Several obstacles have retarded the progress of the work. Of these, one of the most considerable was the condition of my sight. For about three years, the light of day was insupportable, and every attempt at reading or writing completely debarred. Under these circumstances, the task of sifting the materials and composing the work was begun and finished. The papers were repeatedly read aloud by an amanuensis, copious notes and extracts were made, and the narrative written down from my dictation. This process, though extremely slow and laborious, was not without its advantages; and I am well convinced that the authorities have been even more minutely examined, more scrupulously collated, and more thoroughly digested, than they would have been under ordinary circumstances. In order to escape the tedious circumlocution, which, from the nature of the subject, could not otherwise have been avoided, the name English is applied, throughout the volume, to the British American colonists, as well as to the people of the mother country. The necessity is somewhat to be regretted, since, even at an early period, clear distinctions were visible between the offshoot and the parent stock. BOSTON, August 1, 1851. Contents of Vol. I. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY.——INDIAN TRIBES EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI. _General Characteristics.——Tribal Divisions.——Mode of Government.—— Social Harmony.——The Totem.——Classification of Tribes.——The Iroquois.—— Their Position and Character.——Their Political Organization.—— Traditions of their Confederacy.——Their Myths and Legends.——Their Eloquence and Sagacity.——Arts.——Agriculture.——Their Dwellings, Villages, and Forts.——Their Winter Life.——The War Path.——Festivals and Pastimes.——Pride of the Iroquois.——The Hurons or Wyandots.——Their Customs and Character.——Their Dispersion.——The Neutral Nation. Its Fate.——The Eries and Andastes.——Triumphs of the Confederacy.——The Adoption of Prisoners.——The Tuscaroras.——Superiority of the Iroquois Race.——The Algonquins.——The Lenni Lenape.——Their changing Fortunes.—— The Shawanoes.——The Miamis and the Illinois.——The Ojibwas, Pottawattamies, and Ottawas.——The Sacs and Foxes.——The Menomonies and Knisteneaux.——Customs of the Northern Algonquins.——Their Summer and Winter Life.——Legends of the Algonquins.——Religious Faith of the Indians.——The Indian Character.——Its Inconsistencies.——Its Ruling Passions.——Pride.——Hero-worship.——Coldness, Jealousy, Suspicion.—— Self-control.——Intellectual Traits.——Inflexibility.——Generous Qualities._ 15 CHAPTER II. 1663-1763. FRANCE AND ENGLAND IN AMERICA.