Franklin and a smaller one on Oeona-
luftee river, on the present East Cherokee reservation, and as both of these are on
streams flowing away from the Creek country, this fact alone would bar them from
consideration. The only large mounds in upper Georgia are this one at Nacoochee
and the group on the Etowah river, near Cartersville. The largest of the Etowah
group is some fifty feet in height and is ascended on one side by means of a roadway
MOONKY]
DE SOTO'S EOUTE 197
about fifty feet wide at the base and narrowing gradually to the top. Had this been
the mound of the narrative it is hardly possible that the chronicler would have failed
to notice also the two other mounds of the group or the other one on the opposite
side of the river, eachthe most fertile spots in Georgia and
numerous ancient remains give evidence that it was a favorite center of settlement in
early days. At the beginning of the modern historic period it was held by the
Cherokee, who had there a town called Nacoochee, but their claim was disputed by
the Creeks. The Gentleman of Elvas states that Guaxule was subject to the queen
of Cofitachiqui, but this may mean only that the people of the two towns or trihes
were in friendly alliance. The modern name is pronounced Nagutil' by the < Ihero-
kee, who say. however, that it is not of their language. The terminal may Ik- the
Creek udshi, "small." or it may have a connection with the name of the Tehee
Indians.
From Guaxule the Spaniards advanced toCanasoga (Ranjel) orCanasagua I Elvas I,
one or