_12._ The Atheneum, or reading-room, is much frequented. It is well furnished with newspapers, and with the most distinguished periodical publications; scientific journals, army and navy lists of {113} Britain; Rees’ Cyclopædia, and some other books. Attached to the institution is a small collection of objects in Natural History; and some articles of the dress, arms, and tools of the Indian people. I cannot omit mentioning some particulars:--A bowl of unglazed earthen ware found along with a mummy in a cave in Tennessee. In shape it resembles a modern cast iron pot; and is a specimen of manufacture superior to that executed in some of the coarser works of the kind amongst civilized people: an Indian register from the west of the Mississippi, which is cut on a small piece of white marble. The subject of it is a record of their wars. Those of long duration, or of great extent, are represented by larger holes bored in the stone. Seven great, and fourteen inferior wars, are indicated. When the nation migrates, or when the tablet is filled with spots, they enter the register on a black stone, and part with the white one. The tribe has now five black stones in keeping. The solidity and wax colour of the specimen rank it equal with the famous Parian marble. To-day I saw a young man buy a dirk. The number of these weapons exhibited in the jewellers’ shops show that a great sale of them must be expected. The dirk has a pointed blade, four or five inches long, with a small handle. It is worn within the vest, by which it is completely concealed. The advocates for private arms openly declare that they are for defence, but the dissipated, the passionate, and the freebooter, urge a similar pretext for carrying the stilleto. Quarrels must be conducted in a dangerous form; and murder must be made a prelude to robbery, amongst a people who use concealed arms. Spain exemplifies this truth--and it is from her colonists probably that the southern and western Americans have learned this practice. {114} Fights are characterized by the most savage ferocity. Gouging, or putting out the antagonist’s eyes, by thrusting the thumbs into the sockets, is a part of the _modus operandi_. An extension of the optic nerve occasions great pain to the sufferer. Kicking and biting are also ordinary means used in combat; I have seen several fingers that had been deformed, also several noses and ears, which have been mutilated, by this canine mode of fighting. _December 13._ To-day a crowd of people were out witnessing the immersion of seven Baptists in a pool near the town. Many of them have a genteel and gay appearance; a slight shade of the ruddy complexion makes me suppose that the climate of this place is the best that I have known on this side of the Atlantic. _Dec. 15._ Last night a man took the Sheriff of Fayette county aside, on pretence of business, and immediately commenced an attack on him. The officer of the law drew a dirk, and wounded the assailant.