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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/6960-h.zip b/6960-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..eab76cc --- /dev/null +++ b/6960-h.zip diff --git a/6960-h/6960-h.htm b/6960-h/6960-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..840655b --- /dev/null +++ b/6960-h/6960-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6080 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + A Narrative of the Life Of Mrs. Mary Jemison,, by James E. Seaver. + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: right; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; margin-left: 0.8em; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison, by +James E. Seaver + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison + +Author: James E. Seaver + + +Release Date: November, 2004 [EBook #6960] +This file was first posted on February 19, 2003 +Last Updated: June 24, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF MRS. MARY JEMISON *** + + + + +Text file produced by Robert Connal, David Moynihan, Charles Franks +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + A NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF MRS. MARY JEMISON, + </h1> + <h4> + Who was taken by the Indians, in the year 1755, when only about twelve + years of age, and has continued to reside amongst them to the present + time. + </h4> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By James E. Seaver. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + CONTAINING + </h3> + <div class="middle"> + <p> + An Account of the Murder of her Father and his Family; her sufferings; + her marriage to two Indians; her troubles with her Children; barbarities + of the Indians in the French and Revolutionary Wars; the life of her + last Husband, &c.; and many Historical Facts never before published. + <i>Carefully taken from her own words, Nov.</i> 29th, 1823. + </p> + </div> + <h3> + TO WHICH IS ADDED, + </h3> + <div class="middle"> + <p> + An APPENDIX, containing an account of the tragedy at the Devil's Hole, + in 1783, and of Sullivan's Expedition; the Traditions, Manners, Customs, + &c. of the Indians, as believed and practised at the present day, + and since Mrs. Jemison's captivity; together with some Anecdotes, and + other entertaining matter. + </p> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <b>LIFE OF MARY JEMISON.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> APPENDIX. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + That to biographical writings we are indebted for the greatest and best + field in which to study mankind, or human nature, is a fact duly + appreciated by a well-informed community. In them we can trace the effects + of mental operations to their proper sources; and by comparing our own + composition with that of those who have excelled in virtue, or with that + of those who have been sunk in the lowest depths of folly and vice, we are + enabled to select a plan of life that will at least afford + self-satisfaction, and guide us through the world in paths of morality. + </p> + <p> + Without a knowledge of the lives of the vile and abandoned, we should be + wholly incompetent to set an appropriate value upon the charms, the + excellence and the worth of those principles which have produced the + finest traits in the character of the most virtuous. + </p> + <p> + Biography is a telescope of life, through which we can see the extremes + and excesses of the varied properties of the human heart. Wisdom and + folly, refinement and vulgarity, love and hatred, tenderness and cruelty, + happiness and misery, piety and infidelity, commingled with every other + cardinal virtue or vice, are to be seen on the variegated pages of the + history of human events, and are eminently deserving the attention of + those who would learn to walk in the "paths of peace." + </p> + <p> + The brazen statue and the sculptured marble, can commemorate the greatness + of heroes, statesmen, philosophers, and blood-stained conquerors, who have + risen to the zenith of human glory and popularity, under the influence of + the mild sun of prosperity: but it is the faithful page of biography that + transmits to future generations the poverty, pain, wrong, hunger, + wretchedness and torment, and every nameless misery that has been endured + by those who have lived in obscurity, and groped their lonely way through + a long series of unpropitious events, with but little help besides the + light of nature. While the gilded monument displays in brightest colors + the vanity of pomp, and the emptiness of nominal greatness, the + biographical page, that lives in every line, is giving lessons of + fortitude in time of danger, patience in suffering, hope in distress, + invention in necessity, and resignation to unavoidable evils. Here also + may be learned, pity for the bereaved, benevolence for the destitute, and + compassion for the helpless; and at the same time all the sympathies of + the soul will be naturally excited to sigh at the unfavorable result, or + to smile at the fortunate relief. + </p> + <p> + In the great inexplicable chain which forms the circle of human events, + each individual link is placed on a level with the others, and performs an + equal task; but, as the world is partial, it is the situation that + attracts the attention of mankind, and excites the unfortunate vociferous + eclat of elevation, that raises the pampered parasite to such an immense + height in the scale of personal vanity, as, generally, to deprive him of + respect, before he can return to a state of equilibrium with his fellows, + or to the place whence he started. + </p> + <p> + Few great men have passed from the stage of action, who have not left in + the history of their lives indelible marks of ambition or folly, which + produced insurmountable reverses, and rendered the whole a mere + caricature, that can be examined only with disgust and regret. Such + pictures, however, are profitable, for "by others' faults wise men correct + their own." + </p> + <p> + The following is a piece of biography, that shows what changes may be + effected in the animal and mental constitution of man; what trials may be + surmounted; what cruelties perpetrated, and what pain endured, when stern + necessity holds the reins, and drives the car of fate. + </p> + <p> + As books of this kind are sought and read with avidity, especially by + children, and are well calculated to excite their attention, inform their + understanding, and improve them in the art of reading, the greatest care + has been observed to render the style easy, the language comprehensive, + and the description natural. Prolixity has been studiously avoided. The + line of distinction between virtue and vice has been rendered distinctly + visible; and chastity of expression and sentiment have received due + attention. Strict fidelity has been observed in the composition: + consequently, no circumstance has been intentionally exaggerated by the + paintings of fancy, nor by fine flashes of rhetoric: neither has the + picture been rendered more dull than the original. Without the aid of + fiction, what was received as matter of fact, only has been recorded. + </p> + <p> + It will be observed that the subject of this narrative has arrived at + least to the advanced age of eighty years; that she is destitute of + education; and that her journey of life, throughout its texture, has been + interwoven with troubles, which ordinarily are calculated to impair the + faculties of the mind; and it will be remembered, that there are but few + old people who can recollect with precision the circumstances of their + lives, (particularly those circumstances which transpired after middle + age.) If, therefore, any error shall be discovered in the narration in + respect to time, it will be overlooked by the kind reader, or charitably + placed to the narrator's account, and not imputed to neglect, or to the + want of attention in the compiler. + </p> + <p> + The appendix is principally taken from the words of Mrs. Jemison's + statements. Those parts which were not derived from her, are deserving + equal credit, having been obtained from authentic sources. + </p> + <p> + For the accommodation of the reader, the work has been divided into + chapters, and a copious table of contents affixed. The introduction will + facilitate the understanding of what follows; and as it contains matter + that could not be inserted with propriety in any other place, will be read + with interest and satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + Having finished my undertaking, the subsequent pages are cheerfully + submitted to the perusal and approbation or animadversion of a candid, + generous and indulgent public. At the same time it is fondly hoped that + the lessons of distress that are portrayed, may have a direct tendency to + increase our love of liberty; to enlarge our views of the blessings that + are derived from our liberal institutions; and to excite in our breasts + sentiments of devotion and gratitude to the great Author and finisher of + our happiness. + </p> + <p> + THE AUTHOR. + </p> + <p> + <i>Pembroke, March</i> 1, 1824. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION. + </h2> + <p> + The Peace of 1783, and the consequent cessation of Indian hostilities and + barbarities, returned to their friends those prisoners, who had escaped + the tomahawk, the gauntlet, and the savage fire, after their having spent + many years in captivity, and restored harmony to society. + </p> + <p> + The stories of Indian cruelties which were common in the new settlements, + and were calamitous realities previous to that, propitious event; + slumbered in the minds that had been constantly agitated by them, and were + only roused occasionally, to become the fearful topic of the fireside. + </p> + <p> + It is presumed that at this time there are but few native Americans that + have arrived to middle age, who cannot distinctly recollect of sitting in + the chimney corner when children, all contracted with fear, and there + listening to their parents or visitors, while they related stories of + Indian conquests, and murders, that would make their flaxen hair nearly + stand erect, and almost destroy the power of motion. + </p> + <p> + At the close of the Revolutionary war; all that part of the State of + New-York that lies west of Utica was uninhabited by white people, and few + indeed had ever passed beyond Fort Stanwix, except when engaged in war + against the Indians, who were numerous, and occupied a number of large + towns Between the Mohawk river and lake Erie. + </p> + <p> + Sometime elapsed after this event, before the country about the lakes and + on the Genesee river was visited, save by an occasional land speculator, + or by defaulters who wished by retreating to what in those days was deemed + almost the end of the earth, to escape the force of civil law. + </p> + <p> + At length, the richness and fertility of the soil excited emigration, and + here and there a family settled down and commenced improvements in the + country which had recently been the property of the aborigines. Those who + settled near the Genesee river, soon became acquainted with "The White + Woman," as Mrs. Jemison is called, whose history they anxiously sought, + both as a matter of interest and curiosity. Frankness characterized her + conduct, and without reserve she would readily gratify them by relating + some of the most important periods of her life. + </p> + <p> + Although her bosom companion was an ancient Indian warrior, and + notwithstanding her children and associates were all Indians, yet it was + found that she possessed an uncommon share of hospitality, and that her + friendship was well worth courting and preserving. Her house was the + stranger's home; from her table the hungry were refreshed;—she made + the naked as comfortable as her means would admit of; and in all her + actions, discovered so much natural goodness of heart, that her admirers + increases in proportion to the extension of her acquaintance, and she + became celebrated as the friend of the distressed. She was the protectress + of the homeless fugitive, and made welcome the weary wanderer. Many still + live to commemorate her benevolence towards them, when prisoners during + the war, and to ascribe their deliverance to the mediation of "The White + Woman." + </p> + <p> + The settlements increased, and the whole country around her was inhabited + by a rich and respectable people, principally from New-England, as much + distinguished for their spirit of inquisitiveness as for their habits of + industry and honesty, who had all heard from one source and another a part + of her life in detached pieces, and had obtained an idea that the whole + taken in connection would afford instruction and amusement. + </p> + <p> + Many gentlemen of respectability, felt anxious that her narrative might be + laid before the public, with a view not only to perpetuate the remembrance + of the atrocities of the savages in former times, but to preserve some + historical facts which they supposed to be intimately connected with her + life, and which otherwise must be lost. + </p> + <p> + Forty years had passed since the close of the Revolutionary war, and + almost seventy years had seen Mrs. Jemison with the Indians, when Daniel + W. Banister, Esq. at the instance of several gentlemen, and prompted by + his own ambition to add something to the accumulating fund of useful + knowledge, resolved, in the autumn of 1823, to embrace that time, while + she was capable of recollecting and reciting the scenes through which she + had passed, to collect from herself, and to publish to an accurate account + of her life. + </p> + <p> + I was employed to collect the materials, and prepare the work for the + press; and accordingly went to the house of Mrs. Jennet Whaley in the town + of Castile, Genesee co. N.Y. in company with the publisher, who procured + the interesting subject of the following narrative, to come to that place + (a distance of four miles) and there repeat the story of her eventful + life. She came on foot in company with Mr. Thomas Clute, whom she + considers her protector, and tarried almost three days, which time was + busily occupied in taking a sketch of her narrative as she recited it. + </p> + <p> + Her appearance was well calculated to excite a great degree of sympathy in + a stranger, who had been partially informed of her origin, when comparing + her present situation with what it probably would have been, had she been + permitted to have remained with her friends, and to have enjoyed the + blessings of civilization. + </p> + <p> + In stature she is very short, and considerably under the middle size, and + stands tolerably erect, with her head bent forward, apparently from her + having for a long time been accustomed to carrying heavy burdens in a + strap placed across her forehead. Her complexion is very white for a woman + of her age, and although the wrinkles of fourscore years are deeply + indented in her cheeks, yet the crimson of youth is distinctly visible. + Her eyes are light blue, a little faded by age, and naturally brilliant + and sparkling. Her sight is quite dim, though she is able to perform her + necessary labor without the assistance of glasses. Her cheek bones are + high, and rather prominent, and her front teeth, in the lower jaw, are + sound and good. When she looks up and is engaged in conversation her + countenance is very expressive; but from her long residence with the + Indians, she has acquired the habit of peeping from under eye-brows as + they do with the head inclined downwards. Formerly her hair was of a light + chestnut brown—it is now quite grey, a little curled, of middling + length and tied in a bunch behind. She informed me that she had never worn + a cap nor a comb. + </p> + <p> + She speaks English plainly and distinctly, with a little of the Irish + emphasis, and has the use of words so well as to render herself + intelligible on any subject with which she is acquainted. Her recollection + and memory exceeded my expectation. It cannot be reasonably supposed, that + a person of her age has kept the events of seventy years in so complete a + chain as to be able to assign to each its proper time and place; she, + however, made her recital with as few obvious mistakes as might be found + in that of a person of fifty. + </p> + <p> + She walks with a quick step without a staff, and I was informed by Mr. + Clute, that she could yet cross a stream on a log or pole as steadily as + any other person. + </p> + <p> + Her passions are easily excited. At a number of periods in her narration, + tears trickled down her grief worn cheek, and at the same time, a rising + sigh would stop her utterance. + </p> + <p> + Industry is a virtue which she has uniformly practised from the day of her + adoption to the present. She pounds her samp, cooks for herself, gathers + and chops wood, feeds her cattle and poultry, and performs other laborious + services. Last season she planted, tended and gathered corn—in short + she is always busy. + </p> + <p> + Her dress at the time I saw her, was made and worn after, the Indian + fashion, and consisted of a shirt, short gown, petticoat, stockings, + moccasins, a blanket and a bonnet. The shirt was of cotton and made at the + top, as I was informed, like a man's without collar or sleeves—was + open before and extended down about midway of the hips.—The + petticoat was a piece of broadcloth with the list at the top and bottom + and the ends sewed together. This was tied on by a string that was passed + over it and around the waist, in such a manner as to let the bottom of the + petticoat down half way between the knee and ankle and leave one-fourth of + a yard at the top to be turned down over the string—the bottom of + the shift coming a little below, and on the outside of the top of the fold + so as to leave the list and two or three inches of the cloth uncovered. + The stockings, were of blue broadcloth, tied, or pinned on, which reached + from the knees, into the mouth of the moccasins.—Around her toes + only she had some rags, and over these her buckskin moccasins. Her gown + was of undressed flannel, colored brown. It was made in old yankee style, + with long sleeves, covered the top of the hips, and was tied before in two + places with strings of deer skin. Over all this, she wore an Indian + blanket. On her head she wore a piece of old brown woollen cloth made + somewhat like a sun bonnet. + </p> + <p> + Such was the dress that this woman was contented to wear, and habit had + rendered it convenient and comfortable. She wore it not as a matter of t + necessity, but from choice, for it will be seen in the sequel, that her + property is sufficient to enable her to dress in the best fashion, and to + allow her every comfort of life. + </p> + <p> + Her house, in which she lives, is 20 by 28 feet; built of square timber, + with a shingled roof, and a framed stoop. In the centre of the house is a + chimney of stones and sticks, in which there are two fire places. She has + a good framed barn, 26 by 36, well filled, and owns a fine stock of cattle + and horses. Besides the buildings above mentioned, she owns a number of + houses that are occupied by tenants, who work her flats upon shares. Her + dwelling, is about one hundred rods north of the Great Slide, a curiosity + that, will be described in its proper place, on the west side of the + Genesee river. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Jemison, appeared sensible of her ignorance of the manners of the + white people, and for that reason, was not familiar, except with those + with whom she was intimately acquainted. In fact she was (to appearance) + so jealous of her rights, or that she should say something that would be + injurious to herself or family, that if Mr. Clute had not been present, we + should have been unable to have obtained her history. She, however, soon + became free and unembarrassed in her conversation, and spoke with degree + of mildness, candor and simplicity, that is calculated to remove all + doubts as to the veracity of the speaker. The vices of the Indians, she + appeared disposed not to aggravate, and seemed to take pride in extoling + their virtues. A kind of family pride inclined her to withhold whatever + would blot the character of her descendants, and perhaps induced her to + keep back many things that would have been interesting. + </p> + <p> + For the life of her last husband, we are indebted to her cousin, Mr. + George Jemison, to whom she referred us for information on that subject + generally. The thoughts of his deeds, probably chilled her old heart, and + made her dread to rehearse them, and at the same time she well knew they + were no secret, for she had frequently heard him relate the whole, not + only to her cousin, but to others. + </p> + <p> + Before she left us she was very sociable, and she resumed her naturally + pleasant countenance, enlivened with a smile. + </p> + <p> + Her neighbors speak of her as possessing one of the happiest tempers and + disposition, and give her the name of never having done a censurable act + to their knowledge. + </p> + <p> + Her habits, are those of the Indians—she sleeps on skins without a + bedstead, sits upon the floor or on a bench, and holds her victuals on her + lap, or in her hands. + </p> + <p> + Her ideas of religion, correspond in every respect with those of the great + mass of the Senecas. She applauds virtue, and despises vice. She believes + in a future state, in which the good will be happy, and the bad miserable; + and that the acquisition of that happiness, depends primarily upon human + volition, and the consequent good deeds of the happy recipient of + blessedness. The doctrines taught in the Christian religion, she is a + stranger to. + </p> + <p> + Her daughters are said to be active and enterprizing women, and her + grandsons, who arrived to manhood, are considered able, decent and + respectable men in their tribe. + </p> + <p> + Having in this cursory manner, introduced the subject of the following + pages, I proceed to the narration of a life that has been viewed with + attention, for a great number of years by a few, and which will be read by + the public the mixed sensations of pleasure and pain, and with interest, + anxiety and satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LIFE OF MARY JEMISON. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + Nativity of her Parents.—Their removal to America.—Her Birth.—Parents + settle in Pennsylvania.—Omen of her Captivity. + </p> + <p> + Although I may have frequently heard the history of my ancestry, my + recollection is too imperfect to enable me to trace it further back than + my father and mother, whom I have often heard mention the families from + whence they originated, as having possessed wealth and honorable stations + under the government of the country in which they resided. + </p> + <p> + On the account of the great length of time that has elapsed since I was + separated from my parents and friends, and having heard the story of their + nativity only in the days of my childhood, I am not able to state + positively, which of the two countries, Ireland or Scotland, was the land + of my parents birth and education. It, however, is my impression, that + they were born and brought up in Ireland. + </p> + <p> + My Father's name was Thomas Jemison, and my mother's before her marriage + with him, was Jane Erwin. Their affection for each other was mutual, and + of that happy kind which tends directly to sweeten the cup of life; to + render connubial sorrows lighter; to assuage every discontentment and to + promote not only their own comfort, but that of all who come within the + circle of their acquaintance. Of their happiness I recollect to have heard + them speak; and the remembrance I yet retain of their mildness and perfect + agreement in the government of their children, together with their mutual + attention to our common education, manners, religious instruction and + wants, renders it a fact in my mind, that they were ornaments to the + married state, and examples of connubial love, worthy of imitation. After + my remembrance they were strict observers of religious duties; for it was + the daily practice of my father, morning and evening, to attend, in his + family, to the worship of God. + </p> + <p> + Resolved to leave the land of their nativity they removed from their + residence to a port in Ireland, where they lived but a short time before + they set sail for this country, in the year 1742 or 3 on board the ship + Mary William, bound to Philadelphia, in the state of Pennsylvania. + </p> + <p> + The intestine divisions, civil wars, and ecclesiastical rigidity and + domination that prevailed those days, were the causes of their leaving + their mother country and a home in the American wilderness, under the mild + and temperate government of the descendants of William Penn; where without + fear they might worship God, and perform their usual avocations. + </p> + <p> + In Europe my parents had two sons and one daughter, whose names were John, + Thomas and Betsey; with whom, after having put their effects on board, + they embarked, leaving a large connexion of relatives and friends, under + all those painful sensations, which are only felt when kindred souls give + the parting hand and last farewell to those to whom they are endeared by + every friendly tie. + </p> + <p> + In the course of their voyage I was born, to be the sport of fortune and + almost an outcast to civil society; to stem the current of adversity + through a long chain of vicissitudes, unsupported by the advice of tender + parents, or the hand of an affectionate friend; and even without the + enjoyment from others, of any of those tender sympathies that are adapted + to the sweetening of society, except such as naturally flow from + uncultivated minds, that have been calloused by ferocity. + </p> + <p> + Excepting my birth, nothing remarkable occurred to my parents on their + passage, and they were safely landed at Philadelphia. My father being fond + of rural life, and having been bred to agricultural pursuits, soon left + the city, and removed his family to the then frontier settlements of + Pennsylvania, to a tract of excellent land lying on Marsh creek. At that + place he cleared a large farm, and for seven or eight years enjoyed the + fruits of his industry. Peace attended their labors; and they had nothing + to alarm them, save the midnight howl of the prowling wolf, or the + terrifying shriek of the ferocious panther, as they occasionally visited + their improvements, to take a lamb or a calf to satisfy their hunger. + </p> + <p> + During this period my mother had two sons, between whose ages there was a + difference of about three years: the oldest was named Matthew, and the + other Robert. + </p> + <p> + Health presided on every countenance, and vigor and strength characterized + every exertion. Our mansion was a little paradise. The morning of my + childish, happy days, will ever stand fresh in my remembrance, + notwithstanding the many severe trials through which I have passed, in + arriving at my present situation, at so advanced an age. Even at this + remote period, the recollection of my pleasant home at my father's, of my + parents, of my brothers and sister, and of the manner in which I was + deprived of them all at once, affects me so powerfully, that I am almost + overwhelmed with grief, that is seemingly insupportable. Frequently I + dream of those happy days: but, alas! they are gone; they have left me to + be carried through a long life, dependent for the little pleasures of + nearly seventy years, upon the tender mercies of the Indians! In the + spring of 1752, and through the succeeding seasons, the stories of Indian + barbarities inflicted upon the whites in those days, frequently excited in + my parents the most serious alarm for our safety. + </p> + <p> + The next year the storm gathered faster; many murders were committed; and + many captives were exposed to meet death in its most frightful form, by + having their bodies stuck full of pine splinters, which were immediately + set on fire, while their tormentors, exulting in their distress, would + rejoice at their agony! + </p> + <p> + In 1754, an army for the protection of the settlers, and to drive back the + French and Indians, was raised from the militia of the colonial + governments, and placed (secondarily) under the command of Col. George + Washington. In that army I had an uncle, whose name was John Jemison who + was killed at the battle at the Great Meadow or Fort Necessity. His wife + had died some time before this, and left a young child, which my mother + nursed in the most tender manner, till its mother's sister took it away, a + few months after my uncle's death. The French and Indians, after the + surrender of Fort Necessity by Col. Washington, (which happened the same + season, and soon after his victory over them at that place,) grew more and + more terrible. The death of the whites, and plundering and burning their + property, was apparently their only object: But as yet we had not heard + the death-yell, nor seen the smoke of a dwelling that had been lit by an + Indian's hand. + </p> + <p> + The return of a new-year's day found us unmolested; and though we knew + that the enemy was at no great distance from us, my father concluded that + he would continue to occupy his land another season: expecting (probably + from the great exertions which the government was then making) that as + soon as the troops could commence their operations in the spring, the + enemy would be conquered and compelled to agree to a treaty of peace. + </p> + <p> + In the preceding autumn my father either moved to another part of his + farm, or to another neighborhood, a short distance from our former abode. + I well recollect moving, and that the barn that was on the place we moved + to was built of logs, though the house was a good one. + </p> + <p> + The winter of 1754-5 was as mild as a common fall season, and the spring + presented a pleasant seed time, and indicated a plenteous harvest. My + father, with the assistance of his oldest sons, repaired his farm as + usual, and was daily preparing the soil for the reception of the seed. His + cattle and sheep were numerous, and according to the best idea of wealth + that I can now form, he was wealthy. + </p> + <p> + But alas! how transitory are all human affairs! how fleeting are riches! + how brittle the invisible thread on which all earthly comforts are + suspended! Peace in a moment can take an immeasurable flight; health can + lose its rosy cheeks; and life will vanish like a vapor at the appearance + of the sun! In one fatal day our prospects were all blasted; and death, by + cruel hands, inflicted upon almost the whole of the family. + </p> + <p> + On a pleasant day in the spring of 1755, when my father was sowing + flax-seed, and my brothers driving the teams, I was sent to a neighbor's + house, a distance of perhaps a mile, to procure a horse and return with it + the next morning. I went as I was directed. I was out of the house in the + beginning of the evening, and saw a sheet wide spread approaching towards + me, in which I was caught (as I have ever since believed) and deprived of + my senses! The family soon found me on the ground, almost lifeless, (as + they said,) took me in, and made use of every remedy in their power for my + recovery, but without effect till day-break, when my senses returned, and + I soon found myself in good health, so that I went home with the horse + very early in the morning. + </p> + <p> + The appearance of that sheet, I have ever considered as a forerunner of + the melancholy catastrophe that so soon afterwards happened to our family: + and my being caught in it I believe, was ominous of my preservation from + death at the time we were captured. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + Her Education.—Captivity.—Journey to Fort Pitt.—Mother's + Farewell Address.—Murder of her Family.—Preparation of the + Scalps.—Indian Precautions.—Arrival at Fort Pitt, &c. + </p> + <p> + My education had received as much attention from my parents, as their + situation in a new country would admit. I had been at school some, where I + learned to read in a book that was about half as large as a Bible; and in + the Bible I had read a little. I had also learned the Catechism, which I + used frequently to repeat to my parents, and every night, before I went to + bed, I was obliged to stand up before my mother and repeat some words that + I suppose was a prayer. + </p> + <p> + My reading, Catechism and prayers, I have long since forgotten; though for + a number of the first years that I lived with the Indians, I repeated the + prayers as often as I had an opportunity. After the revolutionary war, I + remembered the names of some of the letters when I saw them; but have + never read a word since I was taken prisoner. It is but a few years since + a Missionary kindly gave me a Bible, which I am very fond of hearing my + neighbors read to me, and should be pleased to learn to read it myself; + but my sight has been for a number of years, so dim that I have not been + able to distinguish one letter from another. + </p> + <p> + As I before observed, I got home with the horse very early in the morning, + where I found a man that lived in our neighborhood, and his sister-in-law + who had three children, one son and two daughters. I soon learned that + they had come there to live a short time; but for what purpose I cannot + say. The woman's husband, however, was at that time in Washington's army, + fighting, for his country; and as her brother-in-law had a house she had + lived with him in his absence. Their names I have forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after I got home, the man took the horse to go to his house + after a bag of grain, and took his gun in his hand for the purpose of + killing game, if he should chance to see any.—Our family, as usual, + was busily employed about their common business. Father was shaving an + axe-helve at the side of the house; mother was making preparations for + breakfast;—my two oldest brothers were at work near the barn; and + the little ones, with myself, and the woman and her three children, were + in the house. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast was not yet ready, when we were alarmed by the discharge of a + number of guns, that seemed to be near. Mother and the women before + mentioned, almost fainted at the report, and every one trembled with fear. + On opening the door, the man and horse lay dead near the house, having + just been shot by the Indians. + </p> + <p> + I was afterwards informed, that the Indians discovered him at his own + house with his gun, and pursued him to father's, where they shot him as I + have related. They first secured my father, and then rushed into the + house, and without the least resistance made prisoners of my mother, + Robert, Matthew, Betsey, the woman and her three children, and myself, and + then commenced plundering. + </p> + <p> + My two brothers, Thomas and John, being at the barn, escaped and went to + Virginia, where my grandfather Erwin then lived, as I was informed by a + Mr. Fields, who was at my house about the close of the revolutionary war. + </p> + <p> + The party that took us consisted of six Indians and four Frenchmen, who + immediately commenced plundering, as I just observed, and took what they + considered most valuable; consisting principally of bread, meal and meat. + Having taken as much provision as they could carry, they set out with + their prisoners in great haste, for fear of detection, and soon entered + the woods. On our march that day, an Indian went behind us with a whip, + with which he frequently lashed the children to make them keep up. In this + manner we travelled till dark without a mouthful of food or a drop of + water; although we had not eaten since the night before. Whenever the + little children cried for water, the Indians would make them drink urine + or go thirsty. At night they encamped in the woods without fire and + without shelter, where we were watched with the greatest vigilance. + Extremely fatigued, and very hungry, we were compelled to lie upon the + ground supperless and without a drop of water to satisfy the cravings of + our appetites. As in the day time, so the little ones were made to drink + urine in the night if they cried for water. Fatigue alone brought us a + little sleep for the refreshment of our weary limbs; and at the dawn of + day we were again started on our march in the same order that we had + proceeded on the day before. About sunrise we were halted, and the Indians + gave us a full breakfast of provision that they had brought from my + father's house. Each of us being very hungry, partook of this bounty of + the Indians, except father, who was so much overcome with his situation—so + much exhausted by anxiety and grief, that silent despair seemed fastened + upon his countenance, and he could not be prevailed upon to refresh his + sinking nature by the use of a morsel of food. Our repast being finished, + we again resumed our march, and, before noon passed a small fort that I + heard my father say was called Fort Canagojigge. + </p> + <p> + That was the only time that I heard him speak from the time we were taken + till we were finally separated the following night. + </p> + <p> + Towards evening we arrived at the border of a dark and dismal swamp, which + was covered with small hemlocks, or some other evergreen, and other + bushes, into which we were conducted; and having gone a short distance we + stopped to encamp for the night. + </p> + <p> + Here we had some bread and meat for supper: but the dreariness of our + situation, together with the uncertainty under which we all labored, as to + our future destiny, almost deprived us of the sense of hunger, and + destroyed our relish for food. + </p> + <p> + Mother, from the time we were taken, had manifested a great degree of + fortitude, and encouraged us to support our troubles without complaining; + and by her conversation seemed to make the distance and time shorter, and + the way more smooth. But father lost all his ambition in the beginning of + our trouble, and continued apparently lost to every care—absorbed in + melancholy. Here, as before, she insisted on the necessity of our eating; + and we obeyed her, but it was done with heavy hearts. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I had finished my supper, an Indian took off my shoes and + stockings and put a pair of moccasins on my feet, which my mother + observed; and believing that they would spare my life, even if they should + destroy the other captives, addressed me as near as I can remember in the + following words:— + </p> + <p> + "My dear little Mary, I fear that the time has arrived when we must be + parted forever. Your life, my child, I think will be spared; but we shall + probably be tomahawked here in this lonesome place by the Indians. O! how + can I part with you my darling? What will become of my sweet little Mary? + Oh! how can I think of your being continued in captivity without a hope of + your being rescued? O that death had snatched you from my embraces in your + infancy; the pain of parting then would have been pleasing to what it now + is; and I should have seen the end of your troubles!—Alas, my dear! + my heart bleeds at the thoughts of what awaits you; but, if you leave us, + remember my child your own name, and the name of your father and mother. + Be careful and not forget your English tongue. If you shall have an + opportunity to get away from the Indians, don't try to escape; for if you + do they will find and destroy you. Don't forget, my little daughter, the + prayers that I have learned you—say them often; be a good child, and + God will bless you. May God bless you my child, and make you comfortable + and happy." + </p> + <p> + During this time, the Indians stripped the shoes and stockings from the + little boy that belonged to the woman who was taken with us, and put + moccasins on his feet, as they had done before on mine. I was crying. An + Indian took the little boy and myself by the hand, to lead us off from the + company, when my mother exclaimed, "Don't cry Mary—don't cry my + child. God will bless you! Farewell—farewell!" + </p> + <p> + The Indian led us some distance into the bushes, or woods, and there lay + down with us to spend the night. The recollection of parting with my + tender mother kept me awake, while the tears constantly flowed from my + eyes. A number of times in the night the little boy begged of me earnestly + to run away with him and get clear of the Indians; but remembering the + advice I had so lately received, and knowing the dangers to which we + should be exposed, in travelling without a path and without a guide, + through a wilderness unknown to us, I told him that I would not go, and + persuaded him to lie still till morning. + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning the Indians and Frenchmen that we had left the + night before, came to us; but our friends were left behind. It is + impossible for any one to form a correct idea of what my feelings were at + the sight of those savages, whom I supposed had murdered my parents and + brothers, sister, and friends, and left them in the swamp to be devoured + by wild beasts! But what could I do? A poor little defenceless girl; + without the power or means of escaping; without a home to go to, even if I + could be liberated; without a knowledge of the direction or distance to my + former place of residence; and without a living friend to whom to fly for + protection, I felt a kind of horror, anxiety, and dread, that, to me, + seemed insupportable. I durst not cry—I durst not complain; and to + inquire of them the fate of my friends (even if I could have mustered + resolution) was beyond my ability, as I could not speak their language, + nor they understand mine. My only relief was in silent stifled sobs. + </p> + <p> + My suspicions as to the fate of my parents proved too true; for soon after + I left them they were killed and scalped, together with Robert, Matthew, + Betsey, and the woman and her two children, and mangled in the most + shocking manner. + </p> + <p> + Having given the little boy and myself some bread and meat for breakfast, + they led us on as fast as we could travel, and one of them went behind and + with a long staff, picked up all the grass and weeds that we trailed down + by going over them. By taking that precaution they avoided detection; for + each weed was so nicely placed in its natural position that no one would + have suspected that we had passed that way. It is the custom of Indians + when scouting, or on private expeditions, to step carefully and where no + impression of their feet can be left—shunning wet or muddy ground. + They seldom take hold of a bush or limb, and never break one; and by + observing those precautions and that of setting up the weeds and grass + which they necessarily lop, they completely elude the sagacity of their + pursuers, and escape that punishment which they are conscious they merit + from the hand of justice. + </p> + <p> + After a hard day's march we encamped in a thicket, where the Indians made + a shelter of boughs, and then built a good fire to warm and dry our + benumbed limbs and clothing; for it had rained some through the day. Here + we were again fed as before. When the Indians had finished their supper + they took from their baggage a number of scalps and went about preparing + them for the market, or to keep without spoiling, by straining them over + small hoops which they prepared for that purpose, and then drying and + scraping them by the fire. Having put the scalps, yet wet and bloody, upon + the hoops, and stretched them to their full extent, they held them to the + fire till they were partly dried and then with their knives commenced + scraping off the flesh; and in that way they continued to work, + alternately drying and scraping them, till they were dry and clean. That + being done they combed the hair in the neatest manner, and then painted it + and the edges of the scalps yet on the hoops, red. Those scalps I knew at + the time must have been taken from our family by the color of the hair. My + mother's hair was red; and I could easily distinguish my father's and the + children's from each other. That sight was most appaling; yet, I was + obliged to endure it without complaining. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the night they made me to understand that they should not + have killed the family if the whites had not pursued them. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fields, whom I have before mentioned, informed me that at the time we + were taken, he lived in the vicinity of my father; and that on hearing of + our captivity, the whole neighborhood turned out in pursuit of the enemy, + and to deliver us if possible: but that their efforts were unavailing. + They however pursued us to the dark swamp, where they found my father, his + family and companions, stripped and mangled in the most inhuman manner: + That from thence the march of the cruel monsters could not be traced in + any direction; and that they returned to their homes with the melancholy + tidings of our misfortunes, supposing that we had all shared in the + massacre. + </p> + <p> + The next morning we went on; the Indian going behind us and setting up the + weeds as on the day before. At night we encamped on the ground in the open + air, without a shelter or fire. + </p> + <p> + In the morning we again set out early, and travelled as on the two former + days, though the weather was extremely uncomfortable, from the continual + falling of rain and snow. + </p> + <p> + At night the snow fell fast, and the Indians built a shelter of boughs, + and a fire, where we rested tolerably dry through that and the two + succeeding nights. + </p> + <p> + When we stopped, and before the fire was kindled, I was so much fatigued + from running, and so far benumbed by the wet and cold, that I expected + that I must fail and die before I could get warm and comfortable. The + fire, however, soon restored the circulation, and after I had taken my + supper I felt so that I rested well through the night. + </p> + <p> + On account of the storm, we were two days at that place. On one of those + days, a party consisting of six Indians who had been to the frontier + settlements, came to where we were, and brought with them one prisoner, a + young white man who was very tired and dejected. His name I have + forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Misery certainly loves company. I was extremely glad to see him, though I + knew from his appearance, that his situation was as deplorable as mine, + and that he could afford me no kind of assistance. In the afternoon the + Indians killed a deer, which they dressed, and then roasted it whole; + which made them a full meal. We were each allowed a share of their + venison, and some bread, so that we made a good meal also. + </p> + <p> + Having spent three nights and two days at that place, and the storm having + ceased, early in the morning the whole company, consisting of twelve + Indians, four Frenchmen, the young man, the little boy and myself, moved + on at a moderate pace without an Indian behind us to deceive our pursuers. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon we came in sight of Fort Pitt (as it is now called,) + where we were halted while the Indians performed some customs upon their + prisoners which they deemed necessary. That fort was then occupied by the + French and Indians, and was called Fort Du Quesne. It stood at the + junction of the Monongahela, which is said to signify, in some of the + Indian languages, the Falling-in-Banks, [Footnote: Navigator.] and the + Alleghany [Footnote: The word Alleghenny, was derived from an ancient race + of Indians called "Tallegawe." The Delaware Indians, instead of saying + "Alleghenny," say "Allegawe," or "Allegawenink," <i>Western Tour</i>—p. + 455.] rivers, where the Ohio river begins to take its name. The word + O-hi-o, signifies bloody. + </p> + <p> + At the place where we halted, the Indians combed the hair of the young + man, the boy and myself, and then painted our faces and hair red, in the + finest Indian style. We were then conducted into the fort, where we + received a little bread, and were then shut up and left to tarry alone + through the night. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + She is given to two Squaws.—Her Journey down the Ohio.—Passes + a Shawanee town where white men had just been burnt.—Arrives at the + Seneca town.—Her Reception.—She is adopted.—Ceremony of + Adoption.—Indian Custom.—Address.—She receives a new + name.—Her Employment.—Retains her own and learns the Seneca + Language.—Situation of the Town, &c.—Indians go on a + Hunting Tour to Sciota and take her with them.—Returns.—She is + taken to Fort Pitt, and then hurried back by her Indian Sisters.—Her + hopes of Liberty destroyed.—Second Tour to Sciota.—Return to + Wiishto, &c.—Arrival of Prisoners.—Priscilla Ramsay.—Her + Chain.—Mary marries a Delaware.—Her Affection for him.—Birth + and Death of her first Child.—Her Sickness and Recovery.—Birth + of Thomas Jemison. + </p> + <p> + The night was spent in gloomy forebodings. What the result of our + captivity would be, it was out of our power to determine or even imagine.—At + times we could almost realize the approach of our masters to butcher and + scalp us;—again we could nearly see the pile of wood kindled on + which we were to be roasted; and then we would imagine ourselves at + liberty; alone and defenceless in the forest, surrounded by wild beasts + that were ready to devour us. The anxiety of our minds drove sleep from + our eyelids; and it was with a dreadful hope and painful impatience that + we waited for the morning to determine our fate. + </p> + <p> + The morning at length arrived, and our masters came early and let us out + of the house, and gave the young man and boy to the French, who + immediately took them away. Their fate I never learned; as I have not seen + nor heard of them since. + </p> + <p> + I was now left alone in the fort, deprived of my former companions, and of + every thing that was near or dear to me but life. But it was not long + before I was in some measure relieved by the appearance of two pleasant + looking squaws of the Seneca tribe, who came and examined me attentively + for a short time, and then went out. After a few minutes absence they + returned with my former masters, who gave me to them to dispose of as they + pleased. + </p> + <p> + The Indians by whom I was taken were a party of Shawanees, if I remember + right, that lived, when at home, a long distance down the Ohio. + </p> + <p> + My former Indian masters, and the two squaws, were soon ready to leave the + fort, and accordingly embarked; the Indians in a large canoe, and the two + squaws and myself in a small one, and went down the Ohio. + </p> + <p> + When we set off, an Indian in the forward canoe took the scalps of my + former friends, strung them on a pole that he placed upon his shoulder, + and in that manner carried them, standing in the stern of the canoe, + directly before us as we sailed down the river, to the town where the two + squaws resided. + </p> + <p> + On our way we passed a Shawanee town, where I saw a number of heads, arms, + legs, and other fragments of the bodies of some white people who had just + been burnt. The parts that remained were hanging on a pole which was + supported at each end by a crotch stuck in the ground, and were roasted or + burnt black as a coal. The fire was yet burning; and the whole appearances + afforded a spectacle so shocking, that, even to this day, my blood almost + curdles in my veins when I think of them! + </p> + <p> + At night we arrived at a small Seneca Indian town, at the mouth of a small + river, that was called by the Indians, in the Seneca language, + She-nan-jee, [Footnote: That town, according to the geographical + description given by Mrs. Jemison, must have stood at the mouth of Indian + Cross creek, which is about 76 miles by water, below Pittsburgh; or at the + mouth of Indian Short creek, 87 miles below Pittsburgh, where the town of + Warren now stands: But at which of those places I am unable to determine. + <i>Author</i>.] where the two Squaws to whom I belonged resided. There we + landed, and the Indians went on; which was the last I ever saw of them. + </p> + <p> + Having made fast to the shore, the Squaws left me in the canoe while they + went to their wigwam or house in the town, and returned with a suit of + Indian clothing, all new, and very clean and nice. My clothes, though + whole and good when I was taken, were now torn in pieces, so that I was + almost naked. They first undressed me and threw my rags into the river; + then washed me clean and dressed me in the new suit they had just brought, + in complete Indian style; and then led me home and seated me in the center + of their wigwam. + </p> + <p> + I had been in that situation but a few minutes before all the Squaws in + the town came in to see me. I was soon surrounded by them, and they + immediately set up a most dismal howling, crying bitterly, and wringing + their hands in all the agonies of grief for a deceased relative. + </p> + <p> + Their tears flowed freely, and they exhibited all the signs of real + mourning. At the commencement of this scene, one of their number began, in + a voice somewhat between speaking and singing, to recite some words to the + following purport, and continued the recitation till the ceremony was + ended; the company at the same time varying the appearance of their + countenances, gestures and tone of voice, so as to correspond with the + sentiments expressed by their leader: + </p> + <p> + "Oh our brother! Alas! He is dead—he has gone; he will never return! + Friendless he died on the field of the slain, where his bones are yet + lying unburied! Oh, who will not mourn his sad fate? No tears dropped + around him; oh, no! No tears of his sisters were there! He fell in his + prime, when his arm was most needed to keep us from danger! Alas! he has + gone! and left us in sorrow, his loss to bewail: Oh where is his spirit? + His spirit went naked, and hungry it wanders, and thirsty and wounded it + groans to return! Oh helpless and wretched, our brother has gone! No + blanket nor food to nourish and warm him; nor candles to light him, nor + weapons of war:—Oh, none of those comforts had he! But well we + remember his deeds!—The deer he could take on the chase! The panther + shrunk back at the sight of his strength! His enemies fell at his feet! He + was brave and courageous in war! As the fawn was harmless: his friendship + was ardent: his temper was gentle: his pity was great! Oh! our friend, our + companion is dead! Our brother, your brother, alas! he is gone! But why do + we grieve for his loss? In the strength of a warrior, undaunted he left + us, to fight by the side of the Chiefs! His war-whoop was shrill! His + rifle well aimed laid his enemies low: his tomahawk drank of their blood: + and his knife flayed their scalps while yet covered with gore! And why do + we mourn? Though he fell on the field of the slain, with glory he fell, + and his spirit went up to the land of his fathers in war! Then why do we + mourn? With transports of joy they received him, and fed him, and clothed + him, and welcomed him there! Oh friends, he is happy; then dry up your + tears! His spirit has seen our distress, and sent us a helper whom with + pleasure we greet. Dickewamis has come: then let us receive her with joy! + She is handsome and pleasant! Oh! she is our sister, and gladly we welcome + her here. In the place of our brother she stands in our tribe. With care + we will guard her from trouble; and may she be happy till her spirit shall + leave us." + </p> + <p> + In the course of that ceremony, from mourning they became serene—joy + sparkled in their countenances, and they seemed to rejoice over me as over + a long lost child. I was made welcome amongst them as a sister to the two + Squaws before mentioned, and was called Dickewamis; which being + interpreted, signifies a pretty girl, a handsome girl, or a pleasant, good + thing. That is the name by which I have ever since been called by the + Indians. + </p> + <p> + I afterwards learned that the ceremony I at that time passed through, was + that of adoption. The two squaws had lost a brother in Washington's war, + sometime in the year before and in consequence of his death went up to + Fort Pitt, on the day on which I arrived there, in order to receive a + prisoner or an enemy's scalp, to supply their loss. + </p> + <p> + It is a custom of the Indians, when one of their number is slain or taken + prisoner in battle, to give to the nearest relative to the dead or absent, + a prisoner, if they have chanced to take one, and if not, to give him the + scalp of an enemy. On the return of the Indians from conquest, which is + always announced by peculiar shoutings, demonstrations of joy, and the + exhibition of some trophy of victory, the mourners come forward and make + their claims. If they receive a prisoner, it is at their option either to + satiate their vengeance by taking his life in the most cruel manner they + can conceive of; or, to receive and adopt him into the family, in the + place of him whom they have lost. All the prisoners that are taken in + battle and carried to the encampment or town by the Indians, are given to + the bereaved families, till their number is made good. + </p> + <p> + And unless the mourners have but just received the news of their + bereavement, and are under the operation of a paroxysm of grief, anger and + revenge; or, unless the prisoner is very old, sickly, or homely, they + generally save him, and treat him kindly. But if their mental wound is + fresh, their loss so great that they deem it irreparable, or if their + prisoner or prisoners do not meet their approbation, no torture, let it be + ever so cruel, seems sufficient to make them satisfaction. It is family, + and not national, sacrifices amongst the Indians, that has given them an + indelible stamp as barbarians, and identified their character with the + idea which is generally formed of unfeeling ferocity, and the most + abandoned cruelty. + </p> + <p> + It was my happy lot to be accepted for adoption; and at the time of the + ceremony I was received by the two squaws, to supply the place of their + brother in the family; and I was ever considered and treated by them as a + real sister, the same as though I had been born of their mother. + </p> + <p> + During my adoption, I sat motionless, nearly terrified to death at the + appearance and actions of the company, expecting every moment to feel + their vengeance, and suffer death on the spot. I was, however, happily + disappointed, when at the close of the ceremony the company retired, and + my sisters went about employing every means for my consolation and + comfort. + </p> + <p> + Being now settled and provided with a home, I was employed in nursing the + children, and doing light work about the house. Occasionally I was sent + out with the Indian hunters, when they went but a short distance, to help + them carry their game. + </p> + <p> + My situation was easy; I had no particular hardships to endure. But still, + the recollection of my parents, my brothers and sisters, my home, and my + own captivity, destroyed my happiness, and made me constantly solitary, + lonesome and gloomy. + </p> + <p> + My sisters would not allow me to speak English in their hearing; but + remembering the charge that my dear mother gave me at the time I left her, + whenever I chanced to be alone I made a business of repeating my prayer, + catechism, or something I had learned in order that I might not forget my + own language. By practising in that way I retained it till I came to + Genesee flats, where I soon became acquainted with English people with + whom I have been almost daily in the habit of conversing. + </p> + <p> + My sisters were diligent in teaching me their language; and to their great + satisfaction I soon learned so that I could understand it readily, and + speak it fluently. I was very fortunate in falling into their hands; for + they were kind good natured women; peaceable and mild in their + dispositions; temperate and decent in their habits, and very tender and + gentle towards me. I have great reason to respect them, though they have + been dead a great number of years. + </p> + <p> + The town where they lived was pleasantly situated on the Ohio, at the + mouth of the Shenanjee: the land produced good corn; the woods furnished a + plenty of game, and the waters abounded with fish. Another river emptied + itself into the Ohio, directly opposite the mouth of the Shenanjee. We + spent the summer at that place, where we planted, hoed, and harvested a + large crop of corn, of an excellent quality. + </p> + <p> + About the time of corn harvest, Fort Pitt was taken from the French by the + English. [Footnote: The above statement is apparently an error; and is to + be attributed solely to the treachery of the old lady's memory; though she + is confident that that event took place at the time above mentioned. It is + certain that Fort Pitt was not evacuated by the French and given up to the + English, till sometime in November, 1758. It is possible, however, that an + armistice was agreed upon, and that for a time, between the spring of 1755 + and 1758, both nations visited that post without fear of molestation. As + the succeeding part of the narrative corresponds with the true historical + chain of events, the public will overlook this circumstance, which appears + unsupported by history. AUTHOR.] + </p> + <p> + The corn being harvested, the Indians took it on horses and in canoes, and + proceeded down the Ohio, occasionally stopping to hunt a few days, till we + arrived at the mouth of Sciota river; where they established their winter + quarters, and continued hunting till the ensuing spring, in the adjacent + wilderness. While at that place I went with the other children to assist + the hunters to bring in their game. The forests on the Sciota were well + stocked with elk, deer, and other large animals; and the marshes contained + large numbers of beaver, muskrat, &c. which made excellent hunting for + the Indians; who depended, for their meat, upon their success in taking + elk and deer; and for ammunition and clothing, upon the beaver, muskrat, + and other furs that they could take in addition to their peltry. + </p> + <p> + The season for hunting being passed, we all returned in the spring to the + mouth of the river Shenanjee, to the houses and fields we had left in the + fall before. There we again planted our corn, squashes, and beans, on the + fields that we occupied the preceding summer. + </p> + <p> + About planting time, our Indians all went up to Fort Pitt, to make peace + with the British, and took me with them. [Footnote: History is silent as + to any treaty having been made between the English, and French and + Indians, at that time; though it is possible that a truce was agreed upon, + and that the parties met for the purpose of concluding a treaty of peace.] + We landed on the opposite side of the river from the fort, and encamped + for the night. Early the next morning the Indians took me over to the fort + to see the white people that were there. It was then that my heart bounded + to be liberated from the Indians and to be restored to my friends and my + country. The white people were surprized to see me with the Indians, + enduring the hardships of a savage life, at so early an age, and with so + delicate a constitution as I appeared to possess. They asked me my name; + where and when I was taken—and appeared very much interested on my + behalf. They were continuing their inquiries, when my sisters became + alarmed, believing that I should be taken from them, hurried me into their + canoe and recrossed the river—took their bread out of the fire and + fled with me, without stopping, till they arrived at the river Shenanjee. + So great was their fear of losing me, or of my being given up in the + treaty, that they never once stopped rowing till they got home. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after we left the shore opposite the fort, as I was informed by + one of my Indian brothers, the white people came over to take me back; but + after considerable inquiry, and having made diligent search to find where + I was hid, they returned with heavy hearts. Although I had then been with + the Indians something over a year, and had become considerably habituated + to their mode of living, and attached to my sisters, the sight of white + people who could speak English inspired me with an unspeakable anxiety to + go home with them, and share in the blessings of civilization. My sudden + departure and escape from them, seemed like a second captivity, and for a + long time I brooded the thoughts of my miserable situation with almost as + much sorrow and dejection as I had done those of my first sufferings. + Time, the destroyer of every affection, wore away my unpleasant feelings, + and I became as contented as before. + </p> + <p> + We tended our cornfields through the summer; and after we had harvested + the crop, we again went down the river to the hunting ground on the + Sciota, where we spent the winter, as we had done the winter before. + </p> + <p> + Early in the spring we sailed up the Ohio river, to a place that the + Indians called Wiishto, [Footnote: Wiishto I suppose was situated near the + mouth of Indian Guyundat, 327 miles below Pittsburgh, and 73 above Big + Sciota; or at the mouth of Swan creek, 307 miles below Pittsburgh.] where + one river emptied into the Ohio on one side, and another on the other. At + that place the Indians built a town, and we planted corn. + </p> + <p> + We lived three summers at Wiishto, and spent each winter on the Sciota. + </p> + <p> + The first summer of our living at Wiishto, a party of Delaware Indians + came up the river, took up their residence, and lived in common with us. + They brought five white prisoners with them, who by their conversation, + made my situation much more agreeable, as they could all speak English. I + have forgotten the names of all of them except one, which was Priscilla + Ramsay. She was a very handsome, good natured girl, and was married soon + after she came to Wiishto to Capt. Little Billy's uncle, who went with her + on a visit to her friends in the states. Having tarried with them as long + as she wished to, she returned with her husband to Can-a-ah-tua, where he + died. She, after his death, married a white man by the name of Nettles, + and now lives with him (if she is living) on Grand River, Upper Canada. + </p> + <p> + Not long after the Delawares came to live with us, at Wiishto, my sisters + told me that I must go and live with one of them, whose name was + Sheninjee. Not daring to cross them, or disobey their commands, with a + great degree of reluctance I went; and Sheninjee and I were married + according to Indian custom. + </p> + <p> + Sheninjee was a noble man; large in stature; elegant in his appearance; + generous in his conduct; courageous in war; a friend to peace, and a great + lover of justice. He supported a degree of dignity far above his rank, and + merited and received the confidence and friendship of all the tribes with + whom he was acquainted. Yet, Sheninjee was an Indian. The idea of spending + my days with him, at first seemed perfectly irreconcilable to my feelings: + but his good nature, generosity, tenderness, and friendship towards me, + soon gained my affection; and, strange as it may seem, I loved him!—To + me he was ever kind in sickness, and always treated me with gentleness; in + fact, he was an agreeable husband, and a comfortable companion. + </p> + <p> + We lived happily together till the time of our final separation, which + happened two or three years after our marriage, as I shall presently + relate. + </p> + <p> + In the second summer of my living at Wiishto, I had a child at the time + that the kernels of corn first appeared on the cob. When I was taken sick, + Sheninjee was absent, and I was sent to a small shed, on the bank of the + river, which was made of boughs, where I was obliged to stay till my + husband returned. My two sisters, who were my only companions, attended + me, and on the second day of my confinement my child was born but it lived + only two days. It was a girl: and notwithstanding the shortness of the + time that I possessed it, it was a great grief to me to lose it. + </p> + <p> + After the birth of my child, I was very sick, but was not allowed to go + into the house for two weeks; when, to my great joy, Sheninjee returned, + and I was taken in and as comfortably provided for as our situation would + admit of. My disease continued to increase for a number of days; and I + became so far reduced that my recovery was despaired of by my friends, and + I concluded that my troubles would soon be finished. At length, however, + my complaint took a favorable turn, and by the time that the corn was ripe + I was able to get about. I continued to gain my health, and in the fall + was able to go to our winter quarters, on the Sciota, with the Indians. + </p> + <p> + From that time, nothing remarkable occurred to me till the fourth winter + of my captivity, when I had a son born, while I was at Sciota: I had a + quick recovery, and my child was healthy. To commemorate the name of my + much lamented father, I called my son Thomas Jemison. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + She leaves Wiishto for Fort Pitt, in company with her Husband.—Her + feelings on setting out.—Contrast between the labor of the white and + Indian Women.—Deficiency of Arts amongst the Indians.—Their + former Happiness.—Baneful effects of Civilization, and the + introduction of ardent Spirits amongst them, &c.—Journey up the + River.—Murder of three Traders by the Shawnees.—Her Husband + stops at a Trading House.—Wantonness of the Shawnees.—Moves up + the Sandusky.—Meets her Brother from Ge-nish-a-u.—Her Husband + goes to Wiishto, and she sets out for Genishau in company with her + Brothers.—They arrive at Sandusky.—Occurrences at that place.—Her + Journey to Genishau, and Reception by her Mother and Friends. + </p> + <p> + In the spring, when Thomas was three or four moons [months] old, we + returned from Sciota to Wiishto, and soon after set out to go to Fort + Pitt, to dispose of our fur and skins, that we had taken in the winter, + and procure some necessary articles for the use of our family. + </p> + <p> + I had then been with the Indians four summers and four winters, and had + become so far accustomed to their mode of living, habits and dispositions, + that my anxiety to get away, to be set at liberty, and leave them, had + almost subsided. With them was my home; my family was there, and there I + had many friends to whom I was warmly attached in consideration of the + favors, affection and friendship with which they had uniformly treated me, + from the time of my adoption. Our labor was not severe; and that of one + year was exactly similar, in almost every respect, to that of the others, + without that endless variety that is to be observed in the common labor of + the white people. Notwithstanding the Indian women have all the fuel and + bread to procure, and the cooking to perform, their task is probably not + harder than that of white women, who have those articles provided for + them; and their cares certainly are not half as numerous, nor as great. In + the summer season, we planted, tended and harvested our corn, and + generally had all our children with us; but had no master to oversee or + drive us, so that we could work as leisurely as we pleased. We had no + ploughs on the Ohio; but performed the whole process of planting and + hoeing with a small tool that resembled, in some respects, a hoe with a + very short handle. + </p> + <p> + Our cooking consisted in pounding our corn into samp or hommany, boiling + the hommany, making now and then a cake and baking it in the ashes, and in + boiling or roasting our venison. As our cooking and eating utensils + consisted of a hommany block and pestle, a small kettle, a knife or two, + and a few vessels of bark or wood, it required but little time to keep + them in order for use. + </p> + <p> + Spinning, weaving, sewing, stocking knitting, and the like, are arts which + have never been practised in the Indian tribes generally. After the + revolutionary war, I learned to sew, so that I could make my own clothing + after a poor fashion; but the other domestic arts I have been wholly + ignorant of the application of, since my captivity. In the season of + hunting, it was our business, in addition to our cooking, to bring home + the game that was taken by the Indians, dress it, and carefully preserve + the eatable meat, and prepare or dress the skins. Our clothing was + fastened together with strings of deer skin, and tied on with the same. + </p> + <p> + In that manner we lived, without any of those jealousies, quarrels, and + revengeful battles between families and individuals, which have been + common in the Indian tribes since the introduction of ardent spirits + amongst them. + </p> + <p> + The use of ardent spirits amongst the Indians, and the attempts which have + been made to civilize and christianize them by the white people, has + constantly made them worse and worse; increased their vices, and robbed + them of many of their virtues; and will ultimately produce their + extermination. I have seen, in a number of instances, the effects of + education upon some of our Indians, who were taken when young, from their + families, and placed at school before they had had an opportunity to + contract many Indian habits, and there kept till they arrived to manhood; + but I have never seen one of those but what was an Indian in every respect + after he returned. Indians must and will be Indians, In spite of all the + means that can be used for their cultivation in the sciences and arts. + </p> + <p> + One thing only marred my happiness, while I lived with them on the Ohio; + and that was the recollection that I had once had tender parents, and a + home that I loved. Aside from that consideration, or, if I had been taken + in infancy, I should have been contented in my situation. Notwithstanding + all that has been said against the Indians, in consequence of their + cruelties to their enemies—cruelties that I have witnessed, and had + abundant proof of—it is a fact that they are naturally kind, tender + and peaceable towards their friends, and strictly honest; and that those + cruelties have been practised, only upon their enemies, according to their + idea of justice. + </p> + <p> + At the time we left Wiishto, it was impossible for me to suppress a sigh + of regret on parting with those who had truly been my friends—with + those whom I had every reason to respect. On account of a part of our + family living at Genishau, we thought it doubtful whether we should return + directly from Pittsburgh, or go from thence on a visit to see them. + </p> + <p> + Our company consisted of my husband, my two Indian brothers, my little son + and myself. We embarked in a canoe that was large enough to contain + ourselves, and our effects, and proceeded on our voyage up the river. + </p> + <p> + Nothing remarkable occurred to us on our way, till we arrived at the mouth + of a creek which Sheninjee and my brother said was the outlet of Sandusky + lake; where, as they said, two or three English traders in fur and skins + had kept a trading house but a short time before, though they were then + absent. We had passed the trading house but a short distance, when we met + three white men floating down the river, with the appearance of having + been recently murdered by the Indians, we supposed them to be the bodies + of the traders, whose store we had passed the same day. Sheninjee being + alarmed for fear of being apprehended as one of the murderers, if he + should go on, resolved to put about immediately, and we accordingly + returned to where the traders had lived, and there landed. + </p> + <p> + At the trading house we found a party of Shawnee Indians, who had taken a + young white man prisoner, and had just begun to torture him for the sole + purpose of gratifying their curiosity in exulting at his distress. They at + first made him stand up, while they slowly pared his ears and split them + into strings; they then made a number of slight incisions in his face; and + then bound him upon the ground, rolled him in the dirt, and rubbed it in + his wounds: some of them at the same time whipping him with small rods! + The poor fellow cried for mercy and yelled most piteously. + </p> + <p> + The sight of his distress seemed too much for me to endure: I begged of + them to desist—I entreated them with tears to release him. At length + they attended to my intercessions, and set him at liberty. He was + shockingly disfigured, bled profusely, and appeared to be in great pain: + but as soon as he was liberated he made off in haste, which was the last I + saw of him. + </p> + <p> + We soon learned that the same party of Shawnees had, but a few hours + before, massacred the three white traders whom we saw in the river, and + had plundered their store. We, however, were not molested by them, and + after a short stay at that place, moved up the creek about forty miles to + a Shawnee town, which the Indians called Gaw-gush-shaw-ga, (which being + interpreted signifies a mask or a false face.) The creek that we went up + was called Candusky. + </p> + <p> + It was now summer; and having tarried a few days at Gawgushshawga, we + moved on up the creek to a place that was called Yis-kah-wa-na, (meaning + in English open mouth.) + </p> + <p> + As I have before observed, the family to which I belonged was part of a + tribe of Seneca Indians, who lived, at that time, at a place called + Genishau, from the name of the tribe, that was situated on a river of the + same name which is now called Genesee. The word Genishau signifies a + shining, clear or open place. Those of us who lived on the Ohio, had + frequently received invitations from those at Genishau, by one of my + brothers, who usually went and returned every season, to come and live + with them, and my two sisters had been gone almost two years. + </p> + <p> + While we were at Yiskahwana, my brother arrived there from Genishau, and + insisted so strenuously upon our going home (as he called it) with him, + that my two brothers concluded to go, and to take me with them. + </p> + <p> + By this time the summer was gone, and the time for harvesting corn had + arrived. My brothers, for fear of the rainy season setting in early, + thought it best to set out immediately that we might have good travelling. + Sheninjee consented to have me go with my brothers; but concluded to go + down the river himself with some fur and skins which he had on hand, spend + the winter in hunting with his friends, and come to me in the spring + following. + </p> + <p> + That was accordingly agreed upon, and he set out for Wiishto; and my three + brothers and myself, with my little son on my back, at the same time set + out for Genishau. We came on to Upper Sandusky, to an Indian town that we + found deserted by its inhabitants, in consequence of their having recently + murdered some English traders, who resided amongst them. That town was + owned and had been occupied by Delaware Indians, who, when they left it, + buried their provision in the earth, in order to preserve it from their + enemies, or to have a supply for themselves if they should chance to + return. My brothers understood the customs of the Indians when they were + obliged to fly from their enemies; and suspecting that their corn at least + must have been hid, made diligent search, and at length found a large + quantity of it, together with beans, sugar and honey, so carefully buried + that it was completely dry and as good as when they left it. As our stock + of provision was scanty, we considered ourselves extremely fortunate in + finding so seasonable a supply, with so little trouble. Having caught two + or three horses, that we found there, and furnished ourselves with a good + store of food, we travelled on till we came to the mouth of French Creek, + where we hunted two days, and from thence came on to Conowongo Creek, + where we were obliged to stay seven or ten days, in consequence of our + horses having left us and straying into the woods. The horses, however, + were found, and we again prepared to resume our journey. During our stay + at that place the rain fell fast, and had raised the creek to such a + height that it was seemingly impossible for us to cross it. A number of + times we ventured in, but were compelled to return, barely escaping with + our lives. At length we succeeded in swimming our horses and reached the + opposite shore; though I but just escaped with my little boy from being + drowned. From Sandusky the path that we travelled was crooked and obscure; + but was tolerably well understood by my oldest brother, who had travelled + it a number of times, when going to and returning from the Cherokee wars. + The fall by this time was considerably advanced, and the rains, attended + with cold winds, continued daily to increase the difficulties of + travelling. From Conowongo we came to a place, called by the Indians + Che-ua-shung-gau-tau, and from that to U-na-waum-gwa, (which means an + eddy, not strong), where the early frosts had destroyed the corn so that + the Indians were in danger of starving for the want of bread. Having + rested ourselves two days at that place, we came on to Caneadea and stayed + one day, and then continued our march till we arrived at Genishau. + Genishau at that time was a large Seneca town, thickly inhabited, lying on + Genesee river, opposite what is now called the Free Ferry, adjoining + Fall-Brook, and about south west of the present village of Geneseo, the + county seat for the county of Livingston, in the state of New-York. + </p> + <p> + Those only who have travelled on foot the distance of five or six hundred + miles, through an almost pathless wilderness, can form an idea of the + fatigue and sufferings that I endured on that journey. My clothing was + thin and illy calculated to defend me from the continually drenching rains + with which I was daily completely wet, and at night with nothing but my + wet blanket to cover me, I had to sleep on the naked ground, and generally + without a shelter, save such as nature had provided. In addition to all + that, I had to carry my child, then about nine months old, every step of + the journey on my back, or in my arms, and provide for his comfort and + prevent his suffering, as far as my poverty of means would admit. Such was + the fatigue that I sometimes felt, that I thought it impossible for me to + go through, and I would almost abandon the idea of even trying to proceed. + My brothers were attentive, and at length, as I have stated, we reached + our place of destination, in good health, and without having experienced a + day's sickness from the time we left Yiskahwana. + </p> + <p> + We were kindly received by my Indian mother and the other members of the + family, who appeared to make me welcome; and my two sisters, whom I had + not seen in two years, received me with every expression of love and + friendship, and that they really felt what they expressed, I have never + had the least reason to doubt. The warmth of their feelings, the kind + reception which I met with, and the continued favors that I received at + their hands, rivetted my affection for them so strongly that I am + constrained to believe that I loved them as I should have loved my own + sister had she lived, and I had been brought up with her. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + Indians march to Niagara to fight the British.—Return with two + Prisoners, &c.—Sacrifice them at Fall-Brook.—Her Indian + Mother's Address to her Daughter.—Death of her Husband.—Bounty + offered for the Prisoners taken in the last war.—John Van Sice + attempts to take her to procure her Ransom.—Her Escape.—Edict + of the Chiefs.—Old King of the tribe determines to have her given + up.—Her brother threatens her Life.—Her narrow Escape.—The + old King goes off.—Her brother is informed of the place of her + concealment, and conducts her home.—Marriage to her second Husband.—Names + of her Children. + </p> + <p> + When we arrived at Genishau, the Indians of that tribe were making active + preparations for joining the French, in order to assist them in retaking + Fort Ne-a-gaw (as Fort Niagara was called in the Seneca language) from the + British, who had taken it from the French in the month preceding. They + marched off the next day after our arrival, painted and accoutred in all + the habiliments of Indian warfare, determined on death or victory; and + joined the army in season to assist in accomplishing a plan that had been + previously concerted for the destruction of a part of the British army. + The British feeling themselves secure in the possession of Fort Neagaw, + and unwilling that their enemies should occupy any of the military posts + in that quarter, determined to take Fort Schlosser, lying a few miles up + the river from Neagaw, which they expected to effect with but little loss. + Accordingly a detachment of soldiers, sufficiently numerous, as was + supposed, was sent out to take it, leaving a strong garrison in the fort, + and marched off, well prepared to effect their object. But on their way + they were surrounded by the French and Indians, who lay in ambush to + deceive them, and were driven off the bank of the river into a place + called the "Devil's Hole," together with their horses, carriages, + artillery, and every thing pertaining to the army. Not a single man + escaped being driven off, and of the whole number one only was fortunate + enough to escape with his life. [Footnote: For the particulars of that + event, see Appendix, No. 1.] Our Indians were absent but a few days, and + returned in triumph, bringing with them two white prisoners, and a number + of oxen. Those were the first neat cattle that were ever brought to the + Genesee flats. + </p> + <p> + The next day after their return to Genishau, was set apart as a day of + feasting and frolicing, at the expence of the lives of their two + unfortunate prisoners, on whom they purposed to glut their revenge, and + satisfy their love for retaliation upon their enemies. My sister was + anxious to attend the execution, and to take me with her, to witness the + customs of the warriors, as it was one of the highest kind of frolics ever + celebrated in their tribe, and one that was not often attended with so + much pomp and parade as it was expected that would be. I felt a kind of + anxiety to witness the scene, having never attended an execution, and yet + I felt a kind of horrid dread that made my heart revolt, and inclined me + to step back rather than support the idea of advancing. On the morning of + the execution she made her intention of going to the frolic, and taking me + with her, known to our mother, who in the most feeling terms, remonstrated + against a step at once so rash and unbecoming the true dignity of our sex: + </p> + <p> + "How, my daughter, (said she, addressing my sister,) how can you even + think of attending the feast and seeing the unspeakable torments that + those poor unfortunate prisoners must inevitably suffer from the hands of + our warriors? How can you stand and see them writhing in the warriors' + fire, in all the agonies of a slow, a lingering death? + </p> + <p> + "How can you think of enduring the sound of their groanings and prayers to + the Great Spirit for sudden deliverance from their enemies, or from life? + And how can you think of conducting to that melancholy spot your poor + sister Dickewamis, (meaning myself), who has so lately been a prisoner, + who has lost her parents and brothers by the hands of the bloody warriors, + and who has felt all the horrors of the loss of her freedom, in lonesome + captivity? Oh! how can you think of making her bleed at the wounds which + now are but partially healed? The recollection of her former troubles + would deprive us of Dickewamis, and she would depart to the fields of the + blessed, where fighting has ceased, and the corn needs no tending—where + hunting is easy, the forests delightful, the summers are pleasant, and the + winters are mild!—O! think once, my daughter, how soon you may have + a brave brother made prisoner in battle, and sacrificed to feast the + ambition of the enemies of his kindred, and leave us to mourn for the loss + of a friend, a son and a brother, whose bow brought us venison, and + supplied us with blankets!—Our task is quite easy at home, and our + business needs our attention. With war we have nothing to do: our husbands + and brothers are proud to defend us, and their hearts beat with ardor to + meet our proud foes. Oh! stay then, my daughter; let our warriors alone + perform on their victims their customs of war!" + </p> + <p> + This speech of our mother had the desired effect; we stayed at home and + attended to our domestic concerns. The prisoners, however, were executed + by having their heads taken off, their bodies cut in pieces and shockingly + mangled, and then burnt to ashes!—They were burnt on the north side + of Fall-brook, directly opposite the town which was on the south side, + some time in the month of November, 1759. + </p> + <p> + I spent the winter comfortably, and as agreeably as I could have expected + to, in the absence of my kind husband. Spring at length appeared, but + Sheninjee was yet away; summer came on, but my husband had not found me. + Fearful forebodings haunted my imagination; yet I felt confident that his + affection for me was so great that if he was alive he would follow me and + I should again see him. In the course of the summer, however, I received + intelligence that soon after he left me at Yiskahwana he was taken sick + and died at Wiishto. This was a heavy and an unexpected blow. I was now in + my youthful days left a widow, with one son, and entirely dependent on + myself for his and my support. My mother and her family gave me all the + consolation in their power, and in a few months nay grief wore off and I + became contented. + </p> + <p> + In a year or two after this, according to my best recollection of the + time, the King of England offered a bounty to those who would bring in the + prisoners that had been taken in the war, to some military post where they + might be redeemed and set at liberty. + </p> + <p> + John Van Sice, a Dutchman, who had frequently been at our place, and was + well acquainted with every prisoner at Genishau, resolved to take me to + Niagara, that I might there receive my liberty and he the offered bounty. + I was notified of his intention; but as I was fully determined not to be + redeemed at that time, especially with his assistance, I carefully watched + his movements in order to avoid falling into his hands. It so happened, + however, that he saw me alone at work in a corn-field, and thinking + probably that he could secure me easily, ran towards me in great haste. I + espied him at some distance, and well knowing the amount of his errand, + run from him with all the speed I was mistress of, and never once stopped + till I reached Gardow. [Footnote: I have given this orthography, because + it corresponds with the popular pronunciation.] He gave up the chase, and + returned: but I, fearing that he might be lying in wait for me, stayed + three days and three nights in an old cabin at Gardow, and then went back + trembling at every step for fear of being apprehended. I got home without + difficulty; and soon after, the chiefs in council having learned the cause + of my elopement, gave orders that I should not be taken to any military + post without my consent; and that as it was my choice to stay, I should + live amongst them quietly and undisturbed. But, notwithstanding the will + of the chiefs, it was but a few days before the old king of our tribe told + one of my Indian brothers that I should be redeemed, and he would take me + to Niagara himself. In reply to the old king, my brother said that I + should not be given up; but that, as it was my wish, I should stay with + the tribe as long as I was pleased to. Upon this a serious quarrel ensued + between them, in which my brother frankly told him that sooner than I + should be taken by force, he would kill me with his own hands!—Highly + enraged at the old king; my brother came to my sister's house, where I + resided, and informed her of all that had passed respecting me; and that, + if the old king should attempt to take me, as he firmly believed he would, + he would immediately take my life, and hazard the consequences. He + returned to the old king. As soon as I came in, my sister told me what she + had just heard, and what she expected without doubt would befal me. Full + of pity, and anxious for my preservation, she then directed me to take my + child and go into some high weeds at no great distance from the house, and + there hide myself and lay still till all was silent in the house, for my + brother, she said, would return at evening and let her know the final + conclusion of the matter, of which she promised to inform me in the + following manner: If I was to be killed, she said she would bake a small + cake and lay it at the door, on the outside, in a place that she then + pointed out to me. When all was silent in the house, I was to creep softly + to the door, and if the cake could not be found in the place specified, I + was to go in: but if the cake was there, I was to take my child and; go as + fast as I possibly could to a large spring on the south side of Samp's + Creek, (a place that I had often seen,) and there wait till I should by + some means hear from her. + </p> + <p> + Alarmed for my own safety, I instantly followed her advice, and went into + the weeds, where I lay in a state of the greatest anxiety, till all was + silent in the house, when I crept to the door, and there found, to my + great distress, the little cake! I knew my fate was fixed, unless I could + keep secreted till the storm was over, and accordingly crept back to the + weeds, where my little Thomas lay, took him on my back, and laid my course + for the spring as fast as my legs would carry me. Thomas was nearly three + years old, and very large and heavy. I got to the spring early in the + morning, almost overcome with fatigue, and at the same time fearing that I + might be pursued and taken, I felt my life an almost insupportable + burthen. I sat down with my child at the spring, and he and I made a + breakfast of the little cake, and water of the spring, which I dipped and + supped with the only implement which I possessed, my hand. + </p> + <p> + In the morning after I fled, as was expected, the old King came to our + house in search of me, and to take me off; but, as I was not to be found, + he gave me up, and went to Niagara with the prisoners he had already got + into his possession. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the old King was fairly out of the way, my sister told my + brother where he could find me. He immediately set out for the spring, and + found me about noon. The first sight of him made me tremble with the fear + of death; but when he came near, so that I could discover his countenance, + tears of joy flowed down my cheeks, and I felt such a kind of instant + relief as no one can possibly experience, unless when under the absolute + sentence of death he receives an unlimited pardon. We were both rejoiced + at the event of the old King's project; and after staying at the spring + through the night, set out together for home early in the morning. When we + got to a cornfield near the town, my brother secreted me till he could go + and ascertain how my case stood; and finding that the old King was absent, + and that all was peaceable, he returned to me, and I went home joyfully. + </p> + <p> + Not long after this, my mother went to Johnstown, on the Mohawk river, + with five prisoners, who were redeemed by Sir William Johnson, and set at + liberty. + </p> + <p> + When my son Thomas was three or four years old, I was married to an + Indian, whose name was Hiokatoo, commonly called Gardow, by whom I had + four daughters and two sons. I named my children, principally, after my + relatives, from whom I was parted, by calling my girls Jane, Nancy, Betsey + and Polly, and the boys John and Jesse. Jane died about twenty-nine years + ago, in the month of August, a little before the great Council at + Big-Tree, aged about fifteen years. My other daughters are yet living, and + have families. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + Peace amongst the Indians.—Celebrations.—Worship. Exercises.—Business + of the Tribes.—Former Happiness of the Indians in time of peace + extolled.—Their Morals; Fidelity; Honesty; Chastity; Temperance. + Indians called to German Flats.—Treaty with Americans.—They + are sent for by the British Commissioners, and go to Oswego.—Promises + made by those Commissioners.—Greatness of the King of England. + Reward that was paid them for joining the British. They make a Treaty.—Bounty + offered for Scalps. Return richly dressed and equipped.—In 1776 they + kill a man at Cautega to provoke the Americans. Prisoners taken at Cherry + Valley, brought to Beard's Town; redeemed, &c.—Battle at Fort + Stanwix.—Indians suffer a great loss.—Mourning at Beard's + Town.—Mrs. Jemison's care of and services rendered to Butler and + Brandt. + </p> + <p> + After the conclusion of the French war, our tribe had nothing to trouble + it till the commencement of the Revolution. For twelve or fifteen years + the use of the implements of war was not known, nor the war-whoop heard, + save on days of festivity, when the achievements of former times were + commemorated in a kind of mimic warfare, in which the chiefs and warriors + displayed their prowess, and illustrated their former adroitness, by + laying the ambuscade, surprizing their enemies, and performing many + accurate manoeuvres with the tomahawk and scalping knife; thereby + preserving and handing to their children, the theory of Indian warfare. + During that period they also pertinaciously observed the religious rites + of their progenitors, by attending with the most scrupulous exactness and + a great degree of enthusiasm to the sacrifices, at particular times, to + appease the anger of the evil deity, or to excite the commisseration and + friendship of the Great Good Spirit, whom they adored with reverence, as + the author, governor, supporter and disposer of every good thing of which + they participated. + </p> + <p> + They also practised in various athletic games, such as running, wrestling, + leaping, and playing ball, with a view that their bodies might be more + supple, or rather that they might not become enervated, and that they + might be enabled to make a proper selection of Chiefs for the councils of + the nation and leaders for war. + </p> + <p> + While the Indians were thus engaged in their round of traditionary + performances, with the addition of hunting, their women attended to + agriculture, their families, and a few domestic concerns of small + consequence, and attended with but little labor. + </p> + <p> + No people can live more happy than the Indians did in times of peace, + before the introduction of spirituous liquors amongst them. Their lives + were a continual round of pleasures. Their wants were few, and easily + satisfied; and their cares were only for to-day; the bounds of their + calculations for future comfort not extending to the incalculable + uncertainties of to-morrow. If peace ever dwelt with men, it was in former + times, in the recesses from war, amongst what are now termed barbarians. + The moral character of the Indians was (if I may be allowed the + expression) uncontaminated. Their fidelity was perfect, and became + proverbial; they were strictly honest; they despised deception and + falsehood; and chastity was held in high veneration, and a violation of it + was considered sacrilege. They were temperate in their desires, moderate + in their passions, and candid and honorable in the expression of their + sentiments on every subject of importance. + </p> + <p> + Thus, at peace amongst themselves, and with the neighboring whites, though + there were none at that time very near, our Indians lived quietly and + peaceably at home, till a little before the breaking out of the + revolutionary war, when they were sent for, together with the Chiefs and + members of the Six Nations generally, by the people of the States, to go + to the German Flats, and there hold a general council, in order that the + people of the states might ascertain, in good season, who they should + esteem and treat as enemies, and who as friends, in the great war which + was then upon the point of breaking out between them and the King of + England. + </p> + <p> + Our Indians obeyed the call, and the council was holden, at which the pipe + of peace was smoked, and a treaty made, in which the Six Nations solemnly + agreed that if a war should eventually break out, they would not take up + arms on either side; but that they would observe a strict neutrality. With + that the people of the states were satisfied, as they had not asked their + assistance, nor did not wish it. The Indians returned to their homes well + pleased that they could live on neutral ground, surrounded by the din of + war, without being engaged in it. + </p> + <p> + About a year passed off, and we, as usual, were enjoying ourselves in the + employments of peaceable times, when a messenger arrived from the British + Commissioners, requesting all the Indians of our tribe to attend a general + council which was soon to be held at Oswego. The council convened, and + being opened, the British Commissioners informed the Chiefs that the + object of calling a council of the Six Nations, was, to engage their + assistance in subduing the rebels, the people of the states, who had risen + up against the good King, their master, and were about to rob him of a + great part of his possessions and wealth, and added that they would amply + reward them for all their services. + </p> + <p> + The Chiefs then arose, and informed the Commissioners of the nature and + extent of the treaty which they had entered into with the people of the + states, the year before, and that they should not violate it by taking up + the hatchet against them. + </p> + <p> + The Commissioners continued their entreaties without success, till they + addressed their avarice, by telling our people that the people of the + states were few in number, and easily subdued; and that on the account of + their disobedience to the King, they justly merited all the punishment + that it was possible for white men and Indians to inflict upon them; and + added, that the King was rich and powerful, both in money and subjects: + That his rum was as plenty as the water in lake Ontario: that his men were + as numerous as the sands upon the lake shore:—and that the Indians, + if they would assist in the war, and persevere in their friendship to the + King, till it was closed, should never want for money or goods. Upon this + the Chiefs concluded a treaty with the British Commissioners, in which + they agreed to take up arms against the rebels, and continue in the + service of his Majesty till they were subdued, in consideration of certain + conditions which were stipulated in the treaty to be performed by the + British government and its agents. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the treaty was finished, the Commissioners made a present to + each Indian of a suit of clothes, a brass kettle, a gun and tomahawk, a + scalping knife, a quantity of powder and lead a piece of gold, and + promised a bounty on every scalp that should be brought in. Thus richly + clad and equipped, they returned home, after an absence of about two + weeks, full of the fire of war, and anxious to encounter their enemies. + Many of the kettles which the Indians received at that time are now in use + on the Genesee Flats. + </p> + <p> + Hired to commit depredations upon the whites, who had given them no + offence, they waited impatiently to commence their labor, till sometime in + the spring of 1776, when a convenient opportunity offered for them to make + an attack. At that time, a party of our Indians were at Cau-te-ga, who + shot a man that was looking after his horse, for the sole purpose, as I + was informed by my Indian brother, who was present, of commencing + hostilities. + </p> + <p> + In May following, our Indians were in their first battle with the + Americans; but at what place I am unable to determine. While they were + absent at that time, my daughter Nancy was born. + </p> + <p> + The same year, at Cherry Valley, our Indians took a woman and her three + daughters prisoners, and brought them on, leaving one at Canandaigua, one + at Honeoy, one at Cattaraugus, and one (the woman) at Little Beard's Town, + where I resided. The woman told me that she and her daughters might have + escaped, but that they expected the British army only, and therefore made + no effort. Her husband and sons got away. Sometime having elapsed, they + were redeemed at Fort Niagara by Col. Butler, who clothed them well, and + sent them home. + </p> + <p> + In the same expedition, Joseph Smith was taken prisoner at or near Cherry + Valley, brought to Genesee, and detained till after the revolutionary war. + He was then liberated, and the Indians made him a present, in company with + Horatio Jones, of 6000 acres of land lying in the present town of + Leicester, in the county of Livingston. + </p> + <p> + One of the girls just mentioned, was married to a British officer at Fort + Niagara, by the name of Johnson, who at the time she was taken, took a + gold ring from her finger, without any compliments or ceremonies. When he + saw her at Niagara he recognized her features, restored the ring that he + had so impolitely borrowed, and courted and married her. + </p> + <p> + Previous to the battle at Fort Stanwix, the British sent for the Indians + to come and see them whip the rebels; and, at the same time stated that + they did not wish to have them fight, but wanted to have them just sit + down smoke their pipes, and look on. Our Indians went, to a man; but + contrary to their expectation, instead of smoking and looking on, they + were obliged to fight for their lives, and in the end of the battle were + completely beaten, with a great loss in killed and wounded. Our Indians + alone had thirty-six killed, and a great number wounded. Our town + exhibited a scene of real sorrow and distress, when our warriors returned + and recounted their misfortunes, and stated the real loss they had + sustained in the engagement. The mourning was excessive, and was expressed + by the most doleful yells, shrieks, and howlings, and by inimitable + gesticulations. + </p> + <p> + During the revolution, my house was the home of Col's Butler and Brandt, + whenever they chanced to come into our neighborhood as they passed to and + from Fort Niagara, which was the seat of their military operations. Many + and many a night I have pounded samp for them from sun-set till sun-rise, + and furnished them with necessary provision and clean clothing for their + journey. