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diff --git a/old/69769-h/69769-h.htm b/old/69769-h/69769-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index ea4de80..0000000 --- a/old/69769-h/69769-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9473 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta charset="UTF-8"> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Boys’ Book of Indian Battles and Adventures, by John Lauris Blake. - </title> - - <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> - - <style> - -a { - text-decoration: none; -} - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -h1,h2,h3 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - -h2.nobreak { - page-break-before: avoid; -} - -hr.chap { - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - clear: both; - width: 65%; - margin-left: 17.5%; - margin-right: 17.5%; -} - -img.w100 { - width: 100%; -} - -div.chapter { - page-break-before: always; -} - -p { - margin-top: 0.5em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; - text-indent: 1em; -} - -.blockquote { - margin: 1.5em 10%; -} - -.caption { - text-align: center; - font-size: 90%; - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.caption-r { - text-align: right; - margin-bottom: 1em; - font-size: 90%; - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.center { - text-align: center; - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -.footnotes { - margin-top: 1em; - border: dashed 1px; -} - -.footnote { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; - font-size: 0.9em; -} - -.footnote .label { - position: absolute; - right: 84%; - text-align: right; -} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: none; -} - -.larger { - font-size: 150%; -} - -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - right: 4%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; -} - -.poetry-container { - text-align: center; -} - -.poetry { - display: inline-block; - text-align: left; -} - -.poetry .stanza { - margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em; -} - -.poetry .verse { - padding-left: 3em; -} - -.poetry .indent0 { - text-indent: -3em; -} - -.poetry .indent2 { - text-indent: -2em; -} - -.right { - text-align: right; -} - -.smaller { - font-size: 80%; -} - -.smcap { - font-variant: small-caps; - font-style: normal; -} - -.titlepage { - text-align: center; - margin-top: 3em; - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.x-ebookmaker img { - max-width: 100%; - width: auto; - height: auto; -} - -.x-ebookmaker .poetry { - display: block; - margin-left: 1.5em; -} - -.x-ebookmaker .blockquote { - margin: 1.5em 5%; -} - -/* Illustration classes */ -.illowp100 {width: 100%;} -.illowp48 {width: 48%;} -.x-ebookmaker .illowp48 {width: 100%;} -.illowp61 {width: 61%;} -.x-ebookmaker .illowp61 {width: 100%;} -.illowp75 {width: 75%;} -.x-ebookmaker .illowp75 {width: 100%;} -.illowp80 {width: 80%;} -.x-ebookmaker .illowp80 {width: 100%;} -.illowp95 {width: 95%;} -.x-ebookmaker .illowp95 {width: 100%;} - - </style> - </head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The boys' book of Indian battles and adventures, by John Blake</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The boys' book of Indian battles and adventures</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>with anecdotes about them</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: John Blake</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: January 11, 2023 [eBook #69769]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Brian Coe and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOYS' BOOK OF INDIAN BATTLES AND ADVENTURES ***</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_i"></a>[i]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp48" id="illus01" style="max-width: 28.125em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus01.jpg" alt=""> - <p class="caption">INDIAN MAIDEN.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ii"></a>[ii]</span></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a>[iii]</span></p> - -<p class="center larger"><span class="smaller">THE</span><br> -BOYS’ BOOK<br> -<span class="smaller">OF</span><br> -INDIAN<br> -Battles and Adventures.</p> - -<div class="figcenter titlepage illowp75" id="illus02" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus02.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<p class="titlepage">New York:<br> -JAMES MILLER.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv"></a>[iv]</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage larger"><span class="smaller">THE</span><br> -BOYS’ BOOK<br> -OF INDIAN<br> -Battles and Adventures,<br> -<span class="smaller">WITH ANECDOTES ABOUT THEM.</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage">ILLUSTRATED WITH TEN ENGRAVINGS</p> - -<p class="titlepage">BY THE AUTHOR OF “EVENINGS IN BOSTON,” “RAMON<br> -THE ROVER OF CUBA,” ETC.</p> - -<p class="titlepage">New York:<br> -JAMES MILLER, 522 BROADWAY.<br> -<span class="smaller">M.DCCC.LXVI.</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage smaller">Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by<br> -JAMES MILLER,<br> -in the Clerk’s office of the District Court of the United States, for the<br> -Southern District of New York.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_v"></a>[v]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The character of the aboriginal inhabitants -of the western continent is in many respects -remarkable and striking. It possesses great -interest for the student of history as well as the -observer of human nature. Still this character -has never been properly exhibited in a connected -view. One is obliged to detect the traits in detached -incidents and scattered descriptions; and -thus by a sort of inductive process to determine -the real disposition, powers and capabilities of -the North American Savage. It is for the -purpose of bringing the materials of this inductive -process within the compass of a single -volume of moderate size that these “Anecdotes” -have been collected. They present the savage -in all his various aspects and relations, in all -circumstances of sorrow and joy, danger, difficulty -and triumph. The incidents here narrated,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vi"></a>[vi]</span> -while they exhibit the most prominent traits of -the Indian character, also bring into view the -most striking passages of our national history -in its connection with the aborigines, and thus -serve a double purpose as an exercise in historical -as well as philosophical study. Its chief -object is utility. Its particular design is to -subserve the great cause of national education.</p> - -<p class="smaller"><span class="smcap">New York</span>, <i>Oct. 1st, 1860</i>.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span></p> - -<h1>INDIAN BATTLES<br> -<span class="smaller">AND</span><br> -ADVENTURES.</h1> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_HONESTY">INDIAN HONESTY.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>In the character of the Indians of North -America there are many traits which their white -neighbours would do well to imitate. Among -these, strict honesty is one. Mr. Catlin gives -the credit of this virtue to all the wild tribes -which he visited, not corrupted by intercourse -with civilized nations. Bolts and bars, for the -protection of property, among them are unknown. -He cites many examples to prove this. -The following anecdote is from another source.</p> - -<p>An Indian being among his white neighbours, -asked for a little tobacco to smoke, and one of -them, having some loose in his pocket, gave -him a handful. The day following, the Indian -came back, inquiring for the donor, saying he -had found a quarter of a dollar among the tobacco; -being told that as it was given him he -might as well keep it, he answered, pointing to -his breast: ‘I got a good man and a bad man -here; and the good man say, it is not mine, I -must return it to the owner; the bad man say,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span> -why he gave it to you, and it is your own -now; the good man say, that’s not right, the -tobacco is yours, not the money; the bad man -say, never mind, you got it, go buy some dram; -the good man say, no, no, you must not do so; -so I don’t know what to do, and I think to go -to sleep; but the good man and the bad man -keep talking all night, and trouble me; and -now I bring the money back I feel good.’</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="HONOR_AMONG_INDIANS">HONOR AMONG INDIANS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>There is no class of human beings on earth, -who hold a pledge more sacred and binding, -than do the North American Indians. A sample -of this was witnessed during the Winnebago -war of 1827, in the person of Dekker-re, -a celebrated chief of that nation, who, among -four other Indians of his tribe, was taken prisoner -at Prairie du Chien. Colonel Snelling, of -the 5th regiment of infantry, who then commanded -that garrison, despatched a young Indian -into the nation, with orders to inform the -other chiefs of Dekker-re’s band, that unless -those Indians who were perpetrators of the -horrid murders of some of our citizens, were -brought to the fort and given up within ten -days, Dekker-re and the other four Indians who -were retained as hostages, would be shot at the -end of that time. The awful sentence was pronounced -in the presence of Dekker-re, who, -though proclaiming his own innocence of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span> -outrages which had been committed by others -of his nation, exclaimed that he feared not -death, though it would be attended with serious -consequences, inasmuch as he had two -affectionate wives and a large family of small -children who were entirely dependent on him -for their support; but if necessary, he was willing -to die for the honour of his nation. The -young Indian had been gone several days, and -no intelligence was yet received from the murderers. -The dreadful day being near at hand, -and Dekker-re being in a bad state of health, -asked permission of the Colonel to go to the -river to indulge in his long accustomed habit of -bathing; in order to improve his health. Upon -which, Col. S. told him that, if he would promise, -on the honor of a chief, that he would not -leave the town, he might have his liberty, and -enjoy all his privileges, until the day of the appointed -execution. Accordingly he first gave -his hand to the Colonel, thanked him for his -friendly offer, then raised both his hands aloft, -and in the most solemn adjuration, promised -that he would not leave the bounds prescribed, -and said, if he had a hundred lives, he would -sooner lose them all than forfeit his word, or -deduct from his proud nation one particle of its -boasted honor. He was then set at liberty. He -was advised to flee to the wilderness, and make -his escape. “But no,” said he, “do you think -I prize life above honor? or that I would betray -a confidence reposed in me, for the sake of -saving my life?” He then complacently remained<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span> -until nine days of the ten which he had -to live had elapsed, and nothing heard from the -nation with regard to the apprehension of the -murderers, his immediate death became apparent; -but no alteration could be seen in the -countenance of the chief. It so happened that -on that day, Gen. Atkinson arrived with his -troops from Jefferson Barracks, and the order -for execution was countermanded, and the -Indians permitted to repair to their homes.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_ELOQUENCE">INDIAN ELOQUENCE.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The Indian warrior Tecumseh, who fell in -the late American war, was not only an accomplished -military commander, but also a great -natural statesman and orator. Among the many -strange, and some strongly characteristic events -of his life, the council which the American General -Harrison held with the Indians at Vincennes, -in 1811, affords an admirable instance of -the sublimity which sometimes distinguished -his eloquence. The chiefs of some tribes had -come to complain of a purchase of lands which -had been made from the Kickafoos. The council -effected nothing, but broke up in confusion, -in consequence of Tecumseh having called General -Harrison “a liar.” During the long talks -which took place in the conference, Tecumseh -having finished one of his speeches, looked -round, and seeing every one seated, while no -seat was prepared for him, a momentary frown<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span> -passed over his countenance. Instantly General -Harrison ordered that a chair should be -given him. Some person presented one, and -bowing, said to him, “Warrior, your father, -General Harrison, offers you a seat.” Tecumseh’s -dark eye flashed. “My father!” he exclaimed -indignantly, extending his arms towards -heaven; “the sun is my father, and the -earth is my mother; she gives me nourishment, -and I repose upon her bosom.” As he ended, -he suddenly seated himself on the ground.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_COQUETRY">INDIAN COQUETRY.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The Chawanon Indians, inhabiting the lake -of Marcotti, and who are considered the most -warlike and civilized of the American Indians, -have a manner of courtship which we believe -to be peculiar to themselves. When such of their -young women as have pretensions to beauty, attain -their twelfth year, which is the usual period -of their marriage, they either keep themselves -quite secluded at home, or when they go out -muffle themselves up in such a manner, that -nothing is seen but their eyes. On these indications -of beauty, they are eagerly sought in -marriage, and those suitors who have acquired -the greatest reputation as warriors or hunters, -obtain the consent of the family. After this, -the lover repairs to the cabin, where the beauty -is lying enveloped on her couch. He gently -approaches and uncovers her face, so that his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span> -person may be seen, and if this be to her mind, -she invites him to lie down by her side; if not, -she again conceals her face, and the lover retires. -A husband has the privilege of marrying -all his wife’s sisters as they arrive at age, so -that after, often before, his first wife is thirty, -he has married and abandoned at least a -dozen.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="WEATHERFORD">WEATHERFORD.</h2> - -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“I come, my Wilwullah!</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Guide hither our boy!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">I bring from the forest</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Its spirit and joy:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Why lingereth my soft-eyed?”</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And dark grew his brow;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">“Thy hunter returneth—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Where, truant, art thou?”</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">He enters his wigwam—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">What meaneth that cry?</div> - <div class="verse indent0">His bold form what freezeth?</div> - <div class="verse indent2">What filmeth his eye?</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The work of the white men!</div> - <div class="verse indent2">His mate of the wood,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And their fawns, the light-footed,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">All couched in their blood!</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Before a cold foeman</div> - <div class="verse indent2">The Indian is cold;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But his heart in his wild-wood</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Is like molten gold.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The warrior has clasped them—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">He’s red in their gore!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Has raved and wept o’er them—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">But ne’er will weep more!