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There appears to have been two "Chapter VIII's." Both are reprinted here.

CHAPTER VIII.

AN ACCOUNT OF BASKA.

    Among the great & illustrious characters who have appeared in the world in different ages as instructors & reformers of mankind Baska is entitled to a conspicuous place. The place of his nativity is not recorded. But the first notice which is given of him is his appearance at the great city of Tolanga, which is situate on the Banks of the Siota River. He was attended by his wife & two little sons. The fashion of their garments were different from the natives. Their complexion likewise was a little whiter. Baska was grave solemn and sedate, reserved in his conversation, but when he spoke wisdom preceded from his lips & all were astonished at his eloquence. His fame spread rapidly throughout city & country, & he was celebrated as a man of the most brilliant & extraordinary talents. He was conducted to the King & introduced to him. The King asked him from what country he came. His reply was at a great distance from the westward. He then asked him induced him to come into his country. He replied:

CHAPTER VIII

    Perhaps Reader before we describe the government of the Ohioans it might be proper to relax our minds with a few sketches of Biography. The character which will best connect with the history of the learning, religion & government of the Ohioans is that of the great & illustrious Lobaska. He is the man, who first introduced their present method of writing, who first presented them the sacred roll which contains the tenets & precepts of their religion, & who formed their political constitution as it respects the connection of various kingdoms or tribes under one government. There are many anecdotes, which tradition has handed down respecting this extraordinary man which have the complexion of [the miraculous & hence I conclude they must be fabulous] fables. [Such as] as for instance he is represented as forming a curious machine & having seated himself upon it he mounted into the atmosphere & ascended a great height, & having sailed a considerable distance through the air he descended slowly & received no damage, that multitudes of astonished spectators had a number of times seen him perform this miraculous exploit, & that he declared that when he took these excursions his extraordinary wisdom & knowledge was communicated to him. If he did in fact perform such exploits no wonder that he managed an ignorant people as he pleased. But as it is not my intention to amuse my readers by a splendid relation of fables I shall confine myself to facts which cannot be contested. The place of his nativity is not recorded. The first account given of him was his appearance in the great city of Tolanga which is situate on the Banks of the Siota River. When he entered that city he was attended by his wife & four sons, the eldest of which was about eighteen years of age. He himself appeared to be about forty. His personal appearance was commanding, being of middling stature, of a bold frank countenance & eyes lively and penetrating, In his general deportment he was cheerful, yet displayed much sedateness & gravity. He was affable and familiar in conversation but not loquacious. He never would converse long on trifling subjects, had a wonderful facility to intermix some wise sayings & remarks [that should improve] & of turning with dignity & gracefulness the attention of the company to subjects that were important & interesting. None could then withstand the energy of his reasoning, & all were astonished at the ingenuity of his arguments & the great knowledge & wisdom which he displayed. His fame spread throughout the city and country & multitudes frequently assembled & importuned him to give them instruction. Always cheerful to gratify the curiosity & comply with reasonable requests of the multitude he entertained them by conversing with them familiarly, & by exhibiting public discourses. All were charmed with his wisdom & eloquence, & all united in pronouncing him to be the most extraordinary man in existence & generally believed that he held conversation with celestial beings, & always acted under the influence of divine inspiration. The people were very liberal in their donations, which enabled him to support his family in affluence. Having thus in a short time established a character superior with respect to wisdom & eloquence to any man who had ever appeared before him in the nation, he then, at an interview which he held with the King & the chiefs, told them that he had invented the art of expressing ideas by certain marks or characters, & having explained the nature of the subject to their full satisfaction he then proposed to establish a school for the instruction of the sons of the principal subjects of the King. The proposal was received & accepted with much gratitude & cheerfulness. A house was immediately prepared for the accommodation of scholars & in a short time the numbers amounted to near two hundred. But here it must be ob served that the art of making & applying the characters to the words which they represented was taught principally by his sons. They had all received an education from their father, & even the youngest, who was but about eleven years old could read and write with great correctness & facility. He superintended their instruction & very frequently gave them lectures on scientific & moral subjects. His scholars made great progress in learning, & delighted their parents with the improvements they had made in literature civilization & refinement. He still continued to associate among the people & was indefatigable in his labors to dispel their ignorance, correct their superstition & vices to excite their industry & to defuse a more accurate knowledge of the mechanical arts. The manufacture of iron in particular was not known: this he taught a number by showing them how to build a small furnace & to cast iron ware, & then how to build a small forge & refine pigs and convert them into iron. He had resided among the Sciotans about three years & the happy effects of his labors were visible to all observers. A great reformation had taken place in the morals & manners of the people, industry had increased, agriculture & the mechanical arts had received great improvement, & houses were built on a more commodious & elegant construction. But not willing to stop here the benevolent mind of the great Lobaska meditated a more important revolution, now the prosperous era had arrived & the way was prepared for the introduction of that system of theology which is comprised in the Sacred Roll. In the first place he read & explained the whole system to the king & the chiefs of the nation, who cordially gave it their approbation & gave permission to propagate it among the people. Under a pretence that this system was revealed to him in several interviews which he had been permitted to have with the second son of the great & good Being, the people did not long hesitate, but received as sacred & divine truth every word which he taught them. They forsook their old religion which was a confused [& absurd] medley of Idolatry & superstitious nonsense & embraced a religion more sublime & consistent, & more fraught with sentiments which would promote the happiness of mankind in this world.