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + Gen. Sullivan with a large army arrives at Canandaigua.—Indians' + troubles.—Determine to stop their march.—Skirmish at + Connessius Lake.—Circumstances attending the Execution of an Oneida + warrior. Escape of an Indian Prisoner.—Lieut. Boyd and another man + taken Prisoners.—Cruelty of Boyd's Execution.—Indians retreat + to the woods.—Sullivan comes on to Genesee Flats and destroys the + property of the Indians.—Returns.—Indians return.—Mrs. + Jemison goes to Gardow.—Her Employment there.—Attention of an + old Negro to her safety, &c.—Severe Winter.—Sufferings of + the Indians.—Destruction of Game.—Indians' Expedition to the + Mohawk.—Capture old John O'Bail, &c.—Other Prisoners + taken, &c. + </p> + <p> + For four or five years we sustained no loss in the war, except in the few + who had been killed in distant battles; and our tribe, because of the + remoteness of its situation, from the enemy, felt secure from an attack. + At length, in the fall of 1779, intelligence was received that a large and + powerful army of the rebels, under the command of General Sullivan, was + making rapid progress towards our settlement, burning and destroying the + huts and corn-fields; killing the cattle, hogs and horses, and cutting + down the fruit trees belonging to the Indians throughout the country. + </p> + <p> + Our Indians immediately became alarmed, and suffered every thing but death + from fear that they should be taken by surprize, and totally destroyed at + a single blow. But in order to prevent so great a catastrophe, they sent + out a few spies who were to keep themselves at a short distance in front + of the invading army, in order to watch its operations, and give + information of its advances and success. + </p> + <p> + Sullivan arrived at Canandaigua Lake, and had finished his work of + destruction there, and it was ascertained that he was about to march to + our flats, when our Indians resolved to give him battle on the way, and + prevent, if possible, the distresses to which they knew we should be + subjected, if he should succeed in reaching our town. Accordingly they + sent all their women and children into the woods a little west of Little + Beard's Town, in order that we might make a good retreat if it should be + necessary, and then, well armed, set out to face the conquering enemy. The + place which they fixed upon for their battle ground lay between Honeoy + Creek and the head of Connessius Lake. + </p> + <p> + At length a scouting party from Sullivan's army arrived at the spot + selected, when the Indians arose from their ambush with all the fierceness + and terror that it was possible for them to exercise, and directly put the + party upon a retreat. Two Oneida Indians were all the prisoners that were + taken in that skirmish. One of them was a pilot of Gen. Sullivan, and had + been very active in the war, rendering to the people of the states + essential services. At the commencement of the revolution he had a brother + older than himself, who resolved to join the British service, and + endeavored by all the art that he was capable of using to persuade his + brother to accompany him; but his arguments proved abortive. This went to + the British, and that joined the American army. At this critical juncture + they met, one in the capacity of a conqueror, the other in that of a + prisoner; and as an Indian seldom forgets a countenance that he has seen, + they recognized each other at sight. Envy and revenge glared in the + features of the conquering savage, as he advanced to his brother (the + prisoner) in all the haughtiness of Indian pride, heightened by a sense of + power, and addressed him in the following manner: + </p> + <p> + "Brother, you have merited death! The hatchet or the war-club shall finish + your career!—When I begged of you to follow me in the fortunes of + war, you was deaf to my cries—you spurned my entreaties! + </p> + <p> + "Brother! you have merited death and shall have your deserts! When the + rebels raised their hatchets to fight their good master, you sharpened + your knife, you brightened your rifle and led on our foes to the fields of + our fathers'—You have merited death and shall die by our hands! When + those rebels had drove us from the fields of our fathers to seek out new + homes, it was you who could dare to step forth as their pilot, and conduct + them even to the doors of our wigwams, to butcher our children and put us + to death! No crime can be greater!—But though you have merited death + and shall die on this spot, my hands shall not be stained in the blood of + a brother! <i>Who will strike</i>?" + </p> + <p> + Little Beard, who was standing by, as soon as the speech was ended, struck + the prisoner on the head with his tomahawk, and despatched him at once! + </p> + <p> + Little Beard then informed the other Indian prisoner that as they were at + war with the whites only, and not with the Indians, they would spare his + life, and after a while give him his liberty in an honorable manner. The + Oneida warrior, however, was jealous of Little Beard's fidelity; and + suspecting that he should soon fall by his hands, watched for a favorable + opportunity to make his escape; which he soon effected. Two Indians were + leading him, one on each side, when he made a violent effort, threw them + upon the ground, and run for his life towards where the main body of the + American army was encamped. The Indians pursued him without success; but + in their absence they fell in with a small detachment of Sullivan's men, + with whom they had a short but severe skirmish, in which they killed a + number of the enemy, took Capt. or Lieut. William Boyd and one private, + prisoners, and brought them to Little Beard's Town, where they were soon + after put to death in the most shocking and cruel manner. Little Beard, in + this, as in all other scenes of cruelty that happened at his town, was + master of ceremonies, and principal actor. Poor Boyd was stripped of his + clothing, and then tied to a sapling, where the Indians menaced his life + by throwing their tomahawks at the tree, directly over his head, + brandishing their scalping knives around him in the most frightful manner, + and accompanying their ceremonies with terrific shouts of joy. Having + punished him sufficiently in this way, they made a small opening in his + abdomen, took out an intestine, which they tied to the sapling, and then + unbound him from the tree, and drove him round it till he had drawn out + the whole of his intestines. He was then beheaded, his head was stuck upon + a pole, and his body left on the ground unburied. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the life of poor William Boyd, who, it was said, had every + appearance of being an active and enterprizing officer, of the first + talents. The other prisoner was (if I remember distinctly) only beheaded + and left near Boyd. + </p> + <p> + This tragedy being finished, our Indians again held a short council on the + expediency of giving Sullivan battle, if he should continue to advance, + and finally came to the conclusion that they were not strong enough to + drive him, nor to prevent his taking possession of their fields: but that + if it was possible they would escape with their own lives, preserve their + families, and leave their possessions to be overrun by the invading army. + </p> + <p> + The women and children were then sent on still further towards Buffalo, to + a large creek that was called by the Indians Catawba, accompanied by a + part of the Indians, while the remainder secreted themselves in the woods + back of Beard's Town, to watch the movements of the army. + </p> + <p> + At that time I had three children who went with me on foot, one who rode + on horse back, and one whom I carried on my back. + </p> + <p> + Our corn was good that year; a part of which we had gathered and secured + for winter. + </p> + <p> + In one or two days after the skirmish at Connissius lake, Sullivan and his + army arrived at Genesee river, where they destroyed every article of the + food kind that they could lay their hands on. A pan of our corn they + burnt, and threw the remainder into the river. They burnt our houses, + killed what few cattle and horses they could find, destroyed our fruit + trees, and left nothing but the bare soil and timber. But the Indians had + eloped and were not to be found. + </p> + <p> + Having crossed and recrossed the river, and finished the work of + destruction, the army marched off to the east. Our Indians saw them move + off, but suspecting that it was Sullivan's intention to watch our return, + and then to take us by surprize, resolved that the main body of our tribe + should hunt where we then were, till Sullivan had gone so far that there + would be no danger of his returning to molest us. + </p> + <p> + This being agreed to, we hunted continually till the Indians concluded + that there could be no risk in our once more taking possession of our + lands. Accordingly we all returned; but what were our feelings when we + found that there was not a mouthful of any kind of sustenance left, not + even enough to keep a child one day from perishing with hunger. + </p> + <p> + The weather by this time had become cold and stormy; and as we were + destitute of houses and food too, I immediately resolved to take my + children and look out for myself, without delay. With this intention I + took two of my little ones on my back, bade the other three follow, and + the same night arrived on the Gardow flats, where I have ever since + resided. + </p> + <p> + At that time, two negroes, who had run away from their masters sometime + before, were the only inhabitants of those flats. They lived in a small + cabin and had planted and raised a large field of corn, which they had not + yet harvested. As they were in want of help to secure their crop, I hired + to them to husk corn till the whole was harvested. + </p> + <p> + I have laughed a thousand times to myself when I have thought of the good + old negro, who hired me, who fearing that I should get taken or injured by + the Indians, stood by me constantly when I was husking, with a loaded gun + in his hand, in order to keep off the enemy, and thereby lost as much + labor of his own as he received from me, by paying good wages. I, however, + was not displeased with his attention; for I knew that I should need all + the corn that I could earn, even if I should husk the whole. I husked + enough for them, to gain for myself, at every tenth string, one hundred + strings of ears, which were equal to twenty-five bushels of shelled corn. + This seasonable supply made my family comfortable for samp and cakes + through the succeeding winter, which was the most severe that I have + witnessed since my remembrance. The snow fell about five feet deep, and + remained so for a long time, and the weather was extremely cold; so much + so indeed, that almost all the game upon which the Indians depended for + subsistence, perished, and reduced them almost to a state of starvation + through that and three or four succeeding years. When the snow melted in + the spring, deer were found dead upon the ground in vast numbers; and + other animals, of every description, perished from the cold also, and were + found dead, in multitudes. Many of our people barely escaped with their + lives, and some actually died of hunger and freezing. + </p> + <p> + But to return from this digression: Having been completely routed at + Little Beard's Town, deprived of a house, and without the means of + building one in season, after I had finished my husking, and having found + from the short acquaintance which I had had with the negroes, that they + were kind and friendly, I concluded, at their request, to take up my + residence with them for a while in their cabin, till I should be able to + provide a hut for myself. I lived more comfortable than I expected to + through the winter, and the next season made a shelter for myself. + </p> + <p> + The negroes continued on my flats two or three years after this, and then + left them for a place that they expected would suit them much better. But + as that land became my own in a few years, by virtue of a deed from the + Chiefs of the Six Nations, I have lived there from that to the present + time. + </p> + <p> + My flats were cleared before I saw them; and it was the opinion of the + oldest Indians that were at Genishau, at the time that I first went there, + that all the flats on the Genesee river were improved before any of the + Indian tribes ever saw them. I well remember that soon after I went to + Little Beard's Town, the banks of Fall-Brook were washed off, which left a + large number of human bones uncovered. The Indians then said that those + were not the bones of Indians, because they had never heard of any of + their dead being buried there; but that they were the bones of a race of + men who a great many moons before, cleared that land and lived on the + flats. + </p> + <p> + The next summer after Sullivan's campaign, our Indians, highly incensed at + the whites for the treatment they had received, and the sufferings which + they had consequently endured, determined to obtain some redress by + destroying their frontier settlements. Corn Planter, otherwise called John + O'Bail, led the Indians, and an officer by the name of Johnston commanded + the British in the expedition. The force was large, and so strongly bent + upon revenge and vengeance, that seemingly nothing could avert its march, + nor prevent its depredations. After leaving Genesee they marched directly + to some of the head waters of the Susquehannah river, and Schoharie Creek, + went down that creek to the Mohawk river, thence up that river to Fort + Stanwix, and from thence came home. In their route they burnt a number of + places; destroyed all the cattle and other property that fell in their + way; killed a number of white people, and brought home a few prisoners. + </p> + <p> + In that expedition, when they came to Fort Plain, on the Mohawk river, + Corn Planter and a party of his Indians took old John O'Bail, a white man, + and made him a prisoner. Old John O'Bail, in his younger days had + frequently passed through the Indian settlements that lay between the + Hudson and Fort Niagara, and in some of his excursions had become enamored + with a squaw, by whom he had a son that was called Corn Planter. + </p> + <p> + Corn Planter, was a chief of considerable eminence; and having been + informed of his parentage and of the place of his father's residence, took + the old man at this time, in order that he might make an introduction + leisurely, and become acquainted with a man to whom, though a stranger, he + was satisfied that he owed his existence. + </p> + <p> + After he had taken the old man, his father, he led him as a prisoner ten + or twelve miles up the river, and then stepped before him, faced about, + and addressed him in the following terms:— + </p> + <p> + "My name is John O'Bail, commonly called Corn Planter. I am your son! you + are my father! You are now my prisoner, and subject to the customs of + Indian warfare: but you shall not be harmed; you need not fear. I am a + warrior! Many are the scalps which I have taken! Many prisoners I have + tortured to death! I am your son! I am a warrior! I was anxious to see + you, and to greet you in friendship. I went to your cabin and took you by + force! But your life shall be spared. Indians love their friends and their + kindred, and treat them with kindness. If now you choose to follow the + fortune of your yellow son, and to live with our people, I will cherish + your old age with plenty of venison, and you shall live easy: But if it is + your choice to return to your fields and live with your white children, I + will send a party of my trusty young men to conduct you back in safety. I + respect you, my father; you have been friendly to Indians, and they are + your friends." + </p> + <p> + Old John chose to return. Corn Planter, as good as his word, ordered an + escort to attend him home, which they did with the greatest care. + </p> + <p> + Amongst the prisoners that were brought to Genesee, was William Newkirk, a + man by the name of Price, and two negroes. + </p> + <p> + Price lived a while with Little Beard, and afterwards with Jack Berry, an + Indian. When he left Jack Berry he went to Niagara, where he now resides. + </p> + <p> + Newkirk was brought to Beard's Town, and lived with Little Beard and at + Fort Niagara about one year, and then enlisted under Butler, and went with + him on an expedition to the Monongahela. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + Life of Ebenezer Allen, a Tory.—He comes to Gardow.—His + intimacy with a Nanticoke Squaw.—She gives him a Cap.—Her + Husband's jealousy.—Cruelty to his Wife.—Hiokatoo's Mandate.—Allen + supports her.—Her Husband is received into favor.—Allen + labors.—Purchases Goods.—Stops the Indian War.—His + troubles with the Indians.—Marries a Squaw.—Is taken and + carried to Quebec.—Acquitted.—Goes to Philadelphia.—Returns + to Genesee with a Store of Goods, &c.—Goes to Farming.—Moves + to Allen's Creek.—Builds Mills at Rochester.—Drowns a + Dutchman.—Marries a white Wife.—Kills an old Man.—Gets a + Concubine.—Moves to Mt. Morris.—Marries a third Wife and gets + another Concubine.—Receives a tract of Land.—Sends his + Children to other States, &c.—Disposes of his Land.—Moves + to Grand River, where he dies.—His Cruelties. + </p> + <p> + Sometime near the close of the revolutionary war, a white man by the name + of Ebenezer Allen, left his people in the state of Pennsylvania on the + account of some disaffection towards his countrymen, and came to the + Genesee river, to reside with the Indians. He tarried at Genishau a few + days, and came up to Gardow, where I then resided.—He was, + apparently, without any business that would support him; but he soon + became acquainted with my son Thomas, with whom he hunted for a long time, + and made his home with him at my house; winter came on, and he continued + his stay. + </p> + <p> + When Allen came to my house, I had a white man living on my land, who had + a Nanticoke squaw for his wife, with whom he had lived very peaceably; for + he was a moderate man commonly, and she was a kind, gentle, cunning + creature. It so happened that he had no hay for his cattle; so that in the + winter he was obliged to drive them every day, perhaps half a mile from + his house, to let them feed on rushes, which in those days were so + numerous as to nearly cover the ground. + </p> + <p> + Allen having frequently seen the squaw in the fall, took the opportunity + when her husband was absent with his cows, daily to make her a visit; and + in return for his kindnesses she made and gave him a red cap finished and + decorated in the highest Indian style. + </p> + <p> + The husband had for some considerable length of time felt a degree of + jealousy that Allen was trespassing upon him with the consent of his + squaw; but when he saw Allen dressed in so fine an Indian cap, and found + that his dear Nanticoke had presented it to him, his doubts all left him, + and he became so violently enraged that he caught her by the hair of her + head, dragged her on the ground to my house, a distance of forty rods, and + threw her in at the door. Hiokatoo, my husband, exasperated at the sight + of so much inhumanity, hastily took down his old tomahawk, which for + awhile had lain idle, shook it over the cuckold's head, and bade him jogo + (i. e. go off.) The enraged husband, well knowing that he should feel a + blow if he waited to hear the order repeated, instantly retreated, and + went down the river to his cattle. We protected the poor Nanticoke woman, + and gave her victuals; and Allen sympathized with her in her misfortunes + till spring, when her husband came to her, acknowledged his former errors, + and that he had abused her without a cause, promised a reformation, and + she received him with every mark of a renewal of her affection. They went + home lovingly, and soon after removed to Niagara. + </p> + <p> + The same spring, Allen commenced working my flats, and continued to labor + there till after the peace in 1783. He then went to Philadelphia on some + business that detained him but a few days, and returned with a horse and + some dry goods, which he carried to a place that is now called Mount + Morris, where he built or bought a small house. + </p> + <p> + The British and Indians on the Niagara frontier, dissatisfied with the + treaty of peace, were determined, at all hazards, to continue their + depredations upon the white settlements which lay between them and Albany. + They actually made ready, and were about setting out on an expedition to + that effect, when Allen (who by this time understood their customs of war) + took a belt of wampum, which he had fraudulently procured, and carried it + as a token of peace from the Indians to the commander of the nearest + American military post. + </p> + <p> + The Indians were soon answered by the American officer that the wampum was + cordially accepted and, that a continuance of peace was ardently wished + for. The Indians, at this, were chagrined and disappointed beyond measure; + but as they held the wampum to be a sacred thing, they dared not to go + against the import of its meaning, and immediately buried the hatchet as + it respected the people of the United State; and smoked the pipe of peace. + They, however, resolved to punish Allen for his officiousness in meddling + with their national affairs, by presenting the sacred wampum without their + knowledge, and went about devising means for his detection. A party was + accordingly despatched from Fort Niagara to apprehend him; with orders to + conduct him to that post for trial, or for safe keeping, till such time as + his fate should be determined upon in a legal manner. + </p> + <p> + The party came on; but before it arrived at Gardow, Allen got news of its + approach, and fled for safety, leaving the horse and goods that he had + brought from Philadelphia, an easy prey to his enemies. He had not been + long absent when they arrived at Gardow, where they made diligent search + for him till they were satisfied that they could not find him, and then + seized the effects which he had left, and returned to Niagara. My son + Thomas, went with them, with Allen's horse, and carried the goods. + </p> + <p> + Allen, on finding that his enemies had gone, came back to my house, where + he lived as before; but of his return they were soon notified at Niagara, + and Nettles (who married Priscilla Ramsay) with a small party of Indians + came on to take him. He, however, by some means found that they were near, + and gave me his box of money and trinkets to keep safely, till he called + for it, and again took to the woods. + </p> + <p> + Nettles came on determined at all events to take him before he went back; + and, in order to accomplish his design, he, with his Indians, hunted in + the day time and lay by at night at my house, and in that way they + practised for a number of days. Allen watched the motion of his pursuers, + and every night after they had gone to rest, came home and got some food, + and then returned to his retreat. It was in the fall, and the weather was + cold and rainy, so that he suffered extremely. Some nights he sat in my + chamber till nearly day-break, while his enemies were below, and when the + time arrived I assisted him to escape unnoticed. + </p> + <p> + Nettles at length abandoned the chase—went home, and Allen, all in + tatters, came in. By running in the woods his clothing had become torn + into rags, so that he was in a suffering condition, almost naked. Hiokatoo + gave him a blanket, and a piece of broadcloth for a pair of trowsers. + Allen made his trowsers himself, and then built a raft, on which he went + down the river to his own place at Mount Morris. + </p> + <p> + About that time he married a squaw, whose name was Sally. + </p> + <p> + The Niagara people finding that he was at his own house, came and took him + by surprize when he least expected them, and carried him to Niagara. + Fortunately for him, it so happened that just as they arrived at the fort, + a house took fire and his keepers all left him to save the building, if + possible. Allen had supposed his doom to be nearly sealed; but finding + himself at liberty he took to his heels, left his escort to put out the + fire, and ran to Tonnawanta. There an Indian gave him some refreshment, + and a good gun, with which he hastened on to Little Beard's Town, where he + found his squaw. Not daring to risk himself at that place for fear of + being given up, he made her but a short visit, and came immediately to + Gardow. + </p> + <p> + Just as he got to the top of the hill above the Gardow flats, he + discovered a party of British soldiers and Indians in pursuit of him; and + in fact they were so near that he was satisfied that they saw him, and + concluded that it would be impossible for him to escape. The love of + liberty, however, added to his natural swiftness, gave him sufficient + strength to make his escape to his former castle of safety. His pursuers + came immediately to my house, where they expected to have found him + secreted, and under my protection. They told me where they had seen him + but a few moments before, and that they were confident that it was within + my power to put him into their hands. As I was perfectly clear of having + had any hand in his escape, I told them plainly that I had not seen him + since he was taken to Niagara, and that I could give them no information + at all respecting him. Still unsatisfied, and doubting my veracity, they + advised my Indian brother to use his influence to draw from me the secret + of his concealment, which they had an idea that I considered of great + importance, not only to him but to myself. I persisted in my ignorance of + his situation, and finally they left me. + </p> + <p> + Although I had not seen Allen, I knew his place of security, and was well + aware that if I told them the place where he had formerly hid himself, + they would have no difficulty in making him a prisoner. + </p> + <p> + He came to my house in the night, and awoke me with the greatest caution, + fearing that some of his enemies might be watching to take him at a time + when, and in a place where it would be impossible for him to make his + escape. I got up and assured him that he was then safe; but that his + enemies would return early in the morning and search him out if it should + be possible. Having given him some victuals, which he received thankfully, + I told him to go, but to return the next night to a certain corner of the + fence near my house where he would find a quantity of meal that I would + have well prepared and deposited there for his use. + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning, Nettles and his company came in while I was + pounding the meal for Allen, and insisted upon my giving him up. I again + told them that I did not know where he was, and that I could not, neither + would I, tell them any thing about him. I well knew that Allen considered + his life in my hands; and although it was my intention not to lie, I was + fully determined to keep his situation a profound secret. They continued + their labor and examined (as they supposed) every crevice, gully, tree and + hollow log in the neighboring woods, and at last concluded that he had + left the country, and gave him up for lost, and went home. + </p> + <p> + At that time Allen lay in a secret place in the gulph a short distance + above my flats, in a hole that he accidentally found in the rock near the + river. At night he came and got the meal at the corner of the fence as I + had directed him, and afterwards lived in the gulph two weeks. Each night + he came to the pasture and milked one of my cows, without any other vessel + in which to receive the milk than his hat, out of which he drank it. I + supplied him with meal, but fearing to build a fire he was obliged to eat + it raw and wash it down with the milk. Nettles having left our + neighborhood, and Allen considering himself safe, left his little cave and + came home. I gave him his box of money and trinkets, and he went to his + own house at Mount Morris. It was generally considered by the Indians of + our tribe, that Allen was an innocent man, and that the Niagara people + were persecuting him without a just cause. Little Beard, then about to go + to the eastward on public business, charged his Indians not to meddle with + Allen, but to let him live amongst them peaceably, and enjoy himself with + his family and property if he could. Having the protection of the chief, + he felt himself safe, and let his situation be known to the whites from + whom he suspected no harm. They, however, were more inimical than our + Indians and were easily bribed by Nettles to assist in bringing him to + justice. Nettles came on, and the whites, as they had agreed, gave poor + Allen up to him. He was bound and carried to Niagara, where he was + confined in prison through the winter. In the spring he was taken to + Montreal or Quebec for trial, and was honorably acquitted. The crime for + which he was tried was, for his having carried the wampum to the + Americans, and thereby putting too sudden a stop to their war. + </p> + <p> + From the place of his trial he went directly to Philadelphia, and + purchased on credit, a boat load of goods which he brought by water to + Conhocton, where he left them and came to Mount Morris for assistance to + get them brought on. The Indians readily went with horses and brought them + to his house, where he disposed of his dry goods; but not daring to let + the Indians begin to drink strong liquor, for fear of the quarrels which + would naturally follow, he sent his spirits to my place and we sold them. + For his goods he received ginseng roots, principally, and a few skins. + Ginseng at that time was plenty, and commanded a high price. We prepared + the whole that he received for the market, expecting that he would carry + them to Philadelphia. In that I was disappointed; for when he had disposed + of, and got pay for all his goods, he took the ginseng and skins to + Niagara, and there sold them and came home. + </p> + <p> + Tired of dealing in goods, he planted a large field of corn on or near his + own land, attended to it faithfully, and succeeded in raising a large + crop, which he harvested, loaded into canoes and carried down the river to + the mouth of Allen's Creek, then called by the Indians Gin-is-a-ga, where + he unloaded it, built him a house, and lived with his family. + </p> + <p> + The next season he planted corn at that place and built a grist and saw + mill on Genesee Falls, now called Rochester. + </p> + <p> + At the time Allen built the mills, he had an old German living with him by + the name of Andrews, whom he sent in a canoe down the river with his mill + irons. Allen went down at the same time; but before they got to the mills + Allen threw the old man overboard and drowned him, as it was then + generally believed, for he was never seen or heard of afterwards. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the season in which Allen built his mills, he became + acquainted with the daughter of a white man, who was moving to Niagara. + She was handsome, and Allen soon got into her good graces, so that he + married and took her home, to be a joint partner with Sally, the squaw, + whom she had never heard of till she got home and found her in full + possession; but it was too late for her to retrace the hasty steps she had + taken, for her father had left her in the care of a tender husband and + gone on. She, however, found that she enjoyed at least an equal half of + her husband's affections, and made herself contented. Her father's name I + have forgotten, but her's was Lucy. + </p> + <p> + Allen was not contented with two wives, for in a short time after he had + married Lucy he came up to my house, where he found a young woman who had + an old husband with her. They had been on a long journey, and called at my + place to recruit and rest themselves. She filled Allen's eye, and he + accordingly fixed upon a plan to get her into his possession. He praised + his situation, enumerated his advantages, and finally persuaded them to go + home and tarry with him a few days at least, and partake of a part of his + comforts. They accepted his generous invitation and went home with him. + But they had been there but two or three days when Allen took the old + gentleman out to view his flats; and as they were deliberately walking on + the bank of the river, pushed him into the water. The old man, almost + strangled, succeeded in getting out; but his fall and exertions had so + powerful an effect upon his system that he died in two or three days, and + left his young widow to the protection of his murderer. She lived with him + about one year in a state of concubinage and then left him. + </p> + <p> + How long Allen lived at Allen's Creek I am unable to state; but soon after + the young widow left him, he removed to his old place at Mount Morris, and + built a house, where he made Sally, his squaw, by whom he had two + daughters, a slave to Lucy, by whom he had had one son; still, however, he + considered Sally to be his wife. + </p> + <p> + After Allen came to Mt. Morris at that time, he married a girl by the name + of Morilla Gregory, whose father at the time lived on Genesee Flats. The + ceremony being over, he took her home to live in common with his other + wives; but his house was too small for his family; for Sally and Lucy, + conceiving that their lawful privileges would be abridged if they received + a partner, united their strength and whipped poor Morilla so cruelly that + he was obliged to keep her in a small Indian house a short distance from + his own, or lose her entirely. Morilla, before she left Mt. Morris, had + four children. + </p> + <p> + One of Morilla's sisters lived with Allen about a year after Morilla was + married, and then quit him. + </p> + <p> + A short time after they all got to living at Mt. Morris, Allen prevailed + upon the Chiefs to give to his Indian children, a tract of land four miles + square, where he then resided. The Chiefs gave them the land, but he so + artfully contrived the conveyance, that he could apply it to his own use, + and by alienating his right, destroy the claim of his children. + </p> + <p> + Having secured the land, in that way, to himself, he sent his two Indian + girls to Trenton, (N.J.) and his white son to Philadelphia, for the + purpose of giving each of them a respectable English education. + </p> + <p> + While his children were at school, he went to Philadelphia, and sold his + right to the land which he had begged of the Indians for his children to + Robert Morris. After that, he sent for his daughters to come home, which + they did. + </p> + <p> + Having disposed of the whole of his property on the Genesee river, he took + his two white wives and their children, together with his effects, and + removed to a Delaware town on the river De Trench, in Upper Canada. When + he left Mt. Morris, Sally, his squaw, insisted upon going with him, and + actually followed him, crying bitterly, and praying for his protection + some two or three miles, till he absolutely bade her leave him, or he + would punish her with severity. + </p> + <p> + At length, finding her case hopeless, she returned to the Indians. + </p> + <p> + At the great treaty at Big Tree, one of Allen's daughters claimed the land + which he had sold to Morris. The claim was examined and decided against + her in favor of Ogden, Trumbull, Rogers and others, who were the creditors + of Robert Morris. Allen yet believed that his daughter had an indisputable + right to the land in question, and got me to go with mother Farly, a half + Indian woman, to assist him by interceding with Morris for it, and to urge + the propriety of her claim. We went to Thomas Morris, and having stated to + him our business, he told us plainly that he had no land to give away, and + that as the title was good, he never would allow Allen, nor his heirs, one + foot, or words to that effect. We returned to Allen the answer we had + received, and he, conceiving all further attempts to be useless, went + home. + </p> + <p> + He died at the Delaware town, on the river De Trench, in the year 1814 or + 15, and left two white widows and one squaw, with a number of children, to + lament his loss. + </p> + <p> + By his last will he gave all his property to his last wife (Morilla,) and + her children, without providing in the least for the support of Lucy, or + any of the other members of his family. Lucy, soon after his death, went + with her children down the Ohio river, to receive assistance from her + friends. + </p> + <p> + In the revolutionary war, Allen was a tory, and by that means became + acquainted with our Indians, when they were in the neighborhood of his + native place, desolating the settlements on the Susquehannah. In those + predatory battles, he joined them, and (as I have often heard the Indians + say,) for cruelty was not exceeded by any of his Indian comrades! + </p> + <p> + At one time, when he was scouting with the Indians in the Susquehannah + country, he entered a house very early in the morning, where he found a + man, his wife, and one child, in bed. The man, as he entered the door, + instantly sprang on the floor, for the purpose of defending himself and + little family; but Allen dispatched him at one blow. He then cut off his + head and threw it bleeding into the bed with the terrified woman; took the + little infant from its mother's breast, and holding it by its legs, dashed + its head against the jamb, and left the unhappy widow and mother to mourn + alone over her murdered family. It has been said by some, that after he + had killed the child, he opened the fire and buried it under the coals and + embers: But of that I am not certain. I have often heard him speak of that + transaction with a great degree of sorrow, and as the foulest crime he had + ever committed—one for which I have no doubt he repented. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Jemison has liberty to go to her Friends.—Chooses to stay.—Her + Reasons, &c.—Her Indian Brother makes provision for her + Settlement.—He goes to Grand River and dies.—Her Love for him, + &c.—She is presented with the Gardow Reservation.—Is + troubled by Speculators.—Description of the Soil, &c. of her + Flats.—Indian notions of the ancient Inhabitants of this Country. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the close of the revolutionary war, my Indian brother, + Kau-jises-tau-ge-au (which being interpreted signifies Black Coals,) + offered me my liberty, and told me that if it was my choice I might go to + my friends. + </p> + <p> + My son, Thomas, was anxious that I should go; and offered to go with me + and assist me on the journey, by taking care of the younger children, and + providing food as we travelled through the wilderness. But the Chiefs of + our tribe, suspecting from his appearance, actions, and a few warlike + exploits, that Thomas would be a great warrior, or a good counsellor, + refused to let him leave them on any account whatever. + </p> + <p> + To go myself, and leave him, was more than I felt able to do; for he had + been kind to me, and was one on whom I placed great dependence. The Chiefs + refusing to let him go, was one reason for my resolving to stay; but + another, more powerful, if possible, was, that I had got a large family of + Indian children, that I must take with me; and that if I should be so + fortunate as to find my relatives, they would despise them, if not myself; + and treat us as enemies; or, at least with a degree of cold indifference, + which I thought I could not endure. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, after I had duly considered the matter, I told my brother + that it was my choice to stay and spend the remainder of my days with my + Indian friends, and live with my family as I had heretofore done. He + appeared well pleased with my resolution, and informed me, that as that + was my choice, I should have a piece of land that I could call my own, + where I could live unmolested, and have something at my decease to leave + for the benefit of my children. + </p> + <p> + In a short time he made himself ready to go to Upper Canada; but before he + left us, he told me that he would speak to some of the Chiefs at Buffalo, + to attend the great Council, which he expected would convene in a few + years at farthest, and convey to me such a tract of land as I should + select. My brother left us, as he had proposed, and soon after died at + Grand River. + </p> + <p> + Kaujisestaugeau, was an excellent man, and ever treated me with kindness. + Perhaps no one of his tribe at any time exceeded him in natural mildness + of temper, and warmth and tenderness of affection. If he had taken my life + at the time when the avarice of the old King inclined him to procure my + emancipation, it would have been done with a pure heart and from good + motives. He loved his friends; and was generally beloved. During the time + that I lived in the family with him, he never offered the most trifling + abuse; on the contrary, his whole conduct towards me was strictly + honorable. I mourned his loss as that of a tender brother, and shall + recollect him through life with emotions of friendship and gratitude. + </p> + <p> + I lived undisturbed, without hearing a word on the subject of my land, + till the great Council was held at Big Tree, in 1797, when Farmer's + Brother, whose Indian name is Ho-na-ye-wus, sent for me to attend the + council. When I got there, he told me that my brother had spoken to him to + see that I had a piece of land reserved for my use; and that then was the + time for me to receive it.—He requested that I would choose for + myself and describe the bounds of a piece that would suit me. I + accordingly told him the place of beginning, and then went round a tract + that I judged would be sufficient for my purpose, (knowing that it would + include the Gardow Flats,) by stating certain bounds with which I was + acquainted. + </p> + <p> + When the Council was opened, and the business afforded a proper + opportunity, Farmer's Brother presented my claim, and rehearsed the + request of my brother. Red Jacket, whose Indian name is Sagu-yu-what-hah, + which interpreted, as Keeper-awake, opposed me or my claim with all his + influence and eloquence. Farmer's Brother insisted upon the necessity, + propriety and expediency of his proposition, and got the land granted. The + deed was made and signed, securing to me the title to all the land I had + described; under the same restrictions and regulations that other Indian + lands are subject to. + </p> + <p> + That land has ever since been known by the name of the Gardow Tract. + </p> + <p> + Red Jacket not only opposed my claim at the Council, but he withheld my + money two or three years, on the account of my lands having been granted + without his consent. Parrish and Jones at length convinced him that it was + the white people, and not the Indians who had given me the land, and + compelled him to pay over all the money which he had retained on my + account. + </p> + <p> + My land derived its name, Gardow, from a hill that is within its limits, + which is called in the Seneca language Kau-tam. Kautam when interpreted + signifies up and down, or down and up, and is applied to a hill that you + will ascend and descend in passing it; or to a valley. It has been said + that Gardow was the name of my husband Hiokatoo, and that my land derived + its name from him; that however was a mistake, for the old man always + considered Gardow a nickname, and was uniformly offended when called by + it. + </p> + <p> + About three hundred acres of my land, when I first saw it, was open flats, + lying on the Genesee River, which it is supposed was cleared by a race of + inhabitants who preceded the first Indian settlements in this part of the + country. The Indians are confident that many parts of this country were + settled and for a number of years occupied by people of whom their fathers + never had any tradition, as they never had seen them. Whence those people + originated, and whither they went, I have never heard one of our oldest + and wisest Indians pretend to guess. When I first came to Genishau, the + bank of Fall Brook had just slid off and exposed a large number of human + bones, which the Indians said were buried there long before their fathers + ever saw the place; and that they did not know what kind of people they + were. It however was and is believed by our people, that they were not + Indians. + </p> + <p> + My flats were extremely fertile; but needed more labor than my daughters + and myself were able to perform, to produce a sufficient quantity of grain + and other necessary productions of the earth, for the consumption of our + family. The land had lain uncultivated so long that it was thickly covered + with weeds of almost every description. In order that we might live more + easy, Mr. Parrish, with the consent of the chiefs, gave me liberty to + lease or my land to white people to till on shares. I accordingly let it + out, and have continued to do so, which makes my task less burthensome, + while at the same time I am more comfortably supplied with the means of + support. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + Happy situation of her Family.—Disagreement between her sons Thomas + and John.—Her Advice to them, &c.—John kills Thomas;—Her + Affliction.—Council. Decision of the Chiefs, &c.—Life of + Thomas.—His Wives, Children; &c.—Cause of his Death, &c. + </p> + <p> + I have frequently heard it asserted by white people, and can truly say + from my own experience that the time at which parents take the most + satisfaction and comfort with their families is when their children are + young, incapable of providing for their own wants, and are about the + fireside, where they can be daily observed and instructed. + </p> + <p> + Few mothers, perhaps, have had less trouble with their children during + their minority than myself. In general, my children were friendly to each + other, and it was very seldom that I knew them to have the least + difference or quarrel: so far, indeed, were they from rendering themselves + or me uncomfortable, that I considered myself happy—more so than + commonly falls to the lot of parents, especially to women. + </p> + <p> + My happiness in this respect, however, was not without alloy; for my son + Thomas, from some cause unknown to me, from the time he was a small lad, + always called his brother John, a witch, which was the cause, as they grew + towards manhood, of frequent and severe quarrels between them, and gave me + much trouble and anxiety for their safety. After Thomas and John arrived + to manhood, in addition to the former charge, John got two wives, with + whom he lived till the time of his death. Although polygamy was tolerated + in our tribe, Thomas considered it a violation of good and wholesome rules + in society, and tending directly to destroy that friendly social + intercourse and love, that ought to be the happy result of matrimony and + chastity. Consequently, he frequently reprimanded John, by telling him + that his conduct was beneath the dignity, and inconsistent with the + principles of good Indians; indecent and unbecoming a gentleman; and, as + he never could reconcile himself to it, he was frequently, almost + constantly, when they were together, talking to him on the same subject. + John always resented such reprimand, and reproof, with a great degree of + passion, though they never quarrelled, unless Thomas was intoxicated. + </p> + <p> + In his fits of drunkenness, Thomas seemed to lose all his natural reason, + and to conduct like a wild or crazy man, without regard to relatives, + decency or propriety. At such times he often threatened to take my life + for having raised a witch, (as he called John,) and has gone so far as to + raise his tomahawk to split my head. He, however, never struck me; but on + John's account he struck Hiokatoo, and thereby excited in John a high + degree of indignation, which was extinguished only by blood. + </p> + <p> + For a number of years their difficulties, and consequent unhappiness, + continued and rather increased, continually exciting in my breast the most + fearful apprehensions, and greatest anxiety for their safety. With tears + in my eyes, I advised them to become reconciled to each other, and to be + friendly; told them the consequences of their continuing to cherish so + much malignity and malice, that it would end in their destruction, the + disgrace of their families, and bring me down to the grave. No one can + conceive of the constant trouble that I daily endured on their account—on + the account of my two oldest sons, whom I loved equally, and with all the + feelings and affection of a tender mother, stimulated by an anxious + concern for their fate. Parents, mothers especially, will love their + children, though ever so unkind and disobedient. Their eyes of compassion, + of real sentimental affection, will be involuntarily extended after them, + in their greatest excesses of iniquity; and those fine filaments of + consanguinity, which gently entwine themselves around the heart where + filial love and parental care is equal, will be lengthened, and enlarged + to cords seemingly of sufficient strength to reach and reclaim the + wanderer. I know that such exercises are frequently unavailing; but, + notwithstanding their ultimate failure, it still remains true, and ever + will, that the love of a parent for a disobedient child, will increase, + and grow more and more ardent, so long as a hope of its reformation is + capable of stimulating a disappointed breast. + </p> + <p> + My advice and expostulations with my sons were abortive; and year after + year their disaffection for each other increased. At length, Thomas came + to my house on the 1st day of July, 1811, in my absence, somewhat + intoxicated, where he found John, with whom he immediately commenced a + quarrel on their old subjects of difference.—John's anger became + desperate. He caught Thomas by the hair of his head, dragged him out at + the door and there killed him, by a blow which he gave him on the head + with his tomahawk! + </p> + <p> + I returned soon after, and found my son lifeless at the door, on the spot + where he was killed! No one can judge of my feelings on seeing this + mournful spectacle; and what greatly added to my distress, was the fact + that he had fallen by the murderous hand of his brother! I felt my + situation unsupportable. Having passed through various scenes of trouble + of the most cruel and trying kind, I had hoped to spend my few remaining + days in quietude, and to die in peace, surrounded by my family. This fatal + event, however, seemed to be a stream of woe poured into my cup of + afflictions, filling it even to overflowing, and blasting all my + prospects. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I had recovered a little from the shock which I felt at the + sight of my departed son, and some of my neighbors had come in to assist + in taking care of the corpse, I hired Shanks, an Indian, to go to Buffalo, + and carry the sorrowful news of Thomas' death, to our friends at that + place, and request the Chiefs to hold a Council, and dispose of John as + they should think proper. Shanks set out on his errand immediately,—and + John, fearing that he should be apprehended and punished for the crime he + had committed, at the same time went off towards Caneadea. + </p> + <p> + Thomas was decently interred in a style corresponding with his rank. + </p> + <p> + The Chiefs soon assembled in council on the trial of John, and after + having seriously examined the matter according to their laws, justified + his conduct, and acquitted him. They considered Thomas to have been the + first transgressor, and that for the abuses which he had offered, he had + merited from John the treatment that he had received. + </p> + <p> + John, on learning the decision of the council, returned to his family. + </p> + <p> + Thomas (except when intoxicated, which was not frequent,) was a kind and + tender child, willing to assist me in my labor, and to remove every + obstacle to my comfort. His natural abilities were said to be of a + superior cast, and he soared above the trifling subjects of revenge, which + are common amongst Indians, as being far beneath his attention. In his + childish and boyish days, his natural turn was to practise in the art of + war, though he despised the cruelties that the warriors inflicted upon + their subjugated enemies. He was manly in his deportment, courageous and, + active; and commanded respect. Though he appeared well pleased with peace, + he was cunning in Indian warfare, and succeeded to admiration in the + execution of his plans. + </p> + <p> + At the age of fourteen or fifteen years, he went into the war with manly + fortitude, armed with a tomahawk and scalping knife; and when he returned, + brought one white man a prisoner, whom he had taken with his own hands, on + the west branch of the Susquehannah river. It so happened, that as he was + looking out for his enemies, he discovered two men boiling sap in the + woods. He watched them unperceived, till dark when he advanced with a + noiseless step to where they were standing, caught one of them before they + were apprized of danger, and conducted him to the camp. He was well + treated while a prisoner, and redeemed at the close of the war. + </p> + <p> + At the time Kaujisestaugeau gave me my liberty to go to my friends, Thomas + was anxious to go with me; but as I have before observed, the Chiefs would + not suffer him to leave them on the account of his courage and skill in + war: expecting that they should need his assistance. He was a great + Counsellor and a Chief when quite young; and in the last capacity, went + two or three times to Philadelphia to assist in making treaties with the + people of the states. + </p> + <p> + Thomas had four wives, by whom he had eight children. Jacob Jemison, his + second son by his last wife, who is at this time twenty-seven or + twenty-eight years of age, went to Dartmouth college, in the spring of + 1816, for the purpose of receiving a good education, where it was said + that he was an industrious scholar, and made great proficiency in the + study of the different branches to which he attended. Having spent two + years at that Institution, he returned in the winter of 1818, and is now + at Buffalo; where I have understood that he contemplates commencing the + study of medicine, as a profession. + </p> + <p> + Thomas, at the time he was killed, was a few moons over fifty-two years + old, and John was forty-eight. As he was naturally good natured, and + possessed a friendly disposition, he would not have come to so untimely an + end, had it not been far his intemperance. He fell a victim to the use of + ardent spirits—a poison that will soon exterminate the Indian tribes + in this part of the country, and leave their names without a root or + branch. The thought is melancholy; but no arguments, no examples, however + persuasive or impressive, are sufficient to deter an Indian for an hour + from taking the potent draught, which he knows at the time will derange + his faculties, reduce him to a level with the beasts, or deprive him of + life! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + Death of Hiokatoo.—Biography.—His Birth—Education.—Goes + against the Cherokees, &c.—Bloody Battle, &c.—His + success and cruelties in the French War.—Battle at Fort Freeland.—Capts. + Dougherty and Boon killed.—His Cruelties in the neighborhood of + Cherry Valley, &c.—Indians remove their general Encampment.—In + 1782, Col. Crawford is sent to destroy them, &c.—Is met by a + Traitor,—Battle.—Crawford's Men surprized.—Irregular + Retreat.—Crawford and Doct. Night taken.—Council.—Crawford + Condemned and Burnt.—Aggravating Circumstances.—Night is + sentenced to be Burnt.—Is Painted by Hiokatoo.—Is conducted + off, &c.—His fortunate Escape.—Hiokatoo in the French War + takes Col. Canton.—His Sentence.—Is bound on a wild Colt that + runs loose three days.—Returns Alive.—Is made to run the + Gauntlet.—Gets knocked down, &c.—Is Redeemed and sent + Home.—Hiokatoo's Enmity to the Cherokees, &c.—His Height—Strength—Speed, + &c. + </p> + <p> + In the month of November 1811, my husband Hiokatoo, who had been sick four + years of the consumption, died at the advanced age of one hundred and + three years, as nearly as the time could be estimated. He was the last + that remained to me of our family connection, or rather of my old friends + with whom I was adopted, except a part of one family, which now lives at + Tonewanta. + </p> + <p> + Hiokatoo was buried decently, and had all the insignia of a veteran + warrior buried with him; consisting of a war club, tomahawk and scalping + knife, a powder-flask, flint, a piece of spunk, a small cake and a cup; + and in his best clothing. + </p> + <p> + Hiokatoo was an old man when I first saw him; but he was by no means + enervated. During the term of nearly fifty years that I lived with him, I + received, according to Indian customs, all the kindness and attention that + was my due as his wife.—Although war was his trade from his youth + till old age and decrepitude stopt his career, he uniformly treated me + with tenderness, and never offered an insult. + </p> + <p> + I have frequently heard him repeat the history of his life from his + childhood; and when he came to that part which related to his actions, his + bravery and his valor in war; when he spoke of the ambush, the combat, the + spoiling of his enemies and the sacrifice of the victims, his nerves + seemed strung with youthful ardor, the warmth of the able warrior seemed + to animate his frame, and to produce the heated gestures which he had + practised in middle age. He was a man of tender feelings to his friends, + ready and willing to assist them in distress, yet, as a warrior, his + cruelties to his enemies perhaps were unparalleled, and will not admit a + word of palliation. + </p> + <p> + Hiokatoo, was born in one of the tribes of the Six Nations that inhabited + the banks of the Susquehannah; or, rather he belonged to a tribe of the + Senecas that made, at the time of the great Indian treaty, a part of those + nations. He was own cousin to Farmer's Brother, a Chief who has been + justly celebrated for his worth. Their mothers were sisters, and it was + through the influence of Farmer's Brother, that I became Hiokatoo's wife. + </p> + <p> + In early life, Hiokatoo showed signs of thirst for blood, by attending + only to the art of war, in the use of the tomahawk and scalping knife; and + in practising cruelties upon every thing that chanced to fall into his + hands, which was susceptible of pain. In that way he learned to use his + implements of war effectually, and at the same time blunted all those fine + feelings and tender sympathies that are naturally excited, by hearing or + seeing, a fellow being in distress. He could inflict the most excruciating + tortures upon his enemies, and prided himself upon his fortitude, in + having performed the most barbarous ceremonies and tortures, without the + least degree of pity or remorse. Thus qualified, when very young he was + initiated into scenes of carnage, by being engaged in the wars that + prevailed amongst the Indian tribes. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1731, he was appointed a runner, to assist in collecting an + army to go against the Cotawpes, Cherokees and other southern Indians. A + large army was collected, and after a long and fatiguing march, met its + enemies in what was then called the "low, dark and bloody lands," near the + mouth of Red River, in what is now called the state of Kentucky. + [Footnote: Those powerful armies met near the place that is now called + Clarksville, which is situated at the fork where Red River joins the + Cumberland, a few miles above the line between Kentucky and Tennessee.] + The Cotawpes [Footnote: The Author acknowledges himself unacquainted, from + Indian history, with a nation of this name; but as 90 years have elapsed + since the date of this occurrence, it is highly probable that such a + nation did exist, and that it was absolutely exterminated at that eventful + period.] and their associates, had, by some means, been apprized of their + approach, and lay in ambush to take them at once, when they should come + within their reach, and destroy the whole army. The northern Indians, with + their usual sagacity, discovered the situation of their enemies, rushed + upon the ambuscade and massacred 1200 on the spot. The battle continued + for two days and two nights, with the utmost severity, in which the + northern Indians were victorious, and so far succeeded in destroying the + Cotawpes that they at that time ceased to be a nation. The victors + suffered an immense loss in killed; but gained the hunting ground, which + was their grand object, though the Cherokees would not give it up in a + treaty, or consent to make peace. Bows and arrows, at that time were in + general use, though a few guns were employed. + </p> + <p> + From that time he was engaged in a number of battles in which Indians only + were engaged, and that made fighting his business, till the commencement + of the French war. In those battles he took a number of Indians prisoners, + whom he killed by tying them to trees and then setting small Indian boys + to shooting at them with arrows, till death finished the misery of the + sufferers; a process that frequently took two days for its completion! + </p> + <p> + During the French war he was in every battle that was fought on the + Susquehannah and Ohio rivers; and was so fortunate as never to have been + taken prisoner. + </p> + <p> + At Braddock's defeat he took two white prisoners, and burnt them alive in + a fire of his own kindling. + </p> + <p> + In 1777, he was in the battle at Fort Freeland, in Northumberland county, + Penn. The fort contained a great number of women and children, and was + defended only by a small garrison. The force that went against it + consisted of 100 British regulars, commanded by a Col. McDonald, and 300 + Indians under Hiokatoo. After a short but bloody engagement, the fort was + surrendered; the women and children were sent under an escort to the next + fort below, and the men and boys taken off by a party of British to the + general Indian encampment. As soon as the fort had capitulated and the + firing had ceased, Hiokatoo with the help of a few Indians tomahawked + every wounded American while earnestly begging with uplifted hands for + quarters. + </p> + <p> + The massacre was but just finished when Capts. Dougherty and Boon arrived + with a reinforcement to assist the garrison. On their arriving in sight of + the fort they saw that it had surrendered, and that an Indian was holding + the flag. This so much inflamed Capt. Dougherty that he left his command, + stept forward and shot the Indian at the first fire. Another took the + flag, and had no sooner got it erected than Dougherty dropt him as he had + the first. A third presumed to hold it, who was also shot down by + Dougherty. Hiokatoo, exasperated at the sight of such bravery, sallied out + with a party of his Indians, and killed Capts. Dougherty, Boon, and + fourteen men, at the first fire. The remainder of the two companies + escaped by taking to flight, and soon arrived at the fort which they had + left but a few hours before. + </p> + <p> + In an expedition that went out against Cherry Valley and the neighboring + settlements, Captain David, a Mohawk Indian, was first, and Hiokatoo the + second in command. The force consisted of several hundred Indians, who + were determined on mischief, and the destruction of the whites. A + continued series of wantonness and barbarity characterized their career, + for they plundered and burnt every thing that came in their way, and + killed a number of persons, among whom were several infants, whom Hiokatoo + butchered or dashed upon the stones with his own hands. Besides the + instances which have been mentioned, he was in a number of parties during + the revolutionary war, where he ever acted a conspicuous part. + </p> + <p> + The Indians having removed the seat of their depredations and war to the + frontiers of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and the neighboring territories, + assembled a large force at Upper Sandusky, their place of general + rendezvous, from whence they went out to the various places which they + designed to sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + Tired of the desolating scenes that were so often witnessed, and feeling a + confidence that the savages might be subdued, and an end put to their + crimes, the American government raised a regiment, consisting of 300 + volunteers, for the purpose of dislodging them from their cantonment and + preventing further barbarities. Col. William Crawford and Lieut. Col. + David Williamson, men who had been thoroughly tried and approved, were + commissioned by Gen. Washington to take the command of a service that + seemed all-important to the welfare of the country. In the month of July, + 1782, well-armed and provided with a sufficient quantity of provision, + this regiment made an expeditious march through the wilderness to Upper + Sandusky, where, as had been anticipated, they found the Indians assembled + in full force at their encampment, prepared to receive an attack. + </p> + <p> + As Col. Crawford and his brave band advanced, and when they had got within + a short distance from the town, they were met by a white man, with a flag + of truce from the Indians, who proposed to Col. Crawford that if he would + surrender himself and his men to the Indians, their lives should be + spared; but, that if they persisted in their undertaking, and attacked the + town, they should all be massacred to a man. + </p> + <p> + Crawford, while hearing the proposition, attentively surveyed its bearer, + and recognized in his features one of his former schoolmates and + companions, with whom he was perfectly acquainted, by the name of Simon + Gurty. Gurty, but a short time before this, had been a soldier in the + American army, in the same regiment with Crawford; but on the account of + his not having received the promotion that he expected, he became + disaffected—swore an eternal war with his countrymen, fled to the + Indians, and joined them, as a leader well qualified to conduct them to + where they could satiate their thirst for blood, upon the innocent, + unoffending and defenceless settlers. + </p> + <p> + Crawford sternly inquired of the traitor if his name was not Simon Gurty; + and being answered in the affirmative, he informed him that he despised + the offer which he had made; and that he would not surrender his army + unless he should be compelled to do so, by a superior force. + </p> + <p> + Gurty returned, and Crawford immediately commenced an engagement that + lasted till night, without the appearance of victory on either side, when + the firing ceased, and the combatants on both sides retired to take + refreshment, and to rest through the night. Crawford encamped in the woods + near half a mile from the town, where, after the centinels were placed, + and each had taken his ration, they slept on their arms, that they might + be instantly ready in case they should be attacked. The stillness of death + hovered over the little army, and sleep relieved the whole, except the + wakeful centinels who vigilantly attended to their duty.—But what + was their surprise, when they found late in the night, that they were + surrounded by the Indians on every side, except a narrow space between + them and the town? Every man was under arms, and the officers instantly + consulted each other on the best method of escaping; for they saw that to + fight, would be useless, and that to surrender, would be death. + </p> + <p> + Crawford proposed a retreat through the ranks of the enemy in an opposite + direction from the town, as being the most sure course to take. Lt. Col. + Williamson advised to march directly through the town, where there + appeared to be no Indians, and the fires were yet burning. + </p> + <p> + There was no time or place for debates: Col. Crawford, with sixty + followers retreated on the route that he had proposed by attempting to + rush through the enemy; but they had no sooner got amongst the Indians, + than every man was killed or taken prisoner! Amongst the prisoners, were + Col. Crawford, and Doct. Night, surgeon of the regiment. + </p> + <p> + Lt. Col. Williamson, with the remainder of the regiment, together with the + wounded, set out at the same time that Crawford did, went through the town + without losing a man, and by the help of good guides arrived at their + homes in safety. + </p> + <p> + The next day after the engagement the Indians disposed of all their + prisoners to the different tribes, except Col. Crawford and Doct. Night; + but those unfortunate men were reserved for a more cruel destiny. A + council was immediately held on Sandusky plains, consisting of all the + Chiefs and warriors, ranged in their customary order, in a circular form; + and Crawford and Night were brought forward and seated in the centre of + the circle. + </p> + <p> + The council being opened, the Chiefs began to examine Crawford on various + subjects relative to the war. At length they enquired who conducted the + military operations of the American army on the Ohio and Susquehannah + rivers, during the year before; and who had led that army against them + with so much skill and so uniform success? Crawford very honestly and + without suspecting any harm from his reply promptly answered that he was + the man who had led his countrymen to victory, who had driven the enemy + from the settlements, and by that means had procured a great degree of + happiness to many of his fellow-citizens. Upon hearing this, a Chief, who + had lost a son in the year before, in a battle where Colonel Crawford + commanded, left his station in the council, stepped to Crawford, blacked + his face, and at the same time told him that the next day he should be + burnt. + </p> + <p> + The council was immediately dissolved on its hearing the sentence from the + Chief, and the prisoners were taken off the ground, and kept in custody + through the night. Crawford now viewed his fate as sealed; and despairing + of ever returning to his home or his country, only dreaded the tediousness + of death, as commonly inflicted by the savages, and earnestly hoped that + he might be despatched at a single blow. + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning, the Indians assembled at the place of execution, + and Crawford was led to the post—the goal of savage torture, to + which he was fastened. The post was a stick of timber placed firmly in the + ground, having an arm framed in at the top, and extending some six or + eight feet from it, like the arm of a sign post. A pile of wood containing + about two cords, lay a few feet from the place where he stood, which he + was informed was to be kindled into a fire that would burn him alive, as + many had been burnt on the same spot, who had been much less deserving + than himself. + </p> + <p> + Gurty stood and supposedly looked on the preparations that were making for + the funeral of one his former playmates; a hero by whose side he had + fought; of a man whose valor had won laurels which, if he could have + returned, would have been strewed upon his grave, by his grateful + countrymen. Dreading the agony that he saw he was about to feel, Crawford + used every argument which his perilous situation could suggest to prevail + upon Gurty to ransom him at any price, and deliver him (as it was in his + power,) from the savages, and their torments. Gurty heard his prayers, and + expostulations, and saw his tears with indifference, and finally told the + forsaken victim that he would not procure him a moment's respite, nor + afford him the most trifling assistance. + </p> + <p> + The Col. was then bound, stripped naked and tied by his wrists to the arm, + which extended horizontally from the post, in such a manner that his arms + were extended over his head, with his feet just standing upon the ground. + This being done, the savages placed the wood in a circle around him at the + distance of a few feet, in order that his misery might be protracted to + the greatest length, and then kindled it in a number of places at the same + time. The flames arose and the scorching heat became almost insupportable. + Again he prayed to Gurty in all the anguish of his torment, to rescue him + from the fire, or shoot him dead upon the spot. A demoniac smile suffused + the countenance of Gurty, while he calmly replied to the dying suppliant, + that he had no pity for his sufferings; but that he was then satisfying + that spirit of revenge, which for a long time he had hoped to have an + opportunity to wreak upon him. Nature now almost exhausted from the + intensity of the heat, he settled down a little, when a squaw threw coals + of fire and embers upon him, which made him groan most piteously, while + the whole camp rung with exultation. During the execution they manifested + all the exstacy of a complete triumph. Poor Crawford soon died and was + entirely consumed. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the life of a patriot and hero, who had been an intimate with + Gen. Washington, and who shared in an eminent degree the confidence of + that great, good man, to whom, in the time of revolutionary perils, the + sons of legitimate freedom looked with a degree of faith in his mental + resources, unequalled in the history of the world. + </p> + <p> + That tragedy being ended, Doct. Night was informed that on the next day he + should be burnt in the same manner that his comrade Crawford had been, at + Lower Sandusky. Hiokatoo, who out had been a leading chief in the battle + with, and in the execution of Crawford, painted Doct. Night's face black, + and then bound and gave him up to two able bodied Indians to conduct to + the place of execution. + </p> + <p> + They set off with him immediately, and travelled till towards evening, + when they halted to encamp till morning. The afternoon had been very + rainy, and the storm still continued, which rendered it very difficult for + the Indians to kindle a fire. Night observing the difficulty under which + they labored, made them to understand by signs, that if they would unbind + him, he would assist them.—They, accordingly unbound him, and he + soon succeeded in making a fire by the application of small dry stuff + which he was at considerable trouble to procure. While the Indians were + warming themselves, the Doct. continued to gather wood to last through the + night, and in doing this, he found a club which he placed in a situation + from whence he could take it conveniently whenever an opportunity should + present itself in which he could use it effectually. The Indians continued + warming, till at length the Doct. saw that they had placed themselves in a + favorable position for the execution of his design, when, stimulated by + the love of life, he cautiously took his club and at two blows knocked + them both down. Determined to finish the work of death which he had so + well begun, he drew one of their scalping knives, with which he beheaded + and scalped them both! He then took a rifle, tomahawk, and some + ammunition, and directed his course for home, where he arrived without + having experienced any difficulty on his journey. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, the Indians took the track of their victim and his + attendants, to go to Lower Sandusky, and there execute the sentence which + they had pronounced upon him. But what was their surprise and + disappointment, when they arrived at the place of encampment, where they + found their trusty friends scalped and decapitated, and that their + prisoner had made his escape?—Chagrined beyond measure, they + immediately separated, and went in every direction in pursuit of their + prey; but after having spent a number of days unsuccessfully, they gave up + the chase, and returned to their encampment. [Footnote: I have understood, + (from unauthenticated sources however,) that soon after the revolutionary + war, Doct. Night published a pamphlet, containing an account of the battle + at Sandusky, and of his own sufferings. My information on this subject, + was derived from a different quarter. + </p> + <p> + The subject of this narrative in giving the account of her last husband, + Hiokatoo, referred us to Mr. George Jemison, who, (as it will be noticed) + lived on her land a number of years, and who had frequently heard the old + Chief relate the story of his life; particularly that part which related + to his military career. Mr. Jemison; on being enquired of, gave the + foregoing account, partly from his own personal knowledge, and the + remainder, from the account given by Hiokatoo. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jemison was in the battle, was personally acquainted with Col. + Crawford, and one that escaped with Lt. Col. Williamson. We have no doubt + of the truth of the statement, and have therefore inserted the whole + account, as an addition to the historical facts which are daily coming + into a state of preservation, in relation to the American Revolution. + </p> + <p> + AUTHOR.] + </p> + <p> + In the time of the French war, in an engagement that took place on the + Ohio river, Hiokatoo took a British Col. by the name of Simon Canton, whom + he carried to the Indian encampment. A council was held, and the Col. was + sentenced to suffer death, by being tied on a wild colt, with his face + towards its tail, and then having the colt turned loose to run where it + pleased. He was accordingly tied on, and the colt let loose, agreeable to + the sentence. The colt run two days, and then returned with its rider yet + alive. The Indians, thinking that he would never die in that way, took him + off, and made him run the gauntlet three times; but in the last race a + squaw knocked him down, and he was supposed to have been dead. He, + however, recovered, and was sold for fifty dollars to a Frenchman, who + sent him as a prisoner to Detroit. On the return of the Frenchman to + Detroit, the Col. besought him to ransom him, and give, or set him at + liberty, with so much warmth, and promised with so much solemnity, to + reward him as one of the best of benefactors, if he would let him go, that + the Frenchman took his word, and sent him home to his family. The Col. + remembered his promise, and in a short time sent his deliverer one hundred + and fifty dollars, as a reward for his generosity. + </p> + <p> + Since the commencement of the revolutionary war, Hiokatoo has been in + seventeen campaigns, four of which were in the Cherokee war. He was so + great an enemy to the Cherokees, and so fully determined upon their + subjugation, that on his march to their country, he raised his own army + for those four campaigns, and commanded it; and also superintended its + subsistence. In one of those campaigns, which continued two whole years + without intermission, he attacked his enemies on the Mobile, drove them to + the country of the Creek Nation, where he continued to harrass them, till + being tired of war, he returned to his family. He brought home a great + number of scalps, which he had taken from the enemy, and ever seemed to + possess an unconquerable will that the Cherokees might be utterly + destroyed. Towards the close of his last fighting in that country, he took + two squaws, whom he sold on his way home for money to defray the expense + of his journey. + </p> + <p> + Hiokatoo was about six feet four or five inches high, large boned, and + rather inclined to leanness. He was very stout and active, for a man of + his size, for it was said by himself and others, that he had never found + an Indian who could keep up with him on a race, or throw him at wrestling. + His eye was quick and penetrating; and his voice was of that harsh and + powerful kind, which, amongst, Indians, always commands attention. His + health had been uniformly good. He never was confined by sickness, till he + was attacked with the consumption, four years before his death. And, + although he had, from his earliest days, been inured to almost constant + fatigue, and exposure to every inclemency of the weather, in the open air + he seemed to lose the vigor of the prime of life only by the natural decay + occasioned by old age. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + Her Troubles Renewed.—John's Jealousy towards his brother Jesse.—Circumstances + attending the Murder of Jesse Jemison.—Her Grief.—His Funeral—Age—Filial + Kindness, &c. + </p> + <p> + Being now left a widow in my old age, to mourn the loss of a husband, who + had treated me well and with whom I had raised five children, and having + suffered the loss of an affectionate son, I fondly fostered the hope that + my melancholy vicissitudes had ended, and that the remainder of my time + would be characterized by nothing unpropitious. My children, dutiful and + kind, lived near me, and apparently nothing obstructed our happiness. + </p> + <p> + But a short time, however, elapsed after my husband's death, before my + troubles were renewed with redoubled severity. + </p> + <p> + John's hands having been once stained in the blood of a brother, it was + not strange that after his acquital, every person of his acquaintance + should shun him, from a fear of his repeating upon them the same ceremony + that he had practised upon Thomas. My son Jesse, went to Mt. Morris, a few + miles from home, on business, in the winter after the death of his father; + and it so happened that his brother John was there, who requested Jesse to + come home with him. Jesse, fearing that John would commence a quarrel with + him on the way, declined the invitation, and tarried over night. + </p> + <p> + From that time John conceived himself despised by Jesse, and was highly + enraged at the treatment which he had received. Very little was said, + however, and it all passed off, apparently, till sometime in the month of + May, 1812, at which time Mr. Robert Whaley, who lived in the town of + Castile, within four miles of me, came to my house early on Monday + morning, to hire George Chongo, my son-in-law, and John and Jesse, to go + that day and help him slide a quantity of boards from the top of the hill + to the river, where he calculated to build a raft of them for market. + </p> + <p> + They all concluded to go with Mr. Whaley, and made ready as soon as + possible. But before they set out I charged them not to drink any whiskey; + for I was confident that if they did, they would surely have a quarrel in + consequence of it. They went and worked till almost night, when a quarrel + ensued between Chongo and Jesse, in consequence of the whiskey that they + had drank through the day, which terminated in a battle, and Chongo got + whipped. + </p> + <p> + When Jesse had got through with Chongo, he told Mr. Whaley that he would + go home, and directly went off. He, however, went but a few rods before he + stopped and lay down by the side of a log to wait, (as was supposed,) for + company. John, as soon as Jesse was gone, went to Mr. Whaley with his + knife in his hand and bade him jogo (i. e. be gone,) at the same time + telling him that Jesse was a bad man. Mr. Whaley, seeing that his + countenance was changed, and that he was determined upon something + desperate, was alarmed for his own safety, and turned towards home, + leaving Chongo on the ground drunk, near to where Jesse had lain, who by + this time had got up, and was advancing towards John. Mr. Whaley was soon + out of hearing of them; but some of his workmen staid till it was dark. + Jesse came up to John, and said to him, you want more whiskey, and more + fighting, and after a few words went at him, to try in the first place to + get away his knife. In this he did not succeed, and they parted. By this + time the night had come on, and it was dark. Again they clenched and at + length in their struggle they both fell. John, having his knife in his + hand, came under, and in that situation gave Jesse a fatal stab with his + knife, and repeated the blows till Jesse cried out, brother, you have + killed me, quit his hold and settled back upon the ground. Upon hearing + this, John left him and came to Thomas' widow's house, told them that he + had been fighting with their uncle, whom he had killed, and showed them + his knife. + </p> + <p> + Next morning as soon as it was light, Thomas' and John's children came and + told me that Jesse was dead in the woods, and also informed me how he came + by his death. John soon followed them and informed me himself of all that + had taken place between him and his brother, and seemed to be somewhat + sorrowful for his conduct. You can better imagine what my feelings were + than I can describe them. My darling son, my youngest child, him on whom I + depended, was dead; and I in my old age left destitute of a helping hand! + </p> + <p> + As soon as it was consistent for me, I got Mr. George Jemison, (of whom I + shall have occasion to speak,) to go with his sleigh to where Jesse was, + and bring him home, a distance of 3 or 4 miles. My daughter Polly arrived + at the fatal spot first: we got there soon after her; though I went the + whole distance on foot. By this time, Chongo, (who was left on the ground + drunk the night before,) had become sober and sensible of the great + misfortune which had happened to our family. + </p> + <p> + I was overcome with grief at the sight of my murdered son, and so far lost + the command of myself as to be almost frantic; and those who were present + were obliged to hold me from going near him. + </p> + <p> + On examining the body it was found that it had received eighteen wounds so + deep and large that it was believed that either of them would have proved + mortal. The corpse was carried to my house, and kept till the Thursday + following, when it was buried after the manner of burying white people. + </p> + <p> + Jesse was twenty-seven or eight years old when he was killed. His temper + had been uniformly very mild and friendly; and he was inclined to copy + after the white people; both in his manners and dress. Although he was + naturally temperate, he occasionally became intoxicated; but never was + quarrelsome or mischievous. With the white people he was intimate, and + learned from them their habits of industry, which he was fond of + practising, especially when my comfort demanded his labor. As I have + observed, it is the custom amongst the Indians, for the women to perform + all the labor in, and out of doors, and I had the whole to do, with the + help of my daughters, till Jesse arrived to a sufficient age to assist us. + He was disposed to labor in the cornfield, to chop my wood, milk my cows, + and attend to any kind of business that would make my task the lighter. On + the account of his having been my youngest child, and so willing to help + me, I am sensible that I loved him better than I did either of my other + children. After he began to understand my situation, and the means of + rendering it more easy, I never wanted for anything that was in his power + to bestow; but since his death, as I have had all my labor to perform + alone, I have constantly seen hard times. + </p> + <p> + Jesse shunned the company of his brothers, and the Indians generally; and + never attended their frolics; and it was supposed that this, together with + my partiality for him, were the causes which excited in John so great a + degree of envy, that nothing short of death would satisfy it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Jemison is informed that she has a Cousin in the Neighborhood, by the + name of George Jemison.—His Poverty.—Her Kindness.—His + Ingratitude.—Her Trouble from Land Speculation.—Her Cousin + moves off. + </p> + <p> + A year or two before the death of my husband, Capt. H. Jones sent me word + that a cousin of mine was then living in Leicester, (a few miles from + Gardow,) by the name of George Jemison, and as he was very poor, thought + it advisable for me to go and see him, and take him home to live with me + on my land. My Indian friends were pleased to hear that one of my + relatives was so near, and also advised me to send for him and his family + immediately. I accordingly had him and his family moved into one of my + houses, in the month of March, 1810. + </p> + <p> + He said that he was my father's brother's son—that his father did + not leave Europe, till after the French war in America, and that when he + did come over, he settled in Pennsylvania, where he died. George had no + personal knowledge of my father; but from information, was confident that + the relationship which he claimed between himself and me, actually + existed. Although I had never before heard of my father having had but one + brother, (him who was killed at Fort Necessity,) yet I knew that he might + have had others, and, as the story of George carried with it a probability + that it was true, I received him as a kinsman, and treated him with every + degree of friendship which his situation demanded. [Footnote: Mrs. Jemison + is now confident that George Jemison is not her cousin, and thinks that he + claimed the relationship, only to gain assistance: But the old gentleman, + who is now living, is certain that his and her father were brothers, as + before stated.] + </p> + <p> + I found that he was destitute of the means of subsistence, and in debt to + the amount of seventy dollars, without the ability to pay one cent. He had + no cow, and finally, was completely poor, I paid his debts to the amount + of seventy-two dollars, and bought him a cow, for which I paid twenty + dollars, and a sow and pigs, that I paid eight dollars for. I also paid + sixteen dollars for pork that I gave him, and furnished him with other + provisions and furniture; so that his family was comfortable. As he was + destitute of a team, I furnished him with one, and also supplied him with + tools for farming. In addition to all this, I let him have one of Thomas' + cows, for two seasons. + </p> + <p> + My only object in mentioning his poverty, and the articles with which I + supplied him, is to show how ungrateful a person can be for favors, and + how soon a kind benefactor will, to all appearance, be forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Thus furnished with the necessary implements of husbandry, a good team, + and as much land as he could till, he commenced farming on my flats, and + for some time labored well. At length, however, he got an idea that if he + could become the owner of a part of my reservation, he could live more + easy, and certainly be more rich, and accordingly set himself about laying + a plan to obtain it, in the easiest manner possible. + </p> + <p> + I supported Jemison and his family eight years, and probably should have + continued to have done so to this day, had it not been for the occurrence + of the following circumstance. + </p> + <p> + When he had lived with me some six or seven years, a friend of mine told + me that as Jemison was my cousin, and very poor, I ought to give him a + piece of land that he might have something whereon to live, that he would + call his own. My friend and Jemison were then together at my house, + prepared to complete a bargain. I asked how much land he wanted? Jemison + said that he should be glad to receive his old field (as he called it) + containing about fourteen acres, and a new one that contained twenty-six. + </p> + <p> + I observed to them that as I was incapable of transacting business of that + nature, I would wait till Mr. Thomas Clute, (a neighbor on whom I + depended,) should return from Albany, before I should do any thing about + it. To this Jemison replied that if I waited till Mr. Clute returned, he + should not get the land at all, and appeared very anxious to have the + business closed without delay. On my part, I felt disposed to give him + some land, but knowing my ignorance of writing, feared to do it alone, + lest they might include as much land they pleased, without my knowledge. + </p> + <p> + They then read the deed which my friend had prepared before he came from + home, describing a piece of land by certain bounds that were a specified + number of chains and links from each other. Not understanding the length + of a chain or link, I described the bounds of a piece of land that I + intended Jemison should have, which they said was just the same that the + deed contained and no more. I told them that the deed must not include a + lot that was called the Steele place, and they assured me that it did not. + Upon this, putting confidence in them both, I signed the deed to George + Jemison, containing, and conveying to him as I supposed, forty acres of + land. The deed being completed they charged me never to mention the + bargain which I had then made to any person; because if I did, they said + it would spoil the contract. The whole matter was afterwards disclosed; + when it was found that that deed instead of containing only forty acres, + contained four hundred, and that one half of it actually belonged to my + friend, as it had been given to him by Jemison as a reward for his trouble + in procuring the deed, in the fraudulent manner above mentioned. + </p> + <p> + My friend, however, by the advice of some well disposed people, awhile + afterwards gave up his claim; but Jemison held his till he sold it for a + trifle to a gentleman in the south part of Genesee county. + </p> + <p> + Sometime after the death of my son Thomas, one of his sons went to Jemison + to get the cow that I had let him have two years; but Jemison refused to + let her go, and struck the boy so violent a blow as to almost kill him. + Jemison then run to Jellis Clute, Esq. to procure a warrant to take the + boy; but Young King, an Indian Chief, went down to Squawky hill to Esq. + Clute's, and settled the affair by Jemison's agreeing never to use that + club again. Having satisfactorily found out the friendly disposition of my + cousin towards me, I got him off my premises as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + Another Family Affliction.—Her son John's Occupation.—He goes + to Buffalo—Returns.—Great Slide by him considered Ominous—Trouble, + &c.—He goes to Squawky Hill—Quarrels—Is murdered by + two Indians.—His Funeral—Mourners, &c.—His + Disposition.—Ominous Dream.—Black Chief's Advice, &c.—His + Widows and Family.—His Age.—His Murderers flee.—Her + Advice to them.—They set out to leave their Country.—Their + Uncle's Speech to them on parting.—They return.—Jack proposes + to Doctor to kill each other.—Doctor's Speech in Reply.—Jack's + Suicide.—Doctor's Death. + </p> + <p> + Trouble seldom comes single. While George Jemison was busily engaged in + his pursuit of wealth at my expence, another event of a much more serious + nature occurred, which added greatly to my afflictions, and consequently + destroyed, at least a part of the happiness that I had anticipated was + laid up in the archives of Providence, to be dispensed on my old age. + </p> + <p> + My son John, was a doctor, considerably celebrated amongst the Indians of + various tribes, for his skill in curing their diseases, by the + administration of roots and herbs, which he gathered in the forests, and + other places where they had been planted by the hand of nature. + </p> + <p> + In the month of April, or first of May, 1817, he was called upon to go to + Buffalo, Cattaraugus and Allegany, to cure some who were sick. He went, + and was absent about two months. When he returned, he observed the Great + Slide of the bank of Genesee river, a short distance above my house, which + had taken place during his absence; and conceiving that circumstance to be + ominous of his own death, called at his sister Nancy's, told her that he + should live but a few days, and wept bitterly at the near approach of his + dissolution. Nancy endeavored to persuade him that his trouble was + imaginary, and that he ought not to be affected by a fancy which was + visionary. Her arguments were ineffectual, and afforded no alleviation to + his mental sufferings. From his sister's, he went to his own house, where + he stayed only two nights, and then went to Squawky Hill to procure money, + with which to purchase flour for the use of his family. + </p> + <p> + While at Squawky Hill he got into the company of two Squawky Hill Indians, + whose names were Doctor and Jack, with whom he drank freely, and in the + afternoon had a desperate quarrel, in which his opponents, (as it was + afterwards understood,) agreed to kill him. The quarrel ended, and each + appeared to be friendly. John bought some spirits, of which they all + drank, and then set out for home. John and an Allegany Indian were on + horseback, and Doctor and Jack were on foot. It was dark when they set + out. They had not proceeded far, when Doctor and Jack commenced another + quarrel with John, clenched and dragged him off his horse, and then with a + stone gave him so severe a blow on his head, that some of his brains were + discharged from the wound. The Allegany Indian, fearing that his turn + would come next, fled for safety as fast as possible. + </p> + <p> + John recovered a little from the shock he had received, and endeavored to + get to an old hut that stood near; but they caught him, and with an axe + cut his throat, and beat out his brains, so that when he was found the + contents of his skull were lying on his arms. + </p> + <p> + Some squaws, who heard the uproar, ran to find out the cause of it; but + before they had time to offer their assistance, the murderers drove them + into a house, and threatened to take their lives if they did not stay + there, or if they made any noise. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, Esq. Clute sent me word that John was dead, and also + informed me of the means by which his life was taken. A number of people + went from Gardow to where the body lay, and Doct. Levi Brundridge brought + it up home, where the funeral was attended after the manner of the white + people. Mr. Benjamin Luther, and Mr. William Wiles, preached a sermon, and + performed the funeral services; and myself and family followed the corpse + to the grave as mourners. I had now buried my three sons, who had been + snatched from me by the hands of violence, when I least expected it. + </p> + <p> + Although John had taken the life of his two brothers, and caused me + unspeakable trouble and grief, his death made a solemn impression upon my + mind, and seemed, in addition to my former misfortunes, enough to bring + down my grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. Yet, on a second thought, I + could not mourn for him as I had for my other sons, because I knew that + his death was just, and what he had deserved for a long time, from the + hand of justice. + </p> + <p> + John's vices were so great and so aggravated, that I have nothing to say + in his favor: yet, as a mother, I pitied him while he lived, and have ever + felt a great degree of sorrow for him, because of his bad conduct. + </p> + <p> + From his childhood, he carried something in his features indicative of an + evil disposition, that would result in the perpetration of enormities of + some kind; and it was the opinion and saying of Ebenezer Allen, that he + would be a bad man, and be guilty of some crime deserving of death. There + is no doubt but what the thoughts of murder rankled in his breast, and + disturbed his mind even in his sleep; for he dreamed that he had killed + Thomas for a trifling offence, and thereby forfeited his own life. Alarmed + at the revelation, and fearing that he might in some unguarded moment + destroy his brother, he went to the Black Chief, to whom he told the + dream, and expressed his fears that the vision would be verified. Having + related the dream, together with his feelings on the subject, he asked for + the best advice that his old friend was capable of giving, to prevent so + sad an event. The Black Chief, with his usual promptitude, told him, that + from the nature of the dream, he was fearful that something serious would + take place between him and Thomas; and advised him by all means to govern + his temper, and avoid any quarrel which in future he might see arising, + especially if Thomas was a party. John, however, did not keep the good + counsel of the Chief; for soon after he killed Thomas, as I have related. + </p> + <p> + John left two wives with whom he had lived at the same time, and raised + nine children. His widows are now living at Caneadea with their father, + and keep their children with, and near them. His children are tolerably + white, and have got light colored hair. John died about the last day of + June, 1817, aged 54 years. + </p> + <p> + Doctor and Jack, having finished their murderous design, fled before they + could be apprehended, and lay six weeks in the woods back of Canisteo. + They then returned and sent me some wampum by Chongo, (my son-in-law,) and + Sun-ge-waw (that is Big Kettle) expecting that I would pardon them, and + suffer them to live as they had done with their tribe. I however, would + not accept their wampum, but returned it with a request, that, rather than + have them killed, they would run away and keep out of danger. + </p> + <p> + On their receiving back the wampum, they took my advice, and prepared to + leave their country and people immediately. Their relatives accompanied + them a short distance on their journey, and when about to part, their old + uncle, the Tall Chief, addressed them in the following pathetic and + sentimental speech: + </p> + <p> + "Friends, hear my voice!—When the Great Spirit made Indians, he made + them all good, and gave them good corn-fields; good rivers, well stored + with fish; good forests, filled with game and good bows and arrows. But + very soon each wanted more than his share, and Indians quarrelled with + Indians, and some were killed, and others were wounded. Then the Great + Spirit made a very good word, and put it in every Indians breast, to tell + us when we have done good, or when we have done bad; and that word has + never told a lie. + </p> + <p> + "Friends! whenever you have stole, or got drunk, or lied, that good word + has told you that you were bad Indians, and made you afraid of good + Indians; and made you ashamed and look down. + </p> + <p> + "Friends! your crime is greater than all those:—you have killed an + Indian in a time of peace; and made the wind hear his groans, and the + earth drink his blood. You are bad Indians! Yes, you are very bad Indians; + and what can you do? If you go into the woods to live alone, the ghost of + John Jemison will follow you, crying, blood! blood! and will give you no + peace! If you go to the land of your nation, there that ghost will attend + you, and say to your relatives, see my murderers! If you plant, it will + blast your corn; if you hunt, it will scare your game; and when you are + asleep, its groans, and the sight of an avenging tomahawk, will awake you! + What can you do? Deserving of death, you cannot live here; and to fly from + your country, to leave all your relatives, and to abandon all that you + have known to be pleasant and dear, must be keener than an arrow, more + bitter than gall, more terrible than death! And how must we feel?—Your + path will be muddy; the woods will be dark; the lightnings will glance + down the trees by your side, and you will start at every sound! peace has + left you, and you must be wretched. + </p> + <p> + "Friends, hear me, and take my advice. Return with us to your homes. Offer + to the Great Spirit your best wampum, and try to be good Indians! And, if + those whom you have bereaved shall claim your lives as their only + satisfaction, surrender them cheerfully, and die like good Indians. And—" + Here Jack, highly incensed, interrupted the old man, and bade him stop + speaking or he would take his life. Affrighted at the appearance of so + much desperation, the company hastened towards home, and left Doctor and + Jack to consult their own feelings. