56 be the mother of invention, and the necessities of barter have given rise to many curious inventions among primitive people. The Indians were naturally suspicious of all forms of writing, and those who were not hostile to the Americans at Ft. Laurens had a great antipathy to the colonial paper currency which they said meant “steal" on its face. Hence, when they sold anything to the garrison at the fort, there being no hard money there, they were paid in buckskin certificates. These they would accept readily because they could exchange them at the nearest trader's for whiskey, ammumintion, &c. One of these certificates, vouched for by Col. Gibson is worded thus: “I do certify that I am indebted to the bearer, Captain Johnny, seven bucks and one doe, for the use of the States, this 12th day of April, 1779 * ’Signed. Samuel Sample, Assistant Quartermaster. “The above is due to him for pork, for the use of the garrison at Fort Laurens. “Signed’’John Gibson, Colonel." New Comer’s Town-—it is difficult to obtain
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