The Ague is a Common disorder for which as well as Madness they have No Cure and this Carrys them off, as does that terrible disease the Venereal for which Death is their only remedy and such was the fate of those who Contracted it from the Europeans, for as soon as any one is known to have it no person will toutch them nor theirs Nor will they bathe near them in the river; their food is also carried to them, they not being suffered to touch any but what is for themselves — their Companions forsake them and they languish out the remainder of their days in a Miserable Manner; tho they want no food yet they Pine at seeing themselves Neglected and soon die.

They know that this disorder was brought by the Europeans, but are not Certain whether by the Spaniards or French, for which reason they Blame both, nor do we escape blameless in all points, for they Charge us with Several other disorders with which they say they were unacquainted before they knew us and particularly with bringing Fleas among them which they say were brought by the Cats — however it is possible that they may be Natives of their own Country as it is Clear that Most of their disorders are, the Ague being the effects of the sudden heats and Colds which they often experience as they always Jump into the River when they sweat to Cool themselves, and often sleep in Heavy dews.

Their Coughs & Colds are often Gotten in the Same Manner and their Hot bath into which Weomen go after Childbearing is Sufficient to Carry off those of the best Constitution — this is Made by screening in part of a House, or erecting a hut or Tent of Cloth and Mats, into which they bring a quantity of Hot Stones and spread grass & herbs over them; the person intending to bathe then goes in with a shell of water, the place is shut close & the Water being sprinkled on the Grass & Stones makes a Steam. In this they stay as long as they are Able, when, Throwing a Cloth loosely round them, they Come out and run dirictly to the River into which they Plunge head formost. This bath is also used by both sexes merely for the Sake of making themselves throroughly

Indigenous Histories