adultery among Indians, the injured husband considers himself as under an
obligation to revenge the crime, and he attempts to cut off the ears of
the adulterer, provided he be able to effect it; if not, he may embrace
the first opportunity that offers of killing him, without any danger from
his tribe. Then the debt is paid, and the courage of the husband proved.
This is more severe than the law of Ethelbert, which admitted of a fine
from the adulterer, and obliged him to purchase another wife for the
injured husband.

With respect to internal government, these savages have also several
customs and regulations to which the individuals of the same tribe
conform. Personal wisdom and courage are the chief sources of distinction
among them, and individuals obtain rank and influence in proportion as
they excel in these qualifications. Natural reason suggests, that the man
of the greatest abilities ought to be the leader of all possessed of
inferior endowments; in him they place the greatest confidence, and
follow him to war without envy or murmur. As this warrior arrives at
honour and distinction by the general consent; so, when chosen, he must
be very circumspect in his conduct, and gentle in the exercise of his
power. By the first unlucky or unpopular step he forfeits the goodwill
and confidence of his countrymen, upon which all his power is founded.
Besides the head warrior, they have judges and conjurers, whom they call
Beloved Men, who have great weight among them; none of whom have indeed
any coercive authority, yet all are tolerably well obeyed. In this
commonwealth every man's voice is heard, and at their public
deliberations the best speakers generally prevail. When they consult
together about important affairs, such as war or peace, they are serious
and grave, and examine all the advantages and disadvantages of their
situation with great coolness and deliberation, and nothing is determined
but by the general consent. When war is the result of their councils, and