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Ye snow-brow destroyers!</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Ye false and ye foul!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For this, by Manito!</div> - <div class="verse indent2">For this shall ye howl!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">I swear that pale thousands</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Shall weep for this blow;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For each drop here wasted,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Red rivers shall flow!</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“When smoke dims the distance,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And shrieks fill the air,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Then white lips will whisper,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">‘<i>Fly! Weatherford’s there!</i>’</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Your warriors shall perish;</div> - <div class="verse indent2">We’ll laugh at their shame;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And the blood of your loved ones</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Shall hiss in the flame!”</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">How was that vow answered?</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Ask Mimms: it will tell!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Where the battle was hottest</div> - <div class="verse indent2">There <i>his</i> hatchet fell;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Where the shriek was the loudest,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Where freest ran blood,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Be sure, mid his victims,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">There Weatherford stood!</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">But feeble the red men,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Though fierce in the fray;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Like mists in the morning,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">They melted away.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">“Give us peace!” prayed the vanquished;</div> - <div class="verse indent2">“The white chieftain gives</div> - <div class="verse indent0">No peace”—was the answer—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">“While Weatherford lives.”</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">That lion-souled chieftain’s<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></div> - <div class="verse indent2">Alone in his tent:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">’Tis midnight; still over</div> - <div class="verse indent2">His toil he is bent.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span> - <div class="verse indent0">The drapery is rustled—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">He turns not his ear:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">“Ho! Look up, proud warrior,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Thy foreman is here!”</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">A dark form stood o’er him,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">His red arm on high;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But quailed not the chieftain</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Beneath his dark eye.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">“What art thou, bold savage?</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Sooth, light the foot fell</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That stole through the watch</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Of my tried sentinel.”</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Where Weatherford willeth,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Even there will he go;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">He heeds not thy sentry</div> - <div class="verse indent2">When seeking his foe.”</div> - <div class="verse indent0">“I fear thee not, boaster!”</div> - <div class="verse indent2">“Thou needest not fear;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For peace for my people,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">For peace came I here.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Thou’d’st have me sent to thee.</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And sent to thee bound;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But Weatherford dies not</div> - <div class="verse indent2">The death of a hound:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">No recreant, no trembler,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">No captive am I—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">I’ve fetterless lived, and</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Will fetterless die.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“To save my crushed people</div> - <div class="verse indent2">I die, but die free—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">A sacrifice worthy</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Of them and of thee!”</div> - <div class="verse indent0">“No—back to thy forest—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Bold warrior go!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">I strike not the head</div> - <div class="verse indent2">That is bent to the blow</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Aye, go! but remember</div> - <div class="verse indent2">When meet we again,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span> - <div class="verse indent0">Thy lot is the gibbet,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">The cord and the chain.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Be strong for the battle!</div> - <div class="verse indent2">No quarter we yield:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">No fear and no mercy!</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Now, back to the field!”</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“I long have fought with thee,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And still would fight on—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But my true Seminoles—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">My warriors are gone!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">My brave ones I’d rally,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And fight at their head;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But where is the warrior</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Can rally the dead!</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“At red Talledegha,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Emuckfaw they stood—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Thou knowest that our valleys</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Are black with their blood.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">By the wailing Savannah</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Unburied they lie;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Spare, warrior, the remnant,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Let Weatherford die!”</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">No longer the soldier</div> - <div class="verse indent2">The bold plea could hear,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But quick from his bronzed cheek</div> - <div class="verse indent2">He hurried a tear.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">“Devoted and brave! As</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Thou will’st shall it be;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Here’s peace to thy people,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And friendship for thee!”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus03" style="max-width: 43.75em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus03.jpg" alt=""> - <p class="caption">Weatherford’s Revenge.</p> -</div> - -<h3>THE FOLLOWING IS THE INCIDENT ON WHICH -THE FOREGOING LINES ARE FOUNDED.<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></h3> - -<p>Billy Weatherford, the celebrated savage -warrior, is, at length, vanquished—the destroyer<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span> -is conquered—the hand which so profusely -dealt death and desolation among the whites, -is now paralyzed—it is motionless. He died -at his late residence near Montpelier, in this -state, on the 9th inst. His deeds of war are -well known to the early settlers in South Alabama, -and will be remembered by them while -they live: and be talked of, with horror, by -generations yet unborn. But his dauntless spirit -has taken its flight—“he is gone to the land -of his fathers.”</p> - -<p>Billy Weatherford, denominated ‘The Prophet,’ -was about one-fourth Indian (some say -a half breed) his ancestry, on the white side, -having been Scottish. It has been said, that -he boasted of having no <i>Yankee</i> (meaning -American) blood in his veins.</p> - -<p>This ferocious chief led the hostile Indians to -the attack of Fort Mimms, at Tensau, on the -30th of August, 1813; which resulted in the -indiscriminate massacre of men, women, and -children, to the number of near four hundred. -He was also a leader associated with the prophets -Francis and Sinquister, at the battle -fought on the 23d of December following, at -Ekchanachaca, or ‘The Holy Ground;’ which -had been considered by them inaccessible to -their enemies, and the ‘Grave of White Men.’ -But it proved a fatal delusion. His party suffered -great loss of warriors, and all the provisions, -munitions of war, &c., deposited at this -place of imaginary security; being, as they -supposed, rendered secure by the protecting influence -of some supernatural agency.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span></p> - -<p>It is stated, that—after being sated with the -blood of Americans, and witnessing the almost -total extinction of his warriors—he voluntarily -and dauntlessly flung himself into the hands of -General Jackson, and demanded his protection. -He is said, on surrendering himself, to have -made the following speech to the General—which -looks very little like claiming <i>protection</i>. -It displays a spirit, which would have done -credit to Napoleon, under similar circumstances, -after the battle of Waterloo:</p> - -<p>“I am in your power: do with me what you -please. I am a soldier. I have done the white -people all the harm I could. I have fought -them, and fought them bravely. If I had an -army, I would yet fight, and contend to the -last. But I have done—my people are all -gone—I can do no more than weep over the -misfortunes of my nation. Once I could animate -my warriors to battle: but I cannot animate -the dead. My warriors can no longer -hear my voice—their bones are at Talladega, -Tallaschatchee, Emuckfaw, and Tohopeka. I -have not surrendered myself thoughtlessly. -Whilst there were chances of success, I never -left my post, nor supplicated peace. But my -people are gone, and I now ask it for my nation, -and for myself.</p> - -<p>“On the miseries and misfortunes brought -upon my country, I look back with the deepest -sorrow, and wish to avert still greater calamities. -If I had been left to contend with the -Georgian army, I would have raised my corn<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span> -on one bank of the river, and have fought them -on the other. But your people have destroyed -my nation. You are a brave man. I rely upon -your generosity. You will exact no terms of a -conquered people, but such as they should accede -to. Whatever they may be, it would now -be madness and folly to oppose them. If they -are opposed, you shall find me among the -sternest enforcers of obedience. Those who -would still hold out, can be influenced only by -a mean spirit of revenge; and, to this, they -must not, and <i>shall not</i>, sacrifice the last remnant -of their country. You have told us, -where we might go, and be safe. This is a -good talk, and my nation ought to listen to it. -<i>They <span class="smcap">shall</span> listen to it.</i>”<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_CHARACTER">INDIAN CHARACTER.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>A striking display of Indian character occurred -some years since in a town in Maine. -An Indian of the Kennebeck tribe remarkable -for his good conduct, received a grant of land -from the state, and fixed himself in a new -township, where a number of families settled. -Though not ill treated, yet the common prejudice -against Indians prevented any sympathy<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span> -with him. This was shown at the death of his -only child, when none of the people came near -him. Shortly afterwards he went to some of -the inhabitants, and said to them. <i>When white -man’s child die—Indian man be sorry—he -help bury him—when my child die—no one -speak to me—I make his grave alone—I cant -no live here.</i>—He gave up his farm, <i>dug up -the body of his child</i> and carried it with him -two hundred miles through the forest, to join -the Canada Indians. What energy and depth -of feeling does this specimen of Indian character -exhibit!</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="AN_INDIAN_BEAU">AN INDIAN BEAU.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>A young Indian warrior is, notoriously, the -most thoroughgoing beau in the world. Bond-street -and Broadway furnish no subjects that -will undergo as much crimping and confinement, -to appear in full dress. We are confident -that we have observed such a character -constantly occupied with his paints and his -pocket-glass, three full hours, laying on his colours, -and adjusting his tresses, and contemplating, -from time to time, with visible satisfaction, -the progress of his growing attractions. -When he has finished, the proud triumph of -irresistible charms is in his eye. The chiefs -and warriors, in full dress, have one, two, or -three broad clasps of silver about their arms; -generally jewels in their ears, and often in their<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span> -noses; and nothing is more common than to -see a thin circular piece of silver, of the size of -a dollar, depending from their nose, a little below -the upper lip. Nothing shows more clearly -the influence of fashion. This ornament—so -painfully inconvenient, as it evidently is to -them, and so horribly ugly and disfiguring—seems -to be the utmost finish of Indian taste. -Porcupine quills, stained of different colours, -are twisted in their hair. Tails of animals hang -from their hair behind. A necklace of bears’ -or alligators’ teeth, or claws of the bald eagle, -hangs loosely down; and an interior and smaller -circle of large red beads, or in default of -them, a rosary of red hawthorn berries, surrounds -the neck. From the knees to the feet, -the legs are decorated with great numbers of -little perforated cylindrical pieces of silver or -brass, that emit a simultaneous tinkle as the -person walks. If, to all this, he add an American -hat, and a soldier’s coat, of blue, faced -with red, over the customary calico shirt of the -gaudiest colours that can be found, he lifts his -feet high, and steps firmly on the ground, to -give his tinklers a uniform and full sound; and -apparently considers his person with as much -complacency as the human bosom can be supposed -to feel. This is a very curtailed view of -an Indian beau; but every reader, competent -to judge, will admit its fidelity, as far as it goes, -to the description of a young Indian warrior -over the whole Mississippi Valley, when prepared -to take part in a public dance.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="AN_INDIAN_TOAST">AN INDIAN TOAST.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>When General Wayne was holding his treaty -with the Indians at Greenville, a young chief -sat down at the dinner table, next to the General. -This was not much relished by the <i>White -Chief</i>; but he did not wish to give open offence -to his <i>Red Brother</i>. The cloth being removed, -the wine began to circulate; when Wayne—thinking -to confound and abash the young -chief—asked him for a <i>toast</i>. This being interpreted -and explained to this son of the forest, -he filled his tumbler with wine, and gave ‘<i>The -Great Spirit</i>’—and after an impressive pause, -pressing his hand on his breast—he added, -“<i>Because he put it into the heart of man to -make such good liquor!