none to break it to them," may be justly quoted in regard to them. In my short visits to them I have been touched with their affability, their beneficent hospitality and the respectful attention they gave to my instructions. I augur very favorably of their good dispositions, and am convinced that two or three fervent and zealous missionaries could gather consoling fruits for religion from these barbarians,
who sigh to know and practice the gospel of peace. Since my last interview with them in 1851 I have received several letters from them.
Do not forget me in your prayers and be so good as to remember me to the Fathers and brothers of St. Michael's College.
Fire-worship.
St. Louis, Nov. 14, 1857
Reverend and Very Dear Father:"
The ancient worship of fire exists among our Indians from time immemorial. It is found in their traditions, as in the history of almost all the nations which have had temples and altars in which was a pyre, a hearth, a brasier, in order to entertain continually the fire used in their sac rifices. The Greeks adored fire under the name of Haitos, and the Latins under the name of Vesta. Father Charlevoix represents the tribes of Louisiana, and especially the ancient tribe of the Natchez, as keeping up a Perpetual fire in all their medicine lodges or temples. Among the Moquis of New Mexico the sacred fire is constantly maintained by aged men. They believe that great misfortunes will afflict the whole tribe should the fire be extinguished.
il Letter XLIV, Second Series, Cinquante Nouvelles Lettres; Letter XVII, Second Series, Western Missions and Missionaries. The latter text is here followed.