The American Nations Part 8

Such a period of 23 centuries was certainly sufficient to people America, and fill it. The Cainites or Cabils have been deemed parents of the Atlantes and Africans. They were skilful, powerful and wicked, inventing agriculture and arts, building cities &c.: while the Sethites invented astronomy, letters and dwelt in tents. If the American Atlantes were antidiluvian, they must have sprung from the Atlantes Cainites, KIN of Moses.

In 1170 years after Adam, the _Egregori_ angels of Mt. Ima, came to Mt.

Hermon, in 20 tribes, under their king Semi-Azar, and uniting with the Cainites, gave birth to the _Rephaim_, _Nephilim_ and _Eliud_, tribes of Giants, tyrants and Canibals: who made war on the angels and men. They are said in the Bible to have gone to _Sheol_ (the lower world or South America) with their king Belial: where they were drowned by the flood.

_See Universal History._

The Giants dwelt in _Talo-tolo_, the world _Tolo_ of the Hindus, where we find the _Tol_-tecas (Tol-people:) therefore America: called also _Atala_ and once sunk in the waves; like the Atlantis of the Greek, whose Atlantes were also Giants or powerful men. The Egregori have been deemed the t.i.tans of the Greeks, and Atlas was a t.i.tan. Although Gigantic Nations existed in America, the Talegas, Toltecas, Caribs, Chilians, &c. being often such: the term Giant must always be understood to refer to powerful perverse men. The names of _Rephaim_ and _Nephilim_ appear unknown in America, being mere Hebrew epithets for giants and apostates.

During this primitive period, geological and physical changes probably proceeded in America. The plains gradually appeared, but full of marshes, lakes and wide streams, muddy volcanoes, snakes, crocodiles and obnoxious animals. Which must have a.s.sailed mankind and greatly impeded their settlements. Although the lives of men were perhaps longer than now; yet it is probable that the long lives of the Patriarchs of this period, allude to as many Dynasties or gradual nations sprung from each other. In this I agree entirely with the learned Hebrew scholar D'Olivet.(8)

Huge beasts and carnivorous animals, dwelt then on earth; in America several species of mastodons, elephants, oxen, megatherium, megalonyx, hyenas, bears, &c., which prowled in plains and caves. The temperature of the earth was higher; little clothing was needed. Men were at war with beasts, and among themselves. Violence predominated in many regions, and Noah one of the _M'nus_ of the Hindus, a patriarch of the Adamites, a prophet according to the Arabs, went over the earth to preach against this corruption. Not being attended to, he foresaw that a great calamity would befall for these iniquities, and he prepared himself a THBE or refuge in Central Asia: where he collected his relations and friends. Some say they were 72, our translations of Moses reduces them to 8; but his 3 sons of Noah, are evidently as many tribes. The THBE of Noah contained therefore 4 tribes, including his own, and many individuals, besides a mult.i.tude of animals.

I do not give now the history of this flood. Before it can be given accurately, we must collect all the scattered traditions about it, compare them, and omitting all fabulous and obviously impossible details, form a narrative of the whole facts. The notions and traditions of the Americans are very various, as they do not always point to this flood. We find them a.s.serting that men were saved in mountains, or caves, on rafts or boats.

Few, if any, allude to an ark, but all to a refuge as THBE. Those of Mexico and Peru, are contradictory, alluding to several floods, and particularly the subsequent of Peleg.

The most explicit traditions on that score are those of the Linapi nations; although the tribes vary the tale, the holy song of the real Linapi tribe, alludes clearly to a great flood in Asia: when their nations at least was partly saved in _Tula_ (the turtle land) in Central Asia, by the help of a G.o.ddess, and Noah or _Nana-bush_. The men were then called _Linowi_ and _Linapi_: two other races of men were saved, the _Owini_ (beings) and the _Tulapewi_, turtlings or atlantes. Besides these foes the _Maskanako_ (strong snakes), _Nakowa_ (dark snakes), and the _Amangamek_, monsters of the sea; who caused this dire flood. These notions are strikingly similar to the Asiatic and Hindu fables about the turtle saving mankind at the flood. _Nana-bush_ is evidently Noah, his name means _Noah-Noah-hare_, or the _Great Noah_ and _Hare_.