</i>”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="SHREWDNESS">SHREWDNESS.</h2> - -</div> - -<div class="blockquote"> - -<p class="center">“<i>He that delivereth it unto thee hath the -greater sin.</i>”</p> - -</div> - -<p>“I am glad,” said the Rev. Dr. Y⸺s to -the chief of the Little Ottowas, “that you do -not drink whiskey. But it grieves me to find -that your people use so much of it.” “Ah, -yes,” replied the Indian,—and he fixed an -arch and impressive eye upon the Doctor, -which communicated the reproof before he -uttered it—“we Indians <i>use</i> a great deal of -whiskey, but we do not <i>make</i> it.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="LANGUAGE_BY_SIGNS">LANGUAGE BY SIGNS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>It is pretty well ascertained that there exists -among mankind a universal language of signs, -taught by nature herself. Voyagers have always -used these signs among savage and previously -undiscovered nations. They are always understood, -and invariably form the basis of intercourse. -The former director of the Hartford -Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, informed the -writer, that all the mutes who came to that institution -from different parts of the country, -brought with them signs and motions which -were essentially the same, and which coincided -with those used in the institution. This proves -that they are <i>natural</i>.</p> - -<p>Andrew Ellicott, Esq., commissioned by the -United States to determine, in conjunction with -the Commissioners of Spain, a line of demarcation -between the territories of both nations,—related -to the writer a curious trait in the -savage character.</p> - -<p>On his way down the Mississippi, a number -of strange Indians came into his camp, from -the west side of the river. A Mr. Nolin happened -to be there at the time,—well known for -his enterprize and skill in catching wild horses -in the Internal Provinces of Spanish America. -He addressed them in such of the languages as -he was acquainted with—but was not understood. -He then conversed by certain signs.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span> -These were understood by the Indians, and were -answered in like manner. Thus (if the expression -may be allowed) a conversation ensued, in -which not a word was spoken:—“and this,” -said Nolin, “is a sort of universal language -common to the Western tribes.”—(<i>See Major -Long’s Expedition.</i>)</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="LOGAN">LOGAN.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>This celebrated Indian chief, who had always -been a zealous friend of the English, and -had often distinguished himself in their service, -was taken prisoner, and brought before the -General Assembly of Virginia, who hesitated -whether he should be tried by court martial as -a soldier, or at the criminal bar for high treason. -Logan stated that they had no jurisdiction -to try him; that he owed no allegiance to -the King of England, being an Indian Chief, -independent of every nation. In answer to -their inquiries as to his motives for taking up -arms against the English, he thus addressed -the Assembly. “I appeal to any white man, -to say if ever he entered Logan’s cabin hungry, -and I gave him not meat; if ever he came cold -or naked, and I gave him not clothing. During -the last long and bloody war, Logan remained -idle in his tent, an advocate for peace; -nay such was my love for the whites, that -those of my country pointed at me, as they -passed by, and said, ‘Logan is the friend of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span> -white men.’ I had ever thought to live with -you but for the injuries of one man. Colonel -Cressap, the last spring, in cold blood, and unprovoked, -cut off all the relations of Logan, -not sparing even my women and children. -There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins -of any human creature. This called on me -for revenge. I have sought it. I have killed -many. I have fully glutted my vengeance. -For my country, I rejoice at the beams of -peace. But do not harbor the thought that -mine is the joy of fear. Logan never felt fear. -He will not turn his heel to save his life. Who -is there to mourn for Logan? Not one!”</p> - -<p>This pathetic speech touched the sensibility -of all who heard it. The General Assembly -applauded his noble sentiments, and immediately -set him at liberty. The inhabitants of -Virginia vied with each other who should entertain -him the best, or show him the greatest -respect; and he returned to his native country -loaded with presents and honors.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_INDIANS_VIEWS_OF_THE_TRINITY">THE INDIAN’S VIEWS OF THE TRINITY.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Elliot had been lecturing on the doctrine of -the trinity, when one of his auditors, after a -long and thoughtful pause, thus addressed him. -‘I believe, Mr. Minister, I understand you. The -trinity is just like water and ice and snow. -The water is one, the ice is another, and the -snow is another; and yet they are all one -water.’</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="MORE_ROOM">MORE ROOM.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>When General Lincoln went to make peace -with the Creek Indians, one of the chiefs asked -him to sit down on a log; he was then desired -to move, and in a few minutes to move still -farther; the request was repeated till the General -got to the end of the log. The Indian said, -‘Move farther.’ To which the General replied, -‘I can move no farther.’ ‘Just so it is with us,’ -said the chief; ‘you have moved us back to -the water, and then ask us to move farther.’</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_MENDACITY">INDIAN MENDACITY.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Of all the vices incident to the aborigines of -this country, from their intercourse with the -whites, that of lying is, probably, not among -the least. Some years anterior to the independence -of the United States, one Tom Hyde, -an Indian famous for his cunning, went into a -tavern in Brookfield, Massachusetts, and after -a little chat told the landlord he had been hunting, -and had killed a fine fat deer, and if he -would give him a quart of rum he would tell -him where it was. Mine host, unwilling to let -slip so good an opportunity of obtaining venison, -immediately struck the bargain and measured -the Indian his quart of rum, at the same -time asking where the deer was to be found. -‘Well,’ says Tom, ‘do you know where the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span> -great meadow is?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Well, do you know -the great marked maple tree that stands in it?’ -‘Yes.’ ‘Well, there lies the deer.’ Away -posted the landlord with his team, in quest of -his purchase. He found the meadow and the -tree, it is true; but all his searching after the -deer was fruitless, and he returned home no -heavier than he went, except in mortification -and disappointment. Some days after, mine -host met the Indian, and feeling indignant at -the deception practised on him, accused him in -no gentle terms of the trick. Tom heard him -out—and, with the coolness of a stoic, replied—‘Did -you not find the meadow, as I said?’ -‘Yes.’ ‘And the tree?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘And the -deer?’ ‘No.’ ‘Very good,’ continued he, ‘you -found <i>two truths for one lie, which is very -well for an Indian</i>.’</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CANONICUS1">CANONICUS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Mr. Drake, in his Book of the Indians, thus -mentions Canonicus, the sachem of the Narragansets:—</p> - -<p>He was contemporary with Miantunnomoh, -who was his nephew. We know not the time -of his birth, but a son of his was at Boston in -1631, the next year after it was settled. But -the time of his death is minutely recorded by -Governor Winthrop, in his “Journal,” thus: -“June 4, 1647, Canonicus, the great sachem of -Narraganset, died, a very old man.” He is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span> -generally supposed to have been about 85 years -of age when he died.</p> - -<p>He is mentioned with great respect by Rev. -Roger Williams, in the year 1654. After observing -that many hundreds of the English were -witnesses to the friendly disposition of the Narragansets, -he says, “their late famous long-lived -Canonicus so lived and died, and in the same -most honourable manner and solemnity, (in their -way,) as you laid to sleep your prudent peace-maker, -Mr. Winthrop, did they honour this their -prudent and peaceable prince; yea, through all -their towns and countries how frequently do -many, and oft times our Englishmen, travel -alone with safety and loving kindness?”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="ESQUIMAUX_INDIANS">ESQUIMAUX INDIANS.</h2> - -</div> - -<div class="blockquote"> - -<p>Captain Ross, in the Journal of his Arctic Expedition, -gives the following account of his first -interview with the Esquimaux, in the northern -parts of Baffin’s Bay:</p> -</div> - -<p>“These Esquimaux,” says he, “conceived -the <i>ships to be living and flying creatures</i>.” -... “I had been employed, with a -good telescope, in observing their motions, and -beheld the first man approach, with every mark -of fear and distrust—looking frequently behind -to the other two, and beckoning them to come -on, as if for support. They occasionally retreated, -then advanced again, with cautious<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span> -steps, in the attitude of listening; generally -keeping one hand down by their knees, in -readiness to pull out a knife, which they had in -their boots: in the other hand they held their -whips, with the lash coiled up: their sledges -remained at a little distance—the fourth man -being apparently stationed to keep them in -readiness for escape. Sometimes they drew -back the covering they had on their heads, as -if wishing to catch the most distant sounds: -at which time I could discern their features, -displaying extreme terror and amazement, -while every limb appeared to tremble as they -moved.” They were requested to cross a -chasm, which separated them from the interpreter, -by a plank; but “appeared still much -alarmed, and requested that Sackhouse (the -interpreter) only should come over. He accordingly -passed to the opposite side, on which -they earnestly beseeched him not to touch -them, as, if he did, <i>they should certainly die</i>. -After he had used many arguments to persuade -them that he was flesh and blood, the -native, who had shown most courage, ventured -to touch his hand; then, pulling himself by the -nose, set up a shout, in which he was joined by -Sackhouse and the other three. The presents -were then distributed, consisting of two or -three articles of clothing, and a few strings of -beads. After which, Sackhouse exchanged his -knife for one of theirs.”</p> - -<p>Captain Ross and Lieutenant Parry then went -on the ice, and, “by the time they reached it,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span> -the whole were assembled: those who had -originally been left at a distance, with their -sledges, having driven up to join their comrades. -The party now, therefore, consisted of -eight natives, with all their sledges, and about -fifty dogs, two sailors, Sackhouse, Lieutenant -Parry, and myself—forming a group of no -small singularity, not a little increased, also, by -the peculiarity of the situation on a field of ice, -far from the land. The noise and clamour may -be easily conceived—the whole talking and -shouting together, and the dogs howling, while -the natives were flogging them with their long -whips, to preserve order. Our arrival produced -considerable alarm, causing them to retreat -a few steps towards their sledges. On -this, Sackhouse called to us to <i>pull our noses</i>, -as he had discovered this to be the mode of -friendly salutation among them. This ceremony -was accordingly performed by each of -us, the natives, during their retreat, making use -of the same gesture; the nature of which we -had not before understood.” Presents were -then made, and, “on seeing their faces in the -glasses, their astonishment appeared extreme, -and they looked round in silence, for a moment, -at each other, and at us. Immediately afterwards, -they set up a general shout, succeeded -by a loud laugh, expressive of extreme delight -as well as surprise—in which we joined, partly -from inability to avoid it, and willing also to -show that we were pleased with our new acquaintances.” -Confidence shortly after became<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span> -established, and uncovering of heads was substituted -for pulling of noses—the natives appearing -to comprehend the nature of this ceremony -more quickly than the seamen did the -other, and probably not considering it a much -more reasonable, although a more inconvenient, -testimony of respect. They were then invited -to the ship, to which one of them thought proper -to <i>address a speech</i>, “<i>pausing between -every question, and pulling his nose with the -utmost solemnity</i>.” All the wonder to be expected -was here excited; but the quantity of the -wood and iron appeared to be the chief objects -of surprise.</p> - -<p>“Their knowledge of wood seemed to be -limited to some heath of a dwarfish growth, -with stems no thicker than the finger; and, -accordingly, they knew not what to think of -the timber they saw on board. Not being -aware of its weight, two or three of them, successively, -seized on the spare topmast, evidently -with the view of carrying it off; and, as -soon as they became familiar with the people -around them, they showed that desire of possessing -what they admired, which is so universal -among savages. The only thing they -looked upon with contempt, was a little terrier -dog;—judging, no doubt, that it was too small -for drawing a sledge. But they shrunk back, -as if in terror, from a pig, whose pricked ears -and ferocious aspect (being of the Shetland -breed) presented a somewhat formidable appearance. -This animal happening to grunt,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span> -one of them was so terrified, that he became, -from that moment, uneasy, and appeared impatient -to get out of the ship. In carrying his -purpose into effect, however, he did not lose -his propensity to thieving, as he seized and -endeavoured to carry off the smith’s anvil: -finding that he could not remove it, he laid -hold of the large hammer, threw it on the ice, -and following it himself, deliberately set it on -his sledge, and made off.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus04" style="max-width: 31.25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus04.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_CHOCTAW_COUNCIL">A CHOCTAW COUNCIL.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The conduct of the government of the United -States towards the Indian tribes, however politic -it may seem, is certainly not based upon the -Christian precept “to do unto others as we would -that they should do unto us.” All our proceedings -towards them have tended to their gradual -extirpation from the land of their birth. Our -wars, our treaties, our purchases of land, our -system of intercourse with them, have all the -same end. The following extract will show -how well the Indians understand this.