    Whilst the Siotans were thus rapidly progressing in their improvements they were unhappily disturbed by the certain prospect of war. Bombal the king of the Kentucks, a nation which lived on the south side of the great River Ohio, had taken great umbrage against Hadokam the King of Siota, This Bombal was the most haughty & powerful prince, who reigned in this part of the western Continent. It had been the custom for several ages for the king & chiefs of the Kentucks to have the exclusive right to wear, in their caps a bunch of blue feathers, which designated their pre-eminence over every nation. The Siotan princes envying them this distinguished honor & considering themselves as being at least their equals assumed the liberty to place bunches of blue feathers upon their caps. This in the opinion of the Kentucks, was an unpardonable offence, if persisted in, & a most daring insult upon their super-eminent dignity. [A messenger was immediately.] After a solemn council was held with his chiefs, Bombal, with their unanimous consent dispatched a messenger to Hadoram, who thus proclaimed: "Thus saith Bombal the king of kings & the most mighty prince on earth -- ye have insulted our honor & dignity in assuming blue feathers, which was the badge of our preeminence. Know ye that unless ye tear them from your caps, ye shall feel the weight of of our vengeance." Hadoram replied, "tell your Master that a great company of wolves made an attack upon a city to rob the citizens of their dear & elk. & they let forth their dogs upon them, which attacked them with such fury & courage, that they fled, mangled, & torn, to a most dreary swamp. Here by the most plaintive howling, they lamented their sad disaster & disgrace."

