history. They invite the deepest study. Every season brings to our
notice some new feature, in its antiquities, which acts as a stimulus
to thought and inquiry. It is evident that there is more aliment for
study and scrutiny in its obscure periods, than has heretofore been
supposed. Vestiges of art are found, which speak of elder and higher
states of civilization, than any known to the nomadic or hunter states.
And the great activity which marks the present state of antiquarian and
philological inquiry, in the leading nations of Europe, adds deeply to
our means and inducements to search out the American branch of the
subject. Man, as he views these results, gathers new hopes of his
ability to trace the wandering footsteps of early nations over the
globe. There is a hope of obtaining the ultimate principles of
languages and national affinities. Already science and exact
investigation have accomplished the most auspicious and valuable
results. The spirit of research has enabled us to unlock many secrets,
which have remained sealed up for centuries. History has gleaned
largely from the spirit of criticism; Ethnology has already reared a
permanent monument to her own intellectual labors, and promises in its
results, to unravel the intricate thread of ancient migration, and to
untie the gordian knot of nations. Shall we not follow in this path?
Shall we not emulate the labors of a Belzoni, a Humboldt, and a
Robinson?