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they were alone, Jack said to Doctor, "I had rather die here, + than leave my country and friends! Put the muzzle of your rifle into my + mouth, and I will put the muzzle of mine into yours, and at a given signal + we will discharge them, and rid ourselves at once of all the troubles + under which we now labor, and satisfy the claims which justice holds + against us." + </p> + <p> + Doctor heard the proposition, and after a moment's pause, made the + following reply:—"I am as sensible as you can be of the unhappy + situation in which we have placed ourselves. We are bad Indians. We have + forfeited our lives, and must expect in some way to atone for our crime: + but, because we are bad and miserable, shall we make ourselves worse? If + we were now innocent, and in a calm reflecting moment should kill + ourselves, that act would make us bad, and deprive us of our share of the + good hunting in the land where our fathers have gone! What would Little + Beard [Footnote: Little Bears was a Chief who died in 1806.] say to us on + our arrival at his cabin? He would say, 'Bad Indians! Cowards! You were + afraid to wait till we wanted your help! Go (Jogo) to where snakes will + lie in your path; where the panthers will starve you, by devouring the + venison; and where you will be naked and suffer with the cold! Jogo, (go,) + none but the brave and good Indians live here!' I cannot think of + performing an act that will add to my wretchedness. It is hard enough for + me to suffer here, and have good hunting hereafter—worse to lose the + whole." + </p> + <p> + Upon this, Jack withdrew his proposal. They went on about two miles, and + then turned about and came home. Guilty and uneasy, they lurked about + Squawky Hill near a fortnight, and then went to Cattaraugus, and were gone + six weeks. When they came back, Jack's wife earnestly requested him to + remove his family to Tonnewonta; but he remonstrated against her project, + and utterly declined going. His wife and family, however, tired of the + tumult by which they were surrounded, packed up their effects in spite of + what he could say, and went off. + </p> + <p> + Jack deliberated a short time upon the proper course for himself to + pursue, and finally, rather than leave his old home, he ate a large + quantity of muskrat root, and died in 10 or 12 hours. His family being + immediately notified of his death, returned to attend the burial, and is + yet living at Squawky Hill. + </p> + <p> + Nothing was ever done with Doctor, who continued to live quietly at + Squawky Hill till sometime in the year 1819, when he died of Consumption. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + Micah Brooks, Esq. volunteers to get the Title to her Land confirmed to + herself.—She is Naturalized.—Great Council of Chiefs, &c. + in Sept. 1823.—She Disposes of her Reservation.—Reserves a + Tract 2 miles long, and 1 mile wide, &c.—The Consideration how + Paid, &c. + </p> + <p> + In 1816, Micah Brooks, Esq. of Bloomfield, Ontario county, was recommended + to me (as it was said) by a Mr. Ingles, to be a man of candor, honesty and + integrity, who would by no means cheat me out of a cent. Mr. Brooks soon + after, came to my house and informed me that he was disposed to assist me + in regard to my land, by procuring a legislative act that would invest me + with full power to dispose of it for my own benefit, and give as ample a + title as could be given by any citizen of the state. He observed that as + it was then situated, it was of but little value, because it was not in my + power to dispose of it, let my necessities be ever so great. He then + proposed to take the agency of the business upon himself, and to get the + title of one half of my reservation vested in me personally, upon the + condition that, as a reward for his services, I would give him the other + half. + </p> + <p> + I sent for my son John, who on being consulted, objected to my going into + any bargain with Mr. Brooks, without the advice and consent of Mr. Thomas + Clute, who then lived on my land and near me. Mr. Clute was accordingly + called on, to whom Mr. Brooks repeated his former statement, and added, + that he would get an act passed in the Congress of the United States, that + would invest me with all the rights and immunities of a citizen, so far as + it respected my property. Mr. Clute, suspecting that some plan was in + operation that would deprive me of my possessions, advised me to have + nothing to say on the subject to Mr. Brooks, till I had seen Esquire + Clute, of Squawky Hill. Soon after this Thomas Clute saw Esq. Clute, who + informed him that the petition for my naturalization would be presented to + the Legislature of this State, instead of being sent to Congress; and that + the object would succeed to his and my satisfaction. Mr. Clute then + observed to his brother, Esq. Clute, that as the sale of Indian lands, + which had been reserved, belonged exclusively to the United States, an act + of the Legislature of New-York could have no effect in securing to me a + title to my reservation, or in depriving me of my property. They finally + agreed that I should sign a petition to Congress, praying for my + naturalization, and for the confirmation of the title of my land to me, my + heirs, &c. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Brooks came with the petition: I signed it, and it was witnessed by + Thomas Clute, and two others, and then returned to Mr. Brooks, who + presented it to the Legislature of this state at its session in the winter + of 1816-17. On the 19th of April, 1817, an act was passed for my + naturalization, and ratifying and confirming the title of my land, + agreeable to the tenor of the petition, which act Mr. Brooks presented to + me on the first day of May following. + </p> + <p> + Thomas Clute having examined the law, told me that it would probably + answer, though it was not according to the agreement made by Mr. Brooks, + and Esq. Clute and himself, for me. I then executed to Micah Brooks and + Jellis Clute, a deed of all my land lying east of the picket line on the + Gardow reservation, containing about 7000 acres. + </p> + <p> + It is proper in this place to observe, in relation to Mr. Thomas Clute, + that my son John, a few months before his death, advised me to take him + for my guardian, (as I had become old and incapable of managing my + property,) and to compensate him for his trouble by giving him a lot of + land on the west side of my reservation where he should choose it. I + accordingly took my son's advice, and Mr. Clute has ever since been + faithful and honest in all his advice and dealings with, and for, myself + and family. + </p> + <p> + In the month of August, 1817, Mr. Brooks and Esq. Clute again came to me + with a request that I would give them a lease of the land which I had + already deeded to them, together with the other part of my reservation, + excepting and reserving to myself only about 4000 acres. + </p> + <p> + At this time I informed Thomas Clute of what John had advised, and + recommended me to do, and that I had consulted my daughters on the + subject, who had approved of the measure. He readily agreed to assist me; + whereupon I told him he was entitled to a lot of land, and might select as + John had mentioned. He accordingly at that time took such a piece as he + chose, and the same has ever since been reserved for him in all the land + contracts which I have made. + </p> + <p> + On the 24th of August, 1817, I leased to Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute, + the whole of my original reservation, except 4000 acres, and Thomas + Clute's lot. Finding their title still incomplete, on account of the + United States government and Seneca Chiefs not having sanctioned my acts, + they solicited me to renew the contract, and have the conveyance made to + them in such a manner as that they should thereby be constituted sole + proprietors of the soil. + </p> + <p> + In the winter of 1822-3, I agreed with them, that if they would get the + chiefs of our nation, and a United States Commissioner of Indian Lands, to + meet in council at Moscow, Livingston county, N. Y. and there concur in my + agreement, that I would sell to them all my right and title to the Gardow + reservation, with the exception of a tract for my own benefit, two miles + long, and one mile wide, lying on the river where I should choose it; and + also reserving Thomas Clute's lot. This arrangement was agreed upon, and + the council assembled at the place appointed, on the 3d or 4th day of + September, 1823. + </p> + <p> + That council consisted of Major Carrol, who had been appointed by the + President to dispose of my lands, Judge Howell and N. Gorham, of + Canandaigua, (who acted in concert with Maj. Carrol,) Jasper Parrish, + Indian Agent, Horatio Jones, Interpreter, and a great number of Chiefs. + </p> + <p> + The bargain was assented to unanimously, and a deed given to H. B. Gibson, + Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute, of the whole Gardow tract, excepting the + last mentioned reservations, which was signed by myself and upwards of + twenty Chiefs. + </p> + <p> + The land which I now own, is bounded as follows:—Beginning at the + center of the Great Slide [Footnote: The Great Slide of the bank of + Genesee river is a curiosity worthy of the attention of the traveller. In + the month of May, 1817, a portion of land thickly covered with timber, + situated at the upper end of the Gardow flats, on the west side of the + river, all of a sudden gave way, and with a tremendous crash, slid into + the bed of the river, which it so completely filled, that the stream + formed a new passage on the east side of it, where it continues to run, + without overflowing the slide. This slide, as it now lies, contains 22 + acres, and has a considerable share of the timber that formerly covered + it, still standing erect upon it, and growing.] and running west one mile, + thence north two miles, thence east about one mile to Genesee river, + thence south on the west bank of Genesee river to the place of beginning. + </p> + <p> + In consideration of the above sale, the purchasers have bound themselves, + their heirs, assigns, &c. to pay to me, my heirs or successors, three + hundred dollars a year forever. + </p> + <p> + Whenever the land which I have reserved, shall be sold, the income of it + is to be equally divided amongst the members of the Seneca nation, without + any reference to tribes or families. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + Conclusion.—Review of her Life.—Reflections on the loss of + Liberty.—Care she took to preserve her Health.—Indians' + abstemiousness in Drinking, after the French War.—Care of their + Lives, &c.—General use of Spirits—Her natural Strength.—Purchase + of her first Cow.—Means by which she has been supplied with Food.—Suspicions + of her having been a Witch.—Her Constancy.—Number of Children.—Number + Living.—Their Residence.—Closing Reflection. + </p> + <p> + When I review my life, the privations that I have suffered, the hardships + I have endured, the vicissitudes I have passed, and the complete + revolution that I have experienced in my manner of living; when I consider + my reduction from a civilized to a savage state, and the various steps by + which that process has been effected, and that my life has been prolonged, + and my health and reason spared, it seems a miracle that I am unable to + account for, and is a tragical medley that I hope will never be repeated. + </p> + <p> + The bare loss of liberty is but a mere trifle when compared with the + circumstances that necessarily attend, and are inseparably connected with + it. It is the recollection of what we once were, of the friends, the home, + and the pleasures that we have left or lost; the anticipation of misery, + the appearance of wretchedness, the anxiety for freedom, the hope of + release, the devising of means of escaping, and the vigilance with which + we watch our keepers, that constitute the nauseous dregs of the bitter cup + of slavery. I am sensible, however, that no one can pass from a state of + freedom to that of slavery, and in the last situation rest perfectly + contented; but as every one knows that great exertions of the mind tend + directly to debilitate the body, it will appear obvious that we ought, + when confined, to exert all our faculties to promote our present comfort, + and let future days provide their own sacrifices. In regard to ourselves, + just as we feel, we are. + </p> + <p> + For the preservation of my life to the present time I am indebted to an + excellent constitution, with which I have been blessed in as great a + degree as any other person. After I arrived to years of understanding, the + care of my own health was one of my principal studies; and by avoiding + exposures to wet and cold, by temperance in eating, abstaining from the + use of spirits, and shunning the excesses to which I was frequently + exposed, I effected my object beyond what I expected. I have never once + been sick till within a year or two, only as I have related. Spirits and + tobacco I have never used, and I have never once attended an Indian + frolic. When I was taken prisoner, and for sometime after that, spirits + was not known; and when it was first introduced, it was in small + quantities, and used only by the Indians; so that it was a long time + before the Indian women begun to even taste it. + </p> + <p> + After the French war, for a number of years, it was the practice of the + Indians of our tribe to send to Niagara and get two or three kegs of rum, + (in all six or eight gallons,) and hold a frolic as long as it lasted. + When the rum was brought to the town, all the Indians collected, and + before a drop was drank, gave all their knives, tomahawks, guns, and other + instruments of war, to one Indian, whose business it was to bury them in a + private place, keep them concealed, and remain perfectly sober till the + frolic was ended. Having thus divested themselves, they commenced + drinking, and continued their frolic till every drop was consumed, If any + of them became quarrelsome, or got to fighting, those who were sober + enough bound them upon the ground, where they were obliged to lie till + they got sober, and then were unbound. When the fumes of the spirits had + left the company, the sober Indian returned to each the instruments with + which they had entrusted him, and all went home satisfied. A frolic of + that kind was held but once a year, and that at the time the Indians quit + their hunting, and come in with their deer-skins. + </p> + <p> + In those frolics the women never participated. Soon after the + revolutionary war, however, spirits became common in our tribe, and has + been used indiscriminately by both sexes; though there are not so frequent + instances of intoxication amongst the squaws as amongst the Indians. + </p> + <p> + To the introduction and use or that baneful article, which has made such + devastation in our tribes, and threatens the extinction of our people, + (the Indians,) I can with the greatest propriety impute the whole of my + misfortune in losing my three sons. But as I have before observed, not + even the love of life will restrain an Indian from sipping the poison that + he knows will destroy him. The voice of nature, the rebukes of reason, the + advice of parents, the expostulations of friends, and the numerous + instances of sudden death, are all insufficient to reclaim an Indian, who + has once experienced the exhilarating and inebriating effects of spirits, + from seeking his grave in the bottom of his bottle! + </p> + <p> + My strength has been great for a woman of my size, otherwise I must long + ago have died under the burdens which I was obliged to carry. I learned to + carry loads on my back, in a strap placed across my forehead, soon after + my captivity; and continue to carry in the same way. Upwards of thirty + years ago, with the help of my young children, I backed all the boards + that were used about my house from Allen's mill at the outlet of Silver + Lake, a distance of five miles. I have planted, hoed, and harvested corn + every season but one since I was taken prisoner. Even this present fall + (1823) I have husked my corn and backed it into the house. + </p> + <p> + The first cow that I ever owned, I bought of a squaw sometime after the + revolution. It had been stolen from the enemy. I had owned it but a few + days when it fell into a hole, and almost died before we could get it out. + After this, the squaw wanted to be recanted, but as I would not give up + the cow, I gave her money enough to make, when added to the sum which I + paid her at first, thirty-five dollars. Cows were plenty on the Ohio, when + I lived there, and of good quality. + </p> + <p> + For provisions I have never suffered since I came upon the flats; nor have + I ever been in debt to any other hands than my own for the plenty that I + have shared. + </p> + <p> + My vices, that have been suspected, have been but few. It was believed for + a long time, by some of our people, that I was a great witch; but they + were unable to prove my guilt, and consequently I escaped the certain doom + of those who are convicted of that crime, which, by Indians, is considered + as heinous as murder. Some of my children had light brown hair, and + tolerable fair skin, which used to make some say that I stole them; yet as + I was ever conscious of my own constancy, I never thought that any one + really believed that I was guilty of adultery. + </p> + <p> + I have been the mother of eight children; three of whom are now living, + and I have at this time thirty-nine grand children, and fourteen + great-grand children, all living in the neighborhood of Genesee River, and + at Buffalo. + </p> + <p> + I live in my own house, and on my own land with my youngest daughter, + Polly, who is married to George Chongo, and has three children. + </p> + <p> + My daughter Nancy, who is married to Billy Green, lives about 80 rods + south of my house, and has seven children. + </p> + <p> + My other, daughter, Betsey, is married to John Green, has seven children, + and resides 80 rods north of my house. + </p> + <p> + Thus situated in the midst of my children, I expect I shall soon leave the + world, and make room for the rising generation. I feel the weight of years + with which I am loaded, and am sensible of my daily failure in seeing, + hearing and strength; but my only anxiety is for my family. If my family + will live happily, and I can be exempted from trouble while I have to + stay, I feel as though I could lay down in peace a life that has been + checked in almost every hour, with troubles of a deeper dye, than are + commonly experienced by mortals. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX. + </h2> + <p> + An account of the destruction of a part of the British Army, by the + Indians, at a place called the Devil's Hole, on the Niagara River, in the + year 1763. + </p> + <p> + It is to be regretted that an event of so tragical a nature as the + following, should have escaped the pens of American Historians, and have + been suffered to slide down the current of time, to the verge of oblivion, + without having been snatched almost from the vortex of forgetfulness, and + placed on the faithful page, as a memorial of premeditated cruelties, + which, in former times, were practised upon the white people, by the North + American Savages. + </p> + <p> + Modern History, perhaps, cannot furnish a parallel so atrocious in design + and execution, as the one before us, and it may be questioned, even if the + history of ancient times, when men fought hand to hand, and disgraced + their nature by inventing engines of torture, can more than produce its + equal. + </p> + <p> + It will be observed in the preceding narrative, that the affair at the + Devil's Hole is said to have happened in November, 1759. That Mrs. Jemison + arrived at Genesee about that time, is rendered certain from a number of + circumstances; and that a battle was fought on the Niagara in Nov. 1759, + in which two prisoners and some oxen were taken, and brought to Genesee, + as she has stated, is altogether probable. But it is equally certain that + the event which is the subject of this article, did not take place till + the year 1763. + </p> + <p> + In the time of the French war, the neighborhood of Forts Niagara and + Sclusser, (or Schlosser, as it was formerly written,) on the Niagara + river, was a general battle-ground, and for this reason, Mrs. Jemison's + memory ought not to be charged with treachery, for not having been able to + distinguish accurately, after the lapse of sixty years, between the + circumstances of one engagement and those of another. She resided on the + Genesee at the time when the warriors of that tribe marched off to assist + in laying the ambush at the Devil's Hole; and no one will doubt her having + heard them rehearse the story of the event of that nefarious campaign, + after they returned. + </p> + <p> + Chronology and history concur in stating that Fort Niagara was taken from + the French, by the British, and that Gen. Prideaux was killed on the 25th + of July, 1759. + </p> + <p> + Having obtained from Mrs. Jemison a kind of introduction to the story, I + concluded that if it yet remained possible to procure a correct account of + the circumstances which led to and attended that transaction, it would be + highly gratifying to the American public, I accordingly directed a letter + to Mr. Linus S. Everett, of Buffalo, whose ministerial labor, I well knew, + frequently called him to Lewiston, requesting him to furnish me with a + particular account of the destruction of the British, at the time and + place before mentioned. He obligingly complied with my request, and gave + me the result of his inquiries on that subject, in the following letter:— + </p> + <p> + Copy of a letter from Mr. Linus S. Everett, dated Fort Sclusser, 29th + December, 1823. + </p> + <p> + <i>Respected and dear friend</i>, + </p> + <p> + I hasten, with much pleasure, to comply with your request, in regard to + the affair at the Devil's Hole. I have often wondered that no authentic + account has ever been given of that bloody and tragical scene. + </p> + <p> + I have made all the inquiries that appear to be of any use, and proceed to + give you the result. + </p> + <p> + At this place, (Fort Sclusser,) an old gentleman now resides, to whom I am + indebted for the best account of the affair that can be easily obtained. + His name is Jesse Ware—his age about 74. Although he was not a + resident of this part of the country at the time of the event, yet from + his intimate acquaintance with one of the survivors, he is able to give + much information, which otherwise could not be obtained. + </p> + <p> + The account that he gives is as follows:—In July, 1759, the British, + under Sir William Johnston, took possession of Forts Niagara and Sclusser, + which had before been in the hands of the French. At this time, the Seneca + Indians, (which were a numerous and powerful nation,) were hostile to the + British, and warmly allied to the French. These two posts, (viz.) Niagara + and Sclusser, were of great importance to the British, on the account of + affording the means of communication with the posts above, or on the upper + lakes. In 1760, a contract was made between Sir William Johnston and a Mr. + Stedman, to construct a portage road from Queenston landing to Fort + Sclusser, a distance of eight miles, in order to facilitate the + transportation of provision, ammunition, &c. from one place to the + other. In conformity to this agreement, on the 20th of June, 1763, Stedman + had completed his road, and appeared at Queenston Landing, (now Lewiston,) + with twenty-five portage wagons, and one hundred horses and oxen, to + transport to Fort Sclusser the king's stores. + </p> + <p> + At this time Sir William Johnston was suspicious of the intentions of the + Senecas; for after the surrender of the forts by the French, they had + appeared uneasy and hostile. In order to prevent the teams, drivers and + goods, receiving injury, he detached 300 troops to guard them across the + portage. The teams, under this escort, started from Queenston landing—Stedman, + who had the charge of the whole, was on horse back, and rode between the + troops and teams; all the troops being in front. On a small hill near the + Devil's Hole, at that time, was a redoubt of twelve men, which served as a + kind of guard on ordinary occasions, against the depredations of the + savages. "On the arrival of the troops and teams at the Devil's Hole," + says a manuscript in the hands of my informant, "the sachems, chiefs and + warriors of the Seneca Indians, sallied from the adjoining woods, by + thousands, (where they had been concealed for some time before, for that + nefarious purpose,) and falling upon the troops, teams and drivers, and + the guard of twelve men before mentioned, they killed all the men but + three on the spot, or by driving them, together with the teams, down the + precipice, which was about seventy or eighty feet! The Indians seized + Stedman's horse by the bridle, while he was on him, designing, no doubt, + to make his sufferings more lasting than that of his companions: but while + the bloody scene was acting, the attention of the Indian who held the + horse of Stedman being arrested, he cut the reins of his bridle—clapped + spurs to his horse, and rode over the dead and dying, into the adjacent + woods, without receiving injury from the enemy's firing. Thus he escaped; + and besides him two others—one a drummer, who fell among the trees, + was caught by his drum strap, and escaped unhurt; the other, one who fell + down the precipice and broke his thigh, but crawled to the landing or + garrison down the river." The following September, the Indians gave + Stedman a piece of land, as a reward for his bravery. + </p> + <p> + With sentiments of respect, I remain, sir, your sincere friend, L. S. + EVERETT. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mr. J. E. Seaver</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + A particular account of General Sullivan's Expedition against the Indians, + in the western part of the State of New-York, in 1779. + </p> + <p> + It has been thought expedient to publish in this volume, the following + account of Gen. Sullivan's expedition, in addition to the facts related by + Mrs. Jemison, of the barbarities which were perpetrated upon Lieut. Boyd, + and two others, who were taken, and who formed a part of his army, etc. A + detailed account of this expedition has never been in the hands of the + public; and as it is now produced from a source deserving implicit credit, + it is presumed that it will be received with satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + John Salmon, Esq. to whom we are happy to acknowledge our indebtedness for + the subjoined account, is an old gentleman of respectability and good + standing in society; and is at this time a resident in the town of + Groveland, Livingston county, New-York. He was a hero in the American war + for independence; fought in the battles of his country under the + celebrated Morgan; survived the blast of British oppression; and now, in + the decline of life, sits under his own well earned vine and fig-tree, + near the grave of his unfortunate countrymen, who fell gloriously, while + fighting the ruthless savages, under the command of the gallant Boyd. + </p> + <p> + In the autumn after the battle at Monmouth, (1778,) Morgan's riflemen, to + which corps I belonged, marched to Schoharie, in this state of New-York, + and there went into winter quarters. The company to which I was attached, + was commanded by Capt. Michael Simpson; and Thomas Boyd, of Northumberland + county, Pennsylvania, was our Lieutenant. + </p> + <p> + In the following spring, our corps, together with the whole body of troops + under the command of Gen. Clinton, to the amount of about 1500, embarked + in boats at Schenectady, and ascended the Mohawk as far as German Flats. + Thence we took a direction to Otsego lake, descended the Susquehanna, and + without any remarkable occurrence, arrived at Tioga Point, where our + troops united with an army of 1500 men under the command of Gen. Sullivan, + who had marched through a part of New-Jersey, and had reached that place + by the way of Wyoming, some days before us. + </p> + <p> + That part of the army under Gen. Sullivan, had, on their arrival at Tioga + Point, found the Indians in some force there, with whom they had had some + unimportant skirmishes before our arrival. Upon the junction of these two + bodies of troops, Gen. Sullivan assumed the command of the whole, and + proceeded up the Tioga. When within a few miles of the place now called + Newtown, we were met by a body of Indians, and a number of troops well + known in those times by the name of Butler's Rangers, who had thrown up, + hastily, a breastwork of logs, trees, &c. They were, however, easily + driven from their works, with considerable loss on their part, and without + any injury to our troops. The enemy fled with so much precipitation, that + they left behind them some stores and camp equippage. They retreated but a + short distance before they made a stand, and built another breastwork of + considerable length, in the woods, near a small opening. Sullivan was soon + apprized of their situation, divided his army, and attempted to surround, + by sending one half to the right and the other to the left, with + directions to meet on the opposite side of the enemies. In order to + prevent their retreating, he directed bomb-shells to be thrown over them, + which was done: but on the shells bursting, the Indians suspected that a + powerful army had opened a heavy fire upon them on that side, and fled + with the utmost precipitation through one wing of the surrounding army. A + great number of the enemy were killed, and our army suffered considerably. + </p> + <p> + The Indians having, in this manner, escaped, they went up the river to a + place called the Narrows, where they were attacked by our men, who killed + them in great numbers, so that the sides of the rocks next the river + appeared as though blood had been poured on them by pailfulls. The Indians + threw their dead into the river, and escaped the best way they could. + </p> + <p> + From Newtown our army went directly to the head of the Seneca lake; thence + down that lake to its mouth, where we found the Indian village at that + place evacuated, except by a single inhabitant—a male child about + seven or eight years of age, who was found asleep in one of the Indian + huts. Its fate I have never ascertained. It was taken into the care of an + officer of the army, who, on account of ill health, was not on duty, and + who took the child with him, as I have since understood, to his residence + on or near the North river. + </p> + <p> + From the mouth of Seneca lake we proceeded, without the occurrence of any + thing of importance, by the outlets of the Canandaigua, Honeoye, and + Hemlock lakes, to the head of Connissius lake, where the army encamped on + the ground that is now called Henderson's Flats. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the army had encamped, at the dusk of the evening, a party of + twenty-one men, under the command of Lieut. Boyd, was detached from the + rifle corps, and sent out for the purpose of reconnoitering the ground + near the Genesee river, at a place now called Williamsburg, at a distance + from the camp of about seven miles, under the guidance of a faithful + Indian pilot. That place was then the site of an Indian village, and it + was apprehended that the Indians and Rangers might be there or in that + vicinity in considerable force. + </p> + <p> + On the arrival of the party at Williamsburg, they found that the Indian + village had been recently deserted, as the fires in the huts were still + burning. The night was so far spent when they got to their place of + destination, that Lieutenant Boyd, considering the fatigue of his men, + concluded to remain during the night near the village, and to send two men + messengers with a report to the camp in the morning. Accordingly, a little + before daybreak, he despatched two men to the main body of the army, with + information that the enemy had not been discovered. + </p> + <p> + After day-light, Lieut. Boyd cautiously crept from the place of his + concealment, and upon getting a view of the village, discovered two + Indians hovering about the settlement: one of whom was immediately shot + and scalped by one of the riflemen, whose name was Murphy. Supposing that + if there were Indians in that vicinity, or near the village, they would be + instantly alarmed by this occurrence, Lieut. Boyd thought it most prudent + to retire, and make the best of his way to the general encampment of our + army. They accordingly set out and retraced the steps which they had taken + the day before, till they were intercepted by the enemy. + </p> + <p> + On their arriving within about one mile and a half of the main army, they + were surprized by the sudden appearance of a body of Indians, to the + amount of five hundred, under the command of the celebrated Brandt, and + the same number of Rangers, commanded by the infamous Butler, who had + secreted themselves in a ravine of considerable extent, which lay across + the track that Lieut. Boyd had pursued. + </p> + <p> + Upon discovering the enemy, and knowing that the only chance for escape + was by breaking through their line, (one of the most desperate enterprizes + ever undertaken,) Lieut. Boyd, after a few words of encouragement, led his + men to the attempt. As extraordinary as it may seem, the first onset, + though unsuccessful, was made without the loss of a man on the part of the + heroic band, though several of the enemy were killed. Two attempts more + were made, which were equally unsuccessful, and in which the whole party + fell, except Lieut. Boyd, and eight others. Lieut. Boyd and a soldier by + the name of Parker, were taken prisoners on the spot, a part of the + remainder fled, and a part fell on the ground, apparently dead, and were + overlooked by the Indians, who were too much engaged in pursuing the + fugitives to notice those who fell. + </p> + <p> + When Lieut. Boyd found himself a prisoner, he solicited an interview with + Brandt, whom he well knew commanded the Indians. This Chief, who was at + that moment near, immediately presented himself, when Lieut. Boyd, by one + of those appeals which are known only by those who have been initiated and + instructed in certain mysteries, and which never fail to bring succor to a + "distressed brother," addressed him as the only source from which he could + expect a respite from cruel punishment or death. The appeal was + recognized, and Brandt immediately, and in the strongest language, assured + him that his life should be spared. + </p> + <p> + Lieut. Boyd, and his fellow-prisoner, Parker, were immediately conducted + by a party of the Indians to the Indian village called Beard's Town, on + the west side of Genesee river, in what is now called Leicester. After + their arrival at Beard's Town, Brandt, their generous preserver, being + called on service which required a few hours absence, left them in the + care of the British Col. Butler, of the Rangers; who, as soon as Brandt + had left them, commenced an interrogation, to obtain from the prisoners a + statement of the number, situation and intentions of the army under Gen. + Sullivan; and threatened them, in case they hesitated or prevaricated in + their answers, to deliver them up immediately to be massacred by the + Indians, who, in Brandt's absence, and with the encouragement of their + more savage commander, Butler, were ready to commit the greatest + cruelties. Relying, probably, on the promises which Brandt had made them, + and which he undoubtedly meant to fulfil, they refused to give Butler the + desired information. Butler, upon this, hastened to put his threat into + execution. They were delivered to some of their most ferocious enemies, + who, after having put them to very severe torture, killed them by severing + their heads from their bodies. + </p> + <p> + The main army, immediately after hearing of the situation of Lieut. Boyd's + detachment, moved on towards Genesee river, and finding the bodies of + those who were slain in Boyd's heroic attempt to penetrate through the + enemy's line, buried them in what is now the town of Groveland, where the + grave is to be seen at this day. + </p> + <p> + Upon their arrival at the Genesee river, they crossed over, scoured the + country for some distance on the river, burnt the Indian villages on the + Genesee flats, and destroyed all their corn and other means of + subsistence. + </p> + <p> + The bodies of Lieut. Boyd and Parker were found and buried near the bank + of Beard's creek, under a bunch of wild plum-trees, on the road, as it now + runs, from Moscow to Geneseo. I was one of those who committed to the + earth the remains of my friend and companion in arms, the gallant Boyd. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after these events the army commenced its march back, by the + same route that it came, to Tioga Point; thence down the Susquehanna to + Wyoming; and thence across the country to Morristown, New-Jersey, where we + went into winter quarters. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Sullivan's bravery is unimpeachable. He was unacquainted, however, + with fighting the Indians, and made use of the best means to keep them at + such a distance that they could not be brought into an engagement. It was + his practice, morning and evening, to have cannon fired in or near the + camp, by which the Indians were notified of their speed in marching, and + of his situation, and were enabled to make a seasonable retreat. + </p> + <p> + The foregoing account, according to the best of my recollection is + strictly correct. + </p> + <p> + JOHN SALMON. + </p> + <p> + Groveland, January 24, 1824. + </p> + <p> + Esq. Salmon was formerly from Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and was + first Serjeant in Capt. Simpson's and Lieut. Boyd's company. + </p> + <p> + Tradition of the Origin of the Seneca Nation.—Their Preservation + from utter extinction.—The Means by which the People who preceded + the Senecas were destroyed—and the Cause of the different Indian + Languages. + </p> + <p> + The tradition of the Seneca Indians, in regard to their origin, as we are + assured by Capt. Horatio Jones, who was a prisoner five years amongst + them, and for many years since has been an interpreter, and agent for the + payment of their annuities, is that they broke out of the earth from a + large mountain at the head of Canandaigua Lake, and that mountain they + still venerate as the place of their birth; thence they derive their name, + "Ge-nun-de-wah," [Footnote: This by some is spoken Ge-nun-de-wah-gauh.] or + Great Hill, and are called "The Great Hill People," which is the true + definition of the word Seneca. + </p> + <p> + The great hill at the head of Canandaigua lake, from whence they sprung, + is called Genundewah, and has for a long time past been the place where + the Indians of that nation have met in council, to hold great talks, and + to offer up prayers to the Great Spirit, on account of its having been + their birth place; and also in consequence of the destruction of a serpent + at that place, in ancient time, in a most miraculous manner, which + threatened the destruction of the whole of the Senecas, and barely spared + enough to commence replenishing the earth. + </p> + <p> + The Indians say, says Capt. Jones, that the fort on the big hill, or + Genundewah, near the head of Canandaigua lake, was surrounded by a + monstrous serpent, whose head and tail came together at the gate. A long + time it lay there, confounding the people with its breath. At length they + attempted to make their escape, some with their hommany-blocks, and others + with different implements of household furniture; and in marching out of + the fort walked down the throat of the serpent. Two orphan children, who + had escaped this general destruction by being left some time before on the + outside of the fort, were informed by an oracle of the means by which they + could get rid of their formidable enemy—which was, to take a small + bow and a poisoned arrow, made of a kind of willow, and with that shoot + the serpent under its scales. This they did, and the arrow proved + effectual; for on its penetrating the skin, the serpent became sick, and + extending itself rolled down the hill, destroying all the timber that was + in its way, disgorging itself and breaking wind greatly as it went. At + every motion, a human head was discharged, and rolled down the hill into + the lake, where they lie at this day, in a petrified state, having the + hardness and appearance of stones. + </p> + <p> + To this day the Indians visit that sacred place, to mourn the loss of + their friends, and to celebrate some rites that are peculiar to + themselves. To the knowledge of white people there has been no timber on + the great hill since it was first discovered by them, though it lay + apparently in a state of nature for a great number of years, without + cultivation. Stones in the shape of Indians' heads may be seen lying in + the lake in great plenty, which are said to be the same that were + deposited there at the death of the serpent. + </p> + <p> + The Senecas have a tradition, that previous to, and for some time after, + their origin at Genundewah, this country, especially about the lakes, was + thickly inhabited by a race of civil, enterprizing and industrious people, + who were totally destroyed by the great serpent, that afterwards + surrounded the great hill fort, with the assistance of others of the same + species; and that they (the Senecas) went into possession of the + improvements that were left. + </p> + <p> + In those days the Indians throughout the whole country, as the Senecas + say, spoke one language; but having become considerably numerous, the + before mentioned great serpent, by an unknown influence, confounded their + language, so that they could not understand each other; which was the + cause of their division into nations, as the Mohawks, Oneidas, &c. At + that time, however, the Senecas retained their original language, and + continued to occupy their mother hill, on which they fortified themselves + against their enemies, and lived peaceably, till having offended the + serpent, [Footnote: The pagans of the Senecas believe that all the little + snakes were made of the blood of the great serpent, after it rolled into + the lake.] they were cut off as before stated. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + OF THEIR RELIGION—FEASTS—AND GREAT SACRIFICE. + </h3> + <p> + Perhaps no people are more exact observers of religious duties than those + Indians among the Senecas, who are denominated pagans, in + contradistinction from those, who, having renounced some of their former + superstitious notions, have obtained the name of Christians. The + traditionary faith of their fathers, having been orally transmitted to + them from time immemorial, is implicitly believed, scrupulously adhered + to, and rigidly practised. They are agreed in their sentiments—are + all of one order, and have individual and public good, especially among + themselves, for the great motive which excites them to attend to those + moral virtues that are directed and explained by all their rules, and in + all their ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + Many years have elapsed since the introduction of Christian Missionaries + among them, whom they have heard, and very generally understand the + purport of the message they were sent to deliver. They say that it is + highly probable that Jesus Christ came into the world in old times, to + establish a religion that would promote the happiness of the white people, + on the other side of the great water, (meaning the sea,) and that he died + for the sins of his people, as the missionaries have informed them: But, + they say that Jesus Christ had nothing to do with them, and that the + Christian religion was not designed for their benefit; but rather, should + they embrace it, they are confident it would make them worse, and + consequently do them an injury. They say, also, that the Great Good Spirit + gave them their religion; and that it is better adapted to their + circumstances, situation and habits, and to the promotion of their present + comfort and ultimate happiness, than any system that ever has or can be + devised. They, however, believe, that the Christian religion is better + calculated for the good of white people than theirs is; and wonder that + those who have embraced it, do not attend more strictly to its precepts, + and feel more engaged for its support and diffusion among themselves. At + the present time, they are opposed to preachers or schoolmasters being + sent or coming among them; and appear determined by all means to adhere to + their ancient customs. + </p> + <p> + They believe in a Great Good Spirit, (whom they call in the Seneca + language Nau-wan-e-u,) as the Creator of the world, and of every good + thing—that he made men, and all inoffensive animals; that he + supplies men with all the comforts of life; and that he is particularly + partial to the Indians, whom they say are his peculiar people. They also + believe that he is pleased in giving them (the Indians) good gifts; and + that he is highly gratified with their good conduct—that he abhors + their vices, and that he is willing to punish them for their bad conduct, + not only in this world, but in a future state of existence. His residence, + they suppose, lies at a great distance from them, in a country that is + perfectly pleasant, where plenty abounds, even to profusion. That there + the soil is completely fertile, and the seasons so mild that the corn + never fails to be good—that the deer, elk, buffalo, turkies, and + other useful animals, are numerous, and that the forests are well + calculated to facilitate their hunting them with success—that the + streams are pure, and abound with fish: and that nothing is wanting, to + render fruition complete. Over this territory they say Nauwaneu presides + as an all-powerful king; and that without counsel he admits to his + pleasures all whom he considers to be worthy of enjoying so great a state + of blessedness. + </p> + <p> + To this being they address prayers, offer sacrifices, give thanks for + favors, and perform many acts of devotion and reverence. + </p> + <p> + They likewise believe that Nauwaneu has a brother that is less powerful + than himself, and who is opposed to him, and to every one that is or + wishes to be good: that this bad Spirit made all evil things, snakes, + wolves, catamounts, and all other poisonous or noxious animals and beasts + of prey, except the bear, which, on the account of the excellence of its + meat for food, and skin for clothing, they say was made by Nauwaneu. + Besides all this they say he makes and sends them their diseases, bad + weather and bad crops, and that he makes and supports witches. He owns a + large country adjoining that of his brother, with whom he is continually + at variance. His fields are unproductive; thick clouds intercept the rays + of the sun, and consequently destructive frosts are frequent; game is very + scarce, and not easily taken; ravenous beasts are numerous; reptiles of + every poisoned tooth lie in the path of the traveller; streams are muddy, + and hunger, nakedness and general misery, are severely felt by those who + unfortunately become his tenants. He takes pleasure in afflicting the + Indians here, and after their death receives all those into his dreary + dominions, who in their life time have been so vile as to be rejected by + Nauwaneu, under whose eye they are continued in an uncomfortable state + forever. To this source of evil they offer some oblations to abate his + vengeance, and render him propitious. They, however, believe him to be, in + a degree, under subjection to his brother, and incapable of executing his + plans only by his high permission. + </p> + <p> + Public religious duties are attended to in the celebration of particular + festivals and sacrifices, which are observed with circumspection and + attended with decorum. + </p> + <p> + In each year they have five feasts, or stated times for assembling in + their tribes, and giving thanks to Nauwaneu, for the blessings which they + have received from his kind and liberal and provident hand; and also to + converse upon the best means of meriting a continuance of his favors. The + first of these feasts is immediately after they have finished sugaring, at + which time they give thanks for the favorable weather and great quantity + of sap they have had, and for the sugar that they have been allowed to + make for the benefit of their families. At this, as at all the succeeding + feasts, the Chiefs arise singly, and address the audience in a kind of + exhortation, in which they express their own thankfulness, urge the + necessity and propriety of general gratitude, and point out the course + which ought to be pursued by each individual, in order that Nauwaneu may + continue to bless them, and that the evil spirit may be defeated. + </p> + <p> + On these occasions the Chiefs describe a perfectly straight line, half an + inch wide, and perhaps ten miles long, which they direct their people to + travel upon by placing one foot before the other, with the heel of one + foot to the toe of the other, and so on till they arrive at the end. The + meaning of which is, that they must not turn aside to the right hand or to + the left into the paths of vice, but keep straight ahead in the way of + well doing, that will lead them to the paradise of Nauwaneu. + </p> + <p> + The second feast is after planting; when they render thanks for the + pleasantness of the season—for the good time they have had for + preparing their ground and planting their corn; and are instructed by + their Chiefs, by what means to merit a good harvest. + </p> + <p> + When the green corn becomes fit for use, they hold their third, or green + corn feast. Their fourth is celebrated after corn harvest; and the fifth + at the close of their year, and is always celebrated at the time of the + old moon in the last of January or first of February. This last deserves a + particular description. + </p> + <p> + The Indians having returned, from hunting, and having brought in all the + venison and skins that they have taken, a committee is appointed, says + Mrs. Jemison, consisting of from ten to twenty active men, to superintend + the festivities of the great sacrifice and thanksgiving that is to be + immediately celebrated. This being done, preparations are made at the + council-house, or place of meeting, for the reception and accommodation of + the whole tribe; and then the ceremonies are commenced, and the whole is + conducted with a great degree of order and harmony, under the direction of + the committee. + </p> + <p> + Two white dogs, [Footnote: This was the practice in former times; but at + present I am informed that only one dog is sacrificed.] without spot or + blemish, are selected (if such can be found, and if not, two that have the + fewest spots) from those belonging to the tribe, and killed near the door + of the council-house, by being strangled. A wound on the animal or an + effusion of blood, would spoil the victim, and render the sacrifice + useless. The dogs are then painted red on their faces, edges of their + ears, and on various parts of their bodies, and are curiously decorated + with ribbons of different colors, and fine feathers, which are tied and + fastened on in such a manner as to make the most elegant appearance. They + are then hung on a post near the door of the council-house, at the height + of twenty feet from the ground. + </p> + <p> + This being done, the frolic is commenced by those who are present, while + the committee run through the tribe or town, and hurry the people to + assemble, by knocking on their houses. At this time the committee are + naked, (wearing only a breech-clout,) and each carries a paddle, with + which he takes up ashes and scatters them about the house in every + direction. In the course of the ceremonies, all the fire is extinguished + in every hut throughout the tribe, and new fire, struck from the flint on + each hearth, is kindled, after having removed the whole of the ashes, old + coals, &c. Having done this, and discharged one or two guns, they go + on, and in this manner they proceed till they have visited every house in + the tribe. This finishes the business of the first day. + </p> + <p> + On the second day the committee dance, go through the town with bear-skin + on their legs, and at every time they start they fire a gun. They also beg + through the tribe, each carrying a basket in which to receive whatever may + be bestowed. The alms consist of Indian tobacco, and other articles that + are used for incense at the sacrifice. Each manager at this time carries a + dried tortoise or turtle shell, containing a few beans, which he + frequently rubs on the walls of the houses, both inside and out. This kind + of manoeuvering by the committee continues two or three days, during which + time the people at the council-house recreate themselves by dancing. + </p> + <p> + On the fourth or fifth day the committee make false faces of husks, in + which they run about, making a frightful but ludicrous appearance. In this + dress, (still wearing the bear-skin,) they run to the council-house, + smearing themselves with dirt, and bedaub every one who refuses to + contribute something towards filling the baskets of incense, which they + continue to carry, soliciting alms. During all this time they collect the + evil spirit, or drive it off entirely, for the present, and also + concentrate within themselves all the sins of their tribe, however + numerous or heinous. + </p> + <p> + On the eighth or ninth day, the committee having received all the sin, as + before observed, into their own bodies, they take down the dogs, and after + having transfused the whole of it into one of their own number, he, by a + peculiar slight of hand, or kind of magic, works it all out of himself + into the dogs. The dogs, thus loaded with all the sins of the people, are + placed upon a pile of wood that is directly set on fire. Here they are + burnt, together with the sins with which they were loaded, surrounded by + the multitude, who throw incense of tobacco or the like into the fire, the + scent of which they say, goes up to Nauwaneu, to whom it is pleasant and + acceptable. + </p> + <p> + This feast continues nine days, [Footnote: At present, as I have been + informed, this feast is not commonly held more than from five to seven + days. In former times, and till within a few years, nine days were + particularly observed.] and during that time the Chiefs review the + national affairs of the year past; agree upon the best plan to be pursued + through the next year, and attend to all internal regulations. + </p> + <p> + On the last day, the whole company partake of an elegant dinner, + consisting of meat, corn and beans, boiled together in large kettles, and + stirred till the whole is completely mixed and soft. This mess is devoured + without much ceremony—some eat with a spoon, by dipping out of the + kettles; others serve themselves in small dippers; some in one way, and + some in another, till the whole is consumed. After this they perform the + war dance, the peace dance, and smoke the pipe of peace; and then, free + from iniquity, each repairs to his place of abode, prepared to commence + the business of a new year. In this feast, temperance is observed, and + commonly, order prevails in a greater degree than would naturally be + expected. + </p> + <p> + They are fond of the company of spectators who are disposed to be decent, + and treat them politely in their way; but having been frequently imposed + upon by the whites, they treat them generally with indifference. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + OF THEIR DANCES. + </h3> + <p> + Of these, two only will be noticed. The war dance is said to have + originated about the time that the Six Nations, or Northern Indians, + commenced the old war with the Cherokees and other Southern Indian + Nations, about one hundred years ago. + </p> + <p> + When a tribe, or number of tribes of the Six Nations, had assembled for + the purpose of going to battle with their enemies, the Chiefs sung this + song, and accompanied the music with dancing, and gestures that + corresponded with the sentiments expressed, as a kind of stimulant to + increase their courage, and anxiety to march forward to the place of + carnage. + </p> + <p> + Those days having passed away, the Indians at this day sing the 'war + song,' to commemorate the achievements of their fathers, and as a kind of + amusement. When they perform it, they arm themselves with a war-club, + tomahawk and knife, and commence singing with firm voice, and a stern, + resolute countenance: but before they get through they exhibit in their + features and actions the most shocking appearance of anger, fury and + vengeance, that can be imagined: No exhibition of the kind can be more + terrifying to a stranger. + </p> + <p> + The song requires a number of repetitions in the tune, and has a chorus + that is sung at the end of each verse. I have not presumed to arrange it + in metre; but the following is the substance: "We are assembled in the + habiliments of war, and will go in quest of our enemies. We will march to + their land and spoil their possessions. We will take their women and + children, and lead them into captivity. The warriors shall fall by our + war-clubs—we will give them no quarter. Our tomahawks we will dip in + their brains! with our scalping knives we will scalp them." At each period + comes on the chorus, which consists of one monosyllable only, that is + sounded a number of times, and articulated like a faint, stifled groan. + This word is "eh," and signifies "we will," or "we will go," or "we will + do." While singing, they perform the ceremony of killing and scalping, + with a great degree of dexterity. + </p> + <p> + The peace dance is performed to a tune without words, by both sexes. The + Indians stand erect in one place, and strike the floor with the heel and + toes of one foot, and then of the other, (the heels and toes all the while + nearly level,) without changing their position in the least. The squaws at + the same time perform it by keeping the feet close together, and without + raising them from the ground, move a short distance to the right, and then + to the left, by first moving their toes and then their heels. This dance + is beautiful, and is generally attended with decency. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + OF THEIR GOVERNMENT. + </h3> + <p> + Their government is an oligarchy of a mixed nature; and is administered by + Chiefs, a part of whose offices are hereditary, and a part elective. The + nation is divided into tribes, and each tribe commonly has two Chiefs. One + of these inherits his office from his father. He superintends all civil + affairs in the tribe; attends the national council, of which he is a + member; assents to all conveyances of land, and is consulted on every + subject of importance. The other is elected by the tribe, and can be + removed at the pleasure of his constituents for malconduct. He also is a + member of the national council: but his principal business is to + superintend the military concerns of his tribe, and in war to lead his + warriors to battle. He acts in concert with the other Chief, and their + word is implicitly relied on, as the law by which they must be governed. + That which they prohibit, is not meddled with. The Indian laws are few, + and easily expounded. Their business of a public nature is transacted in + council, where every decision is final. They meet in general council once + a year, and sometimes oftener. The administration of their government is + not attended with expense. They have no national revenue, and consequently + have no taxes. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE EXTENT AND NUMBER OF THE SIX NATIONS. + </h3> + <p> + The Six Nations in the state of New-York are located upon several + reservations, from the Oneida Lake to the Cattaraugus and Allegany rivers. + </p> + <p> + A part of those nations live on the Sandusky, in the state of Ohio, viz—380 + Cayugas, 300 Senecas, 64 Mohawks, 64 Oneidas, and 80 Onondagas. The bulk + of the Mohawks are on Grand River, Upper Canada, together with some + Senecas, Tuscaroras, Cayugas, Oneidas, and Onondagas. + </p> + <p> + In the state of New-York there are 5000, and in the state of Ohio 688, as + we are assured by Capt. Horatio Jones, agent for paying their annuities, + making in the whole, in both states, 5688. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + OF THEIR COURTSHIPS, &c. + </h3> + <p> + When an Indian sees a squaw whom he fancies, he sends a present to her + mother or parents, who on receiving it consult with his parents, his + friends, and each other, on the propriety and expediency of the proposed + connexion. If it is not agreeable, the present is returned; but if it is, + the lover is informed of his good fortune, and immediately goes to live + with her, or takes her to a hut of his own preparing. + </p> + <p> + Polygamy is practised in a few instances, and is not prohibited. + </p> + <p> + Divorces are frequent. If a difficulty of importance arises between a + married couple, they agree to separate. They divide their property and + children; the squaw takes the girls, the Indian the boys, and both are at + liberty to marry again. + </p> + <p> + They have no marriage ceremony, nor form of divorcement, other than what + has been mentioned. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + OF FAMILY GOVERNMENT. + </h3> + <p> + In their families, parents are very mild, and the mother superintends the + children. The word of the Indian father, however, is law, and must be + obeyed by the whole that are under his authority. + </p> + <p> + One thing respecting the Indian women is worthy of attention, and perhaps + of imitation, although it is now a days considered beneath the dignity of + the ladies, especially those who are the most refined; and that is, they + are under a becoming subjection to their husbands. It is a rule, + inculcated in all the Indian tribes, and practised throughout their + generations, that a squaw shall not walk before her Indian, nor pretend to + take the lead in his business. And for this reason we never can see a + party on the march to or from hunting and the like, in which the squaws + are not directly in the rear of their partners. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + OF THEIR FUNERALS. + </h3> + <p> + The deceased having been laid out in his best clothing, is put into a + coffin of boards or bark, and with him is deposited, in every instance, a + small cup and a cake. Generally two or three candles are also put into the + coffin, and in a few instances, at the burial of a great man, all his + implements of war are buried by the side of the body. The coffin is then + closed and carried to the grave. On its being let down, the person who + takes the lead of the solemn transaction, or a Chief, addresses the dead + in a short speech, in which he charges him not to be troubled about + himself in his new situation, nor on his journey, and not to trouble his + friends, wife or children, whom he has left. Tells him that if he meets + with strangers on his way, he must inform them what tribe he belongs to, + who his relatives are, the situation in which he left them, and that + having done this, he must keep on till he arrives at the good fields in + the country of Nauwaneu. That when he arrives there he will see all his + ancestors and personal friends that have gone before him; who, together + with all the Chiefs of celebrity, will receive him joyfully, and furnish + him with every article of perpetual happiness. + </p> + <p> + The grave is now filled and left till evening, when some of the nearest + relatives of the dead build a fire at the head of it, near which they set + till morning. In this way they continue to practise nine successive + nights, when, believing that their departed friend has arrived at the end + of his journey, they discontinue their attention. During this time the + relatives of the dead are not allowed to dance. + </p> + <p> + Formerly, frolics were held, after the expiration of nine days, for the + dead, at which all the squaws got drunk, and those were the only occasions + on which they were intoxicated: but lately those are discontinued, and + squaws feel no delicacy in getting inebriated. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + OF THEIR CREDULITY. + </h3> + <p> + As ignorance is the parent of credulity, it is not a thing to be wondered + at that the Indians should possess it in a great degree, and even suffer + themselves to be dictated and governed by it in many of the most important + transactions of their lives. + </p> + <p> + They place great confidence in dreams, attach some sign to every uncommon + circumstance, and believe in charms, spirits, and many supernatural things + that never existed, only in minds enslaved to ignorance and tradition: but + in no instance is their credulity so conspicuous, as in their unalterable + belief in witches. + </p> + <p> + They believe there are many of these, and that next to the author of evil, + they are the greatest scourge to their people. The term witch, by them, is + used both in the masculine and feminine gender, and denotes a person to + whom the evil deity has delegated power to inflict diseases, cause death, + blast corn, bring bad weather, and in short to cause almost any calamity + to which they are liable. With this impression, and believing that it is + their actual duty to destroy, as far as lies in their power, every source + of unhappiness, it has been a custom among them from time immemorial, to + destroy every one that they could convict of so heinous a crime; and in + fact there is no reprieve from the sentence. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Jemison informed us that more or less who had been charged with being + witches, had been executed in almost every year since she has lived on the + Genesee. Many, on being suspected, made their escape: while others, before + they were aware of being implicated, have been apprehended and brought to + trial. She says that a number of years ago, an Indian chased a squaw, near + Beard's Town, and caught her; but on the account of her great strength she + got away. The Indian, vexed and disappointed, went home, and the next day + reported that he saw her have fire in her mouth, and that she was a witch. + Upon this she was apprehended and killed immediately. She was Big-tree's + cousin, Mrs. Jemison says she was present at the execution. She also saw + one other killed and thrown into the river. + </p> + <p> + Col. Jeremiah Smith, of Leicester, near Beard's Town, saw an Indian killed + by his five brothers, who struck him on the head with their tomahawks at + one time. He was charged with being a witch, because of his having been + fortunate enough, when on a hunting party, to kill a number of deer, while + his comrades failed of taking any. + </p> + <p> + Col. Smith also saw a squaw, who had been convicted of being a witch, + killed by having small green whips burnt till they were red hot, but not + quite coaled, and thrust down her throat. From such trifling causes + thousands have lost their lives, and notwithstanding the means that are + used for their reformation, the pagans will not suffer "a witch to live." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + OF THE MANNER OF FARMING, AS PRACTISED BY THE INDIAN WOMEN. + </h3> + <p> + It is well known that the squaws have all the labor of the field to + perform, and almost every other kind of hard service, which, in civil + society, is performed by the men. In order to expedite their business, and + at the same time enjoy each other's company, they all work together in one + field, or at whatever job they may have on hand. In the spring they choose + an old active squaw to be their driver and overseer when at labor, for the + ensuing year. She accepts the honor, and they consider themselves bound to + obey her. + </p> + <p> + When the time for planting arrives, and the soil is prepared, the squaws + are assembled in the morning, and conducted into a field, where each + plants one row. They then go into the next field, plant once across, and + so on till they have gone through the tribe. If any remains to be planted, + they again commence where they did at first, (in the same field,) and so + keep on till the whole is finished. By this rule they perform their labor + of every kind, and every jealousy of one having done more or less than + another, is effectually avoided. + </p> + <p> + Each squaw cuts her own wood; but it is all brought to the house under the + direction of the overseer—each bringing one back load. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + OF THEIR METHOD OF COMPUTING TIME, AND KEEPING THEIR RECORDS. + </h3> + <p> + This is done by moons and winters: a moon is a month, and the time from + the end of one winter to that of another, a year. + </p> + <p> + From sunset till sunrise, they say that the sun is asleep. In the old of + the moon, when it does not shine in the night, they say it is dead. They + rejoice greatly at the sight of the new moon. + </p> + <p> + In order to commemorate great events, and preserve the chronology of them, + the war Chief in each tribe keeps a war post. This post is a peeled stick + of timber, 10 or 12 feet high, that is erected in the town. For a campaign + they make, or rather the Chief makes, a perpendicular red mark, about + three inches long and half an inch wide; on the opposite side from this, + for a scalp, they make a red cross, thus, +; on another side, for a + prisoner taken, they make a red cross in this manner, X', with a head or + dot, and by placing such significant hireoglyphics in so conspicuous a + situation, they are enabled to ascertain with great certainty the time and + circumstances of past events. + </p> + <p> + Hiokatoo had a war-post, on which was recorded his military exploits, and + other things that he tho't worth preserving. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + ANECDOTES. + </h3> + <p> + Hiokatoo used to say that when he was a young man, there lived in the same + tribe with him an old Indian warrior, who was a great counsellor, by the + name of Buck-in-je-hil-lish. Buckinjehillish having, with great fatigue, + attended the council when it was deliberating upon war, declared that none + but the ignorant made war, but that the wise men and the warriors had to + do the fighting. This speech exasperated his countrymen to such a degree + that he was apprehended and tried for being a witch, on the account of his + having lived to so advanced an age; and because he could not show some + reason why he had not died before, he was sentenced to be tomahawked by a + boy on the spot, which was accordingly done. + </p> + <p> + In the last war, (1814,) an Indian who had been on fatigue, called at a + commissary's and begged some bread. He was sent for a pail of water before + he received it, and while he was absent an officer told the commissary to + put a piece of money into the bread, and observe the event. He did so. The + Indian took the bread and went off: but on the next day having ate his + bread and found the money, he came to the commissary and gave him the + same, as the officer had anticipated. + </p> + <p> + Little Beard, a celebrated Indian Chief, having arrived to a very advanced + age, died at his town on the Genesee river about the first of June, 1806, + and was buried after the manner of burying chiefs. In his life time he had + been quite arbitrary, and had made some enemies whom he hated, probably, + and was not loved by them. The grave, however, deprives envy of its + malignity, and revenge of its keenness. + </p> + <p> + Little Beard had been dead but a few days when the great eclipse of the + sun took place, on the sixteenth of June, which excited in the Indians a + great degree of astonishment; for as they were ignorant of astronomy, they + were totally unqualified to account for so extraordinary a phenomenon. The + crisis was alarming, and something effectual must be done, without delay, + to remove, if possible, the cause of such coldness and darkness, which it + was expected would increase. They accordingly ran together in the three + towns near the Genesee river, and after a short consultation agreed that + Little Beard, on the account of some old grudge which he yet cherished + towards them, had placed himself between them and the sun, in order that + their corn might not grow, and so reduce them to a state of starvation. + Having thus found the cause, the next thing was to remove it, which could + only be done the use of powder and ball. Upon this, every gun and rifle + was loaded, and a firing commenced, that continued without cessation till + the old fellow left his seat, and the obscurity was entirely removed, to + the great joy of the ingenious and fortunate Indians. + </p> + <p> + In the month of February, 1824, Corn Planter, a learned pagan Chief at + Tonnewonta, died of common sickness. He had received a liberal education, + and was held in high estimation in his town and tribe, by both parties; + but the pagans more particularly mourned his loss deeply, and seemed + entirely unreconciled. They imputed his death to witchcraft, and charged + an Indian by the name of Prompit, with the crime. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Prompit is a Christian Indian, of the Tuscarora nation, who has lived + at Tonnewonta a number of years, where he has built a saw-mill himself, + which he owns, and is considered a decent, respectable man. + </p> + <p> + About two weeks after the death of Corn Planter, Mr. Prompit happened in + company where the author was present, and immediately begun to converse + upon that subject. He said that the old fashioned Indians called him a + witch—believed that he had killed Corn Planter, and had said that + they would kill him. But, said he, all good people know that I am not a + witch, and that I am clear of the charge. Likely enough they will kill me; + but if they do, my hands are clean, my conscience is clear, and I shall go + up to God. I will not run nor hide from them, and they may kill me if they + choose to—I am innocent. When Jesus Christ's enemies, said he, + wanted to kill him, he did not run away from them, but let them kill him; + and why should I run away from my enemies? + </p> + <p> + How the affair will terminate, we are unable to decide. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + DESCRIPTION OF GENESEE RIVER AND ITS BANKS, FROM MOUNT MORRIS TO THE UPPER + FALLS. + </h3> + <p> + From Mount Morris the banks of the Genesee are from two to four hundred + feet in height, with narrow flats on one side of the river or the other, + till you arrive at the tract called Gardow, or Cross Hills. Here you come + to Mrs. Jemison's flats, which are two miles and a quarter long, and from + eighty to one hundred and twenty rods wide, lying mostly on the west side + of the river. + </p> + <p> + Near the upper end of these flats is the Great Slide. Directly above this, + the banks (still retaining their before mentioned height) approach so near + each other as to admit of but thirty acres of flat on one side of the + river only, and above this the perpendicular rock comes down to the water. + </p> + <p> + From Gardow you ascend the river five miles to the lower falls, which are + ninety-three feet perpendicular. These falls are twenty rods wide, and + have the greatest channel on the east side. From Wolf creek to these falls + the banks are covered with elegant white and Norway pine. + </p> + <p> + Above the lower falls the banks for about two miles are of perpendicular + rock, and retain their height of between two and four hundred feet. Having + travelled this distance you reach the middle falls, which are an + uninterrupted sheet of water fifteen rods wide, and one hundred and ten + feet in perpendicular height. This natural curiosity is not exceeded by + any thing of the kind in the western country, except the cataract at + Niagara. + </p> + <p> + From the middle falls the banks gradually rise, till you ascend the river + half a mile, when you come to the upper falls, which are somewhat rolling, + 66 feet, in the shape of a harrow. Above this the banks are of moderate + height. The timber from the lower to the upper falls is principally pine. + Just above the middle falls a saw-mill was erected this season (1823) by + Messrs. Ziba Hurd and Alva Palmer. + </p> + <h3> + HUNTING ANECDOTE. + </h3> + <p> + In November, 1822, Capt. Stephen Rolph and Mr. Alva Palmer drove a deer + into Genesee river, a short distance above the middle falls, where the + banks were so steep and the current so impetuous, that it could not regain + the shore, and consequently was precipitated over the falls, one hundred + and ten feet, into the gulph below. The hunters ran along the bank below + the falls, to watch the fate of the animal, expecting it would be dashed + in pieces. But to their great astonishment it came up alive, and by + swimming across a small eddy, reached the bank almost under the falls; and + as it stood in that situation, Capt. Ralph, who was on the top of the + bank, shot it. This being done, the next thing to be considered was, how + to get their prize. The rock being perpendicular, upwards of one hundred + feet, would not admit of their climbing down to it, and there was no way, + apparently, for them to get at it, short of going down the river two + miles, to the lower falls, and then by creeping between the water and the + precipice, they might possibly reach their game. This process would be too + tedious. At length Mr. Palmer proposed to Capt. Rolph and Mr. Heman + Merwin, who had joined them, that if they would make a windlas and fasten + it to a couple of saplings that stood near, and then procure some ropes, + he would be let down and get the deer. The apparatus was prepared; the + rope was tied round Palmer's body, and he was let down. On arriving at the + bottom he unloosed himself, fastened the rope round the deer, which they + drew up, and then threw down the rope, in which he fastened himself, and + was drawn up, without having sustained any injury. From the top to the + bottom of the rock, where he was let down, was exactly one hundred and + twenty feet. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + + <h3> + FINIS + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary +Jemison, by James E. Seaver + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF MRS. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison + +Author: James E. Seaver + + +Release Date: November, 2004 [EBook #6960] +This file was first posted on February 19, 2003 +Last Updated: June 24, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF MRS. MARY JEMISON *** + + + + +Produced by Robert Connal, David Moynihan, Charles Franks +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + + + + +A NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF MRS. MARY JEMISON, + +Who was taken by the Indians, in the year 1755, when only about twelve +years of age, and has continued to reside amongst them to the present +time. + +CONTAINING + +An Account of the Murder of her Father and his Family; her sufferings; +her marriage to two Indians; her troubles with her Children; barbarities +of the Indians in the French and Revolutionary Wars; the life of her +last Husband, &c.; and many Historical Facts never before published. +_Carefully taken from her own words, Nov._ 29th, 1823. + +TO WHICH IS ADDED, + +An APPENDIX, containing an account of the tragedy at the Devil's Hole, +in 1783, and of Sullivan's Expedition; the Traditions, Manners, Customs, +&c. of the Indians, as believed and practised at the present day, and +since Mrs. Jemison's captivity; together with some Anecdotes, and other +entertaining matter. + +By James E. Seaver. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +That to biographical writings we are indebted for the greatest and +best field in which to study mankind, or human nature, is a fact duly +appreciated by a well-informed community. In them we can trace the +effects of mental operations to their proper sources; and by comparing +our own composition with that of those who have excelled in virtue, or +with that of those who have been sunk in the lowest depths of folly and +vice, we are enabled to select a plan of life that will at least afford +self-satisfaction, and guide us through the world in paths of morality. + +Without a knowledge of the lives of the vile and abandoned, we should +be wholly incompetent to set an appropriate value upon the charms, the +excellence and the worth of those principles which have produced the +finest traits in the character of the most virtuous. + +Biography is a telescope of life, through which we can see the extremes +and excesses of the varied properties of the human heart. Wisdom +and folly, refinement and vulgarity, love and hatred, tenderness and +cruelty, happiness and misery, piety and infidelity, commingled with +every other cardinal virtue or vice, are to be seen on the variegated +pages of the history of human events, and are eminently deserving the +attention of those who would learn to walk in the "paths of peace." + +The brazen statue and the sculptured marble, can commemorate the +greatness of heroes, statesmen, philosophers, and blood-stained +conquerors, who have risen to the zenith of human glory and popularity, +under the influence of the mild sun of prosperity: but it is the +faithful page of biography that transmits to future generations the +poverty, pain, wrong, hunger, wretchedness and torment, and every +nameless misery that has been endured by those who have lived in +obscurity, and groped their lonely way through a long series of +unpropitious events, with but little help besides the light of nature. +While the gilded monument displays in brightest colors the vanity of +pomp, and the emptiness of nominal greatness, the biographical page, +that lives in every line, is giving lessons of fortitude in time of +danger, patience in suffering, hope in distress, invention in necessity, +and resignation to unavoidable evils. Here also may be learned, pity +for the bereaved, benevolence for the destitute, and compassion for the +helpless; and at the same time all the sympathies of the soul will be +naturally excited to sigh at the unfavorable result, or to smile at the +fortunate relief. + +In the great inexplicable chain which forms the circle of human events, +each individual link is placed on a level with the others, and performs +an equal task; but, as the world is partial, it is the situation +that attracts the attention of mankind, and excites the unfortunate +vociferous eclat of elevation, that raises the pampered parasite to such +an immense height in the scale of personal vanity, as, generally, to +deprive him of respect, before he can return to a state of equilibrium +with his fellows, or to the place whence he started. + +Few great men have passed from the stage of action, who have not left in +the history of their lives indelible marks of ambition or folly, +which produced insurmountable reverses, and rendered the whole a mere +caricature, that can be examined only with disgust and regret. Such +pictures, however, are profitable, for "by others' faults wise men +correct their own." + +The following is a piece of biography, that shows what changes may be +effected in the animal and mental constitution of man; what trials may +be surmounted; what cruelties perpetrated, and what pain endured, when +stern necessity holds the reins, and drives the car of fate. + +As books of this kind are sought and read with avidity, especially by +children, and are well calculated to excite their attention, inform +their understanding, and improve them in the art of reading, the +greatest care has been observed to render the style easy, the language +comprehensive, and the description natural. Prolixity has been +studiously avoided. The line of distinction between virtue and vice +has been rendered distinctly visible; and chastity of expression and +sentiment have received due attention. Strict fidelity has been observed +in the composition: consequently, no circumstance has been intentionally +exaggerated by the paintings of fancy, nor by fine flashes of rhetoric: +neither has the picture been rendered more dull than the original. +Without the aid of fiction, what was received as matter of fact, only +has been recorded. + +It will be observed that the subject of this narrative has arrived at +least to the advanced age of eighty years; that she is destitute of +education; and that her journey of life, throughout its texture, has +been interwoven with troubles, which ordinarily are calculated to impair +the faculties of the mind; and it will be remembered, that there are +but few old people who can recollect with precision the circumstances +of their lives, (particularly those circumstances which transpired +after middle age.) If, therefore, any error shall be discovered in the +narration in respect to time, it will be overlooked by the kind reader, +or charitably placed to the narrator's account, and not imputed to +neglect, or to the want of attention in the compiler. + +The appendix is principally taken from the words of Mrs. Jemison's +statements. Those parts which were not derived from her, are deserving +equal credit, having been obtained from authentic sources. + +For the accommodation of the reader, the work has been divided into +chapters, and a copious table of contents affixed. The introduction will +facilitate the understanding of what follows; and as it contains matter +that could not be inserted with propriety in any other place, will be +read with interest and satisfaction. + +Having finished my undertaking, the subsequent pages are cheerfully +submitted to the perusal and approbation or animadversion of a candid, +generous and indulgent public. At the same time it is fondly hoped that +the lessons of distress that are portrayed, may have a direct tendency +to increase our love of liberty; to enlarge our views of the blessings +that are derived from our liberal institutions; and to excite in our +breasts sentiments of devotion and gratitude to the great Author and +finisher of our happiness. + +THE AUTHOR. + +_Pembroke, March_ 1, 1824. + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +The Peace of 1783, and the consequent cessation of Indian hostilities +and barbarities, returned to their friends those prisoners, who had +escaped the tomahawk, the gauntlet, and the savage fire, after their +having spent many years in captivity, and restored harmony to society. + +The stories of Indian cruelties which were common in the new +settlements, and were calamitous realities previous to that, propitious +event; slumbered in the minds that had been constantly agitated by them, +and were only roused occasionally, to become the fearful topic of the +fireside. + +It is presumed that at this time there are but few native Americans that +have arrived to middle age, who cannot distinctly recollect of sitting +in the chimney corner when children, all contracted with fear, and there +listening to their parents or visitors, while they related stories of +Indian conquests, and murders, that would make their flaxen hair nearly +stand erect, and almost destroy the power of motion. + +At the close of the Revolutionary war; all that part of the State of +New-York that lies west of Utica was uninhabited by white people, and +few indeed had ever passed beyond Fort Stanwix, except when engaged in +war against the Indians, who were numerous, and occupied a number of +large towns Between the Mohawk river and lake Erie. + +Sometime elapsed after this event, before the country about the lakes +and on the Genesee river was visited, save by an occasional land +speculator, or by defaulters who wished by retreating to what in those +days was deemed almost the end of the earth, to escape the force of +civil law. + +At length, the richness and fertility of the soil excited emigration, +and here and there a family settled down and commenced improvements +in the country which had recently been the property of the aborigines. +Those who settled near the Genesee river, soon became acquainted +with "The White Woman," as Mrs. Jemison is called, whose history they +anxiously sought, both as a matter of interest and curiosity. Frankness +characterized her conduct, and without reserve she would readily gratify +them by relating some of the most important periods of her life. + +Although her bosom companion was an ancient Indian warrior, and +notwithstanding her children and associates were all Indians, yet it was +found that she possessed an uncommon share of hospitality, and that her +friendship was well worth courting and preserving. Her house was the +stranger's home; from her table the hungry were refreshed;--she made +the naked as comfortable as her means would admit of; and in all her +actions, discovered so much natural goodness of heart, that her admirers +increases in proportion to the extension of her acquaintance, and +she became celebrated as the friend of the distressed. She was the +protectress of the homeless fugitive, and made welcome the weary +wanderer. Many still live to commemorate her benevolence towards them, +when prisoners during the war, and to ascribe their deliverance to the +mediation of "The White Woman." + +The settlements increased, and the whole country around her was +inhabited by a rich and respectable people, principally from +New-England, as much distinguished for their spirit of inquisitiveness +as for their habits of industry and honesty, who had all heard from +one source and another a part of her life in detached pieces, and +had obtained an idea that the whole taken in connection would afford +instruction and amusement. + +Many gentlemen of respectability, felt anxious that her narrative +might be laid before the public, with a view not only to perpetuate the +remembrance of the atrocities of the savages in former times, but to +preserve some historical facts which they supposed to be intimately +connected with her life, and which otherwise must be lost. + +Forty years had passed since the close of the Revolutionary war, and +almost seventy years had seen Mrs. Jemison with the Indians, when Daniel +W. Banister, Esq. at the instance of several gentlemen, and prompted +by his own ambition to add something to the accumulating fund of useful +knowledge, resolved, in the autumn of 1823, to embrace that time, while +she was capable of recollecting and reciting the scenes through which +she had passed, to collect from herself, and to publish to an accurate +account of her life. + +I was employed to collect the materials, and prepare the work for the +press; and accordingly went to the house of Mrs. Jennet Whaley in the +town of Castile, Genesee co. N.Y. in company with the publisher, who +procured the interesting subject of the following narrative, to come to +that place (a distance of four miles) and there repeat the story of her +eventful life. She came on foot in company with Mr. Thomas Clute, whom +she considers her protector, and tarried almost three days, which time +was busily occupied in taking a sketch of her narrative as she recited +it. + +Her appearance was well calculated to excite a great degree of sympathy +in a stranger, who had been partially informed of her origin, when +comparing her present situation with what it probably would have been, +had she been permitted to have remained with her friends, and to have +enjoyed the blessings of civilization. + +In stature she is very short, and considerably under the middle size, +and stands tolerably erect, with her head bent forward, apparently from +her having for a long time been accustomed to carrying heavy burdens in +a strap placed across her forehead. Her complexion is very white for +a woman of her age, and although the wrinkles of fourscore years are +deeply indented in her cheeks, yet the crimson of youth is distinctly +visible. Her eyes are light blue, a little faded by age, and naturally +brilliant and sparkling. Her sight is quite dim, though she is able to +perform her necessary labor without the assistance of glasses. Her cheek +bones are high, and rather prominent, and her front teeth, in the +lower jaw, are sound and good. When she looks up and is engaged in +conversation her countenance is very expressive; but from her long +residence with the Indians, she has acquired the habit of peeping from +under eye-brows as they do with the head inclined downwards. Formerly +her hair was of a light chestnut brown--it is now quite grey, a little +curled, of middling length and tied in a bunch behind. She informed me +that she had never worn a cap nor a comb. + +She speaks English plainly and distinctly, with a little of the +Irish emphasis, and has the use of words so well as to render +herself intelligible on any subject with which she is acquainted. Her +recollection and memory exceeded my expectation. It cannot be reasonably +supposed, that a person of her age has kept the events of seventy years +in so complete a chain as to be able to assign to each its proper time +and place; she, however, made her recital with as few obvious mistakes +as might be found in that of a person of fifty. + +She walks with a quick step without a staff, and I was informed by Mr. +Clute, that she could yet cross a stream on a log or pole as steadily as +any other person. + +Her passions are easily excited. At a number of periods in her +narration, tears trickled down her grief worn cheek, and at the same +time, a rising sigh would stop her utterance. + +Industry is a virtue which she has uniformly practised from the day of +her adoption to the present. She pounds her samp, cooks for herself, +gathers and chops wood, feeds her cattle and poultry, and performs +other laborious services. Last season she planted, tended and gathered +corn--in short she is always busy. + +Her dress at the time I saw her, was made and worn after, the Indian +fashion, and consisted of a shirt, short gown, petticoat, stockings, +moccasins, a blanket and a bonnet. The shirt was of cotton and made at +the top, as I was informed, like a man's without collar or sleeves--was +open before and extended down about midway of the hips.--The petticoat +was a piece of broadcloth with the list at the top and bottom and the +ends sewed together. This was tied on by a string that was passed over +it and around the waist, in such a manner as to let the bottom of the +petticoat down half way between the knee and ankle and leave one-fourth +of a yard at the top to be turned down over the string--the bottom of +the shift coming a little below, and on the outside of the top of +the fold so as to leave the list and two or three inches of the cloth +uncovered. The stockings, were of blue broadcloth, tied, or pinned on, +which reached from the knees, into the mouth of the moccasins.--Around +her toes only she had some rags, and over these her buckskin moccasins. +Her gown was of undressed flannel, colored brown. It was made in old +yankee style, with long sleeves, covered the top of the hips, and was +tied before in two places with strings of deer skin. Over all this, +she wore an Indian blanket. On her head she wore a piece of old brown +woollen cloth made somewhat like a sun bonnet. + +Such was the dress that this woman was contented to wear, and habit had +rendered it convenient and comfortable. She wore it not as a matter of t +necessity, but from choice, for it will be seen in the sequel, that her +property is sufficient to enable her to dress in the best fashion, and +to allow her every comfort of life. + +Her house, in which she lives, is 20 by 28 feet; built of square timber, +with a shingled roof, and a framed stoop. In the centre of the house is +a chimney of stones and sticks, in which there are two fire places. She +has a good framed barn, 26 by 36, well filled, and owns a fine stock +of cattle and horses. Besides the buildings above mentioned, she owns a +number of houses that are occupied by tenants, who work her flats upon +shares. Her dwelling, is about one hundred rods north of the Great +Slide, a curiosity that, will be described in its proper place, on the +west side of the Genesee river. + +Mrs. Jemison, appeared sensible of her ignorance of the manners of the +white people, and for that reason, was not familiar, except with those +with whom she was intimately acquainted. In fact she was (to appearance) +so jealous of her rights, or that she should say something that would be +injurious to herself or family, that if Mr. Clute had not been present, +we should have been unable to have obtained her history. She, however, +soon became free and unembarrassed in her conversation, and spoke with +degree of mildness, candor and simplicity, that is calculated to remove +all doubts as to the veracity of the speaker. The vices of the Indians, +she appeared disposed not to aggravate, and seemed to take pride in +extoling their virtues. A kind of family pride inclined her to withhold +whatever would blot the character of her descendants, and perhaps +induced her to keep back many things that would have been interesting. + +For the life of her last husband, we are indebted to her cousin, Mr. +George Jemison, to whom she referred us for information on that subject +generally. The thoughts of his deeds, probably chilled her old heart, +and made her dread to rehearse them, and at the same time she well knew +they were no secret, for she had frequently heard him relate the whole, +not only to her cousin, but to others. + +Before she left us she was very sociable, and she resumed her naturally +pleasant countenance, enlivened with a smile. + +Her neighbors speak of her as possessing one of the happiest tempers and +disposition, and give her the name of never having done a censurable act +to their knowledge. + +Her habits, are those of the Indians--she sleeps on skins without a +bedstead, sits upon the floor or on a bench, and holds her victuals on +her lap, or in her hands. + +Her ideas of religion, correspond in every respect with those of the +great mass of the Senecas. She applauds virtue, and despises vice. She +believes in a future state, in which the good will be happy, and the bad +miserable; and that the acquisition of that happiness, depends primarily +upon human volition, and the consequent good deeds of the happy +recipient of blessedness. The doctrines taught in the Christian +religion, she is a stranger to. + +Her daughters are said to be active and enterprizing women, and her +grandsons, who arrived to manhood, are considered able, decent and +respectable men in their tribe. + +Having in this cursory manner, introduced the subject of the following +pages, I proceed to the narration of a life that has been viewed with +attention, for a great number of years by a few, and which will be +read by the public the mixed sensations of pleasure and pain, and with +interest, anxiety and satisfaction. + + + + +LIFE OF MARY JEMISON. + + + +CHAPTER I. + + +Nativity of her Parents.--Their removal to America.--Her Birth.--Parents +settle in Pennsylvania.--Omen of her Captivity. + +Although I may have frequently heard the history of my ancestry, my +recollection is too imperfect to enable me to trace it further back than +my father and mother, whom I have often heard mention the families +from whence they originated, as having possessed wealth and honorable +stations under the government of the country in which they resided. + +On the account of the great length of time that has elapsed since I was +separated from my parents and friends, and having heard the story of +their nativity only in the days of my childhood, I am not able to state +positively, which of the two countries, Ireland or Scotland, was the +land of my parents birth and education. It, however, is my impression, +that they were born and brought up in Ireland. + +My Father's name was Thomas Jemison, and my mother's before her marriage +with him, was Jane Erwin. Their affection for each other was mutual, and +of that happy kind which tends directly to sweeten the cup of life; to +render connubial sorrows lighter; to assuage every discontentment and to +promote not only their own comfort, but that of all who come within the +circle of their acquaintance. Of their happiness I recollect to have +heard them speak; and the remembrance I yet retain of their mildness +and perfect agreement in the government of their children, together +with their mutual attention to our common education, manners, religious +instruction and wants, renders it a fact in my mind, that they were +ornaments to the married state, and examples of connubial love, worthy +of imitation. After my remembrance they were strict observers of +religious duties; for it was the daily practice of my father, morning +and evening, to attend, in his family, to the worship of God. + +Resolved to leave the land of their nativity they removed from their +residence to a port in Ireland, where they lived but a short time before +they set sail for this country, in the year 1742 or 3 on board the ship +Mary William, bound to Philadelphia, in the state of Pennsylvania. + +The intestine divisions, civil wars, and ecclesiastical rigidity and +domination that prevailed those days, were the causes of their leaving +their mother country and a home in the American wilderness, under the +mild and temperate government of the descendants of William Penn; where +without fear they might worship God, and perform their usual avocations. + +In Europe my parents had two sons and one daughter, whose names were +John, Thomas and Betsey; with whom, after having put their effects +on board, they embarked, leaving a large connexion of relatives and +friends, under all those painful sensations, which are only felt when +kindred souls give the parting hand and last farewell to those to whom +they are endeared by every friendly tie. + +In the course of their voyage I was born, to be the sport of fortune +and almost an outcast to civil society; to stem the current of adversity +through a long chain of vicissitudes, unsupported by the advice of +tender parents, or the hand of an affectionate friend; and even without +the enjoyment from others, of any of those tender sympathies that are +adapted to the sweetening of society, except such as naturally flow from +uncultivated minds, that have been calloused by ferocity. + +Excepting my birth, nothing remarkable occurred to my parents on their +passage, and they were safely landed at Philadelphia. My father being +fond of rural life, and having been bred to agricultural pursuits, soon +left the city, and removed his family to the then frontier settlements +of Pennsylvania, to a tract of excellent land lying on Marsh creek. At +that place he cleared a large farm, and for seven or eight years enjoyed +the fruits of his industry. Peace attended their labors; and they had +nothing to alarm them, save the midnight howl of the prowling wolf, or +the terrifying shriek of the ferocious panther, as they occasionally +visited their improvements, to take a lamb or a calf to satisfy their +hunger. + +During this period my mother had two sons, between whose ages there was +a difference of about three years: the oldest was named Matthew, and the +other Robert. + +Health presided on every countenance, and vigor and strength +characterized every exertion. Our mansion was a little paradise. +The morning of my childish, happy days, will ever stand fresh in my +remembrance, notwithstanding the many severe trials through which I have +passed, in arriving at my present situation, at so advanced an age. +Even at this remote period, the recollection of my pleasant home at my +father's, of my parents, of my brothers and sister, and of the manner in +which I was deprived of them all at once, affects me so powerfully, that +I am almost overwhelmed with grief, that is seemingly insupportable. +Frequently I dream of those happy days: but, alas! they are gone; they +have left me to be carried through a long life, dependent for the +little pleasures of nearly seventy years, upon the tender mercies of the +Indians! In the spring of 1752, and through the succeeding seasons, the +stories of Indian barbarities inflicted upon the whites in those days, +frequently excited in my parents the most serious alarm for our safety. + +The next year the storm gathered faster; many murders were committed; +and many captives were exposed to meet death in its most frightful +form, by having their bodies stuck full of pine splinters, which were +immediately set on fire, while their tormentors, exulting in their +distress, would rejoice at their agony! + +In 1754, an army for the protection of the settlers, and to drive back +the French and Indians, was raised from the militia of the colonial +governments, and placed (secondarily) under the command of Col. George +Washington. In that army I had an uncle, whose name was John Jemison who +was killed at the battle at the Great Meadow or Fort Necessity. His wife +had died some time before this, and left a young child, which my mother +nursed in the most tender manner, till its mother's sister took it away, +a few months after my uncle's death. The French and Indians, after the +surrender of Fort Necessity by Col. Washington, (which happened the same +season, and soon after his victory over them at that place,) grew more +and more terrible. The death of the whites, and plundering and burning +their property, was apparently their only object: But as yet we had not +heard the death-yell, nor seen the smoke of a dwelling that had been lit +by an Indian's hand. + +The return of a new-year's day found us unmolested; and though we knew +that the enemy was at no great distance from us, my father concluded +that he would continue to occupy his land another season: expecting +(probably from the great exertions which the government was then making) +that as soon as the troops could commence their operations in the +spring, the enemy would be conquered and compelled to agree to a treaty +of peace. + +In the preceding autumn my father either moved to another part of his +farm, or to another neighborhood, a short distance from our former +abode. I well recollect moving, and that the barn that was on the place +we moved to was built of logs, though the house was a good one. + +The winter of 1754-5 was as mild as a common fall season, and the spring +presented a pleasant seed time, and indicated a plenteous harvest. My +father, with the assistance of his oldest sons, repaired his farm as +usual, and was daily preparing the soil for the reception of the seed. +His cattle and sheep were numerous, and according to the best idea of +wealth that I can now form, he was wealthy. + +But alas! how transitory are all human affairs! how fleeting are riches! +how brittle the invisible thread on which all earthly comforts are +suspended! Peace in a moment can take an immeasurable flight; health +can lose its rosy cheeks; and life will vanish like a vapor at the +appearance of the sun! In one fatal day our prospects were all blasted; +and death, by cruel hands, inflicted upon almost the whole of the +family. + +On a pleasant day in the spring of 1755, when my father was sowing +flax-seed, and my brothers driving the teams, I was sent to a neighbor's +house, a distance of perhaps a mile, to procure a horse and return with +it the next morning. I went as I was directed. I was out of the house +in the beginning of the evening, and saw a sheet wide spread approaching +towards me, in which I was caught (as I have ever since believed) and +deprived of my senses! The family soon found me on the ground, almost +lifeless, (as they said,) took me in, and made use of every remedy in +their power for my recovery, but without effect till day-break, when my +senses returned, and I soon found myself in good health, so that I went +home with the horse very early in the morning. + +The appearance of that sheet, I have ever considered as a forerunner +of the melancholy catastrophe that so soon afterwards happened to +our family: and my being caught in it I believe, was ominous of my +preservation from death at the time we were captured. + + + +CHAPTER II. + + +Her Education.