languages of the tribes of the Gulf States, which belong to one
stock language,<49> have all been greatly influenced by words derived
from a foreign source.<50>

Perhaps a large body of them may have lived on as a fully organized
tribe. As we have already stated, the opinion is quite freely advanced
that this is the origin of the Natchez.<51> It seems advisable to
inquire more particularly into the customs and traditions of this tribe.
Du Pratz, who lived among them in 1718, and claims to have enjoyed the
confidence of their chiefs and principal men, has left the most complete
account of them; though Father Charlevoix, a Jesuit priest, in his
letters, also describes them fully.

A number of interesting statements in regard to them, at once arrest
attention. Most of the tribes in the southern region of the United
States spoke dialects of a common stock language (Chata-muskoki),
showing a derivation from a common source. The Natchez spoke a different
language. Sun-worship seems to have been carried to a greater extent
than among any other tribes we are acquainted with. As late as 1730
they still had their temples, where the eternal fire was kept burning,
carefully watched; for they believed that should it become extinguished,
it would surely bring great trouble on the tribe. Among the Natchez, if
anywhere among Indian tribes, the power of the chief was absolute, and
there seems to have been something like privileged classes amongst them.
We have already referred to them as Mound Builders.

But most interesting is it to learn of their former wide extension and
ancient power. Du Pratz says, "According to their traditions they were
the most powerful nation of all North America, and were looked upon by
other nations as their superiors, and on that account were respected by
them. To give an idea of their power, I shall only mention that formerly
they extended from the River Manchas, or Iberville, which is about fifty
leagues from the sea, to the River Wabash, which is distant from the
sea about four hundred and sixty leagues; and that they had about eight
hundred suns, or princes."<52> It is at least a reasonable supposition
that that the Natchez were a remnant of the Mound Builders.

So far we have dwelt chiefly on the relations between the Indians and
the Mound Builders. Let us now see if we can not detect some connection
between the Pueblo tribes of the south-west and the Mound Builders.
All the tribes in the Gulf State