     An answer so shrewd & insulting, it was expected would soon be followed by an invasion. Measures must immediately be taken for the defence of the kingdom. Lobaska was invited to set in Council, all were unanimously of opinion that to comply with the haughty demand of Bombal, by tearing the blue feathers from their caps would be degrading the honor of the nation and a relinquishment of their natural right. They were likewise sensible that the most vigorous exertions were necessary to save the country from ruin. The opinion and advice of Lobaska, was requested, "It is my opinion," says he, "that by using a little stratagem this war might be brought to a conclusion which will be honorable to this kingdom." We will pursue," says the King, "your advice & directions." "I shall be happy," says Lobaska, "to assist you with my best advice. Call immediately into the field an army of three thousand men, provide two thousand shovels, five hundred mammoth-hooks, & one thousand wheelbarrows was, & one hundred axes; I will give directions how to make them." Not a moment was lost, the army was assembled and implements provided with the utmost expedition, & they marched down the river to a certain place where the army of the enemy must pass, in order to arrive at the city of Tolanga. At this place the hill or mountain came within less than a mile of the river & flat or level land intervened. Here Lobaska directed that a canal should be dug from the river [to the river,] to the hill. That it should be eight feet wide & eight deep & that the dirt which they dug should be thrown into the river [that the canal] except what should be wanting to lay over thin pieces of split timber, which should be extended across the canal, & so weak and slender that the weight of a man would break them down. This novel invention was soon carried into effect, & the work completely finished. Every precaution was used to prevent, any intelligence of these transactions from getting to the enemy. In the meantime Hadokam brought into the field seven thousand and more of his warriors, men of brave hearts and valiant for the battle. The indignant King of the Kentucks by this time had assembled an army of thirty thousand men who were ready at the risk of their lives to vindicate the pre-eminence of their nation and the transcendent dignity of their king & his chiefs. [Had of this] At the head of this army Bombal began his march to execute his threatened vengeance on the Siotans. As he entered their country he found the villages deserted & all the movable property conveyed away. Not a man, [or woman] to be seen until he came in view of the army of Hadokam, who was encamped within a small distance of the Canal. Bombal halted and formed his men in two ranks extending from the river to the hill. He had a reserved core, who were placed in the rear of the main body. Having thus arranged them for battle, he went from one wing to the other, proclaiming aloud, "we have been insulted, brave soldiers, by these cowardly Siotans. They have assumed the blue feather, the badge of our preeminence & exalted dignity. Behold it flying in their caps, will your high born souls submit to behold such bastards place themselves on equal ground with you. No my valiant warriors, let us revenge the insult by the destruction of their puny army & the conflagration of their city. Make a furious charge upon them, & the victory is ours. Let your motto be the blue feather & you will fight like wolves robed of their puppies." Hadoram had by this time formed his army in order of battle close to the edge of the canal & extended them only in one rank from the river to the hill. As the Kentucks approached within a small distance, the Sciotans gave back & began a retreat with apparent confusion, notwithstanding the pretended exertions of the King & his officers to prevent their retreating. Bombal observing this commanded to rush forward on the full run but to keep their ranks in order. This they instantly obeyed as one man & as soon their feet stepped on the slender covering of the canal it gave way & they fell to the bottom, some in one position and some in another. A disaster so novel & unexpected must have appalled the stoutest heart & filled their minds with amazement & terror. Nor did this complete the misfortune of the army of Bombal, an ambush of of the Sciotans, who lay on the side of the hill opposite to the reserved Corps of the Kentucks, rushed down upon them in an instant. Surprise & terror prevented resistance, they threw down their arms & surrendered. The retreating army of Hadoram immediately returned with shouting to the edge of the canal. Their enemies, who but a moment before, thought themselves invincible & certain of victory were now defenseless & wholly in their power. Lobaska was present & saw the success of his stratagem his great soul disdained revenge on an helpless & prostrate enemy, he conjured the Siotans not to shed one drop of blood, but to be generous & merciful. Bombal had now recovered from his surprise & seeing the deplorable situation of his army, his haughty soul felt the keenest anguish. "Where," says he, "is the King of the Siotans?" "Here I am," says Hadoram, "what is your request my Brother?" "Reduced," says he, "by a Stratagem the most ingenious & artful, to a situation which subjects us wholly under your power, & in which you can take ample revenge. I now implore your generosity & compassion for my army. Spare their lives, & then name your terms & if I can comply with them, without degrading the honor of my Crown, it shall be done." "Your request," says Hadoram, "is granted. Surrender your arms & let your army return in peace. As for your majesty, & the chiefs of your nation, who are present, you will give us the pleasure of your company in our return to the city of Tolanga, & there we will execute a treaty of peace & amity that shall be advantageous & honorable to both nations." These terms were accepted & the Kentucks returned in peace to their own country, not to describe exploit, & bloody victories, but the curious stratagem of Lobaska. The two Kings & their splendid retinue of princes, having arrived at Tolanga [every attention was paid by Hodaram and his chiefs to their honorable visitors.] Hodaram made a sumptuous entertainment at which all were present. The next day both parties met for the purpose of agreeing to terms of peace & perpetual amity. "What are your terms," says Bombal. "Lobaska," says Hodaram, "shall be our Arbitrator. He shall name the terms, his wisdom will dictate nothing which will be dishonorable to either party." "Your proposal," says Bombal, "is generous Lobaska shall be our Arbitrator." Lobaska then rose. " Attend," says he, "to my words ye princes of Siota & Kentuck. You have all derived your existence from the great father of Spirits. You are his children & belong to his great family. Why then have you thirsted for each others blood for the blood of brethren, & [what has]what has produced this mighty war? A blue feather, a badge of preeminence. It is pride, it is cursed ambition & avarice which devastate the world & produce rivers of human blood, & the wars which take place among nations generally originate from as trifling causes as the blue feathers."