--Captivity.--Journey to Fort Pitt.--Mother's Farewell +Address.--Murder of her Family.--Preparation of the Scalps.--Indian +Precautions.--Arrival at Fort Pitt, &c. + +My education had received as much attention from my parents, as their +situation in a new country would admit. I had been at school some, where +I learned to read in a book that was about half as large as a Bible; +and in the Bible I had read a little. I had also learned the Catechism, +which I used frequently to repeat to my parents, and every night, before +I went to bed, I was obliged to stand up before my mother and repeat +some words that I suppose was a prayer. + +My reading, Catechism and prayers, I have long since forgotten; though +for a number of the first years that I lived with the Indians, I +repeated the prayers as often as I had an opportunity. After the +revolutionary war, I remembered the names of some of the letters when I +saw them; but have never read a word since I was taken prisoner. It is +but a few years since a Missionary kindly gave me a Bible, which I am +very fond of hearing my neighbors read to me, and should be pleased to +learn to read it myself; but my sight has been for a number of years, so +dim that I have not been able to distinguish one letter from another. + +As I before observed, I got home with the horse very early in the +morning, where I found a man that lived in our neighborhood, and his +sister-in-law who had three children, one son and two daughters. I soon +learned that they had come there to live a short time; but for what +purpose I cannot say. The woman's husband, however, was at that time in +Washington's army, fighting, for his country; and as her brother-in-law +had a house she had lived with him in his absence. Their names I have +forgotten. + +Immediately after I got home, the man took the horse to go to his house +after a bag of grain, and took his gun in his hand for the purpose of +killing game, if he should chance to see any.--Our family, as usual, +was busily employed about their common business. Father was shaving an +axe-helve at the side of the house; mother was making preparations for +breakfast;--my two oldest brothers were at work near the barn; and the +little ones, with myself, and the woman and her three children, were in +the house. + +Breakfast was not yet ready, when we were alarmed by the discharge of +a number of guns, that seemed to be near. Mother and the women before +mentioned, almost fainted at the report, and every one trembled with +fear. On opening the door, the man and horse lay dead near the house, +having just been shot by the Indians. + +I was afterwards informed, that the Indians discovered him at his own +house with his gun, and pursued him to father's, where they shot him as +I have related. They first secured my father, and then rushed into the +house, and without the least resistance made prisoners of my mother, +Robert, Matthew, Betsey, the woman and her three children, and myself, +and then commenced plundering. + +My two brothers, Thomas and John, being at the barn, escaped and went to +Virginia, where my grandfather Erwin then lived, as I was informed by +a Mr. Fields, who was at my house about the close of the revolutionary +war. + +The party that took us consisted of six Indians and four Frenchmen, who +immediately commenced plundering, as I just observed, and took what +they considered most valuable; consisting principally of bread, meal and +meat. Having taken as much provision as they could carry, they set out +with their prisoners in great haste, for fear of detection, and soon +entered the woods. On our march that day, an Indian went behind us with +a whip, with which he frequently lashed the children to make them keep +up. In this manner we travelled till dark without a mouthful of food +or a drop of water; although we had not eaten since the night before. +Whenever the little children cried for water, the Indians would make +them drink urine or go thirsty. At night they encamped in the woods +without fire and without shelter, where we were watched with the +greatest vigilance. Extremely fatigued, and very hungry, we were +compelled to lie upon the ground supperless and without a drop of water +to satisfy the cravings of our appetites. As in the day time, so the +little ones were made to drink urine in the night if they cried for +water. Fatigue alone brought us a little sleep for the refreshment of +our weary limbs; and at the dawn of day we were again started on our +march in the same order that we had proceeded on the day before. About +sunrise we were halted, and the Indians gave us a full breakfast of +provision that they had brought from my father's house. Each of us being +very hungry, partook of this bounty of the Indians, except father, who +was so much overcome with his situation--so much exhausted by anxiety +and grief, that silent despair seemed fastened upon his countenance, and +he could not be prevailed upon to refresh his sinking nature by the use +of a morsel of food. Our repast being finished, we again resumed our +march, and, before noon passed a small fort that I heard my father say +was called Fort Canagojigge. + +That was the only time that I heard him speak from the time we were +taken till we were finally separated the following night. + +Towards evening we arrived at the border of a dark and dismal swamp, +which was covered with small hemlocks, or some other evergreen, and +other bushes, into which we were conducted; and having gone a short +distance we stopped to encamp for the night. + +Here we had some bread and meat for supper: but the dreariness of our +situation, together with the uncertainty under which we all labored, as +to our future destiny, almost deprived us of the sense of hunger, and +destroyed our relish for food. + +Mother, from the time we were taken, had manifested a great degree +of fortitude, and encouraged us to support our troubles without +complaining; and by her conversation seemed to make the distance and +time shorter, and the way more smooth. But father lost all his ambition +in the beginning of our trouble, and continued apparently lost to every +care--absorbed in melancholy. Here, as before, she insisted on the +necessity of our eating; and we obeyed her, but it was done with heavy +hearts. + +As soon as I had finished my supper, an Indian took off my shoes and +stockings and put a pair of moccasins on my feet, which my mother +observed; and believing that they would spare my life, even if they +should destroy the other captives, addressed me as near as I can +remember in the following words:-- + +"My dear little Mary, I fear that the time has arrived when we must +be parted forever. Your life, my child, I think will be spared; but we +shall probably be tomahawked here in this lonesome place by the Indians. +O! how can I part with you my darling? What will become of my sweet +little Mary? Oh! how can I think of your being continued in captivity +without a hope of your being rescued? O that death had snatched you from +my embraces in your infancy; the pain of parting then would have been +pleasing to what it now is; and I should have seen the end of your +troubles!--Alas, my dear! my heart bleeds at the thoughts of what awaits +you; but, if you leave us, remember my child your own name, and the +name of your father and mother. Be careful and not forget your English +tongue. If you shall have an opportunity to get away from the Indians, +don't try to escape; for if you do they will find and destroy you. Don't +forget, my little daughter, the prayers that I have learned you--say +them often; be a good child, and God will bless you. May God bless you +my child, and make you comfortable and happy." + +During this time, the Indians stripped the shoes and stockings from the +little boy that belonged to the woman who was taken with us, and put +moccasins on his feet, as they had done before on mine. I was crying. An +Indian took the little boy and myself by the hand, to lead us off from +the company, when my mother exclaimed, "Don't cry Mary--don't cry my +child. God will bless you! Farewell--farewell!" + +The Indian led us some distance into the bushes, or woods, and there +lay down with us to spend the night. The recollection of parting with my +tender mother kept me awake, while the tears constantly flowed from +my eyes. A number of times in the night the little boy begged of +me earnestly to run away with him and get clear of the Indians; but +remembering the advice I had so lately received, and knowing the dangers +to which we should be exposed, in travelling without a path and without +a guide, through a wilderness unknown to us, I told him that I would not +go, and persuaded him to lie still till morning. + +Early the next morning the Indians and Frenchmen that we had left +the night before, came to us; but our friends were left behind. It is +impossible for any one to form a correct idea of what my feelings were +at the sight of those savages, whom I supposed had murdered my parents +and brothers, sister, and friends, and left them in the swamp to be +devoured by wild beasts! But what could I do? A poor little defenceless +girl; without the power or means of escaping; without a home to go to, +even if I could be liberated; without a knowledge of the direction or +distance to my former place of residence; and without a living friend to +whom to fly for protection, I felt a kind of horror, anxiety, and +dread, that, to me, seemed insupportable. I durst not cry--I durst not +complain; and to inquire of them the fate of my friends (even if I could +have mustered resolution) was beyond my ability, as I could not speak +their language, nor they understand mine. My only relief was in silent +stifled sobs. + +My suspicions as to the fate of my parents proved too true; for soon +after I left them they were killed and scalped, together with Robert, +Matthew, Betsey, and the woman and her two children, and mangled in the +most shocking manner. + +Having given the little boy and myself some bread and meat for +breakfast, they led us on as fast as we could travel, and one of them +went behind and with a long staff, picked up all the grass and weeds +that we trailed down by going over them. By taking that precaution they +avoided detection; for each weed was so nicely placed in its natural +position that no one would have suspected that we had passed that way. +It is the custom of Indians when scouting, or on private expeditions, +to step carefully and where no impression of their feet can be +left--shunning wet or muddy ground. They seldom take hold of a bush or +limb, and never break one; and by observing those precautions and that +of setting up the weeds and grass which they necessarily lop, they +completely elude the sagacity of their pursuers, and escape that +punishment which they are conscious they merit from the hand of justice. + +After a hard day's march we encamped in a thicket, where the Indians +made a shelter of boughs, and then built a good fire to warm and dry +our benumbed limbs and clothing; for it had rained some through the day. +Here we were again fed as before. When the Indians had finished their +supper they took from their baggage a number of scalps and went about +preparing them for the market, or to keep without spoiling, by straining +them over small hoops which they prepared for that purpose, and then +drying and scraping them by the fire. Having put the scalps, yet wet and +bloody, upon the hoops, and stretched them to their full extent, they +held them to the fire till they were partly dried and then with their +knives commenced scraping off the flesh; and in that way they continued +to work, alternately drying and scraping them, till they were dry and +clean. That being done they combed the hair in the neatest manner, and +then painted it and the edges of the scalps yet on the hoops, red. Those +scalps I knew at the time must have been taken from our family by +the color of the hair. My mother's hair was red; and I could easily +distinguish my father's and the children's from each other. That sight +was most appaling; yet, I was obliged to endure it without complaining. + +In the course of the night they made me to understand that they should +not have killed the family if the whites had not pursued them. + +Mr. Fields, whom I have before mentioned, informed me that at the +time we were taken, he lived in the vicinity of my father; and that on +hearing of our captivity, the whole neighborhood turned out in pursuit +of the enemy, and to deliver us if possible: but that their efforts were +unavailing. They however pursued us to the dark swamp, where they found +my father, his family and companions, stripped and mangled in the most +inhuman manner: That from thence the march of the cruel monsters could +not be traced in any direction; and that they returned to their homes +with the melancholy tidings of our misfortunes, supposing that we had +all shared in the massacre. + +The next morning we went on; the Indian going behind us and setting up +the weeds as on the day before. At night we encamped on the ground in +the open air, without a shelter or fire. + +In the morning we again set out early, and travelled as on the two +former days, though the weather was extremely uncomfortable, from the +continual falling of rain and snow. + +At night the snow fell fast, and the Indians built a shelter of boughs, +and a fire, where we rested tolerably dry through that and the two +succeeding nights. + +When we stopped, and before the fire was kindled, I was so much fatigued +from running, and so far benumbed by the wet and cold, that I expected +that I must fail and die before I could get warm and comfortable. The +fire, however, soon restored the circulation, and after I had taken my +supper I felt so that I rested well through the night. + +On account of the storm, we were two days at that place. On one of those +days, a party consisting of six Indians who had been to the frontier +settlements, came to where we were, and brought with them one prisoner, +a young white man who was very tired and dejected. His name I have +forgotten. + +Misery certainly loves company. I was extremely glad to see him, though +I knew from his appearance, that his situation was as deplorable +as mine, and that he could afford me no kind of assistance. In the +afternoon the Indians killed a deer, which they dressed, and then +roasted it whole; which made them a full meal. We were each allowed +a share of their venison, and some bread, so that we made a good meal +also. + +Having spent three nights and two days at that place, and the storm +having ceased, early in the morning the whole company, consisting +of twelve Indians, four Frenchmen, the young man, the little boy and +myself, moved on at a moderate pace without an Indian behind us to +deceive our pursuers. + +In the afternoon we came in sight of Fort Pitt (as it is now called,) +where we were halted while the Indians performed some customs upon their +prisoners which they deemed necessary. That fort was then occupied by +the French and Indians, and was called Fort Du Quesne. It stood at the +junction of the Monongahela, which is said to signify, in some of the +Indian languages, the Falling-in-Banks, [Footnote: Navigator.] and the +Alleghany [Footnote: The word Alleghenny, was derived from an ancient +race of Indians called "Tallegawe." The Delaware Indians, instead +of saying "Alleghenny," say "Allegawe," or "Allegawenink," _Western +Tour_--p. 455.] rivers, where the Ohio river begins to take its name. +The word O-hi-o, signifies bloody. + +At the place where we halted, the Indians combed the hair of the young +man, the boy and myself, and then painted our faces and hair red, in +the finest Indian style. We were then conducted into the fort, where we +received a little bread, and were then shut up and left to tarry alone +through the night. + + * * * * * + + + +CHAPTER III. + + +She is given to two Squaws.--Her Journey down the Ohio.--Passes a +Shawanee town where white men had just been burnt.--Arrives at +the Seneca town.--Her Reception.--She is adopted.--Ceremony of +Adoption.--Indian Custom.--Address.--She receives a new name.--Her +Employment.--Retains her own and learns the Seneca Language.--Situation +of the Town, &c.--Indians go on a Hunting Tour to Sciota and take her +with them.--Returns.--She is taken to Fort Pitt, and then hurried back +by her Indian Sisters.--Her hopes of Liberty destroyed.--Second Tour +to Sciota.--Return to Wiishto, &c.--Arrival of Prisoners.--Priscilla +Ramsay.--Her Chain.--Mary marries a Delaware.--Her Affection +for him.--Birth and Death of her first Child.--Her Sickness and +Recovery.--Birth of Thomas Jemison. + +The night was spent in gloomy forebodings. What the result of our +captivity would be, it was out of our power to determine or even +imagine.--At times we could almost realize the approach of our masters +to butcher and scalp us;--again we could nearly see the pile of wood +kindled on which we were to be roasted; and then we would imagine +ourselves at liberty; alone and defenceless in the forest, surrounded by +wild beasts that were ready to devour us. The anxiety of our minds drove +sleep from our eyelids; and it was with a dreadful hope and painful +impatience that we waited for the morning to determine our fate. + +The morning at length arrived, and our masters came early and let us +out of the house, and gave the young man and boy to the French, who +immediately took them away. Their fate I never learned; as I have not +seen nor heard of them since. + +I was now left alone in the fort, deprived of my former companions, and +of every thing that was near or dear to me but life. But it was not long +before I was in some measure relieved by the appearance of two pleasant +looking squaws of the Seneca tribe, who came and examined me attentively +for a short time, and then went out. After a few minutes absence they +returned with my former masters, who gave me to them to dispose of as +they pleased. + +The Indians by whom I was taken were a party of Shawanees, if I remember +right, that lived, when at home, a long distance down the Ohio. + +My former Indian masters, and the two squaws, were soon ready to leave +the fort, and accordingly embarked; the Indians in a large canoe, and +the two squaws and myself in a small one, and went down the Ohio. + +When we set off, an Indian in the forward canoe took the scalps of my +former friends, strung them on a pole that he placed upon his shoulder, +and in that manner carried them, standing in the stern of the canoe, +directly before us as we sailed down the river, to the town where the +two squaws resided. + +On our way we passed a Shawanee town, where I saw a number of heads, +arms, legs, and other fragments of the bodies of some white people who +had just been burnt. The parts that remained were hanging on a pole +which was supported at each end by a crotch stuck in the ground, and +were roasted or burnt black as a coal. The fire was yet burning; and the +whole appearances afforded a spectacle so shocking, that, even to this +day, my blood almost curdles in my veins when I think of them! + +At night we arrived at a small Seneca Indian town, at the mouth of a +small river, that was called by the Indians, in the Seneca language, +She-nan-jee, [Footnote: That town, according to the geographical +description given by Mrs. Jemison, must have stood at the mouth of +Indian Cross creek, which is about 76 miles by water, below Pittsburgh; +or at the mouth of Indian Short creek, 87 miles below Pittsburgh, where +the town of Warren now stands: But at which of those places I am +unable to determine. _Author_.] where the two Squaws to whom I belonged +resided. There we landed, and the Indians went on; which was the last I +ever saw of them. + +Having made fast to the shore, the Squaws left me in the canoe while +they went to their wigwam or house in the town, and returned with a suit +of Indian clothing, all new, and very clean and nice. My clothes, though +whole and good when I was taken, were now torn in pieces, so that I was +almost naked. They first undressed me and threw my rags into the river; +then washed me clean and dressed me in the new suit they had just +brought, in complete Indian style; and then led me home and seated me in +the center of their wigwam. + +I had been in that situation but a few minutes before all the Squaws +in the town came in to see me. I was soon surrounded by them, and they +immediately set up a most dismal howling, crying bitterly, and wringing +their hands in all the agonies of grief for a deceased relative. + +Their tears flowed freely, and they exhibited all the signs of real +mourning. At the commencement of this scene, one of their number began, +in a voice somewhat between speaking and singing, to recite some words +to the following purport, and continued the recitation till the ceremony +was ended; the company at the same time varying the appearance of their +countenances, gestures and tone of voice, so as to correspond with the +sentiments expressed by their leader: + +"Oh our brother! Alas! He is dead--he has gone; he will never return! +Friendless he died on the field of the slain, where his bones are yet +lying unburied! Oh, who will not mourn his sad fate? No tears dropped +around him; oh, no! No tears of his sisters were there! He fell in his +prime, when his arm was most needed to keep us from danger! Alas! he has +gone! and left us in sorrow, his loss to bewail: Oh where is his spirit? +His spirit went naked, and hungry it wanders, and thirsty and wounded +it groans to return! Oh helpless and wretched, our brother has gone! No +blanket nor food to nourish and warm him; nor candles to light him, nor +weapons of war:--Oh, none of those comforts had he! But well we remember +his deeds!--The deer he could take on the chase! The panther shrunk back +at the sight of his strength! His enemies fell at his feet! He was brave +and courageous in war! As the fawn was harmless: his friendship was +ardent: his temper was gentle: his pity was great! Oh! our friend, our +companion is dead! Our brother, your brother, alas! he is gone! But why +do we grieve for his loss? In the strength of a warrior, undaunted he +left us, to fight by the side of the Chiefs! His war-whoop was shrill! +His rifle well aimed laid his enemies low: his tomahawk drank of their +blood: and his knife flayed their scalps while yet covered with gore! +And why do we mourn? Though he fell on the field of the slain, with +glory he fell, and his spirit went up to the land of his fathers in war! +Then why do we mourn? With transports of joy they received him, and fed +him, and clothed him, and welcomed him there! Oh friends, he is happy; +then dry up your tears! His spirit has seen our distress, and sent us +a helper whom with pleasure we greet. Dickewamis has come: then let +us receive her with joy! She is handsome and pleasant! Oh! she is our +sister, and gladly we welcome her here. In the place of our brother she +stands in our tribe. With care we will guard her from trouble; and may +she be happy till her spirit shall leave us." + +In the course of that ceremony, from mourning they became serene--joy +sparkled in their countenances, and they seemed to rejoice over me as +over a long lost child. I was made welcome amongst them as a sister to +the two Squaws before mentioned, and was called Dickewamis; which being +interpreted, signifies a pretty girl, a handsome girl, or a pleasant, +good thing. That is the name by which I have ever since been called by +the Indians. + +I afterwards learned that the ceremony I at that time passed through, +was that of adoption. The two squaws had lost a brother in Washington's +war, sometime in the year before and in consequence of his death went up +to Fort Pitt, on the day on which I arrived there, in order to receive a +prisoner or an enemy's scalp, to supply their loss. + +It is a custom of the Indians, when one of their number is slain or +taken prisoner in battle, to give to the nearest relative to the dead +or absent, a prisoner, if they have chanced to take one, and if not, +to give him the scalp of an enemy. On the return of the Indians +from conquest, which is always announced by peculiar shoutings, +demonstrations of joy, and the exhibition of some trophy of victory, the +mourners come forward and make their claims. If they receive a prisoner, +it is at their option either to satiate their vengeance by taking his +life in the most cruel manner they can conceive of; or, to receive and +adopt him into the family, in the place of him whom they have lost. All +the prisoners that are taken in battle and carried to the encampment +or town by the Indians, are given to the bereaved families, till their +number is made good. + +And unless the mourners have but just received the news of their +bereavement, and are under the operation of a paroxysm of grief, anger +and revenge; or, unless the prisoner is very old, sickly, or homely, +they generally save him, and treat him kindly. But if their mental wound +is fresh, their loss so great that they deem it irreparable, or if their +prisoner or prisoners do not meet their approbation, no torture, let +it be ever so cruel, seems sufficient to make them satisfaction. It is +family, and not national, sacrifices amongst the Indians, that has given +them an indelible stamp as barbarians, and identified their character +with the idea which is generally formed of unfeeling ferocity, and the +most abandoned cruelty. + +It was my happy lot to be accepted for adoption; and at the time of the +ceremony I was received by the two squaws, to supply the place of their +brother in the family; and I was ever considered and treated by them as +a real sister, the same as though I had been born of their mother. + +During my adoption, I sat motionless, nearly terrified to death at the +appearance and actions of the company, expecting every moment to feel +their vengeance, and suffer death on the spot. I was, however, happily +disappointed, when at the close of the ceremony the company retired, +and my sisters went about employing every means for my consolation and +comfort. + +Being now settled and provided with a home, I was employed in nursing +the children, and doing light work about the house. Occasionally I was +sent out with the Indian hunters, when they went but a short distance, +to help them carry their game. + +My situation was easy; I had no particular hardships to endure. But +still, the recollection of my parents, my brothers and sisters, my home, +and my own captivity, destroyed my happiness, and made me constantly +solitary, lonesome and gloomy. + +My sisters would not allow me to speak English in their hearing; but +remembering the charge that my dear mother gave me at the time I left +her, whenever I chanced to be alone I made a business of repeating my +prayer, catechism, or something I had learned in order that I might not +forget my own language. By practising in that way I retained it till +I came to Genesee flats, where I soon became acquainted with English +people with whom I have been almost daily in the habit of conversing. + +My sisters were diligent in teaching me their language; and to their +great satisfaction I soon learned so that I could understand it readily, +and speak it fluently. I was very fortunate in falling into their hands; +for they were kind good natured women; peaceable and mild in their +dispositions; temperate and decent in their habits, and very tender and +gentle towards me. I have great reason to respect them, though they have +been dead a great number of years. + +The town where they lived was pleasantly situated on the Ohio, at the +mouth of the Shenanjee: the land produced good corn; the woods furnished +a plenty of game, and the waters abounded with fish. Another river +emptied itself into the Ohio, directly opposite the mouth of the +Shenanjee. We spent the summer at that place, where we planted, hoed, +and harvested a large crop of corn, of an excellent quality. + +About the time of corn harvest, Fort Pitt was taken from the French by +the English. [Footnote: The above statement is apparently an error; and +is to be attributed solely to the treachery of the old lady's memory; +though she is confident that that event took place at the time above +mentioned. It is certain that Fort Pitt was not evacuated by the French +and given up to the English, till sometime in November, 1758. It is +possible, however, that an armistice was agreed upon, and that for a +time, between the spring of 1755 and 1758, both nations visited +that post without fear of molestation. As the succeeding part of the +narrative corresponds with the true historical chain of events, the +public will overlook this circumstance, which appears unsupported by +history. AUTHOR.] + +The corn being harvested, the Indians took it on horses and in canoes, +and proceeded down the Ohio, occasionally stopping to hunt a few days, +till we arrived at the mouth of Sciota river; where they established +their winter quarters, and continued hunting till the ensuing spring, +in the adjacent wilderness. While at that place I went with the other +children to assist the hunters to bring in their game. The forests on +the Sciota were well stocked with elk, deer, and other large animals; +and the marshes contained large numbers of beaver, muskrat, &c. which +made excellent hunting for the Indians; who depended, for their meat, +upon their success in taking elk and deer; and for ammunition and +clothing, upon the beaver, muskrat, and other furs that they could take +in addition to their peltry. + +The season for hunting being passed, we all returned in the spring to +the mouth of the river Shenanjee, to the houses and fields we had left +in the fall before. There we again planted our corn, squashes, and +beans, on the fields that we occupied the preceding summer. + +About planting time, our Indians all went up to Fort Pitt, to make peace +with the British, and took me with them. [Footnote: History is silent +as to any treaty having been made between the English, and French and +Indians, at that time; though it is possible that a truce was agreed +upon, and that the parties met for the purpose of concluding a treaty of +peace.] We landed on the opposite side of the river from the fort, and +encamped for the night. Early the next morning the Indians took me over +to the fort to see the white people that were there. It was then that my +heart bounded to be liberated from the Indians and to be restored to my +friends and my country. The white people were surprized to see me with +the Indians, enduring the hardships of a savage life, at so early an +age, and with so delicate a constitution as I appeared to possess. They +asked me my name; where and when I was taken--and appeared very much +interested on my behalf. They were continuing their inquiries, when +my sisters became alarmed, believing that I should be taken from them, +hurried me into their canoe and recrossed the river--took their bread +out of the fire and fled with me, without stopping, till they arrived +at the river Shenanjee. So great was their fear of losing me, or of my +being given up in the treaty, that they never once stopped rowing till +they got home. + +Shortly after we left the shore opposite the fort, as I was informed by +one of my Indian brothers, the white people came over to take me back; +but after considerable inquiry, and having made diligent search to find +where I was hid, they returned with heavy hearts. Although I had then +been with the Indians something over a year, and had become considerably +habituated to their mode of living, and attached to my sisters, the +sight of white people who could speak English inspired me with an +unspeakable anxiety to go home with them, and share in the blessings of +civilization. My sudden departure and escape from them, seemed like +a second captivity, and for a long time I brooded the thoughts of my +miserable situation with almost as much sorrow and dejection as I +had done those of my first sufferings. Time, the destroyer of every +affection, wore away my unpleasant feelings, and I became as contented +as before. + +We tended our cornfields through the summer; and after we had harvested +the crop, we again went down the river to the hunting ground on the +Sciota, where we spent the winter, as we had done the winter before. + +Early in the spring we sailed up the Ohio river, to a place that the +Indians called Wiishto, [Footnote: Wiishto I suppose was situated near +the mouth of Indian Guyundat, 327 miles below Pittsburgh, and 73 above +Big Sciota; or at the mouth of Swan creek, 307 miles below Pittsburgh.] +where one river emptied into the Ohio on one side, and another on the +other. At that place the Indians built a town, and we planted corn. + +We lived three summers at Wiishto, and spent each winter on the Sciota. + +The first summer of our living at Wiishto, a party of Delaware Indians +came up the river, took up their residence, and lived in common with us. +They brought five white prisoners with them, who by their conversation, +made my situation much more agreeable, as they could all speak English. +I have forgotten the names of all of them except one, which was +Priscilla Ramsay. She was a very handsome, good natured girl, and was +married soon after she came to Wiishto to Capt. Little Billy's uncle, +who went with her on a visit to her friends in the states. Having +tarried with them as long as she wished to, she returned with her +husband to Can-a-ah-tua, where he died. She, after his death, married +a white man by the name of Nettles, and now lives with him (if she is +living) on Grand River, Upper Canada. + +Not long after the Delawares came to live with us, at Wiishto, my +sisters told me that I must go and live with one of them, whose name was +Sheninjee. Not daring to cross them, or disobey their commands, with +a great degree of reluctance I went; and Sheninjee and I were married +according to Indian custom. + +Sheninjee was a noble man; large in stature; elegant in his appearance; +generous in his conduct; courageous in war; a friend to peace, and a +great lover of justice. He supported a degree of dignity far above his +rank, and merited and received the confidence and friendship of all the +tribes with whom he was acquainted. Yet, Sheninjee was an Indian. +The idea of spending my days with him, at first seemed perfectly +irreconcilable to my feelings: but his good nature, generosity, +tenderness, and friendship towards me, soon gained my affection; +and, strange as it may seem, I loved him!--To me he was ever kind in +sickness, and always treated me with gentleness; in fact, he was an +agreeable husband, and a comfortable companion. + +We lived happily together till the time of our final separation, which +happened two or three years after our marriage, as I shall presently +relate. + +In the second summer of my living at Wiishto, I had a child at the time +that the kernels of corn first appeared on the cob. When I was taken +sick, Sheninjee was absent, and I was sent to a small shed, on the bank +of the river, which was made of boughs, where I was obliged to stay +till my husband returned. My two sisters, who were my only companions, +attended me, and on the second day of my confinement my child was born +but it lived only two days. It was a girl: and notwithstanding the +shortness of the time that I possessed it, it was a great grief to me to +lose it. + +After the birth of my child, I was very sick, but was not allowed to go +into the house for two weeks; when, to my great joy, Sheninjee returned, +and I was taken in and as comfortably provided for as our situation +would admit of. My disease continued to increase for a number of days; +and I became so far reduced that my recovery was despaired of by my +friends, and I concluded that my troubles would soon be finished. At +length, however, my complaint took a favorable turn, and by the time +that the corn was ripe I was able to get about. I continued to gain my +health, and in the fall was able to go to our winter quarters, on the +Sciota, with the Indians. + +From that time, nothing remarkable occurred to me till the fourth winter +of my captivity, when I had a son born, while I was at Sciota: I had a +quick recovery, and my child was healthy. To commemorate the name of my +much lamented father, I called my son Thomas Jemison. + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + +She leaves Wiishto for Fort Pitt, in company with her Husband.--Her +feelings on setting out.--Contrast between the labor of the white and +Indian Women.--Deficiency of Arts amongst the Indians.--Their former +Happiness.--Baneful effects of Civilization, and the introduction of +ardent Spirits amongst them, &c.--Journey up the River.--Murder of +three Traders by the Shawnees.--Her Husband stops at a Trading +House.--Wantonness of the Shawnees.--Moves up the Sandusky.--Meets her +Brother from Ge-nish-a-u.--Her Husband goes to Wiishto, and she sets +out for Genishau in company with her Brothers.--They arrive at +Sandusky.--Occurrences at that place.--Her Journey to Genishau, and +Reception by her Mother and Friends. + +In the spring, when Thomas was three or four moons [months] old, we +returned from Sciota to Wiishto, and soon after set out to go to Fort +Pitt, to dispose of our fur and skins, that we had taken in the winter, +and procure some necessary articles for the use of our family. + +I had then been with the Indians four summers and four winters, and +had become so far accustomed to their mode of living, habits and +dispositions, that my anxiety to get away, to be set at liberty, and +leave them, had almost subsided. With them was my home; my family was +there, and there I had many friends to whom I was warmly attached in +consideration of the favors, affection and friendship with which they +had uniformly treated me, from the time of my adoption. Our labor was +not severe; and that of one year was exactly similar, in almost every +respect, to that of the others, without that endless variety that is to +be observed in the common labor of the white people. Notwithstanding the +Indian women have all the fuel and bread to procure, and the cooking to +perform, their task is probably not harder than that of white women, who +have those articles provided for them; and their cares certainly are not +half as numerous, nor as great. In the summer season, we planted, tended +and harvested our corn, and generally had all our children with us; but +had no master to oversee or drive us, so that we could work as leisurely +as we pleased. We had no ploughs on the Ohio; but performed the whole +process of planting and hoeing with a small tool that resembled, in some +respects, a hoe with a very short handle. + +Our cooking consisted in pounding our corn into samp or hommany, boiling +the hommany, making now and then a cake and baking it in the ashes, and +in boiling or roasting our venison. As our cooking and eating utensils +consisted of a hommany block and pestle, a small kettle, a knife or two, +and a few vessels of bark or wood, it required but little time to keep +them in order for use. + +Spinning, weaving, sewing, stocking knitting, and the like, are arts +which have never been practised in the Indian tribes generally. After +the revolutionary war, I learned to sew, so that I could make my own +clothing after a poor fashion; but the other domestic arts I have been +wholly ignorant of the application of, since my captivity. In the season +of hunting, it was our business, in addition to our cooking, to bring +home the game that was taken by the Indians, dress it, and carefully +preserve the eatable meat, and prepare or dress the skins. Our clothing +was fastened together with strings of deer skin, and tied on with the +same. + +In that manner we lived, without any of those jealousies, quarrels, and +revengeful battles between families and individuals, which have been +common in the Indian tribes since the introduction of ardent spirits +amongst them. + +The use of ardent spirits amongst the Indians, and the attempts which +have been made to civilize and christianize them by the white people, +has constantly made them worse and worse; increased their vices, and +robbed them of many of their virtues; and will ultimately produce their +extermination. I have seen, in a number of instances, the effects of +education upon some of our Indians, who were taken when young, from +their families, and placed at school before they had had an opportunity +to contract many Indian habits, and there kept till they arrived to +manhood; but I have never seen one of those but what was an Indian in +every respect after he returned. Indians must and will be Indians, In +spite of all the means that can be used for their cultivation in the +sciences and arts. + +One thing only marred my happiness, while I lived with them on the Ohio; +and that was the recollection that I had once had tender parents, and +a home that I loved. Aside from that consideration, or, if I had +been taken in infancy, I should have been contented in my situation. +Notwithstanding all that has been said against the Indians, in +consequence of their cruelties to their enemies--cruelties that I +have witnessed, and had abundant proof of--it is a fact that they are +naturally kind, tender and peaceable towards their friends, and strictly +honest; and that those cruelties have been practised, only upon their +enemies, according to their idea of justice. + +At the time we left Wiishto, it was impossible for me to suppress a +sigh of regret on parting with those who had truly been my friends--with +those whom I had every reason to respect. On account of a part of our +family living at Genishau, we thought it doubtful whether we should +return directly from Pittsburgh, or go from thence on a visit to see +them. + +Our company consisted of my husband, my two Indian brothers, my little +son and myself. We embarked in a canoe that was large enough to contain +ourselves, and our effects, and proceeded on our voyage up the river. + +Nothing remarkable occurred to us on our way, till we arrived at the +mouth of a creek which Sheninjee and my brother said was the outlet of +Sandusky lake; where, as they said, two or three English traders in fur +and skins had kept a trading house but a short time before, though they +were then absent. We had passed the trading house but a short distance, +when we met three white men floating down the river, with the appearance +of having been recently murdered by the Indians, we supposed them to +be the bodies of the traders, whose store we had passed the same day. +Sheninjee being alarmed for fear of being apprehended as one of the +murderers, if he should go on, resolved to put about immediately, and we +accordingly returned to where the traders had lived, and there landed. + +At the trading house we found a party of Shawnee Indians, who had taken +a young white man prisoner, and had just begun to torture him for the +sole purpose of gratifying their curiosity in exulting at his distress. +They at first made him stand up, while they slowly pared his ears and +split them into strings; they then made a number of slight incisions in +his face; and then bound him upon the ground, rolled him in the dirt, +and rubbed it in his wounds: some of them at the same time whipping +him with small rods! The poor fellow cried for mercy and yelled most +piteously. + +The sight of his distress seemed too much for me to endure: I begged of +them to desist--I entreated them with tears to release him. At length +they attended to my intercessions, and set him at liberty. He was +shockingly disfigured, bled profusely, and appeared to be in great pain: +but as soon as he was liberated he made off in haste, which was the last +I saw of him. + +We soon learned that the same party of Shawnees had, but a few hours +before, massacred the three white traders whom we saw in the river, and +had plundered their store. We, however, were not molested by them, and +after a short stay at that place, moved up the creek about forty miles +to a Shawnee town, which the Indians called Gaw-gush-shaw-ga, (which +being interpreted signifies a mask or a false face.) The creek that we +went up was called Candusky. + +It was now summer; and having tarried a few days at Gawgushshawga, we +moved on up the creek to a place that was called Yis-kah-wa-na, (meaning +in English open mouth.) + +As I have before observed, the family to which I belonged was part of +a tribe of Seneca Indians, who lived, at that time, at a place called +Genishau, from the name of the tribe, that was situated on a river of +the same name which is now called Genesee. The word Genishau signifies +a shining, clear or open place. Those of us who lived on the Ohio, had +frequently received invitations from those at Genishau, by one of my +brothers, who usually went and returned every season, to come and live +with them, and my two sisters had been gone almost two years. + +While we were at Yiskahwana, my brother arrived there from Genishau, and +insisted so strenuously upon our going home (as he called it) with him, +that my two brothers concluded to go, and to take me with them. + +By this time the summer was gone, and the time for harvesting corn had +arrived. My brothers, for fear of the rainy season setting in early, +thought it best to set out immediately that we might have good +travelling. Sheninjee consented to have me go with my brothers; but +concluded to go down the river himself with some fur and skins which he +had on hand, spend the winter in hunting with his friends, and come to +me in the spring following. + +That was accordingly agreed upon, and he set out for Wiishto; and my +three brothers and myself, with my little son on my back, at the same +time set out for Genishau. We came on to Upper Sandusky, to an Indian +town that we found deserted by its inhabitants, in consequence of their +having recently murdered some English traders, who resided amongst them. +That town was owned and had been occupied by Delaware Indians, who, when +they left it, buried their provision in the earth, in order to preserve +it from their enemies, or to have a supply for themselves if they should +chance to return. My brothers understood the customs of the Indians when +they were obliged to fly from their enemies; and suspecting that their +corn at least must have been hid, made diligent search, and at length +found a large quantity of it, together with beans, sugar and honey, so +carefully buried that it was completely dry and as good as when they +left it. As our stock of provision was scanty, we considered ourselves +extremely fortunate in finding so seasonable a supply, with so little +trouble. Having caught two or three horses, that we found there, and +furnished ourselves with a good store of food, we travelled on till we +came to the mouth of French Creek, where we hunted two days, and from +thence came on to Conowongo Creek, where we were obliged to stay seven +or ten days, in consequence of our horses having left us and straying +into the woods. The horses, however, were found, and we again prepared +to resume our journey. During our stay at that place the rain fell +fast, and had raised the creek to such a height that it was seemingly +impossible for us to cross it. A number of times we ventured in, but +were compelled to return, barely escaping with our lives. At length we +succeeded in swimming our horses and reached the opposite shore; though +I but just escaped with my little boy from being drowned. From Sandusky +the path that we travelled was crooked and obscure; but was tolerably +well understood by my oldest brother, who had travelled it a number of +times, when going to and returning from the Cherokee wars. The fall by +this time was considerably advanced, and the rains, attended with cold +winds, continued daily to increase the difficulties of travelling. +From Conowongo we came to a place, called by the Indians +Che-ua-shung-gau-tau, and from that to U-na-waum-gwa, (which means an +eddy, not strong), where the early frosts had destroyed the corn so that +the Indians were in danger of starving for the want of bread. Having +rested ourselves two days at that place, we came on to Caneadea +and stayed one day, and then continued our march till we arrived +at Genishau. Genishau at that time was a large Seneca town, thickly +inhabited, lying on Genesee river, opposite what is now called the Free +Ferry, adjoining Fall-Brook, and about south west of the present village +of Geneseo, the county seat for the county of Livingston, in the state +of New-York. + +Those only who have travelled on foot the distance of five or six +hundred miles, through an almost pathless wilderness, can form an +idea of the fatigue and sufferings that I endured on that journey. My +clothing was thin and illy calculated to defend me from the continually +drenching rains with which I was daily completely wet, and at night +with nothing but my wet blanket to cover me, I had to sleep on the +naked ground, and generally without a shelter, save such as nature had +provided. In addition to all that, I had to carry my child, then about +nine months old, every step of the journey on my back, or in my arms, +and provide for his comfort and prevent his suffering, as far as my +poverty of means would admit. Such was the fatigue that I sometimes +felt, that I thought it impossible for me to go through, and I would +almost abandon the idea of even trying to proceed. My brothers were +attentive, and at length, as I have stated, we reached our place of +destination, in good health, and without having experienced a day's +sickness from the time we left Yiskahwana. + +We were kindly received by my Indian mother and the other members of the +family, who appeared to make me welcome; and my two sisters, whom I had +not seen in two years, received me with every expression of love and +friendship, and that they really felt what they expressed, I have never +had the least reason to doubt. The warmth of their feelings, the kind +reception which I met with, and the continued favors that I received +at their hands, rivetted my affection for them so strongly that I am +constrained to believe that I loved them as I should have loved my own +sister had she lived, and I had been brought up with her. + + * * * * * + + + +CHAPTER V. + + +Indians march to Niagara to fight the British.--Return with two +Prisoners, &c.--Sacrifice them at Fall-Brook.--Her Indian Mother's +Address to her Daughter.--Death of her Husband.--Bounty offered for the +Prisoners taken in the last war.--John Van Sice attempts to take her to +procure her Ransom.--Her Escape.--Edict of the Chiefs.--Old King of +the tribe determines to have her given up.--Her brother threatens +her Life.--Her narrow Escape.--The old King goes off.--Her brother +is informed of the place of her concealment, and conducts her +home.--Marriage to her second Husband.--Names of her Children. + +When we arrived at Genishau, the Indians of that tribe were making +active preparations for joining the French, in order to assist them +in retaking Fort Ne-a-gaw (as Fort Niagara was called in the Seneca +language) from the British, who had taken it from the French in the +month preceding. They marched off the next day after our arrival, +painted and accoutred in all the habiliments of Indian warfare, +determined on death or victory; and joined the army in season to assist +in accomplishing a plan that had been previously concerted for +the destruction of a part of the British army. The British feeling +themselves secure in the possession of Fort Neagaw, and unwilling that +their enemies should occupy any of the military posts in that quarter, +determined to take Fort Schlosser, lying a few miles up the river from +Neagaw, which they expected to effect with but little loss. Accordingly +a detachment of soldiers, sufficiently numerous, as was supposed, was +sent out to take it, leaving a strong garrison in the fort, and marched +off, well prepared to effect their object. But on their way they were +surrounded by the French and Indians, who lay in ambush to deceive +them, and were driven off the bank of the river into a place called the +"Devil's Hole," together with their horses, carriages, artillery, and +every thing pertaining to the army. Not a single man escaped being +driven off, and of the whole number one only was fortunate enough to +escape with his life. [Footnote: For the particulars of that event, see +Appendix, No. 1.] Our Indians were absent but a few days, and returned +in triumph, bringing with them two white prisoners, and a number of +oxen. Those were the first neat cattle that were ever brought to the +Genesee flats. + +The next day after their return to Genishau, was set apart as a day +of feasting and frolicing, at the expence of the lives of their two +unfortunate prisoners, on whom they purposed to glut their revenge, and +satisfy their love for retaliation upon their enemies. My sister was +anxious to attend the execution, and to take me with her, to witness the +customs of the warriors, as it was one of the highest kind of frolics +ever celebrated in their tribe, and one that was not often attended with +so much pomp and parade as it was expected that would be. I felt a kind +of anxiety to witness the scene, having never attended an execution, +and yet I felt a kind of horrid dread that made my heart revolt, and +inclined me to step back rather than support the idea of advancing. +On the morning of the execution she made her intention of going to the +frolic, and taking me with her, known to our mother, who in the +most feeling terms, remonstrated against a step at once so rash and +unbecoming the true dignity of our sex: + +"How, my daughter, (said she, addressing my sister,) how can you even +think of attending the feast and seeing the unspeakable torments that +those poor unfortunate prisoners must inevitably suffer from the +hands of our warriors? How can you stand and see them writhing in the +warriors' fire, in all the agonies of a slow, a lingering death? + +"How can you think of enduring the sound of their groanings and prayers +to the Great Spirit for sudden deliverance from their enemies, or from +life? And how can you think of conducting to that melancholy spot your +poor sister Dickewamis, (meaning myself), who has so lately been a +prisoner, who has lost her parents and brothers by the hands of the +bloody warriors, and who has felt all the horrors of the loss of her +freedom, in lonesome captivity? Oh! how can you think of making her +bleed at the wounds which now are but partially healed? The recollection +of her former troubles would deprive us of Dickewamis, and she would +depart to the fields of the blessed, where fighting has ceased, and the +corn needs no tending--where hunting is easy, the forests delightful, +the summers are pleasant, and the winters are mild!--O! think once, my +daughter, how soon you may have a brave brother made prisoner in battle, +and sacrificed to feast the ambition of the enemies of his kindred, and +leave us to mourn for the loss of a friend, a son and a brother, whose +bow brought us venison, and supplied us with blankets!--Our task is +quite easy at home, and our business needs our attention. With war we +have nothing to do: our husbands and brothers are proud to defend us, +and their hearts beat with ardor to meet our proud foes. Oh! stay then, +my daughter; let our warriors alone perform on their victims their +customs of war!" + +This speech of our mother had the desired effect; we stayed at home and +attended to our domestic concerns. The prisoners, however, were +executed by having their heads taken off, their bodies cut in pieces +and shockingly mangled, and then burnt to ashes!--They were burnt on the +north side of Fall-brook, directly opposite the town which was on the +south side, some time in the month of November, 1759. + +I spent the winter comfortably, and as agreeably as I could have +expected to, in the absence of my kind husband. Spring at length +appeared, but Sheninjee was yet away; summer came on, but my husband +had not found me. Fearful forebodings haunted my imagination; yet I felt +confident that his affection for me was so great that if he was alive he +would follow me and I should again see him. In the course of the +summer, however, I received intelligence that soon after he left me at +Yiskahwana he was taken sick and died at Wiishto. This was a heavy and +an unexpected blow. I was now in my youthful days left a widow, with one +son, and entirely dependent on myself for his and my support. My mother +and her family gave me all the consolation in their power, and in a few +months nay grief wore off and I became contented. + +In a year or two after this, according to my best recollection of the +time, the King of England offered a bounty to those who would bring +in the prisoners that had been taken in the war, to some military post +where they might be redeemed and set at liberty. + +John Van Sice, a Dutchman, who had frequently been at our place, and was +well acquainted with every prisoner at Genishau, resolved to take me +to Niagara, that I might there receive my liberty and he the offered +bounty. I was notified of his intention; but as I was fully determined +not to be redeemed at that time, especially with his assistance, I +carefully watched his movements in order to avoid falling into his +hands. It so happened, however, that he saw me alone at work in a +corn-field, and thinking probably that he could secure me easily, ran +towards me in great haste. I espied him at some distance, and well +knowing the amount of his errand, run from him with all the speed I was +mistress of, and never once stopped till I reached Gardow. [Footnote: +I have given this orthography, because it corresponds with the popular +pronunciation.] He gave up the chase, and returned: but I, fearing that +he might be lying in wait for me, stayed three days and three nights in +an old cabin at Gardow, and then went back trembling at every step +for fear of being apprehended. I got home without difficulty; and soon +after, the chiefs in council having learned the cause of my elopement, +gave orders that I should not be taken to any military post without my +consent; and that as it was my choice to stay, I should live amongst +them quietly and undisturbed. But, notwithstanding the will of the +chiefs, it was but a few days before the old king of our tribe told one +of my Indian brothers that I should be redeemed, and he would take me to +Niagara himself. In reply to the old king, my brother said that I should +not be given up; but that, as it was my wish, I should stay with the +tribe as long as I was pleased to. Upon this a serious quarrel ensued +between them, in which my brother frankly told him that sooner than I +should be taken by force, he would kill me with his own hands!--Highly +enraged at the old king; my brother came to my sister's house, where +I resided, and informed her of all that had passed respecting me; and +that, if the old king should attempt to take me, as he firmly +believed he would, he would immediately take my life, and hazard the +consequences. He returned to the old king. As soon as I came in, my +sister told me what she had just heard, and what she expected without +doubt would befal me. Full of pity, and anxious for my preservation, +she then directed me to take my child and go into some high weeds at no +great distance from the house, and there hide myself and lay still till +all was silent in the house, for my brother, she said, would return at +evening and let her know the final conclusion of the matter, of which +she promised to inform me in the following manner: If I was to be +killed, she said she would bake a small cake and lay it at the door, on +the outside, in a place that she then pointed out to me. When all was +silent in the house, I was to creep softly to the door, and if the cake +could not be found in the place specified, I was to go in: but if the +cake was there, I was to take my child and; go as fast as I possibly +could to a large spring on the south side of Samp's Creek, (a place that +I had often seen,) and there wait till I should by some means hear from +her. + +Alarmed for my own safety, I instantly followed her advice, and went +into the weeds, where I lay in a state of the greatest anxiety, till all +was silent in the house, when I crept to the door, and there found, to +my great distress, the little cake! I knew my fate was fixed, unless I +could keep secreted till the storm was over, and accordingly crept back +to the weeds, where my little Thomas lay, took him on my back, and laid +my course for the spring as fast as my legs would carry me. Thomas was +nearly three years old, and very large and heavy. I got to the spring +early in the morning, almost overcome with fatigue, and at the same +time fearing that I might be pursued and taken, I felt my life an almost +insupportable burthen. I sat down with my child at the spring, and he +and I made a breakfast of the little cake, and water of the spring, +which I dipped and supped with the only implement which I possessed, my +hand. + +In the morning after I fled, as was expected, the old King came to +our house in search of me, and to take me off; but, as I was not to +be found, he gave me up, and went to Niagara with the prisoners he had +already got into his possession. + +As soon as the old King was fairly out of the way, my sister told my +brother where he could find me. He immediately set out for the spring, +and found me about noon. The first sight of him made me tremble with +the fear of death; but when he came near, so that I could discover his +countenance, tears of joy flowed down my cheeks, and I felt such a kind +of instant relief as no one can possibly experience, unless when under +the absolute sentence of death he receives an unlimited pardon. We were +both rejoiced at the event of the old King's project; and after staying +at the spring through the night, set out together for home early in the +morning. When we got to a cornfield near the town, my brother secreted +me till he could go and ascertain how my case stood; and finding that +the old King was absent, and that all was peaceable, he returned to me, +and I went home joyfully. + +Not long after this, my mother went to Johnstown, on the Mohawk river, +with five prisoners, who were redeemed by Sir William Johnson, and set +at liberty. + +When my son Thomas was three or four years old, I was married to an +Indian, whose name was Hiokatoo, commonly called Gardow, by whom I had +four daughters and two sons. I named my children, principally, after +my relatives, from whom I was parted, by calling my girls Jane, +Nancy, Betsey and Polly, and the boys John and Jesse. Jane died about +twenty-nine years ago, in the month of August, a little before the great +Council at Big-Tree, aged about fifteen years. My other daughters are +yet living, and have families. + + * * * * * + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + +Peace amongst the Indians.--Celebrations.--Worship. Exercises.--Business +of the Tribes.--Former Happiness of the Indians in time of peace +extolled.--Their Morals; Fidelity; Honesty; Chastity; Temperance. +Indians called to German Flats.--Treaty with Americans.--They are sent +for by the British Commissioners, and go to Oswego.--Promises made by +those Commissioners.--Greatness of the King of England. Reward that was +paid them for joining the British. They make a Treaty.--Bounty offered +for Scalps. Return richly dressed and equipped.--In 1776 they kill a man +at Cautega to provoke the Americans. Prisoners taken at Cherry Valley, +brought to Beard's Town; redeemed, &c.--Battle at Fort Stanwix.--Indians +suffer a great loss.--Mourning at Beard's Town.--Mrs. Jemison's care of +and services rendered to Butler and Brandt. + +After the conclusion of the French war, our tribe had nothing to trouble +it till the commencement of the Revolution. For twelve or fifteen years +the use of the implements of war was not known, nor the war-whoop heard, +save on days of festivity, when the achievements of former times +were commemorated in a kind of mimic warfare, in which the chiefs +and warriors displayed their prowess, and illustrated their former +adroitness, by laying the ambuscade, surprizing their enemies, and +performing many accurate manoeuvres with the tomahawk and scalping +knife; thereby preserving and handing to their children, the theory of +Indian warfare. During that period they also pertinaciously observed +the religious rites of their progenitors, by attending with the most +scrupulous exactness and a great degree of enthusiasm to the sacrifices, +at particular times, to appease the anger of the evil deity, or to +excite the commisseration and friendship of the Great Good Spirit, +whom they adored with reverence, as the author, governor, supporter and +disposer of every good thing of which they participated. + +They also practised in various athletic games, such as running, +wrestling, leaping, and playing ball, with a view that their bodies +might be more supple, or rather that they might not become enervated, +and that they might be enabled to make a proper selection of Chiefs for +the councils of the nation and leaders for war. + +While the Indians were thus engaged in their round of traditionary +performances, with the addition of hunting, their women attended to +agriculture, their families, and a few domestic concerns of small +consequence, and attended with but little labor. + +No people can live more happy than the Indians did in times of peace, +before the introduction of spirituous liquors amongst them. Their lives +were a continual round of pleasures. Their wants were few, and easily +satisfied; and their cares were only for to-day; the bounds of their +calculations for future comfort not extending to the incalculable +uncertainties of to-morrow. If peace ever dwelt with men, it was in +former times, in the recesses from war, amongst what are now termed +barbarians. The moral character of the Indians was (if I may be allowed +the expression) uncontaminated. Their fidelity was perfect, and became +proverbial; they were strictly honest; they despised deception and +falsehood; and chastity was held in high veneration, and a violation +of it was considered sacrilege. They were temperate in their desires, +moderate in their passions, and candid and honorable in the expression +of their sentiments on every subject of importance. + +Thus, at peace amongst themselves, and with the neighboring whites, +though there were none at that time very near, our Indians lived quietly +and peaceably at home, till a little before the breaking out of the +revolutionary war, when they were sent for, together with the Chiefs and +members of the Six Nations generally, by the people of the States, to go +to the German Flats, and there hold a general council, in order that the +people of the states might ascertain, in good season, who they should +esteem and treat as enemies, and who as friends, in the great war which +was then upon the point of breaking out between them and the King of +England. + +Our Indians obeyed the call, and the council was holden, at which the +pipe of peace was smoked, and a treaty made, in which the Six Nations +solemnly agreed that if a war should eventually break out, they would +not take up arms on either side; but that they would observe a strict +neutrality. With that the people of the states were satisfied, as +they had not asked their assistance, nor did not wish it. The Indians +returned to their homes well pleased that they could live on neutral +ground, surrounded by the din of war, without being engaged in it. + +About a year passed off, and we, as usual, were enjoying ourselves in +the employments of peaceable times, when a messenger arrived from the +British Commissioners, requesting all the Indians of our tribe to attend +a general council which was soon to be held at Oswego. The council +convened, and being opened, the British Commissioners informed the +Chiefs that the object of calling a council of the Six Nations, was, +to engage their assistance in subduing the rebels, the people of the +states, who had risen up against the good King, their master, and were +about to rob him of a great part of his possessions and wealth, and +added that they would amply reward them for all their services. + +The Chiefs then arose, and informed the Commissioners of the nature and +extent of the treaty which they had entered into with the people of the +states, the year before, and that they should not violate it by taking +up the hatchet against them. + +The Commissioners continued their entreaties without success, till they +addressed their avarice, by telling our people that the people of the +states were few in number, and easily subdued; and that on the +account of their disobedience to the King, they justly merited all the +punishment that it was possible for white men and Indians to inflict +upon them; and added, that the King was rich and powerful, both in money +and subjects: That his rum was as plenty as the water in lake Ontario: +that his men were as numerous as the sands upon the lake shore:--and +that the Indians, if they would assist in the war, and persevere in +their friendship to the King, till it was closed, should never want for +money or goods. Upon this the Chiefs concluded a treaty with the British +Commissioners, in which they agreed to take up arms against the rebels, +and continue in the service of his Majesty till they were subdued, in +consideration of certain conditions which were stipulated in the treaty +to be performed by the British government and its agents. + +As soon as the treaty was finished, the Commissioners made a present to +each Indian of a suit of clothes, a brass kettle, a gun and tomahawk, +a scalping knife, a quantity of powder and lead a piece of gold, and +promised a bounty on every scalp that should be brought in. Thus richly +clad and equipped, they returned home, after an absence of about two +weeks, full of the fire of war, and anxious to encounter their enemies. +Many of the kettles which the Indians received at that time are now in +use on the Genesee Flats. + +Hired to commit depredations upon the whites, who had given them no +offence, they waited impatiently to commence their labor, till sometime +in the spring of 1776, when a convenient opportunity offered for them to +make an attack. At that time, a party of our Indians were at Cau-te-ga, +who shot a man that was looking after his horse, for the sole purpose, +as I was informed by my Indian brother, who was present, of commencing +hostilities. + +In May following, our Indians were in their first battle with the +Americans; but at what place I am unable to determine. While they were +absent at that time, my daughter Nancy was born. + +The same year, at Cherry Valley, our Indians took a woman and her three +daughters prisoners, and brought them on, leaving one at Canandaigua, +one at Honeoy, one at Cattaraugus, and one (the woman) at Little Beard's +Town, where I resided. The woman told me that she and her daughters +might have escaped, but that they expected the British army only, and +therefore made no effort. Her husband and sons got away. Sometime having +elapsed, they were redeemed at Fort Niagara by Col. Butler, who clothed +them well, and sent them home. + +In the same expedition, Joseph Smith was taken prisoner at or near +Cherry Valley, brought to Genesee, and detained till after the +revolutionary war. He was then liberated, and the Indians made him a +present, in company with Horatio Jones, of 6000 acres of land lying in +the present town of Leicester, in the county of Livingston. + +One of the girls just mentioned, was married to a British officer at +Fort Niagara, by the name of Johnson, who at the time she was taken, +took a gold ring from her finger, without any compliments or ceremonies. +When he saw her at Niagara he recognized her features, restored the ring +that he had so impolitely borrowed, and courted and married her. + +Previous to the battle at Fort Stanwix, the British sent for the Indians +to come and see them whip the rebels; and, at the same time stated that +they did not wish to have them fight, but wanted to have them just sit +down smoke their pipes, and look on. Our Indians went, to a man; but +contrary to their expectation, instead of smoking and looking on, they +were obliged to fight for their lives, and in the end of the battle were +completely beaten, with a great loss in killed and wounded. Our Indians +alone had thirty-six killed, and a great number wounded. Our town +exhibited a scene of real sorrow and distress, when our warriors +returned and recounted their misfortunes, and stated the real loss they +had sustained in the engagement. The mourning was excessive, and was +expressed by the most doleful yells, shrieks, and howlings, and by +inimitable gesticulations. + +During the revolution, my house was the home of Col's Butler and Brandt, +whenever they chanced to come into our neighborhood as they passed to +and from Fort Niagara, which was the seat of their military operations. +Many and many a night I have pounded samp for them from sun-set till +sun-rise, and furnished them with necessary provision and clean clothing +for their journey. + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + +Gen. Sullivan with a large army arrives at Canandaigua.--Indians' +troubles.--Determine to stop their march.--Skirmish at Connessius +Lake.--Circumstances attending the Execution of an Oneida warrior. +Escape of an Indian Prisoner.--Lieut. Boyd and another man taken +Prisoners.--Cruelty of Boyd's Execution.--Indians retreat to the +woods.--Sullivan comes on to Genesee Flats and destroys the property +of the Indians.--Returns.--Indians return.--Mrs. Jemison goes to +Gardow.--Her Employment there.--Attention of an old Negro to her +safety, &c.--Severe Winter.--Sufferings of the Indians.--Destruction +of Game.--Indians' Expedition to the Mohawk.--Capture old John O'Bail, +&c.--Other Prisoners taken, &c. + +For four or five years we sustained no loss in the war, except in the +few who had been killed in distant battles; and our tribe, because of +the remoteness of its situation, from the enemy, felt secure from an +attack. At length, in the fall of 1779, intelligence was received that +a large and powerful army of the rebels, under the command of General +Sullivan, was making rapid progress towards our settlement, burning +and destroying the huts and corn-fields; killing the cattle, hogs +and horses, and cutting down the fruit trees belonging to the Indians +throughout the country. + +Our Indians immediately became alarmed, and suffered every thing but +death from fear that they should be taken by surprize, and totally +destroyed at a single blow. But in order to prevent so great a +catastrophe, they sent out a few spies who were to keep themselves at +a short distance in front of the invading army, in order to watch its +operations, and give information of its advances and success. + +Sullivan arrived at Canandaigua Lake, and had finished his work of +destruction there, and it was ascertained that he was about to march to +our flats, when our Indians resolved to give him battle on the way, and +prevent, if possible, the distresses to which they knew we should be +subjected, if he should succeed in reaching our town. Accordingly they +sent all their women and children into the woods a little west of Little +Beard's Town, in order that we might make a good retreat if it should be +necessary, and then, well armed, set out to face the conquering enemy. +The place which they fixed upon for their battle ground lay between +Honeoy Creek and the head of Connessius Lake. + +At length a scouting party from Sullivan's army arrived at the spot +selected, when the Indians arose from their ambush with all the +fierceness and terror that it was possible for them to exercise, and +directly put the party upon a retreat. Two Oneida Indians were all the +prisoners that were taken in that skirmish. One of them was a pilot of +Gen. Sullivan, and had been very active in the war, rendering to the +people of the states essential services. At the commencement of the +revolution he had a brother older than himself, who resolved to join the +British service, and endeavored by all the art that he was capable of +using to persuade his brother to accompany him; but his arguments proved +abortive. This went to the British, and that joined the American army. +At this critical juncture they met, one in the capacity of a conqueror, +the other in that of a prisoner; and as an Indian seldom forgets a +countenance that he has seen, they recognized each other at sight. +Envy and revenge glared in the features of the conquering savage, as he +advanced to his brother (the prisoner) in all the haughtiness of +Indian pride, heightened by a sense of power, and addressed him in the +following manner: + +"Brother, you have merited death! The hatchet or the war-club shall +finish your career!--When I begged of you to follow me in the fortunes +of war, you was deaf to my cries--you spurned my entreaties! + +"Brother! you have merited death and shall have your deserts! When the +rebels raised their hatchets to fight their good master, you sharpened +your knife, you brightened your rifle and led on our foes to the fields +of our fathers'--You have merited death and shall die by our hands! When +those rebels had drove us from the fields of our fathers to seek out +new homes, it was you who could dare to step forth as their pilot, and +conduct them even to the doors of our wigwams, to butcher our children +and put us to death! No crime can be greater!--But though you have +merited death and shall die on this spot, my hands shall not be stained +in the blood of a brother! _Who will strike_?" + +Little Beard, who was standing by, as soon as the speech was ended, +struck the prisoner on the head with his tomahawk, and despatched him at +once! + +Little Beard then informed the other Indian prisoner that as they were +at war with the whites only, and not with the Indians, they would spare +his life, and after a while give him his liberty in an honorable manner. +The Oneida warrior, however, was jealous of Little Beard's fidelity; +and suspecting that he should soon fall by his hands, watched for a +favorable opportunity to make his escape; which he soon effected. Two +Indians were leading him, one on each side, when he made a violent +effort, threw them upon the ground, and run for his life towards where +the main body of the American army was encamped. The Indians pursued +him without success; but in their absence they fell in with a small +detachment of Sullivan's men, with whom they had a short but severe +skirmish, in which they killed a number of the enemy, took Capt. or +Lieut. William Boyd and one private, prisoners, and brought them to +Little Beard's Town, where they were soon after put to death in the most +shocking and cruel manner. Little Beard, in this, as in all other scenes +of cruelty that happened at his town, was master of ceremonies, and +principal actor. Poor Boyd was stripped of his clothing, and then tied +to a sapling, where the Indians menaced his life by throwing their +tomahawks at the tree, directly over his head, brandishing their +scalping knives around him in the most frightful manner, and +accompanying their ceremonies with terrific shouts of joy. Having +punished him sufficiently in this way, they made a small opening in his +abdomen, took out an intestine, which they tied to the sapling, and then +unbound him from the tree, and drove him round it till he had drawn out +the whole of his intestines. He was then beheaded, his head was stuck +upon a pole, and his body left on the ground unburied. + +Thus ended the life of poor William Boyd, who, it was said, had every +appearance of being an active and enterprizing officer, of the first +talents. The other prisoner was (if I remember distinctly) only beheaded +and left near Boyd. + +This tragedy being finished, our Indians again held a short council +on the expediency of giving Sullivan battle, if he should continue to +advance, and finally came to the conclusion that they were not strong +enough to drive him, nor to prevent his taking possession of their +fields: but that if it was possible they would escape with their own +lives, preserve their families, and leave their possessions to be +overrun by the invading army. + +The women and children were then sent on still further towards Buffalo, +to a large creek that was called by the Indians Catawba, accompanied by +a part of the Indians, while the remainder secreted themselves in the +woods back of Beard's Town, to watch the movements of the army. + +At that time I had three children who went with me on foot, one who rode +on horse back, and one whom I carried on my back. + +Our corn was good that year; a part of which we had gathered and secured +for winter. + +In one or two days after the skirmish at Connissius lake, Sullivan and +his army arrived at Genesee river, where they destroyed every article of +the food kind that they could lay their hands on. A pan of our corn they +burnt, and threw the remainder into the river. They burnt our houses, +killed what few cattle and horses they could find, destroyed our fruit +trees, and left nothing but the bare soil and timber. But the Indians +had eloped and were not to be found. + +Having crossed and recrossed the river, and finished the work of +destruction, the army marched off to the east. Our Indians saw them +move off, but suspecting that it was Sullivan's intention to watch our +return, and then to take us by surprize, resolved that the main body of +our tribe should hunt where we then were, till Sullivan had gone so far +that there would be no danger of his returning to molest us. + +This being agreed to, we hunted continually till the Indians concluded +that there could be no risk in our once more taking possession of our +lands. Accordingly we all returned; but what were our feelings when we +found that there was not a mouthful of any kind of sustenance left, not +even enough to keep a child one day from perishing with hunger. + +The weather by this time had become cold and stormy; and as we were +destitute of houses and food too, I immediately resolved to take my +children and look out for myself, without delay. With this intention I +took two of my little ones on my back, bade the other three follow, +and the same night arrived on the Gardow flats, where I have ever since +resided. + +At that time, two negroes, who had run away from their masters sometime +before, were the only inhabitants of those flats. They lived in a small +cabin and had planted and raised a large field of corn, which they had +not yet harvested. As they were in want of help to secure their crop, I +hired to them to husk corn till the whole was harvested. + +I have laughed a thousand times to myself when I have thought of the +good old negro, who hired me, who fearing that I should get taken or +injured by the Indians, stood by me constantly when I was husking, with +a loaded gun in his hand, in order to keep off the enemy, and thereby +lost as much labor of his own as he received from me, by paying good +wages. I, however, was not displeased with his attention; for I knew +that I should need all the corn that I could earn, even if I should husk +the whole. I husked enough for them, to gain for myself, at every tenth +string, one hundred strings of ears, which were equal to twenty-five +bushels of shelled corn. This seasonable supply made my family +comfortable for samp and cakes through the succeeding winter, which was +the most severe that I have witnessed since my remembrance. The snow +fell about five feet deep, and remained so for a long time, and the +weather was extremely cold; so much so indeed, that almost all the game +upon which the Indians depended for subsistence, perished, and reduced +them almost to a state of starvation through that and three or four +succeeding years. When the snow melted in the spring, deer were found +dead upon the ground in vast numbers; and other animals, of every +description, perished from the cold also, and were found dead, in +multitudes. Many of our people barely escaped with their lives, and some +actually died of hunger and freezing. + +But to return from this digression: Having been completely routed at +Little Beard's Town, deprived of a house, and without the means of +building one in season, after I had finished my husking, and having +found from the short acquaintance which I had had with the negroes, that +they were kind and friendly, I concluded, at their request, to take up +my residence with them for a while in their cabin, till I should be able +to provide a hut for myself. I lived more comfortable than I expected to +through the winter, and the next season made a shelter for myself. + +The negroes continued on my flats two or three years after this, and +then left them for a place that they expected would suit them much +better. But as that land became my own in a few years, by virtue of a +deed from the Chiefs of the Six Nations, I have lived there from that to +the present time. + +My flats were cleared before I saw them; and it was the opinion of the +oldest Indians that were at Genishau, at the time that I first went +there, that all the flats on the Genesee river were improved before any +of the Indian tribes ever saw them. I well remember that soon after I +went to Little Beard's Town, the banks of Fall-Brook were washed off, +which left a large number of human bones uncovered. The Indians then +said that those were not the bones of Indians, because they had never +heard of any of their dead being buried there; but that they were the +bones of a race of men who a great many moons before, cleared that land +and lived on the flats. + +The next summer after Sullivan's campaign, our Indians, highly incensed +at the whites for the treatment they had received, and the sufferings +which they had consequently endured, determined to obtain some redress +by destroying their frontier settlements. Corn Planter, otherwise called +John O'Bail, led the Indians, and an officer by the name of Johnston +commanded the British in the expedition. The force was large, and so +strongly bent upon revenge and vengeance, that seemingly nothing could +avert its march, nor prevent its depredations. After leaving Genesee +they marched directly to some of the head waters of the Susquehannah +river, and Schoharie Creek, went down that creek to the Mohawk river, +thence up that river to Fort Stanwix, and from thence came home. In +their route they burnt a number of places; destroyed all the cattle and +other property that fell in their way; killed a number of white people, +and brought home a few prisoners. + +In that expedition, when they came to Fort Plain, on the Mohawk river, +Corn Planter and a party of his Indians took old John O'Bail, a white +man, and made him a prisoner. Old John O'Bail, in his younger days had +frequently passed through the Indian settlements that lay between +the Hudson and Fort Niagara, and in some of his excursions had become +enamored with a squaw, by whom he had a son that was called Corn +Planter. + +Corn Planter, was a chief of considerable eminence; and having been +informed of his parentage and of the place of his father's residence, +took the old man at this time, in order that he might make an +introduction leisurely, and become acquainted with a man to whom, though +a stranger, he was satisfied that he owed his existence. + +After he had taken the old man, his father, he led him as a prisoner ten +or twelve miles up the river, and then stepped before him, faced about, +and addressed him in the following terms:-- + +"My name is John O'Bail, commonly called Corn Planter. I am your son! +you are my father! You are now my prisoner, and subject to the customs +of Indian warfare: but you shall not be harmed; you need not fear. I am +a warrior! Many are the scalps which I have taken! Many prisoners I have +tortured to death! I am your son! I am a warrior! I was anxious to see +you, and to greet you in friendship. I went to your cabin and took you +by force! But your life shall be spared. Indians love their friends and +their kindred, and treat them with kindness. If now you choose to follow +the fortune of your yellow son, and to live with our people, I will +cherish your old age with plenty of venison, and you shall live easy: +But if it is your choice to return to your fields and live with your +white children, I will send a party of my trusty young men to conduct +you back in safety. I respect you, my father; you have been friendly to +Indians, and they are your friends." + +Old John chose to return. Corn Planter, as good as his word, ordered an +escort to attend him home, which they did with the greatest care. + +Amongst the prisoners that were brought to Genesee, was William Newkirk, +a man by the name of Price, and two negroes. + +Price lived a while with Little Beard, and afterwards with Jack Berry, +an Indian. When he left Jack Berry he went to Niagara, where he now +resides. + +Newkirk was brought to Beard's Town, and lived with Little Beard and at +Fort Niagara about one year, and then enlisted under Butler, and went +with him on an expedition to the Monongahela. + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + +Life of Ebenezer Allen, a Tory.--He comes to Gardow.--His intimacy +with a Nanticoke Squaw.--She gives him a Cap.--Her Husband's +jealousy.--Cruelty to his Wife.--Hiokatoo's Mandate.--Allen supports +her.--Her Husband is received into favor.--Allen labors.--Purchases +Goods.--Stops the Indian War.--His troubles with the Indians.--Marries +a Squaw.--Is taken and carried to Quebec.--Acquitted.--Goes to +Philadelphia.--Returns to Genesee with a Store of Goods, &c.--Goes to +Farming.--Moves to Allen's Creek.--Builds Mills at Rochester.--Drowns +a Dutchman.--Marries a white Wife.--Kills an old Man.--Gets a +Concubine.--Moves to Mt. Morris.--Marries a third Wife and gets another +Concubine.--Receives a tract of Land.--Sends his Children to other +States, &c.--Disposes of his Land.--Moves to Grand River, where he +dies.--His Cruelties. + +Sometime near the close of the revolutionary war, a white man by the +name of Ebenezer Allen, left his people in the state of Pennsylvania on +the account of some disaffection towards his countrymen, and came to the +Genesee river, to reside with the Indians. He tarried at Genishau a few +days, and came up to Gardow, where I then resided.--He was, apparently, +without any business that would support him; but he soon became +acquainted with my son Thomas, with whom he hunted for a long time, and +made his home with him at my house; winter came on, and he continued his +stay. + +When Allen came to my house, I had a white man living on my land, +who had a Nanticoke squaw for his wife, with whom he had lived very +peaceably; for he was a moderate man commonly, and she was a kind, +gentle, cunning creature. It so happened that he had no hay for his +cattle; so that in the winter he was obliged to drive them every day, +perhaps half a mile from his house, to let them feed on rushes, which in +those days were so numerous as to nearly cover the ground. + +Allen having frequently seen the squaw in the fall, took the opportunity +when her husband was absent with his cows, daily to make her a visit; +and in return for his kindnesses she made and gave him a red cap +finished and decorated in the highest Indian style. + +The husband had for some considerable length of time felt a degree of +jealousy that Allen was trespassing upon him with the consent of his +squaw; but when he saw Allen dressed in so fine an Indian cap, and found +that his dear Nanticoke had presented it to him, his doubts all left +him, and he became so violently enraged that he caught her by the hair +of her head, dragged her on the ground to my house, a distance of forty +rods, and threw her in at the door. Hiokatoo, my husband, exasperated +at the sight of so much inhumanity, hastily took down his old tomahawk, +which for awhile had lain idle, shook it over the cuckold's head, and +bade him jogo (i. e. go off.) The enraged husband, well knowing that he +should feel a blow if he waited to hear the order repeated, instantly +retreated, and went down the river to his cattle. We protected the poor +Nanticoke woman, and gave her victuals; and Allen sympathized with +her in her misfortunes till spring, when her husband came to her, +acknowledged his former errors, and that he had abused her without a +cause, promised a reformation, and she received him with every mark of +a renewal of her affection. They went home lovingly, and soon after +removed to Niagara. + +The same spring, Allen commenced working my flats, and continued to +labor there till after the peace in 1783. He then went to Philadelphia +on some business that detained him but a few days, and returned with a +horse and some dry goods, which he carried to a place that is now called +Mount Morris, where he built or bought a small house. + +The British and Indians on the Niagara frontier, dissatisfied with the +treaty of peace, were determined, at all hazards, to continue their +depredations upon the white settlements which lay between them and +Albany. They actually made ready, and were about setting out on an +expedition to that effect, when Allen (who by this time understood +their customs of war) took a belt of wampum, which he had fraudulently +procured, and carried it as a token of peace from the Indians to the +commander of the nearest American military post. + +The Indians were soon answered by the American officer that the wampum +was cordially accepted and, that a continuance of peace was ardently +wished for. The Indians, at this, were chagrined and disappointed beyond +measure; but as they held the wampum to be a sacred thing, they dared +not to go against the import of its meaning, and immediately buried the +hatchet as it respected the people of the United State; and smoked +the pipe of peace. They, however, resolved to punish Allen for his +officiousness in meddling with their national affairs, by presenting the +sacred wampum without their knowledge, and went about devising means for +his detection. A party was accordingly despatched from Fort Niagara to +apprehend him; with orders to conduct him to that post for trial, or for +safe keeping, till such time as his fate should be determined upon in a +legal manner. + +The party came on; but before it arrived at Gardow, Allen got news of +its approach, and fled for safety, leaving the horse and goods that he +had brought from Philadelphia, an easy prey to his enemies. He had not +been long absent when they arrived at Gardow, where they made diligent +search for him till they were satisfied that they could not find him, +and then seized the effects which he had left, and returned to Niagara. +My son Thomas, went with them, with Allen's horse, and carried the +goods. + +Allen, on finding that his enemies had gone, came back to my house, +where he lived as before; but of his return they were soon notified at +Niagara, and Nettles (who married Priscilla Ramsay) with a small party +of Indians came on to take him. He, however, by some means found that +they were near, and gave me his box of money and trinkets to keep +safely, till he called for it, and again took to the woods. + +Nettles came on determined at all events to take him before he went +back; and, in order to accomplish his design, he, with his Indians, +hunted in the day time and lay by at night at my house, and in that way +they practised for a number of days. Allen watched the motion of his +pursuers, and every night after they had gone to rest, came home and got +some food, and then returned to his retreat. It was in the fall, and the +weather was cold and rainy, so that he suffered extremely. Some nights +he sat in my chamber till nearly day-break, while his enemies were +below, and when the time arrived I assisted him to escape unnoticed. + +Nettles at length abandoned the chase--went home, and Allen, all in +tatters, came in. By running in the woods his clothing had become +torn into rags, so that he was in a suffering condition, almost naked. +Hiokatoo gave him a blanket, and a piece of broadcloth for a pair of +trowsers. Allen made his trowsers himself, and then built a raft, on +which he went down the river to his own place at Mount Morris. + +About that time he married a squaw, whose name was Sally. + +The Niagara people finding that he was at his own house, came and took +him by surprize when he least expected them, and carried him to Niagara. +Fortunately for him, it so happened that just as they arrived at +the fort, a house took fire and his keepers all left him to save the +building, if possible. Allen had supposed his doom to be nearly sealed; +but finding himself at liberty he took to his heels, left his escort to +put out the fire, and ran to Tonnawanta. There an Indian gave him some +refreshment, and a good gun, with which he hastened on to Little Beard's +Town, where he found his squaw. Not daring to risk himself at that place +for fear of being given up, he made her but a short visit, and came +immediately to Gardow. + +Just as he got to the top of the hill above the Gardow flats, he +discovered a party of British soldiers and Indians in pursuit of him; +and in fact they were so near that he was satisfied that they saw him, +and concluded that it would be impossible for him to escape. The love +of liberty, however, added to his natural swiftness, gave him sufficient +strength to make his escape to his former castle of safety. His pursuers +came immediately to my house, where they expected to have found him +secreted, and under my protection. They told me where they had seen +him but a few moments before, and that they were confident that it was +within my power to put him into their hands. As I was perfectly clear +of having had any hand in his escape, I told them plainly that I had not +seen him since he was taken to Niagara, and that I could give them no +information at all respecting him. Still unsatisfied, and doubting my +veracity, they advised my Indian brother to use his influence to draw +from me the secret of his concealment, which they had an idea that +I considered of great importance, not only to him but to myself. I +persisted in my ignorance of his situation, and finally they left me. + +Although I had not seen Allen, I knew his place of security, and was +well aware that if I told them the place where he had formerly hid +himself, they would have no difficulty in making him a prisoner. + +He came to my house in the night, and awoke me with the greatest +caution, fearing that some of his enemies might be watching to take him +at a time when, and in a place where it would be impossible for him to +make his escape. I got up and assured him that he was then safe; but +that his enemies would return early in the morning and search him out if +it should be possible. Having given him some victuals, which he received +thankfully, I told him to go, but to return the next night to a certain +corner of the fence near my house where he would find a quantity of meal +that I would have well prepared and deposited there for his use. + +Early the next morning, Nettles and his company came in while I was +pounding the meal for Allen, and insisted upon my giving him up. I +again told them that I did not know where he was, and that I could not, +neither would I, tell them any thing about him. I well knew that Allen +considered his life in my hands; and although it was my intention not +to lie, I was fully determined to keep his situation a profound secret. +They continued their labor and examined (as they supposed) every +crevice, gully, tree and hollow log in the neighboring woods, and at +last concluded that he had left the country, and gave him up for lost, +and went home. + +At that time Allen lay in a secret place in the gulph a short distance +above my flats, in a hole that he accidentally found in the rock near +the river. At night he came and got the meal at the corner of the fence +as I had directed him, and afterwards lived in the gulph two weeks. +Each night he came to the pasture and milked one of my cows, without any +other vessel in which to receive the milk than his hat, out of which he +drank it. I supplied him with meal, but fearing to build a fire he was +obliged to eat it raw and wash it down with the milk. Nettles having +left our neighborhood, and Allen considering himself safe, left his +little cave and came home. I gave him his box of money and trinkets, and +he went to his own house at Mount Morris. It was generally considered by +the Indians of our tribe, that Allen was an innocent man, and that the +Niagara people were persecuting him without a just cause. Little Beard, +then about to go to the eastward on public business, charged his Indians +not to meddle with Allen, but to let him live amongst them peaceably, +and enjoy himself with his family and property if he could. Having the +protection of the chief, he felt himself safe, and let his situation be +known to the whites from whom he suspected no harm. They, however, were +more inimical than our Indians and were easily bribed by Nettles to +assist in bringing him to justice. Nettles came on, and the whites, as +they had agreed, gave poor Allen up to him. He was bound and carried +to Niagara, where he was confined in prison through the winter. In the +spring he was taken to Montreal or Quebec for trial, and was honorably +acquitted. The crime for which he was tried was, for his having carried +the wampum to the Americans, and thereby putting too sudden a stop to +their war. + +From the place of his trial he went directly to Philadelphia, and +purchased on credit, a boat load of goods which he brought by water to +Conhocton, where he left them and came to Mount Morris for assistance +to get them brought on. The Indians readily went with horses and brought +them to his house, where he disposed of his dry goods; but not daring to +let the Indians begin to drink strong liquor, for fear of the quarrels +which would naturally follow, he sent his spirits to my place and we +sold them. For his goods he received ginseng roots, principally, and a +few skins. Ginseng at that time was plenty, and commanded a high price. +We prepared the whole that he received for the market, expecting that he +would carry them to Philadelphia. In that I was disappointed; for when +he had disposed of, and got pay for all his goods, he took the ginseng +and skins to Niagara, and there sold them and came home. + +Tired of dealing in goods, he planted a large field of corn on or near +his own land, attended to it faithfully, and succeeded in raising a +large crop, which he harvested, loaded into canoes and carried down +the river to the mouth of Allen's Creek, then called by the Indians +Gin-is-a-ga, where he unloaded it, built him a house, and lived with his +family. + +The next season he planted corn at that place and built a grist and saw +mill on Genesee Falls, now called Rochester. + +At the time Allen built the mills, he had an old German living with him +by the name of Andrews, whom he sent in a canoe down the river with his +mill irons. Allen went down at the same time; but before they got to the +mills Allen threw the old man overboard and drowned him, as it was then +generally believed, for he was never seen or heard of afterwards. + +In the course of the season in which Allen built his mills, he became +acquainted with the daughter of a white man, who was moving to Niagara. +She was handsome, and Allen soon got into her good graces, so that he +married and took her home, to be a joint partner with Sally, the squaw, +whom she had never heard of till she got home and found her in full +possession; but it was too late for her to retrace the hasty steps she +had taken, for her father had left her in the care of a tender husband +and gone on. She, however, found that she enjoyed at least an equal half +of her husband's affections, and made herself contented. Her father's +name I have forgotten, but her's was Lucy. + +Allen was not contented with two wives, for in a short time after he had +married Lucy he came up to my house, where he found a young woman who +had an old husband with her. They had been on a long journey, and called +at my place to recruit and rest themselves. She filled Allen's eye, +and he accordingly fixed upon a plan to get her into his possession. He +praised his situation, enumerated his advantages, and finally persuaded +them to go home and tarry with him a few days at least, and partake of +a part of his comforts. They accepted his generous invitation and went +home with him. But they had been there but two or three days when +Allen took the old gentleman out to view his flats; and as they were +deliberately walking on the bank of the river, pushed him into the +water. The old man, almost strangled, succeeded in getting out; but his +fall and exertions had so powerful an effect upon his system that he +died in two or three days, and left his young widow to the protection +of his murderer. She lived with him about one year in a state of +concubinage and then left him. + +How long Allen lived at Allen's Creek I am unable to state; but soon +after the young widow left him, he removed to his old place at Mount +Morris, and built a house, where he made Sally, his squaw, by whom he +had two daughters, a slave to Lucy, by whom he had had one son; still, +however, he considered Sally to be his wife. + +After Allen came to Mt. Morris at that time, he married a girl by the +name of Morilla Gregory, whose father at the time lived on Genesee +Flats. The ceremony being over, he took her home to live in common with +his other wives; but his house was too small for his family; for Sally +and Lucy, conceiving that their lawful privileges would be abridged if +they received a partner, united their strength and whipped poor Morilla +so cruelly that he was obliged to keep her in a small Indian house a +short distance from his own, or lose her entirely. Morilla, before she +left Mt. Morris, had four children. + +One of Morilla's sisters lived with Allen about a year after Morilla was +married, and then quit him. + +A short time after they all got to living at Mt. Morris, Allen prevailed +upon the Chiefs to give to his Indian children, a tract of land four +miles square, where he then resided. The Chiefs gave them the land, but +he so artfully contrived the conveyance, that he could apply it to his +own use, and by alienating his right, destroy the claim of his children. + +Having secured the land, in that way, to himself, he sent his two Indian +girls to Trenton, (N.J.) and his white son to Philadelphia, for the +purpose of giving each of them a respectable English education. + +While his children were at school, he went to Philadelphia, and sold his +right to the land which he had begged of the Indians for his children to +Robert Morris. After that, he sent for his daughters to come home, which +they did. + +Having disposed of the whole of his property on the Genesee river, he +took his two white wives and their children, together with his effects, +and removed to a Delaware town on the river De Trench, in Upper Canada. +When he left Mt. Morris, Sally, his squaw, insisted upon going with +him, and actually followed him, crying bitterly, and praying for his +protection some two or three miles, till he absolutely bade her leave +him, or he would punish her with severity. + +At length, finding her case hopeless, she returned to the Indians. + +At the great treaty at Big Tree, one of Allen's daughters claimed the +land which he had sold to Morris. The claim was examined and decided +against her in favor of Ogden, Trumbull, Rogers and others, who were the +creditors of Robert Morris. Allen yet believed that his daughter had an +indisputable right to the land in question, and got me to go with mother +Farly, a half Indian woman, to assist him by interceding with Morris for +it, and to urge the propriety of her claim. We went to Thomas Morris, +and having stated to him our business, he told us plainly that he had no +land to give away, and that as the title was good, he never would allow +Allen, nor his heirs, one foot, or words to that effect. We returned +to Allen the answer we had received, and he, conceiving all further +attempts to be useless, went home. + +He died at the Delaware town, on the river De Trench, in the year +1814 or 15, and left two white widows and one squaw, with a number of +children, to lament his loss. + +By his last will he gave all his property to his last wife (Morilla,) +and her children, without providing in the least for the support of +Lucy, or any of the other members of his family. Lucy, soon after his +death, went with her children down the Ohio river, to receive assistance +from her friends. + +In the revolutionary war, Allen was a tory, and by that means became +acquainted with our Indians, when they were in the neighborhood of his +native place, desolating the settlements on the Susquehannah. In those +predatory battles, he joined them, and (as I have often heard the +Indians say,) for cruelty was not exceeded by any of his Indian +comrades! + +At one time, when he was scouting with the Indians in the Susquehannah +country, he entered a house very early in the morning, where he found a +man, his wife, and one child, in bed. The man, as he entered the door, +instantly sprang on the floor, for the purpose of defending himself and +little family; but Allen dispatched him at one blow. He then cut off his +head and threw it bleeding into the bed with the terrified woman; took +the little infant from its mother's breast, and holding it by its legs, +dashed its head against the jamb, and left the unhappy widow and mother +to mourn alone over her murdered family. It has been said by some, that +after he had killed the child, he opened the fire and buried it under +the coals and embers: But of that I am not certain. I have often heard +him speak of that transaction with a great degree of sorrow, and as the +foulest crime he had ever committed--one for which I have no doubt he +repented. + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + +Mrs. Jemison has liberty to go to her Friends.