A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary JemisonSeaver, James E. (James Everett)
History
A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison
Seaver, James E. (James Everett)
Jemison, Mary, 1743-1833; Seneca Indians
In those days the Indians throughout the whole country, as the Senecas
say, spoke one language; but having become considerably numerous, the
before mentioned great serpent, by an unknown influence, confounded
their language, so that they could not understand each other; which was
the cause of their division into nations, as the Mohawks, Oneidas, &c.
At that time, however, the Senecas retained their original language,
and continued to occupy their mother hill, on which they fortified
themselves against their enemies, and lived peaceably, till having
offended the serpent, [Footnote: The pagans of the Senecas believe that
all the little snakes were made of the blood of the great serpent, after
it rolled into the lake.] they were cut off as before stated.
* * * * *
OF THEIR RELIGION--FEASTS--AND GREAT SACRIFICE.
Perhaps no people are more exact observers of religious duties than
those Indians among the Senecas, who are denominated pagans, in
contradistinction from those, who, having renounced some of their
former superstitious notions, have obtained the name of Christians. The
traditionary faith of their fathers, having been orally transmitted to
them from time immemorial, is implicitly believed, scrupulously adhered
to, and rigidly practised. They are agreed in their sentiments--are
all of one order, and have individual and public good, especially among
themselves, for the great motive which excites them to attend to those
moral virtues that are directed and explained by all their rules, and in
all their ceremonies.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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