The Chinese accounts of the first flood, do not allude to any ark, but mountains were the refuge of mankind. The Hindu account is very near the mosaic; but has no boat, and many persons were saved. The accounts of the a.s.syrians, Arabs, Tartars, Egyptians, Lybians, Greeks, Celts, Polynesians, &c. are all different. The mosaic account was borrowed from some ancient source now forgotten. It is said that Noah himself wrote an account of the flood, and preserved ancient records. Divesting the mosaic account from the supernatural and the impossible, we obtain the real tradition of a great aquatic cataclysm. Either a sinking of some lands or an irruption of the ocean, attended with volcanic floods of waters from the Caspian sea (as Humboldt says,) heavy rains, and a change of climate: which overflew the earth or most of it; except some _Thebas_, refuges in mountains, _swimming_ over the waters, as it were: there some men and tribes, many animals, trees and plants were preserved: to spread afterwards again over the earth.

After this flood, America was left pretty much as it is now, except that the sh.o.r.es were higher yet, many flat plains inundated and full of marshes. The Antilles yet united in larger islands and perhaps with c.u.mana. The Strait of Choco nearly filled up: and diluvial soil, gravel, sand, boulders and organic remains scattered over the land, the hills, plains and caves. Many fierce beasts had disappeared, vegetation had been destroyed wherever the flood went; but the buried seeds, and those of mountain plants gradually grew or spread again. The terrestrial animals and birds saved in the mountains, spread themselves again over the earth.

Mankind in despair at the disaster, kept for a long while on mountains, and did not occupy again the desolated hills and plains, until many years after.

The Chinese account of this flood, state positively that it was attended with a change in the length of the year, formerly of only 360 days, a change in the seasons, an increase of cold, rain and winds: compelling men to dress in skins and mats. Also that the wild beasts and snakes driven to the mountains, became very troublesome, men being compelled to defend themselves against their attacks.

The Rev. Gleig in his late history of the Bible, where like Hales and Russel, he has at last adopted the computation of the Septuagint and Josephus, reckons 5411 years from Adam to our era, the oriental Christians reckon 5508 years, the Toltecas, reckoned 5099 years. Gleig puts Noah's flood 2259 years after Adam. The Chinese and Hindu chronology are partly fabulous; but may be reconciled to these periods; as well as to the second cataclysm of the earth; that of Peleg according to the Biblists. The only knowledge the Bible gives about it, is that the earth was split, broken or divided, in the time of the patriarch or dynasty of Peleg; who lived or lasted from 531 to 870 after Noah's flood. But David has sung this cataclysm in the 18th psalm. The Chinese account brings this second flood to the year 2296 before Christ, or 858 years after the former. The Hindu account concealed in many fables agrees also with this period. But it appears to have lasted longer, and many years. It is evidently in date the mistaken Hebrew flood, blending both into one, and annihilating the place between them. The Chinese account distinctly speaks of both, the first was under _Yunti_, the second under _Yao_, and 42 emperors are mentioned between the two floods.

In America, it is often difficult to distinguish which is meant by the various imperfect traditions: yet in Mexico and Peru, there are at least two cataclysms mentioned by the annals or traditions. Also among some northern tribes. The Linapi annals or songs allude to the second, which broke by volcanoes the _Lusasaki_ (burnt land) and separated America or _Akomenaki_ (snake island) from Asia to Behring strait.

Thus the real antidiluvian periods lasted nearly 3000 years from Adam's epocha, or 3212 by oriental computation. The interval between Adam and Noah ought to be called the Adamic period, that between Noah and Peleg's floods the Noahic period. It was at this last convulsion that the earth took its actual form. The Straits of Gibraltar, Calais, Messina, h.e.l.lespont, Bosphorus, Babelmandel, Behring, Malaca, Sunda, &c., were then formed. The Atlantis Island in the Atlantic Ocean and the Island Lanca in the Indian Ocean were sunk. The Azores, Madeira, Canaries, &c. are fragments of the Atlantis: Ceylon, Madagascar, &c. the fragments of Lanca.(9)

In America, the Boreal islands may have been broken, like the British islands of Europe. Some suppose that they might once join together with Iceland. The Antilles were split in the actual form-Behring Strait divided America from Asia. The Polynesia lands were broken or sunk. The lowlands of Chili, Peru, and the Atlantic sh.o.r.es were inundated and then partly left dry by huge volcanic tides. This cataclysm was not a mere aquatic flood; but a violent volcanic flood, having at least three great focusses, 1. in the North Atlantic Ocean, 2. In the Indian Ocean, 3. In Polynesia or the Pacific Ocean. In China all the lowlands were overflowed and partly overwhelmed. The great Islands of Java and Sumatra were formed; which formerly were united with Asia and several islands in the vicinity, under the remembered name of _Sunda_ land.