--Chooses to stay.--Her +Reasons, &c.--Her Indian Brother makes provision for her Settlement.--He +goes to Grand River and dies.--Her Love for him, &c.--She is presented +with the Gardow Reservation.--Is troubled by Speculators.--Description +of the Soil, &c. of her Flats.--Indian notions of the ancient +Inhabitants of this Country. + +Soon after the close of the revolutionary war, my Indian brother, +Kau-jises-tau-ge-au (which being interpreted signifies Black Coals,) +offered me my liberty, and told me that if it was my choice I might go +to my friends. + +My son, Thomas, was anxious that I should go; and offered to go with me +and assist me on the journey, by taking care of the younger children, +and providing food as we travelled through the wilderness. But the +Chiefs of our tribe, suspecting from his appearance, actions, and a +few warlike exploits, that Thomas would be a great warrior, or a good +counsellor, refused to let him leave them on any account whatever. + +To go myself, and leave him, was more than I felt able to do; for he +had been kind to me, and was one on whom I placed great dependence. The +Chiefs refusing to let him go, was one reason for my resolving to stay; +but another, more powerful, if possible, was, that I had got a large +family of Indian children, that I must take with me; and that if I +should be so fortunate as to find my relatives, they would despise them, +if not myself; and treat us as enemies; or, at least with a degree of +cold indifference, which I thought I could not endure. + +Accordingly, after I had duly considered the matter, I told my brother +that it was my choice to stay and spend the remainder of my days with +my Indian friends, and live with my family as I had heretofore done. He +appeared well pleased with my resolution, and informed me, that as that +was my choice, I should have a piece of land that I could call my own, +where I could live unmolested, and have something at my decease to leave +for the benefit of my children. + +In a short time he made himself ready to go to Upper Canada; but before +he left us, he told me that he would speak to some of the Chiefs at +Buffalo, to attend the great Council, which he expected would convene +in a few years at farthest, and convey to me such a tract of land as I +should select. My brother left us, as he had proposed, and soon after +died at Grand River. + +Kaujisestaugeau, was an excellent man, and ever treated me with +kindness. Perhaps no one of his tribe at any time exceeded him in +natural mildness of temper, and warmth and tenderness of affection. +If he had taken my life at the time when the avarice of the old King +inclined him to procure my emancipation, it would have been done with +a pure heart and from good motives. He loved his friends; and was +generally beloved. During the time that I lived in the family with him, +he never offered the most trifling abuse; on the contrary, his whole +conduct towards me was strictly honorable. I mourned his loss as that of +a tender brother, and shall recollect him through life with emotions of +friendship and gratitude. + +I lived undisturbed, without hearing a word on the subject of my land, +till the great Council was held at Big Tree, in 1797, when Farmer's +Brother, whose Indian name is Ho-na-ye-wus, sent for me to attend the +council. When I got there, he told me that my brother had spoken to him +to see that I had a piece of land reserved for my use; and that then +was the time for me to receive it.--He requested that I would choose +for myself and describe the bounds of a piece that would suit me. I +accordingly told him the place of beginning, and then went round a tract +that I judged would be sufficient for my purpose, (knowing that it would +include the Gardow Flats,) by stating certain bounds with which I was +acquainted. + +When the Council was opened, and the business afforded a proper +opportunity, Farmer's Brother presented my claim, and rehearsed +the request of my brother. Red Jacket, whose Indian name is +Sagu-yu-what-hah, which interpreted, as Keeper-awake, opposed me or my +claim with all his influence and eloquence. Farmer's Brother insisted +upon the necessity, propriety and expediency of his proposition, and got +the land granted. The deed was made and signed, securing to me the +title to all the land I had described; under the same restrictions and +regulations that other Indian lands are subject to. + +That land has ever since been known by the name of the Gardow Tract. + +Red Jacket not only opposed my claim at the Council, but he withheld my +money two or three years, on the account of my lands having been granted +without his consent. Parrish and Jones at length convinced him that it +was the white people, and not the Indians who had given me the land, +and compelled him to pay over all the money which he had retained on my +account. + +My land derived its name, Gardow, from a hill that is within its limits, +which is called in the Seneca language Kau-tam. Kautam when interpreted +signifies up and down, or down and up, and is applied to a hill that you +will ascend and descend in passing it; or to a valley. It has been +said that Gardow was the name of my husband Hiokatoo, and that my land +derived its name from him; that however was a mistake, for the old man +always considered Gardow a nickname, and was uniformly offended when +called by it. + +About three hundred acres of my land, when I first saw it, was open +flats, lying on the Genesee River, which it is supposed was cleared by +a race of inhabitants who preceded the first Indian settlements in this +part of the country. The Indians are confident that many parts of this +country were settled and for a number of years occupied by people of +whom their fathers never had any tradition, as they never had seen them. +Whence those people originated, and whither they went, I have never +heard one of our oldest and wisest Indians pretend to guess. When I +first came to Genishau, the bank of Fall Brook had just slid off and +exposed a large number of human bones, which the Indians said were +buried there long before their fathers ever saw the place; and that +they did not know what kind of people they were. It however was and is +believed by our people, that they were not Indians. + +My flats were extremely fertile; but needed more labor than my daughters +and myself were able to perform, to produce a sufficient quantity of +grain and other necessary productions of the earth, for the consumption +of our family. The land had lain uncultivated so long that it was +thickly covered with weeds of almost every description. In order that we +might live more easy, Mr. Parrish, with the consent of the chiefs, gave +me liberty to lease or my land to white people to till on shares. I +accordingly let it out, and have continued to do so, which makes my task +less burthensome, while at the same time I am more comfortably supplied +with the means of support. + + + +CHAPTER X. + + +Happy situation of her Family.--Disagreement between her sons Thomas +and John.--Her Advice to them, &c.--John kills Thomas;--Her +Affliction.--Council. Decision of the Chiefs, &c.--Life of Thomas.--His +Wives, Children; &c.--Cause of his Death, &c. + +I have frequently heard it asserted by white people, and can truly say +from my own experience that the time at which parents take the most +satisfaction and comfort with their families is when their children are +young, incapable of providing for their own wants, and are about the +fireside, where they can be daily observed and instructed. + +Few mothers, perhaps, have had less trouble with their children during +their minority than myself. In general, my children were friendly to +each other, and it was very seldom that I knew them to have the +least difference or quarrel: so far, indeed, were they from rendering +themselves or me uncomfortable, that I considered myself happy--more so +than commonly falls to the lot of parents, especially to women. + +My happiness in this respect, however, was not without alloy; for my son +Thomas, from some cause unknown to me, from the time he was a small lad, +always called his brother John, a witch, which was the cause, as they +grew towards manhood, of frequent and severe quarrels between them, and +gave me much trouble and anxiety for their safety. After Thomas and +John arrived to manhood, in addition to the former charge, John got two +wives, with whom he lived till the time of his death. Although polygamy +was tolerated in our tribe, Thomas considered it a violation of good +and wholesome rules in society, and tending directly to destroy that +friendly social intercourse and love, that ought to be the happy result +of matrimony and chastity. Consequently, he frequently reprimanded +John, by telling him that his conduct was beneath the dignity, +and inconsistent with the principles of good Indians; indecent and +unbecoming a gentleman; and, as he never could reconcile himself to it, +he was frequently, almost constantly, when they were together, talking +to him on the same subject. John always resented such reprimand, and +reproof, with a great degree of passion, though they never quarrelled, +unless Thomas was intoxicated. + +In his fits of drunkenness, Thomas seemed to lose all his natural +reason, and to conduct like a wild or crazy man, without regard to +relatives, decency or propriety. At such times he often threatened to +take my life for having raised a witch, (as he called John,) and has +gone so far as to raise his tomahawk to split my head. He, however, +never struck me; but on John's account he struck Hiokatoo, and thereby +excited in John a high degree of indignation, which was extinguished +only by blood. + +For a number of years their difficulties, and consequent unhappiness, +continued and rather increased, continually exciting in my breast the +most fearful apprehensions, and greatest anxiety for their safety. With +tears in my eyes, I advised them to become reconciled to each other, +and to be friendly; told them the consequences of their continuing +to cherish so much malignity and malice, that it would end in their +destruction, the disgrace of their families, and bring me down to the +grave. No one can conceive of the constant trouble that I daily endured +on their account--on the account of my two oldest sons, whom I loved +equally, and with all the feelings and affection of a tender mother, +stimulated by an anxious concern for their fate. Parents, mothers +especially, will love their children, though ever so unkind and +disobedient. Their eyes of compassion, of real sentimental affection, +will be involuntarily extended after them, in their greatest excesses +of iniquity; and those fine filaments of consanguinity, which gently +entwine themselves around the heart where filial love and parental +care is equal, will be lengthened, and enlarged to cords seemingly of +sufficient strength to reach and reclaim the wanderer. I know that such +exercises are frequently unavailing; but, notwithstanding their ultimate +failure, it still remains true, and ever will, that the love of a parent +for a disobedient child, will increase, and grow more and more ardent, +so long as a hope of its reformation is capable of stimulating a +disappointed breast. + +My advice and expostulations with my sons were abortive; and year after +year their disaffection for each other increased. At length, Thomas +came to my house on the 1st day of July, 1811, in my absence, somewhat +intoxicated, where he found John, with whom he immediately commenced +a quarrel on their old subjects of difference.--John's anger became +desperate. He caught Thomas by the hair of his head, dragged him out at +the door and there killed him, by a blow which he gave him on the head +with his tomahawk! + +I returned soon after, and found my son lifeless at the door, on the +spot where he was killed! No one can judge of my feelings on seeing this +mournful spectacle; and what greatly added to my distress, was the +fact that he had fallen by the murderous hand of his brother! I felt my +situation unsupportable. Having passed through various scenes of trouble +of the most cruel and trying kind, I had hoped to spend my few remaining +days in quietude, and to die in peace, surrounded by my family. This +fatal event, however, seemed to be a stream of woe poured into my cup +of afflictions, filling it even to overflowing, and blasting all my +prospects. + +As soon as I had recovered a little from the shock which I felt at the +sight of my departed son, and some of my neighbors had come in to +assist in taking care of the corpse, I hired Shanks, an Indian, to go to +Buffalo, and carry the sorrowful news of Thomas' death, to our friends +at that place, and request the Chiefs to hold a Council, and dispose +of John as they should think proper. Shanks set out on his errand +immediately,--and John, fearing that he should be apprehended and +punished for the crime he had committed, at the same time went off +towards Caneadea. + +Thomas was decently interred in a style corresponding with his rank. + +The Chiefs soon assembled in council on the trial of John, and after +having seriously examined the matter according to their laws, justified +his conduct, and acquitted him. They considered Thomas to have been the +first transgressor, and that for the abuses which he had offered, he had +merited from John the treatment that he had received. + +John, on learning the decision of the council, returned to his family. + +Thomas (except when intoxicated, which was not frequent,) was a kind +and tender child, willing to assist me in my labor, and to remove every +obstacle to my comfort. His natural abilities were said to be of a +superior cast, and he soared above the trifling subjects of revenge, +which are common amongst Indians, as being far beneath his attention. +In his childish and boyish days, his natural turn was to practise in the +art of war, though he despised the cruelties that the warriors +inflicted upon their subjugated enemies. He was manly in his deportment, +courageous and, active; and commanded respect. Though he appeared well +pleased with peace, he was cunning in Indian warfare, and succeeded to +admiration in the execution of his plans. + +At the age of fourteen or fifteen years, he went into the war with +manly fortitude, armed with a tomahawk and scalping knife; and when he +returned, brought one white man a prisoner, whom he had taken with his +own hands, on the west branch of the Susquehannah river. It so happened, +that as he was looking out for his enemies, he discovered two men +boiling sap in the woods. He watched them unperceived, till dark when he +advanced with a noiseless step to where they were standing, caught one +of them before they were apprized of danger, and conducted him to the +camp. He was well treated while a prisoner, and redeemed at the close of +the war. + +At the time Kaujisestaugeau gave me my liberty to go to my friends, +Thomas was anxious to go with me; but as I have before observed, the +Chiefs would not suffer him to leave them on the account of his courage +and skill in war: expecting that they should need his assistance. He +was a great Counsellor and a Chief when quite young; and in the last +capacity, went two or three times to Philadelphia to assist in making +treaties with the people of the states. + +Thomas had four wives, by whom he had eight children. Jacob Jemison, +his second son by his last wife, who is at this time twenty-seven or +twenty-eight years of age, went to Dartmouth college, in the spring of +1816, for the purpose of receiving a good education, where it was said +that he was an industrious scholar, and made great proficiency in the +study of the different branches to which he attended. Having spent two +years at that Institution, he returned in the winter of 1818, and is now +at Buffalo; where I have understood that he contemplates commencing the +study of medicine, as a profession. + +Thomas, at the time he was killed, was a few moons over fifty-two years +old, and John was forty-eight. As he was naturally good natured, and +possessed a friendly disposition, he would not have come to so untimely +an end, had it not been far his intemperance. He fell a victim to the +use of ardent spirits--a poison that will soon exterminate the Indian +tribes in this part of the country, and leave their names without a root +or branch. The thought is melancholy; but no arguments, no examples, +however persuasive or impressive, are sufficient to deter an Indian for +an hour from taking the potent draught, which he knows at the time will +derange his faculties, reduce him to a level with the beasts, or deprive +him of life! + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + +Death of Hiokatoo.--Biography.--His Birth--Education.--Goes against the +Cherokees, &c.--Bloody Battle, &c.--His success and cruelties in +the French War.--Battle at Fort Freeland.--Capts. Dougherty and +Boon killed.--His Cruelties in the neighborhood of Cherry Valley, +&c.--Indians remove their general Encampment.--In 1782, Col. Crawford is +sent to destroy them, &c.--Is met by a Traitor,--Battle.--Crawford's +Men surprized.--Irregular Retreat.--Crawford and Doct. Night +taken.--Council.--Crawford Condemned and Burnt.--Aggravating +Circumstances.--Night is sentenced to be Burnt.--Is Painted by +Hiokatoo.--Is conducted off, &c.--His fortunate Escape.--Hiokatoo in the +French War takes Col. Canton.--His Sentence.--Is bound on a wild +Colt that runs loose three days.--Returns Alive.--Is made to run +the Gauntlet.--Gets knocked down, &c.--Is Redeemed and +sent Home.--Hiokatoo's Enmity to the Cherokees, &c.--His +Height--Strength--Speed, &c. + +In the month of November 1811, my husband Hiokatoo, who had been sick +four years of the consumption, died at the advanced age of one hundred +and three years, as nearly as the time could be estimated. He was the +last that remained to me of our family connection, or rather of my old +friends with whom I was adopted, except a part of one family, which now +lives at Tonewanta. + +Hiokatoo was buried decently, and had all the insignia of a veteran +warrior buried with him; consisting of a war club, tomahawk and scalping +knife, a powder-flask, flint, a piece of spunk, a small cake and a cup; +and in his best clothing. + +Hiokatoo was an old man when I first saw him; but he was by no means +enervated. During the term of nearly fifty years that I lived with him, +I received, according to Indian customs, all the kindness and attention +that was my due as his wife.--Although war was his trade from his youth +till old age and decrepitude stopt his career, he uniformly treated me +with tenderness, and never offered an insult. + +I have frequently heard him repeat the history of his life from his +childhood; and when he came to that part which related to his actions, +his bravery and his valor in war; when he spoke of the ambush, the +combat, the spoiling of his enemies and the sacrifice of the victims, +his nerves seemed strung with youthful ardor, the warmth of the able +warrior seemed to animate his frame, and to produce the heated gestures +which he had practised in middle age. He was a man of tender feelings +to his friends, ready and willing to assist them in distress, yet, as +a warrior, his cruelties to his enemies perhaps were unparalleled, and +will not admit a word of palliation. + +Hiokatoo, was born in one of the tribes of the Six Nations that +inhabited the banks of the Susquehannah; or, rather he belonged to a +tribe of the Senecas that made, at the time of the great Indian treaty, +a part of those nations. He was own cousin to Farmer's Brother, a +Chief who has been justly celebrated for his worth. Their mothers were +sisters, and it was through the influence of Farmer's Brother, that I +became Hiokatoo's wife. + +In early life, Hiokatoo showed signs of thirst for blood, by attending +only to the art of war, in the use of the tomahawk and scalping knife; +and in practising cruelties upon every thing that chanced to fall into +his hands, which was susceptible of pain. In that way he learned to +use his implements of war effectually, and at the same time blunted all +those fine feelings and tender sympathies that are naturally excited, by +hearing or seeing, a fellow being in distress. He could inflict the +most excruciating tortures upon his enemies, and prided himself upon +his fortitude, in having performed the most barbarous ceremonies and +tortures, without the least degree of pity or remorse. Thus qualified, +when very young he was initiated into scenes of carnage, by being +engaged in the wars that prevailed amongst the Indian tribes. + +In the year 1731, he was appointed a runner, to assist in collecting an +army to go against the Cotawpes, Cherokees and other southern Indians. A +large army was collected, and after a long and fatiguing march, met its +enemies in what was then called the "low, dark and bloody lands," near +the mouth of Red River, in what is now called the state of Kentucky. +[Footnote: Those powerful armies met near the place that is now called +Clarksville, which is situated at the fork where Red River joins the +Cumberland, a few miles above the line between Kentucky and Tennessee.] +The Cotawpes [Footnote: The Author acknowledges himself unacquainted, +from Indian history, with a nation of this name; but as 90 years have +elapsed since the date of this occurrence, it is highly probable that +such a nation did exist, and that it was absolutely exterminated at +that eventful period.] and their associates, had, by some means, been +apprized of their approach, and lay in ambush to take them at once, when +they should come within their reach, and destroy the whole army. The +northern Indians, with their usual sagacity, discovered the situation of +their enemies, rushed upon the ambuscade and massacred 1200 on the +spot. The battle continued for two days and two nights, with the utmost +severity, in which the northern Indians were victorious, and so far +succeeded in destroying the Cotawpes that they at that time ceased to be +a nation. The victors suffered an immense loss in killed; but gained the +hunting ground, which was their grand object, though the Cherokees would +not give it up in a treaty, or consent to make peace. Bows and arrows, +at that time were in general use, though a few guns were employed. + +From that time he was engaged in a number of battles in which Indians +only were engaged, and that made fighting his business, till the +commencement of the French war. In those battles he took a number +of Indians prisoners, whom he killed by tying them to trees and then +setting small Indian boys to shooting at them with arrows, till death +finished the misery of the sufferers; a process that frequently took two +days for its completion! + +During the French war he was in every battle that was fought on the +Susquehannah and Ohio rivers; and was so fortunate as never to have been +taken prisoner. + +At Braddock's defeat he took two white prisoners, and burnt them alive +in a fire of his own kindling. + +In 1777, he was in the battle at Fort Freeland, in Northumberland +county, Penn. The fort contained a great number of women and children, +and was defended only by a small garrison. The force that went against +it consisted of 100 British regulars, commanded by a Col. McDonald, and +300 Indians under Hiokatoo. After a short but bloody engagement, the +fort was surrendered; the women and children were sent under an escort +to the next fort below, and the men and boys taken off by a party +of British to the general Indian encampment. As soon as the fort had +capitulated and the firing had ceased, Hiokatoo with the help of a few +Indians tomahawked every wounded American while earnestly begging with +uplifted hands for quarters. + +The massacre was but just finished when Capts. Dougherty and Boon +arrived with a reinforcement to assist the garrison. On their arriving +in sight of the fort they saw that it had surrendered, and that an +Indian was holding the flag. This so much inflamed Capt. Dougherty that +he left his command, stept forward and shot the Indian at the first +fire. Another took the flag, and had no sooner got it erected than +Dougherty dropt him as he had the first. A third presumed to hold it, +who was also shot down by Dougherty. Hiokatoo, exasperated at the sight +of such bravery, sallied out with a party of his Indians, and killed +Capts. Dougherty, Boon, and fourteen men, at the first fire. The +remainder of the two companies escaped by taking to flight, and soon +arrived at the fort which they had left but a few hours before. + +In an expedition that went out against Cherry Valley and the neighboring +settlements, Captain David, a Mohawk Indian, was first, and Hiokatoo the +second in command. The force consisted of several hundred Indians, +who were determined on mischief, and the destruction of the whites. A +continued series of wantonness and barbarity characterized their career, +for they plundered and burnt every thing that came in their way, and +killed a number of persons, among whom were several infants, whom +Hiokatoo butchered or dashed upon the stones with his own hands. Besides +the instances which have been mentioned, he was in a number of parties +during the revolutionary war, where he ever acted a conspicuous part. + +The Indians having removed the seat of their depredations and war to +the frontiers of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and the neighboring +territories, assembled a large force at Upper Sandusky, their place +of general rendezvous, from whence they went out to the various places +which they designed to sacrifice. + +Tired of the desolating scenes that were so often witnessed, and feeling +a confidence that the savages might be subdued, and an end put to their +crimes, the American government raised a regiment, consisting of 300 +volunteers, for the purpose of dislodging them from their cantonment and +preventing further barbarities. Col. William Crawford and Lieut. Col. +David Williamson, men who had been thoroughly tried and approved, were +commissioned by Gen. Washington to take the command of a service that +seemed all-important to the welfare of the country. In the month of +July, 1782, well-armed and provided with a sufficient quantity +of provision, this regiment made an expeditious march through the +wilderness to Upper Sandusky, where, as had been anticipated, they found +the Indians assembled in full force at their encampment, prepared to +receive an attack. + +As Col. Crawford and his brave band advanced, and when they had got +within a short distance from the town, they were met by a white man, +with a flag of truce from the Indians, who proposed to Col. Crawford +that if he would surrender himself and his men to the Indians, +their lives should be spared; but, that if they persisted in their +undertaking, and attacked the town, they should all be massacred to a +man. + +Crawford, while hearing the proposition, attentively surveyed its +bearer, and recognized in his features one of his former schoolmates and +companions, with whom he was perfectly acquainted, by the name of Simon +Gurty. Gurty, but a short time before this, had been a soldier in the +American army, in the same regiment with Crawford; but on the account +of his not having received the promotion that he expected, he became +disaffected--swore an eternal war with his countrymen, fled to the +Indians, and joined them, as a leader well qualified to conduct them +to where they could satiate their thirst for blood, upon the innocent, +unoffending and defenceless settlers. + +Crawford sternly inquired of the traitor if his name was not Simon +Gurty; and being answered in the affirmative, he informed him that he +despised the offer which he had made; and that he would not surrender +his army unless he should be compelled to do so, by a superior force. + +Gurty returned, and Crawford immediately commenced an engagement that +lasted till night, without the appearance of victory on either side, +when the firing ceased, and the combatants on both sides retired to take +refreshment, and to rest through the night. Crawford encamped in the +woods near half a mile from the town, where, after the centinels were +placed, and each had taken his ration, they slept on their arms, that +they might be instantly ready in case they should be attacked. The +stillness of death hovered over the little army, and sleep relieved the +whole, except the wakeful centinels who vigilantly attended to their +duty.--But what was their surprise, when they found late in the night, +that they were surrounded by the Indians on every side, except a narrow +space between them and the town? Every man was under arms, and the +officers instantly consulted each other on the best method of escaping; +for they saw that to fight, would be useless, and that to surrender, +would be death. + +Crawford proposed a retreat through the ranks of the enemy in an +opposite direction from the town, as being the most sure course to take. +Lt. Col. Williamson advised to march directly through the town, where +there appeared to be no Indians, and the fires were yet burning. + +There was no time or place for debates: Col. Crawford, with sixty +followers retreated on the route that he had proposed by attempting to +rush through the enemy; but they had no sooner got amongst the Indians, +than every man was killed or taken prisoner! Amongst the prisoners, were +Col. Crawford, and Doct. Night, surgeon of the regiment. + +Lt. Col. Williamson, with the remainder of the regiment, together with +the wounded, set out at the same time that Crawford did, went through +the town without losing a man, and by the help of good guides arrived at +their homes in safety. + +The next day after the engagement the Indians disposed of all their +prisoners to the different tribes, except Col. Crawford and Doct. Night; +but those unfortunate men were reserved for a more cruel destiny. A +council was immediately held on Sandusky plains, consisting of all the +Chiefs and warriors, ranged in their customary order, in a circular +form; and Crawford and Night were brought forward and seated in the +centre of the circle. + +The council being opened, the Chiefs began to examine Crawford on +various subjects relative to the war. At length they enquired who +conducted the military operations of the American army on the Ohio and +Susquehannah rivers, during the year before; and who had led that army +against them with so much skill and so uniform success? Crawford +very honestly and without suspecting any harm from his reply promptly +answered that he was the man who had led his countrymen to victory, +who had driven the enemy from the settlements, and by that means had +procured a great degree of happiness to many of his fellow-citizens. +Upon hearing this, a Chief, who had lost a son in the year before, in +a battle where Colonel Crawford commanded, left his station in the +council, stepped to Crawford, blacked his face, and at the same time +told him that the next day he should be burnt. + +The council was immediately dissolved on its hearing the sentence from +the Chief, and the prisoners were taken off the ground, and kept in +custody through the night. Crawford now viewed his fate as sealed; and +despairing of ever returning to his home or his country, only dreaded +the tediousness of death, as commonly inflicted by the savages, and +earnestly hoped that he might be despatched at a single blow. + +Early the next morning, the Indians assembled at the place of execution, +and Crawford was led to the post--the goal of savage torture, to which +he was fastened. The post was a stick of timber placed firmly in the +ground, having an arm framed in at the top, and extending some six +or eight feet from it, like the arm of a sign post. A pile of wood +containing about two cords, lay a few feet from the place where he +stood, which he was informed was to be kindled into a fire that would +burn him alive, as many had been burnt on the same spot, who had been +much less deserving than himself. + +Gurty stood and supposedly looked on the preparations that were making +for the funeral of one his former playmates; a hero by whose side he +had fought; of a man whose valor had won laurels which, if he could +have returned, would have been strewed upon his grave, by his grateful +countrymen. Dreading the agony that he saw he was about to feel, +Crawford used every argument which his perilous situation could suggest +to prevail upon Gurty to ransom him at any price, and deliver him (as it +was in his power,) from the savages, and their torments. Gurty heard his +prayers, and expostulations, and saw his tears with indifference, +and finally told the forsaken victim that he would not procure him a +moment's respite, nor afford him the most trifling assistance. + +The Col. was then bound, stripped naked and tied by his wrists to the +arm, which extended horizontally from the post, in such a manner that +his arms were extended over his head, with his feet just standing upon +the ground. This being done, the savages placed the wood in a circle +around him at the distance of a few feet, in order that his misery might +be protracted to the greatest length, and then kindled it in a number of +places at the same time. The flames arose and the scorching heat became +almost insupportable. Again he prayed to Gurty in all the anguish of his +torment, to rescue him from the fire, or shoot him dead upon the spot. +A demoniac smile suffused the countenance of Gurty, while he calmly +replied to the dying suppliant, that he had no pity for his sufferings; +but that he was then satisfying that spirit of revenge, which for a long +time he had hoped to have an opportunity to wreak upon him. Nature +now almost exhausted from the intensity of the heat, he settled down a +little, when a squaw threw coals of fire and embers upon him, which made +him groan most piteously, while the whole camp rung with exultation. +During the execution they manifested all the exstacy of a complete +triumph. Poor Crawford soon died and was entirely consumed. + +Thus ended the life of a patriot and hero, who had been an intimate with +Gen. Washington, and who shared in an eminent degree the confidence of +that great, good man, to whom, in the time of revolutionary perils, the +sons of legitimate freedom looked with a degree of faith in his mental +resources, unequalled in the history of the world. + +That tragedy being ended, Doct. Night was informed that on the next +day he should be burnt in the same manner that his comrade Crawford had +been, at Lower Sandusky. Hiokatoo, who out had been a leading chief in +the battle with, and in the execution of Crawford, painted Doct. Night's +face black, and then bound and gave him up to two able bodied Indians to +conduct to the place of execution. + +They set off with him immediately, and travelled till towards evening, +when they halted to encamp till morning. The afternoon had been very +rainy, and the storm still continued, which rendered it very difficult +for the Indians to kindle a fire. Night observing the difficulty under +which they labored, made them to understand by signs, that if they would +unbind him, he would assist them.--They, accordingly unbound him, and +he soon succeeded in making a fire by the application of small dry stuff +which he was at considerable trouble to procure. While the Indians were +warming themselves, the Doct. continued to gather wood to last through +the night, and in doing this, he found a club which he placed in +a situation from whence he could take it conveniently whenever an +opportunity should present itself in which he could use it effectually. +The Indians continued warming, till at length the Doct. saw that they +had placed themselves in a favorable position for the execution of his +design, when, stimulated by the love of life, he cautiously took his +club and at two blows knocked them both down. Determined to finish the +work of death which he had so well begun, he drew one of their scalping +knives, with which he beheaded and scalped them both! He then took a +rifle, tomahawk, and some ammunition, and directed his course for +home, where he arrived without having experienced any difficulty on his +journey. + +The next morning, the Indians took the track of their victim and his +attendants, to go to Lower Sandusky, and there execute the sentence +which they had pronounced upon him. But what was their surprise and +disappointment, when they arrived at the place of encampment, where +they found their trusty friends scalped and decapitated, and that +their prisoner had made his escape?--Chagrined beyond measure, they +immediately separated, and went in every direction in pursuit of their +prey; but after having spent a number of days unsuccessfully, they +gave up the chase, and returned to their encampment. [Footnote: I have +understood, (from unauthenticated sources however,) that soon after +the revolutionary war, Doct. Night published a pamphlet, containing +an account of the battle at Sandusky, and of his own sufferings. My +information on this subject, was derived from a different quarter. + +The subject of this narrative in giving the account of her last husband, +Hiokatoo, referred us to Mr. George Jemison, who, (as it will be +noticed) lived on her land a number of years, and who had frequently +heard the old Chief relate the story of his life; particularly that part +which related to his military career. Mr. Jemison; on being enquired of, +gave the foregoing account, partly from his own personal knowledge, and +the remainder, from the account given by Hiokatoo. + +Mr. Jemison was in the battle, was personally acquainted with Col. +Crawford, and one that escaped with Lt. Col. Williamson. We have no +doubt of the truth of the statement, and have therefore inserted the +whole account, as an addition to the historical facts which are daily +coming into a state of preservation, in relation to the American +Revolution. + +AUTHOR.] + +In the time of the French war, in an engagement that took place on the +Ohio river, Hiokatoo took a British Col. by the name of Simon Canton, +whom he carried to the Indian encampment. A council was held, and the +Col. was sentenced to suffer death, by being tied on a wild colt, with +his face towards its tail, and then having the colt turned loose to run +where it pleased. He was accordingly tied on, and the colt let loose, +agreeable to the sentence. The colt run two days, and then returned with +its rider yet alive. The Indians, thinking that he would never die in +that way, took him off, and made him run the gauntlet three times; but +in the last race a squaw knocked him down, and he was supposed to have +been dead. He, however, recovered, and was sold for fifty dollars to a +Frenchman, who sent him as a prisoner to Detroit. On the return of the +Frenchman to Detroit, the Col. besought him to ransom him, and give, +or set him at liberty, with so much warmth, and promised with so much +solemnity, to reward him as one of the best of benefactors, if he would +let him go, that the Frenchman took his word, and sent him home to his +family. The Col. remembered his promise, and in a short time sent his +deliverer one hundred and fifty dollars, as a reward for his generosity. + +Since the commencement of the revolutionary war, Hiokatoo has been in +seventeen campaigns, four of which were in the Cherokee war. He was +so great an enemy to the Cherokees, and so fully determined upon their +subjugation, that on his march to their country, he raised his own army +for those four campaigns, and commanded it; and also superintended its +subsistence. In one of those campaigns, which continued two whole years +without intermission, he attacked his enemies on the Mobile, drove them +to the country of the Creek Nation, where he continued to harrass them, +till being tired of war, he returned to his family. He brought home +a great number of scalps, which he had taken from the enemy, and ever +seemed to possess an unconquerable will that the Cherokees might be +utterly destroyed. Towards the close of his last fighting in that +country, he took two squaws, whom he sold on his way home for money to +defray the expense of his journey. + +Hiokatoo was about six feet four or five inches high, large boned, and +rather inclined to leanness. He was very stout and active, for a man of +his size, for it was said by himself and others, that he had never +found an Indian who could keep up with him on a race, or throw him at +wrestling. His eye was quick and penetrating; and his voice was of +that harsh and powerful kind, which, amongst, Indians, always commands +attention. His health had been uniformly good. He never was confined by +sickness, till he was attacked with the consumption, four years before +his death. And, although he had, from his earliest days, been inured +to almost constant fatigue, and exposure to every inclemency of the +weather, in the open air he seemed to lose the vigor of the prime of +life only by the natural decay occasioned by old age. + + * * * * * + + + +CHAPTER XII. + + +Her Troubles Renewed.--John's Jealousy towards his brother +Jesse.--Circumstances attending the Murder of Jesse Jemison.--Her +Grief.--His Funeral--Age--Filial Kindness, &c. + +Being now left a widow in my old age, to mourn the loss of a husband, +who had treated me well and with whom I had raised five children, and +having suffered the loss of an affectionate son, I fondly fostered the +hope that my melancholy vicissitudes had ended, and that the remainder +of my time would be characterized by nothing unpropitious. My children, +dutiful and kind, lived near me, and apparently nothing obstructed our +happiness. + +But a short time, however, elapsed after my husband's death, before my +troubles were renewed with redoubled severity. + +John's hands having been once stained in the blood of a brother, it was +not strange that after his acquital, every person of his acquaintance +should shun him, from a fear of his repeating upon them the same +ceremony that he had practised upon Thomas. My son Jesse, went to Mt. +Morris, a few miles from home, on business, in the winter after the +death of his father; and it so happened that his brother John was there, +who requested Jesse to come home with him. Jesse, fearing that John +would commence a quarrel with him on the way, declined the invitation, +and tarried over night. + +From that time John conceived himself despised by Jesse, and was highly +enraged at the treatment which he had received. Very little was said, +however, and it all passed off, apparently, till sometime in the month +of May, 1812, at which time Mr. Robert Whaley, who lived in the town +of Castile, within four miles of me, came to my house early on Monday +morning, to hire George Chongo, my son-in-law, and John and Jesse, to +go that day and help him slide a quantity of boards from the top of +the hill to the river, where he calculated to build a raft of them for +market. + +They all concluded to go with Mr. Whaley, and made ready as soon as +possible. But before they set out I charged them not to drink any +whiskey; for I was confident that if they did, they would surely have +a quarrel in consequence of it. They went and worked till almost night, +when a quarrel ensued between Chongo and Jesse, in consequence of the +whiskey that they had drank through the day, which terminated in a +battle, and Chongo got whipped. + +When Jesse had got through with Chongo, he told Mr. Whaley that he would +go home, and directly went off. He, however, went but a few rods before +he stopped and lay down by the side of a log to wait, (as was supposed,) +for company. John, as soon as Jesse was gone, went to Mr. Whaley with +his knife in his hand and bade him jogo (i. e. be gone,) at the same +time telling him that Jesse was a bad man. Mr. Whaley, seeing that +his countenance was changed, and that he was determined upon something +desperate, was alarmed for his own safety, and turned towards home, +leaving Chongo on the ground drunk, near to where Jesse had lain, who +by this time had got up, and was advancing towards John. Mr. Whaley was +soon out of hearing of them; but some of his workmen staid till it was +dark. Jesse came up to John, and said to him, you want more whiskey, and +more fighting, and after a few words went at him, to try in the first +place to get away his knife. In this he did not succeed, and they +parted. By this time the night had come on, and it was dark. Again they +clenched and at length in their struggle they both fell. John, having +his knife in his hand, came under, and in that situation gave Jesse a +fatal stab with his knife, and repeated the blows till Jesse cried out, +brother, you have killed me, quit his hold and settled back upon the +ground. Upon hearing this, John left him and came to Thomas' widow's +house, told them that he had been fighting with their uncle, whom he had +killed, and showed them his knife. + +Next morning as soon as it was light, Thomas' and John's children came +and told me that Jesse was dead in the woods, and also informed me how +he came by his death. John soon followed them and informed me himself of +all that had taken place between him and his brother, and seemed to +be somewhat sorrowful for his conduct. You can better imagine what my +feelings were than I can describe them. My darling son, my youngest +child, him on whom I depended, was dead; and I in my old age left +destitute of a helping hand! + +As soon as it was consistent for me, I got Mr. George Jemison, (of whom +I shall have occasion to speak,) to go with his sleigh to where Jesse +was, and bring him home, a distance of 3 or 4 miles. My daughter Polly +arrived at the fatal spot first: we got there soon after her; though I +went the whole distance on foot. By this time, Chongo, (who was left on +the ground drunk the night before,) had become sober and sensible of the +great misfortune which had happened to our family. + +I was overcome with grief at the sight of my murdered son, and so far +lost the command of myself as to be almost frantic; and those who were +present were obliged to hold me from going near him. + +On examining the body it was found that it had received eighteen wounds +so deep and large that it was believed that either of them would have +proved mortal. The corpse was carried to my house, and kept till the +Thursday following, when it was buried after the manner of burying white +people. + +Jesse was twenty-seven or eight years old when he was killed. His temper +had been uniformly very mild and friendly; and he was inclined to copy +after the white people; both in his manners and dress. Although he was +naturally temperate, he occasionally became intoxicated; but never was +quarrelsome or mischievous. With the white people he was intimate, +and learned from them their habits of industry, which he was fond of +practising, especially when my comfort demanded his labor. As I have +observed, it is the custom amongst the Indians, for the women to perform +all the labor in, and out of doors, and I had the whole to do, with the +help of my daughters, till Jesse arrived to a sufficient age to assist +us. He was disposed to labor in the cornfield, to chop my wood, milk +my cows, and attend to any kind of business that would make my task the +lighter. On the account of his having been my youngest child, and so +willing to help me, I am sensible that I loved him better than I did +either of my other children. After he began to understand my situation, +and the means of rendering it more easy, I never wanted for anything +that was in his power to bestow; but since his death, as I have had all +my labor to perform alone, I have constantly seen hard times. + +Jesse shunned the company of his brothers, and the Indians generally; +and never attended their frolics; and it was supposed that this, +together with my partiality for him, were the causes which excited +in John so great a degree of envy, that nothing short of death would +satisfy it. + + * * * * * + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + +Mrs. Jemison is informed that she has a Cousin in the Neighborhood, +by the name of George Jemison.--His Poverty.--Her Kindness.--His +Ingratitude.--Her Trouble from Land Speculation.--Her Cousin moves off. + +A year or two before the death of my husband, Capt. H. Jones sent me +word that a cousin of mine was then living in Leicester, (a few miles +from Gardow,) by the name of George Jemison, and as he was very poor, +thought it advisable for me to go and see him, and take him home to live +with me on my land. My Indian friends were pleased to hear that one of +my relatives was so near, and also advised me to send for him and his +family immediately. I accordingly had him and his family moved into one +of my houses, in the month of March, 1810. + +He said that he was my father's brother's son--that his father did not +leave Europe, till after the French war in America, and that when he +did come over, he settled in Pennsylvania, where he died. George had +no personal knowledge of my father; but from information, was confident +that the relationship which he claimed between himself and me, actually +existed. Although I had never before heard of my father having had but +one brother, (him who was killed at Fort Necessity,) yet I knew that +he might have had others, and, as the story of George carried with it a +probability that it was true, I received him as a kinsman, and treated +him with every degree of friendship which his situation demanded. +[Footnote: Mrs. Jemison is now confident that George Jemison is not +her cousin, and thinks that he claimed the relationship, only to gain +assistance: But the old gentleman, who is now living, is certain that +his and her father were brothers, as before stated.] + +I found that he was destitute of the means of subsistence, and in debt +to the amount of seventy dollars, without the ability to pay one cent. +He had no cow, and finally, was completely poor, I paid his debts to the +amount of seventy-two dollars, and bought him a cow, for which I paid +twenty dollars, and a sow and pigs, that I paid eight dollars for. I +also paid sixteen dollars for pork that I gave him, and furnished him +with other provisions and furniture; so that his family was comfortable. +As he was destitute of a team, I furnished him with one, and also +supplied him with tools for farming. In addition to all this, I let him +have one of Thomas' cows, for two seasons. + +My only object in mentioning his poverty, and the articles with which I +supplied him, is to show how ungrateful a person can be for favors, and +how soon a kind benefactor will, to all appearance, be forgotten. + +Thus furnished with the necessary implements of husbandry, a good team, +and as much land as he could till, he commenced farming on my flats, and +for some time labored well. At length, however, he got an idea that if +he could become the owner of a part of my reservation, he could live +more easy, and certainly be more rich, and accordingly set himself about +laying a plan to obtain it, in the easiest manner possible. + +I supported Jemison and his family eight years, and probably should +have continued to have done so to this day, had it not been for the +occurrence of the following circumstance. + +When he had lived with me some six or seven years, a friend of mine told +me that as Jemison was my cousin, and very poor, I ought to give him +a piece of land that he might have something whereon to live, that +he would call his own. My friend and Jemison were then together at my +house, prepared to complete a bargain. I asked how much land he wanted? +Jemison said that he should be glad to receive his old field (as he +called it) containing about fourteen acres, and a new one that contained +twenty-six. + +I observed to them that as I was incapable of transacting business of +that nature, I would wait till Mr. Thomas Clute, (a neighbor on whom I +depended,) should return from Albany, before I should do any thing about +it. To this Jemison replied that if I waited till Mr. Clute returned, +he should not get the land at all, and appeared very anxious to have the +business closed without delay. On my part, I felt disposed to give him +some land, but knowing my ignorance of writing, feared to do it alone, +lest they might include as much land they pleased, without my knowledge. + +They then read the deed which my friend had prepared before he came from +home, describing a piece of land by certain bounds that were a specified +number of chains and links from each other. Not understanding the length +of a chain or link, I described the bounds of a piece of land that I +intended Jemison should have, which they said was just the same that the +deed contained and no more. I told them that the deed must not include +a lot that was called the Steele place, and they assured me that it did +not. Upon this, putting confidence in them both, I signed the deed to +George Jemison, containing, and conveying to him as I supposed, forty +acres of land. The deed being completed they charged me never to mention +the bargain which I had then made to any person; because if I did, +they said it would spoil the contract. The whole matter was afterwards +disclosed; when it was found that that deed instead of containing only +forty acres, contained four hundred, and that one half of it actually +belonged to my friend, as it had been given to him by Jemison as a +reward for his trouble in procuring the deed, in the fraudulent manner +above mentioned. + +My friend, however, by the advice of some well disposed people, awhile +afterwards gave up his claim; but Jemison held his till he sold it for a +trifle to a gentleman in the south part of Genesee county. + +Sometime after the death of my son Thomas, one of his sons went to +Jemison to get the cow that I had let him have two years; but Jemison +refused to let her go, and struck the boy so violent a blow as to almost +kill him. Jemison then run to Jellis Clute, Esq. to procure a warrant to +take the boy; but Young King, an Indian Chief, went down to Squawky hill +to Esq. Clute's, and settled the affair by Jemison's agreeing never +to use that club again. Having satisfactorily found out the friendly +disposition of my cousin towards me, I got him off my premises as soon +as possible. + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + +Another Family Affliction.--Her son John's Occupation.--He goes to +Buffalo--Returns.--Great Slide by him considered Ominous--Trouble, +&c.--He goes to Squawky Hill--Quarrels--Is murdered by two Indians.--His +Funeral--Mourners, &c.--His Disposition.--Ominous Dream.--Black Chief's +Advice, &c.--His Widows and Family.--His Age.--His Murderers flee.--Her +Advice to them.--They set out to leave their Country.--Their Uncle's +Speech to them on parting.--They return.--Jack proposes to Doctor to +kill each other.--Doctor's Speech in Reply.--Jack's Suicide.--Doctor's +Death. + +Trouble seldom comes single. While George Jemison was busily engaged +in his pursuit of wealth at my expence, another event of a much more +serious nature occurred, which added greatly to my afflictions, and +consequently destroyed, at least a part of the happiness that I had +anticipated was laid up in the archives of Providence, to be dispensed +on my old age. + +My son John, was a doctor, considerably celebrated amongst the Indians +of various tribes, for his skill in curing their diseases, by the +administration of roots and herbs, which he gathered in the forests, and +other places where they had been planted by the hand of nature. + +In the month of April, or first of May, 1817, he was called upon to go +to Buffalo, Cattaraugus and Allegany, to cure some who were sick. He +went, and was absent about two months. When he returned, he observed +the Great Slide of the bank of Genesee river, a short distance above +my house, which had taken place during his absence; and conceiving +that circumstance to be ominous of his own death, called at his sister +Nancy's, told her that he should live but a few days, and wept bitterly +at the near approach of his dissolution. Nancy endeavored to persuade +him that his trouble was imaginary, and that he ought not to be affected +by a fancy which was visionary. Her arguments were ineffectual, and +afforded no alleviation to his mental sufferings. From his sister's, he +went to his own house, where he stayed only two nights, and then went to +Squawky Hill to procure money, with which to purchase flour for the use +of his family. + +While at Squawky Hill he got into the company of two Squawky Hill +Indians, whose names were Doctor and Jack, with whom he drank freely, +and in the afternoon had a desperate quarrel, in which his opponents, +(as it was afterwards understood,) agreed to kill him. The quarrel +ended, and each appeared to be friendly. John bought some spirits, of +which they all drank, and then set out for home. John and an Allegany +Indian were on horseback, and Doctor and Jack were on foot. It was dark +when they set out. They had not proceeded far, when Doctor and Jack +commenced another quarrel with John, clenched and dragged him off his +horse, and then with a stone gave him so severe a blow on his head, that +some of his brains were discharged from the wound. The Allegany Indian, +fearing that his turn would come next, fled for safety as fast as +possible. + +John recovered a little from the shock he had received, and endeavored +to get to an old hut that stood near; but they caught him, and with an +axe cut his throat, and beat out his brains, so that when he was found +the contents of his skull were lying on his arms. + +Some squaws, who heard the uproar, ran to find out the cause of it; but +before they had time to offer their assistance, the murderers drove them +into a house, and threatened to take their lives if they did not stay +there, or if they made any noise. + +Next morning, Esq. Clute sent me word that John was dead, and also +informed me of the means by which his life was taken. A number of +people went from Gardow to where the body lay, and Doct. Levi Brundridge +brought it up home, where the funeral was attended after the manner of +the white people. Mr. Benjamin Luther, and Mr. William Wiles, preached +a sermon, and performed the funeral services; and myself and family +followed the corpse to the grave as mourners. I had now buried my three +sons, who had been snatched from me by the hands of violence, when I +least expected it. + +Although John had taken the life of his two brothers, and caused me +unspeakable trouble and grief, his death made a solemn impression upon +my mind, and seemed, in addition to my former misfortunes, enough to +bring down my grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. Yet, on a second +thought, I could not mourn for him as I had for my other sons, because I +knew that his death was just, and what he had deserved for a long time, +from the hand of justice. + +John's vices were so great and so aggravated, that I have nothing to say +in his favor: yet, as a mother, I pitied him while he lived, and have +ever felt a great degree of sorrow for him, because of his bad conduct. + +From his childhood, he carried something in his features indicative of +an evil disposition, that would result in the perpetration of enormities +of some kind; and it was the opinion and saying of Ebenezer Allen, that +he would be a bad man, and be guilty of some crime deserving of death. +There is no doubt but what the thoughts of murder rankled in his breast, +and disturbed his mind even in his sleep; for he dreamed that he had +killed Thomas for a trifling offence, and thereby forfeited his own +life. Alarmed at the revelation, and fearing that he might in some +unguarded moment destroy his brother, he went to the Black Chief, to +whom he told the dream, and expressed his fears that the vision would +be verified. Having related the dream, together with his feelings on the +subject, he asked for the best advice that his old friend was capable +of giving, to prevent so sad an event. The Black Chief, with his usual +promptitude, told him, that from the nature of the dream, he was fearful +that something serious would take place between him and Thomas; and +advised him by all means to govern his temper, and avoid any quarrel +which in future he might see arising, especially if Thomas was a party. +John, however, did not keep the good counsel of the Chief; for soon +after he killed Thomas, as I have related. + +John left two wives with whom he had lived at the same time, and raised +nine children. His widows are now living at Caneadea with their father, +and keep their children with, and near them. His children are tolerably +white, and have got light colored hair. John died about the last day of +June, 1817, aged 54 years. + +Doctor and Jack, having finished their murderous design, fled before +they could be apprehended, and lay six weeks in the woods back of +Canisteo. They then returned and sent me some wampum by Chongo, (my +son-in-law,) and Sun-ge-waw (that is Big Kettle) expecting that I would +pardon them, and suffer them to live as they had done with their +tribe. I however, would not accept their wampum, but returned it with +a request, that, rather than have them killed, they would run away and +keep out of danger. + +On their receiving back the wampum, they took my advice, and prepared to +leave their country and people immediately. Their relatives accompanied +them a short distance on their journey, and when about to part, their +old uncle, the Tall Chief, addressed them in the following pathetic and +sentimental speech: + +"Friends, hear my voice!--When the Great Spirit made Indians, he made +them all good, and gave them good corn-fields; good rivers, well stored +with fish; good forests, filled with game and good bows and arrows. But +very soon each wanted more than his share, and Indians quarrelled with +Indians, and some were killed, and others were wounded. Then the Great +Spirit made a very good word, and put it in every Indians breast, to +tell us when we have done good, or when we have done bad; and that word +has never told a lie. + +"Friends! whenever you have stole, or got drunk, or lied, that good +word has told you that you were bad Indians, and made you afraid of good +Indians; and made you ashamed and look down. + +"Friends! your crime is greater than all those:--you have killed an +Indian in a time of peace; and made the wind hear his groans, and +the earth drink his blood. You are bad Indians! Yes, you are very bad +Indians; and what can you do? If you go into the woods to live alone, +the ghost of John Jemison will follow you, crying, blood! blood! and +will give you no peace! If you go to the land of your nation, there that +ghost will attend you, and say to your relatives, see my murderers! +If you plant, it will blast your corn; if you hunt, it will scare your +game; and when you are asleep, its groans, and the sight of an avenging +tomahawk, will awake you! What can you do? Deserving of death, you +cannot live here; and to fly from your country, to leave all your +relatives, and to abandon all that you have known to be pleasant and +dear, must be keener than an arrow, more bitter than gall, more terrible +than death! And how must we feel?--Your path will be muddy; the woods +will be dark; the lightnings will glance down the trees by your side, +and you will start at every sound! peace has left you, and you must be +wretched. + +"Friends, hear me, and take my advice. Return with us to your homes. +Offer to the Great Spirit your best wampum, and try to be good Indians! +And, if those whom you have bereaved shall claim your lives as their +only satisfaction, surrender them cheerfully, and die like good Indians. +And--" Here Jack, highly incensed, interrupted the old man, and bade him +stop speaking or he would take his life. Affrighted at the appearance of +so much desperation, the company hastened towards home, and left Doctor +and Jack to consult their own feelings. + +As soon as they were alone, Jack said to Doctor, "I had rather die here, +than leave my country and friends! Put the muzzle of your rifle into +my mouth, and I will put the muzzle of mine into yours, and at a given +signal we will discharge them, and rid ourselves at once of all the +troubles under which we now labor, and satisfy the claims which justice +holds against us." + +Doctor heard the proposition, and after a moment's pause, made the +following reply:--"I am as sensible as you can be of the unhappy +situation in which we have placed ourselves. We are bad Indians. We have +forfeited our lives, and must expect in some way to atone for our crime: +but, because we are bad and miserable, shall we make ourselves worse? +If we were now innocent, and in a calm reflecting moment should kill +ourselves, that act would make us bad, and deprive us of our share of +the good hunting in the land where our fathers have gone! What would +Little Beard [Footnote: Little Bears was a Chief who died in 1806.] say +to us on our arrival at his cabin? He would say, 'Bad Indians! Cowards! +You were afraid to wait till we wanted your help! Go (Jogo) to where +snakes will lie in your path; where the panthers will starve you, by +devouring the venison; and where you will be naked and suffer with the +cold! Jogo, (go,) none but the brave and good Indians live here!' I +cannot think of performing an act that will add to my wretchedness. +It is hard enough for me to suffer here, and have good hunting +hereafter--worse to lose the whole." + +Upon this, Jack withdrew his proposal. They went on about two miles, and +then turned about and came home. Guilty and uneasy, they lurked about +Squawky Hill near a fortnight, and then went to Cattaraugus, and were +gone six weeks. When they came back, Jack's wife earnestly requested +him to remove his family to Tonnewonta; but he remonstrated against her +project, and utterly declined going. His wife and family, however, tired +of the tumult by which they were surrounded, packed up their effects in +spite of what he could say, and went off. + +Jack deliberated a short time upon the proper course for himself to +pursue, and finally, rather than leave his old home, he ate a large +quantity of muskrat root, and died in 10 or 12 hours. His family being +immediately notified of his death, returned to attend the burial, and is +yet living at Squawky Hill. + +Nothing was ever done with Doctor, who continued to live quietly +at Squawky Hill till sometime in the year 1819, when he died of +Consumption. + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + +Micah Brooks, Esq. volunteers to get the Title to her Land confirmed +to herself.--She is Naturalized.--Great Council of Chiefs, &c. in Sept. +1823.--She Disposes of her Reservation.--Reserves a Tract 2 miles long, +and 1 mile wide, &c.--The Consideration how Paid, &c. + +In 1816, Micah Brooks, Esq. of Bloomfield, Ontario county, was +recommended to me (as it was said) by a Mr. Ingles, to be a man of +candor, honesty and integrity, who would by no means cheat me out of a +cent. Mr. Brooks soon after, came to my house and informed me that +he was disposed to assist me in regard to my land, by procuring a +legislative act that would invest me with full power to dispose of it +for my own benefit, and give as ample a title as could be given by any +citizen of the state. He observed that as it was then situated, it was +of but little value, because it was not in my power to dispose of it, +let my necessities be ever so great. He then proposed to take the agency +of the business upon himself, and to get the title of one half of my +reservation vested in me personally, upon the condition that, as a +reward for his services, I would give him the other half. + +I sent for my son John, who on being consulted, objected to my going +into any bargain with Mr. Brooks, without the advice and consent of +Mr. Thomas Clute, who then lived on my land and near me. Mr. Clute was +accordingly called on, to whom Mr. Brooks repeated his former statement, +and added, that he would get an act passed in the Congress of the United +States, that would invest me with all the rights and immunities of a +citizen, so far as it respected my property. Mr. Clute, suspecting that +some plan was in operation that would deprive me of my possessions, +advised me to have nothing to say on the subject to Mr. Brooks, till I +had seen Esquire Clute, of Squawky Hill. Soon after this Thomas Clute +saw Esq. Clute, who informed him that the petition for my naturalization +would be presented to the Legislature of this State, instead of being +sent to Congress; and that the object would succeed to his and my +satisfaction. Mr. Clute then observed to his brother, Esq. Clute, +that as the sale of Indian lands, which had been reserved, belonged +exclusively to the United States, an act of the Legislature of New-York +could have no effect in securing to me a title to my reservation, or in +depriving me of my property. They finally agreed that I should sign +a petition to Congress, praying for my naturalization, and for the +confirmation of the title of my land to me, my heirs, &c. + +Mr. Brooks came with the petition: I signed it, and it was witnessed +by Thomas Clute, and two others, and then returned to Mr. Brooks, who +presented it to the Legislature of this state at its session in the +winter of 1816-17. On the 19th of April, 1817, an act was passed for +my naturalization, and ratifying and confirming the title of my land, +agreeable to the tenor of the petition, which act Mr. Brooks presented +to me on the first day of May following. + +Thomas Clute having examined the law, told me that it would probably +answer, though it was not according to the agreement made by Mr. Brooks, +and Esq. Clute and himself, for me. I then executed to Micah Brooks and +Jellis Clute, a deed of all my land lying east of the picket line on the +Gardow reservation, containing about 7000 acres. + +It is proper in this place to observe, in relation to Mr. Thomas Clute, +that my son John, a few months before his death, advised me to take +him for my guardian, (as I had become old and incapable of managing my +property,) and to compensate him for his trouble by giving him a lot +of land on the west side of my reservation where he should choose it. +I accordingly took my son's advice, and Mr. Clute has ever since been +faithful and honest in all his advice and dealings with, and for, myself +and family. + +In the month of August, 1817, Mr. Brooks and Esq. Clute again came to +me with a request that I would give them a lease of the land which I had +already deeded to them, together with the other part of my reservation, +excepting and reserving to myself only about 4000 acres. + +At this time I informed Thomas Clute of what John had advised, and +recommended me to do, and that I had consulted my daughters on the +subject, who had approved of the measure. He readily agreed to assist +me; whereupon I told him he was entitled to a lot of land, and might +select as John had mentioned. He accordingly at that time took such a +piece as he chose, and the same has ever since been reserved for him in +all the land contracts which I have made. + +On the 24th of August, 1817, I leased to Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute, +the whole of my original reservation, except 4000 acres, and Thomas +Clute's lot. Finding their title still incomplete, on account of the +United States government and Seneca Chiefs not having sanctioned my +acts, they solicited me to renew the contract, and have the conveyance +made to them in such a manner as that they should thereby be constituted +sole proprietors of the soil. + +In the winter of 1822-3, I agreed with them, that if they would get the +chiefs of our nation, and a United States Commissioner of Indian Lands, +to meet in council at Moscow, Livingston county, N. Y. and there concur +in my agreement, that I would sell to them all my right and title to the +Gardow reservation, with the exception of a tract for my own benefit, +two miles long, and one mile wide, lying on the river where I should +choose it; and also reserving Thomas Clute's lot. This arrangement was +agreed upon, and the council assembled at the place appointed, on the 3d +or 4th day of September, 1823. + +That council consisted of Major Carrol, who had been appointed by +the President to dispose of my lands, Judge Howell and N. Gorham, of +Canandaigua, (who acted in concert with Maj. Carrol,) Jasper Parrish, +Indian Agent, Horatio Jones, Interpreter, and a great number of Chiefs. + +The bargain was assented to unanimously, and a deed given to H. B. +Gibson, Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute, of the whole Gardow tract, +excepting the last mentioned reservations, which was signed by myself +and upwards of twenty Chiefs. + +The land which I now own, is bounded as follows:--Beginning at the +center of the Great Slide [Footnote: The Great Slide of the bank of +Genesee river is a curiosity worthy of the attention of the traveller. +In the month of May, 1817, a portion of land thickly covered with +timber, situated at the upper end of the Gardow flats, on the west side +of the river, all of a sudden gave way, and with a tremendous crash, +slid into the bed of the river, which it so completely filled, that the +stream formed a new passage on the east side of it, where it continues +to run, without overflowing the slide. This slide, as it now lies, +contains 22 acres, and has a considerable share of the timber that +formerly covered it, still standing erect upon it, and growing.] and +running west one mile, thence north two miles, thence east about one +mile to Genesee river, thence south on the west bank of Genesee river to +the place of beginning. + +In consideration of the above sale, the purchasers have bound +themselves, their heirs, assigns, &c. to pay to me, my heirs or +successors, three hundred dollars a year forever. + +Whenever the land which I have reserved, shall be sold, the income of +it is to be equally divided amongst the members of the Seneca nation, +without any reference to tribes or families. + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + +Conclusion.--Review of her Life.--Reflections on the loss of +Liberty.--Care she took to preserve her Health.--Indians' abstemiousness +in Drinking, after the French War.--Care of their Lives, &c.--General +use of Spirits--Her natural Strength.--Purchase of her first Cow.--Means +by which she has been supplied with Food.--Suspicions of her having been +a Witch.--Her Constancy.--Number of Children.--Number Living.--Their +Residence.--Closing Reflection. + +When I review my life, the privations that I have suffered, the +hardships I have endured, the vicissitudes I have passed, and the +complete revolution that I have experienced in my manner of living; +when I consider my reduction from a civilized to a savage state, and the +various steps by which that process has been effected, and that my life +has been prolonged, and my health and reason spared, it seems a miracle +that I am unable to account for, and is a tragical medley that I hope +will never be repeated. + +The bare loss of liberty is but a mere trifle when compared with the +circumstances that necessarily attend, and are inseparably connected +with it. It is the recollection of what we once were, of the friends, +the home, and the pleasures that we have left or lost; the anticipation +of misery, the appearance of wretchedness, the anxiety for freedom, the +hope of release, the devising of means of escaping, and the vigilance +with which we watch our keepers, that constitute the nauseous dregs of +the bitter cup of slavery. I am sensible, however, that no one can pass +from a state of freedom to that of slavery, and in the last situation +rest perfectly contented; but as every one knows that great exertions +of the mind tend directly to debilitate the body, it will appear obvious +that we ought, when confined, to exert all our faculties to promote our +present comfort, and let future days provide their own sacrifices. In +regard to ourselves, just as we feel, we are. + +For the preservation of my life to the present time I am indebted to +an excellent constitution, with which I have been blessed in as great a +degree as any other person. After I arrived to years of understanding, +the care of my own health was one of my principal studies; and by +avoiding exposures to wet and cold, by temperance in eating, abstaining +from the use of spirits, and shunning the excesses to which I was +frequently exposed, I effected my object beyond what I expected. I have +never once been sick till within a year or two, only as I have related. +Spirits and tobacco I have never used, and I have never once attended an +Indian frolic. When I was taken prisoner, and for sometime after that, +spirits was not known; and when it was first introduced, it was in small +quantities, and used only by the Indians; so that it was a long time +before the Indian women begun to even taste it. + +After the French war, for a number of years, it was the practice of the +Indians of our tribe to send to Niagara and get two or three kegs of +rum, (in all six or eight gallons,) and hold a frolic as long as it +lasted. When the rum was brought to the town, all the Indians collected, +and before a drop was drank, gave all their knives, tomahawks, guns, and +other instruments of war, to one Indian, whose business it was to bury +them in a private place, keep them concealed, and remain perfectly +sober till the frolic was ended. Having thus divested themselves, they +commenced drinking, and continued their frolic till every drop was +consumed, If any of them became quarrelsome, or got to fighting, those +who were sober enough bound them upon the ground, where they were +obliged to lie till they got sober, and then were unbound. When the +fumes of the spirits had left the company, the sober Indian returned +to each the instruments with which they had entrusted him, and all went +home satisfied. A frolic of that kind was held but once a year, and +that at the time the Indians quit their hunting, and come in with their +deer-skins. + +In those frolics the women never participated. Soon after the +revolutionary war, however, spirits became common in our tribe, and +has been used indiscriminately by both sexes; though there are not so +frequent instances of intoxication amongst the squaws as amongst the +Indians. + +To the introduction and use or that baneful article, which has made such +devastation in our tribes, and threatens the extinction of our people, +(the Indians,) I can with the greatest propriety impute the whole of my +misfortune in losing my three sons. But as I have before observed, not +even the love of life will restrain an Indian from sipping the poison +that he knows will destroy him. The voice of nature, the rebukes of +reason, the advice of parents, the expostulations of friends, and the +numerous instances of sudden death, are all insufficient to reclaim +an Indian, who has once experienced the exhilarating and inebriating +effects of spirits, from seeking his grave in the bottom of his bottle! + +My strength has been great for a woman of my size, otherwise I must long +ago have died under the burdens which I was obliged to carry. I learned +to carry loads on my back, in a strap placed across my forehead, soon +after my captivity; and continue to carry in the same way. Upwards of +thirty years ago, with the help of my young children, I backed all the +boards that were used about my house from Allen's mill at the outlet +of Silver Lake, a distance of five miles. I have planted, hoed, and +harvested corn every season but one since I was taken prisoner. Even +this present fall (1823) I have husked my corn and backed it into the +house. + +The first cow that I ever owned, I bought of a squaw sometime after the +revolution. It had been stolen from the enemy. I had owned it but a few +days when it fell into a hole, and almost died before we could get it +out. After this, the squaw wanted to be recanted, but as I would not +give up the cow, I gave her money enough to make, when added to the sum +which I paid her at first, thirty-five dollars. Cows were plenty on the +Ohio, when I lived there, and of good quality. + +For provisions I have never suffered since I came upon the flats; nor +have I ever been in debt to any other hands than my own for the plenty +that I have shared. + +My vices, that have been suspected, have been but few. It was believed +for a long time, by some of our people, that I was a great witch; but +they were unable to prove my guilt, and consequently I escaped the +certain doom of those who are convicted of that crime, which, by +Indians, is considered as heinous as murder. Some of my children had +light brown hair, and tolerable fair skin, which used to make some say +that I stole them; yet as I was ever conscious of my own constancy, +I never thought that any one really believed that I was guilty of +adultery. + +I have been the mother of eight children; three of whom are now living, +and I have at this time thirty-nine grand children, and fourteen +great-grand children, all living in the neighborhood of Genesee River, +and at Buffalo. + +I live in my own house, and on my own land with my youngest daughter, +Polly, who is married to George Chongo, and has three children. + +My daughter Nancy, who is married to Billy Green, lives about 80 rods +south of my house, and has seven children. + +My other, daughter, Betsey, is married to John Green, has seven +children, and resides 80 rods north of my house. + +Thus situated in the midst of my children, I expect I shall soon leave +the world, and make room for the rising generation. I feel the weight +of years with which I am loaded, and am sensible of my daily failure in +seeing, hearing and strength; but my only anxiety is for my family. If +my family will live happily, and I can be exempted from trouble while I +have to stay, I feel as though I could lay down in peace a life that has +been checked in almost every hour, with troubles of a deeper dye, than +are commonly experienced by mortals. + + + + +APPENDIX. + + +An account of the destruction of a part of the British Army, by the +Indians, at a place called the Devil's Hole, on the Niagara River, in +the year 1763. + +It is to be regretted that an event of so tragical a nature as the +following, should have escaped the pens of American Historians, and +have been suffered to slide down the current of time, to the verge +of oblivion, without having been snatched almost from the vortex +of forgetfulness, and placed on the faithful page, as a memorial of +premeditated cruelties, which, in former times, were practised upon the +white people, by the North American Savages. + +Modern History, perhaps, cannot furnish a parallel so atrocious in +design and execution, as the one before us, and it may be questioned, +even if the history of ancient times, when men fought hand to hand, and +disgraced their nature by inventing engines of torture, can more than +produce its equal. + +It will be observed in the preceding narrative, that the affair at +the Devil's Hole is said to have happened in November, 1759. That Mrs. +Jemison arrived at Genesee about that time, is rendered certain from a +number of circumstances; and that a battle was fought on the Niagara in +Nov. 1759, in which two prisoners and some oxen were taken, and brought +to Genesee, as she has stated, is altogether probable. But it is equally +certain that the event which is the subject of this article, did not +take place till the year 1763. + +In the time of the French war, the neighborhood of Forts Niagara and +Sclusser, (or Schlosser, as it was formerly written,) on the Niagara +river, was a general battle-ground, and for this reason, Mrs. Jemison's +memory ought not to be charged with treachery, for not having been able +to distinguish accurately, after the lapse of sixty years, between the +circumstances of one engagement and those of another. She resided on +the Genesee at the time when the warriors of that tribe marched off to +assist in laying the ambush at the Devil's Hole; and no one will doubt +her having heard them rehearse the story of the event of that nefarious +campaign, after they returned. + +Chronology and history concur in stating that Fort Niagara was taken +from the French, by the British, and that Gen. Prideaux was killed on +the 25th of July, 1759. + +Having obtained from Mrs. Jemison a kind of introduction to the story, I +concluded that if it yet remained possible to procure a correct account +of the circumstances which led to and attended that transaction, +it would be highly gratifying to the American public, I accordingly +directed a letter to Mr. Linus S. Everett, of Buffalo, whose ministerial +labor, I well knew, frequently called him to Lewiston, requesting him to +furnish me with a particular account of the destruction of the British, +at the time and place before mentioned. He obligingly complied with my +request, and gave me the result of his inquiries on that subject, in the +following letter:-- + +Copy of a letter from Mr. Linus S. Everett, dated Fort Sclusser, 29th +December, 1823. + +_Respected and dear friend_, + +I hasten, with much pleasure, to comply with your request, in regard to +the affair at the Devil's Hole. I have often wondered that no authentic +account has ever been given of that bloody and tragical scene. + +I have made all the inquiries that appear to be of any use, and proceed +to give you the result. + +At this place, (Fort Sclusser,) an old gentleman now resides, to whom +I am indebted for the best account of the affair that can be easily +obtained. His name is Jesse Ware--his age about 74. Although he was not +a resident of this part of the country at the time of the event, yet +from his intimate acquaintance with one of the survivors, he is able to +give much information, which otherwise could not be obtained. + +The account that he gives is as follows:--In July, 1759, the British, +under Sir William Johnston, took possession of Forts Niagara and +Sclusser, which had before been in the hands of the French. At this +time, the Seneca Indians, (which were a numerous and powerful nation,) +were hostile to the British, and warmly allied to the French. These +two posts, (viz.) Niagara and Sclusser, were of great importance to the +British, on the account of affording the means of communication with the +posts above, or on the upper lakes. In 1760, a contract was made between +Sir William Johnston and a Mr. Stedman, to construct a portage road from +Queenston landing to Fort Sclusser, a distance of eight miles, in order +to facilitate the transportation of provision, ammunition, &c. from +one place to the other. In conformity to this agreement, on the 20th of +June, 1763, Stedman had completed his road, and appeared at Queenston +Landing, (now Lewiston,) with twenty-five portage wagons, and one +hundred horses and oxen, to transport to Fort Sclusser the king's +stores. + +At this time Sir William Johnston was suspicious of the intentions of +the Senecas; for after the surrender of the forts by the French, they +had appeared uneasy and hostile. In order to prevent the teams, drivers +and goods, receiving injury, he detached 300 troops to guard them +across the portage. The teams, under this escort, started from Queenston +landing--Stedman, who had the charge of the whole, was on horse back, +and rode between the troops and teams; all the troops being in front. +On a small hill near the Devil's Hole, at that time, was a redoubt +of twelve men, which served as a kind of guard on ordinary occasions, +against the depredations of the savages. "On the arrival of the troops +and teams at the Devil's Hole," says a manuscript in the hands of my +informant, "the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the Seneca Indians, +sallied from the adjoining woods, by thousands, (where they had been +concealed for some time before, for that nefarious purpose,) and falling +upon the troops, teams and drivers, and the guard of twelve men before +mentioned, they killed all the men but three on the spot, or by driving +them, together with the teams, down the precipice, which was about +seventy or eighty feet! The Indians seized Stedman's horse by the +bridle, while he was on him, designing, no doubt, to make his sufferings +more lasting than that of his companions: but while the bloody scene was +acting, the attention of the Indian who held the horse of Stedman being +arrested, he cut the reins of his bridle--clapped spurs to his horse, +and rode over the dead and dying, into the adjacent woods, without +receiving injury from the enemy's firing. Thus he escaped; and besides +him two others--one a drummer, who fell among the trees, was caught by +his drum strap, and escaped unhurt; the other, one who fell down the +precipice and broke his thigh, but crawled to the landing or garrison +down the river." The following September, the Indians gave Stedman a +piece of land, as a reward for his bravery. + +With sentiments of respect, I remain, sir, your sincere friend, L. S. +EVERETT. + +_Mr. J. E. Seaver_. + + * * * * * + +A particular account of General Sullivan's Expedition against the +Indians, in the western part of the State of New-York, in 1779. + +It has been thought expedient to publish in this volume, the following +account of Gen. Sullivan's expedition, in addition to the facts related +by Mrs. Jemison, of the barbarities which were perpetrated upon Lieut. +Boyd, and two others, who were taken, and who formed a part of his army, +etc. A detailed account of this expedition has never been in the +hands of the public; and as it is now produced from a source deserving +implicit credit, it is presumed that it will be received with +satisfaction. + +John Salmon, Esq. to whom we are happy to acknowledge our indebtedness +for the subjoined account, is an old gentleman of respectability and +good standing in society; and is at this time a resident in the town of +Groveland, Livingston county, New-York. He was a hero in the American +war for independence; fought in the battles of his country under the +celebrated Morgan; survived the blast of British oppression; and now, in +the decline of life, sits under his own well earned vine and fig-tree, +near the grave of his unfortunate countrymen, who fell gloriously, while +fighting the ruthless savages, under the command of the gallant Boyd. + +In the autumn after the battle at Monmouth, (1778,) Morgan's riflemen, +to which corps I belonged, marched to Schoharie, in this state of +New-York, and there went into winter quarters. The company to which I +was attached, was commanded by Capt. Michael Simpson; and Thomas Boyd, +of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, was our Lieutenant. + +In the following spring, our corps, together with the whole body of +troops under the command of Gen. Clinton, to the amount of about 1500, +embarked in boats at Schenectady, and ascended the Mohawk as far as +German Flats. Thence we took a direction to Otsego lake, descended the +Susquehanna, and without any remarkable occurrence, arrived at Tioga +Point, where our troops united with an army of 1500 men under the +command of Gen. Sullivan, who had marched through a part of New-Jersey, +and had reached that place by the way of Wyoming, some days before us. + +That part of the army under Gen. Sullivan, had, on their arrival at +Tioga Point, found the Indians in some force there, with whom they had +had some unimportant skirmishes before our arrival. Upon the junction +of these two bodies of troops, Gen. Sullivan assumed the command of the +whole, and proceeded up the Tioga. When within a few miles of the place +now called Newtown, we were met by a body of Indians, and a number of +troops well known in those times by the name of Butler's Rangers, who +had thrown up, hastily, a breastwork of logs, trees, &c. They were, +however, easily driven from their works, with considerable loss on their +part, and without any injury to our troops. The enemy fled with so +much precipitation, that they left behind them some stores and camp +equippage. They retreated but a short distance before they made a stand, +and built another breastwork of considerable length, in the woods, near +a small opening. Sullivan was soon apprized of their situation, divided +his army, and attempted to surround, by sending one half to the right +and the other to the left, with directions to meet on the opposite +side of the enemies. In order to prevent their retreating, he directed +bomb-shells to be thrown over them, which was done: but on the shells +bursting, the Indians suspected that a powerful army had opened a heavy +fire upon them on that side, and fled with the utmost precipitation +through one wing of the surrounding army. A great number of the enemy +were killed, and our army suffered considerably. + +The Indians having, in this manner, escaped, they went up the river to +a place called the Narrows, where they were attacked by our men, who +killed them in great numbers, so that the sides of the rocks next the +river appeared as though blood had been poured on them by pailfulls. The +Indians threw their dead into the river, and escaped the best way they +could. + +From Newtown our army went directly to the head of the Seneca lake; +thence down that lake to its mouth, where we found the Indian village at +that place evacuated, except by a single inhabitant--a male child about +seven or eight years of age, who was found asleep in one of the Indian +huts. Its fate I have never ascertained. It was taken into the care of +an officer of the army, who, on account of ill health, was not on duty, +and who took the child with him, as I have since understood, to his +residence on or near the North river. + +From the mouth of Seneca lake we proceeded, without the occurrence of +any thing of importance, by the outlets of the Canandaigua, Honeoye, and +Hemlock lakes, to the head of Connissius lake, where the army encamped +on the ground that is now called Henderson's Flats. + +Soon after the army had encamped, at the dusk of the evening, a party of +twenty-one men, under the command of Lieut. Boyd, was detached from the +rifle corps, and sent out for the purpose of reconnoitering the ground +near the Genesee river, at a place now called Williamsburg, at a +distance from the camp of about seven miles, under the guidance of +a faithful Indian pilot. That place was then the site of an Indian +village, and it was apprehended that the Indians and Rangers might be +there or in that vicinity in considerable force. + +On the arrival of the party at Williamsburg, they found that the Indian +village had been recently deserted, as the fires in the huts were still +burning. The night was so far spent when they got to their place of +destination, that Lieutenant Boyd, considering the fatigue of his men, +concluded to remain during the night near the village, and to send two +men messengers with a report to the camp in the morning. Accordingly, +a little before daybreak, he despatched two men to the main body of the +army, with information that the enemy had not been discovered. + +After day-light, Lieut. Boyd cautiously crept from the place of his +concealment, and upon getting a view of the village, discovered two +Indians hovering about the settlement: one of whom was immediately shot +and scalped by one of the riflemen, whose name was Murphy. Supposing +that if there were Indians in that vicinity, or near the village, they +would be instantly alarmed by this occurrence, Lieut. Boyd thought it +most prudent to retire, and make the best of his way to the general +encampment of our army. They accordingly set out and retraced the steps +which they had taken the day before, till they were intercepted by the +enemy. + +On their arriving within about one mile and a half of the main army, +they were surprized by the sudden appearance of a body of Indians, to +the amount of five hundred, under the command of the celebrated Brandt, +and the same number of Rangers, commanded by the infamous Butler, who +had secreted themselves in a ravine of considerable extent, which lay +across the track that Lieut. Boyd had pursued. + +Upon discovering the enemy, and knowing that the only chance for +escape was by breaking through their line, (one of the most desperate +enterprizes ever undertaken,) Lieut. Boyd, after a few words of +encouragement, led his men to the attempt. As extraordinary as it may +seem, the first onset, though unsuccessful, was made without the loss of +a man on the part of the heroic band, though several of the enemy were +killed. Two attempts more were made, which were equally unsuccessful, +and in which the whole party fell, except Lieut. Boyd, and eight others. +Lieut. Boyd and a soldier by the name of Parker, were taken prisoners on +the spot, a part of the remainder fled, and a part fell on the ground, +apparently dead, and were overlooked by the Indians, who were too much +engaged in pursuing the fugitives to notice those who fell. + +When Lieut. Boyd found himself a prisoner, he solicited an interview +with Brandt, whom he well knew commanded the Indians. This Chief, who +was at that moment near, immediately presented himself, when Lieut. +Boyd, by one of those appeals which are known only by those who have +been initiated and instructed in certain mysteries, and which never fail +to bring succor to a "distressed brother," addressed him as the only +source from which he could expect a respite from cruel punishment or +death. The appeal was recognized, and Brandt immediately, and in the +strongest language, assured him that his life should be spared. + +Lieut. Boyd, and his fellow-prisoner, Parker, were immediately conducted +by a party of the Indians to the Indian village called Beard's Town, on +the west side of Genesee river, in what is now called Leicester. After +their arrival at Beard's Town, Brandt, their generous preserver, being +called on service which required a few hours absence, left them in the +care of the British Col. Butler, of the Rangers; who, as soon as Brandt +had left them, commenced an interrogation, to obtain from the prisoners +a statement of the number, situation and intentions of the army +under Gen. Sullivan; and threatened them, in case they hesitated or +prevaricated in their answers, to deliver them up immediately to +be massacred by the Indians, who, in Brandt's absence, and with the +encouragement of their more savage commander, Butler, were ready to +commit the greatest cruelties. Relying, probably, on the promises which +Brandt had made them, and which he undoubtedly meant to fulfil, they +refused to give Butler the desired information. Butler, upon this, +hastened to put his threat into execution. They were delivered to some +of their most ferocious enemies, who, after having put them to very +severe torture, killed them by severing their heads from their bodies. + +The main army, immediately after hearing of the situation of Lieut. +Boyd's detachment, moved on towards Genesee river, and finding the +bodies of those who were slain in Boyd's heroic attempt to penetrate +through the enemy's line, buried them in what is now the town of +Groveland, where the grave is to be seen at this day. + +Upon their arrival at the Genesee river, they crossed over, scoured the +country for some distance on the river, burnt the Indian villages on +the Genesee flats, and destroyed all their corn and other means of +subsistence. + +The bodies of Lieut. Boyd and Parker were found and buried near the bank +of Beard's creek, under a bunch of wild plum-trees, on the road, as it +now runs, from Moscow to Geneseo. I was one of those who committed to +the earth the remains of my friend and companion in arms, the gallant +Boyd. + +Immediately after these events the army commenced its march back, by the +same route that it came, to Tioga Point; thence down the Susquehanna to +Wyoming; and thence across the country to Morristown, New-Jersey, where +we went into winter quarters. + +Gen. Sullivan's bravery is unimpeachable. He was unacquainted, however, +with fighting the Indians, and made use of the best means to keep them +at such a distance that they could not be brought into an engagement. It +was his practice, morning and evening, to have cannon fired in or near +the camp, by which the Indians were notified of their speed in marching, +and of his situation, and were enabled to make a seasonable retreat. + +The foregoing account, according to the best of my recollection is +strictly correct. + +JOHN SALMON. + +Groveland, January 24, 1824. + +Esq. Salmon was formerly from Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and +was first Serjeant in Capt. Simpson's and Lieut. Boyd's company. + +Tradition of the Origin of the Seneca Nation.