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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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