My principal argument to prove the lsraelitish origin of the natives of this country, will be derived from a great variety of their peculiar customs, relating both to their religious, their social, and their civil concerns.*

*It does not comport with the studied brevity of this communication, to quote authorities in support of the numerous facts and accounts which have been, and may be, given, I will merely say, that I have stated nothing but on what I regarded as good authority; and all who wish to examine for themselves, and to pursue the subject to greater lengths, may consult Adair's "History of the American Indians;" Boudinot's "Star in the West;" and especially Smith's "View of the Hebrews," to which latter work I acknowledge myself chiefly indebted.

. . .

On these parchments were marks, resembling letters, in some language unknown to the finder. He exhibited them for the inspection of the learned, who perceived at once that the language was Hebrew, and that the writing was no other than several verses from the Old Testament.*

* Those who wish to see a fall and satisfactory statement of this fact, will find it in Smith's "View of the Hebrews." pp., 217-225.