--Their Preservation +from utter extinction.--The Means by which the People who preceded the +Senecas were destroyed--and the Cause of the different Indian Languages. + +The tradition of the Seneca Indians, in regard to their origin, as +we are assured by Capt. Horatio Jones, who was a prisoner five years +amongst them, and for many years since has been an interpreter, and +agent for the payment of their annuities, is that they broke out of the +earth from a large mountain at the head of Canandaigua Lake, and that +mountain they still venerate as the place of their birth; thence they +derive their name, "Ge-nun-de-wah," [Footnote: This by some is spoken +Ge-nun-de-wah-gauh.] or Great Hill, and are called "The Great Hill +People," which is the true definition of the word Seneca. + +The great hill at the head of Canandaigua lake, from whence they sprung, +is called Genundewah, and has for a long time past been the place where +the Indians of that nation have met in council, to hold great talks, and +to offer up prayers to the Great Spirit, on account of its having been +their birth place; and also in consequence of the destruction of a +serpent at that place, in ancient time, in a most miraculous manner, +which threatened the destruction of the whole of the Senecas, and barely +spared enough to commence replenishing the earth. + +The Indians say, says Capt. Jones, that the fort on the big hill, or +Genundewah, near the head of Canandaigua lake, was surrounded by a +monstrous serpent, whose head and tail came together at the gate. A long +time it lay there, confounding the people with its breath. At length +they attempted to make their escape, some with their hommany-blocks, and +others with different implements of household furniture; and in marching +out of the fort walked down the throat of the serpent. Two orphan +children, who had escaped this general destruction by being left some +time before on the outside of the fort, were informed by an oracle of +the means by which they could get rid of their formidable enemy--which +was, to take a small bow and a poisoned arrow, made of a kind of willow, +and with that shoot the serpent under its scales. This they did, and +the arrow proved effectual; for on its penetrating the skin, the serpent +became sick, and extending itself rolled down the hill, destroying all +the timber that was in its way, disgorging itself and breaking wind +greatly as it went. At every motion, a human head was discharged, and +rolled down the hill into the lake, where they lie at this day, in a +petrified state, having the hardness and appearance of stones. + +To this day the Indians visit that sacred place, to mourn the loss +of their friends, and to celebrate some rites that are peculiar to +themselves. To the knowledge of white people there has been no timber +on the great hill since it was first discovered by them, though it lay +apparently in a state of nature for a great number of years, without +cultivation. Stones in the shape of Indians' heads may be seen lying +in the lake in great plenty, which are said to be the same that were +deposited there at the death of the serpent. + +The Senecas have a tradition, that previous to, and for some time after, +their origin at Genundewah, this country, especially about the lakes, +was thickly inhabited by a race of civil, enterprizing and industrious +people, who were totally destroyed by the great serpent, that afterwards +surrounded the great hill fort, with the assistance of others of the +same species; and that they (the Senecas) went into possession of the +improvements that were left. + +In those days the Indians throughout the whole country, as the Senecas +say, spoke one language; but having become considerably numerous, the +before mentioned great serpent, by an unknown influence, confounded +their language, so that they could not understand each other; which was +the cause of their division into nations, as the Mohawks, Oneidas, &c. +At that time, however, the Senecas retained their original language, +and continued to occupy their mother hill, on which they fortified +themselves against their enemies, and lived peaceably, till having +offended the serpent, [Footnote: The pagans of the Senecas believe that +all the little snakes were made of the blood of the great serpent, after +it rolled into the lake.] they were cut off as before stated. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR RELIGION--FEASTS--AND GREAT SACRIFICE. + +Perhaps no people are more exact observers of religious duties than +those Indians among the Senecas, who are denominated pagans, in +contradistinction from those, who, having renounced some of their +former superstitious notions, have obtained the name of Christians. The +traditionary faith of their fathers, having been orally transmitted to +them from time immemorial, is implicitly believed, scrupulously adhered +to, and rigidly practised. They are agreed in their sentiments--are +all of one order, and have individual and public good, especially among +themselves, for the great motive which excites them to attend to those +moral virtues that are directed and explained by all their rules, and in +all their ceremonies. + +Many years have elapsed since the introduction of Christian Missionaries +among them, whom they have heard, and very generally understand the +purport of the message they were sent to deliver. They say that it is +highly probable that Jesus Christ came into the world in old times, +to establish a religion that would promote the happiness of the white +people, on the other side of the great water, (meaning the sea,) and +that he died for the sins of his people, as the missionaries have +informed them: But, they say that Jesus Christ had nothing to do +with them, and that the Christian religion was not designed for their +benefit; but rather, should they embrace it, they are confident it would +make them worse, and consequently do them an injury. They say, also, +that the Great Good Spirit gave them their religion; and that it is +better adapted to their circumstances, situation and habits, and to +the promotion of their present comfort and ultimate happiness, than any +system that ever has or can be devised. They, however, believe, that +the Christian religion is better calculated for the good of white people +than theirs is; and wonder that those who have embraced it, do not +attend more strictly to its precepts, and feel more engaged for its +support and diffusion among themselves. At the present time, they are +opposed to preachers or schoolmasters being sent or coming among them; +and appear determined by all means to adhere to their ancient customs. + +They believe in a Great Good Spirit, (whom they call in the Seneca +language Nau-wan-e-u,) as the Creator of the world, and of every good +thing--that he made men, and all inoffensive animals; that he supplies +men with all the comforts of life; and that he is particularly partial +to the Indians, whom they say are his peculiar people. They also believe +that he is pleased in giving them (the Indians) good gifts; and that he +is highly gratified with their good conduct--that he abhors their vices, +and that he is willing to punish them for their bad conduct, not only +in this world, but in a future state of existence. His residence, +they suppose, lies at a great distance from them, in a country that is +perfectly pleasant, where plenty abounds, even to profusion. That there +the soil is completely fertile, and the seasons so mild that the corn +never fails to be good--that the deer, elk, buffalo, turkies, and other +useful animals, are numerous, and that the forests are well calculated +to facilitate their hunting them with success--that the streams are +pure, and abound with fish: and that nothing is wanting, to render +fruition complete. Over this territory they say Nauwaneu presides as an +all-powerful king; and that without counsel he admits to his pleasures +all whom he considers to be worthy of enjoying so great a state of +blessedness. + +To this being they address prayers, offer sacrifices, give thanks for +favors, and perform many acts of devotion and reverence. + +They likewise believe that Nauwaneu has a brother that is less powerful +than himself, and who is opposed to him, and to every one that is or +wishes to be good: that this bad Spirit made all evil things, snakes, +wolves, catamounts, and all other poisonous or noxious animals and +beasts of prey, except the bear, which, on the account of the excellence +of its meat for food, and skin for clothing, they say was made by +Nauwaneu. Besides all this they say he makes and sends them their +diseases, bad weather and bad crops, and that he makes and supports +witches. He owns a large country adjoining that of his brother, with +whom he is continually at variance. His fields are unproductive; thick +clouds intercept the rays of the sun, and consequently destructive +frosts are frequent; game is very scarce, and not easily taken; ravenous +beasts are numerous; reptiles of every poisoned tooth lie in the path +of the traveller; streams are muddy, and hunger, nakedness and general +misery, are severely felt by those who unfortunately become his tenants. +He takes pleasure in afflicting the Indians here, and after their death +receives all those into his dreary dominions, who in their life time +have been so vile as to be rejected by Nauwaneu, under whose eye they +are continued in an uncomfortable state forever. To this source of +evil they offer some oblations to abate his vengeance, and render +him propitious. They, however, believe him to be, in a degree, under +subjection to his brother, and incapable of executing his plans only by +his high permission. + +Public religious duties are attended to in the celebration of particular +festivals and sacrifices, which are observed with circumspection and +attended with decorum. + +In each year they have five feasts, or stated times for assembling in +their tribes, and giving thanks to Nauwaneu, for the blessings which +they have received from his kind and liberal and provident hand; and +also to converse upon the best means of meriting a continuance of +his favors. The first of these feasts is immediately after they have +finished sugaring, at which time they give thanks for the favorable +weather and great quantity of sap they have had, and for the sugar that +they have been allowed to make for the benefit of their families. At +this, as at all the succeeding feasts, the Chiefs arise singly, and +address the audience in a kind of exhortation, in which they express +their own thankfulness, urge the necessity and propriety of general +gratitude, and point out the course which ought to be pursued by each +individual, in order that Nauwaneu may continue to bless them, and that +the evil spirit may be defeated. + +On these occasions the Chiefs describe a perfectly straight line, half +an inch wide, and perhaps ten miles long, which they direct their people +to travel upon by placing one foot before the other, with the heel of +one foot to the toe of the other, and so on till they arrive at the end. +The meaning of which is, that they must not turn aside to the right hand +or to the left into the paths of vice, but keep straight ahead in the +way of well doing, that will lead them to the paradise of Nauwaneu. + +The second feast is after planting; when they render thanks for +the pleasantness of the season--for the good time they have had for +preparing their ground and planting their corn; and are instructed by +their Chiefs, by what means to merit a good harvest. + +When the green corn becomes fit for use, they hold their third, or green +corn feast. Their fourth is celebrated after corn harvest; and the fifth +at the close of their year, and is always celebrated at the time of the +old moon in the last of January or first of February. This last deserves +a particular description. + +The Indians having returned, from hunting, and having brought in all the +venison and skins that they have taken, a committee is appointed, +says Mrs. Jemison, consisting of from ten to twenty active men, to +superintend the festivities of the great sacrifice and thanksgiving that +is to be immediately celebrated. This being done, preparations are +made at the council-house, or place of meeting, for the reception and +accommodation of the whole tribe; and then the ceremonies are commenced, +and the whole is conducted with a great degree of order and harmony, +under the direction of the committee. + +Two white dogs, [Footnote: This was the practice in former times; but at +present I am informed that only one dog is sacrificed.] without spot or +blemish, are selected (if such can be found, and if not, two that have +the fewest spots) from those belonging to the tribe, and killed near the +door of the council-house, by being strangled. A wound on the animal or +an effusion of blood, would spoil the victim, and render the sacrifice +useless. The dogs are then painted red on their faces, edges of their +ears, and on various parts of their bodies, and are curiously decorated +with ribbons of different colors, and fine feathers, which are tied and +fastened on in such a manner as to make the most elegant appearance. +They are then hung on a post near the door of the council-house, at the +height of twenty feet from the ground. + +This being done, the frolic is commenced by those who are present, while +the committee run through the tribe or town, and hurry the people to +assemble, by knocking on their houses. At this time the committee are +naked, (wearing only a breech-clout,) and each carries a paddle, with +which he takes up ashes and scatters them about the house in every +direction. In the course of the ceremonies, all the fire is extinguished +in every hut throughout the tribe, and new fire, struck from the flint +on each hearth, is kindled, after having removed the whole of the ashes, +old coals, &c. Having done this, and discharged one or two guns, they go +on, and in this manner they proceed till they have visited every house +in the tribe. This finishes the business of the first day. + +On the second day the committee dance, go through the town with +bear-skin on their legs, and at every time they start they fire a gun. +They also beg through the tribe, each carrying a basket in which to +receive whatever may be bestowed. The alms consist of Indian tobacco, +and other articles that are used for incense at the sacrifice. +Each manager at this time carries a dried tortoise or turtle shell, +containing a few beans, which he frequently rubs on the walls of the +houses, both inside and out. This kind of manoeuvering by the committee +continues two or three days, during which time the people at the +council-house recreate themselves by dancing. + +On the fourth or fifth day the committee make false faces of husks, in +which they run about, making a frightful but ludicrous appearance. +In this dress, (still wearing the bear-skin,) they run to the +council-house, smearing themselves with dirt, and bedaub every one who +refuses to contribute something towards filling the baskets of incense, +which they continue to carry, soliciting alms. During all this time they +collect the evil spirit, or drive it off entirely, for the present, and +also concentrate within themselves all the sins of their tribe, however +numerous or heinous. + +On the eighth or ninth day, the committee having received all the sin, +as before observed, into their own bodies, they take down the dogs, and +after having transfused the whole of it into one of their own number, +he, by a peculiar slight of hand, or kind of magic, works it all out of +himself into the dogs. The dogs, thus loaded with all the sins of the +people, are placed upon a pile of wood that is directly set on fire. +Here they are burnt, together with the sins with which they were loaded, +surrounded by the multitude, who throw incense of tobacco or the like +into the fire, the scent of which they say, goes up to Nauwaneu, to whom +it is pleasant and acceptable. + +This feast continues nine days, [Footnote: At present, as I have been +informed, this feast is not commonly held more than from five to seven +days. In former times, and till within a few years, nine days were +particularly observed.] and during that time the Chiefs review the +national affairs of the year past; agree upon the best plan to be +pursued through the next year, and attend to all internal regulations. + +On the last day, the whole company partake of an elegant dinner, +consisting of meat, corn and beans, boiled together in large kettles, +and stirred till the whole is completely mixed and soft. This mess is +devoured without much ceremony--some eat with a spoon, by dipping out of +the kettles; others serve themselves in small dippers; some in one way, +and some in another, till the whole is consumed. After this they perform +the war dance, the peace dance, and smoke the pipe of peace; and then, +free from iniquity, each repairs to his place of abode, prepared to +commence the business of a new year. In this feast, temperance is +observed, and commonly, order prevails in a greater degree than would +naturally be expected. + +They are fond of the company of spectators who are disposed to be +decent, and treat them politely in their way; but having been frequently +imposed upon by the whites, they treat them generally with indifference. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR DANCES. + +Of these, two only will be noticed. The war dance is said to have +originated about the time that the Six Nations, or Northern Indians, +commenced the old war with the Cherokees and other Southern Indian +Nations, about one hundred years ago. + +When a tribe, or number of tribes of the Six Nations, had assembled for +the purpose of going to battle with their enemies, the Chiefs sung +this song, and accompanied the music with dancing, and gestures that +corresponded with the sentiments expressed, as a kind of stimulant to +increase their courage, and anxiety to march forward to the place of +carnage. + +Those days having passed away, the Indians at this day sing the 'war +song,' to commemorate the achievements of their fathers, and as a kind +of amusement. When they perform it, they arm themselves with a war-club, +tomahawk and knife, and commence singing with firm voice, and a stern, +resolute countenance: but before they get through they exhibit in their +features and actions the most shocking appearance of anger, fury and +vengeance, that can be imagined: No exhibition of the kind can be more +terrifying to a stranger. + +The song requires a number of repetitions in the tune, and has a chorus +that is sung at the end of each verse. I have not presumed to arrange it +in metre; but the following is the substance: "We are assembled in the +habiliments of war, and will go in quest of our enemies. We will march +to their land and spoil their possessions. We will take their women and +children, and lead them into captivity. The warriors shall fall by our +war-clubs--we will give them no quarter. Our tomahawks we will dip in +their brains! with our scalping knives we will scalp them." At each +period comes on the chorus, which consists of one monosyllable only, +that is sounded a number of times, and articulated like a faint, stifled +groan. This word is "eh," and signifies "we will," or "we will go," or +"we will do." While singing, they perform the ceremony of killing and +scalping, with a great degree of dexterity. + +The peace dance is performed to a tune without words, by both sexes. The +Indians stand erect in one place, and strike the floor with the heel +and toes of one foot, and then of the other, (the heels and toes all the +while nearly level,) without changing their position in the least. The +squaws at the same time perform it by keeping the feet close together, +and without raising them from the ground, move a short distance to the +right, and then to the left, by first moving their toes and then their +heels. This dance is beautiful, and is generally attended with decency. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR GOVERNMENT. + +Their government is an oligarchy of a mixed nature; and is administered +by Chiefs, a part of whose offices are hereditary, and a part elective. +The nation is divided into tribes, and each tribe commonly has +two Chiefs. One of these inherits his office from his father. He +superintends all civil affairs in the tribe; attends the national +council, of which he is a member; assents to all conveyances of land, +and is consulted on every subject of importance. The other is elected +by the tribe, and can be removed at the pleasure of his constituents +for malconduct. He also is a member of the national council: but his +principal business is to superintend the military concerns of his tribe, +and in war to lead his warriors to battle. He acts in concert with the +other Chief, and their word is implicitly relied on, as the law by which +they must be governed. That which they prohibit, is not meddled with. +The Indian laws are few, and easily expounded. Their business of a +public nature is transacted in council, where every decision is final. +They meet in general council once a year, and sometimes oftener. The +administration of their government is not attended with expense. They +have no national revenue, and consequently have no taxes. + + * * * * * + +THE EXTENT AND NUMBER OF THE SIX NATIONS. + +The Six Nations in the state of New-York are located upon several +reservations, from the Oneida Lake to the Cattaraugus and Allegany +rivers. + +A part of those nations live on the Sandusky, in the state of Ohio, +viz--380 Cayugas, 300 Senecas, 64 Mohawks, 64 Oneidas, and 80 Onondagas. +The bulk of the Mohawks are on Grand River, Upper Canada, together with +some Senecas, Tuscaroras, Cayugas, Oneidas, and Onondagas. + +In the state of New-York there are 5000, and in the state of Ohio +688, as we are assured by Capt. Horatio Jones, agent for paying their +annuities, making in the whole, in both states, 5688. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR COURTSHIPS, &c. + +When an Indian sees a squaw whom he fancies, he sends a present to her +mother or parents, who on receiving it consult with his parents, his +friends, and each other, on the propriety and expediency of the proposed +connexion. If it is not agreeable, the present is returned; but if it +is, the lover is informed of his good fortune, and immediately goes to +live with her, or takes her to a hut of his own preparing. + +Polygamy is practised in a few instances, and is not prohibited. + +Divorces are frequent. If a difficulty of importance arises between a +married couple, they agree to separate. They divide their property and +children; the squaw takes the girls, the Indian the boys, and both are +at liberty to marry again. + +They have no marriage ceremony, nor form of divorcement, other than what +has been mentioned. + + * * * * * + +OF FAMILY GOVERNMENT. + +In their families, parents are very mild, and the mother superintends +the children. The word of the Indian father, however, is law, and must +be obeyed by the whole that are under his authority. + +One thing respecting the Indian women is worthy of attention, and +perhaps of imitation, although it is now a days considered beneath the +dignity of the ladies, especially those who are the most refined; and +that is, they are under a becoming subjection to their husbands. It is +a rule, inculcated in all the Indian tribes, and practised throughout +their generations, that a squaw shall not walk before her Indian, nor +pretend to take the lead in his business. And for this reason we never +can see a party on the march to or from hunting and the like, in which +the squaws are not directly in the rear of their partners. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR FUNERALS. + +The deceased having been laid out in his best clothing, is put into a +coffin of boards or bark, and with him is deposited, in every instance, +a small cup and a cake. Generally two or three candles are also put into +the coffin, and in a few instances, at the burial of a great man, all +his implements of war are buried by the side of the body. The coffin is +then closed and carried to the grave. On its being let down, the person +who takes the lead of the solemn transaction, or a Chief, addresses the +dead in a short speech, in which he charges him not to be troubled about +himself in his new situation, nor on his journey, and not to trouble his +friends, wife or children, whom he has left. Tells him that if he meets +with strangers on his way, he must inform them what tribe he belongs +to, who his relatives are, the situation in which he left them, and that +having done this, he must keep on till he arrives at the good fields in +the country of Nauwaneu. That when he arrives there he will see all his +ancestors and personal friends that have gone before him; who, together +with all the Chiefs of celebrity, will receive him joyfully, and furnish +him with every article of perpetual happiness. + +The grave is now filled and left till evening, when some of the nearest +relatives of the dead build a fire at the head of it, near which they +set till morning. In this way they continue to practise nine successive +nights, when, believing that their departed friend has arrived at the +end of his journey, they discontinue their attention. During this time +the relatives of the dead are not allowed to dance. + +Formerly, frolics were held, after the expiration of nine days, for +the dead, at which all the squaws got drunk, and those were the +only occasions on which they were intoxicated: but lately those are +discontinued, and squaws feel no delicacy in getting inebriated. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR CREDULITY. + +As ignorance is the parent of credulity, it is not a thing to be +wondered at that the Indians should possess it in a great degree, and +even suffer themselves to be dictated and governed by it in many of the +most important transactions of their lives. + +They place great confidence in dreams, attach some sign to every +uncommon circumstance, and believe in charms, spirits, and many +supernatural things that never existed, only in minds enslaved to +ignorance and tradition: but in no instance is their credulity so +conspicuous, as in their unalterable belief in witches. + +They believe there are many of these, and that next to the author of +evil, they are the greatest scourge to their people. The term witch, by +them, is used both in the masculine and feminine gender, and denotes a +person to whom the evil deity has delegated power to inflict diseases, +cause death, blast corn, bring bad weather, and in short to cause +almost any calamity to which they are liable. With this impression, and +believing that it is their actual duty to destroy, as far as lies in +their power, every source of unhappiness, it has been a custom among +them from time immemorial, to destroy every one that they could convict +of so heinous a crime; and in fact there is no reprieve from the +sentence. + +Mrs. Jemison informed us that more or less who had been charged with +being witches, had been executed in almost every year since she has +lived on the Genesee. Many, on being suspected, made their escape: +while others, before they were aware of being implicated, have been +apprehended and brought to trial. She says that a number of years ago, +an Indian chased a squaw, near Beard's Town, and caught her; but on +the account of her great strength she got away. The Indian, vexed and +disappointed, went home, and the next day reported that he saw her +have fire in her mouth, and that she was a witch. Upon this she was +apprehended and killed immediately. She was Big-tree's cousin, Mrs. +Jemison says she was present at the execution. She also saw one other +killed and thrown into the river. + +Col. Jeremiah Smith, of Leicester, near Beard's Town, saw an Indian +killed by his five brothers, who struck him on the head with their +tomahawks at one time. He was charged with being a witch, because of his +having been fortunate enough, when on a hunting party, to kill a number +of deer, while his comrades failed of taking any. + +Col. Smith also saw a squaw, who had been convicted of being a witch, +killed by having small green whips burnt till they were red hot, but +not quite coaled, and thrust down her throat. From such trifling causes +thousands have lost their lives, and notwithstanding the means that +are used for their reformation, the pagans will not suffer "a witch to +live." + + * * * * * + +OF THE MANNER OF FARMING, AS PRACTISED BY THE INDIAN WOMEN. + +It is well known that the squaws have all the labor of the field to +perform, and almost every other kind of hard service, which, in civil +society, is performed by the men. In order to expedite their business, +and at the same time enjoy each other's company, they all work together +in one field, or at whatever job they may have on hand. In the spring +they choose an old active squaw to be their driver and overseer when at +labor, for the ensuing year. She accepts the honor, and they consider +themselves bound to obey her. + +When the time for planting arrives, and the soil is prepared, the squaws +are assembled in the morning, and conducted into a field, where each +plants one row. They then go into the next field, plant once across, +and so on till they have gone through the tribe. If any remains to +be planted, they again commence where they did at first, (in the same +field,) and so keep on till the whole is finished. By this rule they +perform their labor of every kind, and every jealousy of one having done +more or less than another, is effectually avoided. + +Each squaw cuts her own wood; but it is all brought to the house under +the direction of the overseer--each bringing one back load. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR METHOD OF COMPUTING TIME, AND KEEPING THEIR RECORDS. + +This is done by moons and winters: a moon is a month, and the time from +the end of one winter to that of another, a year. + +From sunset till sunrise, they say that the sun is asleep. In the old of +the moon, when it does not shine in the night, they say it is dead. They +rejoice greatly at the sight of the new moon. + +In order to commemorate great events, and preserve the chronology of +them, the war Chief in each tribe keeps a war post. This post is a +peeled stick of timber, 10 or 12 feet high, that is erected in the town. +For a campaign they make, or rather the Chief makes, a perpendicular +red mark, about three inches long and half an inch wide; on the opposite +side from this, for a scalp, they make a red cross, thus, +; on another +side, for a prisoner taken, they make a red cross in this manner, X', +with a head or dot, and by placing such significant hireoglyphics in +so conspicuous a situation, they are enabled to ascertain with great +certainty the time and circumstances of past events. + +Hiokatoo had a war-post, on which was recorded his military exploits, +and other things that he tho't worth preserving. + + * * * * * + +ANECDOTES. + +Hiokatoo used to say that when he was a young man, there lived in the +same tribe with him an old Indian warrior, who was a great counsellor, +by the name of Buck-in-je-hil-lish. Buckinjehillish having, with +great fatigue, attended the council when it was deliberating upon war, +declared that none but the ignorant made war, but that the wise men +and the warriors had to do the fighting. This speech exasperated his +countrymen to such a degree that he was apprehended and tried for being +a witch, on the account of his having lived to so advanced an age; and +because he could not show some reason why he had not died before, he was +sentenced to be tomahawked by a boy on the spot, which was accordingly +done. + +In the last war, (1814,) an Indian who had been on fatigue, called at +a commissary's and begged some bread. He was sent for a pail of water +before he received it, and while he was absent an officer told the +commissary to put a piece of money into the bread, and observe the +event. He did so. The Indian took the bread and went off: but on the +next day having ate his bread and found the money, he came to the +commissary and gave him the same, as the officer had anticipated. + +Little Beard, a celebrated Indian Chief, having arrived to a very +advanced age, died at his town on the Genesee river about the first of +June, 1806, and was buried after the manner of burying chiefs. In his +life time he had been quite arbitrary, and had made some enemies whom he +hated, probably, and was not loved by them. The grave, however, deprives +envy of its malignity, and revenge of its keenness. + +Little Beard had been dead but a few days when the great eclipse of the +sun took place, on the sixteenth of June, which excited in the Indians +a great degree of astonishment; for as they were ignorant of astronomy, +they were totally unqualified to account for so extraordinary a +phenomenon. The crisis was alarming, and something effectual must be +done, without delay, to remove, if possible, the cause of such coldness +and darkness, which it was expected would increase. They accordingly ran +together in the three towns near the Genesee river, and after a short +consultation agreed that Little Beard, on the account of some old grudge +which he yet cherished towards them, had placed himself between them and +the sun, in order that their corn might not grow, and so reduce them to +a state of starvation. Having thus found the cause, the next thing was +to remove it, which could only be done the use of powder and ball. +Upon this, every gun and rifle was loaded, and a firing commenced, that +continued without cessation till the old fellow left his seat, and the +obscurity was entirely removed, to the great joy of the ingenious and +fortunate Indians. + +In the month of February, 1824, Corn Planter, a learned pagan Chief +at Tonnewonta, died of common sickness. He had received a liberal +education, and was held in high estimation in his town and tribe, by +both parties; but the pagans more particularly mourned his loss deeply, +and seemed entirely unreconciled. They imputed his death to witchcraft, +and charged an Indian by the name of Prompit, with the crime. + +Mr. Prompit is a Christian Indian, of the Tuscarora nation, who has +lived at Tonnewonta a number of years, where he has built a saw-mill +himself, which he owns, and is considered a decent, respectable man. + +About two weeks after the death of Corn Planter, Mr. Prompit happened in +company where the author was present, and immediately begun to converse +upon that subject. He said that the old fashioned Indians called him a +witch--believed that he had killed Corn Planter, and had said that +they would kill him. But, said he, all good people know that I am not a +witch, and that I am clear of the charge. Likely enough they will kill +me; but if they do, my hands are clean, my conscience is clear, and I +shall go up to God. I will not run nor hide from them, and they may kill +me if they choose to--I am innocent. When Jesus Christ's enemies, said +he, wanted to kill him, he did not run away from them, but let them kill +him; and why should I run away from my enemies? + +How the affair will terminate, we are unable to decide. + + * * * * * + +DESCRIPTION OF GENESEE RIVER AND ITS BANKS, FROM MOUNT MORRIS TO THE +UPPER FALLS. + +From Mount Morris the banks of the Genesee are from two to four hundred +feet in height, with narrow flats on one side of the river or the other, +till you arrive at the tract called Gardow, or Cross Hills. Here you +come to Mrs. Jemison's flats, which are two miles and a quarter long, +and from eighty to one hundred and twenty rods wide, lying mostly on the +west side of the river. + +Near the upper end of these flats is the Great Slide. Directly above +this, the banks (still retaining their before mentioned height) approach +so near each other as to admit of but thirty acres of flat on one side +of the river only, and above this the perpendicular rock comes down to +the water. + +From Gardow you ascend the river five miles to the lower falls, which +are ninety-three feet perpendicular. These falls are twenty rods wide, +and have the greatest channel on the east side. From Wolf creek to these +falls the banks are covered with elegant white and Norway pine. + +Above the lower falls the banks for about two miles are of perpendicular +rock, and retain their height of between two and four hundred feet. +Having travelled this distance you reach the middle falls, which are an +uninterrupted sheet of water fifteen rods wide, and one hundred and ten +feet in perpendicular height. This natural curiosity is not exceeded +by any thing of the kind in the western country, except the cataract at +Niagara. + +From the middle falls the banks gradually rise, till you ascend the +river half a mile, when you come to the upper falls, which are somewhat +rolling, 66 feet, in the shape of a harrow. Above this the banks are +of moderate height. The timber from the lower to the upper falls is +principally pine. Just above the middle falls a saw-mill was erected +this season (1823) by Messrs. Ziba Hurd and Alva Palmer. + + +HUNTING ANECDOTE. + +In November, 1822, Capt. Stephen Rolph and Mr. Alva Palmer drove a deer +into Genesee river, a short distance above the middle falls, where the +banks were so steep and the current so impetuous, that it could not +regain the shore, and consequently was precipitated over the falls, one +hundred and ten feet, into the gulph below. The hunters ran along the +bank below the falls, to watch the fate of the animal, expecting it +would be dashed in pieces. But to their great astonishment it came up +alive, and by swimming across a small eddy, reached the bank almost +under the falls; and as it stood in that situation, Capt. Ralph, who was +on the top of the bank, shot it. This being done, the next thing to be +considered was, how to get their prize. The rock being perpendicular, +upwards of one hundred feet, would not admit of their climbing down to +it, and there was no way, apparently, for them to get at it, short of +going down the river two miles, to the lower falls, and then by creeping +between the water and the precipice, they might possibly reach their +game. This process would be too tedious. At length Mr. Palmer proposed +to Capt. Rolph and Mr. Heman Merwin, who had joined them, that if they +would make a windlas and fasten it to a couple of saplings that stood +near, and then procure some ropes, he would be let down and get the +deer. The apparatus was prepared; the rope was tied round Palmer's body, +and he was let down. On arriving at the bottom he unloosed himself, +fastened the rope round the deer, which they drew up, and then threw +down the rope, in which he fastened himself, and was drawn up, without +having sustained any injury. From the top to the bottom of the rock, +where he was let down, was exactly one hundred and twenty feet. + + + + +FINIS + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary +Jemison, by James E. Seaver + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF MRS. 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MARY JEMISON *** + + + + +This eBook was produced by Robert Connal, David Moynihan, +Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + +A NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF MRS. MARY JEMISON, + +Who was taken by the Indians, in the year 1755, when only about twelve +years of age, and has continued to reside amongst them to the present time. + +CONTAINING + +An Account of the Murder of her Father and his Family; her sufferings; her +marriage to two Indians; her troubles with her Children; barbarities of +the Indians in the French and Revolutionary Wars; the life of her last +Husband, &c.; and many Historical Facts never before published. +_Carefully taken from her own words, Nov._ 29th, 1823. + +TO WHICH IS ADDED, + +An APPENDIX, containing an account of the tragedy at the Devil's Hole, in +1783, and of Sullivan's Expedition; the Traditions, Manners, Customs, &c. +of the Indians, as believed and practised at the present day, and since +Mrs. Jemison's captivity; together with some Anecdotes, and other +entertaining matter. + +BY JAMES E. SEAVER. + + + +PREFACE. + + +That to biographical writings we are indebted for the greatest and best +field in which to study mankind, or human nature, is a fact duly +appreciated by a well-informed community. In them we can trace the effects +of mental operations to their proper sources; and by comparing our own +composition with that of those who have excelled in virtue, or with that +of those who have been sunk in the lowest depths of folly and vice, we are +enabled to select a plan of life that will at least afford +self-satisfaction, and guide us through the world in paths of morality. + +Without a knowledge of the lives of the vile and abandoned, we should be +wholly incompetent to set an appropriate value upon the charms, the +excellence and the worth of those principles which have produced the +finest traits in the character of the most virtuous. + +Biography is a telescope of life, through which we can see the extremes +and excesses of the varied properties of the human heart. Wisdom and +folly, refinement and vulgarity, love and hatred, tenderness and cruelty, +happiness and misery, piety and infidelity, commingled with every other +cardinal virtue or vice, are to be seen on the variegated pages of the +history of human events, and are eminently deserving the attention of +those who would learn to walk in the "paths of peace." + +The brazen statue and the sculptured marble, can commemorate the greatness +of heroes, statesmen, philosophers, and blood-stained conquerors, who have +risen to the zenith of human glory and popularity, under the influence of +the mild sun of prosperity: but it is the faithful page of biography that +transmits to future generations the poverty, pain, wrong, hunger, +wretchedness and torment, and every nameless misery that has been endured +by those who have lived in obscurity, and groped their lonely way through +a long series of unpropitious events, with but little help besides the +light of nature. While the gilded monument displays in brightest colors +the vanity of pomp, and the emptiness of nominal greatness, the +biographical page, that lives in every line, is giving lessons of +fortitude in time of danger, patience in suffering, hope in distress, +invention in necessity, and resignation to unavoidable evils. Here also +may be learned, pity for the bereaved, benevolence for the destitute, and +compassion for the helpless; and at the same time all the sympathies of +the soul will be naturally excited to sigh at the unfavorable result, or +to smile at the fortunate relief. + +In the great inexplicable chain which forms the circle of human events, +each individual link is placed on a level with the others, and performs an +equal task; but, as the world is partial, it is the situation that +attracts the attention of mankind, and excites the unfortunate vociferous +eclat of elevation, that raises the pampered parasite to such an immense +height in the scale of personal vanity, as, generally, to deprive him of +respect, before he can return to a state of equilibrium with his fellows, +or to the place whence he started. + +Few great men have passed from the stage of action, who have not left in +the history of their lives indelible marks of ambition or folly, which +produced insurmountable reverses, and rendered the whole a mere +caricature, that can be examined only with disgust and regret. Such +pictures, however, are profitable, for "by others' faults wise men correct +their own." + +The following is a piece of biography, that shows what changes may be +effected in the animal and mental constitution of man; what trials may be +surmounted; what cruelties perpetrated, and what pain endured, when stern +necessity holds the reins, and drives the car of fate. + +As books of this kind are sought and read with avidity, especially by +children, and are well calculated to excite their attention, inform their +understanding, and improve them in the art of reading, the greatest care +has been observed to render the style easy, the language comprehensive, +and the description natural. Prolixity has been studiously avoided. The +line of distinction between virtue and vice has been rendered distinctly +visible; and chastity of expression and sentiment have received due +attention. Strict fidelity has been observed in the composition: +consequently, no circumstance has been intentionally exaggerated by the +paintings of fancy, nor by fine flashes of rhetoric: neither has the +picture been rendered more dull than the original. Without the aid of +fiction, what was received as matter of fact, only has been recorded. + +It will be observed that the subject of this narrative has arrived at +least to the advanced age of eighty years; that she is destitute of +education; and that her journey of life, throughout its texture, has been +interwoven with troubles, which ordinarily are calculated to impair the +faculties of the mind; and it will be remembered, that there are but few +old people who can recollect with precision the circumstances of their +lives, (particularly those circumstances which transpired after middle +age.) If, therefore, any error shall be discovered in the narration in +respect to time, it will be overlooked by the kind reader, or charitably +placed to the narrator's account, and not imputed to neglect, or to the +want of attention in the compiler. + +The appendix is principally taken from the words of Mrs. Jemison's +statements. Those parts which were not derived from her, are deserving +equal credit, having been obtained from authentic sources. + +For the accommodation of the reader, the work has been divided into +chapters, and a copious table of contents affixed. The introduction will +facilitate the understanding of what follows; and as it contains matter +that could not be inserted with propriety in any other place, will be read +with interest and satisfaction. + +Having finished my undertaking, the subsequent pages are cheerfully +submitted to the perusal and approbation or animadversion of a candid, +generous and indulgent public. At the same time it is fondly hoped that +the lessons of distress that are portrayed, may have a direct tendency to +increase our love of liberty; to enlarge our views of the blessings that +are derived from our liberal institutions; and to excite in our breasts +sentiments of devotion and gratitude to the great Author and finisher of +our happiness. + +THE AUTHOR. + +_Pembroke, March_ 1, 1824. + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +The Peace of 1783, and the consequent cessation of Indian hostilities and +barbarities, returned to their friends those prisoners, who had escaped +the tomahawk, the gauntlet, and the savage fire, after their having spent +many years in captivity, and restored harmony to society. + +The stories of Indian cruelties which were common in the new settlements, +and were calamitous realities previous to that, propitious event; +slumbered in the minds that had been constantly agitated by them, and were +only roused occasionally, to become the fearful topic of the fireside. + +It is presumed that at this time there are but few native Americans that +have arrived to middle age, who cannot distinctly recollect of sitting in +the chimney corner when children, all contracted with fear, and there +listening to their parents or visitors, while they related stories of +Indian conquests, and murders, that would make their flaxen hair nearly +stand erect, and almost destroy the power of motion. + +At the close of the Revolutionary war; all that part of the State of +New-York that lies west of Utica was uninhabited by white people, and few +indeed had ever passed beyond Fort Stanwix, except when engaged in war +against the Indians, who were numerous, and occupied a number of large +towns Between the Mohawk river and lake Erie. + +Sometime elapsed after this event, before the country about the lakes and +on the Genesee river was visited, save by an occasional land speculator, +or by defaulters who wished by retreating to what in those days was deemed +almost the end of the earth, to escape the force of civil law. + +At length, the richness and fertility of the soil excited emigration, and +here and there a family settled down and commenced improvements in the +country which had recently been the property of the aborigines. Those who +settled near the Genesee river, soon became acquainted with "The White +Woman," as Mrs. Jemison is called, whose history they anxiously sought, +both as a matter of interest and curiosity. Frankness characterized her +conduct, and without reserve she would readily gratify them by relating +some of the most important periods of her life. + +Although her bosom companion was an ancient Indian warrior, and +notwithstanding her children and associates were all Indians, yet it was +found that she possessed an uncommon share of hospitality, and that her +friendship was well worth courting and preserving. Her house was the +stranger's home; from her table the hungry were refreshed;--she made the +naked as comfortable as her means would admit of; and in all her actions, +discovered so much natural goodness of heart, that her admirers increases +in proportion to the extension of her acquaintance, and she became +celebrated as the friend of the distressed. She was the protectress of the +homeless fugitive, and made welcome the weary wanderer. Many still live to +commemorate her benevolence towards them, when prisoners during the war, +and to ascribe their deliverance to the mediation of "The White Woman." + +The settlements increased, and the whole country around her was inhabited +by a rich and respectable people, principally from New-England, as much +distinguished for their spirit of inquisitiveness as for their habits of +industry and honesty, who had all heard from one source and another a part +of her life in detached pieces, and had obtained an idea that the whole +taken in connection would afford instruction and amusement. + +Many gentlemen of respectability, felt anxious that her narrative might be +laid before the public, with a view not only to perpetuate the remembrance +of the atrocities of the savages in former times, but to preserve some +historical facts which they supposed to be intimately connected with her +life, and which otherwise must be lost. + +Forty years had passed since the close of the Revolutionary war, and +almost seventy years had seen Mrs. Jemison with the Indians, when Daniel +W. Banister, Esq. at the instance of several gentlemen, and prompted by +his own ambition to add something to the accumulating fund of useful +knowledge, resolved, in the autumn of 1823, to embrace that time, while +she was capable of recollecting and reciting the scenes through which she +had passed, to collect from herself, and to publish to an accurate account +of her life. + +I was employed to collect the materials, and prepare the work for the +press; and accordingly went to the house of Mrs. Jennet Whaley in the town +of Castile, Genesee co. N.Y. in company with the publisher, who procured +the interesting subject of the following narrative, to come to that place +(a distance of four miles) and there repeat the story of her eventful +life. She came on foot in company with Mr. Thomas Clute, whom she +considers her protector, and tarried almost three days, which time was +busily occupied in taking a sketch of her narrative as she recited it. + +Her appearance was well calculated to excite a great degree of sympathy in +a stranger, who had been partially informed of her origin, when comparing +her present situation with what it probably would have been, had she been +permitted to have remained with her friends, and to have enjoyed the +blessings of civilization. + +In stature she is very short, and considerably under the middle size, and +stands tolerably erect, with her head bent forward, apparently from her +having for a long time been accustomed to carrying heavy burdens in a +strap placed across her forehead. Her complexion is very white for a woman +of her age, and although the wrinkles of fourscore years are deeply +indented in her cheeks, yet the crimson of youth is distinctly visible. +Her eyes are light blue, a little faded by age, and naturally brilliant +and sparkling. Her sight is quite dim, though she is able to perform her +necessary labor without the assistance of glasses. Her cheek bones are +high, and rather prominent, and her front teeth, in the lower jaw, are +sound and good. When she looks up and is engaged in conversation her +countenance is very expressive; but from her long residence with the +Indians, she has acquired the habit of peeping from under eye-brows as +they do with the head inclined downwards. Formerly her hair was of a light +chestnut brown--it is now quite grey, a little curled, of middling length +and tied in a bunch behind. She informed me that she had never worn a cap +nor a comb. + +She speaks English plainly and distinctly, with a little of the Irish +emphasis, and has the use of words so well as to render herself +intelligible on any subject with which she is acquainted. Her recollection +and memory exceeded my expectation. It cannot be reasonably supposed, that +a person of her age has kept the events of seventy years in so complete a +chain as to be able to assign to each its proper time and place; she, +however, made her recital with as few obvious mistakes as might be found +in that of a person of fifty. + +She walks with a quick step without a staff, and I was informed by Mr. +Clute, that she could yet cross a stream on a log or pole as steadily as +any other person. + +Her passions are easily excited. At a number of periods in her narration, +tears trickled down her grief worn cheek, and at the same time, a rising +sigh would stop her utterance. + +Industry is a virtue which she has uniformly practised from the day of her +adoption to the present. She pounds her samp, cooks for herself, gathers +and chops wood, feeds her cattle and poultry, and performs other laborious +services. Last season she planted, tended and gathered corn--in short she +is always busy. + +Her dress at the time I saw her, was made and worn after, the Indian +fashion, and consisted of a shirt, short gown, petticoat, stockings, +moccasins, a blanket and a bonnet. The shirt was of cotton and made at the +top, as I was informed, like a man's without collar or sleeves--was open +before and extended down about midway of the hips.--The petticoat was a +piece of broadcloth with the list at the top and bottom and the ends sewed +together. This was tied on by a string that was passed over it and around +the waist, in such a manner as to let the bottom of the petticoat down +half way between the knee and ankle and leave one-fourth of a yard at the +top to be turned down over the string--the bottom of the shift coming a +little below, and on the outside of the top of the fold so as to leave the +list and two or three inches of the cloth uncovered. The stockings, were +of blue broadcloth, tied, or pinned on, which reached from the knees, into +the mouth of the moccasins.--Around her toes only she had some rags, and +over these her buckskin moccasins. Her gown was of undressed flannel, +colored brown. It was made in old yankee style, with long sleeves, covered +the top of the hips, and was tied before in two places with strings of +deer skin. Over all this, she wore an Indian blanket. On her head she wore +a piece of old brown woollen cloth made somewhat like a sun bonnet. + +Such was the dress that this woman was contented to wear, and habit had +rendered it convenient and comfortable. She wore it not as a matter of t +necessity, but from choice, for it will be seen in the sequel, that her +property is sufficient to enable her to dress in the best fashion, and to +allow her every comfort of life. + +Her house, in which she lives, is 20 by 28 feet; built of square timber, +with a shingled roof, and a framed stoop. In the centre of the house is a +chimney of stones and sticks, in which there are two fire places. She has +a good framed barn, 26 by 36, well filled, and owns a fine stock of cattle +and horses. Besides the buildings above mentioned, she owns a number of +houses that are occupied by tenants, who work her flats upon shares. Her +dwelling, is about one hundred rods north of the Great Slide, a curiosity +that, will be described in its proper place, on the west side of the +Genesee river. + +Mrs. Jemison, appeared sensible of her ignorance of the manners of the +white people, and for that reason, was not familiar, except with those +with whom she was intimately acquainted. In fact she was (to appearance) +so jealous of her rights, or that she should say something that would be +injurious to herself or family, that if Mr. Clute had not been present, we +should have been unable to have obtained her history. She, however, soon +became free and unembarrassed in her conversation, and spoke with degree +of mildness, candor and simplicity, that is calculated to remove all +doubts as to the veracity of the speaker. The vices of the Indians, she +appeared disposed not to aggravate, and seemed to take pride in extoling +their virtues. A kind of family pride inclined her to withhold whatever +would blot the character of her descendants, and perhaps induced her to +keep back many things that would have been interesting. + +For the life of her last husband, we are indebted to her cousin, Mr. +George Jemison, to whom she referred us for information on that subject +generally. The thoughts of his deeds, probably chilled her old heart, and +made her dread to rehearse them, and at the same time she well knew they +were no secret, for she had frequently heard him relate the whole, not +only to her cousin, but to others. + +Before she left us she was very sociable, and she resumed her naturally +pleasant countenance, enlivened with a smile. + +Her neighbors speak of her as possessing one of the happiest tempers and +disposition, and give her the name of never having done a censurable act +to their knowledge. + +Her habits, are those of the Indians--she sleeps on skins without a +bedstead, sits upon the floor or on a bench, and holds her victuals on her +lap, or in her hands. + +Her ideas of religion, correspond in every respect with those of the great +mass of the Senecas. She applauds virtue, and despises vice. She believes +in a future state, in which the good will be happy, and the bad miserable; +and that the acquisition of that happiness, depends primarily upon human +volition, and the consequent good deeds of the happy recipient of +blessedness. The doctrines taught in the Christian religion, she is a +stranger to. + +Her daughters are said to be active and enterprizing women, and her +grandsons, who arrived to manhood, are considered able, decent and +respectable men in their tribe. + +Having in this cursory manner, introduced the subject of the following +pages, I proceed to the narration of a life that has been viewed with +attention, for a great number of years by a few, and which will be read by +the public the mixed sensations of pleasure and pain, and with interest, +anxiety and satisfaction. + + + + +LIFE OF MARY JEMISON. + + + +CHAPTER I. + + +Nativity of her Parents.--Their removal to America.--Her Birth.--Parents +settle in Pennsylvania.--Omen of her Captivity. + +Although I may have frequently heard the history of my ancestry, my +recollection is too imperfect to enable me to trace it further back than +my father and mother, whom I have often heard mention the families from +whence they originated, as having possessed wealth and honorable stations +under the government of the country in which they resided. + +On the account of the great length of time that has elapsed since I was +separated from my parents and friends, and having heard the story of their +nativity only in the days of my childhood, I am not able to state +positively, which of the two countries, Ireland or Scotland, was the land +of my parents birth and education. It, however, is my impression, that +they were born and brought up in Ireland. + +My Father's name was Thomas Jemison, and my mother's before her marriage +with him, was Jane Erwin. Their affection for each other was mutual, and +of that happy kind which tends directly to sweeten the cup of life; to +render connubial sorrows lighter; to assuage every discontentment and to +promote not only their own comfort, but that of all who come within the +circle of their acquaintance. Of their happiness I recollect to have heard +them speak; and the remembrance I yet retain of their mildness and perfect +agreement in the government of their children, together with their mutual +attention to our common education, manners, religious instruction and +wants, renders it a fact in my mind, that they were ornaments to the +married state, and examples of connubial love, worthy of imitation. After +my remembrance they were strict observers of religious duties; for it was +the daily practice of my father, morning and evening, to attend, in his +family, to the worship of God. + +Resolved to leave the land of their nativity they removed from their +residence to a port in Ireland, where they lived but a short time before +they set sail for this country, in the year 1742 or 3 on board the ship +Mary William, bound to Philadelphia, in the state of Pennsylvania. + +The intestine divisions, civil wars, and ecclesiastical rigidity and +domination that prevailed those days, were the causes of their leaving +their mother country and a home in the American wilderness, under the mild +and temperate government of the descendants of William Penn; where without +fear they might worship God, and perform their usual avocations. + +In Europe my parents had two sons and one daughter, whose names were John, +Thomas and Betsey; with whom, after having put their effects on board, +they embarked, leaving a large connexion of relatives and friends, under +all those painful sensations, which are only felt when kindred souls give +the parting hand and last farewell to those to whom they are endeared by +every friendly tie. + +In the course of their voyage I was born, to be the sport of fortune and +almost an outcast to civil society; to stem the current of adversity +through a long chain of vicissitudes, unsupported by the advice of tender +parents, or the hand of an affectionate friend; and even without the +enjoyment from others, of any of those tender sympathies that are adapted +to the sweetening of society, except such as naturally flow from +uncultivated minds, that have been calloused by ferocity. + +Excepting my birth, nothing remarkable occurred to my parents on their +passage, and they were safely landed at Philadelphia. My father being fond +of rural life, and having been bred to agricultural pursuits, soon left +the city, and removed his family to the then frontier settlements of +Pennsylvania, to a tract of excellent land lying on Marsh creek. At that +place he cleared a large farm, and for seven or eight years enjoyed the +fruits of his industry. Peace attended their labors; and they had nothing +to alarm them, save the midnight howl of the prowling wolf, or the +terrifying shriek of the ferocious panther, as they occasionally visited +their improvements, to take a lamb or a calf to satisfy their hunger. + +During this period my mother had two sons, between whose ages there was a +difference of about three years: the oldest was named Matthew, and the +other Robert. + +Health presided on every countenance, and vigor and strength characterized +every exertion. Our mansion was a little paradise. The morning of my +childish, happy days, will ever stand fresh in my remembrance, +notwithstanding the many severe trials through which I have passed, in +arriving at my present situation, at so advanced an age. Even at this +remote period, the recollection of my pleasant home at my father's, of my +parents, of my brothers and sister, and of the manner in which I was +deprived of them all at once, affects me so powerfully, that I am almost +overwhelmed with grief, that is seemingly insupportable. Frequently I +dream of those happy days: but, alas! they are gone; they have left me to +be carried through a long life, dependent for the little pleasures of +nearly seventy years, upon the tender mercies of the Indians! In the +spring of 1752, and through the succeeding seasons, the stories of Indian +barbarities inflicted upon the whites in those days, frequently excited in +my parents the most serious alarm for our safety. + +The next year the storm gathered faster; many murders were committed; and +many captives were exposed to meet death in its most frightful form, by +having their bodies stuck full of pine splinters, which were immediately +set on fire, while their tormentors, exulting in their distress, would +rejoice at their agony! + +In 1754, an army for the protection of the settlers, and to drive back the +French and Indians, was raised from the militia of the colonial +governments, and placed (secondarily) under the command of Col. George +Washington. In that army I had an uncle, whose name was John Jemison who +was killed at the battle at the Great Meadow or Fort Necessity. His wife +had died some time before this, and left a young child, which my mother +nursed in the most tender manner, till its mother's sister took it away, a +few months after my uncle's death. The French and Indians, after the +surrender of Fort Necessity by Col. Washington, (which happened the same +season, and soon after his victory over them at that place,) grew more and +more terrible. The death of the whites, and plundering and burning their +property, was apparently their only object: But as yet we had not heard +the death-yell, nor seen the smoke of a dwelling that had been lit by an +Indian's hand. + +The return of a new-year's day found us unmolested; and though we knew +that the enemy was at no great distance from us, my father concluded that +he would continue to occupy his land another season: expecting (probably +from the great exertions which the government was then making) that as +soon as the troops could commence their operations in the spring, the +enemy would be conquered and compelled to agree to a treaty of peace. + +In the preceding autumn my father either moved to another part of his +farm, or to another neighborhood, a short distance from our former abode. +I well recollect moving, and that the barn that was on the place we moved +to was built of logs, though the house was a good one. + +The winter of 1754-5 was as mild as a common fall season, and the spring +presented a pleasant seed time, and indicated a plenteous harvest. My +father, with the assistance of his oldest sons, repaired his farm as +usual, and was daily preparing the soil for the reception of the seed. His +cattle and sheep were numerous, and according to the best idea of wealth +that I can now form, he was wealthy. + +But alas! how transitory are all human affairs! how fleeting are riches! +how brittle the invisible thread on which all earthly comforts are +suspended! Peace in a moment can take an immeasurable flight; health can +lose its rosy cheeks; and life will vanish like a vapor at the appearance +of the sun! In one fatal day our prospects were all blasted; and death, by +cruel hands, inflicted upon almost the whole of the family. + +On a pleasant day in the spring of 1755, when my father was sowing +flax-seed, and my brothers driving the teams, I was sent to a neighbor's +house, a distance of perhaps a mile, to procure a horse and return with it +the next morning. I went as I was directed. I was out of the house in the +beginning of the evening, and saw a sheet wide spread approaching towards +me, in which I was caught (as I have ever since believed) and deprived of +my senses! The family soon found me on the ground, almost lifeless, (as +they said,) took me in, and made use of every remedy in their power for my +recovery, but without effect till day-break, when my senses returned, and +I soon found myself in good health, so that I went home with the horse +very early in the morning. + +The appearance of that sheet, I have ever considered as a forerunner of +the melancholy catastrophe that so soon afterwards happened to our family: +and my being caught in it I believe, was ominous of my preservation from +death at the time we were captured. + + + +CHAPTER II. + + +Her Education.--Captivity.--Journey to Fort Pitt.--Mother's Farewell +Address.--Murder of her Family.--Preparation of the Scalps.--Indian +Precautions.--Arrival at Fort Pitt, &c. + +My education had received as much attention from my parents, as their +situation in a new country would admit. I had been at school some, where I +learned to read in a book that was about half as large as a Bible; and in +the Bible I had read a little. I had also learned the Catechism, which I +used frequently to repeat to my parents, and every night, before I went to +bed, I was obliged to stand up before my mother and repeat some words that +I suppose was a prayer. + +My reading, Catechism and prayers, I have long since forgotten; though for +a number of the first years that I lived with the Indians, I repeated the +prayers as often as I had an opportunity. After the revolutionary war, I +remembered the names of some of the letters when I saw them; but have +never read a word since I was taken prisoner. It is but a few years since +a Missionary kindly gave me a Bible, which I am very fond of hearing my +neighbors read to me, and should be pleased to learn to read it myself; +but my sight has been for a number of years, so dim that I have not been +able to distinguish one letter from another. + +As I before observed, I got home with the horse very early in the morning, +where I found a man that lived in our neighborhood, and his sister-in-law +who had three children, one son and two daughters. I soon learned that +they had come there to live a short time; but for what purpose I cannot +say. The woman's husband, however, was at that time in Washington's army, +fighting, for his country; and as her brother-in-law had a house she had +lived with him in his absence. Their names I have forgotten. + +Immediately after I got home, the man took the horse to go to his house +after a bag of grain, and took his gun in his hand for the purpose of +killing game, if he should chance to see any.--Our family, as usual, was +busily employed about their common business. Father was shaving an +axe-helve at the side of the house; mother was making preparations for +breakfast;--my two oldest brothers were at work near the barn; and the +little ones, with myself, and the woman and her three children, were in +the house. + +Breakfast was not yet ready, when we were alarmed by the discharge of a +number of guns, that seemed to be near. Mother and the women before +mentioned, almost fainted at the report, and every one trembled with fear. +On opening the door, the man and horse lay dead near the house, having +just been shot by the Indians. + +I was afterwards informed, that the Indians discovered him at his own +house with his gun, and pursued him to father's, where they shot him as I +have related. They first secured my father, and then rushed into the +house, and without the least resistance made prisoners of my mother, +Robert, Matthew, Betsey, the woman and her three children, and myself, and +then commenced plundering. + +My two brothers, Thomas and John, being at the barn, escaped and went to +Virginia, where my grandfather Erwin then lived, as I was informed by a +Mr. Fields, who was at my house about the close of the revolutionary war. + +The party that took us consisted of six Indians and four Frenchmen, who +immediately commenced plundering, as I just observed, and took what they +considered most valuable; consisting principally of bread, meal and meat. +Having taken as much provision as they could carry, they set out with +their prisoners in great haste, for fear of detection, and soon entered +the woods. On our march that day, an Indian went behind us with a whip, +with which he frequently lashed the children to make them keep up. In this +manner we travelled till dark without a mouthful of food or a drop of +water; although we had not eaten since the night before. Whenever the +little children cried for water, the Indians would make them drink urine +or go thirsty. At night they encamped in the woods without fire and +without shelter, where we were watched with the greatest vigilance. +Extremely fatigued, and very hungry, we were compelled to lie upon the +ground supperless and without a drop of water to satisfy the cravings of +our appetites. As in the day time, so the little ones were made to drink +urine in the night if they cried for water. Fatigue alone brought us a +little sleep for the refreshment of our weary limbs; and at the dawn of +day we were again started on our march in the same order that we had +proceeded on the day before. About sunrise we were halted, and the Indians +gave us a full breakfast of provision that they had brought from my +father's house. Each of us being very hungry, partook of this bounty of +the Indians, except father, who was so much overcome with his +situation--so much exhausted by anxiety and grief, that silent despair +seemed fastened upon his countenance, and he could not be prevailed upon +to refresh his sinking nature by the use of a morsel of food. Our repast +being finished, we again resumed our march, and, before noon passed a +small fort that I heard my father say was called Fort Canagojigge. + +That was the only time that I heard him speak from the time we were taken +till we were finally separated the following night. + +Towards evening we arrived at the border of a dark and dismal swamp, which +was covered with small hemlocks, or some other evergreen, and other +bushes, into which we were conducted; and having gone a short distance we +stopped to encamp for the night. + +Here we had some bread and meat for supper: but the dreariness of our +situation, together with the uncertainty under which we all labored, as to +our future destiny, almost deprived us of the sense of hunger, and +destroyed our relish for food. + +Mother, from the time we were taken, had manifested a great degree of +fortitude, and encouraged us to support our troubles without complaining; +and by her conversation seemed to make the distance and time shorter, and +the way more smooth. But father lost all his ambition in the beginning of +our trouble, and continued apparently lost to every care--absorbed in +melancholy. Here, as before, she insisted on the necessity of our eating; +and we obeyed her, but it was done with heavy hearts. + +As soon as I had finished my supper, an Indian took off my shoes and +stockings and put a pair of moccasins on my feet, which my mother +observed; and believing that they would spare my life, even if they should +destroy the other captives, addressed me as near as I can remember in the +following words:-- + +"My dear little Mary, I fear that the time has arrived when we must be +parted forever. Your life, my child, I think will be spared; but we shall +probably be tomahawked here in this lonesome place by the Indians. O! how +can I part with you my darling? What will become of my sweet little Mary? +Oh! how can I think of your being continued in captivity without a hope of +your being rescued? O that death had snatched you from my embraces in your +infancy; the pain of parting then would have been pleasing to what it now +is; and I should have seen the end of your troubles!--Alas, my dear! my +heart bleeds at the thoughts of what awaits you; but, if you leave us, +remember my child your own name, and the name of your father and mother. +Be careful and not forget your English tongue. If you shall have an +opportunity to get away from the Indians, don't try to escape; for if you +do they will find and destroy you. Don't forget, my little daughter, the +prayers that I have learned you--say them often; be a good child, and God +will bless you. May God bless you my child, and make you comfortable and +happy." + +During this time, the Indians stripped the shoes and stockings from the +little boy that belonged to the woman who was taken with us, and put +moccasins on his feet, as they had done before on mine. I was crying. An +Indian took the little boy and myself by the hand, to lead us off from the +company, when my mother exclaimed, "Don't cry Mary--don't cry my child. +God will bless you! Farewell--farewell!" + +The Indian led us some distance into the bushes, or woods, and there lay +down with us to spend the night. The recollection of parting with my +tender mother kept me awake, while the tears constantly flowed from my +eyes. A number of times in the night the little boy begged of me earnestly +to run away with him and get clear of the Indians; but remembering the +advice I had so lately received, and knowing the dangers to which we +should be exposed, in travelling without a path and without a guide, +through a wilderness unknown to us, I told him that I would not go, and +persuaded him to lie still till morning. + +Early the next morning the Indians and Frenchmen that we had left the +night before, came to us; but our friends were left behind. It is +impossible for any one to form a correct idea of what my feelings were at +the sight of those savages, whom I supposed had murdered my parents and +brothers, sister, and friends, and left them in the swamp to be devoured +by wild beasts! But what could I do? A poor little defenceless girl; +without the power or means of escaping; without a home to go to, even if I +could be liberated; without a knowledge of the direction or distance to my +former place of residence; and without a living friend to whom to fly for +protection, I felt a kind of horror, anxiety, and dread, that, to me, +seemed insupportable. I durst not cry--I durst not complain; and to +inquire of them the fate of my friends (even if I could have mustered +resolution) was beyond my ability, as I could not speak their language, +nor they understand mine. My only relief was in silent stifled sobs. + +My suspicions as to the fate of my parents proved too true; for soon after +I left them they were killed and scalped, together with Robert, Matthew, +Betsey, and the woman and her two children, and mangled in the most +shocking manner. + +Having given the little boy and myself some bread and meat for breakfast, +they led us on as fast as we could travel, and one of them went behind and +with a long staff, picked up all the grass and weeds that we trailed down +by going over them. By taking that precaution they avoided detection; for +each weed was so nicely placed in its natural position that no one would +have suspected that we had passed that way. It is the custom of Indians +when scouting, or on private expeditions, to step carefully and where no +impression of their feet can be left--shunning wet or muddy ground. They +seldom take hold of a bush or limb, and never break one; and by observing +those precautions and that of setting up the weeds and grass which they +necessarily lop, they completely elude the sagacity of their pursuers, and +escape that punishment which they are conscious they merit from the hand +of justice. + +After a hard day's march we encamped in a thicket, where the Indians made +a shelter of boughs, and then built a good fire to warm and dry our +benumbed limbs and clothing; for it had rained some through the day. Here +we were again fed as before. When the Indians had finished their supper +they took from their baggage a number of scalps and went about preparing +them for the market, or to keep without spoiling, by straining them over +small hoops which they prepared for that purpose, and then drying and +scraping them by the fire. Having put the scalps, yet wet and bloody, upon +the hoops, and stretched them to their full extent, they held them to the +fire till they were partly dried and then with their knives commenced +scraping off the flesh; and in that way they continued to work, +alternately drying and scraping them, till they were dry and clean. That +being done they combed the hair in the neatest manner, and then painted it +and the edges of the scalps yet on the hoops, red. Those scalps I knew at +the time must have been taken from our family by the color of the hair. My +mother's hair was red; and I could easily distinguish my father's and the +children's from each other. That sight was most appaling; yet, I was +obliged to endure it without complaining. + +In the course of the night they made me to understand that they should not +have killed the family if the whites had not pursued them. + +Mr. Fields, whom I have before mentioned, informed me that at the time we +were taken, he lived in the vicinity of my father; and that on hearing of +our captivity, the whole neighborhood turned out in pursuit of the enemy, +and to deliver us if possible: but that their efforts were unavailing. +They however pursued us to the dark swamp, where they found my father, his +family and companions, stripped and mangled in the most inhuman manner: +That from thence the march of the cruel monsters could not be traced in +any direction; and that they returned to their homes with the melancholy +tidings of our misfortunes, supposing that we had all shared in the +massacre. + +The next morning we went on; the Indian going behind us and setting up the +weeds as on the day before. At night we encamped on the ground in the open +air, without a shelter or fire. + +In the morning we again set out early, and travelled as on the two former +days, though the weather was extremely uncomfortable, from the continual +falling of rain and snow. + +At night the snow fell fast, and the Indians built a shelter of boughs, +and a fire, where we rested tolerably dry through that and the two +succeeding nights. + +When we stopped, and before the fire was kindled, I was so much fatigued +from running, and so far benumbed by the wet and cold, that I expected +that I must fail and die before I could get warm and comfortable. The +fire, however, soon restored the circulation, and after I had taken my +supper I felt so that I rested well through the night. + +On account of the storm, we were two days at that place. On one of those +days, a party consisting of six Indians who had been to the frontier +settlements, came to where we were, and brought with them one prisoner, a +young white man who was very tired and dejected. His name I have forgotten. + +Misery certainly loves company. I was extremely glad to see him, though I +knew from his appearance, that his situation was as deplorable as mine, +and that he could afford me no kind of assistance. In the afternoon the +Indians killed a deer, which they dressed, and then roasted it whole; +which made them a full meal. We were each allowed a share of their +venison, and some bread, so that we made a good meal also. + +Having spent three nights and two days at that place, and the storm having +ceased, early in the morning the whole company, consisting of twelve +Indians, four Frenchmen, the young man, the little boy and myself, moved +on at a moderate pace without an Indian behind us to deceive our pursuers. + +In the afternoon we came in sight of Fort Pitt (as it is now called,) +where we were halted while the Indians performed some customs upon their +prisoners which they deemed necessary. That fort was then occupied by the +French and Indians, and was called Fort Du Quesne. It stood at the +junction of the Monongahela, which is said to signify, in some of the +Indian languages, the Falling-in-Banks, [Footnote: Navigator.] and the +Alleghany [Footnote: The word Alleghenny, was derived from an ancient race +of Indians called "Tallegawe." The Delaware Indians, instead of saying +"Alleghenny," say "Allegawe," or "Allegawenink," _Western Tour_--p. +455.] rivers, where the Ohio river begins to take its name. The word +O-hi-o, signifies bloody. + +At the place where we halted, the Indians combed the hair of the young +man, the boy and myself, and then painted our faces and hair red, in the +finest Indian style. We were then conducted into the fort, where we +received a little bread, and were then shut up and left to tarry alone +through the night. + + * * * * * + + + +CHAPTER III. + + +She is given to two Squaws.--Her Journey down the Ohio.--Passes a Shawanee +town where white men had just been burnt.--Arrives at the Seneca +town.--Her Reception.--She is adopted.--Ceremony of Adoption.--Indian +Custom.--Address.--She receives a new name.--Her Employment.--Retains her +own and learns the Seneca Language.--Situation of the Town, &c.--Indians +go on a Hunting Tour to Sciota and take her with them.--Returns.--She is +taken to Fort Pitt, and then hurried back by her Indian Sisters.--Her +hopes of Liberty destroyed.--Second Tour to Sciota.--Return to Wiishto, +&c.--Arrival of Prisoners.--Priscilla Ramsay.--Her Chain.--Mary marries a +Delaware.--Her Affection for him.--Birth and Death of her first +Child.--Her Sickness and Recovery.--Birth of Thomas Jemison. + +The night was spent in gloomy forebodings. What the result of our +captivity would be, it was out of our power to determine or even +imagine.--At times we could almost realize the approach of our masters to +butcher and scalp us;--again we could nearly see the pile of wood kindled +on which we were to be roasted; and then we would imagine ourselves at +liberty; alone and defenceless in the forest, surrounded by wild beasts +that were ready to devour us. The anxiety of our minds drove sleep from +our eyelids; and it was with a dreadful hope and painful impatience that +we waited for the morning to determine our fate. + +The morning at length arrived, and our masters came early and let us out +of the house, and gave the young man and boy to the French, who +immediately took them away. Their fate I never learned; as I have not seen +nor heard of them since. + +I was now left alone in the fort, deprived of my former companions, and of +every thing that was near or dear to me but life. But it was not long +before I was in some measure relieved by the appearance of two pleasant +looking squaws of the Seneca tribe, who came and examined me attentively +for a short time, and then went out. After a few minutes absence they +returned with my former masters, who gave me to them to dispose of as they +pleased. + +The Indians by whom I was taken were a party of Shawanees, if I remember +right, that lived, when at home, a long distance down the Ohio. + +My former Indian masters, and the two squaws, were soon ready to leave the +fort, and accordingly embarked; the Indians in a large canoe, and the two +squaws and myself in a small one, and went down the Ohio. + +When we set off, an Indian in the forward canoe took the scalps of my +former friends, strung them on a pole that he placed upon his shoulder, +and in that manner carried them, standing in the stern of the canoe, +directly before us as we sailed down the river, to the town where the two +squaws resided. + +On our way we passed a Shawanee town, where I saw a number of heads, arms, +legs, and other fragments of the bodies of some white people who had just +been burnt. The parts that remained were hanging on a pole which was +supported at each end by a crotch stuck in the ground, and were roasted or +burnt black as a coal. The fire was yet burning; and the whole appearances +afforded a spectacle so shocking, that, even to this day, my blood almost +curdles in my veins when I think of them! + +At night we arrived at a small Seneca Indian town, at the mouth of a small +river, that was called by the Indians, in the Seneca language, +She-nan-jee, [Footnote: That town, according to the geographical +description given by Mrs. Jemison, must have stood at the mouth of Indian +Cross creek, which is about 76 miles by water, below Pittsburgh; or at the +mouth of Indian Short creek, 87 miles below Pittsburgh, where the town of +Warren now stands: But at which of those places I am unable to determine. +_Author_.] where the two Squaws to whom I belonged resided. There we +landed, and the Indians went on; which was the last I ever saw of them. + +Having made fast to the shore, the Squaws left me in the canoe while they +went to their wigwam or house in the town, and returned with a suit of +Indian clothing, all new, and very clean and nice. My clothes, though +whole and good when I was taken, were now torn in pieces, so that I was +almost naked. They first undressed me and threw my rags into the river; +then washed me clean and dressed me in the new suit they had just brought, +in complete Indian style; and then led me home and seated me in the center +of their wigwam. + +I had been in that situation but a few minutes before all the Squaws in +the town came in to see me. I was soon surrounded by them, and they +immediately set up a most dismal howling, crying bitterly, and wringing +their hands in all the agonies of grief for a deceased relative. + +Their tears flowed freely, and they exhibited all the signs of real +mourning. At the commencement of this scene, one of their number began, in +a voice somewhat between speaking and singing, to recite some words to the +following purport, and continued the recitation till the ceremony was +ended; the company at the same time varying the appearance of their +countenances, gestures and tone of voice, so as to correspond with the +sentiments expressed by their leader: + +"Oh our brother! Alas! He is dead--he has gone; he will never return! +Friendless he died on the field of the slain, where his bones are yet +lying unburied! Oh, who will not mourn his sad fate? No tears dropped +around him; oh, no! No tears of his sisters were there! He fell in his +prime, when his arm was most needed to keep us from danger! Alas! he has +gone! and left us in sorrow, his loss to bewail: Oh where is his spirit? +His spirit went naked, and hungry it wanders, and thirsty and wounded it +groans to return! Oh helpless and wretched, our brother has gone! No +blanket nor food to nourish and warm him; nor candles to light him, nor +weapons of war:--Oh, none of those comforts had he! But well we remember +his deeds!--The deer he could take on the chase! The panther shrunk back +at the sight of his strength! His enemies fell at his feet! He was brave +and courageous in war! As the fawn was harmless: his friendship was +ardent: his temper was gentle: his pity was great! Oh! our friend, our +companion is dead! Our brother, your brother, alas! he is gone! But why do +we grieve for his loss? In the strength of a warrior, undaunted he left +us, to fight by the side of the Chiefs! His war-whoop was shrill! His +rifle well aimed laid his enemies low: his tomahawk drank of their blood: +and his knife flayed their scalps while yet covered with gore! And why do +we mourn? Though he fell on the field of the slain, with glory he fell, +and his spirit went up to the land of his fathers in war! Then why do we +mourn? With transports of joy they received him, and fed him, and clothed +him, and welcomed him there! Oh friends, he is happy; then dry up your +tears! His spirit has seen our distress, and sent us a helper whom with +pleasure we greet. Dickewamis has come: then let us receive her with joy! +She is handsome and pleasant! Oh! she is our sister, and gladly we welcome +her here. In the place of our brother she stands in our tribe. With care +we will guard her from trouble; and may she be happy till her spirit shall +leave us." + +In the course of that ceremony, from mourning they became serene--joy +sparkled in their countenances, and they seemed to rejoice over me as over +a long lost child. I was made welcome amongst them as a sister to the two +Squaws before mentioned, and was called Dickewamis; which being +interpreted, signifies a pretty girl, a handsome girl, or a pleasant, good +thing. That is the name by which I have ever since been called by the +Indians. + +I afterwards learned that the ceremony I at that time passed through, was +that of adoption. The two squaws had lost a brother in Washington's war, +sometime in the year before and in consequence of his death went up to +Fort Pitt, on the day on which I arrived there, in order to receive a +prisoner or an enemy's scalp, to supply their loss. + +It is a custom of the Indians, when one of their number is slain or taken +prisoner in battle, to give to the nearest relative to the dead or absent, +a prisoner, if they have chanced to take one, and if not, to give him the +scalp of an enemy. On the return of the Indians from conquest, which is +always announced by peculiar shoutings, demonstrations of joy, and the +exhibition of some trophy of victory, the mourners come forward and make +their claims. If they receive a prisoner, it is at their option either to +satiate their vengeance by taking his life in the most cruel manner they +can conceive of; or, to receive and adopt him into the family, in the +place of him whom they have lost. All the prisoners that are taken in +battle and carried to the encampment or town by the Indians, are given to +the bereaved families, till their number is made good. + +And unless the mourners have but just received the news of their +bereavement, and are under the operation of a paroxysm of grief, anger and +revenge; or, unless the prisoner is very old, sickly, or homely, they +generally save him, and treat him kindly. But if their mental wound is +fresh, their loss so great that they deem it irreparable, or if their +prisoner or prisoners do not meet their approbation, no torture, let it be +ever so cruel, seems sufficient to make them satisfaction. It is family, +and not national, sacrifices amongst the Indians, that has given them an +indelible stamp as barbarians, and identified their character with the +idea which is generally formed of unfeeling ferocity, and the most +abandoned cruelty. + +It was my happy lot to be accepted for adoption; and at the time of the +ceremony I was received by the two squaws, to supply the place of their +brother in the family; and I was ever considered and treated by them as a +real sister, the same as though I had been born of their mother. + +During my adoption, I sat motionless, nearly terrified to death at the +appearance and actions of the company, expecting every moment to feel +their vengeance, and suffer death on the spot. I was, however, happily +disappointed, when at the close of the ceremony the company retired, and +my sisters went about employing every means for my consolation and comfort. + +Being now settled and provided with a home, I was employed in nursing the +children, and doing light work about the house. Occasionally I was sent +out with the Indian hunters, when they went but a short distance, to help +them carry their game. + +My situation was easy; I had no particular hardships to endure. But still, +the recollection of my parents, my brothers and sisters, my home, and my +own captivity, destroyed my happiness, and made me constantly solitary, +lonesome and gloomy. + +My sisters would not allow me to speak English in their hearing; but +remembering the charge that my dear mother gave me at the time I left her, +whenever I chanced to be alone I made a business of repeating my prayer, +catechism, or something I had learned in order that I might not forget my +own language. By practising in that way I retained it till I came to +Genesee flats, where I soon became acquainted with English people with +whom I have been almost daily in the habit of conversing. + +My sisters were diligent in teaching me their language; and to their great +satisfaction I soon learned so that I could understand it readily, and +speak it fluently. I was very fortunate in falling into their hands; for +they were kind good natured women; peaceable and mild in their +dispositions; temperate and decent in their habits, and very tender and +gentle towards me. I have great reason to respect them, though they have +been dead a great number of years. + +The town where they lived was pleasantly situated on the Ohio, at the +mouth of the Shenanjee: the land produced good corn; the woods furnished a +plenty of game, and the waters abounded with fish. Another river emptied +itself into the Ohio, directly opposite the mouth of the Shenanjee. We +spent the summer at that place, where we planted, hoed, and harvested a +large crop of corn, of an excellent quality. + +About the time of corn harvest, Fort Pitt was taken from the French by the +English. [Footnote: The above statement is apparently an error; and is to +be attributed solely to the treachery of the old lady's memory; though she +is confident that that event took place at the time above mentioned. It is +certain that Fort Pitt was not evacuated by the French and given up to the +English, till sometime in November, 1758. It is possible, however, that an +armistice was agreed upon, and that for a time, between the spring of 1755 +and 1758, both nations visited that post without fear of molestation. As +the succeeding part of the narrative corresponds with the true historical +chain of events, the public will overlook this circumstance, which appears +unsupported by history. AUTHOR.] + +The corn being harvested, the Indians took it on horses and in canoes, and +proceeded down the Ohio, occasionally stopping to hunt a few days, till we +arrived at the mouth of Sciota river; where they established their winter +quarters, and continued hunting till the ensuing spring, in the adjacent +wilderness. While at that place I went with the other children to assist +the hunters to bring in their game. The forests on the Sciota were well +stocked with elk, deer, and other large animals; and the marshes contained +large numbers of beaver, muskrat, &c. which made excellent hunting for the +Indians; who depended, for their meat, upon their success in taking elk +and deer; and for ammunition and clothing, upon the beaver, muskrat, and +other furs that they could take in addition to their peltry. + +The season for hunting being passed, we all returned in the spring to the +mouth of the river Shenanjee, to the houses and fields we had left in the +fall before. There we again planted our corn, squashes, and beans, on the +fields that we occupied the preceding summer. + +About planting time, our Indians all went up to Fort Pitt, to make peace +with the British, and took me with them. [Footnote: History is silent as +to any treaty having been made between the English, and French and +Indians, at that time; though it is possible that a truce was agreed upon, +and that the parties met for the purpose of concluding a treaty of peace.] +We landed on the opposite side of the river from the fort, and encamped +for the night. Early the next morning the Indians took me over to the fort +to see the white people that were there. It was then that my heart bounded +to be liberated from the Indians and to be restored to my friends and my +country. The white people were surprized to see me with the Indians, +enduring the hardships of a savage life, at so early an age, and with so +delicate a constitution as I appeared to possess. They asked me my name; +where and when I was taken--and appeared very much interested on my +behalf. They were continuing their inquiries, when my sisters became +alarmed, believing that I should be taken from them, hurried me into their +canoe and recrossed the river--took their bread out of the fire and fled +with me, without stopping, till they arrived at the river Shenanjee. So +great was their fear of losing me, or of my being given up in the treaty, +that they never once stopped rowing till they got home. + +Shortly after we left the shore opposite the fort, as I was informed by +one of my Indian brothers, the white people came over to take me back; but +after considerable inquiry, and having made diligent search to find where +I was hid, they returned with heavy hearts. Although I had then been with +the Indians something over a year, and had become considerably habituated +to their mode of living, and attached to my sisters, the sight of white +people who could speak English inspired me with an unspeakable anxiety to +go home with them, and share in the blessings of civilization. My sudden +departure and escape from them, seemed like a second captivity, and for a +long time I brooded the thoughts of my miserable situation with almost as +much sorrow and dejection as I had done those of my first sufferings. +Time, the destroyer of every affection, wore away my unpleasant feelings, +and I became as contented as before. + +We tended our cornfields through the summer; and after we had harvested +the crop, we again went down the river to the hunting ground on the +Sciota, where we spent the winter, as we had done the winter before. + +Early in the spring we sailed up the Ohio river, to a place that the +Indians called Wiishto, [Footnote: Wiishto I suppose was situated near the +mouth of Indian Guyundat, 327 miles below Pittsburgh, and 73 above Big +Sciota; or at the mouth of Swan creek, 307 miles below Pittsburgh.] where +one river emptied into the Ohio on one side, and another on the other. At +that place the Indians built a town, and we planted corn. + +We lived three summers at Wiishto, and spent each winter on the Sciota. + +The first summer of our living at Wiishto, a party of Delaware Indians +came up the river, took up their residence, and lived in common with us. +They brought five white prisoners with them, who by their conversation, +made my situation much more agreeable, as they could all speak English. I +have forgotten the names of all of them except one, which was Priscilla +Ramsay. She was a very handsome, good natured girl, and was married soon +after she came to Wiishto to Capt. Little Billy's uncle, who went with her +on a visit to her friends in the states. Having tarried with them as long +as she wished to, she returned with her husband to Can-a-ah-tua, where he +died. She, after his death, married a white man by the name of Nettles, +and now lives with him (if she is living) on Grand River, Upper Canada. + +Not long after the Delawares came to live with us, at Wiishto, my sisters +told me that I must go and live with one of them, whose name was +Sheninjee. Not daring to cross them, or disobey their commands, with a +great degree of reluctance I went; and Sheninjee and I were married +according to Indian custom. + +Sheninjee was a noble man; large in stature; elegant in his appearance; +generous in his conduct; courageous in war; a friend to peace, and a great +lover of justice. He supported a degree of dignity far above his rank, and +merited and received the confidence and friendship of all the tribes with +whom he was acquainted. Yet, Sheninjee was an Indian. The idea of spending +my days with him, at first seemed perfectly irreconcilable to my feelings: +but his good nature, generosity, tenderness, and friendship towards me, +soon gained my affection; and, strange as it may seem, I loved him!--To +me he was ever kind in sickness, and always treated me with gentleness; in +fact, he was an agreeable husband, and a comfortable companion. + +We lived happily together till the time of our final separation, which +happened two or three years after our marriage, as I shall presently +relate. + +In the second summer of my living at Wiishto, I had a child at the time +that the kernels of corn first appeared on the cob. When I was taken sick, +Sheninjee was absent, and I was sent to a small shed, on the bank of the +river, which was made of boughs, where I was obliged to stay till my +husband returned. My two sisters, who were my only companions, attended +me, and on the second day of my confinement my child was born but it lived +only two days. It was a girl: and notwithstanding the shortness of the +time that I possessed it, it was a great grief to me to lose it. + +After the birth of my child, I was very sick, but was not allowed to go +into the house for two weeks; when, to my great joy, Sheninjee returned, +and I was taken in and as comfortably provided for as our situation would +admit of. My disease continued to increase for a number of days; and I +became so far reduced that my recovery was despaired of by my friends, and +I concluded that my troubles would soon be finished. At length, however, +my complaint took a favorable turn, and by the time that the corn was ripe +I was able to get about. I continued to gain my health, and in the fall +was able to go to our winter quarters, on the Sciota, with the Indians. + +From that time, nothing remarkable occurred to me till the fourth winter +of my captivity, when I had a son born, while I was at Sciota: I had a +quick recovery, and my child was healthy. To commemorate the name of my +much lamented father, I called my son Thomas Jemison. + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + +She leaves Wiishto for Fort Pitt, in company with her Husband.--Her +feelings on setting out.--Contrast between the labor of the white and +Indian Women.--Deficiency of Arts amongst the Indians.--Their former +Happiness.--Baneful effects of Civilization, and the introduction of +ardent Spirits amongst them, &c.--Journey up the River.--Murder of three +Traders by the Shawnees.--Her Husband stops at a Trading +House.--Wantonness of the Shawnees.--Moves up the Sandusky.--Meets her +Brother from Ge-nish-a-u.--Her Husband goes to Wiishto, and she sets out +for Genishau in company with her Brothers.--They arrive at +Sandusky.--Occurrences at that place.