If mankind had not reached America before Noah, it must surely have reached it before this second cataclysm. The Atlantes were in the neighbourhood and bold navigators, as well as the primitive Pelagians, Lybians, Cantabrians; bearing then various peculiar names, mostly traced in America. Twenty American nations have distinct remembrance of this splitting of American lands and islands; local or partial floods, less general and disastrous than the former.

This cataclysm was not so deadly to animals and vegetables as the former; but it must have destroyed them in several sunken islands: and have added second clysmian strata to the soil of the plains: with many volcanic productions, chiefly clay and sand, limy and marshy muds. The memorials, annals and traditions of the American nations are very scanty on this period; difficult to be distinguished from the Adamic: while the monuments to be referred to it, are not easily traced, nor distinct in form. The _Linapi_ tribes had not yet reached America, and dwelt in Asia; but by their account the Snake tribes _Akowi_ went to America in that period, led by _Nakopowa_ (the Snake priest); it is even hinted that they caused this cataclysm or at least the separation of Asia and America, at _Lusasaki_ (burnt land), in order to escape their foes, the _Elowi-chik_ (hunters) of the _Linnapewi_, the original manly people.

CHAPTER IV.

GENERAL VIEW _of the Ancient and Modern Annals of Both Americas.-european Colonies, Modern Fate Of Nations, Late Physical Changes, &c._

After these floods begin the primitive annals of mankind in America as elsewhere; but still scanty, obscure and involved in fables, by personifications of tribes, metamorphoses into animals, plants, fruits or even stones and mountains. The origin of nearly all the nations is neither clear nor well ascertained, by their mere annals; but the collateral proofs of the languages facilitate the enquiry. Those who have the most positive facts of primitive times are the Ongwis, Linapis, Toltecas, Tainos, Peruvians, &c.; but commonly dest.i.tute of dates and correct details. We ought not to be surprised at this, since even in Asia (except in China,) we possess nothing but fragments on those times; while the most polished nations of oldest times, the Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, Arabs, Jews, &c. have involved their early histories in fables, mythologies and false dates.

However, whatever might be the early origin of the American nations, it may be collected from all, that in the ancient periods; they were few in number and in population; princ.i.p.ally confined to some peculiar seats of civilization: such as the regions of Apalacha, Hayti, Anahuac, Oaxaca, Chiapa, Maya, Cundina, Oronoc, and Peru. We have positive proofs of early empires and splendid monumental cities at Teoti-huacan, Otolum, Coban &c.

in Central America; and in South America at Chimu, Tiahuanaco &c.; while cities and monuments of a lesser order or size, were scattered afterwards from the Lakes of Canada and the River Ohio, to Chili and Brazil: probably through the dispersion and colonization of these early empires or states.(10)

After they had filled the most fruitful or suitable regions, carrying with them agriculture, domestic animals, religion, laws and various graphic systems: they were invaded by tribes less civilized; but more warlike; princ.i.p.ally in North America, and in Guyana, Brazil &c. Many revolutions must have followed these contests: some of which are recorded in the Apalachian region of the United States, in the Mexican table land, in Hayti &c. and by the Muyzcas, Peruvians &c. further south: while in Guyana and Brazil the annals are lacking, and the traces of these conflicts but faint; yet certified by some traditions and the new tribes introduced.

The solar worship prevailed among the most civilized nations and empires: that of Naguals or Zemis (spirits) among those of the second degree. The least civilized nations had either adopted the Dualism or a mixed religion: while the barbarous tribes knew only a kind of _Tao_ religion as in China,(11) or a fetichism, venerating one or many objects of nature.

But these four main worships, were subject to many fluctuations, and diversities: they had often degenerated into a Polytheism, and idolatry, with various rites, and some cruel customs, human sacrifices &c. A kind of priesthood was almost universal and formed a peculiar caste in many states. The legislators and rulers had often been priests, and became pontifs as well as kings, in Cuzco, Chimu, Tunca, Mayapan, Cholula, Man.a.z.icas &c.

During a period of 2 or 3000 years after the floods, the earth had undergone many changes by volcanoes, earthquakes and the subsiding of the sea. Many valleys were drained, their lakes lessened or disappeared; the sh.o.r.es of the Atlantic from New Jersey to Florida and Yucatan, and from La Plata to Magellania, as well as those of Peru, Chili &c. were increased by the gradual retreat of the sea. The great plains of the Mississippi, Oronoc, Maranon and Parana were also formed or drained of their swamps and mora.s.ses.

