Cherokee Phoenix

The Aborigines of America- It is commented that the aboriginal inhabitants of America amount not to

Published May, 18, 1833

Page 2 Column 4b

The Aborigines of America- It is commented that the aboriginal inhabitants of America amount not to the twentieth part of those who existed when this continent was discovered by Columbus. This decay is ascribed to the intemperate use of ardent spirits, and to the small pox, both of them introduced by the Europeans. They are indebted to us also for the 'intemperate use' of the sword and the dreadful bigotry and cruelties practiced by the religious and avaricious Spaniards, which certainly were not less destructive than the contagion of the small pox, or the poison of spirituous liquors.

Bartholomew Casa affirms that the Spaniards in America destroyed in about forty-five years ten millions of human souls! And this with a view of converting these unfortunate men to Christianity. There is a story recorded of an Indian, who, being tied to the stake, a Franciscan friar persuaded him to turn Christian, and then he would go to heaven. The Indian asked him if there were any Spaniards there.- 'Certainly,' answered the friar, 'it is full of them.' 'Then I had rather go to h__l than to have any more of their company.' were the last words of the dying Indian.- Boston Transcript.