</p> - -<p>The reader will recollect, that it has become -the settled policy of the United States to remove -the several tribes of Indians to a country west -of the Mississippi. In order to discuss and determine -on this subject, in 1830 the Choctaw -Indians held a council, in which it was resolved -to sell off their lands to the United States, for -one million of dollars, and to remove without -the States, provided Government would give to -each man a section of land, in fee simple, west -of the Mississippi, and be at the expense of -transporting the tribe to their place of destination, -and of supporting them twelve months -after their arrival. The council sat four days, -and the following is a short sketch of their -proceedings:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span></p> - -<p>The National Council was organized in the -afternoon of the 15th of March. This was a -juncture of peculiar interest. To see the rulers -of a people, preparing to decide upon a course -in which their posterity, to the latest generation, -was deeply affected, could not but produce -a deep and universal solemnity, and this interest -was greatly increased by the bitter tears -shed by some of the females present. The -voice of sorrow is always eloquent; but, at -such a season, never could the female voice -speak more forcibly the sympathies of our nature. -Who could avoid exclaiming, ‘O, my -native country! Land of my fathers, I must -leave thee!’</p> - -<p>The Chief presented them with a concise -view of the difficulties of their situation, and -the alternatives which were before them, and -the sad necessity of immediately making their -selection. It was at the intimation, that a removal -was one of the alternatives, that the -women wept.</p> - -<p>The Chief was followed by an old Captain -in the nation, who, in brief simplicity, recounted -his sufferings as a warrior and captain, in fighting -for his White brothers, under General Jackson. -He named several places where he had -fought, and seen the Choctaws bleed and die. -At that time, little did he think that his White -brothers would ever make it necessary for him, -in his old age, to leave his country, and the -bones of his father. He would greatly prefer -giving up his country, than submit to laws, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span> -nature of which he could not learn, and among -a people, the wicked part of whom would -harass and ruin them. He expressed a belief -that the President would give them a good -treaty; and, if he would do so, aged as he was, -he would give his voice to go to their lands -west of the Mississippi—and, moreover, expressed -his belief, that the Great Father above, -would go with them, and bless them in their -new home.</p> - -<p>A Captain of the eastern part of the nation, -next came forward. He appeared many years -in advance of the first speaker. His white -head, palsied limbs, and tremulous voice, made -him an object of deepest interest. He was said -to have been a warrior under General Wayne. -He recounted some of the scenes of his past -life, and the hopes which had borne him onward -in his course;—he touched upon the disappointment -that had clouded his setting sun; -but, awakening, as if by supernatural power, -he spoke boldly of his confidence in his <span class="smcap">Great -Father</span> above, and expressed his full assurance, -that <span class="smcap">He</span> would accompany his nation, and bless -them. The discussion continued until a late -hour of the fourth day, when the vote was -taken, and found in favour of emigration.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus05" style="max-width: 43.75em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus05.jpg" alt=""> - <p class="caption">Indians Shooting their Prisoners.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_YOUNG_INDIAN_CHIEF4">THE YOUNG INDIAN CHIEF.<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a></h2> - -</div> - -<p>This young warrior, of fine size, figure and -countenance, is now about 25 years old. At -the age of 21 his heroic deeds had acquired for -him in his nation the rank of “bravest of the -brave.” The savage practice of torturing and -burning to death their prisoners existed in this -nation. An unfortunate female taken in war, -of the Paduca nation, was destined to this horrible -death. The fatal hour had arrived, the -trembling victim, far from her home and her -friends, was fastened to the stake; the whole -tribe was assembled on the surrounding plain -to witness the awful scene. Just when the fire -was about to be kindled, and the spectators on -the tiptoe of expectation, this young warrior, -who sat composedly among the chiefs, having -before prepared two fleet horses, with the necessary -provisions, sprung from his seat, rushed -through the crowd, loosed the victim, seized -her in his arms, placed her on one of the -horses, mounted the other himself, and made -the utmost speed towards the nation and friends -of the captive. The multitude, dumb and -nerveless with amazement at the daring deed, -made no effort to rescue their victim from her<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span> -deliverer. They viewed it as an act of the -Great Spirit, submitted to it without a murmur, -and quietly returned to their village. The released -captive was accompanied through the -wilderness towards her home, till she was out -of danger. He then gave her the horse on -which she rode, with the necessary provisions -for the remainder of the journey, and they -parted. On his return to the village, such was -the respect entertained for him, that no inquiry -was made into his conduct; no censure was -passed on it, and since the transaction, no human -sacrifice has been offered in this or any -other of the Pawnee tribes. Of what influence -is one bold act in a good cause!</p> - -<p>On the publication of this anecdote at Washington, -the young ladies of Miss White’s Seminary, -in that city, presented that brave and humane -Indian with a handsome silver medal, on -which was engraven an appropriate inscription, -accompanied by an address, of which the following -is the close:—“Brother, accept this -token of our esteem; always wear it for our -sake; and when you have again the power to -save a poor woman from death and torture, -think of this, and of us, and fly to her rescue.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="RED_JACKET">RED JACKET.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>It happened during the Revolutionary war, -that a treaty was held with the Indians, at -which La Fayette was present. The object -was to unite the various tribes in amity with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span> -America. The majority of the Chiefs were -friendly, but there was much opposition made -to it, more especially by a young warrior, who -declared that when an alliance was entered into -with America, he should consider the sun of -his country as set forever. In his travels -through the Indian country, when lately in -America, it happened at a large assemblage of -Chiefs, that La Fayette referred to the treaty in -question, and turning to Red Jacket, said, “pray -tell me if you can, what has become of that -daring youth, who so decidedly opposed all our -propositions for peace and amity? Does he -still live—and what is his condition?” “I, myself, -am the man,” replied Red Jacket, “the -decided enemy of the Americans, as long as the -hope of opposing them with success remained -but now their true and faithful ally until death.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_MODE_OF_GETTING_A_WIFE">INDIAN MODE OF GETTING A WIFE.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>An aged Indian, who for many years had -spent much of his time among the white people -both in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, one day, -about the year 1770, observed, that the Indians -had not only a much easier way of getting a -wife than the whites, but were also more certain -of getting a <i>good</i> one; ‘for’ (said he in his -broken English) ‘white man court—court—may -be one whole year!—may be two before -he marry!—well!—may be then get <i>very good</i> -wife—but, may be <i>not</i>—may be <i>very</i> cross!<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span> -Well now, suppose cross! Scold so soon at -get awake in the morning! Scold all day! -Scold until sleep!—all one; he must keep <i>him</i>! -White people have law forbidding throwing -away wife, be <i>he</i> ever so cross! must keep <i>him</i> -always! Well? how does Indian do? Indian -when he see industrious squaw, which he like, -he go to <i>him</i>, place his two fore-fingers close -aside each other, make two look like one—look -squaw in the face—see <i>him</i> smile—which is -all one <i>he</i> say, yes! so he take <i>him</i> home—no -danger <i>he</i> be cross! no! no! Squaw know -too well what Indian do if <i>he</i> be cross!—throw -<i>him</i> away and take another! Squaw love to eat -meat! no husband! no meat! Squaw do every -thing to please husband; he do the same to -please squaw! live happy!’</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp80" id="illus06" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus06.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="SHENANDOH_THE_ONEIDA_CHIEF">SHENANDOH, THE ONEIDA CHIEF.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Although the dignity of a chief is hereditary -in his family, generally, the aristocracy of the -Indians is not one of birth merely, nor one -of wealth; but it is an aristocracy of merit. A -chief is liable to be deposed for misconduct; -and a brave warrior takes his place on account -of the actions he has performed. Among those -who have maintained an ascendancy among -their countrymen by the force of individual -merit, none is more remarkable than Shenandoh, -the Oneida chief.</p> - -<p>This celebrated chief, whose life measured a -century, died in 1816. He was well known in -the wars which occurred while the United -States were British colonies; and, also, in the -war of the Revolution—as the undeviating -friend of the Americans.</p> - -<p>In his youth he was very savage, and addicted -to drunkenness; but, by the force of -reflection, and the benevolent exhortations of a -missionary to the tribe, he lived a reformed -man for more than sixty years, and died in -Christian hope.<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span></p> - -<p>Shenandoh’s person was tall and muscular -but well made—his countenance was intelligent, -and beamed with all the ingenuous dignity -of an Indian Chief. In youth, he was -brave and intrepid—in his riper years, one of -the ablest counsellors among the North American -tribes. He possessed a strong and vigorous -mind; and, though terrible as the tornado -in war—he was bland and mild as the zephyr -in peace. With the cunning of the fox, the -hungry perseverance of the wolf, and the -agility of the mountain cat, he watched and -repelled Canadian invasions. His vigilance -once preserved from massacre the inhabitants -of the then infant settlements of the German -Flats. His influence brought his tribe to assist -the Americans, in their war of the Revolution. -His many friendly actions in their behalf, -gained for him, among the Indian tribes, the -appellation of the ‘<i>White Man’s Friend</i>.’</p> - -<p>To a friend who called to see him, in his wane -(he was then blind), he thus expressed himself:</p> - -<p>“I am an aged hemlock—the winds of a -hundred winters have whistled through my -branches—I am dead at the top. The generation -to which I belonged have run away and -left me. Why <i>I</i> live, the Great Spirit alone -knows! Pray to my Jesus that I may have -patience to wait for my appointed time to die.”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">‘Indulge my native land; indulge the tear</div> - <div class="verse indent2">That steals impassioned o’er the nation’s doom:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To me each twig from Adam’s stock is near,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And sorrows fall upon an Indian’s tomb.’</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_GRATITUDE_AND_WIT">INDIAN GRATITUDE AND WIT.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Soon after Litchfield began to be settled by -the English, an unknown Indian came into the -inn at dusk, and requested the hostess to furnish -him with food and drink; stating, that he -had had no success in hunting, and could not pay -till he had better fortune. The woman refused; -calling him a lazy, drunken, good-for-nothing -fellow. A man who sat by, noticed the Indian -as he turned away from the inhospitable place, -and perceiving that he was suffering very severely -from want and weariness, he generously -ordered the hostess to furnish him with a good -supper, and call on him for payment. After -the Indian had finished his meal, he thanked -his benefactor again and again, and assured -him he should never forget his kindness, and -would, if it were ever in his power, faithfully -recompense it. He observed, that he had one -more favor to ask; if the woman was willing, -he wished to tell a story. The hostess, whose -good nature had been restored by money, -readily consented. The Indian, addressing his -benefactor, said, “I suppose you read the -Bible?” The man assented. “Well, the Bible -says, God make the world; and then he took -him, and looked on him, and say ‘all very -good.’ Then he made light; and took him, -and looked on him, and say, ‘all very good.’ -Then he made land and water, sun and moon,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span> -grass and trees; and he took him, and looked -on him, and say, ‘all very good.’ Then he -made beasts, and birds, and fishes; and he -took him, and looked on him, and say, ‘all -very good.’ Then he made man; and took -him, and looked on him, and say, ‘all very -good.’ Then he made woman; and took him, -and looked at him, and——he no dare say -one such word.”</p> - -<p>Many years after this, the Indian’s benefactor -was taken prisoner by an Indian scout, -and carried into Canada. He was saved from -death by one of the tribe, who asked leave to -adopt him in the place of a son, who had -fallen in battle. Through the winter, he experienced -the customary effects of savage hospitality. -The following summer as he was at -work in the forest alone, an unknown Indian -came to him and appointed a meeting at a certain -place, on a given day. The prisoner consented; -but afterwards, fearing mischief might -be intended, he neglected the engagement. -The Indian again sought him, reproved him -for his want of confidence in him, and assured -him the meeting would be for his good. Encouraged -by his apparent friendship, the man -followed his directions. He found the Indian -provided with muskets, ammunition, and knapsacks. -The Indian ordered him to arm himself -and follow him. Their course was towards -the south, and day after day the Englishman -followed, without being able to conjecture -the motives of his guide. After a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span> -tedious journey, he arrived at the top of an -eminence, commanding a view of a country -somewhat cultivated and populous. “Do you -know that country?” said the Indian, with an -arch smile. “Oh, yes! it is Litchfield,” replied -the white man, as he cordially pressed his -hand. “Many years ago, you give weary Indian -supper there,” said he. “He promise to -pay you, and he pay you now. Go home, and -be happy.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="HEAD_WORK">HEAD WORK.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Colonel Dudley, governor of Massachusetts, -in the beginning of the last century, had a -number of workmen employed in building him -a house on his plantation; and one day as he -was looking at them, he observed a stout Indian, -who, though the weather was very cold, -was a naked as well as an idle spectator. -‘Hark ye, friend,’ said the governor, ‘why don’t -you work like these men, and get clothes to -cover you?’ ‘And why you no work, governor?’ -replied the Indian. ‘I work,’ answered -the governor, putting his finger on his -forehead, ‘with my head, and therefore need -not work with my hands.’ ‘Well,’ replied the -Indian, ‘and if I would work, what have you -for me to do?’ ‘Go kill me a calf,’ said the -governor, ‘and I will give you a shilling.’ The -Indian did so. The governor asked him why -he did not skin and dress it. ‘Calf dead,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span> -governor—give me my shilling; give me another,’ -said the Indian, ‘and I will skin and dress it.’ -This was complied with. The Indian then -went to a tavern with his two shillings, and -soon spending one for rum, returned to the -governor, saying, ‘Your shilling bad, the man -no take it.’ The governor believing him, gave -him another; but soon returning in the same -manner, with the second, the governor discerned -his roguery; however, he exchanged -that also, reserving his resentment for a proper -opportunity. To be prepared for it, the governor -wrote a letter directed to the keeper of -Bridewell, in Boston, requesting him to take -the bearer and give him a sound whipping. -This he kept in his pocket, and in the course of -a few days the Indian came again to stare at -the workmen; the governor took no notice of -him for some time, but at length taking the letter -out of his pocket, and calling the Indian to -him, said, ‘I will give you half a crown if you -will carry this letter to Boston.’ The Indian -closed with his proposal, and set out on his -journey. He had not gone far, before he met -with another Indian in the employ of the governor, -to whom he gave the letter, and told -him that the governor had sent him to meet -him, and to bid him return with that letter to -Boston, as soon as he possibly could.</p> - -<p>The poor fellow carried it with great diligence, -and received a severe flogging for his -pains; at the news of which, the governor was -not a little astonished on his return. The other<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span> -Indian came no more; but, after the lapse of -some months, at a meeting with some of his -nation, the governor saw him there among the -rest, and asked him how he durst serve him -such a trick? The Indian looking him full in -the face, and putting his forefinger to his forehead, -replied, ‘<i>Head work! governor, head -work!</i>’</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="MAGNANIMITY_AND_DISINTERESTED_GENEROSITY">MAGNANIMITY AND DISINTERESTED GENEROSITY:<br> -<span class="smaller">WITH STRIKING TRAITS IN THE SAVAGE CHARACTER.</span></h2> - -</div> - -<p>The Pawnee Loups (Wolf Pawnees) a tribe -of Missouri savages, lately exhibited the anomaly -among the American aborigines of a people -addicted to the superstitious rite of offering -human victims, in propitiation of ‘<i>Venus, the -Great Star</i>.’ The inhuman ceremony was -annually performed at the period immediately -preceding their horticultural operations, in order -to insure a bountiful return from the earth:—the -neglect of which duty, it was believed, -would occasion a total failure of crops. To obviate, -therefore, a national calamity so formidable, -any person was at liberty to offer up a -prisoner, of either sex, whom the fortune of -war had placed in his power.</p> - -<p>The devoted individual was clad in the gayest -attire, pampered with a profusion of the -choicest food, and constantly attended by the -conjurers, alias priests, who anticipated all his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span> -wants—cautiously concealed from him the real -object of their sedulous attentions—and endeavoured -to preserve his mind in a state of cheerful -composure:—with the view of promoting -obesity, and thus rendering the sacrifice more -acceptable to their Ceres.</p> - -<p>When the victim was sufficiently fattened, a -day was appointed for the sacrifice, that all -might attend the celebration. In the presence -of the assembled multitude, he was bound to a -cross; a solemn dance was performed; and, -after certain ceremonies, the warrior who had -captured him, cleft his head with a tomahawk; -and, at the same moment, numerous arrows -were discharged at the body.</p> - -<p>It appears, this barbarous rite has lately been -abolished. <i>Latelesha</i>, or Knife Chief, principal -of the nation, having long regarded this sacrifice -as cruel and unnecessary, had vainly endeavoured -to wean his countrymen from the -observance of it. At length an Iotan woman, -brought captive into the village, was doomed to -the Great Star. Having undergone the necessary -treatment, she was bound to the cross. At -this critical juncture, <i>Petalesharoo</i>, son of <i>Latelesha</i>, -stepped forward, and declared, that it -was his father’s wish to abolish a custom so inhuman; -that, for his part, he was determined -to release the victim, at the risk of his life. He -now cut the cords that bound her, carried her -swiftly through the crowd, and placed her on a -horse; mounted another himself, and conveyed -her beyond the reach of pursuit.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span></p> - -<p>Notwithstanding the success of this enterprise, -it was reserved for another display of the -firmness of this young warrior, to abolish the -sanguinary sacrifice—we hope for ever. The -succeeding spring, a Spanish boy was captured, -and confided, by the warrior who took him, to -the priests, to undergo the usual preparation for -sacrifice. The Knife Chief consulted with his -son how to avoid the repetition of the horrible -rite. “<i>I</i> will rescue the boy,” said <i>Petalesharoo</i>, -“as a warrior ought—by force.” But the -father, unwilling that his son should again expose -himself to imminent danger, devised other -means for rescuing the devoted victim:—that -is, by ransom. For this purpose he repaired to -a Mr. Pappon, then trading in the village, who -generously contributed a quantity of merchandize. -Other contributions were added by -the Knife Chief himself, and by Petalesharoo, -and other Indians. The whole was laid up in -a heap, in the Chieftain’s lodge, and the warrior -was summoned to attend.</p> - -<p>Latelesha, armed with his war-club, commanded -the warrior to accept of the merchandize, -as a ransom for the boy, or prepare -for instant death. The warrior refused to comply: -the chief flourished his club in the air. -“Strike!” said Petalesharoo, “I will meet the -vengeance of his friends.” But the more politic -Chief preferred adding to the mass of merchandize -a few more articles, in order to give -the warrior another opportunity of complying, -without breaking his word. The expedient<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span> -succeeded. The goods were reluctantly accepted; -the boy was liberated, and afterwards -conducted to St. Louis by the traders. The -merchandize was sacrificed in his place: the -cloth was cut in shreds, and suspended on poles, -and many of the valuables were consumed by -fire, to appease and propitiate the Indian Ceres.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp80" id="illus07" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus07.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="TECUMSEH_WHEN_A_YOUTH">TECUMSEH, WHEN A YOUTH.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Tecumseh was one of the most remarkable -men that has ever figured in our aboriginal -history. He gained an ascendancy over the -minds of his countrymen entirely by the commanding -force of his character, and the persuasive -power of his eloquence. These instruments -enabled him to produce a degree of union and -combination among the North-western tribes, by -no means less remarkable than the confederacies -which signalized the times of king Philip and of -Pontiac. His brother, the prophet, was a pusillanimous -driveller, compared with Tecumseh; -and exerted all his influence by addressing the -superstitious fears of his countrymen; whereas -the great warrior addressed himself to the -higher principles of their nature, and made successful -appeals to their reason, and even to their -humanity. Of the last we have a signal example -in his arresting the massacre of the American -prisoners at Fort Meigs.</p> - -<p>It has somewhere been observed, that “every -circumstance relating to this extraordinary man -will be read with interest.” We believe it, and -therefore proceed with the following account, -which appeared in a western periodical of 1826.</p> - -<p>“About thirty years ago (as the writer received -the narrative from Captain Thomas -Bryan, of Kentucky) the said Bryan was employed -as a surveyor of the Virginia Military -Lands, northwest of the Ohio river. While -engaged in completing a chain of surveys, extending<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span> -from the head waters of Brush Creek -to those of Paint Creek (now the central part -of the State of Ohio), his provisions became -scant, and at length entirely exhausted. He -directed his hunter—who had been unsuccessful -on a recent excursion—to make another -attempt to procure subsistence, and to meet -him at a particular point then designated; -where, after closing the labour of the day, he -should encamp with his chain-men and marker.</p> - -<p>“Towards evening, the men became exhausted -with hunger. They were in the heart -of a solitary wilderness, and every circumstance -was calculated to produce the greatest -dejection of spirit. After making great exertions -to reach the point designated, where they -were to encamp upon their arrival, they met -their hunter, who had been again unsuccessful. -Feeling for himself and his comrades every -emotion of a noble heart, he was alarmed for -their situation. The hunter declared he had -used every exertion in pursuit of game, but all -his attempts were of no avail; that the whole -forest appeared to him to be entirely destitute -both of birds and beasts! Under these awful -apprehensions of starvation, he knew that it -would be a vain attempt to reach the settlement;—he -trembled, and shed tears. Captain -Bryan, at this critical juncture, felt his spirits -roused at the reflection of their desperate situation; -he thrust his jacob-staff in the earth, and -ordered his men to prepare a camp, and make -a good fire; he seizes the gun and ammunition<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span> -of the unsuccessful hunter, and darted forth in -pursuit of game. The weather had become -exceedingly cold, for it was in the depth of -winter—every rivulet was bound in ice. He -had not proceeded far before he was gratified -with the cheering sight of three elks, making -towards him. He succeeded in killing two, -and, shortly after, a bear. He now called for -his men, and ordered his game to be carried to -the camp. No one, but those similarly situated, -can conceive the feelings excited on such an -occasion.</p> - -<p>“But, perilous as the situation of the surveyor -and his party might appear, there were others -who were threatened with the like appalling -distress. Three or four Indians, who had been -out on a hunting excursion, hearing the report -of Captain Bryan’s gun, made immediately -in that direction, and had arrived at the camp -before Bryan returned. On his appearance -there, they informed him, as well as they could -(some of them speaking a little English), of -their wretched situation. They told him that, -for three days, their whole party had subsisted -on one skunk, and that was exhausted. They -described the absence of the game, in the language -of the hunter, as if “the whole forest -was entirely destitute both of <i>birds</i> and <i>beasts</i>.” -They were informed by Captain Bryan, that he -had plenty for himself, his men, and themselves; -desired them to fix their camp, make a -good fire, and assist his men in flaying the bear -and elks, which were now brought into camp—and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span> -then to cut, carve, and cook for themselves. -Their very looks were expressive of the joy -they now felt for a deliverance so unexpected—nor -did they spare the provisions. Their hunger -was such, that, as soon as one round was -served, another—another—and another, in succession—was -greedily devoured.</p> - -<p>“A fine-looking, tall, dignified savage, then -approached the surveyor’s camp—rather young -in appearance than otherwise. He very gracefully -stepped up to Captain Bryan (who was -now reposing in his camp, on account of rheumatism, -occasioned by his recent exposure), -and informed him, that the old man in his -camp was a Chief; that he felt under great -obligations to the Great and Good Spirit for so -signal an interposition in their favour; that he -was about to make a prayer, and address the -Good Spirit, and thank him: that it was the -custom, on such occasions, for the Indians to -stand up in their camp; and that his Chief requested -the captain and his men, to conform, -in like manner, by standing up in <i>their</i> camp. -The captain replied, that his men would all -conform, and order should be preserved; but, -as for himself, his affliction would compel him -to keep his seat—but this must not be construed -into disrespect. The captain remarked -to me, that he was not himself a religious character, -though a man of feeling.</p> - -<p>“The old Chief raised himself upon his feet, -as did those around him; and, lifting up his -hands, commenced his prayer and thanksgiving<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span> -with an audible voice. And such an address -to Deity, on such an occasion—as far as I could -understand him—I never before heard flow -from mortal lips! The tone—the modulation -of his voice—the gestures—all corresponded to -make a very deep impression upon us. In the -course of his thanksgiving—as I gathered from -the Indians—he recapitulated the doleful situation -in which they were so recently placed—the -awful horrors of starvation, with which -they were threatened—the vain attempts they -had made to procure food, until He, the Great -and Good Spirit, had sent that good White -man, and had crowned his exertions with success; -and so directed him and them to meet, -and to find plenty.” Who can fully describe -the abundant overflowings of a grateful heart? -He continued in this vehement strain for about -half an hour, “when,” remarked Captain B., -“my own men reflecting on their own recent -situation, retrospecting what had taken place, -and beholding the pious gratitude of a ‘Child -of the Forest,’ feeling the same sensations, they -were melted into tenderness—if not into tears.”</p> - -<p>The person who so gracefully addressed -Captain Bryan, in behalf of his Chief, was -<span class="smcap">Tecumseh</span>.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_LOGIC6">INDIAN LOGIC.<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></h2> - -</div> - -<p>A few years since, whilst the mistaken zeal -of many good men, led them to think that their -red brethren of the forest might be Christianized -before they were civilized,—a missionary -was sent out among them to convert them to -the Christian faith. The missionary was unfortunately -one of those preachers who delight -in speculative and abstruse doctrines, and who -teach the inefficacy of all human exertions in -obtaining salvation. He called the Indians together -to hear what he called the Gospel. The -Sachem or Chief of the tribe to which he was -sent, came with the rest. The missionary in -the course of his sermon, (which was upon the -very simple and intelligible doctrine of <i>election</i>) -undertook to prove, that some were made to be -saved, and some to be damned, without any -regard to their good or bad conduct. As an -illustration of his doctrine, he cited the case of -Jacob and Esau, and attempted to show that -God loved the one and hated the other before -either of them was born. The Sachem heard -him attentively, and after meeting invited him -to his wigwam. After some conversation, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span> -Sachem thus addressed the Missionary. “Sir, -me tell you a story: My wife have two boys, -twins; both of them as pretty as the two you -tell me about to-day. One of them she love -and feed him; the other she let lie on the -ground crying. I tell her take him up, or he -die. She no mind me. Pretty soon he die. -Now what shall I do to her?”—Why, said the -Missionary, she ought to be hung!—“Well,” -said the Sachem, “then you go home and hang -your God, for you say he do just so. You no -preach any more here, unless you preach more -good than this.” The Missionary finding himself -amongst a people too enlightened to give -credence to his narrow and heart-revolting principles, -thought it expedient to seek a new field -of labor.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_INDIAN_AND_THE_DUTCH_CLERGYMAN">THE INDIAN AND THE DUTCH CLERGYMAN.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>A Dutch clergyman in the then province of -New York, 1745, asked an Indian, whom he -had baptized, whether he had been in Shekomeko, -and had heard the Moravian missionary -preach, and how he liked him? The Indian -answered, ‘That he had been there, and had -attended to the missionary’s words, and liked -to hear them; that he would rather hear the -missionary than him, for when the former -spoke, it was as though his words laid hold of -his heart, and a voice within said, ‘that is -truth;’ but that <i>he</i> was always playing about<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span> -the truth, and never came to the point. That -he had no love for their souls, for when he had -once baptized them, he let them run wild, never -troubling himself any further about them. That -he acted much worse than one who planted -Indian corn; for, added he, ‘the planter sometimes -goes to see whether his corn grows or not.’