--Her Journey to Genishau, and +Reception by her Mother and Friends. + +In the spring, when Thomas was three or four moons [months] old, we +returned from Sciota to Wiishto, and soon after set out to go to Fort +Pitt, to dispose of our fur and skins, that we had taken in the winter, +and procure some necessary articles for the use of our family. + +I had then been with the Indians four summers and four winters, and had +become so far accustomed to their mode of living, habits and dispositions, +that my anxiety to get away, to be set at liberty, and leave them, had +almost subsided. With them was my home; my family was there, and there I +had many friends to whom I was warmly attached in consideration of the +favors, affection and friendship with which they had uniformly treated me, +from the time of my adoption. Our labor was not severe; and that of one +year was exactly similar, in almost every respect, to that of the others, +without that endless variety that is to be observed in the common labor of +the white people. Notwithstanding the Indian women have all the fuel and +bread to procure, and the cooking to perform, their task is probably not +harder than that of white women, who have those articles provided for +them; and their cares certainly are not half as numerous, nor as great. In +the summer season, we planted, tended and harvested our corn, and +generally had all our children with us; but had no master to oversee or +drive us, so that we could work as leisurely as we pleased. We had no +ploughs on the Ohio; but performed the whole process of planting and +hoeing with a small tool that resembled, in some respects, a hoe with a +very short handle. + +Our cooking consisted in pounding our corn into samp or hommany, boiling +the hommany, making now and then a cake and baking it in the ashes, and in +boiling or roasting our venison. As our cooking and eating utensils +consisted of a hommany block and pestle, a small kettle, a knife or two, +and a few vessels of bark or wood, it required but little time to keep +them in order for use. + +Spinning, weaving, sewing, stocking knitting, and the like, are arts which +have never been practised in the Indian tribes generally. After the +revolutionary war, I learned to sew, so that I could make my own clothing +after a poor fashion; but the other domestic arts I have been wholly +ignorant of the application of, since my captivity. In the season of +hunting, it was our business, in addition to our cooking, to bring home +the game that was taken by the Indians, dress it, and carefully preserve +the eatable meat, and prepare or dress the skins. Our clothing was +fastened together with strings of deer skin, and tied on with the same. + +In that manner we lived, without any of those jealousies, quarrels, and +revengeful battles between families and individuals, which have been +common in the Indian tribes since the introduction of ardent spirits +amongst them. + +The use of ardent spirits amongst the Indians, and the attempts which have +been made to civilize and christianize them by the white people, has +constantly made them worse and worse; increased their vices, and robbed +them of many of their virtues; and will ultimately produce their +extermination. I have seen, in a number of instances, the effects of +education upon some of our Indians, who were taken when young, from their +families, and placed at school before they had had an opportunity to +contract many Indian habits, and there kept till they arrived to manhood; +but I have never seen one of those but what was an Indian in every respect +after he returned. Indians must and will be Indians, In spite of all the +means that can be used for their cultivation in the sciences and arts. + +One thing only marred my happiness, while I lived with them on the Ohio; +and that was the recollection that I had once had tender parents, and a +home that I loved. Aside from that consideration, or, if I had been taken +in infancy, I should have been contented in my situation. Notwithstanding +all that has been said against the Indians, in consequence of their +cruelties to their enemies--cruelties that I have witnessed, and had +abundant proof of--it is a fact that they are naturally kind, tender and +peaceable towards their friends, and strictly honest; and that those +cruelties have been practised, only upon their enemies, according to their +idea of justice. + +At the time we left Wiishto, it was impossible for me to suppress a sigh +of regret on parting with those who had truly been my friends--with those +whom I had every reason to respect. On account of a part of our family +living at Genishau, we thought it doubtful whether we should return +directly from Pittsburgh, or go from thence on a visit to see them. + +Our company consisted of my husband, my two Indian brothers, my little son +and myself. We embarked in a canoe that was large enough to contain +ourselves, and our effects, and proceeded on our voyage up the river. + +Nothing remarkable occurred to us on our way, till we arrived at the mouth +of a creek which Sheninjee and my brother said was the outlet of Sandusky +lake; where, as they said, two or three English traders in fur and skins +had kept a trading house but a short time before, though they were then +absent. We had passed the trading house but a short distance, when we met +three white men floating down the river, with the appearance of having +been recently murdered by the Indians, we supposed them to be the bodies +of the traders, whose store we had passed the same day. Sheninjee being +alarmed for fear of being apprehended as one of the murderers, if he +should go on, resolved to put about immediately, and we accordingly +returned to where the traders had lived, and there landed. + +At the trading house we found a party of Shawnee Indians, who had taken a +young white man prisoner, and had just begun to torture him for the sole +purpose of gratifying their curiosity in exulting at his distress. They at +first made him stand up, while they slowly pared his ears and split them +into strings; they then made a number of slight incisions in his face; and +then bound him upon the ground, rolled him in the dirt, and rubbed it in +his wounds: some of them at the same time whipping him with small rods! +The poor fellow cried for mercy and yelled most piteously. + +The sight of his distress seemed too much for me to endure: I begged of +them to desist--I entreated them with tears to release him. At length they +attended to my intercessions, and set him at liberty. He was shockingly +disfigured, bled profusely, and appeared to be in great pain: but as soon +as he was liberated he made off in haste, which was the last I saw of him. + +We soon learned that the same party of Shawnees had, but a few hours +before, massacred the three white traders whom we saw in the river, and +had plundered their store. We, however, were not molested by them, and +after a short stay at that place, moved up the creek about forty miles to +a Shawnee town, which the Indians called Gaw-gush-shaw-ga, (which being +interpreted signifies a mask or a false face.) The creek that we went up +was called Candusky. + +It was now summer; and having tarried a few days at Gawgushshawga, we +moved on up the creek to a place that was called Yis-kah-wa-na, (meaning +in English open mouth.) + +As I have before observed, the family to which I belonged was part of a +tribe of Seneca Indians, who lived, at that time, at a place called +Genishau, from the name of the tribe, that was situated on a river of the +same name which is now called Genesee. The word Genishau signifies a +shining, clear or open place. Those of us who lived on the Ohio, had +frequently received invitations from those at Genishau, by one of my +brothers, who usually went and returned every season, to come and live +with them, and my two sisters had been gone almost two years. + +While we were at Yiskahwana, my brother arrived there from Genishau, and +insisted so strenuously upon our going home (as he called it) with him, +that my two brothers concluded to go, and to take me with them. + +By this time the summer was gone, and the time for harvesting corn had +arrived. My brothers, for fear of the rainy season setting in early, +thought it best to set out immediately that we might have good travelling. +Sheninjee consented to have me go with my brothers; but concluded to go +down the river himself with some fur and skins which he had on hand, spend +the winter in hunting with his friends, and come to me in the spring +following. + +That was accordingly agreed upon, and he set out for Wiishto; and my three +brothers and myself, with my little son on my back, at the same time set +out for Genishau. We came on to Upper Sandusky, to an Indian town that we +found deserted by its inhabitants, in consequence of their having recently +murdered some English traders, who resided amongst them. That town was +owned and had been occupied by Delaware Indians, who, when they left it, +buried their provision in the earth, in order to preserve it from their +enemies, or to have a supply for themselves if they should chance to +return. My brothers understood the customs of the Indians when they were +obliged to fly from their enemies; and suspecting that their corn at least +must have been hid, made diligent search, and at length found a large +quantity of it, together with beans, sugar and honey, so carefully buried +that it was completely dry and as good as when they left it. As our stock +of provision was scanty, we considered ourselves extremely fortunate in +finding so seasonable a supply, with so little trouble. Having caught two +or three horses, that we found there, and furnished ourselves with a good +store of food, we travelled on till we came to the mouth of French Creek, +where we hunted two days, and from thence came on to Conowongo Creek, +where we were obliged to stay seven or ten days, in consequence of our +horses having left us and straying into the woods. The horses, however, +were found, and we again prepared to resume our journey. During our stay +at that place the rain fell fast, and had raised the creek to such a +height that it was seemingly impossible for us to cross it. A number of +times we ventured in, but were compelled to return, barely escaping with +our lives. At length we succeeded in swimming our horses and reached the +opposite shore; though I but just escaped with my little boy from being +drowned. From Sandusky the path that we travelled was crooked and obscure; +but was tolerably well understood by my oldest brother, who had travelled +it a number of times, when going to and returning from the Cherokee wars. +The fall by this time was considerably advanced, and the rains, attended +with cold winds, continued daily to increase the difficulties of +travelling. From Conowongo we came to a place, called by the Indians +Che-ua-shung-gau-tau, and from that to U-na-waum-gwa, (which means an +eddy, not strong), where the early frosts had destroyed the corn so that +the Indians were in danger of starving for the want of bread. Having +rested ourselves two days at that place, we came on to Caneadea and stayed +one day, and then continued our march till we arrived at Genishau. +Genishau at that time was a large Seneca town, thickly inhabited, lying on +Genesee river, opposite what is now called the Free Ferry, adjoining +Fall-Brook, and about south west of the present village of Geneseo, the +county seat for the county of Livingston, in the state of New-York. + +Those only who have travelled on foot the distance of five or six hundred +miles, through an almost pathless wilderness, can form an idea of the +fatigue and sufferings that I endured on that journey. My clothing was +thin and illy calculated to defend me from the continually drenching rains +with which I was daily completely wet, and at night with nothing but my +wet blanket to cover me, I had to sleep on the naked ground, and generally +without a shelter, save such as nature had provided. In addition to all +that, I had to carry my child, then about nine months old, every step of +the journey on my back, or in my arms, and provide for his comfort and +prevent his suffering, as far as my poverty of means would admit. Such was +the fatigue that I sometimes felt, that I thought it impossible for me to +go through, and I would almost abandon the idea of even trying to proceed. +My brothers were attentive, and at length, as I have stated, we reached +our place of destination, in good health, and without having experienced a +day's sickness from the time we left Yiskahwana. + +We were kindly received by my Indian mother and the other members of the +family, who appeared to make me welcome; and my two sisters, whom I had +not seen in two years, received me with every expression of love and +friendship, and that they really felt what they expressed, I have never +had the least reason to doubt. The warmth of their feelings, the kind +reception which I met with, and the continued favors that I received at +their hands, rivetted my affection for them so strongly that I am +constrained to believe that I loved them as I should have loved my own +sister had she lived, and I had been brought up with her. + + * * * * * + + + +CHAPTER V. + + +Indians march to Niagara to fight the British.--Return with two Prisoners, +&c.--Sacrifice them at Fall-Brook.--Her Indian Mother's Address to her +Daughter.--Death of her Husband.--Bounty offered for the Prisoners taken +in the last war.--John Van Sice attempts to take her to procure her +Ransom.--Her Escape.--Edict of the Chiefs.--Old King of the tribe +determines to have her given up.--Her brother threatens her Life.--Her +narrow Escape.--The old King goes off.--Her brother is informed of the +place of her concealment, and conducts her home.--Marriage to her second +Husband.--Names of her Children. + +When we arrived at Genishau, the Indians of that tribe were making active +preparations for joining the French, in order to assist them in retaking +Fort Ne-a-gaw (as Fort Niagara was called in the Seneca language) from the +British, who had taken it from the French in the month preceding. They +marched off the next day after our arrival, painted and accoutred in all +the habiliments of Indian warfare, determined on death or victory; and +joined the army in season to assist in accomplishing a plan that had been +previously concerted for the destruction of a part of the British army. +The British feeling themselves secure in the possession of Fort Neagaw, +and unwilling that their enemies should occupy any of the military posts +in that quarter, determined to take Fort Schlosser, lying a few miles up +the river from Neagaw, which they expected to effect with but little loss. +Accordingly a detachment of soldiers, sufficiently numerous, as was +supposed, was sent out to take it, leaving a strong garrison in the fort, +and marched off, well prepared to effect their object. But on their way +they were surrounded by the French and Indians, who lay in ambush to +deceive them, and were driven off the bank of the river into a place +called the "Devil's Hole," together with their horses, carriages, +artillery, and every thing pertaining to the army. Not a single man +escaped being driven off, and of the whole number one only was fortunate +enough to escape with his life. [Footnote: For the particulars of that +event, see Appendix, No. 1.] Our Indians were absent but a few days, and +returned in triumph, bringing with them two white prisoners, and a number +of oxen. Those were the first neat cattle that were ever brought to the +Genesee flats. + +The next day after their return to Genishau, was set apart as a day of +feasting and frolicing, at the expence of the lives of their two +unfortunate prisoners, on whom they purposed to glut their revenge, and +satisfy their love for retaliation upon their enemies. My sister was +anxious to attend the execution, and to take me with her, to witness the +customs of the warriors, as it was one of the highest kind of frolics ever +celebrated in their tribe, and one that was not often attended with so +much pomp and parade as it was expected that would be. I felt a kind of +anxiety to witness the scene, having never attended an execution, and yet +I felt a kind of horrid dread that made my heart revolt, and inclined me +to step back rather than support the idea of advancing. On the morning of +the execution she made her intention of going to the frolic, and taking me +with her, known to our mother, who in the most feeling terms, remonstrated +against a step at once so rash and unbecoming the true dignity of our sex: + +"How, my daughter, (said she, addressing my sister,) "how can you even +think of attending the feast and seeing the unspeakable torments that +those poor unfortunate prisoners must inevitably suffer from the hands of +our warriors? How can you stand and see them writhing in the warriors' +fire, in all the agonies of a slow, a lingering death? + +How can you think of enduring the sound of their groanings and prayers to +the Great Spirit for sudden deliverance from their enemies, or from life? +And how can you think of conducting to that melancholy spot your poor +sister Dickewamis, (meaning myself), who has so lately been a prisoner, +who has lost her parents and brothers by the hands of the bloody warriors, +and who has felt all the horrors of the loss of her freedom, in lonesome +captivity? Oh! how can you think of making her bleed at the wounds which +now are but partially healed? The recollection of her former troubles +would deprive us of Dickewamis, and she would depart to the fields of the +blessed, where fighting has ceased, and the corn needs no tending--where +hunting is easy, the forests delightful, the summers are pleasant, and the +winters are mild!--O! think once, my daughter, how soon you may have a +brave brother made prisoner in battle, and sacrificed to feast the +ambition of the enemies of his kindred, and leave us to mourn for the loss +of a friend, a son and a brother, whose bow brought us venison, and +supplied us with blankets!--Our task is quite easy at home, and our +business needs our attention. With war we have nothing to do: our husbands +and brothers are proud to defend us, and their hearts beat with ardor to +meet our proud foes. Oh! stay then, my daughter; let our warriors alone +perform on their victims their customs of war!" + +This speech of our mother had the desired effect; we stayed at home and +attended to our domestic concerns. The prisoners, however, were executed +by having their heads taken off, their bodies cut in pieces and shockingly +mangled, and then burnt to ashes!--They were burnt on the north side of +Fall-brook, directly opposite the town which was on the south side, some +time in the month of November, 1759. + +I spent the winter comfortably, and as agreeably as I could have expected +to, in the absence of my kind husband. Spring at length appeared, but +Sheninjee was yet away; summer came on, but my husband had not found me. +Fearful forebodings haunted my imagination; yet I felt confident that his +affection for me was so great that if he was alive he would follow me and +I should again see him. In the course of the summer, however, I received +intelligence that soon after he left me at Yiskahwana he was taken sick +and died at Wiishto. This was a heavy and an unexpected blow. I was now in +my youthful days left a widow, with one son, and entirely dependent on +myself for his and my support. My mother and her family gave me all the +consolation in their power, and in a few months nay grief wore off and I +became contented. + +In a year or two after this, according to my best recollection of the +time, the King of England offered a bounty to those who would bring in the +prisoners that had been taken in the war, to some military post where they +might be redeemed and set at liberty. + +John Van Sice, a Dutchman, who had frequently been at our place, and was +well acquainted with every prisoner at Genishau, resolved to take me to +Niagara, that I might there receive my liberty and he the offered bounty. +I was notified of his intention; but as I was fully determined not to be +redeemed at that time, especially with his assistance, I carefully watched +his movements in order to avoid falling into his hands. It so happened, +however, that he saw me alone at work in a corn-field, and thinking +probably that he could secure me easily, ran towards me in great haste. I +espied him at some distance, and well knowing the amount of his errand, +run from him with all the speed I was mistress of, and never once stopped +till I reached Gardow. [Footnote: I have given this orthography, because +it corresponds with the popular pronunciation.] He gave up the chase, and +returned: but I, fearing that he might be lying in wait for me, stayed +three days and three nights in an old cabin at Gardow, and then went back +trembling at every step for fear of being apprehended. I got home without +difficulty; and soon after, the chiefs in council having learned the cause +of my elopement, gave orders that I should not be taken to any military +post without my consent; and that as it was my choice to stay, I should +live amongst them quietly and undisturbed. But, notwithstanding the will +of the chiefs, it was but a few days before the old king of our tribe told +one of my Indian brothers that I should be redeemed, and he would take me +to Niagara himself. In reply to the old king, my brother said that I +should not be given up; but that, as it was my wish, I should stay with +the tribe as long as I was pleased to. Upon this a serious quarrel ensued +between them, in which my brother frankly told him that sooner than I +should be taken by force, he would kill me with his own hands!--Highly +enraged at the old king; my brother came to my sister's house, where I +resided, and informed her of all that had passed respecting me; and that, +if the old king should attempt to take me, as he firmly believed he would, +he would immediately take my life, and hazard the consequences. He +returned to the old king. As soon as I came in, my sister told me what she +had just heard, and what she expected without doubt would befal me. Full +of pity, and anxious for my preservation, she then directed me to take my +child and go into some high weeds at no great distance from the house, and +there hide myself and lay still till all was silent in the house, for my +brother, she said, would return at evening and let her know the final +conclusion of the matter, of which she promised to inform me in the +following manner: If I was to be killed, she said she would bake a small +cake and lay it at the door, on the outside, in a place that she then +pointed out to me. When all was silent in the house, I was to creep softly +to the door, and if the cake could not be found in the place specified, I +was to go in: but if the cake was there, I was to take my child and; go as +fast as I possibly could to a large spring on the south side of Samp's +Creek, (a place that I had often seen,) and there wait till I should by +some means hear from her. + +Alarmed for my own safety, I instantly followed her advice, and went into +the weeds, where I lay in a state of the greatest anxiety, till all was +silent in the house, when I crept to the door, and there found, to my +great distress, the little cake! I knew my fate was fixed, unless I could +keep secreted till the storm was over, and accordingly crept back to the +weeds, where my little Thomas lay, took him on my back, and laid my course +for the spring as fast as my legs would carry me. Thomas was nearly three +years old, and very large and heavy. I got to the spring early in the +morning, almost overcome with fatigue, and at the same time fearing that I +might be pursued and taken, I felt my life an almost insupportable +burthen. I sat down with my child at the spring, and he and I made a +breakfast of the little cake, and water of the spring, which I dipped and +supped with the only implement which I possessed, my hand. + +In the morning after I fled, as was expected, the old King came to our +house in search of me, and to take me off; but, as I was not to be found, +he gave me up, and went to Niagara with the prisoners he had already got +into his possession. + +As soon as the old King was fairly out of the way, my sister told my +brother where he could find me. He immediately set out for the spring, and +found me about noon. The first sight of him made me tremble with the fear +of death; but when he came near, so that I could discover his countenance, +tears of joy flowed down my cheeks, and I felt such a kind of instant +relief as no one can possibly experience, unless when under the absolute +sentence of death he receives an unlimited pardon. We were both rejoiced +at the event of the old King's project; and after staying at the spring +through the night, set out together for home early in the morning. When we +got to a cornfield near the town, my brother secreted me till he could go +and ascertain how my case stood; and finding that the old King was absent, +and that all was peaceable, he returned to me, and I went home joyfully. + +Not long after this, my mother went to Johnstown, on the Mohawk river, +with five prisoners, who were redeemed by Sir William Johnson, and set at +liberty. + +When my son Thomas was three or four years old, I was married to an +Indian, whose name was Hiokatoo, commonly called Gardow, by whom I had +four daughters and two sons. I named my children, principally, after my +relatives, from whom I was parted, by calling my girls Jane, Nancy, Betsey +and Polly, and the boys John and Jesse. Jane died about twenty-nine years +ago, in the month of August, a little before the great Council at +Big-Tree, aged about fifteen years. My other daughters are yet living, and +have families. + + * * * * * + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + +Peace amongst the Indians.--Celebrations.--Worship. Exercises.--Business +of the Tribes.--Former Happiness of the Indians in time of peace +extolled.--Their Morals; Fidelity; Honesty; Chastity; Temperance. Indians +called to German Flats.--Treaty with Americans.--They are sent for by the +British Commissioners, and go to Oswego.--Promises made by those +Commissioners.--Greatness of the King of England. Reward that was paid +them for joining the British. They make a Treaty.--Bounty offered for +Scalps. Return richly dressed and equipped.--In 1776 they kill a man at +Cautega to provoke the Americans. Prisoners taken at Cherry Valley, +brought to Beard's Town; redeemed, &c.--Battle at Fort Stanwix.--Indians +suffer a great loss.--Mourning at Beard's Town.--Mrs. Jemison's care of +and services rendered to Butler and Brandt. + +After the conclusion of the French war, our tribe had nothing to trouble +it till the commencement of the Revolution. For twelve or fifteen years +the use of the implements of war was not known, nor the war-whoop heard, +save on days of festivity, when the achievements of former times were +commemorated in a kind of mimic warfare, in which the chiefs and warriors +displayed their prowess, and illustrated their former adroitness, by +laying the ambuscade, surprizing their enemies, and performing many +accurate manoeuvres with the tomahawk and scalping knife; thereby +preserving and handing to their children, the theory of Indian warfare. +During that period they also pertinaciously observed the religious rites +of their progenitors, by attending with the most scrupulous exactness and +a great degree of enthusiasm to the sacrifices, at particular times, to +appease the anger of the evil deity, or to excite the commisseration and +friendship of the Great Good Spirit, whom they adored with reverence, as +the author, governor, supporter and disposer of every good thing of which +they participated. + +They also practised in various athletic games, such as running, wrestling, +leaping, and playing ball, with a view that their bodies might be more +supple, or rather that they might not become enervated, and that they +might be enabled to make a proper selection of Chiefs for the councils of +the nation and leaders for war. + +While the Indians were thus engaged in their round of traditionary +performances, with the addition of hunting, their women attended to +agriculture, their families, and a few domestic concerns of small +consequence, and attended with but little labor. + +No people can live more happy than the Indians did in times of peace, +before the introduction of spirituous liquors amongst them. Their lives +were a continual round of pleasures. Their wants were few, and easily +satisfied; and their cares were only for to-day; the bounds of their +calculations for future comfort not extending to the incalculable +uncertainties of to-morrow. If peace ever dwelt with men, it was in former +times, in the recesses from war, amongst what are now termed barbarians. +The moral character of the Indians was (if I may be allowed the +expression) uncontaminated. Their fidelity was perfect, and became +proverbial; they were strictly honest; they despised deception and +falsehood; and chastity was held in high veneration, and a violation of it +was considered sacrilege. They were temperate in their desires, moderate +in their passions, and candid and honorable in the expression of their +sentiments on every subject of importance. + +Thus, at peace amongst themselves, and with the neighboring whites, though +there were none at that time very near, our Indians lived quietly and +peaceably at home, till a little before the breaking out of the +revolutionary war, when they were sent for, together with the Chiefs and +members of the Six Nations generally, by the people of the States, to go +to the German Flats, and there hold a general council, in order that the +people of the states might ascertain, in good season, who they should +esteem and treat as enemies, and who as friends, in the great war which +was then upon the point of breaking out between them and the King of +England. + +Our Indians obeyed the call, and the council was holden, at which the pipe +of peace was smoked, and a treaty made, in which the Six Nations solemnly +agreed that if a war should eventually break out, they would not take up +arms on either side; but that they would observe a strict neutrality. With +that the people of the states were satisfied, as they had not asked their +assistance, nor did not wish it. The Indians returned to their homes well +pleased that they could live on neutral ground, surrounded by the din of +war, without being engaged in it. + +About a year passed off, and we, as usual, were enjoying ourselves in the +employments of peaceable times, when a messenger arrived from the British +Commissioners, requesting all the Indians of our tribe to attend a general +council which was soon to be held at Oswego. The council convened, and +being opened, the British Commissioners informed the Chiefs that the +object of calling a council of the Six Nations, was, to engage their +assistance in subduing the rebels, the people of the states, who had risen +up against the good King, their master, and were about to rob him of a +great part of his possessions and wealth, and added that they would amply +reward them for all their services. + +The Chiefs then arose, and informed the Commissioners of the nature and +extent of the treaty which they had entered into with the people of the +states, the year before, and that they should not violate it by taking up +the hatchet against them. + +The Commissioners continued their entreaties without success, till they +addressed their avarice, by telling our people that the people of the +states were few in number, and easily subdued; and that on the account of +their disobedience to the King, they justly merited all the punishment +that it was possible for white men and Indians to inflict upon them; and +added, that the King was rich and powerful, both in money and subjects: +That his rum was as plenty as the water in lake Ontario: that his men were +as numerous as the sands upon the lake shore:--and that the Indians, if +they would assist in the war, and persevere in their friendship to the +King, till it was closed, should never want for money or goods. Upon this +the Chiefs concluded a treaty with the British Commissioners, in which +they agreed to take up arms against the rebels, and continue in the +service of his Majesty till they were subdued, in consideration of certain +conditions which were stipulated in the treaty to be performed by the +British government and its agents. + +As soon as the treaty was finished, the Commissioners made a present to +each Indian of a suit of clothes, a brass kettle, a gun and tomahawk, a +scalping knife, a quantity of powder and lead a piece of gold, and +promised a bounty on every scalp that should be brought in. Thus richly +clad and equipped, they returned home, after an absence of about two +weeks, full of the fire of war, and anxious to encounter their enemies. +Many of the kettles which the Indians received at that time are now in use +on the Genesee Flats. + +Hired to commit depredations upon the whites, who had given them no +offence, they waited impatiently to commence their labor, till sometime in +the spring of 1776, when a convenient opportunity offered for them to make +an attack. At that time, a party of our Indians were at Cau-te-ga, who +shot a man that was looking after his horse, for the sole purpose, as I +was informed by my Indian brother, who was present, of commencing +hostilities. + +In May following, our Indians were in their first battle with the +Americans; but at what place I am unable to determine. While they were +absent at that time, my daughter Nancy was born. + +The same year, at Cherry Valley, our Indians took a woman and her three +daughters prisoners, and brought them on, leaving one at Canandaigua, one +at Honeoy, one at Cattaraugus, and one (the woman) at Little Beard's Town, +where I resided. The woman told me that she and her daughters might have +escaped, but that they expected the British army only, and therefore made +no effort. Her husband and sons got away. Sometime having elapsed, they +were redeemed at Fort Niagara by Col. Butler, who clothed them well, and +sent them home. + +In the same expedition, Joseph Smith was taken prisoner at or near Cherry +Valley, brought to Genesee, and detained till after the revolutionary war. +He was then liberated, and the Indians made him a present, in company with +Horatio Jones, of 6000 acres of land lying in the present town of +Leicester, in the county of Livingston. + +One of the girls just mentioned, was married to a British officer at Fort +Niagara, by the name of Johnson, who at the time she was taken, took a +gold ring from her finger, without any compliments or ceremonies. When he +saw her at Niagara he recognized her features, restored the ring that he +had so impolitely borrowed, and courted and married her. + +Previous to the battle at Fort Stanwix, the British sent for the Indians +to come and see them whip the rebels; and, at the same time stated that +they did not wish to have them fight, but wanted to have them just sit +down smoke their pipes, and look on. Our Indians went, to a man; but +contrary to their expectation, instead of smoking and looking on, they +were obliged to fight for their lives, and in the end of the battle were +completely beaten, with a great loss in killed and wounded. Our Indians +alone had thirty-six killed, and a great number wounded. Our town +exhibited a scene of real sorrow and distress, when our warriors returned +and recounted their misfortunes, and stated the real loss they had +sustained in the engagement. The mourning was excessive, and was expressed +by the most doleful yells, shrieks, and howlings, and by inimitable +gesticulations. + +During the revolution, my house was the home of Col's Butler and Brandt, +whenever they chanced to come into our neighborhood as they passed to and +from Fort Niagara, which was the seat of their military operations. Many +and many a night I have pounded samp for them from sun-set till sun-rise, +and furnished them with necessary provision and clean clothing for their +journey. + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + +Gen. Sullivan with a large army arrives at Canandaigua.--Indians' +troubles.--Determine to stop their march.--Skirmish at Connessius +Lake.--Circumstances attending the Execution of an Oneida warrior. Escape +of an Indian Prisoner.--Lieut. Boyd and another man taken +Prisoners.--Cruelty of Boyd's Execution.--Indians retreat to the +woods.--Sullivan comes on to Genesee Flats and destroys the property of +the Indians.--Returns.--Indians return.--Mrs. Jemison goes to Gardow.--Her +Employment there.--Attention of an old Negro to her safety, &c.--Severe +Winter.--Sufferings of the Indians.--Destruction of Game.--Indians' +Expedition to the Mohawk.--Capture old John O'Bail, &c.--Other Prisoners +taken, &c. + +For four or five years we sustained no loss in the war, except in the few +who had been killed in distant battles; and our tribe, because of the +remoteness of its situation, from the enemy, felt secure from an attack. +At length, in the fall of 1779, intelligence was received that a large and +powerful army of the rebels, under the command of General Sullivan, was +making rapid progress towards our settlement, burning and destroying the +huts and corn-fields; killing the cattle, hogs and horses, and cutting +down the fruit trees belonging to the Indians throughout the country. + +Our Indians immediately became alarmed, and suffered every thing but death +from fear that they should be taken by surprize, and totally destroyed at +a single blow. But in order to prevent so great a catastrophe, they sent +out a few spies who were to keep themselves at a short distance in front +of the invading army, in order to watch its operations, and give +information of its advances and success. + +Sullivan arrived at Canandaigua Lake, and had finished his work of +destruction there, and it was ascertained that he was about to march to +our flats, when our Indians resolved to give him battle on the way, and +prevent, if possible, the distresses to which they knew we should be +subjected, if he should succeed in reaching our town. Accordingly they +sent all their women and children into the woods a little west of Little +Beard's Town, in order that we might make a good retreat if it should be +necessary, and then, well armed, set out to face the conquering enemy. The +place which they fixed upon for their battle ground lay between Honeoy +Creek and the head of Connessius Lake. + +At length a scouting party from Sullivan's army arrived at the spot +selected, when the Indians arose from their ambush with all the fierceness +and terror that it was possible for them to exercise, and directly put the +party upon a retreat. Two Oneida Indians were all the prisoners that were +taken in that skirmish. One of them was a pilot of Gen. Sullivan, and had +been very active in the war, rendering to the people of the states +essential services. At the commencement of the revolution he had a brother +older than himself, who resolved to join the British service, and +endeavored by all the art that he was capable of using to persuade his +brother to accompany him; but his arguments proved abortive. This went to +the British, and that joined the American army. At this critical juncture +they met, one in the capacity of a conqueror, the other in that of a +prisoner; and as an Indian seldom forgets a countenance that he has seen, +they recognized each other at sight. Envy and revenge glared in the +features of the conquering savage, as he advanced to his brother (the +prisoner) in all the haughtiness of Indian pride, heightened by a sense of +power, and addressed him in the following manner: + +"Brother, you have merited death! The hatchet or the war-club shall finish +your career!--When I begged of you to follow me in the fortunes of war, +you was deaf to my cries--you spurned my entreaties! + +"Brother! you have merited death and shall have your deserts! When the +rebels raised their hatchets to fight their good master, you sharpened +your knife, you brightened your rifle and led on our foes to the fields of +our fathers'--You have merited death and shall die by our hands! When +those rebels had drove us from the fields of our fathers to seek out new +homes, it was you who could dare to step forth as their pilot, and conduct +them even to the doors of our wigwams, to butcher our children and put us +to death! No crime can be greater!--But though you have merited death and +shall die on this spot, my hands shall not be stained in the blood of a +brother! _Who will strike_?" + +Little Beard, who was standing by, as soon as the speech was ended, struck +the prisoner on the head with his tomahawk, and despatched him at once! + +Little Beard then informed the other Indian prisoner that as they were at +war with the whites only, and not with the Indians, they would spare his +life, and after a while give him his liberty in an honorable manner. The +Oneida warrior, however, was jealous of Little Beard's fidelity; and +suspecting that he should soon fall by his hands, watched for a favorable +opportunity to make his escape; which he soon effected. Two Indians were +leading him, one on each side, when he made a violent effort, threw them +upon the ground, and run for his life towards where the main body of the +American army was encamped. The Indians pursued him without success; but +in their absence they fell in with a small detachment of Sullivan's men, +with whom they had a short but severe skirmish, in which they killed a +number of the enemy, took Capt. or Lieut. William Boyd and one private, +prisoners, and brought them to Little Beard's Town, where they were soon +after put to death in the most shocking and cruel manner. Little Beard, in +this, as in all other scenes of cruelty that happened at his town, was +master of ceremonies, and principal actor. Poor Boyd was stripped of his +clothing, and then tied to a sapling, where the Indians menaced his life +by throwing their tomahawks at the tree, directly over his head, +brandishing their scalping knives around him in the most frightful manner, +and accompanying their ceremonies with terrific shouts of joy. Having +punished him sufficiently in this way, they made a small opening in his +abdomen, took out an intestine, which they tied to the sapling, and then +unbound him from the tree, and drove him round it till he had drawn out +the whole of his intestines. He was then beheaded, his head was stuck upon +a pole, and his body left on the ground unburied. + +Thus ended the life of poor William Boyd, who, it was said, had every +appearance of being an active and enterprizing officer, of the first +talents. The other prisoner was (if I remember distinctly) only beheaded +and left near Boyd. + +This tragedy being finished, our Indians again held a short council on the +expediency of giving Sullivan battle, if he should continue to advance, +and finally came to the conclusion that they were not strong enough to +drive him, nor to prevent his taking possession of their fields: but that +if it was possible they would escape with their own lives, preserve their +families, and leave their possessions to be overrun by the invading army. + +The women and children were then sent on still further towards Buffalo, to +a large creek that was called by the Indians Catawba, accompanied by a +part of the Indians, while the remainder secreted themselves in the woods +back of Beard's Town, to watch the movements of the army. + +At that time I had three children who went with me on foot, one who rode +on horse back, and one whom I carried on my back. + +Our corn was good that year; a part of which we had gathered and secured +for winter. + +In one or two days after the skirmish at Connissius lake, Sullivan and his +army arrived at Genesee river, where they destroyed every article of the +food kind that they could lay their hands on. A pan of our corn they +burnt, and threw the remainder into the river. They burnt our houses, +killed what few cattle and horses they could find, destroyed our fruit +trees, and left nothing but the bare soil and timber. But the Indians had +eloped and were not to be found. + +Having crossed and recrossed the river, and finished the work of +destruction, the army marched off to the east. Our Indians saw them move +off, but suspecting that it was Sullivan's intention to watch our return, +and then to take us by surprize, resolved that the main body of our tribe +should hunt where we then were, till Sullivan had gone so far that there +would be no danger of his returning to molest us. + +This being agreed to, we hunted continually till the Indians concluded +that there could be no risk in our once more taking possession of our +lands. Accordingly we all returned; but what were our feelings when we +found that there was not a mouthful of any kind of sustenance left, not +even enough to keep a child one day from perishing with hunger. + +The weather by this time had become cold and stormy; and as we were +destitute of houses and food too, I immediately resolved to take my +children and look out for myself, without delay. With this intention I +took two of my little ones on my back, bade the other three follow, and +the same night arrived on the Gardow flats, where I have ever since +resided. + +At that time, two negroes, who had run away from their masters sometime +before, were the only inhabitants of those flats. They lived in a small +cabin and had planted and raised a large field of corn, which they had not +yet harvested. As they were in want of help to secure their crop, I hired +to them to husk corn till the whole was harvested. + +I have laughed a thousand times to myself when I have thought of the good +old negro, who hired me, who fearing that I should get taken or injured by +the Indians, stood by me constantly when I was husking, with a loaded gun +in his hand, in order to keep off the enemy, and thereby lost as much +labor of his own as he received from me, by paying good wages. I, however, +was not displeased with his attention; for I knew that I should need all +the corn that I could earn, even if I should husk the whole. I husked +enough for them, to gain for myself, at every tenth string, one hundred +strings of ears, which were equal to twenty-five bushels of shelled corn. +This seasonable supply made my family comfortable for samp and cakes +through the succeeding winter, which was the most severe that I have +witnessed since my remembrance. The snow fell about five feet deep, and +remained so for a long time, and the weather was extremely cold; so much +so indeed, that almost all the game upon which the Indians depended for +subsistence, perished, and reduced them almost to a state of starvation +through that and three or four succeeding years. When the snow melted in +the spring, deer were found dead upon the ground in vast numbers; and +other animals, of every description, perished from the cold also, and were +found dead, in multitudes. Many of our people barely escaped with their +lives, and some actually died of hunger and freezing. + +But to return from this digression: Having been completely routed at +Little Beard's Town, deprived of a house, and without the means of +building one in season, after I had finished my husking, and having found +from the short acquaintance which I had had with the negroes, that they +were kind and friendly, I concluded, at their request, to take up my +residence with them for a while in their cabin, till I should be able to +provide a hut for myself. I lived more comfortable than I expected to +through the winter, and the next season made a shelter for myself. + +The negroes continued on my flats two or three years after this, and then +left them for a place that they expected would suit them much better. But +as that land became my own in a few years, by virtue of a deed from the +Chiefs of the Six Nations, I have lived there from that to the present +time. + +My flats were cleared before I saw them; and it was the opinion of the +oldest Indians that were at Genishau, at the time that I first went there, +that all the flats on the Genesee river were improved before any of the +Indian tribes ever saw them. I well remember that soon after I went to +Little Beard's Town, the banks of Fall-Brook were washed off, which left a +large number of human bones uncovered. The Indians then said that those +were not the bones of Indians, because they had never heard of any of +their dead being buried there; but that they were the bones of a race of +men who a great many moons before, cleared that land and lived on the +flats. + +The next summer after Sullivan's campaign, our Indians, highly incensed at +the whites for the treatment they had received, and the sufferings which +they had consequently endured, determined to obtain some redress by +destroying their frontier settlements. Corn Planter, otherwise called John +O'Bail, led the Indians, and an officer by the name of Johnston commanded +the British in the expedition. The force was large, and so strongly bent +upon revenge and vengeance, that seemingly nothing could avert its march, +nor prevent its depredations. After leaving Genesee they marched directly +to some of the head waters of the Susquehannah river, and Schoharie Creek, +went down that creek to the Mohawk river, thence up that river to Fort +Stanwix, and from thence came home. In their route they burnt a number of +places; destroyed all the cattle and other property that fell in their +way; killed a number of white people, and brought home a few prisoners. + +In that expedition, when they came to Fort Plain, on the Mohawk river, +Corn Planter and a party of his Indians took old John O'Bail, a white man, +and made him a prisoner. Old John O'Bail, in his younger days had +frequently passed through the Indian settlements that lay between the +Hudson and Fort Niagara, and in some of his excursions had become enamored +with a squaw, by whom he had a son that was called Corn Planter. + +Corn Planter, was a chief of considerable eminence; and having been +informed of his parentage and of the place of his father's residence, took +the old man at this time, in order that he might make an introduction +leisurely, and become acquainted with a man to whom, though a stranger, he +was satisfied that he owed his existence. + +After he had taken the old man, his father, he led him as a prisoner ten +or twelve miles up the river, and then stepped before him, faced about, +and addressed him in the following terms:-- + +"My name is John O'Bail, commonly called Corn Planter. I am your son! you +are my father! You are now my prisoner, and subject to the customs of +Indian warfare: but you shall not be harmed; you need not fear. I am a +warrior! Many are the scalps which I have taken! Many prisoners I have +tortured to death! I am your son! I am a warrior! I was anxious to see +you, and to greet you in friendship. I went to your cabin and took you by +force! But your life shall be spared. Indians love their friends and their +kindred, and treat them with kindness. If now you choose to follow the +fortune of your yellow son, and to live with our people, I will cherish +your old age with plenty of venison, and you shall live easy: But if it is +your choice to return to your fields and live with your white children, I +will send a party of my trusty young men to conduct you back in safety. I +respect you, my father; you have been friendly to Indians, and they are +your friends." + +Old John chose to return. Corn Planter, as good as his word, ordered an +escort to attend him home, which they did with the greatest care. + +Amongst the prisoners that were brought to Genesee, was William Newkirk, a +man by the name of Price, and two negroes. + +Price lived a while with Little Beard, and afterwards with Jack Berry, an +Indian. When he left Jack Berry he went to Niagara, where he now resides. + +Newkirk was brought to Beard's Town, and lived with Little Beard and at +Fort Niagara about one year, and then enlisted under Butler, and went with +him on an expedition to the Monongahela. + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + +Life of Ebenezer Allen, a Tory.--He comes to Gardow.--His intimacy with a +Nanticoke Squaw.--She gives him a Cap.--Her Husband's jealousy.--Cruelty +to his Wife.--Hiokatoo's Mandate.--Allen supports her.--Her Husband is +received into favor.--Allen labors.--Purchases Goods.--Stops the Indian +War.--His troubles with the Indians.--Marries a Squaw.--Is taken and +carried to Quebec.--Acquitted.--Goes to Philadelphia.--Returns to Genesee +with a Store of Goods, &c.--Goes to Farming.--Moves to Allen's +Creek.--Builds Mills at Rochester.--Drowns a Dutchman.--Marries a white +Wife.--Kills an old Man.--Gets a Concubine.--Moves to Mt. Morris.-- +Marries a third Wife and gets another Concubine.--Receives a tract of +Land.--Sends his Children to other States, &c.--Disposes of his +Land.--Moves to Grand River, where he dies.--His Cruelties. + +Sometime near the close of the revolutionary war, a white man by the name +of Ebenezer Allen, left his people in the state of Pennsylvania on the +account of some disaffection towards his countrymen, and came to the +Genesee river, to reside with the Indians. He tarried at Genishau a few +days, and came up to Gardow, where I then resided.--He was, apparently, +without any business that would support him; but be soon became acquainted +with my son Thomas, with whom he hunted for a long time, and made his home +with him at my house; winter came on, and he continued his stay. + +When Allen came to my house, I had a white man living on my land, who had +a Nanticoke squaw for his wife, with whom he had lived very peaceably; for +he was a moderate man commonly, and she was a kind, gentle, cunning +creature. It so happened that he had no hay for his cattle; so that in the +winter he was obliged to drive them every day, perhaps half a mile from +his house, to let them feed on rushes, which in those days were so +numerous as to nearly cover the ground. + +Allen having frequently seen the squaw in the fall, took the opportunity +when her husband was absent with his cows, daily to make her a visit; and +in return for his kindnesses she made and gave him a red cap finished and +decorated in the highest Indian style. + +The husband had for some considerable length of time felt a degree of +jealousy that Allen was trespassing upon him with the consent of his +squaw; but when he saw Allen dressed in so fine an Indian cap, and found +that his dear Nanticoke had presented it to him, his doubts all left him, +and he became so violently enraged that he caught her by the hair of her +head, dragged her on the ground to my house, a distance of forty rods, and +threw her in at the door. Hiokatoo, my husband, exasperated at the sight +of so much inhumanity, hastily took down his old tomahawk, which for +awhile had lain idle, shook it over the cuckold's head, and bade him jogo +(i. e. go off.) The enraged husband, well knowing that he should feel a +blow if he waited to hear the order repeated, instantly retreated, and +went down the river to his cattle. We protected the poor Nanticoke woman, +and gave her victuals; and Allen sympathized with her in her misfortunes +till spring, when her husband came to her, acknowledged his former errors, +and that he had abused her without a cause, promised a reformation, and +she received him with every mark of a renewal of her affection. They went +home lovingly, and soon after removed to Niagara. + +The same spring, Allen commenced working my flats, and continued to labor +there till after the peace in 1783. He then went to Philadelphia on some +business that detained him but a few days, and returned with a horse and +some dry goods, which he carried to a place that is now called Mount +Morris, where he built or bought a small house. + +The British and Indians on the Niagara frontier, dissatisfied with the +treaty of peace, were determined, at all hazards, to continue their +depredations upon the white settlements which lay between them and Albany. +They actually made ready, and were about setting out on an expedition to +that effect, when Allen (who by this time understood their customs of war) +took a belt of wampum, which he had fraudulently procured, and carried it +as a token of peace from the Indians to the commander of the nearest +American military post. + +The Indians were soon answered by the American officer that the wampum was +cordially accepted and, that a continuance of peace was ardently wished +for. The Indians, at this, were chagrined and disappointed beyond measure; +but as they held the wampum to be a sacred thing, they dared not to go +against the import of its meaning, and immediately buried the hatchet as +it respected the people of the United State; and smoked the pipe of peace. +They, however, resolved to punish Allen for his officiousness in meddling +with their national affairs, by presenting the sacred wampum without their +knowledge, and went about devising means for his detection. A party was +accordingly despatched from Fort Niagara to apprehend him; with orders to +conduct him to that post for trial, or for safe keeping, till such time as +his fate should be determined upon in a legal manner. + +The party came on; but before it arrived at Gardow, Allen got news of its +approach, and fled for safety, leaving the horse and goods that he had +brought from Philadelphia, an easy prey to his enemies. He had not been +long absent when they arrived at Gardow, where they made diligent search +for him till they were satisfied that they could not find him, and then +seized the effects which he had left, and returned to Niagara. My son +Thomas, went with them, with Allen's horse, and carried the goods. + +Allen, on finding that his enemies had gone, came back to my house, where +he lived as before; but of his return they were soon notified at Niagara, +and Nettles (who married Priscilla Ramsay) with a small party of Indians +came on to take him. He, however, by some means found that they were near, +and gave me his box of money and trinkets to keep safely, till he called +for it, and again took to the woods. + +Nettles came on determined at all events to take him before he went back; +and, in order to accomplish his design, he, with his Indians, hunted in +the day time and lay by at night at my house, and in that way they +practised for a number of days. Allen watched the motion of his pursuers, +and every night after they had gone to rest, came home and got some food, +and then returned to his retreat. It was in the fall, and the weather was +cold and rainy, so that he suffered extremely. Some nights he sat in my +chamber till nearly day-break, while his enemies were below, and when the +time arrived I assisted him to escape unnoticed. + +Nettles at length abandoned the chase--went home, and Allen, all in +tatters, came in. By running in the woods his clothing had become torn +into rags, so that he was in a suffering condition, almost naked. Hiokatoo +gave him a blanket, and a piece of broadcloth for a pair of trowsers. +Allen made his trowsers himself, and then built a raft, on which he went +down the river to his own place at Mount Morris. + +About that time he married a squaw, whose name was Sally. + +The Niagara people finding that he was at his own house, came and took him +by surprize when he least expected them, and carried him to Niagara. +Fortunately for him, it so happened that just as they arrived at the fort, +a house took fire and his keepers all left him to save the building, if +possible. Allen had supposed his doom to be nearly sealed; but finding +himself at liberty he took to his heels, left his escort to put out the +fire, and ran to Tonnawanta. There an Indian gave him some refreshment, +and a good gun, with which he hastened on to Little Beard's Town, where he +found his squaw. Not daring to risk himself at that place for fear of +being given up, he made her but a short visit, and came immediately to +Gardow. + +Just as he got to the top of the hill above the Gardow flats, he +discovered a party of British soldiers and Indians in pursuit of him; and +in fact they were so near that he was satisfied that they saw him, and +concluded that it would be impossible for him to escape. The love of +liberty, however, added to his natural swiftness, gave him sufficient +strength to make his escape to his former castle of safety. His pursuers +came immediately to my house, where they expected to have found him +secreted, and under my protection. They told me where they had seen him +but a few moments before, and that they were confident that it was within +my power to put him into their hands. As I was perfectly clear of having +had any hand in his escape, I told them plainly that I had not seen him +since he was taken to Niagara, and that I could give them no information +at all respecting him. Still unsatisfied, and doubting my veracity, they +advised my Indian brother to use his influence to draw from me the secret +of his concealment, which they had an idea that I considered of great +importance, not only to him but to myself. I persisted in my ignorance of +his situation, and finally they left me. + +Although I had not seen Allen, I knew his place of security, and was well +aware that if I told them the place where he had formerly hid himself, +they would have no difficulty in making him a prisoner. + +He came to my house in the night, and awoke me with the greatest caution, +fearing that some of his enemies might be watching to take him at a time +when, and in a place where it would be impossible for him to make his +escape. I got up and assured him that he was then safe; but that his +enemies would return early in the morning and search him out if it should +be possible. Having given him some victuals, which he received thankfully, +I told him to go, but to return the next night to a certain corner of the +fence near my house where he would find a quantity of meal that I would +have well prepared and deposited there for his use. + +Early the next morning, Nettles and his company came in while I was +pounding the meal for Allen, and insisted upon my giving him up. I again +told them that I did not know where he was, and that I could not, neither +would I, tell them any thing about him. I well knew that Allen considered +his life in my hands; and although it was my intention not to lie, I was +fully determined to keep his situation a profound secret. They continued +their labor and examined (as they supposed) every crevice, gully, tree and +hollow log in the neighboring woods, and at last concluded that he had +left the country, and gave him up for lost, and went home. + +At that time Allen lay in a secret place in the gulph a short distance +above my flats, in a hole that he accidentally found in the rock near the +river. At night he came and got the meal at the corner of the fence as I +had directed him, and afterwards lived in the gulph two weeks. Each night +he came to the pasture and milked one of my cows, without any other vessel +in which to receive the milk than his hat, out of which he drank it. I +supplied him with meal, but fearing to build a fire he was obliged to eat +it raw and wash it down with the milk. Nettles having left our +neighborhood, and Allen considering himself safe, left his little cave and +came home. I gave him his box of money and trinkets, and he went to his +own house at Mount Morris. It was generally considered by the Indians of +our tribe, that Allen was an innocent man, and that the Niagara people +were persecuting him without a just cause. Little Beard, then about to go +to the eastward on public business, charged his Indians not to meddle with +Allen, but to let him live amongst them peaceably, and enjoy himself with +his family and property if he could. Having the protection of the chief, +he felt himself safe, and let his situation be known to the whites from +whom he suspected no harm. They, however, were more inimical than our +Indians and were easily bribed by Nettles to assist in bringing him to +justice. Nettles came on, and the whites, as they had agreed, gave poor +Allen up to him. He was bound and carried to Niagara, where he was +confined in prison through the winter. In the spring he was taken to +Montreal or Quebec for trial, and was honorably acquitted. The crime for +which he was tried was, for his having carried the wampum to the +Americans, and thereby putting too sudden a stop to their war. + +From the place of his trial he went directly to Philadelphia, and +purchased on credit, a boat load of goods which he brought by water to +Conhocton, where he left them and came to Mount Morris for assistance to +get them brought on. The Indians readily went with horses and brought them +to his house, where he disposed of his dry goods; but not daring to let +the Indians begin to drink strong liquor, for fear of the quarrels which +would naturally follow, he sent his spirits to my place and we sold them. +For his goods he received ginseng roots, principally, and a few skins. +Ginseng at that time was plenty, and commanded a high price. We prepared +the whole that he received for the market, expecting that he would carry +them to Philadelphia. In that I was disappointed; for when he had disposed +of, and got pay for all his goods, he took the ginseng and skins to +Niagara, and there sold them and came home. + +Tired of dealing in goods, he planted a large field of corn on or near his +own land, attended to it faithfully, and succeeded in raising a large +crop, which he harvested, loaded into canoes and carried down the river to +the mouth of Allen's Creek, then called by the Indians Gin-is-a-ga, where +he unloaded it, built him a house, and lived with his family. + +The next season he planted corn at that place and built a grist and saw +mill on Genesee Falls, now called Rochester. + +At the time Allen built the mills, he had an old German living with him by +the name of Andrews, whom he sent in a canoe down the river with his mill +irons. Allen went down at the same time; but before they got to the mills +Allen threw the old man overboard and drowned him, as it was then +generally believed, for he was never seen or heard of afterwards. + +In the course of the season in which Allen built his mills, he became +acquainted with the daughter of a white man, who was moving to Niagara. +She was handsome, and Allen soon got into her good graces, so that be +married and took her home, to be a joint partner with Sally, the squaw, +whom she had never heard of till she got home and found her in full +possession; but it was too late for her to retrace the hasty steps she had +taken, for her father had left her in the care of a tender husband and +gone on. She, however, found that she enjoyed at least an equal half of +her husband's affections, and made herself contented. Her father's name I +have forgotten, but her's was Lucy. + +Allen was not contented with two wives, for in a short time after he had +married Lucy he came up to my house, where he found a young woman who had +an old husband with her. They had been on a long journey, and called at my +place to recruit and rest themselves. She filled Allen's eye, and he +accordingly fixed upon a plan to get her into his possession. He praised +his situation, enumerated his advantages, and finally persuaded them to go +home and tarry with him a few days at least, and partake of a part of his +comforts. They accepted his generous invitation and went home with him. +But they had been there but two or three days when Allen took the old +gentleman out to view his flats; and as they were deliberately walking on +the bank of the river, pushed him into the water. The old man, almost +strangled, succeeded in getting out; but his fall and exertions had so +powerful an effect upon his system that he died in two or three days, and +left his young widow to the protection of his murderer. She lived with him +about one year in a state of concubinage and then left him. + +How long Allen lived at Allen's Creek I am unable to state; but soon after +the young widow left him, he removed to his old place at Mount Morris, and +built a house, where he made Sally, his squaw, by whom he had two +daughters, a slave to Lucy, by whom he had had one son; still, however, he +considered Sally to be his wife. + +After Allen came to Mt. Morris at that time, he married a girl by the name +of Morilla Gregory, whose father at the time lived on Genesee Flats. The +ceremony being over, he took her home to live in common with his other +wives; but his house was too small for his family; for Sally and Lucy, +conceiving that their lawful privileges would be abridged if they received +a partner, united their strength and whipped poor Morilla so cruelly that +he was obliged to keep her in a small Indian house a short distance from +his own, or lose her entirely. Morilla, before she left Mt. Morris, had +four children. + +One of Morilla's sisters lived with Allen about a year after Morilla was +married, and then quit him. + +A short time after they all got to living at Mt. Morris, Allen prevailed +upon the Chiefs to give to his Indian children, a tract of land four miles +square, where he then resided. The Chiefs gave them the land, but he so +artfully contrived the conveyance, that he could apply it to his own use, +and by alienating his right, destroy the claim of his children. + +Having secured the land, in that way, to himself, he sent his two Indian +girls to Trenton, (N.J.) and his white son to Philadelphia, for the +purpose of giving each of them a respectable English education. + +While his children were at school, he went to Philadelphia, and sold his +right to the land which he had begged of the Indians for his children to +Robert Morris. After that, he sent for his daughters to come home, which +they did. + +Having disposed of the whole of his property on the Genesee river, he took +his two white wives and their children, together with his effects, and +removed to a Delaware town on the river De Trench, in Upper Canada. When +he left Mt. Morris, Sally, his squaw, insisted upon going with him, and +actually followed him, crying bitterly, and praying for his protection +some two or three miles, till he absolutely bade her leave him, or he +would punish her with severity. + +At length, finding her case hopeless, she returned to the Indians. + +At the great treaty at Big Tree, one of Allen's daughters claimed the land +which he had sold to Morris. The claim was examined and decided against +her in favor of Ogden, Trumbull, Rogers and others, who were the creditors +of Robert Morris. Allen yet believed that his daughter had an indisputable +right to the land in question, and got me to go with mother Farly, a half +Indian woman, to assist him by interceding with Morris for it, and to urge +the propriety of her claim. We went to Thomas Morris, and having stated to +him our business, he told us plainly that he had no land to give away, and +that as the title was good, he never would allow Allen, nor his heirs, one +foot, or words to that effect. We returned to Allen the answer we had +received, and he, conceiving all further attempts to be useless, went +home. + +He died at the Delaware town, on the river De Trench, in the year 1814 or +15, and left two white widows and one squaw, with a number of children, to +lament his loss. + +By his last will he gave all his property to his last wife (Morilla,) and +her children, without providing in the least for the support of Lucy, or +any of the other members of his family. Lucy, soon after his death, went +with her children down the Ohio river, to receive assistance from her +friends. + +In the revolutionary war, Allen was a tory, and by that means became +acquainted with our Indians, when they were in the neighborhood of his +native place, desolating the settlements on the Susquehannah. In those +predatory battles, he joined them, and (as I have often heard the Indians +say,) for cruelty was not exceeded by any of his Indian comrades! + +At one time, when he was scouting with the Indians in the Susquehannah +country, he entered a house very early in the morning, where he found a +man, his wife, and one child, in bed. The man, as he entered the door, +instantly sprang on the floor, for the purpose of defending himself and +little family; but Allen dispatched him at one blow. He then cut off his +head and threw it bleeding into the bed with the terrified woman; took the +little infant from its mother's breast, and holding it by its legs, dashed +its head against the jamb, and left the unhappy widow and mother to mourn +alone over her murdered family. It has been said by some, that after he +had killed the child, he opened the fire and buried it under the coals and +embers: But of that I am not certain. I have often heard him speak of that +transaction with a great degree of sorrow, and as the foulest crime he had +ever committed--one for which I have no doubt he repented. + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + +Mrs. Jemison has liberty to go to her Friends.--Chooses to stay.--Her +Reasons, &c.--Her Indian Brother makes provision for her Settlement.--He +goes to Grand River and dies.--Her Love for him, &c.--She is presented +with the Gardow Reservation.--Is troubled by Speculators.--Description of +the Soil, &c. of her Flats.--Indian notions of the ancient Inhabitants of +this Country. + +Soon after the close of the revolutionary war, my Indian brother, +Kau-jises-tau-ge-au (which being interpreted signifies Black Coals,) +offered me my liberty, and told me that if it was my choice I might go to +my friends. + +My son, Thomas, was anxious that I should go; and offered to go with me +and assist me on the journey, by taking care of the younger children, and +providing food as we travelled through the wilderness. But the Chiefs of +our tribe, suspecting from his appearance, actions, and a few warlike +exploits, that Thomas would be a great warrior, or a good counsellor, +refused to let him leave them on any account whatever. + +To go myself, and leave him, was more than I felt able to do; for he had +been kind to me, and was one on whom I placed great dependence. The Chiefs +refusing to let him go, was one reason for my resolving to stay; but +another, more powerful, if possible, was, that I had got a large family of +Indian children, that I must take with me; and that if I should be so +fortunate as to find my relatives, they would despise them, if not myself; +and treat us as enemies; or, at least with a degree of cold indifference, +which I thought I could not endure. + +Accordingly, after I had duly considered the matter, I told my brother +that it was my choice to stay and spend the remainder of my days with my +Indian friends, and live with my family as I had heretofore done. He +appeared well pleased with my resolution, and informed me, that as that +was my choice, I should have a piece of land that I could call my own, +where I could live unmolested, and have something at my decease to leave +for the benefit of my children. + +In a short time he made himself ready to go to Upper Canada; but before he +left us, he told me that he would speak to some of the Chiefs at Buffalo, +to attend the great Council, which he expected would convene in a few +years at farthest, and convey to me such a tract of land as I should +select. My brother left us, as he had proposed, and soon after died at +Grand River. + +Kaujisestaugeau, was an excellent man, and ever treated me with kindness. +Perhaps no one of his tribe at any time exceeded him in natural mildness +of temper, and warmth and tenderness of affection. If he had taken my life +at the time when the avarice of the old King inclined him to procure my +emancipation, it would have been done with a pure heart and from good +motives. He loved his friends; and was generally beloved. During the time +that I lived in the family with him, he never offered the most trifling +abuse; on the contrary, his whole conduct towards me was strictly +honorable. I mourned his loss as that of a tender brother, and shall +recollect him through life with emotions of friendship and gratitude. + +I lived undisturbed, without hearing a word on the subject of my land, +till the great Council was held at Big Tree, in 1797, when Farmer's +Brother, whose Indian name is Ho-na-ye-wus, sent for me to attend the +council. When I got there, he told me that my brother had spoken to him to +see that I had a piece of land reserved for my use; and that then was the +time for me to receive it.--He requested that I would choose for myself +and describe the bounds of a piece that would suit me. I accordingly told +him the place of beginning, and then went round a tract that I judged +would be sufficient for my purpose, (knowing that it would include the +Gardow Flats,) by stating certain bounds with which I was acquainted. + +When the Council was opened, and the business afforded a proper +opportunity, Farmer's Brother presented my claim, and rehearsed the +request of my brother. Red Jacket, whose Indian name is Sagu-yu-what-hah, +which interpreted, as Keeper-awake, opposed me or my claim with all his +influence and eloquence. Farmer's Brother insisted upon the necessity, +propriety and expediency of his proposition, and got the land granted. The +deed was made and signed, securing to me the title to all the land I had +described; under the same restrictions and regulations that other Indian +lands are subject to. + +That land has ever since been known by the name of the Gardow Tract. + +Red Jacket not only opposed my claim at the Council, but he withheld my +money two or three years, on the account of my lands having been granted +without his consent. Parrish and Jones at length convinced him that it was +the white people, and not the Indians who had given me the land, and +compelled him to pay over all the money which he had retained on my +account. + +My land derived its name, Gardow, from a hill that is within its limits, +which is called in the Seneca language Kau-tam. Kautam when interpreted +signifies up and down, or down and up, and is applied to a hill that you +will ascend and descend in passing it; or to a valley. It has been said +that Gardow was the name of my husband Hiokatoo, and that my land derived +its name from him; that however was a mistake, for the old man always +considered Gardow a nickname, and was uniformly offended when called by it. + +About three hundred acres of my land, when I first saw it, was open flats, +lying on the Genesee River, which it is supposed was cleared by a race of +inhabitants who preceded the first Indian settlements in this part of the +country. The Indians are confident that many parts of this country were +settled and for a number of years occupied by people of whom their fathers +never had any tradition, as they never had seen them. Whence those people +originated, and whither they went, I have never heard one of our oldest +and wisest Indians pretend to guess. When I first came to Genishau, the +bank of Fall Brook had just slid off and exposed a large number of human +bones, which the Indians said were buried there long before their fathers +ever saw the place; and that they did not know what kind of people they +were. It however was and is believed by our people, that they were not +Indians. + +My flats were extremely fertile; but needed more labor than my daughters +and myself were able to perform, to produce a sufficient quantity of grain +and other necessary productions of the earth, for the consumption of our +family. The land had lain uncultivated so long that it was thickly covered +with weeds of almost every description. In order that we might live more +easy, Mr. Parrish, with the consent of the chiefs, gave me liberty to +lease or my land to white people to till on shares. I accordingly let it +out, and have continued to do so, which makes my task less burthensome, +while at the same time I am more comfortably supplied with the means of +support. + + + +CHAPTER X. + + +Happy situation of her Family.--Disagreement between her sons Thomas and +John.--Her Advice to them, &c.--John kills Thomas;--Her +Affliction.--Council. Decision of the Chiefs, &c.--Life of Thomas.--His +Wives, Children; &c.--Cause of his Death, &c. + +I have frequently heard it asserted by white people, and can truly say +from my own experience that the time at which parents take the most +satisfaction and comfort with their families is when their children are +young, incapable of providing for their own wants, and are about the +fireside, where they can be daily observed and instructed. + +Few mothers, perhaps, have had less trouble with their children during +their minority than myself. In general, my children were friendly to each +other, and it was very seldom that I knew them to have the least +difference or quarrel: so far, indeed, were they from rendering themselves +or me uncomfortable, that I considered myself happy--more so than commonly +falls to the lot of parents, especially to women. + +My happiness in this respect, however, was not without alloy; for my son +Thomas, from some cause unknown to me, from the time he was a small lad, +always called his brother John, a witch, which was the cause, as they grew +towards manhood, of frequent and severe quarrels between them, and gave me +much trouble and anxiety for their safety. After Thomas and John arrived +to manhood, in addition to the former charge, John got two wives, with +whom he lived till the time of his death. Although polygamy was tolerated +in our tribe, Thomas considered it a violation of good and wholesome rules +in society, and tending directly to destroy that friendly social +intercourse and love, that ought to be the happy result of matrimony and +chastity. Consequently, he frequently reprimanded John, by telling him +that his conduct was beneath the dignity, and inconsistent with the +principles of good Indians; indecent and unbecoming a gentleman; and, as +he never could reconcile himself to it, he was frequently, almost +constantly, when they were together, talking to him on the same subject. +John always resented such reprimand, and reproof, with a great degree of +passion, though they never quarrelled, unless Thomas was intoxicated. + +In his fits of drunkenness, Thomas seemed to lose all his natural reason, +and to conduct like a wild or crazy man, without regard to relatives, +decency or propriety. At such times he often threatened to take my life +for having raised a witch, (as he called John,) and has gone so far as to +raise his tomahawk to split my head. He, however, never struck me; but on +John's account he struck Hiokatoo, and thereby excited in John a high +degree of indignation, which was extinguished only by blood. + +For a number of years their difficulties, and consequent unhappiness, +continued and rather increased, continually exciting in my breast the most +fearful apprehensions, and greatest anxiety for their safety. With tears +in my eyes, I advised them to become reconciled to each other, and to be +friendly; told them the consequences of their continuing to cherish so +much malignity and malice, that it would end in their destruction, the +disgrace of their families, and bring me down to the grave. No one can +conceive of the constant trouble that I daily endured on their account--on +the account of my two oldest sons, whom I loved equally, and with all the +feelings and affection of a tender mother, stimulated by an anxious +concern for their fate. Parents, mothers especially, will love their +children, though ever so unkind and disobedient. Their eyes of compassion, +of real sentimental affection, will be involuntarily extended after them, +in their greatest excesses of iniquity; and those fine filaments of +consanguinity, which gently entwine themselves around the heart where +filial love and parental care is equal, will be lengthened, and enlarged +to cords seemingly of sufficient strength to reach and reclaim the +wanderer. I know that such exercises are frequently unavailing; but, +notwithstanding their ultimate failure, it still remains true, and ever +will, that the love of a parent for a disobedient child, will increase, +and grow more and more ardent, so long as a hope of its reformation is +capable of stimulating a disappointed breast. + +My advice and expostulations with my sons were abortive; and year after +year their disaffection for each other increased. At length, Thomas came +to my house on the 1st day of July, 1811, in my absence, somewhat +intoxicated, where he found John, with whom he immediately commenced a +quarrel on their old subjects of difference.--John's anger became +desperate. He caught Thomas by the hair of his head, dragged him out at +the door and there killed him, by a blow which he gave him on the head +with his tomahawk! + +I returned soon after, and found my son lifeless at the door, on the spot +where he was killed! No one can judge of my feelings on seeing this +mournful spectacle; and what greatly added to my distress, was the fact +that he had fallen by the murderous hand of his brother! I felt my +situation unsupportable. Having passed through various scenes of trouble +of the most cruel and trying kind, I had hoped to spend my few remaining +days in quietude, and to die in peace, surrounded by my family. This fatal +event, however, seemed to be a stream of woe poured into my cup of +afflictions, filling it even to overflowing, and blasting all my prospects. + +As soon as I had recovered a little from the shock which I felt at the +sight of my departed son, and some of my neighbors had come in to assist +in taking care of the corpse, I hired Shanks, an Indian, to go to Buffalo, +and carry the sorrowful news of Thomas' death, to our friends at that +place, and request the Chiefs to hold a Council, and dispose of John as +they should think proper. Shanks set out on his errand immediately,--and +John, fearing that he should be apprehended and punished for the crime he +had committed, at the same time went off towards Caneadea. + +Thomas was decently interred in a style corresponding with his rank. + +The Chiefs soon assembled in council on the trial of John, and after +having seriously examined the matter according to their laws, justified +his conduct, and acquitted him. They considered Thomas to have been the +first transgressor, and that for the abuses which he had offered, he had +merited from John the treatment that he had received. + +John, on learning the decision of the council, returned to his family. + +Thomas (except when intoxicated, which was not frequent,) was a kind and +tender child, willing to assist me in my labor, and to remove every +obstacle to my comfort. His natural abilities were said to be of a +superior cast, and he soared above the trifling subjects of revenge, which +are common amongst Indians, as being far beneath his attention. In his +childish and boyish days, his natural turn was to practise in the art of +war, though he despised the cruelties that the warriors inflicted upon +their subjugated enemies. He was manly in his deportment, courageous and, +active; and commanded respect. Though he appeared well pleased with peace, +he was cunning in Indian warfare, and succeeded to admiration in the +execution of his plans. + +At the age of fourteen or fifteen years, he went into the war with manly +fortitude, armed with a tomahawk and scalping knife; and when he returned, +brought one white man a prisoner, whom he had taken with his own hands, on +the west branch of the Susquehannah river. It so happened, that as he was +looking out for his enemies, he discovered two men boiling sap in the +woods. He watched them unperceived, till dark when he advanced with a +noiseless step to where they were standing, caught one of them before they +were apprized of danger, and conducted him to the camp. He was well +treated while a prisoner, and redeemed at the close of the war. + +At the time Kaujisestaugeau gave me my liberty to go to my friends, Thomas +was anxious to go with me; but as I have before observed, the Chiefs would +not suffer him to leave them on the account of his courage and skill in +war: expecting that they should need his assistance. He was a great +Counsellor and a Chief when quite young; and in the last capacity, went +two or three times to Philadelphia to assist in making treaties with the +people of the states. + +Thomas had four wives, by whom he had eight children. Jacob Jemison, his +second son by his last wife, who is at this time twenty-seven or +twenty-eight years of age, went to Dartmouth college, in the spring of +1816, for the purpose of receiving a good education, where it was said +that he was an industrious scholar, and made great proficiency in the +study of the different branches to which he attended. Having spent two +years at that Institution, he returned in the winter of 1818, and is now +at Buffalo; where I have understood that he contemplates commencing the +study of medicine, as a profession. + +Thomas, at the time he was killed, was a few moons over fifty-two years +old, and John was forty-eight. As he was naturally good natured, and +possessed a friendly disposition, he would not have come to so untimely an +end, had it not been far his intemperance. He fell a victim to the use of +ardent spirits--a poison that will soon exterminate the Indian tribes in +this part of the country, and leave their names without a root or branch. +The thought is melancholy; but no arguments, no examples, however +persuasive or impressive, are sufficient to deter an Indian for an hour +from taking the potent draught, which he knows at the time will derange +his faculties, reduce him to a level with the beasts, or deprive him of +life! + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + +Death of Hiokatoo.--Biography.--His Birth--Education.--Goes against the +Cherokees, &c.--Bloody Battle, &c.--His success and cruelties in the +French War.--Battle at Fort Freeland.--Capts. Dougherty and Boon +killed.--His Cruelties in the neighborhood of Cherry Valley, &c.--Indians +remove their general Encampment.--In 1782, Col. Crawford is sent to +destroy them, &c.--Is met by a Traitor,--Battle.--Crawford's Men +surprized.--Irregular Retreat.--Crawford and Doct. Night +taken.--Council.--Crawford Condemned and Burnt.--Aggravating +Circumstances.--Night is sentenced to be Burnt.--Is Painted by +Hiokatoo.--Is conducted off, &c.--His fortunate Escape.--Hiokatoo in the +French War takes Col. Canton.--His Sentence.--Is bound on a wild Colt that +runs loose three days.--Returns Alive.--Is made to run the Gauntlet.--Gets +knocked down, &c.--Is Redeemed and sent Home.--Hiokatoo's Enmity to the +Cherokees, &c.--His Height--Strength--Speed, &c. + +In the month of November 1811, my husband Hiokatoo, who had been sick four +years of the consumption, died at the advanced age of one hundred and +three years, as nearly as the time could be estimated. He was the last +that remained to me of our family connection, or rather of my old friends +with whom I was adopted, except a part of one family, which now lives at +Tonewanta. + +Hiokatoo was buried decently, and had all the insignia of a veteran +warrior buried with him; consisting of a war club, tomahawk and scalping +knife, a powder-flask, flint, a piece of spunk, a small cake and a cup; +and in his best clothing. + +Hiokatoo was an old man when I first saw him; but he was by no means +enervated. During the term of nearly fifty years that I lived with him, I +received, according to Indian customs, all the kindness and attention that +was my due as his wife.--Although war was his trade from his youth till +old age and decrepitude stopt his career, he uniformly treated me with +tenderness, and never offered an insult. + +I have frequently heard him repeat the history of his life from his +childhood; and when he came to that part which related to his actions, his +bravery and his valor in war; when he spoke of the ambush, the combat, the +spoiling of his enemies and the sacrifice of the victims, his nerves +seemed strung with youthful ardor, the warmth of the able warrior seemed +to animate his frame, and to produce the heated gestures which he had +practised in middle age. He was a man of tender feelings to his friends, +ready and willing to assist them in distress, yet, as a warrior, his +cruelties to his enemies perhaps were unparalleled, and will not admit a +word of palliation. + +Hiokatoo, was born in one of the tribes of the Six Nations that inhabited +the banks of the Susquehannah; or, rather he belonged to a tribe of the +Senecas that made, at the time of the great Indian treaty, a part of those +nations. He was own cousin to Farmer's Brother, a Chief who has been +justly celebrated for his worth. Their mothers were sisters, and it was +through the influence of Farmer's Brother, that I became Hiokatoo's wife. + +In early life, Hiokatoo showed signs of thirst for blood, by attending +only to the art of war, in the use of the tomahawk and scalping knife; and +in practising cruelties upon every thing that chanced to fall into his +hands, which was susceptible of pain. In that way he learned to use his +implements of war effectually, and at the same time blunted all those fine +feelings and tender sympathies that are naturally excited, by hearing or +seeing, a fellow being in distress. He could inflict the most excruciating +tortures upon his enemies, and prided himself upon his fortitude, in +having performed the most barbarous ceremonies and tortures, without the +least degree of pity or remorse. Thus qualified, when very young he was +initiated into scenes of carnage, by being engaged in the wars that +prevailed amongst the Indian tribes. + +In the year 1731, he was appointed a runner, to assist in collecting an +army to go against the Cotawpes, Cherokees and other southern Indians. A +large army was collected, and after a long and fatiguing march, met its +enemies in what was then called the "low, dark and bloody lands," near the +mouth of Red River, in what is now called the state of Kentucky. +[Footnote: Those powerful armies met near the place that is now called +Clarksville, which is situated at the fork where Red River joins the +Cumberland, a few miles above the line between Kentucky and Tennessee.] +The Cotawpes [Footnote: The Author acknowledges himself unacquainted, from +Indian history, with a nation of this name; but as 90 years have elapsed +since the date of this occurrence, it is highly probable that such a +nation did exist, and that it was absolutely exterminated at that eventful +period.] and their associates, had, by some means, been apprized of their +approach, and lay in ambush to take them at once, when they should come +within their reach, and destroy the whole army. The northern Indians, with +their usual sagacity, discovered the situation of their enemies, rushed +upon the ambuscade and massacred 1200 on the spot. The battle continued +for two days and two nights, with the utmost severity, in which the +northern Indians were victorious, and so far succeeded in destroying the +Cotawpes that they at that time ceased to be a nation. The victors +suffered an immense loss in killed; but gained the hunting ground, which +was their grand object, though the Cherokees would not give it up in a +treaty, or consent to make peace. Bows and arrows, at that time were in +general use, though a few guns were employed. + +From that time he was engaged in a number of battles in which Indians only +were engaged, and that made fighting his business, till the commencement +of the French war. In those battles he took a number of Indians prisoners, +whom he killed by tying them to trees and then setting small Indian boys +to shooting at them with arrows, till death finished the misery of the +sufferers; a process that frequently took two days for its completion! + +During the French war he was in every battle that was fought on the +Susquehannah and Ohio rivers; and was so fortunate as never to have been +taken prisoner. + +At Braddock's defeat he took two white prisoners, and burnt them alive in +a fire of his own kindling. + +In 1777, he was in the battle at Fort Freeland, in Northumberland county, +Penn. The fort contained a great number of women and children, and was +defended only by a small garrison. The force that went against it +consisted of 100 British regulars, commanded by a Col. McDonald, and 300 +Indians under Hiokatoo. After a short but bloody engagement, the fort was +surrendered; the women and children were sent under an escort to the next +fort below, and the men and boys taken off by a party of British to the +general Indian encampment. As soon as the fort had capitulated and the +firing had ceased, Hiokatoo with the help of a few Indians tomahawked +every wounded American while earnestly begging with uplifted hands for +quarters. + +The massacre was but just finished when Capts. Dougherty and Boon arrived +with a reinforcement to assist the garrison. On their arriving in sight of +the fort they saw that it had surrendered, and that an Indian was holding +the flag. This so much inflamed Capt. Dougherty that he left his command, +stept forward and shot the Indian at the first fire. Another took the +flag, and had no sooner got it erected than Dougherty dropt him as he had +the first. A third presumed to hold it, who was also shot down by +Dougherty. Hiokatoo, exasperated at the sight of such bravery, sallied out +with a party of his Indians, and killed Capts. Dougherty, Boon, and +fourteen men, at the first fire. The remainder of the two companies +escaped by taking to flight, and soon arrived at the fort which they had +left but a few hours before. + +In an expedition that went out against Cherry Valley and the neighboring +settlements, Captain David, a Mohawk Indian, was first, and Hiokatoo the +second in command. The force consisted of several hundred Indians, who +were determined on mischief, and the destruction of the whites. A +continued series of wantonness and barbarity characterized their career, +for they plundered and burnt every thing that came in their way, and +killed a number of persons, among whom were several infants, whom Hiokatoo +butchered or dashed upon the stones with his own hands. Besides the +instances which have been mentioned, he was in a number of parties during +the revolutionary war, where he ever acted a conspicuous part. + +The Indians having removed the seat of their depredations and war to the +frontiers of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and the neighboring territories, +assembled a large force at Upper Sandusky, their place of general +rendezvous, from whence they went out to the various places which they +designed to sacrifice. + +Tired of the desolating scenes that were so often witnessed, and feeling a +confidence that the savages might be subdued, and an end put to their +crimes, the American government raised a regiment, consisting of 300 +volunteers, for the purpose of dislodging them from their cantonment and +preventing further barbarities. Col. William Crawford and Lieut. Col. +David Williamson, men who had been thoroughly tried and approved, were +commissioned by Gen. Washington to take the command of a service that +seemed all-important to the welfare of the country. In the month of July, +1782, well-armed and provided with a sufficient quantity of provision, +this regiment made an expeditious march through the wilderness to Upper +Sandusky, where, as had been anticipated, they found the Indians assembled +in full force at their encampment, prepared to receive an attack. + +As Col. Crawford and his brave band advanced, and when they had got within +a short distance from the town, they were met by a white man, with a flag +of truce from the Indians, who proposed to Col. Crawford that if he would +surrender himself and his men to the Indians, their lives should be +spared; but, that if they persisted in their undertaking, and attacked the +town, they should all be massacred to a man. + +Crawford, while hearing the proposition, attentively surveyed its bearer, +and recognized in his features one of his former schoolmates and +companions, with whom he was perfectly acquainted, by the name of Simon +Gurty. Gurty, but a short time before this, had been a soldier in the +American army, in the same regiment with Crawford; but on the account of +his not having received the promotion that he expected, he became +disaffected--swore an eternal war with his countrymen, fled to the +Indians, and joined them, as a leader well qualified to conduct them to +where they could satiate their thirst for blood, upon the innocent, +unoffending and defenceless settlers. + +Crawford sternly inquired of the traitor if his name was not Simon Gurty; +and being answered in the affirmative, he informed him that he despised +the offer which he had made; and that he would not surrender his army +unless he should be compelled to do so, by a superior force. + +Gurty returned, and Crawford immediately commenced an engagement that +lasted till night, without the appearance of victory on either side, when +the firing ceased, and the combatants on both sides retired to take +refreshment, and to rest through the night. Crawford encamped in the woods +near half a mile from the town, where, after the centinels were placed, +and each had taken his ration, they slept on their arms, that they might +be instantly ready in case they should be attacked. The stillness of death +hovered over the little army, and sleep relieved the whole, except the +wakeful centinels who vigilantly attended to their duty.--But what was +their surprise, when they found late in the night, that they were +surrounded by the Indians on every side, except a narrow space between +them and the town? Every man was under arms, and the officers instantly +consulted each other on the best method of escaping; for they saw that to +fight, would be useless, and that to surrender, would be death. + +Crawford proposed a retreat through the ranks of the enemy in an opposite +direction from the town, as being the most sure course to take. Lt. Col. +Williamson advised to march directly through the town, where there +appeared to be no Indians, and the fires were yet burning. + +There was no time or place for debates: Col. Crawford, with sixty +followers retreated on the route that he had proposed by attempting to +rush through the enemy; but they had no sooner got amongst the Indians, +than every man was killed or taken prisoner! Amongst the prisoners, were +Col. Crawford, and Doct. Night, surgeon of the regiment. + +Lt. Col. Williamson, with the remainder of the regiment, together with the +wounded, set out at the same time that Crawford did, went through the town +without losing a man, and by the help of good guides arrived at their +homes in safety. + +The next day after the engagement the Indians disposed of all their +prisoners to the different tribes, except Col. Crawford and Doct. Night; +but those unfortunate men were reserved for a more cruel destiny. A +council was immediately held on Sandusky plains, consisting of all the +Chiefs and warriors, ranged in their customary order, in a circular form; +and Crawford and Night were brought forward and seated in the centre of +the circle. + +The council being opened, the Chiefs began to examine Crawford on various +subjects relative to the war. At length they enquired who conducted the +military operations of the American army on the Ohio and Susquehannah +rivers, during the year before; and who had led that army against them +with so much skill and so uniform success? Crawford very honestly and +without suspecting any harm from his reply promptly answered that he was +the man who had led his countrymen to victory, who had driven the enemy +from the settlements, and by that means had procured a great degree of +happiness to many of his fellow-citizens. Upon hearing this, a Chief, who +had lost a son in the year before, in a battle where Colonel Crawford +commanded, left his station in the council, stepped to Crawford, blacked +his face, and at the same time told him that the next day he should be +burnt. + +The council was immediately dissolved on its hearing the sentence from the +Chief, and the prisoners were taken off the ground, and kept in custody +through the night. Crawford now viewed his fate as sealed; and despairing +of ever returning to his home or his country, only dreaded the tediousness +of death, as commonly inflicted by the savages, and earnestly hoped that +he might be despatched at a single blow. + +Early the next morning, the Indians assembled at the place of execution, +and Crawford was led to the post--the goal of savage torture, to which he +was fastened. The post was a stick of timber placed firmly in the ground, +having an arm framed in at the top, and extending some six or eight feet +from it, like the arm of a sign post. A pile of wood containing about two +cords, lay a few feet from the place where he stood, which he was informed +was to be kindled into a fire that would burn him alive, as many had been +burnt on the same spot, who had been much less deserving than himself. + +Gurty stood and supposedly looked on the preparations that were making for +the funeral of one his former playmates; a hero by whose side he had +fought; of a man whose valor had won laurels which, if he could have +returned, would have been strewed upon his grave, by his grateful +countrymen. Dreading the agony that he saw he was about to feel, Crawford +used every argument which his perilous situation could suggest to prevail +upon Gurty to ransom him at any price, and deliver him (as it was in his +power,) from the savages, and their torments. Gurty heard his prayers, and +expostulations, and saw his tears with indifference, and finally told the +forsaken victim that he would not procure him a moment's respite, nor +afford him the most trifling assistance. + +The Col. was then bound, stripped naked and tied by his wrists to the arm, +which extended horizontally from the post, in such a manner that his arms +were extended over his head, with his feet just standing upon the ground. +This being done, the savages placed the wood in a circle around him at the +distance of a few feet, in order that his misery might be protracted to +the greatest length, and then kindled it in a number of places at the same +time. The flames arose and the scorching heat became almost insupportable. +Again he prayed to Gurty in all the anguish of his torment, to rescue him +from the fire, or shoot him dead upon the spot. A demoniac smile suffused +the countenance of Gurty, while he calmly replied to the dying suppliant, +that he had no pity for his sufferings; but that he was then satisfying +that spirit of revenge, which for a long time he had hoped to have an +opportunity to wreak upon him. Nature now almost exhausted from the +intensity of the heat, he settled down a little, when a squaw threw coals +of fire and embers upon him, which made him groan most piteously, while +the whole camp rung with exultation. During the execution they manifested +all the exstacy of a complete triumph. Poor Crawford soon died and was +entirely consumed. + +Thus ended the life of a patriot and hero, who had been an intimate with +Gen. Washington, and who shared in an eminent degree the confidence of +that great, good man, to whom, in the time of revolutionary perils, the +sons of legitimate freedom looked with a degree of faith in his mental +resources, unequalled in the history of the world. + +That tragedy being ended, Doct. Night was informed that on the next day he +should be burnt in the same manner that his comrade Crawford had been, at +Lower Sandusky. Hiokatoo, who out had been a leading chief in the battle +with, and in the execution of Crawford, painted Doct. Night's face black, +and then bound and gave him up to two able bodied Indians to conduct to +the place of execution. + +They set off with him immediately, and travelled till towards evening, +when they halted to encamp till morning. The afternoon had been very +rainy, and the storm still continued, which rendered it very difficult for +the Indians to kindle a fire. Night observing the difficulty under which +they labored, made them to understand by signs, that if they would unbind +him, he would assist them.