It is at the end of this epocha, equal to the antecedent antidiluvian period, that the real or certain history of the Americans begins with many details and dates; both in the north and south. It was then that the empires of the Toltecas, Utatlans, Mexicans, Apalachis, Mayapans, Incas &c. were established on the ruins of many anterior states. We obtain by the annals preserved or recovered of many such nations, a tolerable view of this part of their history, and even an insight into earlier times, when similar revolutions must have happened. If many states or nations rose and fell in this hemisphere, unknown to the other: it was a common fate with others in Africa, Polynesia and even in Asia. But we may hope to rescue their names if not their deeds, from total oblivion, by seeking their monuments, and the fragments of human tribes they left to mourn their fate.

In this period some American nations rose to a degree of splendor and civilization, with knowledge of arts and sciences, little inferior to Greeks and Romans; and superior to the European nations of the middle ages, even down to 1492: quite equal at least to that of the Egyptians and Hindus. The American graphic systems of Apalacha, Anahuac, Maya, Otolum, Peru; although peculiar, were quite sufficient to transmit knowledge in books, schools and inscriptions. This high civilization was not merely confined to Mexico and Peru, as often erroneously supposed; but was scattered from the Apalachis and Nachez of Florida to the Chilians south of Peru, filling the whole intermediate s.p.a.ce.

Although war and slavery prevailed in many parts, they were modified by the usage of adoption for individuals and whole tribes, mutual alliances, confederacies &c.: while slavery was changed into a feodal va.s.salage. The feodal system and the castes prevailed in all civilized nations of America, as in India and Asia from earliest time.

Instead of perpetual wars the ancient annals of America, present us with the soothing view of wise legislators, who gave civilization and happiness to millions for ages, and conquered by deeds of peace. Such were most of the conquests of the Bohitos, Bochicas, Incas, Quetzals, Cuculcans, Tzomes, Maponos, Tamanends, Tarenyos &c. worthy lawgivers of the Antilles, Muyzcas, Peru, Anahuac, Mayas, Guaranis, Man.a.z.icas, Linapis, and Ongwis. I shall revive, with pleasure, their memory and deeds, dwelling on them with more pleasure than on the cruel war leaders.

To them the Americans were indebted for their policy, diplomacy, alliances, agriculture and knowledge, with the peculiar happy mode of holding the land in common or feodal tenure, with property in tenements and moveables. To them may be traced the introduction of useful plants, the maize, cotton, quinoa, patatas, yams, manioc, banana, gourds, beans, and 100 other cultivated plants and fruits. The Mexicans had even botanic gardens and pleasure grounds before the modern Europeans. The universities of Cuzco, Tunca, Tezcuco, Cholula, Mayapan, Utatlan &c. were founded earlier than the European universities by such benefactors of mankind; and 112 domestic animals had been tamed in America, while only 80 in the eastern hemisphere. Of which must be reckoned.(12)

In the W. In the Eastern.

Hemisphere.

Quadrupeds 33 kinds only 25 kns.

Birds 32 25 Reptiles 15 10 Fishes 12 10 Insects 8 4 Sh.e.l.ls and worms 12 6

The modern history of America since 1492 presents a mult.i.tude of events with regular dates: but the historians of these later times instead of dwelling upon the native nations, appear to notice them merely _en pa.s.sant_! while relating at length the discoveries, conquests and wars of the European adventurers and colonists.

It is not thus that we are to notice them; but as equal nations. Now that after four ages, these colonies are also become independent nations, and begin to nurse American feelings, we ought to feel for them, and reveal the truth. It is not number nor dominion alone that const.i.tute a people; but a peculiar language, and peculiar manners. The modern history of the Araucanians, Guaranis, Caribs, and North American tribes, is the best known by peculiar fragments; but similar fragments may be collected on many other tribes.

Meantime Columbus came, another leader of colonists to America; since many had come before him: and with him came the ferocious gold hunters of Castille; who in their greedy search after golden wealth, trampled under foot, both religion and humanity. They enslaved, tortured and destroyed millions of human beings from Hayti to Mexico and Peru; but were checked at last in Florida, Chili, Tologalpa, Santa Marta &c. They overthrew many flourishing states, and erected over them a slavish colonial fabric, soon after sunk in sloth and ignorance.(13)

The dissentions of Mexico and Peru were the cause of their ruin and subjugation by the Spaniards; but the Floridans, Apaches Tayronas, Poyays, Caribs, Mbayas, Chilians &c. withstood forever their utmost efforts, and never were conquered. The happy states of Yucatan, Guatimala, Tunca, Hayti, Cuba &c. fell by their unwarlike and peaceful friendly disposition; being cruelly betrayed and desolated.

