible that in some future age this part
of the Earth will be inhabited by Europeans & a history of its present
inhabitants will be a valuable acquisition I propose to write one & deposit
it in a box secured * * * * so that the ravages of time will have effect upon
it. That you may know the Author I will give a succinct account of his life
& of the cause of his arrival , which I have extracted from a manuscript
which will be deposited with this history:
[My name was [is] Fabious] The family
name I sustain is Fabius, being descended from the illustrious General of that
name. I was born at Rome and received my [tuition] education under the
tuition of a very learned Master. At the time that Constantine arrived at that
city & had overcome his enemies & was firmly seated on the throne of
the Roman empire I was introduced to him as a young gentleman [litera]
genius & learning and as being worthy of the favorable notice of his
imperial majesty. He gave me the appointment of one of his secretaries, and
such were the gracious intimations which he frequently gave me of his high
approbation of my conduct that I was happy in my stations. One day he says to
me -- Fabius you must go to Britain and carry an important * * * to the general
of our army there * * * * sail in a vessel and return when she returns.
Preparation was made instantly and we sailed. The vessel laden with provisions
for the army -- clothing, knives and other implements for their use had now
arrived near the coasts of Britain when a tremendous storm arose & drove us
into the midst of the boundless ocean. Soon the whole crew became lost &
bewildered. They knew not the direction to the rising sun or polar star -- for
the heavens were covered with clouds: & darkness had spread her sable
mantle over the face of the raging deep. Their minds were filled with
consternation & despair --[and unanimously agreed that] What could
we do? How be extricated from the insatiable jaws of a watery tomb. Then it was
that we felt our absolute dependence on that Almighty & gracious Being who
holds the winds and storms in his hands. From him alone could we expect
deliverance. To him our most fervent desires ascended -- prostrate & on
bended knees we poured forth incessant supplications. & even Old Ocean
appeared to sympathize in our distress by returning the echo of our vociferous
cries and lamentations. After being driven five days with incredible velocity
before the furious wind, the storm abated in its violence, but still the wind
blew strong in the same direction. Doubt whether the wind had not changed her
point we gave the ship full sail & let her drive. On the sixth day after,
the storm wholly subsided, the sun rose clear & the heavens once more
appeared to smile. Inexpressible was the consternation of all the crew they
found themselves in the midst of a vast ocean. No prospect of returning, all
was lost. The wind blowing westwardly & the presumption was that it had
been blowing in that direction during the whole of the storm. No pen can paint
the dolorous cries & lamentations of the poor mariners, for the loss of
friends for the loss of every thing they held most dear. At length a Mariner
stepped forward in the midst and proclaimed: "Attend Oh friends &
listen to my words -- A voice from on high hath penetrated my soul & the
inspiration of the Almighty hath bid me proclaim -- Let your sails be wide
spread and the gentle winds will soon waft you into a safe harbor -- A country
where you will find hospitality." Quick as the lightnings flash joy
sparkled in every countenance -- A Hymn of Thanksgiving spontaneously bust
forth from their lips. In full confidence that the divine prediction would be
accomplished they extolled the loving-kindness and tender mercies of their God
& promised, by the assistance of his grace to make ample returns of
gratitude. On the fifth day after this we came in sight of land, we entered a
spacious River, & continued sailing up the same many leagues until we came
in view of a town. Every heart now palpitated with joy, & loud shouts of
gladness expressed the enthusiastic transports of our souls. We anchored within
a small distance from shore. Immediately the natives ran with apparent signs of
surprise & astonishment, to the bank of the River. After viewing us for
some time, and receiving signs of Friendship, they appeared to hold a counsel
for a few a few minutes. Their King then stepped forward to the edge of the
bank, & proffered us the hand of friendship, & by significant gestures
invited us to land promising us protection & hospitality. We now found
ourselves once more on terra firma, & were conducted by the King & four
chiefs into the town whilst the multitude followed after, shouting and
performing many odd gesticulations. The King ordered an entertainment to be
prepared for his new friends which consisted of * * * * meat fish, boiled beans
& soup * * * * * * * The whole was placed under a wide spreading Oak in
wooden dishes. A large clam shell & a stone Knife were provided for each
one. The King then came forward with about twenty of his principal subjects ,
& seated us, (being twenty in number) by the side of our repast. He and his
company then took seats in front. After waving his hand & bowing all fell
to eating and a more delicious repast we never enjoyed. The repast being
finished our attention was called to a collection of about one thousand men and
women who had formed a ring and invited our company to come forward into the
midst, after gazing upon us for some time with surprise we were permitted to
withdraw and to take our stand in the ring. About forty in number then walked
into the middle of the ring & began a song with such discordant and hideous
modifications of sounds and such frantic gesticulations of body, that it seemed
that chaos had broken her furies to set the world in an uproar. And an uproar
it was in a short time for the whole company fell to shouting, & screaming,
whooping, & screaming [at intervals] , then dancing, jumping,
& tumbling with many indescribable distortions in their countenance &
indelicate gestures. In fact they appeared more like a company of devils than
human beings. This lasted about one hour. They then took their places in a
circle & at a signal given gave three most tremendous whoops; they then
instantly dispersed, playing many antic capers, & making such a confused
medley of sound by screaming, whooping screeching like owls, barking like dogs
& wolves & croaking like bull frogs, that my brains seemed to be turned
topsy turvy, & for some time could scarce believe that they belonged to the
human species.
Main Table of
Contents