--They, accordingly unbound him, and he soon +succeeded in making a fire by the application of small dry stuff which he +was at considerable trouble to procure. While the Indians were warming +themselves, the Doct. continued to gather wood to last through the night, +and in doing this, he found a club which he placed in a situation from +whence he could take it conveniently whenever an opportunity should +present itself in which he could use it effectually. The Indians continued +warming, till at length the Doct. saw that they had placed themselves in a +favorable position for the execution of his design, when, stimulated by +the love of life, he cautiously took his club and at two blows knocked +them both down. Determined to finish the work of death which he had so +well begun, he drew one of their scalping knives, with which he beheaded +and scalped them both! He then took a rifle, tomahawk, and some +ammunition, and directed his course for home, where he arrived without +having experienced any difficulty on his journey. + +The next morning, the Indians took the track of their victim and his +attendants, to go to Lower Sandusky, and there execute the sentence which +they had pronounced upon him. But what was their surprise and +disappointment, when they arrived at the place of encampment, where they +found their trusty friends scalped and decapitated, and that their +prisoner had made his escape?--Chagrined beyond measure, they immediately +separated, and went in every direction in pursuit of their prey; but after +having spent a number of days unsuccessfully, they gave up the chase, and +returned to their encampment. [Footnote: I have understood, (from +unauthenticated sources however,) that soon after the revolutionary war, +Doct. Night published a pamphlet, containing an account of the battle at +Sandusky, and of his own sufferings. My information on this subject, was +derived from a different quarter. + +The subject of this narrative in giving the account of her last husband, +Hiokatoo, referred us to Mr. George Jemison, who, (as it will be noticed) +lived on her land a number of years, and who had frequently heard the old +Chief relate the story of his life; particularly that part which related +to his military career. Mr. Jemison; on being enquired of, gave the +foregoing account, partly from his own personal knowledge, and the +remainder, from the account given by Hiokatoo. + +Mr. Jemison was in the battle, was personally acquainted with Col. +Crawford, and one that escaped with Lt. Col. Williamson. We have no doubt +of the truth of the statement, and have therefore inserted the whole +account, as an addition to the historical facts which are daily coming +into a state of preservation, in relation to the American Revolution. + +AUTHOR.] + +In the time of the French war, in an engagement that took place on the +Ohio river, Hiokatoo took a British Col. by the name of Simon Canton, whom +he carried to the Indian encampment. A council was held, and the Col. was +sentenced to suffer death, by being tied on a wild colt, with his face +towards its tail, and then having the colt turned loose to run where it +pleased. He was accordingly tied on, and the colt let loose, agreeable to +the sentence. The colt run two days, and then returned with its rider yet +alive. The Indians, thinking that he would never die in that way, took him +off, and made him run the gauntlet three times; but in the last race a +squaw knocked him down, and he was supposed to have been dead. He, +however, recovered, and was sold for fifty dollars to a Frenchman, who +sent him as a prisoner to Detroit. On the return of the Frenchman to +Detroit, the Col. besought him to ransom him, and give, or set him at +liberty, with so much warmth, and promised with so much solemnity, to +reward him as one of the best of benefactors, if he would let him go, that +the Frenchman took his word, and sent him home to his family. The Col. +remembered his promise, and in a short time sent his deliverer one hundred +and fifty dollars, as a reward for his generosity. + +Since the commencement of the revolutionary war, Hiokatoo has been in +seventeen campaigns, four of which were in the Cherokee war. He was so +great an enemy to the Cherokees, and so fully determined upon their +subjugation, that on his march to their country, he raised his own army +for those four campaigns, and commanded it; and also superintended its +subsistence. In one of those campaigns, which continued two whole years +without intermission, he attacked his enemies on the Mobile, drove them to +the country of the Creek Nation, where he continued to harrass them, till +being tired of war, he returned to his family. He brought home a great +number of scalps, which he had taken from the enemy, and ever seemed to +possess an unconquerable will that the Cherokees might be utterly +destroyed. Towards the close of his last fighting in that country, he took +two squaws, whom he sold on his way home for money to defray the expense +of his journey. + +Hiokatoo was about six feet four or five inches high, large boned, and +rather inclined to leanness. He was very stout and active, for a man of +his size, for it was said by himself and others, that he had never found +an Indian who could keep up with him on a race, or throw him at wrestling. +His eye was quick and penetrating; and his voice was of that harsh and +powerful kind, which, amongst, Indians, always commands attention. His +health had been uniformly good. He never was confined by sickness, till he +was attacked with the consumption, four years before his death. And, +although he had, from his earliest days, been inured to almost constant +fatigue, and exposure to every inclemency of the weather, in the open air +he seemed to lose the vigor of the prime of life only by the natural decay +occasioned by old age. + + * * * * * + + + +CHAPTER XII. + + +Her Troubles Renewed.--John's Jealousy towards his brother +Jesse.--Circumstances attending the Murder of Jesse Jemison.--Her +Grief.--His Funeral--Age--Filial Kindness, &c. + +Being now left a widow in my old age, to mourn the loss of a husband, who +had treated me well and with whom I had raised five children, and having +suffered the loss of an affectionate son, I fondly fostered the hope that +my melancholy vicissitudes had ended, and that the remainder of my time +would be characterized by nothing unpropitious. My children, dutiful and +kind, lived near me, and apparently nothing obstructed our happiness. + +But a short time, however, elapsed after my husband's death, before my +troubles were renewed with redoubled severity. + +John's hands having been once stained in the blood of a brother, it was +not strange that after his acquital, every person of his acquaintance +should shun him, from a fear of his repeating upon them the same ceremony +that he had practised upon Thomas. My son Jesse, went to Mt. Morris, a few +miles from home, on business, in the winter after the death of his father; +and it so happened that his brother John was there, who requested Jesse to +come home with him. Jesse, fearing that John would commence a quarrel with +him on the way, declined the invitation, and tarried over night. + +From that time John conceived himself despised by Jesse, and was highly +enraged at the treatment which he had received. Very little was said, +however, and it all passed off, apparently, till sometime in the month of +May, 1812, at which time Mr. Robert Whaley, who lived in the town of +Castile, within four miles of me, came to my house early on Monday +morning, to hire George Chongo, my son-in-law, and John and Jesse, to go +that day and help him slide a quantity of boards from the top of the hill +to the river, where he calculated to build a raft of them for market. + +They all concluded to go with Mr. Whaley, and made ready as soon as +possible. But before they set out I charged them not to drink any whiskey; +for I was confident that if they did, they would surely have a quarrel in +consequence of it. They went and worked till almost night, when a quarrel +ensued between Chongo and Jesse, in consequence of the whiskey that they +had drank through the day, which terminated in a battle, and Chongo got +whipped. + +When Jesse had got through with Chongo, he told Mr. Whaley that he would +go home, and directly went off. He, however, went but a few rods before he +stopped and lay down by the side of a log to wait, (as was supposed,) for +company. John, as soon as Jesse was gone, went to Mr. Whaley with his +knife in his hand and bade him jogo (i. e. be gone,) at the same time +telling him that Jesse was a bad man. Mr. Whaley, seeing that his +countenance was changed, and that he was determined upon something +desperate, was alarmed for his own safety, and turned towards home, +leaving Chongo on the ground drunk, near to where Jesse had lain, who by +this time had got up, and was advancing towards John. Mr. Whaley was soon +out of hearing of them; but some of his workmen staid till it was dark. +Jesse came up to John, and said to him, you want more whiskey, and more +fighting, and after a few words went at him, to try in the first place to +get away his knife. In this he did not succeed, and they parted. By this +time the night had come on, and it was dark. Again they clenched and at +length in their struggle they both fell. John, having his knife in his +hand, came under, and in that situation gave Jesse a fatal stab with his +knife, and repeated the blows till Jesse cried out, brother, you have +killed me, quit his hold and settled back upon the ground. Upon hearing +this, John left him and came to Thomas' widow's house, told them that he +had been fighting with their uncle, whom he had killed, and showed them +his knife. + +Next morning as soon as it was light, Thomas' and John's children came and +told me that Jesse was dead in the woods, and also informed me how he came +by his death. John soon followed them and informed me himself of all that +had taken place between him and his brother, and seemed to be somewhat +sorrowful for his conduct. You can better imagine what my feelings were +than I can describe them. My darling son, my youngest child, him on whom I +depended, was dead; and I in my old age left destitute of a helping hand! + +As soon as it was consistent for me, I got Mr. George Jemison, (of whom I +shall have occasion to speak,) to go with his sleigh to where Jesse was, +and bring him home, a distance of 3 or 4 miles. My daughter Polly arrived +at the fatal spot first: we got there soon after her; though I went the +whole distance on foot. By this time, Chongo, (who was left on the ground +drunk the night before,) had become sober and sensible of the great +misfortune which had happened to our family. + +I was overcome with grief at the sight of my murdered son, and so far lost +the command of myself as to be almost frantic; and those who were present +were obliged to hold me from going near him. + +On examining the body it was found that it had received eighteen wounds so +deep and large that it was believed that either of them would have proved +mortal. The corpse was carried to my house, and kept till the Thursday +following, when it was buried after the manner of burying white people. + +Jesse was twenty-seven or eight years old when he was killed. His temper +had been uniformly very mild and friendly; and he was inclined to copy +after the white people; both in his manners and dress. Although he was +naturally temperate, he occasionally became intoxicated; but never was +quarrelsome or mischievous. With the white people he was intimate, and +learned from them their habits of industry, which he was fond of +practising, especially when my comfort demanded his labor. As I have +observed, it is the custom amongst the Indians, for the women to perform +all the labor in, and out of doors, and I had the whole to do, with the +help of my daughters, till Jesse arrived to a sufficient age to assist us. +He was disposed to labor in the cornfield, to chop my wood, milk my cows, +and attend to any kind of business that would make my task the lighter. On +the account of his having been my youngest child, and so willing to help +me, I am sensible that I loved him better than I did either of my other +children. After he began to understand my situation, and the means of +rendering it more easy, I never wanted for anything that was in his power +to bestow; but since his death, as I have had all my labor to perform +alone, I have constantly seen hard times. + +Jesse shunned the company of his brothers, and the Indians generally; and +never attended their frolics; and it was supposed that this, together with +my partiality for him, were the causes which excited in John so great a +degree of envy, that nothing short of death would satisfy it. + + * * * * * + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + +Mrs. Jemison is informed that she has a Cousin in the Neighborhood, by the +name of George Jemison.--His Poverty.--Her Kindness.--His +Ingratitude.--Her Trouble from Land Speculation.--Her Cousin moves off. + +A year or two before the death of my husband, Capt. H. Jones sent me word +that a cousin of mine was then living in Leicester, (a few miles from +Gardow,) by the name of George Jemison, and as he was very poor, thought +it advisable for me to go and see him, and take him home to live with me +on my land. My Indian friends were pleased to hear that one of my +relatives was so near, and also advised me to send for him and his family +immediately. I accordingly had him and his family moved into one of my +houses, in the month of March, 1810. + +He said that he was my father's brother's son--that his father did not +leave Europe, till after the French war in America, and that when he did +come over, he settled in Pennsylvania, where he died. George had no +personal knowledge of my father; but from information, was confident that +the relationship which he claimed between himself and me, actually +existed. Although I had never before heard of my father having had but one +brother, (him who was killed at Fort Necessity,) yet I knew that he might +have had others, and, as the story of George carried with it a probability +that it was true, I received him as a kinsman, and treated him with +every degree of friendship which his situation demanded. [Footnote: Mrs. +Jemison is now confident that George Jemison is not her cousin, and thinks +that he claimed the relationship, only to gain assistance: But the old +gentleman, who is now living, is certain that his and her father were +brothers, as before stated.] + +I found that he was destitute of the means of subsistence, and in debt to +the amount of seventy dollars, without the ability to pay one cent. He had +no cow, and finally, was completely poor, I paid his debts to the amount +of seventy-two dollars, and bought him a cow, for which I paid twenty +dollars, and a sow and pigs, that I paid eight dollars for. I also paid +sixteen dollars for pork that I gave him, and furnished him with other +provisions and furniture; so that his family was comfortable. As he was +destitute of a team, I furnished him with one, and also supplied him with +tools for farming. In addition to all this, I let him have one of Thomas' +cows, for two seasons. + +My only object in mentioning his poverty, and the articles with which I +supplied him, is to show how ungrateful a person can be for favors, and +how soon a kind benefactor will, to all appearance, be forgotten. + +Thus furnished with the necessary implements of husbandry, a good team, +and as much land as he could till, he commenced farming on my flats, and +for some time labored well. At length, however, he got an idea that if he +could become the owner of a part of my reservation, he could live more +easy, and certainly be more rich, and accordingly set himself about laying +a plan to obtain it, in the easiest manner possible. + +I supported Jemison and his family eight years, and probably should have +continued to have done so to this day, had it not been for the occurrence +of the following circumstance. + +When he had lived with me some six or seven years, a friend of mine told +me that as Jemison was my cousin, and very poor, I ought to give him a +piece of land that he might have something whereon to live, that he would +call his own. My friend and Jemison were then together at my house, +prepared to complete a bargain. I asked how much land he wanted? Jemison +said that he should be glad to receive his old field (as he called it) +containing about fourteen acres, and a new one that contained twenty-six. + +I observed to them that as I was incapable of transacting business of that +nature, I would wait till Mr. Thomas Clute, (a neighbor on whom I +depended,) should return from Albany, before I should do any thing about +it. To this Jemison replied that if I waited till Mr. Clute returned, he +should not get the land at all, and appeared very anxious to have the +business closed without delay. On my part, I felt disposed to give him +some land, but knowing my ignorance of writing, feared to do it alone, +lest they might include as much land they pleased, without my knowledge. + +They then read the deed which my friend had prepared before he came from +home, describing a piece of land by certain bounds that were a specified +number of chains and links from each other. Not understanding the length +of a chain or link, I described the bounds of a piece of land that I +intended Jemison should have, which they said was just the same that the +deed contained and no more. I told them that the deed must not include a +lot that was called the Steele place, and they assured me that it did not. +Upon this, putting confidence in them both, I signed the deed to George +Jemison, containing, and conveying to him as I supposed, forty acres of +land. The deed being completed they charged me never to mention the +bargain which I had then made to any person; because if I did, they said +it would spoil the contract. The whole matter was afterwards disclosed; +when it was found that that deed instead of containing only forty acres, +contained four hundred, and that one half of it actually belonged to my +friend, as it had been given to him by Jemison as a reward for his trouble +in procuring the deed, in the fraudulent manner above mentioned. + +My friend, however, by the advice of some well disposed people, awhile +afterwards gave up his claim; but Jemison held his till he sold it for a +trifle to a gentleman in the south part of Genesee county. + +Sometime after the death of my son Thomas, one of his sons went to Jemison +to get the cow that I had let him have two years; but Jemison refused to +let her go, and struck the boy so violent a blow as to almost kill him. +Jemison then run to Jellis Clute, Esq. to procure a warrant to take the +boy; but Young King, an Indian Chief, went down to Squawky hill to Esq. +Clute's, and settled the affair by Jemison's agreeing never to use that +club again. Having satisfactorily found out the friendly disposition of my +cousin towards me, I got him off my premises as soon as possible. + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + +Another Family Affliction.--Her son John's Occupation.--He goes to +Buffalo--Returns.--Great Slide by him considered Ominous--Trouble, &c.--He +goes to Squawky Hill--Quarrels--Is murdered by two Indians.--His +Funeral--Mourners, &c.--His Disposition.--Ominous Dream.--Black Chief's +Advice, &c.--His Widows and Family.--His Age.--His Murderers flee.--Her +Advice to them.--They set out to leave their Country.--Their Uncle's +Speech to them on parting.--They return.--Jack proposes to Doctor to kill +each other.--Doctor's Speech in Reply.--Jack's Suicide.--Doctor's Death. + +Trouble seldom comes single. While George Jemison was busily engaged in +his pursuit of wealth at my expence, another event of a much more serious +nature occurred, which added greatly to my afflictions, and consequently +destroyed, at least a part of the happiness that I had anticipated was +laid up in the archives of Providence, to be dispensed on my old age. + +My son John, was a doctor, considerably celebrated amongst the Indians of +various tribes, for his skill in curing their diseases, by the +administration of roots and herbs, which he gathered in the forests, and +other places where they had been planted by the hand of nature. + +In the month of April, or first of May, 1817, he was called upon to go to +Buffalo, Cattaraugus and Allegany, to cure some who were sick. He went, +and was absent about two months. When he returned, he observed the Great +Slide of the bank of Genesee river, a short distance above my house, which +had taken place during his absence; and conceiving that circumstance to be +ominous of his own death, called at his sister Nancy's, told her that he +should live but a few days, and wept bitterly at the near approach of his +dissolution. Nancy endeavored to persuade him that his trouble was +imaginary, and that he ought not to be affected by a fancy which was +visionary. Her arguments were ineffectual, and afforded no alleviation to +his mental sufferings. From his sister's, he went to his own house, where +he stayed only two nights, and then went to Squawky Hill to procure money, +with which to purchase flour for the use of his family. + +While at Squawky Hill he got into the company of two Squawky Hill Indians, +whose names were Doctor and Jack, with whom he drank freely, and in the +afternoon had a desperate quarrel, in which his opponents, (as it was +afterwards understood,) agreed to kill him. The quarrel ended, and each +appeared to be friendly. John bought some spirits, of which they all +drank, and then set out for home. John and an Allegany Indian were on +horseback, and Doctor and Jack were on foot. It was dark when they set +out. They had not proceeded far, when Doctor and Jack commenced another +quarrel with John, clenched and dragged him off his horse, and then with a +stone gave him so severe a blow on his head, that some of his brains were +discharged from the wound. The Allegany Indian, fearing that his turn +would come next, fled for safety as fast as possible. + +John recovered a little from the shock he had received, and endeavored to +get to an old hut that stood near; but they caught him, and with an axe +cut his throat, and beat out his brains, so that when he was found the +contents of his skull were lying on his arms. + +Some squaws, who heard the uproar, ran to find out the cause of it; but +before they had time to offer their assistance, the murderers drove them +into a house, and threatened to take their lives if they did not stay +there, or if they made any noise. + +Next morning, Esq. Clute sent me word that John was dead, and also +informed me of the means by which his life was taken. A number of people +went from Gardow to where the body lay, and Doct. Levi Brundridge brought +it up home, where the funeral was attended after the manner of the white +people. Mr. Benjamin Luther, and Mr. William Wiles, preached a sermon, and +performed the funeral services; and myself and family followed the corpse +to the grave as mourners. I had now buried my three sons, who had been +snatched from me by the hands of violence, when I least expected it. + +Although John had taken the life of his two brothers, and caused me +unspeakable trouble and grief, his death made a solemn impression upon my +mind, and seemed, in addition to my former misfortunes, enough to bring +down my grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. Yet, on a second thought, I +could not mourn for him as I had for my other sons, because I knew that +his death was just, and what he had deserved for a long time, from the +hand of justice. + +John's vices were so great and so aggravated, that I have nothing to say +in his favor: yet, as a mother, I pitied him while he lived, and have ever +felt a great degree of sorrow for him, because of his bad conduct. + +From his childhood, he carried something in his features indicative of an +evil disposition, that would result in the perpetration of enormities of +some kind; and it was the opinion and saying of Ebenezer Allen, that he +would be a bad man, and be guilty of some crime deserving of death. There +is no doubt but what the thoughts of murder rankled in his breast, and +disturbed his mind even in his sleep; for he dreamed that he had killed +Thomas for a trifling offence, and thereby forfeited his own life. Alarmed +at the revelation, and fearing that he might in some unguarded moment +destroy his brother, he went to the Black Chief, to whom he told the +dream, and expressed his fears that the vision would be verified. Having +related the dream, together with his feelings on the subject, he asked for +the best advice that his old friend was capable of giving, to prevent so +sad an event. The Black Chief, with his usual promptitude, told him, that +from the nature of the dream, he was fearful that something serious would +take place between him and Thomas; and advised him by all means to govern +his temper, and avoid any quarrel which in future he might see arising, +especially if Thomas was a party. John, however, did not keep the good +counsel of the Chief; for soon after he killed Thomas, as I have related. + +John left two wives with whom he had lived at the same time, and raised +nine children. His widows are now living at Caneadea with their father, +and keep their children with, and near them. His children are tolerably +white, and have got light colored hair. John died about the last day of +June, 1817, aged 54 years. + +Doctor and Jack, having finished their murderous design, fled before they +could be apprehended, and lay six weeks in the woods back of Canisteo. +They then returned and sent me some wampum by Chongo, (my son-in-law,) and +Sun-ge-waw (that is Big Kettle) expecting that I would pardon them, and +suffer them to live as they had done with their tribe. I however, would +not accept their wampum, but returned it with a request, that, rather than +have them killed, they would run away and keep out of danger. + +On their receiving back the wampum, they took my advice, and prepared to +leave their country and people immediately. Their relatives accompanied +them a short distance on their journey, and when about to part, their old +uncle, the Tall Chief, addressed them in the following pathetic and +sentimental speech: + +"Friends, hear my voice!--When the Great Spirit made Indians, he made them +all good, and gave them good corn-fields; good rivers, well stored with +fish; good forests, filled with game and good bows and arrows. But very +soon each wanted more than his share, and Indians quarrelled with Indians, +and some were killed, and others were wounded. Then the Great Spirit made +a very good word, and put it in every Indians breast, to tell us when we +have done good, or when we have done bad; and that word has never told a +lie. + +"Friends! whenever you have stole, or got drunk, or lied, that good word +has told you that you were bad Indians, and made you afraid of good +Indians; and made you ashamed and look down. + +"Friends! your crime is greater than all those:--you have killed an Indian +in a time of peace; and made the wind hear his groans, and the earth drink +his blood. You are bad Indians! Yes, you are very bad Indians; and what +can you do? If you go into the woods to live alone, the ghost of John +Jemison will follow you, crying, blood! blood! and will give you no peace! +If you go to the land of your nation, there that ghost will attend you, +and say to your relatives, see my murderers! If you plant, it will blast +your corn; if you hunt, it will scare your game; and when you are asleep, +its groans, and the sight of an avenging tomahawk, will awake you! What +can you do? Deserving of death, you cannot live here; and to fly from your +country, to leave all your relatives, and to abandon all that you have +known to be pleasant and dear, must be keener than an arrow, more bitter +than gall, more terrible than death! And how must we feel?--Your path will +be muddy; the woods will be dark; the lightnings will glance down the +trees by your side, and you will start at every sound! peace has left you, +and you must be wretched. + +"Friends, hear me, and take my advice. Return with us to your homes. Offer +to the Great Spirit your best wampum, and try to be good Indians! And, if +those whom you have bereaved shall claim your lives as their only +satisfaction, surrender them cheerfully, and die like good Indians. And--" +Here Jack, highly incensed, interrupted the old man, and bade him stop +speaking or he would take his life. Affrighted at the appearance of so +much desperation, the company hastened towards home, and left Doctor and +Jack to consult their own feelings. + +As soon as they were alone, Jack said to Doctor, "I had rather die here, +than leave my country and friends! Put the muzzle of your rifle into my +mouth, and I will put the muzzle of mine into yours, and at a given signal +we will discharge them, and rid ourselves at once of all the troubles +under which we now labor, and satisfy the claims which justice holds +against us." + +Doctor heard the proposition, and after a moment's pause, made the +following reply:--"I am as sensible as you can be of the unhappy situation +in which we have placed ourselves. We are bad Indians. We have forfeited +our lives, and must expect in some way to atone for our crime: but, +because we are bad and miserable, shall we make ourselves worse? If we +were now innocent, and in a calm reflecting moment should kill ourselves, +that act would make us bad, and deprive us of our share of the good +hunting in the land where our fathers have gone! What would Little Beard +[Footnote: Little Bears was a Chief who died in 1806.] say to us on our +arrival at his cabin? He would say, 'Bad Indians! Cowards! You were afraid +to wait till we wanted your help! Go (Jogo) to where snakes will lie in +your path; where the panthers will starve you, by devouring the venison; +and where you will be naked and suffer with the cold! Jogo, (go,) none but +the brave and good Indians live here!' I cannot think of performing an act +that will add to my wretchedness. It is hard enough for me to suffer here, +and have good hunting hereafter--worse to lose the whole." + +Upon this, Jack withdrew his proposal. They went on about two miles, and +then turned about and came home. Guilty and uneasy, they lurked about +Squawky Hill near a fortnight, and then went to Cattaraugus, and were gone +six weeks. When they came back, Jack's wife earnestly requested him to +remove his family to Tonnewonta; but he remonstrated against her project, +and utterly declined going. His wife and family, however, tired of the +tumult by which they were surrounded, packed up their effects in spite of +what he could say, and went off. + +Jack deliberated a short time upon the proper course for himself to +pursue, and finally, rather than leave his old home, he ate a large +quantity of muskrat root, and died in 10 or 12 hours. His family being +immediately notified of his death, returned to attend the burial, and is +yet living at Squawky Hill. + +Nothing was ever done with Doctor, who continued to live quietly at +Squawky Hill till sometime in the year 1819, when he died of Consumption. + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + +Micah Brooks, Esq. volunteers to get the Title to her Land confirmed to +herself.--She is Naturalized.--Great Council of Chiefs, &c. in Sept. +1823.--She Disposes of her Reservation.--Reserves a Tract 2 miles long, +and 1 mile wide, &c.--The Consideration how Paid, &c. + +In 1816, Micah Brooks, Esq. of Bloomfield, Ontario county, was recommended +to me (as it was said) by a Mr. Ingles, to be a man of candor, honesty and +integrity, who would by no means cheat me out of a cent. Mr. Brooks soon +after, came to my house and informed me that he was disposed to assist me +in regard to my land, by procuring a legislative act that would invest me +with full power to dispose of it for my own benefit, and give as ample a +title as could be given by any citizen of the state. He observed that as +it was then situated, it was of but little value, because it was not in my +power to dispose of it, let my necessities be ever so great. He then +proposed to take the agency of the business upon himself, and to get the +title of one half of my reservation vested in me personally, upon the +condition that, as a reward for his services, I would give him the other +half. + +I sent for my son John, who on being consulted, objected to my going into +any bargain with Mr. Brooks, without the advice and consent of Mr. Thomas +Clute, who then lived on my land and near me. Mr. Clute was accordingly +called on, to whom Mr. Brooks repeated his former statement, and added, +that he would get an act passed in the Congress of the United States, that +would invest me with all the rights and immunities of a citizen, so far as +it respected my property. Mr. Clute, suspecting that some plan was in +operation that would deprive me of my possessions, advised me to have +nothing to say on the subject to Mr. Brooks, till I had seen Esquire +Clute, of Squawky Hill. Soon after this Thomas Clute saw Esq. Clute, who +informed him that the petition for my naturalization would be presented to +the Legislature of this State, instead of being sent to Congress; and that +the object would succeed to his and my satisfaction. Mr. Clute then +observed to his brother, Esq. Clute, that as the sale of Indian lands, +which had been reserved, belonged exclusively to the United States, an act +of the Legislature of New-York could have no effect in securing to me a +title to my reservation, or in depriving me of my property. They finally +agreed that I should sign a petition to Congress, praying for my +naturalization, and for the confirmation of the title of my land to me, my +heirs, &c. + +Mr. Brooks came with the petition: I signed it, and it was witnessed by +Thomas Clute, and two others, and then returned to Mr. Brooks, who +presented it to the Legislature of this state at its session in the winter +of 1816-17. On the 19th of April, 1817, an act was passed for my +naturalization, and ratifying and confirming the title of my land, +agreeable to the tenor of the petition, which act Mr. Brooks presented to +me on the first day of May following. + +Thomas Clute having examined the law, told me that it would probably +answer, though it was not according to the agreement made by Mr. Brooks, +and Esq. Clute and himself, for me. I then executed to Micah Brooks and +Jellis Clute, a deed of all my land lying east of the picket line on the +Gardow reservation, containing about 7000 acres. + +It is proper in this place to observe, in relation to Mr. Thomas Clute, +that my son John, a few months before his death, advised me to take him +for my guardian, (as I had become old and incapable of managing my +property,) and to compensate him for his trouble by giving him a lot of +land on the west side of my reservation where he should choose it. I +accordingly took my son's advice, and Mr. Clute has ever since been +faithful and honest in all his advice and dealings with, and for, myself +and family. + +In the month of August, 1817, Mr. Brooks and Esq. Clute again came to me +with a request that I would give them a lease of the land which I had +already deeded to them, together with the other part of my reservation, +excepting and reserving to myself only about 4000 acres. + +At this time I informed Thomas Clute of what John had advised, and +recommended me to do, and that I had consulted my daughters on the +subject, who had approved of the measure. He readily agreed to assist me; +whereupon I told him he was entitled to a lot of land, and might select as +John had mentioned. He accordingly at that time took such a piece as he +chose, and the same has ever since been reserved for him in all the land +contracts which I have made. + +On the 24th of August, 1817, I leased to Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute, +the whole of my original reservation, except 4000 acres, and Thomas +Clute's lot. Finding their title still incomplete, on account of the +United States government and Seneca Chiefs not having sanctioned my acts, +they solicited me to renew the contract, and have the conveyance made to +them in such a manner as that they should thereby be constituted sole +proprietors of the soil. + +In the winter of 1822-3, I agreed with them, that if they would get the +chiefs of our nation, and a United States Commissioner of Indian Lands, to +meet in council at Moscow, Livingston county, N. Y. and there concur in my +agreement, that I would sell to them all my right and title to the Gardow +reservation, with the exception of a tract for my own benefit, two miles +long, and one mile wide, lying on the river where I should choose it; and +also reserving Thomas Clute's lot. This arrangement was agreed upon, and +the council assembled at the place appointed, on the 3d or 4th day of +September, 1823. + +That council consisted of Major Carrol, who had been appointed by the +President to dispose of my lands, Judge Howell and N. Gorham, of +Canandaigua, (who acted in concert with Maj. Carrol,) Jasper Parrish, +Indian Agent, Horatio Jones, Interpreter, and a great number of Chiefs. + +The bargain was assented to unanimously, and a deed given to H. B. Gibson, +Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute, of the whole Gardow tract, excepting the +last mentioned reservations, which was signed by myself and upwards of +twenty Chiefs. + +The land which I now own, is bounded as follows:--Beginning at the center +of the Great Slide [Footnote: The Great Slide of the bank of Genesee river +is a curiosity worthy of the attention of the traveller. In the month of +May, 1817, a portion of land thickly covered with timber, situated at the +upper end of the Gardow flats, on the west side of the river, all of a +sudden gave way, and with a tremendous crash, slid into the bed of the +river, which it so completely filled, that the stream formed a new passage +on the east side of it, where it continues to run, without overflowing the +slide. This slide, as it now lies, contains 22 acres, and has a +considerable share of the timber that formerly covered it, still standing +erect upon it, and growing.] and running west one mile, thence north two +miles, thence east about one mile to Genesee river, thence south on the +west bank of Genesee river to the place of beginning. + +In consideration of the above sale, the purchasers have bound themselves, +their heirs, assigns, &c. to pay to me, my heirs or successors, three +hundred dollars a year forever. + +Whenever the land which I have reserved, shall be sold, the income of it +is to be equally divided amongst the members of the Seneca nation, without +any reference to tribes or families. + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + +Conclusion.--Review of her Life.--Reflections on the loss of +Liberty.--Care she took to preserve her Health.--Indians' abstemiousness +in Drinking, after the French War.--Care of their Lives, &c.--General use +of Spirits--Her natural Strength.--Purchase of her first Cow.--Means by +which she has been supplied with Food.--Suspicions of her having been a +Witch.--Her Constancy.--Number of Children.--Number Living.--Their +Residence.--Closing Reflection. + +When I review my life, the privations that I have suffered, the hardships +I have endured, the vicissitudes I have passed, and the complete +revolution that I have experienced in my manner of living; when I consider +my reduction from a civilized to a savage state, and the various steps by +which that process has been effected, and that my life has been prolonged, +and my health and reason spared, it seems a miracle that I am unable to +account for, and is a tragical medley that I hope will never be repeated. + +The bare loss of liberty is but a mere trifle when compared with the +circumstances that necessarily attend, and are inseparably connected with +it. It is the recollection of what we once were, of the friends, the home, +and the pleasures that we have left or lost; the anticipation of misery, +the appearance of wretchedness, the anxiety for freedom, the hope of +release, the devising of means of escaping, and the vigilance with which +we watch our keepers, that constitute the nauseous dregs of the bitter cup +of slavery. I am sensible, however, that no one can pass from a state of +freedom to that of slavery, and in the last situation rest perfectly +contented; but as every one knows that great exertions of the mind tend +directly to debilitate the body, it will appear obvious that we ought, +when confined, to exert all our faculties to promote our present comfort, +and let future days provide their own sacrifices. In regard to ourselves, +just as we feel, we are. + +For the preservation of my life to the present time I am indebted to an +excellent constitution, with which I have been blessed in as great a +degree as any other person. After I arrived to years of understanding, the +care of my own health was one of my principal studies; and by avoiding +exposures to wet and cold, by temperance in eating, abstaining from the +use of spirits, and shunning the excesses to which I was frequently +exposed, I effected my object beyond what I expected. I have never once +been sick till within a year or two, only as I have related. Spirits and +tobacco I have never used, and I have never once attended an Indian +frolic. When I was taken prisoner, and for sometime after that, spirits +was not known; and when it was first introduced, it was in small +quantities, and used only by the Indians; so that it was a long time +before the Indian women begun to even taste it. + +After the French war, for a number of years, it was the practice of the +Indians of our tribe to send to Niagara and get two or three kegs of rum, +(in all six or eight gallons,) and hold a frolic as long as it lasted. +When the rum was brought to the town, all the Indians collected, and +before a drop was drank, gave all their knives, tomahawks, guns, and other +instruments of war, to one Indian, whose business it was to bury them in a +private place, keep them concealed, and remain perfectly sober till the +frolic was ended. Having thus divested themselves, they commenced +drinking, and continued their frolic till every drop was consumed, If any +of them became quarrelsome, or got to fighting, those who were sober +enough bound them upon the ground, where they were obliged to lie till +they got sober, and then were unbound. When the fumes of the spirits had +left the company, the sober Indian returned to each the instruments with +which they had entrusted him, and all went home satisfied. A frolic of +that kind was held but once a year, and that at the time the Indians quit +their hunting, and come in with their deer-skins. + +In those frolics the women never participated. Soon after the +revolutionary war, however, spirits became common in our tribe, and has +been used indiscriminately by both sexes; though there are not so frequent +instances of intoxication amongst the squaws as amongst the Indians. + +To the introduction and use or that baneful article, which has made such +devastation in our tribes, and threatens the extinction of our people, +(the Indians,) I can with the greatest propriety impute the whole of my +misfortune in losing my three sons. But as I have before observed, not +even the love of life will restrain an Indian from sipping the poison that +he knows will destroy him. The voice of nature, the rebukes of reason, the +advice of parents, the expostulations of friends, and the numerous +instances of sudden death, are all insufficient to reclaim an Indian, who +has once experienced the exhilarating and inebriating effects of spirits, +from seeking his grave in the bottom of his bottle! + +My strength has been great for a woman of my size, otherwise I must long +ago have died under the burdens which I was obliged to carry. I learned to +carry loads on my back, in a strap placed across my forehead, soon after +my captivity; and continue to carry in the same way. Upwards of thirty +years ago, with the help of my young children, I backed all the boards +that were used about my house from Allen's mill at the outlet of Silver +Lake, a distance of five miles. I have planted, hoed, and harvested corn +every season but one since I was taken prisoner. Even this present fall +(1823) I have husked my corn and backed it into the house. + +The first cow that I ever owned, I bought of a squaw sometime after the +revolution. It had been stolen from the enemy. I had owned it but a few +days when it fell into a hole, and almost died before we could get it out. +After this, the squaw wanted to be recanted, but as I would not give up +the cow, I gave her money enough to make, when added to the sum which I +paid her at first, thirty-five dollars. Cows were plenty on the Ohio, when +I lived there, and of good quality. + +For provisions I have never suffered since I came upon the flats; nor have +I ever been in debt to any other hands than my own for the plenty that I +have shared. + +My vices, that have been suspected, have been but few. It was believed for +a long time, by some of our people, that I was a great witch; but they +were unable to prove my guilt, and consequently I escaped the certain doom +of those who are convicted of that crime, which, by Indians, is considered +as heinous as murder. Some of my children had light brown hair, and +tolerable fair skin, which used to make some say that I stole them; yet as +I was ever conscious of my own constancy, I never thought that any one +really believed that I was guilty of adultery. + +I have been the mother of eight children; three of whom are now living, +and I have at this time thirty-nine grand children, and fourteen +great-grand children, all living in the neighborhood of Genesee River, and +at Buffalo. + +I live in my own house, and on my own land with my youngest daughter, +Polly, who is married to George Chongo, and has three children. + +My daughter Nancy, who is married to Billy Green, lives about 80 rods +south of my house, and has seven children. + +My other, daughter, Betsey, is married to John Green, has seven children, +and resides 80 rods north of my house. + +Thus situated in the midst of my children, I expect I shall soon leave the +world, and make room for the rising generation. I feel the weight of years +with which I am loaded, and am sensible of my daily failure in seeing, +hearing and strength; but my only anxiety is for my family. If my family +will live happily, and I can be exempted from trouble while I have to +stay, I feel as though I could lay down in peace a life that has been +checked in almost every hour, with troubles of a deeper dye, than are +commonly experienced by mortals. + + + + +APPENDIX. + + +An account of the destruction of a part of the British Army, by the +Indians, at a place called the Devil's Hole, on the Niagara River, in the +year 1763. + +It is to be regretted that an event of so tragical a nature as the +following, should have escaped the pens of American Historians, and have +been suffered to slide down the current of time, to the verge of oblivion, +without having been snatched almost from the vortex of forgetfulness, and +placed on the faithful page, as a memorial of premeditated cruelties, +which, in former times, were practised upon the white people, by the North +American Savages. + +Modern History, perhaps, cannot furnish a parallel so atrocious in design +and execution, as the one before us, and it may be questioned, even if the +history of ancient times, when men fought hand to hand, and disgraced +their nature by inventing engines of torture, can more than produce its +equal. + +It will be observed in the preceding narrative, that the affair at the +Devil's Hole is said to have happened in November, 1759. That Mrs. Jemison +arrived at Genesee about that time, is rendered certain from a number of +circumstances; and that a battle was fought on the Niagara in Nov. 1759, +in which two prisoners and some oxen were taken, and brought to Genesee, +as she has stated, is altogether probable. But it is equally certain that +the event which is the subject of this article, did not take place till +the year 1763. + +In the time of the French war, the neighborhood of Forts Niagara and +Sclusser, (or Schlosser, as it was formerly written,) on the Niagara +river, was a general battle-ground, and for this reason, Mrs. Jemison's +memory ought not to be charged with treachery, for not having been able to +distinguish accurately, after the lapse of sixty years, between the +circumstances of one engagement and those of another. She resided on the +Genesee at the time when the warriors of that tribe marched off to assist +in laying the ambush at the Devil's Hole; and no one will doubt her having +heard them rehearse the story of the event of that nefarious campaign, +after they returned. + +Chronology and history concur in stating that Fort Niagara was taken from +the French, by the British, and that Gen. Prideaux was killed on the 25th +of July, 1759. + +Having obtained from Mrs. Jemison a kind of introduction to the story, I +concluded that if it yet remained possible to procure a correct account of +the circumstances which led to and attended that transaction, it would be +highly gratifying to the American public, I accordingly directed a letter +to Mr. Linus S. Everett, of Buffalo, whose ministerial labor, I well knew, +frequently called him to Lewiston, requesting him to furnish me with a +particular account of the destruction of the British, at the time and +place before mentioned. He obligingly complied with my request, and gave +me the result of his inquiries on that subject, in the following letter:-- + +Copy of a letter from Mr. Linus S. Everett, dated Fort Sclusser, 29th +December, 1823. + +_Respected and dear friend_, + +I hasten, with much pleasure, to comply with your request, in regard to +the affair at the Devil's Hole. I have often wondered that no authentic +account has ever been given of that bloody and tragical scene. + +I have made all the inquiries that appear to be of any use, and proceed to +give you the result. + +At this place, (Fort Sclusser,) an old gentleman now resides, to whom I am +indebted for the best account of the affair that can be easily obtained. +His name is Jesse Ware--his age about 74. Although he was not a resident +of this part of the country at the time of the event, yet from his +intimate acquaintance with one of the survivors, he is able to give much +information, which otherwise could not be obtained. + +The account that he gives is as follows:--In July, 1759, the British, +under Sir William Johnston, took possession of Forts Niagara and Sclusser, +which had before been in the hands of the French. At this time, the Seneca +Indians, (which were a numerous and powerful nation,) were hostile to the +British, and warmly allied to the French. These two posts, (viz.) Niagara +and Sclusser, were of great importance to the British, on the account of +affording the means of communication with the posts above, or on the upper +lakes. In 1760, a contract was made between Sir William Johnston and a Mr. +Stedman, to construct a portage road from Queenston landing to Fort +Sclusser, a distance of eight miles, in order to facilitate the +transportation of provision, ammunition, &c. from one place to the other. +In conformity to this agreement, on the 20th of June, 1763, Stedman had +completed his road, and appeared at Queenston Landing, (now Lewiston,) +with twenty-five portage wagons, and one hundred horses and oxen, to +transport to Fort Sclusser the king's stores. + +At this time Sir William Johnston was suspicious of the intentions of the +Senecas; for after the surrender of the forts by the French, they had +appeared uneasy and hostile. In order to prevent the teams, drivers and +goods, receiving injury, he detached 300 troops to guard them across the +portage. The teams, under this escort, started from Queenston +landing--Stedman, who had the charge of the whole, was on horse back, and +rode between the troops and teams; all the troops being in front. On a +small hill near the Devil's Hole, at that time, was a redoubt of twelve +men, which served as a kind of guard on ordinary occasions, against the +depredations of the savages. "On the arrival of the troops and teams at +the Devil's Hole," says a manuscript in the hands of my informant, "the +sachems, chiefs and warriors of the Seneca Indians, sallied from the +adjoining woods, by thousands, (where they had been concealed for some +time before, for that nefarious purpose,) and falling upon the troops, +teams and drivers, and the guard of twelve men before mentioned, they +killed all the men but three on the spot, or by driving them, together +with the teams, down the precipice, which was about seventy or eighty +feet! The Indians seized Stedman's horse by the bridle, while he was on +him, designing, no doubt, to make his sufferings more lasting than that of +his companions: but while the bloody scene was acting, the attention of +the Indian who held the horse of Stedman being arrested, he cut the reins +of his bridle--clapped spurs to his horse, and rode over the dead and +dying, into the adjacent woods, without receiving injury from the enemy's +firing. Thus he escaped; and besides him two others--one a drummer, who +fell among the trees, was caught by his drum strap, and escaped unhurt; +the other, one who fell down the precipice and broke his thigh, but +crawled to the landing or garrison down the river." The following +September, the Indians gave Stedman a piece of land, as a reward for his +bravery. + +With sentiments of respect, I remain, sir, your sincere friend, +L. S. EVERETT. + +_Mr. J. E. Seaver_. + + * * * * * + +A particular account of General Sullivan's Expedition against the Indians, +in the western part of the State of New-York, in 1779. + +It has been thought expedient to publish in this volume, the following +account of Gen. Sullivan's expedition, in addition to the facts related by +Mrs. Jemison, of the barbarities which were perpetrated upon Lieut. Boyd, +and two others, who were taken, and who formed a part of his army, etc. A +detailed account of this expedition has never been in the hands of the +public; and as it is now produced from a source deserving implicit credit, +it is presumed that it will be received with satisfaction. + +John Salmon, Esq. to whom we are happy to acknowledge our indebtedness for +the subjoined account, is an old gentleman of respectability and good +standing in society; and is at this time a resident in the town of +Groveland, Livingston county, New-York. He was a hero in the American war +for independence; fought in the battles of his country under the +celebrated Morgan; survived the blast of British oppression; and now, in +the decline of life, sits under his own well earned vine and fig-tree, +near the grave of his unfortunate countrymen, who fell gloriously, while +fighting the ruthless savages, under the command of the gallant Boyd. + +In the autumn after the battle at Monmouth, (1778,) Morgan's riflemen, to +which corps I belonged, marched to Schoharie, in this state of New-York, +and there went into winter quarters. The company to which I was attached, +was commanded by Capt. Michael Simpson; and Thomas Boyd, of Northumberland +county, Pennsylvania, was our Lieutenant. + +In the following spring, our corps, together with the whole body of troops +under the command of Gen. Clinton, to the amount of about 1500, embarked +in boats at Schenectady, and ascended the Mohawk as far as German Flats. +Thence we took a direction to Otsego lake, descended the Susquehanna, and +without any remarkable occurrence, arrived at Tioga Point, where our +troops united with an army of 1500 men under the command of Gen. Sullivan, +who had marched through a part of New-Jersey, and had reached that place +by the way of Wyoming, some days before us. + +That part of the army under Gen. Sullivan, had, on their arrival at Tioga +Point, found the Indians in some force there, with whom they had had some +unimportant skirmishes before our arrival. Upon the junction of these two +bodies of troops, Gen. Sullivan assumed the command of the whole, and +proceeded up the Tioga. When within a few miles of the place now called +Newtown, we were met by a body of Indians, and a number of troops well +known in those times by the name of Butler's Rangers, who had thrown up, +hastily, a breastwork of logs, trees, &c. They were, however, easily +driven from their works, with considerable loss on their part, and without +any injury to our troops. The enemy fled with so much precipitation, that +they left behind them some stores and camp equippage. They retreated but a +short distance before they made a stand, and built another breastwork of +considerable length, in the woods, near a small opening. Sullivan was soon +apprized of their situation, divided his army, and attempted to surround, +by sending one half to the right and the other to the left, with +directions to meet on the opposite side of the enemies. In order to +prevent their retreating, he directed bomb-shells to be thrown over them, +which was done: but on the shells bursting, the Indians suspected that a +powerful army had opened a heavy fire upon them on that side, and fled +with the utmost precipitation through one wing of the surrounding army. A +great number of the enemy were killed, and our army suffered considerably. + +The Indians having, in this manner, escaped, they went up the river to a +place called the Narrows, where they were attacked by our men, who killed +them in great numbers, so that the sides of the rocks next the river +appeared as though blood had been poured on them by pailfulls. The Indians +threw their dead into the river, and escaped the best way they could. + +From Newtown our army went directly to the head of the Seneca lake; thence +down that lake to its mouth, where we found the Indian village at that +place evacuated, except by a single inhabitant--a male child about seven +or eight years of age, who was found asleep in one of the Indian huts. Its +fate I have never ascertained. It was taken into the care of an officer of +the army, who, on account of ill health, was not on duty, and who took the +child with him, as I have since understood, to his residence on or near +the North river. + +From the mouth of Seneca lake we proceeded, without the occurrence of any +thing of importance, by the outlets of the Canandaigua, Honeoye, and +Hemlock lakes, to the head of Connissius lake, where the army encamped on +the ground that is now called Henderson's Flats. + +Soon after the army had encamped, at the dusk of the evening, a party of +twenty-one men, under the command of Lieut. Boyd, was detached from the +rifle corps, and sent out for the purpose of reconnoitering the ground +near the Genesee river, at a place now called Williamsburg, at a distance +from the camp of about seven miles, under the guidance of a faithful +Indian pilot. That place was then the site of an Indian village, and it +was apprehended that the Indians and Rangers might be there or in that +vicinity in considerable force. + +On the arrival of the party at Williamsburg, they found that the Indian +village had been recently deserted, as the fires in the huts were still +burning. The night was so far spent when they got to their place of +destination, that Lieutenant Boyd, considering the fatigue of his men, +concluded to remain during the night near the village, and to send two men +messengers with a report to the camp in the morning. Accordingly, a little +before daybreak, he despatched two men to the main body of the army, with +information that the enemy had not been discovered. + +After day-light, Lieut. Boyd cautiously crept from the place of his +concealment, and upon getting a view of the village, discovered two +Indians hovering about the settlement: one of whom was immediately shot +and scalped by one of the riflemen, whose name was Murphy. Supposing that +if there were Indians in that vicinity, or near the village, they would be +instantly alarmed by this occurrence, Lieut. Boyd thought it most prudent +to retire, and make the best of his way to the general encampment of our +army. They accordingly set out and retraced the steps which they had taken +the day before, till they were intercepted by the enemy. + +On their arriving within about one mile and a half of the main army, they +were surprized by the sudden appearance of a body of Indians, to the +amount of five hundred, under the command of the celebrated Brandt, and +the same number of Rangers, commanded by the infamous Butler, who had +secreted themselves in a ravine of considerable extent, which lay across +the track that Lieut. Boyd had pursued. + +Upon discovering the enemy, and knowing that the only chance for escape +was by breaking through their line, (one of the most desperate enterprizes +ever undertaken,) Lieut. Boyd, after a few words of encouragement, led his +men to the attempt. As extraordinary as it may seem, the first onset, +though unsuccessful, was made without the loss of a man on the part of the +heroic band, though several of the enemy were killed. Two attempts more +were made, which were equally unsuccessful, and in which the whole party +fell, except Lieut. Boyd, and eight others. Lieut. Boyd and a soldier by +the name of Parker, were taken prisoners on the spot, a part of the +remainder fled, and a part fell on the ground, apparently dead, and were +overlooked by the Indians, who were too much engaged in pursuing the +fugitives to notice those who fell. + +When Lieut. Boyd found himself a prisoner, he solicited an interview with +Brandt, whom he well knew commanded the Indians. This Chief, who was at +that moment near, immediately presented himself, when Lieut. Boyd, by one +of those appeals which are known only by those who have been initiated and +instructed in certain mysteries, and which never fail to bring succor to a +"distressed brother," addressed him as the only source from which he could +expect a respite from cruel punishment or death. The appeal was +recognized, and Brandt immediately, and in the strongest language, assured +him that his life should be spared. + +Lieut. Boyd, and his fellow-prisoner, Parker, were immediately conducted +by a party of the Indians to the Indian village called Beard's Town, on +the west side of Genesee river, in what is now called Leicester. After +their arrival at Beard's Town, Brandt, their generous preserver, being +called on service which required a few hours absence, left them in the +care of the British Col. Butler, of the Rangers; who, as soon as Brandt +had left them, commenced an interrogation, to obtain from the prisoners a +statement of the number, situation and intentions of the army under Gen. +Sullivan; and threatened them, in case they hesitated or prevaricated in +their answers, to deliver them up immediately to be massacred by the +Indians, who, in Brandt's absence, and with the encouragement of their +more savage commander, Butler, were ready to commit the greatest +cruelties. Relying, probably, on the promises which Brandt had made them, +and which he undoubtedly meant to fulfil, they refused to give Butler the +desired information. Butler, upon this, hastened to put his threat into +execution. They were delivered to some of their most ferocious enemies, +who, after having put them to very severe torture, killed them by severing +their heads from their bodies. + +The main army, immediately after hearing of the situation of Lieut. Boyd's +detachment, moved on towards Genesee river, and finding the bodies of +those who were slain in Boyd's heroic attempt to penetrate through the +enemy's line, buried them in what is now the town of Groveland, where the +grave is to be seen at this day. + +Upon their arrival at the Genesee river, they crossed over, scoured the +country for some distance on the river, burnt the Indian villages on the +Genesee flats, and destroyed all their corn and other means of subsistence. + +The bodies of Lieut. Boyd and Parker were found and buried near the bank +of Beard's creek, under a bunch of wild plum-trees, on the road, as it now +runs, from Moscow to Geneseo. I was one of those who committed to the +earth the remains of my friend and companion in arms, the gallant Boyd. + +Immediately after these events the army commenced its march back, by the +same route that it came, to Tioga Point; thence down the Susquehanna to +Wyoming; and thence across the country to Morristown, New-Jersey, where we +went into winter quarters. + +Gen. Sullivan's bravery is unimpeachable. He was unacquainted, however, +with fighting the Indians, and made use of the best means to keep them at +such a distance that they could not be brought into an engagement. It was +his practice, morning and evening, to have cannon fired in or near the +camp, by which the Indians were notified of their speed in marching, and +of his situation, and were enabled to make a seasonable retreat. + +The foregoing account, according to the best of my recollection is +strictly correct. + +JOHN SALMON. + +Groveland, January 24, 1824. + +Esq. Salmon was formerly from Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and was +first Serjeant in Capt. Simpson's and Lieut. Boyd's company. + +Tradition of the Origin of the Seneca Nation.--Their Preservation from +utter extinction.--The Means by which the People who preceded the Senecas +were destroyed--and the Cause of the different Indian Languages. + +The tradition of the Seneca Indians, in regard to their origin, as we are +assured by Capt. Horatio Jones, who was a prisoner five years amongst +them, and for many years since has been an interpreter, and agent for the +payment of their annuities, is that they broke out of the earth from a +large mountain at the head of Canandaigua Lake, and that mountain they +still venerate as the place of their birth; thence they derive their name, +"Ge-nun-de-wah," [Footnote: This by some is spoken Ge-nun-de-wah-gauh.] or +Great Hill, and are called "The Great Hill People," which is the true +definition of the word Seneca. + +The great hill at the head of Canandaigua lake, from whence they sprung, +is called Genundewah, and has for a long time past been the place where +the Indians of that nation have met in council, to hold great talks, and +to offer up prayers to the Great Spirit, on account of its having been +their birth place; and also in consequence of the destruction of a serpent +at that place, in ancient time, in a most miraculous manner, which +threatened the destruction of the whole of the Senecas, and barely spared +enough to commence replenishing the earth. + +The Indians say, says Capt. Jones, that the fort on the big hill, or +Genundewah, near the head of Canandaigua lake, was surrounded by a +monstrous serpent, whose head and tail came together at the gate. A long +time it lay there, confounding the people with its breath. At length they +attempted to make their escape, some with their hommany-blocks, and others +with different implements of household furniture; and in marching out of +the fort walked down the throat of the serpent. Two orphan children, who +had escaped this general destruction by being left some time before on the +outside of the fort, were informed by an oracle of the means by which they +could get rid of their formidable enemy--which was, to take a small bow +and a poisoned arrow, made of a kind of willow, and with that shoot the +serpent under its scales. This they did, and the arrow proved effectual; +for on its penetrating the skin, the serpent became sick, and extending +itself rolled down the hill, destroying all the timber that was in its +way, disgorging itself and breaking wind greatly as it went. At every +motion, a human head was discharged, and rolled down the hill into the +lake, where they lie at this day, in a petrified state, having the +hardness and appearance of stones. + +To this day the Indians visit that sacred place, to mourn the loss of +their friends, and to celebrate some rites that are peculiar to +themselves. To the knowledge of white people there has been no timber on +the great hill since it was first discovered by them, though it lay +apparently in a state of nature for a great number of years, without +cultivation. Stones in the shape of Indians' heads may be seen lying in +the lake in great plenty, which are said to be the same that were +deposited there at the death of the serpent. + +The Senecas have a tradition, that previous to, and for some time after, +their origin at Genundewah, this country, especially about the lakes, was +thickly inhabited by a race of civil, enterprizing and industrious people, +who were totally destroyed by the great serpent, that afterwards +surrounded the great hill fort, with the assistance of others of the same +species; and that they (the Senecas) went into possession of the +improvements that were left. + +In those days the Indians throughout the whole country, as the Senecas +say, spoke one language; but having become considerably numerous, the +before mentioned great serpent, by an unknown influence, confounded their +language, so that they could not understand each other; which was the +cause of their division into nations, as the Mohawks, Oneidas, &c. At that +time, however, the Senecas retained their original language, and continued +to occupy their mother hill, on which they fortified themselves against +their enemies, and lived peaceably, till having offended the serpent, +[Footnote: The pagans of the Senecas believe that all the little snakes +were made of the blood of the great serpent, after it rolled into the +lake.] they were cut off as before stated. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR RELIGION--FEASTS--AND GREAT SACRIFICE. + +Perhaps no people are more exact observers of religious duties than those +Indians among the Senecas, who are denominated pagans, in +contradistinction from those, who, having renounced some of their former +superstitious notions, have obtained the name of Christians. The +traditionary faith of their fathers, having been orally transmitted to +them from time immemorial, is implicitly believed, scrupulously adhered +to, and rigidly practised. They are agreed in their sentiments--are all of +one order, and have individual and public good, especially among +themselves, for the great motive which excites them to attend to those +moral virtues that are directed and explained by all their rules, and in +all their ceremonies. + +Many years have elapsed since the introduction of Christian Missionaries +among them, whom they have heard, and very generally understand the +purport of the message they were sent to deliver. They say that it is +highly probable that Jesus Christ came into the world in old times, to +establish a religion that would promote the happiness of the white people, +on the other side of the great water, (meaning the sea,) and that he died +for the sins of his people, as the missionaries have informed them: But, +they say that Jesus Christ had nothing to do with them, and that the +Christian religion was not designed for their benefit; but rather, should +they embrace it, they are confident it would make them worse, and +consequently do them an injury. They say, also, that the Great Good Spirit +gave them their religion; and that it is better adapted to their +circumstances, situation and habits, and to the promotion of their present +comfort and ultimate happiness, than any system that ever has or can be +devised. They, however, believe, that the Christian religion is better +calculated for the good of white people than theirs is; and wonder that +those who have embraced it, do not attend more strictly to its precepts, +and feel more engaged for its support and diffusion among themselves. At +the present time, they are opposed to preachers or schoolmasters being +sent or coming among them; and appear determined by all means to adhere to +their ancient customs. + +They believe in a Great Good Spirit, (whom they call in the Seneca +language Nau-wan-e-u,) as the Creator of the world, and of every good +thing--that he made men, and all inoffensive animals; that he supplies men +with all the comforts of life; and that he is particularly partial to the +Indians, whom they say are his peculiar people. They also believe that he +is pleased in giving them (the Indians) good gifts; and that he is highly +gratified with their good conduct--that he abhors their vices, and that he +is willing to punish them for their bad conduct, not only in this world, +but in a future state of existence. His residence, they suppose, lies at a +great distance from them, in a country that is perfectly pleasant, where +plenty abounds, even to profusion. That there the soil is completely +fertile, and the seasons so mild that the corn never fails to be +good--that the deer, elk, buffalo, turkies, and other useful animals, are +numerous, and that the forests are well calculated to facilitate their +hunting them with success--that the streams are pure, and abound with +fish: and that nothing is wanting, to render fruition complete. Over this +territory they say Nauwaneu presides as an all-powerful king; and that +without counsel he admits to his pleasures all whom he considers to be +worthy of enjoying so great a state of blessedness. + +To this being they address prayers, offer sacrifices, give thanks for +favors, and perform many acts of devotion and reverence. + +They likewise believe that Nauwaneu has a brother that is less powerful +than himself, and who is opposed to him, and to every one that is or +wishes to be good: that this bad Spirit made all evil things, snakes, +wolves, catamounts, and all other poisonous or noxious animals and beasts +of prey, except the bear, which, on the account of the excellence of its +meat for food, and skin for clothing, they say was made by Nauwaneu. +Besides all this they say he makes and sends them their diseases, bad +weather and bad crops, and that he makes and supports witches. He owns a +large country adjoining that of his brother, with whom he is continually +at variance. His fields are unproductive; thick clouds intercept the rays +of the sun, and consequently destructive frosts are frequent; game is very +scarce, and not easily taken; ravenous beasts are numerous; reptiles of +every poisoned tooth lie in the path of the traveller; streams are muddy, +and hunger, nakedness and general misery, are severely felt by those who +unfortunately become his tenants. He takes pleasure in afflicting the +Indians here, and after their death receives all those into his dreary +dominions, who in their life time have been so vile as to be rejected by +Nauwaneu, under whose eye they are continued in an uncomfortable state +forever. To this source of evil they offer some oblations to abate his +vengeance, and render him propitious. They, however, believe him to be, in +a degree, under subjection to his brother, and incapable of executing his +plans only by his high permission. + +Public religious duties are attended to in the celebration of particular +festivals and sacrifices, which are observed with circumspection and +attended with decorum. + +In each year they have five feasts, or stated times for assembling in +their tribes, and giving thanks to Nauwaneu, for the blessings which they +have received from his kind and liberal and provident hand; and also to +converse upon the best means of meriting a continuance of his favors. The +first of these feasts is immediately after they have finished sugaring, at +which time they give thanks for the favorable weather and great quantity +of sap they have had, and for the sugar that they have been allowed to +make for the benefit of their families. At this, as at all the succeeding +feasts, the Chiefs arise singly, and address the audience in a kind of +exhortation, in which they express their own thankfulness, urge the +necessity and propriety of general gratitude, and point out the course +which ought to be pursued by each individual, in order that Nauwaneu may +continue to bless them, and that the evil spirit may be defeated. + +On these occasions the Chiefs describe a perfectly straight line, half an +inch wide, and perhaps ten miles long, which they direct their people to +travel upon by placing one foot before the other, with the heel of one +foot to the toe of the other, and so on till they arrive at the end. The +meaning of which is, that they must not turn aside to the right hand or to +the left into the paths of vice, but keep straight ahead in the way of +well doing, that will lead them to the paradise of Nauwaneu. + +The second feast is after planting; when they render thanks for the +pleasantness of the season--for the good time they have had for preparing +their ground and planting their corn; and are instructed by their Chiefs, +by what means to merit a good harvest. + +When the green corn becomes fit for use, they hold their third, or green +corn feast. Their fourth is celebrated after corn harvest; and the fifth +at the close of their year, and is always celebrated at the time of the +old moon in the last of January or first of February. This last deserves a +particular description. + +The Indians having returned, from hunting, and having brought in all the +venison and skins that they have taken, a committee is appointed, says +Mrs. Jemison, consisting of from ten to twenty active men, to superintend +the festivities of the great sacrifice and thanksgiving that is to be +immediately celebrated. This being done, preparations are made at the +council-house, or place of meeting, for the reception and accommodation of +the whole tribe; and then the ceremonies are commenced, and the whole is +conducted with a great degree of order and harmony, under the direction of +the committee. + +Two white dogs, [Footnote: This was the practice in former times; but at +present I am informed that only one dog is sacrificed.] without spot or +blemish, are selected (if such can be found, and if not, two that have the +fewest spots) from those belonging to the tribe, and killed near the door +of the council-house, by being strangled. A wound on the animal or an +effusion of blood, would spoil the victim, and render the sacrifice +useless. The dogs are then painted red on their faces, edges of their +ears, and on various parts of their bodies, and are curiously decorated +with ribbons of different colors, and fine feathers, which are tied and +fastened on in such a manner as to make the most elegant appearance. They +are then hung on a post near the door of the council-house, at the height +of twenty feet from the ground. + +This being done, the frolic is commenced by those who are present, while +the committee run through the tribe or town, and hurry the people to +assemble, by knocking on their houses. At this time the committee are +naked, (wearing only a breech-clout,) and each carries a paddle, with +which he takes up ashes and scatters them about the house in every +direction. In the course of the ceremonies, all the fire is extinguished +in every hut throughout the tribe, and new fire, struck from the flint on +each hearth, is kindled, after having removed the whole of the ashes, old +coals, &c. Having done this, and discharged one or two guns, they go on, +and in this manner they proceed till they have visited every house in the +tribe. This finishes the business of the first day. + +On the second day the committee dance, go through the town with bear-skin +on their legs, and at every time they start they fire a gun. They also beg +through the tribe, each carrying a basket in which to receive whatever may +be bestowed. The alms consist of Indian tobacco, and other articles that +are used for incense at the sacrifice. Each manager at this time carries a +dried tortoise or turtle shell, containing a few beans, which he +frequently rubs on the walls of the houses, both inside and out. This kind +of manoeuvering by the committee continues two or three days, during which +time the people at the council-house recreate themselves by dancing. + +On the fourth or fifth day the committee make false faces of husks, in +which they run about, making a frightful but ludicrous appearance. In this +dress, (still wearing the bear-skin,) they run to the council-house, +smearing themselves with dirt, and bedaub every one who refuses to +contribute something towards filling the baskets of incense, which they +continue to carry, soliciting alms. During all this time they collect the +evil spirit, or drive it off entirely, for the present, and also +concentrate within themselves all the sins of their tribe, however +numerous or heinous. + +On the eighth or ninth day, the committee having received all the sin, as +before observed, into their own bodies, they take down the dogs, and after +having transfused the whole of it into one of their own number, he, by a +peculiar slight of hand, or kind of magic, works it all out of himself +into the dogs. The dogs, thus loaded with all the sins of the people, are +placed upon a pile of wood that is directly set on fire. Here they are +burnt, together with the sins with which they were loaded, surrounded by +the multitude, who throw incense of tobacco or the like into the fire, the +scent of which they say, goes up to Nauwaneu, to whom it is pleasant and +acceptable. + +This feast continues nine days, [Footnote: At present, as I have been +informed, this feast is not commonly held more than from five to seven +days. In former times, and till within a few years, nine days were +particularly observed.] and during that time the Chiefs review the +national affairs of the year past; agree upon the best plan to be pursued +through the next year, and attend to all internal regulations. + +On the last day, the whole company partake of an elegant dinner, +consisting of meat, corn and beans, boiled together in large kettles, and +stirred till the whole is completely mixed and soft. This mess is devoured +without much ceremony--some eat with a spoon, by dipping out of the +kettles; others serve themselves in small dippers; some in one way, and +some in another, till the whole is consumed. After this they perform the +war dance, the peace dance, and smoke the pipe of peace; and then, free +from iniquity, each repairs to his place of abode, prepared to commence +the business of a new year. In this feast, temperance is observed, and +commonly, order prevails in a greater degree than would naturally be +expected. + +They are fond of the company of spectators who are disposed to be decent, +and treat them politely in their way; but having been frequently imposed +upon by the whites, they treat them generally with indifference. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR DANCES. + +Of these, two only will be noticed. The war dance is said to have +originated about the time that the Six Nations, or Northern Indians, +commenced the old war with the Cherokees and other Southern Indian +Nations, about one hundred years ago. + +When a tribe, or number of tribes of the Six Nations, had assembled for +the purpose of going to battle with their enemies, the Chiefs sung this +song, and accompanied the music with dancing, and gestures that +corresponded with the sentiments expressed, as a kind of stimulant to +increase their courage, and anxiety to march forward to the place of +carnage. + +Those days having passed away, the Indians at this day sing the 'war +song,' to commemorate the achievements of their fathers, and as a kind of +amusement. When they perform it, they arm themselves with a war-club, +tomahawk and knife, and commence singing with firm voice, and a stern, +resolute countenance: but before they get through they exhibit in their +features and actions the most shocking appearance of anger, fury and +vengeance, that can be imagined: No exhibition of the kind can be more +terrifying to a stranger. + +The song requires a number of repetitions in the tune, and has a chorus +that is sung at the end of each verse. I have not presumed to arrange it +in metre; but the following is the substance: "We are assembled in the +habiliments of war, and will go in quest of our enemies. We will march to +their land and spoil their possessions. We will take their women and +children, and lead them into captivity. The warriors shall fall by our +war-clubs--we will give them no quarter. Our tomahawks we will dip in +their brains! with our scalping knives we will scalp them." At each period +comes on the chorus, which consists of one monosyllable only, that is +sounded a number of times, and articulated like a faint, stifled groan. +This word is "eh," and signifies "we will," or "we will go," or "we will +do." While singing, they perform the ceremony of killing and scalping, +with a great degree of dexterity. + +The peace dance is performed to a tune without words, by both sexes. The +Indians stand erect in one place, and strike the floor with the heel and +toes of one foot, and then of the other, (the heels and toes all the while +nearly level,) without changing their position in the least. The squaws at +the same time perform it by keeping the feet close together, and without +raising them from the ground, move a short distance to the right, and then +to the left, by first moving their toes and then their heels. This dance +is beautiful, and is generally attended with decency. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR GOVERNMENT. + +Their government is an oligarchy of a mixed nature; and is administered by +Chiefs, a part of whose offices are hereditary, and a part elective. The +nation is divided into tribes, and each tribe commonly has two Chiefs. One +of these inherits his office from his father. He superintends all civil +affairs in the tribe; attends the national council, of which he is a +member; assents to all conveyances of land, and is consulted on every +subject of importance. The other is elected by the tribe, and can be +removed at the pleasure of his constituents for malconduct. He also is a +member of the national council: but his principal business is to +superintend the military concerns of his tribe, and in war to lead his +warriors to battle. He acts in concert with the other Chief, and their +word is implicitly relied on, as the law by which they must be governed. +That which they prohibit, is not meddled with. The Indian laws are few, +and easily expounded. Their business of a public nature is transacted in +council, where every decision is final. They meet in general council once +a year, and sometimes oftener. The administration of their government is +not attended with expense. They have no national revenue, and consequently +have no taxes. + + * * * * * + +THE EXTENT AND NUMBER OF THE SIX NATIONS. + +The Six Nations in the state of New-York are located upon several +reservations, from the Oneida Lake to the Cattaraugus and Allegany rivers. + +A part of those nations live on the Sandusky, in the state of Ohio, +viz--380 Cayugas, 300 Senecas, 64 Mohawks, 64 Oneidas, and 80 Onondagas. +The bulk of the Mohawks are on Grand River, Upper Canada, together with +some Senecas, Tuscaroras, Cayugas, Oneidas, and Onondagas. + +In the state of New-York there are 5000, and in the state of Ohio 688, as +we are assured by Capt. Horatio Jones, agent for paying their annuities, +making in the whole, in both states, 5688. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR COURTSHIPS, &c. + +When an Indian sees a squaw whom he fancies, he sends a present to her +mother or parents, who on receiving it consult with his parents, his +friends, and each other, on the propriety and expediency of the proposed +connexion. If it is not agreeable, the present is returned; but if it is, +the lover is informed of his good fortune, and immediately goes to live +with her, or takes her to a hut of his own preparing. + +Polygamy is practised in a few instances, and is not prohibited. + +Divorces are frequent. If a difficulty of importance arises between a +married couple, they agree to separate. They divide their property and +children; the squaw takes the girls, the Indian the boys, and both are at +liberty to marry again. + +They have no marriage ceremony, nor form of divorcement, other than what +has been mentioned. + + * * * * * + +OF FAMILY GOVERNMENT. + +In their families, parents are very mild, and the mother superintends the +children. The word of the Indian father, however, is law, and must be +obeyed by the whole that are under his authority. + +One thing respecting the Indian women is worthy of attention, and perhaps +of imitation, although it is now a days considered beneath the dignity of +the ladies, especially those who are the most refined; and that is, they +are under a becoming subjection to their husbands. It is a rule, +inculcated in all the Indian tribes, and practised throughout their +generations, that a squaw shall not walk before her Indian, nor pretend to +take the lead in his business. And for this reason we never can see a +party on the march to or from hunting and the like, in which the squaws +are not directly in the rear of their partners. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR FUNERALS. + +The deceased having been laid out in his best clothing, is put into a +coffin of boards or bark, and with him is deposited, in every instance, a +small cup and a cake. Generally two or three candles are also put into the +coffin, and in a few instances, at the burial of a great man, all his +implements of war are buried by the side of the body. The coffin is then +closed and carried to the grave. On its being let down, the person who +takes the lead of the solemn transaction, or a Chief, addresses the dead +in a short speech, in which he charges him not to be troubled about +himself in his new situation, nor on his journey, and not to trouble his +friends, wife or children, whom he has left. Tells him that if he meets +with strangers on his way, he must inform them what tribe he belongs to, +who his relatives are, the situation in which he left them, and that +having done this, he must keep on till he arrives at the good fields in +the country of Nauwaneu. That when he arrives there he will see all his +ancestors and personal friends that have gone before him; who, together +with all the Chiefs of celebrity, will receive him joyfully, and furnish +him with every article of perpetual happiness. + +The grave is now filled and left till evening, when some of the nearest +relatives of the dead build a fire at the head of it, near which they set +till morning. In this way they continue to practise nine successive +nights, when, believing that their departed friend has arrived at the end +of his journey, they discontinue their attention. During this time the +relatives of the dead are not allowed to dance. + +Formerly, frolics were held, after the expiration of nine days, for the +dead, at which all the squaws got drunk, and those were the only occasions +on which they were intoxicated: but lately those are discontinued, and +squaws feel no delicacy in getting inebriated. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR CREDULITY. + +As ignorance is the parent of credulity, it is not a thing to be wondered +at that the Indians should possess it in a great degree, and even suffer +themselves to be dictated and governed by it in many of the most important +transactions of their lives. + +They place great confidence in dreams, attach some sign to every uncommon +circumstance, and believe in charms, spirits, and many supernatural things +that never existed, only in minds enslaved to ignorance and tradition: but +in no instance is their credulity so conspicuous, as in their unalterable +belief in witches. + +They believe there are many of these, and that next to the author of evil, +they are the greatest scourge to their people. The term witch, by them, is +used both in the masculine and feminine gender, and denotes a person to +whom the evil deity has delegated power to inflict diseases, cause death, +blast corn, bring bad weather, and in short to cause almost any calamity +to which they are liable. With this impression, and believing that it is +their actual duty to destroy, as far as lies in their power, every source +of unhappiness, it has been a custom among them from time immemorial, to +destroy every one that they could convict of so heinous a crime; and in +fact there is no reprieve from the sentence. + +Mrs. Jemison informed us that more or less who had been charged with being +witches, had been executed in almost every year since she has lived on the +Genesee. Many, on being suspected, made their escape: while others, before +they were aware of being implicated, have been apprehended and brought to +trial. She says that a number of years ago, an Indian chased a squaw, near +Beard's Town, and caught her; but on the account of her great strength she +got away. The Indian, vexed and disappointed, went home, and the next day +reported that he saw her have fire in her mouth, and that she was a witch. +Upon this she was apprehended and killed immediately. She was Big-tree's +cousin, Mrs. Jemison says she was present at the execution. She also saw +one other killed and thrown into the river. + +Col. Jeremiah Smith, of Leicester, near Beard's Town, saw an Indian killed +by his five brothers, who struck him on the head with their tomahawks at +one time. He was charged with being a witch, because of his having been +fortunate enough, when on a hunting party, to kill a number of deer, while +his comrades failed of taking any. + +Col. Smith also saw a squaw, who had been convicted of being a witch, +killed by having small green whips burnt till they were red hot, but not +quite coaled, and thrust down her throat. From such trifling causes +thousands have lost their lives, and notwithstanding the means that are +used for their reformation, the pagans will not suffer "a witch to live." + + * * * * * + +OF THE MANNER OF FARMING, AS PRACTISED BY THE INDIAN WOMEN. + +It is well known that the squaws have all the labor of the field to +perform, and almost every other kind of hard service, which, in civil +society, is performed by the men. In order to expedite their business, and +at the same time enjoy each other's company, they all work together in one +field, or at whatever job they may have on hand. In the spring they choose +an old active squaw to be their driver and overseer when at labor, for the +ensuing year. She accepts the honor, and they consider themselves bound to +obey her. + +When the time for planting arrives, and the soil is prepared, the squaws +are assembled in the morning, and conducted into a field, where each +plants one row. They then go into the next field, plant once across, and +so on till they have gone through the tribe. If any remains to be planted, +they again commence where they did at first, (in the same field,) and so +keep on till the whole is finished. By this rule they perform their labor +of every kind, and every jealousy of one having done more or less than +another, is effectually avoided. + +Each squaw cuts her own wood; but it is all brought to the house under the +direction of the overseer--each bringing one back load. + + * * * * * + +OF THEIR METHOD OF COMPUTING TIME, AND KEEPING THEIR RECORDS. + +This is done by moons and winters: a moon is a month, and the time from +the end of one winter to that of another, a year. + +From sunset till sunrise, they say that the sun is asleep. In the old of +the moon, when it does not shine in the night, they say it is dead. They +rejoice greatly at the sight of the new moon. + +In order to commemorate great events, and preserve the chronology of them, +the war Chief in each tribe keeps a war post. This post is a peeled stick +of timber, 10 or 12 feet high, that is erected in the town. For a campaign +they make, or rather the Chief makes, a perpendicular red mark, about +three inches long and half an inch wide; on the opposite side from this, +for a scalp, they make a red cross, thus, +; on another side, for a +prisoner taken, they make a red cross in this manner, X', with a head or +dot, and by placing such significant hireoglyphics in so conspicuous a +situation, they are enabled to ascertain with great certainty the time and +circumstances of past events. + +Hiokatoo had a war-post, on which was recorded his military exploits, and +other things that he tho't worth preserving. + + * * * * * + +ANECDOTES. + +Hiokatoo used to say that when he was a young man, there lived in the same +tribe with him an old Indian warrior, who was a great counsellor, by the +name of Buck-in-je-hil-lish. Buckinjehillish having, with great fatigue, +attended the council when it was deliberating upon war, declared that none +but the ignorant made war, but that the wise men and the warriors had to +do the fighting. This speech exasperated his countrymen to such a degree +that he was apprehended and tried for being a witch, on the account of his +having lived to so advanced an age; and because he could not show some +reason why he had not died before, he was sentenced to be tomahawked by a +boy on the spot, which was accordingly done. + +In the last war, (1814,) an Indian who had been on fatigue, called at a +commissary's and begged some bread. He was sent for a pail of water before +he received it, and while he was absent an officer told the commissary to +put a piece of money into the bread, and observe the event. He did so. The +Indian took the bread and went off: but on the next day having ate his +bread and found the money, he came to the commissary and gave him the +same, as the officer had anticipated. + +Little Beard, a celebrated Indian Chief, having arrived to a very advanced +age, died at his town on the Genesee river about the first of June, 1806, +and was buried after the manner of burying chiefs. In his life time he had +been quite arbitrary, and had made some enemies whom he hated, probably, +and was not loved by them. The grave, however, deprives envy of its +malignity, and revenge of its keenness. + +Little Beard had been dead but a few days when the great eclipse of the +sun took place, on the sixteenth of June, which excited in the Indians a +great degree of astonishment; for as they were ignorant of astronomy, they +were totally unqualified to account for so extraordinary a phenomenon. The +crisis was alarming, and something effectual must he done, without delay, +to remove, if possible, the cause of such coldness and darkness, which it +was expected would increase. They accordingly ran together in the three +towns near the Genesee river, and after a short consultation agreed that +Little Beard, on the account of some old grudge which he yet cherished +towards them, had placed himself between them and the sun, in order that +their corn might not grow, and so reduce them to a state of starvation. +Having thus found the cause, the next thing was to remove it, which could +only be done the use of powder and ball. Upon this, every gun and rifle +was loaded, and a firing commenced, that continued without cessation till +the old fellow left his seat, and the obscurity was entirely removed, to +the great joy of the ingenious and fortunate Indians. + +In the month of February, 1824, Corn Planter, a learned pagan Chief at +Tonnewonta, died of common sickness. He had received a liberal education, +and was held in high estimation in his town and tribe, by both parties; +but the pagans more particularly mourned his loss deeply, and seemed +entirely unreconciled. They imputed his death to witchcraft, and charged +an Indian by the name of Prompit, with the crime. + +Mr. Prompit is a Christian Indian, of the Tuscarora nation, who has lived +at Tonnewonta a number of years, where he has built a saw-mill himself, +which he owns, and is considered a decent, respectable man. + +About two weeks after the death of Corn Planter, Mr. Prompit happened in +company where the author was present, and immediately begun to converse +upon that subject. He said that the old fashioned Indians called him a +witch--believed that he had killed Corn Planter, and had said that they +would kill him. But, said he, all good people know that I am not a witch, +and that I am clear of the charge. Likely enough they will kill me; but if +they do, my hands are clean, my conscience is clear, and I shall go up to +God. I will not run nor hide from them, and they may kill me if they +choose to--I am innocent. When Jesus Christ's enemies, said he, wanted to +kill him, he did not run away from them, but let them kill him; and why +should I run away from my enemies? + +How the affair will terminate, we are unable to decide. + + * * * * * + +DESCRIPTION OF GENESEE RIVER AND ITS BANKS, FROM MOUNT MORRIS TO THE UPPER +FALLS. + +From Mount Morris the banks of the Genesee are from two to four hundred +feet in height, with narrow flats on one side of the river or the other, +till you arrive at the tract called Gardow, or Cross Hills. Here you come +to Mrs. Jemison's flats, which are two miles and a quarter long, and from +eighty to one hundred and twenty rods wide, lying mostly on the west side +of the river. + +Near the upper end of these flats is the Great Slide. Directly above this, +the banks (still retaining their before mentioned height) approach so near +each other as to admit of but thirty acres of flat on one side of the +river only, and above this the perpendicular rock comes down to the water. + +From Gardow you ascend the river five miles to the lower falls, which are +ninety-three feet perpendicular. These falls are twenty rods wide, and +have the greatest channel on the east side. From Wolf creek to these falls +the banks are covered with elegant white and Norway pine. + +Above the lower falls the banks for about two miles are of perpendicular +rock, and retain their height of between two and four hundred feet. Having +travelled this distance you reach the middle falls, which are an +uninterrupted sheet of water fifteen rods wide, and one hundred and ten +feet in perpendicular height. This natural curiosity is not exceeded by +any thing of the kind in the western country, except the cataract at +Niagara. + +From the middle falls the banks gradually rise, till you ascend the river +half a mile, when you come to the upper falls, which are somewhat rolling, +66 feet, in the shape of a harrow. Above this the banks are of moderate +height. The timber from the lower to the upper falls is principally pine. +Just above the middle falls a saw-mill was erected this season (1823) by +Messrs. Ziba Hurd and Alva Palmer. + + +HUNTING ANECDOTE. + +In November, 1822, Capt. Stephen Rolph and Mr. Alva Palmer drove a deer +into Genesee river, a short distance above the middle falls, where the +banks were so steep and the current so impetuous, that it could not regain +the shore, and consequently was precipitated over the falls, one hundred +and ten feet, into the gulph below. The hunters ran along the bank below +the falls, to watch the fate of the animal, expecting it would be dashed +in pieces. But to their great astonishment it came up alive, and by +swimming across a small eddy, reached the bank almost under the falls; and +as it stood in that situation, Capt. Ralph, who was on the top of the +bank, shot it. This being done, the next thing to be considered was, how +to get their prize. The rock being perpendicular, upwards of one hundred +feet, would not admit of their climbing down to it, and there was no way, +apparently, for them to get at it, short of going down the river two +miles, to the lower falls, and then by creeping between the water and the +precipice, they might possibly reach their game. This process would be too +tedious. At length Mr. Palmer proposed to Capt. Rolph and Mr. Heman +Merwin, who had joined them, that if they would make a windlas and fasten +it to a couple of saplings that stood near, and then procure some ropes, +he would be let down and get the deer. The apparatus was prepared; the +rope was tied round Palmer's body, and he was let down. On arriving at the +bottom he unloosed himself, fastened the rope round the deer, which they +drew up, and then threw down the rope, in which he fastened himself, and +was drawn up, without having sustained any injury. From the top to the +bottom of the rock, where he was let down, was exactly one hundred and +twenty feet. + + + + +FINIS + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Narrative of the Life of +Mrs. Mary Jemison, by James E. Seaver + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF MRS. 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