In the east, Brazil was occupied by the Portuguese, where a b.a.s.t.a.r.d tribe of Mamalucos were born; who sought for slaves and gold, from Guayana to Paraguay, and destroyed many tribes. After these unworthy freebooters, came the rabble of pirates and buccaneers to revenge American wrongs, upon the Spaniards and Portuguese by deeds of cruelty. Thus was America flooded with blood, and groaning in tears for nearly three centuries. But even these horrible deeds were not the only ones to deplore. Not satisfied with the weak labor of American slaves; another continent was overrun, to supply stronger hands, and Africa was made to contribute millions of slaves to swell American population, or sink there to premature death under the lashing scourge of cruel tasks.

The English, French, and Dutch wishing to partake of the American spoils, went in search of wealth all over the sh.o.r.es of this continent. Not satisfied with mere trading colonies, as in India, they sent stationary colonies of slaves and planters, to occupy some weak points, with or without the consent of the nations. The Dutch settled in Brazil, Surinam, Curazao and New York. The French in Canada, Louisiana, Florida, Hayti, the Carib Islands, Cayenne and Brazil; but have gradually lost all those colonies, except Cayenne and a few Carib Ids.

The English nation, more daring, steady and lucky, occupied with their auxiliaries, the Scotch and Irish, some points of the Atlantic sh.o.r.es, many Carib Islands &c.: by conquest they acquired New York, Canada, Demerary, Jamaica and some smaller islands. Since, whenever the Europeans were at war among themselves, they carried their quarrels over the ocean, and endeavored to destroy each other. Laterly among them arose in North America the holy flame of freedom and independence, which has been travelling and spreading throughout the continent, ever since.

But among these contending colonies and slaving plantations, how were the owners of the soil, treated and dealt with? Alas! seldom with justice-Popes and kings gave away lands and rights, which did not belong to them; n.o.bles and merchants, availing themselves of this doubtful right, bought with trifling presents the good will of some tribes, or drove them away by force. Thus were settled most of the American colonies; except a few, attempted in a spirit of religion and peace.

The worthy Las-Casas, immortal be his name! gave the example of reducing unsubdued tribes to peaceful allies, by words and deeds of peace and piety, and Tezutlan thus reduced by him was called Verapaz. When the Spanish and Portuguese freebooters were sunk in wealth and sloth; they found it very convenient to employ the Jesuits and other monks to subdue for them whole tribes and nations, by this easy mode. In North America, Roger Williams and William Penn, blessed be their names! settled colonies without strife, and by mere good will towards the owners of the soil. But every where the foes or successors of these missionaries of peace, deceived or betrayed the allies they had made. Unjust wars were the natural consequence, in which the rightful party, did not often prevail, being overpowered by strength and cunning.

Meantime the independent period opens a new era for America. In 1776 the United States of North America confederate and become free. Seventeen years afterwards the black slaves of Hayti unfurl the standard of broken chains. Between 1808 and 1820 the whole of Spanish America shakes the weak power of Spain. In 1822 the whole of Brazil becomes an American empire.

Slavery is abolished in all the Spanish states, only retained in the colonies of Cuba and Porto Rico. In 1834 England emanc.i.p.ates the slaves of all her colonies. Slavery was gradually excluded from many states of N.

America, at early periods; but others from Virginia to Louisiana are tenacious of these unholy and dangerous bonds.

Now, the native American tribes within the claimed territories of these new independent nations, are under a sort of pupilage, and often oppressed: although no longer slaves from Canada to Chili. Brazil alone admits of indescriminate slavery, and will rue the consequence at some future period, like those colonies and states that delay wiser measures.

Meanwhile at the two ends of America, in Canada and the United States, as in Buenos Ayres, a new kind of oppression has appeared. Land stealing and compulsory sales! unhallowed means to increase wealth, nearly as guilty as the precious Spanish gold hunting.

The United States which ought to set the wisest example, of justice and clemency, towards reduced tribes, diminished by vices taught instead of virtues, are doing the reverse. They refuse to amalgamate the native tribes, admit them to equal rights, as in the new Spanish States; but compel them to submit to laws not understood, in a language untaught, or disqualify them for witnesses. They compel them to remove, emigrate, disperse, sell their lands and homes, at one tenth of the value; and this is called fair dealing!