  CHAPTER I. BOOKS AND TRANSLATIONS IN THE SEVERAL DIALECTS OF THE IROQUOIS . CHAPTER II. BOOKS AND TRANSLATIONS IN THE VARIOUS DIALECTS OF THE ALGONQUIN . CHAPTER IV. BOOKS, TRACTS AND TRANSLATIONS IN THE DACOTA . A collection of all translations into the Indian languages is being made in the Indian Bureau of the War Office. The ensuing notices of elementary and other books, denote the progress which has been made in this department of inquiry. The list is necessarily incomplete, from the short time that has been devoted to the object. It is issued in this form to apprise translators who have, or may enter this field of labor, of the works received, that they may avoid sending duplicates; at the same time, that they are requested to aid in completing the plan by transmitting, under cover in all cases, to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, original or revised works, of every kind, including grammars and vocabularies, which are not embraced in this incipient catalogue. The true history of the Indian tribes and their international relations, must rest, as a basis, upon the light obtained from their languages. To group and classify them into families on philosophical principles, will be to restore these ancient relations. Their traditions and historical affinities, so far as they reach, will generally attest the truth of the facts denoted by language. In our future policy, they should be removed or colonized in reference to this relationship, and foreign groups not be co-mingled with the cognate tribes. The true object of investigating the languages, is thus perceived, and it is hoped that its practical, and well as historical importance, will be appreciated in ready responses from persons receiving these sheets. H. R. S. A WASHINGTON: |
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