OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. 75
It is quite immaterial, in the inquiry here proposed, by what chain of supposed circumstances the presence of the stone in the mound is accounted for. The only question to be settled is that of authenticity. Primarily, the relic is entirely unique and sustains no analogy whatever to any of the authentic remains of the mounds ; the presumptions are all against it. It should not be recognized, therefore, except upon ample testimony, which should be so explicit as to leave no doubt concerning it. Have we any testi- mony of this kind? What evidence have we that it is genuine and no imposition? A direct answer would doubtless involye an inquiry into the personal credibility of the discoverer,—an inquiry into which it is not proposed to enter. We are consequently reduced to a simple scrutiny of the circumstances attending the alleged discovery.
The Grave Creek mound, from its great size and promi- nent lecation on the banks of that great thoroughfare, the Ohio river, attracted a large share of attention from a very early period. It became one of the standard curiosities of the valley, and was one of the objects pointed out to trav- ellers by the captains and crews of vessels, under the sug- gestive name of “the Grave.” It was an object of frequent visit and remark. “Dates,” says the proprietor, “ were cut upon the trees at its top, as early as 1784.” A large beech is specified which was “literally covered with names and dates to the height of ten feet.” Every tourist mentioned it, and no chapter on American Antiquities was complete, in which it did not cecupy a conspicuous place. Proposals were made to excavate it, but this was rigidly resisted by the proprietor. Upon his death it passed into the owner- ship of his descendants, and continuing to be an object of increasing interest, and more frequent visit, the project of opening and fitting it up for exhibition was hit upon, as likely to afford a gratification to visitors, and, incidentally, prove a very profitable investment of the labor and money necessary to the undertaking. Accordingly, in the spring
