They are divided into different tribes and languages,
each tribe living generally by itself and having one of
its number as a chief, though he has not much power or
distinction except in their dances or in time of war.
Among some there is not the least knowledge of God, and
among others very little, though they relate many strange
fables concerning Him.

They are in general much afraid of the Devil, who torments
them greatly; and some give themselves up to him, and
hold the strangest notions about him. But their devils,
they say, will have nothing to do with the Dutch. No
haunting of spirits and the like are heard of among them.
They make offerings to the Devil sometimes, but with few
solemnities. They believe in the immortality of the soul.
They have some knowledge of the sun, moon and stars, of
which they are able to name many, and they judge tolerably
well about the weather. There is hardly any law or
justice among them, except sometimes in war matters, and
then very little. The nearest of blood is the avenger.
The youngest are the most courageous, and do for the most
part what they please. Their weapons formerly were the
bow and arrow, which they employ with wonderful skill, and
the cudgel, but they now, that is, those who lives near
the Christians or have many dealings with them, generally
use firelocks and hatchets, which they obtain in trade.
They are exceedingly fond of guns, sparing no expense for
them; and are so skilful in the use of them that they
surpass many Christians. Their food is coarse and simple,