Note 178 — AN ACCOUNT OF THE KATAHBA, CHEERAKE, MUSKOHGE, CHOKTAH, AND CHIKKASAH NATIONS: (continued 3)

This ecomium on the Chickasaws finds full confirmation on the part of historians and travelers, French, Spanish and English:

“The nation of the Chickasaws is very warlike. The men have regular features, well shaped and neatly dressed; they are fierce, and have a high opinion of themselves. The nations who border upon them who speak the Chickasaw language best value themselves upon it.” (Du Pratz.)

“They are accounted and esteemed the bravest Indians upon the main, which makes good the common observation that the bravest soldiers are generally the most civil to prisoners.” (Eveleigh.)

“They are the most indefatigable and most valiant of all the Indians.” (Rev. John Wesley.)

“Not so numerous as the Choctaws, but more terrible on account of their intrepidity. The Chickasaws are tall, well made, and of an unparalleled courage.” (Bossu.)

“A brave, warlike people; tall, well-shaped and handsome featured.” (Rogers.)

“These brave Indians, our ancient allies and steady friends; irreconciliable enemies of the French.” (Sir Jeffrey Amherst.)

“There is no Indian nation on the continent near so handsome as the Chickasaws; they have always been distinguished for their gallant actions and feats of heroism which have rendered them, even individually, to be particularly respected throughout all the nations of North America. For which reason Chickasaw guides are more sought after and are more serviceable than those of any other nation.” (Smyth.)

“The most intrepid warriors of the South.” (Bancroft.)

“The bravest of the brave. Admirably proportioned, athletic, active and graceful in their movements, and possessed of open and manly countenances.” (Pickett.)

“Their courage exceeded that of all other aborigines. Neighboring tribes found them invincible.” (Brewer.)

“Through all the epochs of colonial history the Chickasaw people maintained their old reputation for independence and bravery.” (Gatschet.)

“The ancient Chickasaws have justily been regarded as the bravest and most skillful warriors among all the American Indians.” (Cushman.)

“The smallest of the Southern nations, but they were also the bravest and most warlike.” (Roosevelt.)

“Noted from remote times for their bravery, independence and warlike disposition.” (Hodge.)