other rivers, lived and hunted these simple children of the
hills. They were generally disposed to peace, and were averse to
leaving the paradise they inhabited for the dangerous honor of
the warpath.

7. The Indians were, in many respects, a peculiar people. Though
ignorant and savage, they were not idolaters. They believed in
one God, whom they called the "Great Spirit." They were not
shepherds or farmers, for they had no domestic animals except
dogs, and their corn fields were but insignificant patches,
cleared and cultivated by their women. They cleared these little
patches of land by burning down the trees, and their plow was a
crooked stick with which they scratched over the ground for
planting the corn. The men hunted, and fought with other tribes,
but disdained to be found engaged in any useful labor.

8. Such habits made large areas of land necessary for the
subsistence of the people. Thus all of the tribes were jealous
of the intrusion of others upon their hunting grounds, and
whenever one found another getting closer than usual war was
begun. Their lives were filled with terror and apprehension; not
knowing when some enemy would kill and scalp every person in the
tribe.

9. The Meherrins lived in the fork of Meherrin and Chowan Rivers.
They were long at war with the Nottoways, who lived in Virginia,
south of James River. The Meherrins at last left their old men,
women and children and went on the warpath against their enemies,
who happened to be approaching them on a similar errand. They
chanced to miss each other, and the Nottoways therefore found the