Note 37 — Observations, and arguments, in proof of the American Indians being descended from the Jews. (continued 3)

The John Howard Payne MSS. treat of the holy fire amply: “The most active and efficient agent appointed by the Sun to take care of mankind was supposed to be the fire. When, therefore, very special favor was needed, it was made known to Fire, accompanied by an offering. It was considered as an immediate being nearest the Sun and received homage from the Cherokees as the same element did from the Eastern Magi.... The altar in the center of the national heptagon was constructed of a conical shape, of fresh earth. A circle was drawn around the top to receive the fire of sacrifice. Upon this was laid, ready for use, the inner bark of seven kinds of trees. This bark was carefully chosen from the east side of the trees, and was clear and free of blemish.... Early in the morning seven persons who were commissioned to kindle the fire commenced their operations.... A round hole being made in a block of wood, a small quantity of dry golden-rod weed was placed in it. A stick, the end of which just fitted the opening, was whirled rapidly until the weed took fire.” Buttrick, for many years a missionary among the Cherokees, in Tennessee and after their removal, says the “new fire” was made by rubbing two pieces of dry wood together with dry golden-rod between them. Antiquities, 9. Buttrick further says golden-rod was in Cherokee anagestaluga or light-bearer; and, of the fire, that it was required that “no torch be lighted by it, nor a coal taken from it for common use.”