University of Virginia Library

14th August Tuesday 1804 —

a fine morning wind from the S. E. The men Sent to the
Mahar Town last evining has not returned we Conclude to
send a Spye to Know the Cause of their delay, at about 12
oClock the Party returned and informd. us that they Could not
find the Indians, nor any fresh Sign, those people have not
returned from their Buffalow hunt. Those people haveing
no houses no Corn or anything more than the graves of their
ansesters to attach them to the old Village, Continue in purseute

of the Buffalow longer than others who has greater
attachments to their native village. The ravages of the Small
Pox (which Swept off [about 4 years ago] 400 men & Womin
& children in perpopotion) has reduced this nation not exceeding
300 men and left them to the insults of their weaker
neighbours, which before was glad to be on friendly turms
with them. I am told when this fatal malady was among
them they Carried their franzey to verry extroadinary length,
not only of burning their Village, but they put their wives &
children to Death with a view of their all going together to
some better Countrey. they burry their Dead on the top of
high hills and rais Mounds on the top of them. The cause
or way those people took the Small Pox is uncertain, the most
Probable, from Some other nation by means of a warparty.