</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_WHO_IS_YOUR_CAPTAIN">“INDIAN, WHO IS YOUR CAPTAIN?”</h2> - -</div> - -<p>An English captain, in the year 1759, who -was beating up for recruits in the neighbourhood -of Bethlehem, met one day a Moravian -Indian, and asked him whether ‘he had a mind -to be a soldier.’ ‘No,’ answered he, ‘I am -already engaged.’ ‘Who is your captain?’ -asked the officer. ‘I have a very brave and -excellent captain,’ replied the Indian, ‘his name -is Jesus Christ; Him will I serve as long as I -live: my life is at his disposal;’ upon which -the British officer suffered him to pass unmolested.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_BON_MOT">INDIAN BON MOT.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>One of the Moravian Indians who had been -baptized by the name of Jonathan, meeting -some white people, who had entered into so -violent a dispute about baptism and the holy -communion, that they at last proceeded to -blows—‘These people,’ said he, ‘know nothing -of our Saviour; for they speak of Him as we -do of a strange country.’</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_FIDELITY">INDIAN FIDELITY.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Some time after the commencement of the -Revolutionary war, when the northern Indians -were beginning to make inroads on the people -living on the east side of the Ohio river, General -O’Hara having come out to the upper Moravian -town, on the Muskingum, on business -and there taken lodging with a respectable and -decent family of Indians in the village—I had -one evening scarcely laid down to sleep when -I was suddenly roused from my bed by an Indian -runner, (or messenger) who in the night -had been sent to me, 9 miles, with the following -verbal message: “My friend, see that our friend -O’Hara, now at your town, be immediately -taken off to the settlement of white people, -avoiding all paths leading to that river. Fail -not in taking my advice, for there is no time to -lose—and hear my son further on the subject.”</p> - -<p>The fact was, that eleven warriors from Sandusky, -were far advanced on their way to take -or murder O’Hara; who at break of day would -be at this place for the purpose. I immediately -sent for this gentleman, and told him that I -would furnish him with a conductor, on whom -he might depend, and having sent for Anthony, -(otherwise called Luke Holland) informed him -of the circumstance and requested his services; -he (the Indian) wished first to know, whether -my friend placed <i>confidence</i> in him, and trusted -to his fidelity; which question being answered<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span> -by O’Hara himself, and to his full satisfaction; -he replied,’well, our lives cannot be separated! -we must stand or fall together! but take courage, -for no enemy shall discover us!’</p> - -<p>The Indian then took Mr. O’Hara through -the woods, and arriving within a short distance -of the Ohio river, pointed out to him a hiding -place, until he, by strolling up and down the -river, should discover white people on the opposite -shore; when finally observing a house -where two white men were cleaning out a -canoe for use, he hurried back to bring on his -friend, who, when near the spot, advised his -Indian conductor to hide himself, knowing those -people to be bad men, he feared they might kill -him, for his services. The Indian finally seeing -his friend safe across the river, returned and -made report thereof.</p> - -<p>The young Indian, who had been the bearer -of the message from his father to me, had immediately -returned on seeing O’Hara off, in -order to play a further deception on the war -party, for the purpose of preventing them even -from going to our town, fearing, that if there, -and not finding their object, they might probably -hunt for his track, and finding this, pursue -him. He indeed effected his purpose so -completely, that while they were looking for -him in one direction, his conductor was taking -him off in another.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp48" id="illus08" style="max-width: 28.125em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus08.jpg" alt=""> - <p class="caption">Indian Friendship.</p> -</div> - -<p>The father of the young lad, who was the -principal cause that O’Hara’s life had been -saved, had long been admired by all who knew<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span> -him for his <i>philanthropy</i>; on account of which -the traders had given him the name of “<i>the -gentleman</i>.” Otherwise this Indian was not -in connection with the Christian Indian Society, -though a friend to them. He lived with his -family retired and in a decent manner.</p> - -<p>While I feel a delight in offering to the relatives -and friends of the deceased, as also to the -public, this <i>true</i> and <i>faithful</i> picture of Indian -<i>fidelity</i>—I regret that, on necessarily having -had to recur to the names ‘Anthony’ and ‘Luke -Holland,’ I am drawn from scenes of pleasure, -to crimes of the <i>blackest hue</i>. The very Indian -just named, who at that time joyfully reported -to me his having conducted his friend out of -danger, to a place of safety, some years after -approached me with the doleful news that -every one of his children, (all minors) together -with his hoary headed parents, <i>had been murdered -by the white people</i>, at Gradenhutten, on -the Muskingum.</p> - -<p class="right">JOHN HECKELWELDER.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_HOSPITALITY">INDIAN HOSPITALITY.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>I can give, says Colden, in his history of the -five Indian Nations, two strong instances of the -hospitality of the Mohawks, which fell under -my own observation; and which will show, -that they have the very same notion of hospitality -which we find in the ancient poets. -When I was last in the Mohawk’s country, -the sachems told me that they had an Englishman<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span> -among their people, a servant who had -run away from his master in New York. I -immediately told them they must deliver him -up. ‘No,’ they answered, ‘we never serve -any man so, who puts himself under our protection.’ -On this I insisted on the injury they -did thereby to his master: they allowed it -might be an injury, and replied, ‘Though we -will never deliver him up, we are willing to -pay the value of the servant to the master.’ -Another man made his escape from the jail in -Albany, where he was in prison on an execution -of debt: the Mohawks received him, and, -as they protected him against the sheriff and -officers they not only paid the debt for him, -but gave him land over and above, sufficient -for a good farm, whereon he lived when I was -last there.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="KINDNESS_OF_AN_INDIAN_HUSBAND">KINDNESS OF AN INDIAN HUSBAND.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>There was a famine in the land, and a sick -Indian woman expressed a great desire for a -mess of Indian corn. Her husband having -heard that a trader at Lower Sandusky had a -little, set off on horseback for that place, one -hundred miles distant, and returned with as -much corn as filled the crown of his hat, for -which he gave his horse in exchange, and -came home on foot, bringing his saddle back -with him.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_RECORDS">INDIAN RECORDS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>At certain seasons the Indians meet to study -the meaning, and renew their ideas of their -strings and belts of wampum. On such occasions, -they sit down around the place in which -they are deposited, and taking out a string or -belt, one after another, hand them to every -person present; and in order that they may all -comprehend its meaning, repeat the words pronounced -on the delivery, in their whole connexion. -By these means they are enabled to -remember the promises reciprocally made; and, -as they admit young boys who are related to -the chiefs, they become early acquainted with -all their national concerns; and thus the contents -of their wampum documents are transmitted -to their posterity. The following instance -may serve to show how well this mode -of communication answers the purpose of refreshing -the memory:—A gentleman in Philadelphia, -once gave an Indian a string of wampum, -saying, ‘I am your friend, and will serve -you to the utmost of my power.’ Forty years -after, the Indian returned the string, adding, -‘Brother, you gave me this string of wampum, -saying, I am your friend, and will serve you to -the utmost of my power.’ ‘I am now aged, -infirm, and poor; do now as you promised.’ -The gentleman honourably redeemed his promise, -and generously assisted the old Indian.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="BURNING_OF_BROOKFIELD">BURNING OF BROOKFIELD.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>It has been remarked, that the history of every -incursion of the Indians into the territory of the -whites may be written in the words <i>surprise</i>, -<i>massacre</i>, <i>plunder</i> and <i>retreat</i>. They fall upon -the defenceless village in the dead of night, “as -falls the plague on men,” or as the lightning -falls on the forest. No vigilance seems to have -been sufficient effectually to guard against these -attacks, and no prudence or foresight could -avert them. The Indians made their approaches -to the isolated villages by creeping cautiously -through the surrounding woods in the dead of -night. The outposts were seized, and the sentinels -silently tomahawked, ere the war-whoop -roused the sleeping families from their beds.</p> - -<p>During the early settlements of New England, -the inhabitants suffered much from the -incursions of the Indians. The most celebrated -war, perhaps, which ever took place with the -natives, however, was King Philip’s war. -During its continuance, the town of Brookfield, -Massachusetts, was attacked. The inhabitants -collected in one house which was immediately -besieged by the savages, who set fire instantly -to every other building in the town. For two -days and nights the Indians shot upon the people -in the house incessantly, but were met with -a most determined defence on the part of the -besieged. They then attempted to fire the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span> -house by flaming torches at the ends of long -poles; but the garrison continued to defend -themselves by firing from the windows, and -throwing water upon the flames, as they fortunately -had a pump within the house. These -attempts failing, the Indians then prepared a cart -loaded with flax, hemp, and other combustible -matters, and under cover of a barricade of boards, -thrust the burning mass, by means of long timbers, -against the house. In this movement one -of the wheels came off, which turned the machine -aside, and exposed the Indians to the fire -of the garrison; a shower of rain coming on at -the same time extinguished the flames. Shortly -afterwards a reinforcement of forty men arrived -from Boston, forced their way through the -enemy, and joined the garrison. The Indians -then abandoned the siege and retired, having -suffered a heavy loss.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_HEROIC_COLLAPISSA">THE HEROIC COLLAPISSA.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>In the heart of the savage, there are some -noble and redeeming qualities; he can be -faithful, even unto death, to the friend or the -stranger who has dwelt beneath his roof, or -sat under the shadow of the same tree. He -can be generous also; can endure all tortures, -rather than show weakness or fear.</p> - -<p>“An instance of this occurred,” says Bossu, -“when the French were in possession of New -Orleans: a Chactaw, speaking very ill of them,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span> -said the Collapissas were their slaves; one of -the latter, vexed at such words, killed him with -his gun. The nation of Chactaws, the greatest -and most numerous on the continent, armed -immediately, and sent deputies to New Orleans -to ask for the head of the murderer, who had -put himself under the protection of the French. -They offered presents to make up the quarrel, -but the cruel people would not accept any! -they even threatened to destroy the village of -the Collapissas. To prevent the effusion of -blood, the unhappy Indian was delivered up to -them: the Sieur Ferrand was charged with the -commission. The Indian was called Tichou; -he stood upright in the midst of his own people -and of his enemies, and said, “I am a true man, -that is, I do not fear death; but I pity the fate -of a wife and four children, whom I leave behind -me very young; and of my father and -mother, who are old, and for whom I got subsistence -by hunting.” (He was the best hunter -in the nation.)</p> - -<p>He had hardly spoken the last word of this -short speech, when his father, penetrated with -his son’s love, rose amidst the people, and -spoke as follows:—</p> - -<p>“It is through courage that my son dies; -but, being young and full of vigour, he is more -fit than myself to provide for his mother, wife, -and four little children: it is therefore necessary -he should stay on earth to take care of them. -As to myself, I am near the end of my career; -I am no longer fit for anything: I cannot go<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span> -like the roebuck, whose course is like the -winds, unseen; I cannot sleep like the hare, -with my ears never shut; but I have lived as -a man, and will die as such, therefore I go to -take his place.”</p> - -<p>At these words, his wife, his son, his daughter-in-law, -and their little children, shed tears -round the brave old man: he embraced them -for the last time. The relations of the dead -Chactaw accepted the offer; after that, he laid -himself on the trunk of a tree, and his head -was cut off with one stroke of a hatchet. -Every thing was made up by this death; but -the young man was obliged to give them his -father’s head: in taking it up, he said to it, -“Pardon me thy death, and remember me in -the country of spirits.”</p> - -<p>All the French who assisted at this event -were moved even to tears, and admired this -noble old man. A people among whom such -things could be done, hardly deserved the -sweeping censures of Mather and other good -men, who painted them rather as fiends in -human shape. Courage is, of course, the virtue -held in most honour: those who run away -or desert in an action are not punished, they -are considered as the disgrace of human nature: -the ugliest girls will not accept of them -for husbands: they are obliged to let their hair -grow, and to wear an alcoman, or apron, like -the women. “I saw one of them,” says Bossu, -who dwelt a long time among the Indians -“who, being ashamed of his figure, went by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span> -himself to fight the Chicachas, for his misery -was more than he could bear: for three or four -days he went on creeping like a snake, and -hiding himself in the great grass, without eating -or drinking; so he came to their country, -and watched a long time to do some exploit; -often lying down in the rushes, when his enemies -came near, and putting out his head -above the water from time to time, to take -breath. At last he drew near a village in the -night, cried the cry of death, killed one of the -people, and then fled with the speed of an -arrow. He was out three months upon this -expedition: when he drew nigh to his own -village, weary, and bearing the head of his -enemy, they came down the hill to meet him. -The women were loud in his praises—the -warriors gathered round him; and then they -gave him a wife.