     "Let this be [the first article of] your treaty that any person may wear a blue feather in his cap, or any other feather that he pleases. [Let this be second,] that the individuals of each nation may carry on a commerce with each other, & that they shall be protected in their persons and property. [Let this be the third,] that I shall be at liberty to establish [a school or] schools in any part of the domains of Kentuck & furnish them [such] instructors [as I please.] That none shall be restrained from hearing our instructions, & that we shall be patronized & protected by the King & his chiefs. [Let this be the fourth], that perpetual peace & amity shall remain between both nations. And as a pledge for the fulfillment of these articles, on the part of the princes of Kentuck, that the eldest son of the King & four sons of the principal Chiefs shall be left as hostages in this city for [the term of] Term of three years." These terms met the cordial approbation of both parties & were ratified in the most solemn manner.

     Thus happy, was the termination of the war, about the blue feather, [having taken place] Lobaska proceeded with indefatigable industry & perseverance in his benevolent scheme of enlightening & reforming mankind.

    And how happy would it be for mankind, if all wars about as trifling causes as this, might terminate in the same way. The benevolent mind of Lobaska soared above trifles, viewing all mankind as brothers & sisters he wished the happiness of all. Hence he made provision in the treaty with the Kentucks for the introduction of schools [in Kentuck] among them. This was the first step, which he foresaw would introduce improvements in agriculture & the mechanical arts, produce a reformation in their morals & religious principals & a happy revolution in some part of their political institutions.

     Bombal had become so captivated with Lobaska that he solicited him to bear him company to his own dominions. He consented & when he had arrived at the royal City of Gamba, which is situate on the River Kentuck. He there pursued the same course which he had done at Tolanga & his success answered his most sanguine expectations. The people were now prepared for the introduction of a school. He returned back [to Tolanga,] & sent his second son & three of the most forward scholars of the Sciotans to establish a school at Gamba. [In the mean time his intention was to make some amendments in the government of Sciota. But as there were several Cities and a great number of villages, that acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Sciotan King, which still were ignorant of the principles & doctrines which he taught. He found it necessary to visit them & to introduce instructors amongst them. In this work he was engaged about two years, & the happy effect of his labors were now visible in various kinds of improvements & in the reformation of manners, morals & religion. The way was now prepared to introduce his system of government. The chiefs of the nation were invited to attend a grand council at Tolanga. When they were met, Lobaska rose, & presented them with the following constitution of government.

     [The king of Siota shall be stilled the Emperor of Ohson & the King of Siota. His crown shall be hereditary in the oldest male heir of his family. The cities & villages who now acknowledged his jurisdiction or who may hereafter do it shall be entitled to protection from the emperor. If invaded by an enemy he shall defend them with the force of the empire, once every year the chiefs shall meet at Tolanga to make laws for the good of the nation. ]

    These young men having imbibed the spirit & principles of the great preceptor, spared no exertions to instruct the scholars & to defuse useful knowledge among the people. The happy effects of their labors were visible in a short time. The people embraced the religion of Lobaska & became more industrious & civilized. In their various improvements in agriculture, the mechanical arts and literature they even excelled the Sciotans & appeared to be as prosperous & flourishing. Even Bombal himself declared that the termination of the war about the blue feather, which at first appeared unfortunate yet as it occasioned such happy effects among his people it gave him more satisfaction & pleasure than [the reputation of being a great Conqueror] what he could have received from the reputation of being a great conqueror.