[Footnote 1:  See “History of the Rise, Progress, and Present State of the Colony of Georgia,” in Harris’s Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol.  II. p. 330, 2d ed.  Lond. 1764.  The best history, up to the date of publication, extant.]

On the 25th, Oglethorpe and his men, and Major Richard and his attendants, got back to Frederica.  On the next day the Indians arrived, the purpose of whose intended visit had been announced by Tomo Chichi.  Having encamped by themselves near the town, they prepared for a dance; to which Oglethorpe went with all his people.

“They made a ring, in the middle of which four sat down, having little drums, made of kettles, covered with deer skins, upon which they beat, and sung.  Round these the others danced, being naked to their waists, and having round their middle many trinkets tied with skins; and some had the tails of beasts hanging down behind them.  They had painted their faces and bodies; and their hair was stuck with feathers.  In one hand they had a rattle, in the other the feathers of an eagle made up like the caduceus of Mercury; they shook there plumes and the rattle, and danced round the ring with high bounds and antic postures, looking much like the figures of the Satyrs.

“They showed great activity, and kept just time in their motions; and at certain times answered, by way of chorus, to those that sat in the middle of the ring.  They stopt; and then one of the chief warriors stood out, who sang what wars he had been in, and described by motions as well as by words, which way he had vanquished the enemies of his country.  When he had done, all the rest gave a shout of approbation, as knowing what he said to be true."[1]

[Footnote 1:  MOORE.]

The Indian Mico then explained the object of their embassy in a long speech.  After this, an alliance was concluded, and presents exchanged; which consisted, on the part of the Indians, of dressed skins; and, on that of Oglethorpe, of guns, red and blue cloth, powder, bullets, knives, and small whetstones; and, among the women he distributed linen and woolen garments, ear-rings, chains, beads, &c.

This business being despatched, the General called the freemen together, and communicated to them the contents of the letters which he had received from the Governor of St. Augustine; and this he did to prevent the ill impression that vague conjecture and idle reports might occasion, and then, in compliance with the requisition of the Governor of St. Augustine that hostile intrusion on the Spanish settlements might be prevented, he immediately fitted out a periagua and the marine boat, with men and provisions for three months; together with arms, ammunition, and tools, to sail to the southward, and cruise along the English side of the St. John’s, in order to detect and prevent any lawless persons from sheltering themselves there, and thence molesting his Catholic Majesty’s subjects, and to restrain the Indians.