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="JOHN_ELIOTS_FIRST_MISSION_TO_THE_INDIANS">JOHN ELIOT’S FIRST MISSION TO THE INDIANS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>On the 28th of October, 1646, Eliot set out -from his home, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in -company with three friends, to the nearest Indian -settlement: he had previously sent to give -this tribe notice of his coming, and a very large -number was collected from all quarters. If the -savages expected the coming of their guest, of -whose name they had often heard, to be like -that of a warrior or sachem, they were greatly -deceived. They saw Eliot on foot, drawing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span> -near, with his companions; his translation of -the scriptures, like a calumet of peace and love, -in his hand. He was met by their chief, Waubon -who conducted him to a large wigwam. -After a short rest, Eliot went into the open air -and standing on a grassy mound, while the people -formed around him in all the stillness of -strong surprise and curiosity, he prayed in the -English tongue, as if he could not address heaven -in a language both strange and new. And -then he preached for an hour in their own -tongue, and gave a clear and simple account of -the religion of Christ, of his character and life, -of the blessed state of those who believed in -him.</p> - -<p>Of what avail would it have been to set before -this listening people the terrors of the -Almighty, and the doom of the guilty? This -wise man knew, by long experience as a minister, -that the heart loves better to be persuaded -than terrified—to be melted than alarmed. The -whole career of the Indian’s life tended to -freeze up the finer and softer feelings, and make -the more dark and painful passions familiar to -him. He resolved to strike a new chord, and -when he saw the tear stream down their stern -faces, and the haughty head sink low on the -breast, as he painted the ineffable love of -Christ, he said it was “a glorious and affecting -spectacle to see a company of perishing forlorn -outcasts, so drinking in the word of salvation.” -The impressions this discourse produced, were -of a very favourable nature: as far as the chief,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span> -Waubon, was concerned, they were never -effaced. Afterwards the guest passed several -hours conversing with the Indians, and answering -their questions. When night came, he returned -to the tent with the chief, and the people -entered their wigwams, or lay down around, -and slept on the grass. What were Eliot’s feelings -on this night? At last, the longing of -years was accomplished; the fruit of his -prayers was given to him.</p> - -<p>“Could the walls of his loved study speak,” -says his friend, “they would tell of the entreaties -poured forth before the Lord, of the days -and nights set apart with fasting—that thus, -thus it might be.” A few of the chiefs’ friends -alone remained, after the people were retired. -One of the Christians perceived an Indian, who -was hanging down his head, weeping; the -former went to him, and spoke encouraging -words, after which he turned his face to the -wall, and wept yet more abundantly: soon -after, he rose and went out. “When they told -me of his tears,” said Eliot, “we resolved to go -forth, and follow him into the wood, and speak -to him. The proud Indian’s spirit was quite -broken: at last we parted, greatly rejoicing for -such sorrowing.”</p> - -<p>He now resolved to continue his labours; -but, on the 26th of November, when he met -the assembly of the Indians for the third time, -he found that, though many of them had constructed -wigwams at the place of meeting, for -the more readily attending his ministry, his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span> -audience was not so numerous as on the former -occasions. The Powahs (or soothsayers) had -strictly charged the people not to listen to the -instructions of the English, and threatened them -with death in case of disobedience. Having -warned his auditors against the impositions of -these men, he proceeded to discourse as formerly, -and was heard with the greatest attention. -“It is wonderful,” observed one of his -friends, “to see what a little light will effect, -even upon hearts and spirits most incapable.”</p> - -<p>On the night after this third meeting, many -were gathered in the tent, looking earnestly at -Eliot, with the solemn gravity and stillness -which these savages affected; when the chief, -Waubon, suddenly rose, and began to instruct -all the company out of the things he had heard -that day from Eliot, with the wild and impressive -eloquence of the desert. And waking -often that night, he many times was heard -speaking to some or other of his people, of the -words of truth and mercy that he had heard.</p> - -<p>Two or three days after these impressions -had been made, Eliot saw that they were likely -to be attended with permanent consequences. -Wampas, an intelligent Indian, came with two -of his companions to the English, and desired -to be admitted into their families. He brought -his son, and several other children with him, -and begged that they might be educated in the -Christian faith: the example quickly spread -and all the Indians who were present at the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span> -fourth meeting, on the 9th of December, offered -their children to be instructed.</p> - -<p>The missionary was himself surprised at the -success of his first efforts, as well as at his -facility of preaching and conversing in the Indian -tongue; it was the reward of his long and -patient application. “To think of raising,” -says Mather, “these hideous creatures unto the -elevations of our holy religion, must argue a -more than common or little soul in the undertaker: -could he see any thing angelical to encourage -his labours?—all was diabolical among -them.”</p> - -<p>Eliot saw that they must be civilized ere they -could be christianized; that he must make men -of them, ere he could hope to see them saints. -It is, no doubt, far easier and more flattering to -the soul of the agent, to see men weep and -tremble beneath his word, than to teach them -to build, to plant, to rear the walls and the roof-tree, -and sit at their own hearth-side: this is -slow and painful work for a man of lofty mind -and glowing enthusiasm. But in his own -words, “he abhorred that he should sit still, -and let that work alone;” and lost no time in -addressing himself to the General Court of the -colony, in behalf of those who showed a willingness -to be placed under his care. His application -was successful; and the Indians, having -received a grant of land on which they might -build a town, and enjoy the Christian instruction -which they desired, met together, and gave<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span> -their assent to several laws which he had -framed, to enforce industry and decency—to -secure personal and domestic comfort.</p> - -<p>The ground of the town having been marked -out, Eliot advised the Indians to surround it -with ditches and a stone wall; gave them instruments -to aid these objects, and such rewards, -in money, as induced them to work -hard. It was a strange and novel thing to see -these men of the wilderness, to whom a few -months previous all restraint was slavery, and -their lakes and forests dearer than the palaces -of kings, submit cheerfully to this drudgery of -bricks and mortar—chief as well as serf; the -very hands that were lately red with slaughter, -scooping the earth at the bidding of Eliot, from -morn to night. He soon had the pleasure of -seeing Nonanetum completed.</p> - -<p>The progress of civilization which followed, -was remarkable for its extent and rapidity: the -women were taught to spin, and they soon -found something to send to the nearest markets -all the year round: in winter they sold staves, -baskets, and poultry; in spring and summer -fish, grapes, strawberries, &c.</p> - -<p>In the mean while, he instructed the men in -husbandry, and the more simple mechanical -arts: in hay-time and harvest, he went forth -into the fields with them. All this was not done -in a day, for they were neither so industrious -nor so capable of hard labour as those who had -been accustomed to it from early life.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="AN_INDIAN_FUNERAL_AT_NONANETUM">AN INDIAN FUNERAL AT NONANETUM.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>At a funeral, on the 7th of October, 1647, a -change in the usages and prejudices of the Indians -was evinced in a striking manner. The -deceased was a man of some consequence. -Their custom had been to mourn much for the -dead, and to appear overcome with grief, especially -when the earth shrouded them from their -sight. The departed was borne to the grave -on a light bier, and interred in a sitting posture; -in his hand was placed a calumet and some -tobacco, that he might present the ensigns of -peace to the people of another world. If the -corpse was that of a warrior, his quiver full of -arrows, a bow, and a hatchet, were placed by -his side, and also a little mirror, that he might -see how his face looked after passing through -the region of death; and a little vermilion to -take away its extreme paleness. His was a -bold hand that could at once tear aside these -loved usages, and make the dust of the warrior -of no more consequence than that of the meanest -of his followers. The cemetery of the new -town was in the woods, and the procession of -all the inhabitants moved slowly beneath their -shadow, in deep and solemn silence, with the -missionary at their head: no wail was heard—no -wild gush of sorrow. To estimate this -sacrifice, it is necessary to recur to the Indian -belief, “that after death they should go to a -very fertile country, where they were to have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span> -many wives, and, above all, lovely places for -hunting:” often, no doubt, the shadowy chase -of the bear and the stag came on the dreams -of the dying man; and afterwards, beautiful -women would welcome him, weary to his -home. When the dead was laid in the grave, -Eliot read the funeral service over him, and -then told the many people, that in heaven they -neither married nor were given in marriage; -that the passions of this world, the wild chase -or the warrior’s joy, could never come there; -<i>there</i> was neither chieftain nor slave; that in -the love of Christ, who was the resurrection -and the life, all these things would be lost. -And they believed him—those fierce and brutal -men—and wept, not for the dead, but for themselves; -“so that the woods,” says a gentleman -who was present, “rang with their sighs and -prayers;” he also adds these words,—“God -was with Eliot, and the sword of his word will -pierce deep, in the hand of the mighty.” His -opinion of the mental powers of this people -was not a very low one:—“There is need,” -he says, in one of his letters, “of learning, in -ministers who preach to Indians, much more -than to Englishmen and gracious Christians; -for these had sundry philosophical questions, -which some knowledge of the arts must help -to give answer to, and without which they -would not have been satisfied. Worse than -Indian ignorance hath blinded their eyes, that -renounce learning as an enemy to gospel ministers”. -So acute were many of the questions<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span> -proposed by the Indians, and so deeply expressive -of a gentler and better nature, that more -than one educated stranger was induced to -attend regularly the assemblies of the missionary.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="LOVEWELLS_FIGHT">LOVEWELL’S FIGHT.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Captain John Lovewell, of Dunstable, raised -a volunteer company and met with great success. -At one time he fell in with an Indian -trail and pursued it till he discovered them -asleep on the bank of a pond. They were all -killed, and their scalps, stretched upon hoops, -served to decorate their triumphal return. -They, of course, received the bounty, which -amounted to ten pounds.</p> - -<p>(1725.) Lovewell, having augmented his -company to 46 men, again set out with the intention -of attacking an Indian town on the -Saco. They built a fort on the Great Ossapy -pond, and then proceeded, leaving one of their -number sick, and eight men to guard the fort.</p> - -<p>When about 22 miles from the fort they -rested on the banks of a pond, where they discovered -a single Indian at a distance, on a point -of land, and rightly judging that he was attached -to a large party of Indians, Lovewell -determined to advance and attack them. Accordingly -the whole company threw off their -packs in one place among the brakes; and, to -gain the advantage, the men were spread so as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span> -partially to surround the water. Lovewell had, -however, mistaken the position of the Indians, -who were already on his track, and coming to -the place where the packs were deposited, by -counting them discovered the number of English -to be less than their own. They, therefore -marched to assault the English in the rear, and -actually hemmed them in between the mouth -of a brook, a rocky point, a deep bog, and the -pond. The company, completely surrounded, -fought desperately till nightfall, when the Indians, -tired of the conflict, moved off. The -number of killed and wounded amounted to -23, Lovewell being among the former. The -remainder of the party returned to the fort -which had been deserted, in consequence of the -arrival of one of Lovewell’s men who fled at -the beginning of the fight, and reported all the -rest killed. After resting, they started for home, -where they arrived, to the great joy of their -friends, after enduring the severest hardships. -The survivors were liberally compensated, and -the widows and families of the slain were provided -for by the government of the province.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="COTTON_MATHERS_ACCOUNT_OF_THE_INDIANS_OF_HIS_TIME">COTTON MATHER’S ACCOUNT OF THE INDIANS OF HIS TIME.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>“These shiftless Indians,” says Mather, -“their housing is nothing but a few mats tied -about poles fastened into the earth, where a -good fire is their bed-clothes in the coldest season:<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span> -their diet has not a greater dainty; a -handful of meal and a spoonful of water being -their food for many days; for they depend on -the produce of their hunting and fishing, and -badly cultivated grounds: thus they are subject -to long fastings. They have a cure for some -diseases, even a little cave: after they have terribly -heated it, a crew of them go and sit there -with the priest, looking in the heat and smoke -like so many fiends, and then they rush forth -on a sudden, and plunge into the water: how -they escape death, instead of getting cured, is -marvellous; they are so slothful, that their poor -wives must plant, and build, and beat their -corn. All the religion they have is a belief in -many gods, who made the different nations of -the world, but chiefly in one great one of the -name of Kicktan, who dwelt in the south-west -regions of the heavens, who created the original -parents of mankind, who, though never -seen by the eye of man, was entitled to their -gratitude, that we have in us immortal souls, -which, if good, should go to a splendid entertainment -with Kicktan; but, otherwise, must -wander about in a restless horror for ever.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_VALIANT_OLD_MOHAWK">THE VALIANT OLD MOHAWK.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>(1696.) On one occasion, when Count Frontignac -succeeded in capturing a Mohawk fort, -it was found deserted of all its inhabitants except -a sachem in extreme old age, who sat with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span> -the composure of an ancient Roman in his capitol, -and saluted his civilized compeer in age -and infirmity, with dignified courtesy and venerable -address. Every hand was instantly raised -to wound and deface his time-stricken frame -and while French and Indian knives were -plunged into his body, he recommended to his -Indian enemies rather to burn him with fire, -that he might teach their French allies how -to suffer like men. “Never, perhaps,” says -Charlevoix, “was a man treated with more cruelty; -nor ever did any endure it with superior -magnanimity and resolution.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="OPECHANCANOUGHS_LAST_WAR">OPECHANCANOUGH’S LAST WAR.