with weeds of almost every description. In order that we might live more
easy, Mr. Parrish, with the consent of the chiefs, gave me liberty to
lease or my land to white people to till on shares. I accordingly let it
out, and have continued to do so, which makes my task less burthensome,
while at the same time I am more comfortably supplied with the means of
support.



CHAPTER X.


Happy situation of her Family.--Disagreement between her sons Thomas and
John.--Her Advice to them, &c.--John kills Thomas;--Her
Affliction.--Council. Decision of the Chiefs, &c.--Life of Thomas.--His
Wives, Children; &c.--Cause of his Death, &c.

I have frequently heard it asserted by white people, and can truly say
from my own experience that the time at which parents take the most
satisfaction and comfort with their families is when their children are
young, incapable of providing for their own wants, and are about the
fireside, where they can be daily observed and instructed.

Few mothers, perhaps, have had less trouble with their children during
their minority than myself. In general, my children were friendly to each
other, and it was very seldom that I knew them to have the least
difference or quarrel: so far, indeed, were they from rendering themselves
or me uncomfortable, that I considered myself happy--more so than commonly
falls to the lot of parents, especially to women.