Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

BECOMING AMERICA
PRE- AND EARLY COLONIAL LITERATURE
The original natives of the country, (for now there are native born Christians
also,) although they are composed of dierent tribes, and speak dierent tongues,
all pass by the appellation of (Wilden) wild men; and this name was given them, as
far as we can learn, at the rst discovery of the country, which for various reasons
seems very appropriate. First, on account of their religion, of which they have
very little, and that is very strange; and secondly, on account of their marriages,
wherein they dier from civilized societies; thirdly, on account of their laws, which
are so singular as to deserve the name of wild regulations. And the Christians
hold dierent names necessary to distinguish dierent nations, such as Turks,
Mamelukes, and Barbarians; and as the name of Heathen is very little used in
foreign lands, therefore they would not distinguish the native Americans by either
of these names;. and as they trade in foreign countries with dark and fair coloured
people, and with those who resemble ourselves, in distinction from negroes, and as
the American tribes are bordering on an olive colour, the name of wild men suits
them best. Thus without delibera tion, and as it were by chance at the rst word, (as
we suppose,) they were called Wild Men. And as unlearned persons never reect
much but speak their rst thoughts in this manner, it has probably happened that
this people received their national name, because they seemed to be wild and
strangers to the Christian religion.
Of the Nature and Diversions of the Indians
The Indians are naturally (with few exceptions) of taciturn, steady and pensive
dispositions and tempers, and of few words, which are well considered, uttered
slowly, and long remembered; they say no more than is necessary to the subject
in hand. When they want to buy or to sell any article, they say no more than is
necessary to the bargain. On the other occasions, they talk of no subjects except
hunting, shing, and war. Their young men frequently entertain each other on
their gallantry with young female connections. They despise lying, and still they are
not very precise in the performance of their engagements. Swearing and scolding
are not heard among them, unless it be among those who have learned those habits
from us. They do not possess great wisdom or extensive knowledge, but reasonable
understanding, resulting from practical experience, which they certainly possess
without any desire for further instruction; they are naturally civil and well
disposed, and quick enough to distinguish between good and evil, but after they
have associated amongst us, they become cunning and deceitful, They are slovenly,
careless, and dirty of their persons, and are troubled with the evils which attend
lthiness. They are very revengeful and obstinate even unto death, and when in
trouble they disregard and despise all pain and torture that can be done to them,
and will sing with proud contempt until death terminates their suer ings. They
are all stingy and inclined to beggary, and cannot be trusted too far because they
also are thievish; denying them the least trie does not oend them. They are all
free by nature and will not bear any domineering or lording over them; they will
not bear any insult, unless they have done wrong, and they will bear chastisement
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