it is by no means improbable that these two great territories are united.
It is remarkable, that the aspect, language, and manners of the people,
on each side of the narrow channel, are nearly similar; that the arms
they use for procuring subsistence are the same; that their boats and
method of fishing are exactly alike; that both make use of a wooden
instrument for procuring fire by friction; that neither attack their
enemies in the open field, but take all advantages of ensnaring them by
wiles and stratagem; and that the vanquished, when taken prisoners, are
tortured without mercy. These observations indicate a striking
resemblance between the Tartars and the savages of America. One thing is
certain, that emigrations to the western world by this narrow channel are
easier accounted for than by any other route, and it is to be hoped a few
years more will remove every difficulty attending this curious and
important inquiry.

Notwithstanding all these conjectures, various may have been the ways and
means of peopling this large continent. It is not improbable that several
nations may have contributed towards supplying it at different times with
inhabitants. The Scripture affirms, that all mankind originally sprung
from the same root, however now diversified in characters and
complexions. In the early ages of the world, as mankind multiplied they
dispersed, and occupied a greater extent of country. When thus divided,
for the sake of self-preservation and mutual defence, they would
naturally unite and form separate states. The eager desire of power and
dominion would prove the occasion of differences and quarrels, and the
weaker party or state would always be obliged to flee before the
stronger. Such differences would necessarily promote distant settlements,
and when navigation was introduced and improved, unforeseen accidents,
sea-storms, and unfortunate shipwrecks, would contribute to the general
dispersion. These, we may naturally suppose, would be the effects of