Monumental Remains of Georgia (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1861 edition. Excerpt: ...upon the subject. Indeed, their origin is an entire mystery to most of the present Indian tribes, '--a circumstance by no means surprising, when we reflect that they were not acquainted with any accurate and permanent method of recording events. There is an old Delaware tradition, which, whatever may be its other claims to consideration, merits attention, as being the only detailed narrative connected with the history of the Mound-Builders; and for its congruity with the traditions of the Iroquois. They related that the great race of the Lenni Lenape, many centuries ago, inhabited a country far to the west. Upon migrating eastwardly, they found the territory, east of the Mississippi, occupied by a numerous and civilized people, whom they denominated the Alligewi, and who lived in fortified towns. The Indians made an application to pass over the river, and through the country to the eastward; which request, though at first refused, was subsequently acceded to, under directions to make no settlements until they had passed the Alligewi boundaries. In accordance with this permission, that tribe made the attempt; but during the passage of the river was attacked and driven back. Upon this, a league was struck with the Iroquois, who had also emigrated from the west, and reached the river at a higher point; and the combined forces of the allied tribes assailed the Alligewi so fiercely, that after suffering severe losses and numerous defeats, to escape extermination, they finally fled down the shores of the Mississippi. The vast and beautiful territory thus abandoned to the conquerors, was divided between them; the Iroquois selecting the district upon the borders of the great lakes, and the Lenni Lenape, an extensive tract of land lying further to the...