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Opechancanough was by no means backward -in taking advantage of the repose afforded by -the treaty of 1632. For the long period which -elapsed between its conclusion and his final -effort, in 1644, he was industriously occupied in -making preparations for a renewal of hostilities. -An opportunity at length presented itself -for executing his long-cherished purpose. The -colony was involved in intestine dissensions. -An insurrection had taken place in consequence -of the unpopularity of the governor, and at a -moment when the people were occupied with -internal disorders and heedless of danger from -without, their great enemy struck a powerful -and almost fatal blow.</p> - -<p>He was now advanced to extreme old age,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span> -being supposed to have numbered nearly a -hundred years, but the powers of his mind -were still so vigorous, that he was the leading -spirit of a confederacy embracing all the Indian -tribes distributed over a space of country six -hundred miles in extent. Unable to walk, he -was borne in a litter to the scene of action -(April 18th, 1644,) and thus led his warriors to -the attack. Such was the skill with which his -measures had been concerted that the whole -force of the Indians commenced their operations -upon the entire line of the frontier at the -same instant of time, with the intention of carrying -a war of extermination down to the sea, -and thus annihilating the colony at a single -blow. In two days, five hundred persons had -fallen in the massacre. Of course, every operation -of industry was instantly abandoned, and -all who were able to bear arms were embodied -to oppose so terrible an invasion. Governor -Berkeley, at the head of a chosen force, consisting -of every twentieth man in the colony, -marched into the enemy’s country, and thus -gave him the first check. Of the details of the -campaign, in consequence of the confusion and -distress prevailing at the time, no details are -furnished by the contemporary historians. Beverly’s -account, the only one which survived -the ravages of the time, is meagre and unsatisfactory. -One result of the war, however, is -sufficiently well attested, since it terminated the -horrors of the season. This was the capture of -the aged Opechancanough, who was surprised<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span> -and taken prisoner by a squadron of horse under -the command of Governor Berkeley, who -forthwith conducted him in triumph to James-Town.</p> - -<p>It was the governor’s intention to have sent -this remarkable person to England; but he was -shot after being taken prisoner, by a soldier, in -resentment of the calamities he had inflicted on -the province. He lingered under the wound -for several days, and died with the pride and -firmness of an old Roman. Indignant at the -crowds who came to gaze at him on his deathbed, -he exclaimed; “If I had taken Sir William -Berkeley prisoner, I would not have exposed -him as a show to the people.” Perhaps he remembered -that he had saved the life of Captain -Smith, and forgot the numberless instances -in which he had exposed other prisoners to -public derision and lingering torture.</p> - -<p>After the decease of their great enemy, the -colonists had no difficulty in concluding a treaty -with the Indians, which gave tranquillity to the -province for a long term of years.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp80" id="illus09" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus09.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_BURNING_OF_SCHENECTADY">THE BURNING OF SCHENECTADY.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The incursions of the Indians on our frontiers -in early times were usually the result of Spanish -influence in the South, or French influence in -the North. The French reduced the incitement -of Indian hostilities to a complete system, and -their officers and soldiers were not ashamed to -accompany the savages in their murdering and -marauding expeditions into New England and -New York. Among all the recorded instances -of this kind, none appears to have been attended -with more atrocious circumstances of cruelty -and rapine, than the burning of Schenectady. -This affair is marked by many traits of the very -worst description. The inhumanity of murdering -in their beds the very people who had formerly -relieved their wants, is, perhaps, without -a parallel.</p> - -<p>In 1690, Count de Frontignac, governor -general of Canada, sent out three expeditions -against the American colonies. The first of -these proceeded against Schenectady, then a -small village, situated on the Mohawk river. -This party, after wandering for twenty-two -days through deserts rendered trackless by -snow, approached the village of Schenectady -in so exhausted a condition, that they had determined -to surrender themselves to the inhabitants -as prisoners of war. But, arriving at a -late hour on an inclement night, and hearing -from the messengers they had sent forward that -the inhabitants were all in bed, without even<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span> -the precaution of a public watch, they exchanged -their intention of imploring mercy to -themselves, for a plan of nocturnal attack and -massacre of the defenceless people, to whose -charity their own countrymen had once been so -highly indebted. This detestable requital of -good with evil was executed with a barbarity -which, of itself, must be acknowledged to form -one of the most revolting and terrific pictures -that has ever been exhibited of human cruelty -and ferocity. Dividing themselves into a number -of parties, they set fire to the village in various -places, and attacked the inhabitants with -fatal advantage when, alarmed by the conflagration, -they endeavoured to escape from their -burning houses. The exhausted strength of -the Frenchmen appeared to revive with the -work of destruction, and to gather energy from -the animated horror of the scene. Not only -were all the male inhabitants they could reach -put to death, but women were murdered, and -their infants dashed on the walls of the houses. -But either the delay caused by this elaborate -cruelty, or the more merciful haste of the -flames to announce the calamity to those who -might still fly from the assassins, enabled many -of the inhabitants to escape. The efforts of -the assailants were also somewhat impeded by -a sagacious discrimination which they thought -it expedient to exercise. Though unmindful -of benefits, they were not regardless of policy: -and of a number of Mohawk Indians who -were in the village, not one sustained an injury.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span> -Sixty persons perished in the massacre, and -twenty-seven were taken prisoners. Of the -fugitives who escaped half naked, and made -their way through a storm of snow to Albany, -twenty-five lost their limbs from the intensity -of the frost. The French, having totally destroyed -Schenectady, retired loaded with plunder -from a place where, we think, it must be -acknowledged that even the accustomed atrocities -of Indian warfare had been outdone.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp80" id="illus10" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus10.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="REMARKABLE_CUSTOM_OF_THE_NATCHES">REMARKABLE CUSTOM OF THE NATCHES.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The Natches were a very considerable nation; -they formed several villages, that were -under some peculiar chief, and these obeyed -one superior of the whole nation. All these -chiefs bore the name of suns; they adored -that luminary, and carried his image on their -breasts, rudely carved. The manner in which -the Natches rendered divine service to the sun -has something solemn in it. The high-priest -got up at break of day, and marched at the -head of the people with a grave pace, the calumet -of peace in his hand. He smoked in -honour of the sun, and blew the first mouthful -of smoke towards him; when he rose above -the horizon, they howled by turns after the -high-priests, and contemplated it with their -arms extended to heaven. They had a temple -in which they kept up an eternal fire.</p> - -<p>So proud were these chiefs, who pretended -to trace their origin to the sun, that they had a -law, by which every Natchez, who had married -a girl of the blood of the suns, must follow -her in death, as soon as she had breathed her -last. There was an Indian, whose name was -Etteacteal; he dearly loved a daughter of one -of these suns, and married her; but the consequence -of this honour had nearly proved very -fatal to him. His wife fell sick: he watched -over her day and night, and with many tears -he besought her not to die, and they prayed together<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span> -to Wachil, or the sun, that he would -spare her life; at last he saw her at the point -of death, and then he fled: for the moment she -ceased to breathe, he was to be slain. He embarked -in a piragua on the Mississippi, and -came to New Orleans. He put himself under -the protection of M. de Bienville, the then governor, -who interested himself for him with -the Natches; they declared that he had nothing -more to fear.</p> - -<p>Etteacteal, being thus assured, resolved to -return to his nation; and, without settling -among them, made several voyages thither; -he happened to be there, when the chief called -the Stung Serpent, brother to the head of the -nation, died; he was a relation of the late wife -of Etteacteal, and the people resolved to make -the latter pay his debt, and arrested him. -When he found himself in the hut of the grand -chief of war, he gave vent to the excess of his -grief.</p> - -<p>The favourite wife of the deceased Stung -Serpent, who was likewise to be sacrificed, -and who saw the preparations for her death -with firmness, hearing the complaints and -groans of Etteacteal, said to him, “Art thou no -warrior?” he said, “Yes, I am one.” “However,” -said she, “thou criest, life is dear to -thee; and as that is the case, it is not good -that thou shouldst go along with me—go with -the women.” Etteacteal replied, “True, life -is dear to me: it would be well if I walked -yet on earth; wait, O wait till the death of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span> -great sun, and I will die with him.” “Go thy -way,” she said, “it is not fit that thou die with -me, and thy heart remain behind on earth; -the warriors will obey my word, for now, so -near to the Spirit of life, I am full of power: -go away, and let me see thee no more.” He -did not stay to have this order repeated; he -disappeared like lightning. Three old women, -two of whom were his relations, offered to pay -his debt; their age and their infirmities had -disgusted them with life, none of them had -been able to walk for a great while; but the -hair of the two that were related to Etteacteal, -was no more grey than that of young women; -the third was a hundred and twenty years old; -they were sacrificed in the evening, at the going -down of the sun.</p> - -<p>The generosity of these women gave the Indian -life again, acquired him the degree of -<i>Considered</i>, and cleared his honour, that had -been sullied by his fearing death. The hour -being come for the sacrifice of the favourite -wife of the deceased chief, she came forth, and -called her children round her, while the people -stood a little way off: “Children,” she said, -“this is the day on which I am to tear myself -from your arms, and to follow your father’s -steps, who waits for me in the country of the -spirits; if I were to yield to your tears, I -should injure my love, and fail in my duty. I -have done enough for you by bearing you next -to my heart, and by suckling you with my -breasts. You that are descended of his blood,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span> -and fed by my milk, ought you to shed tears? -rejoice, rather, that you are suns and warriors: -go, my children, I have provided for all your -wants, by procuring you friends; my friends, -and those of your father, are yours too. And -you, Frenchmen,” she added, turning herself -towards our officers, “I recommend my orphan -children to you;—you ought to protect -them; we shall be longer friends in the country -of the spirits than here, because we do not -die there again. And now the day is sinking -behind the hills; yet a few moments, my husband, -and I come!”</p> - -<p>Moved by these words, a noble woman -came to join herself to the favourite wife, of -her own accord, being engaged, she said, by -the friendship she bore the Stung Serpent, to -follow him into the other world. The Europeans -called her the Haughty Lady, on account -of her majestic deportment, and proud and -beautiful features: on this account the French -officers regretted very much her resolve, and -strove to dissuade her from it, but in vain: the -moving sight filled them all with grief and -horror.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus11" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus11.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PONTIAC">PONTIAC.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Great as were many of the western Indian -warriors, none was greater than Pontiac, a chief -whose fame was not only spread throughout -America, but widely diffused in Europe. He -was the chief of all the Indians on the chain of -lakes: the Ottawas, to which he belonged, the -Miamis, Chippewas, Wyandots, Pottawatomies, -Winnebagoes, Shawanese, Ottagamies, and Mississagas, -all of which tribes afterwards were led -by Tecumseh. Pontiac is said to have possessed -a majestic and princely appearance, so pleasing -to the Indians, and this in part accounts for his -popularity among them.</p> - -<p>In 1760, after the capture of Quebec, Major -Rogers was sent into the country of Pontiac to -drive the French from it. Being informed of -his approach, Pontiac sent word to him to wait -until he came to him. The major waited, and -when Pontiac came, that chief asked him why -he entered his dominions without permission. -The major answered that he came not against -the natives but the French; and at the same -time gave the chief several belts of wampum; -whereupon Pontiac replied, “I stand in the path -you travel until to-morrow morning.” By this -was meant that he must not proceed until the -next morning. Upon an offer of the Indian, -Major Rogers bought a large quantity of parched -corn, and other provisions. The next day Pontiac -offered him every facility for the undertaking.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span> -Messengers were sent to the different -tribes to assure them that the English had his -permission to pass through the country, and he -even accompanied the major and troops as far -as Detroit. He was noted for the desire of -knowledge, and while the English were in his -country, he was very curious in examining their -arms, clothes, &c., and expressed a wish to go -to England. He said that he would allow -white settlements within his domains; and was -willing to call the king of England <i>uncle</i> but -not master. He further told the soldiers that -they must behave themselves peaceably while -in his country, or he would stop the way.</p> - -<p>Pontiac had distinguished himself at Detroit -and Michillimackinac. When the French gave -up Canada (1760), their Indian allies still preserved -their hatred towards the English, and as -Pontiac was the most considerable enemy of -that nation, the adjacent tribes <i>all came</i> to him -as a support against them. Pontiac had advanced -farther in civilization than any of the -neighbouring chiefs: he appointed a commissary -during the war of 1763, called Pontiac’s war; -and issued bills of credit, on each of which was -pictured the thing desired, and the figure of an -otter, the symbol of his tribe. In 1763 Major -Rogers sent a bottle of brandy to him, which -Pontiac was counselled not to drink, as it probably -contained poison. But with the greatest -magnanimity he exclaimed, “It is not in his -power to <i>kill him</i> who has so lately saved his -life.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_IDOL_OF_THE_PEORIAS">THE IDOL OF THE PEORIAS.<br> -<span class="smaller">(FROM AN OLD TRAVELLER.)</span></h2> - -</div> - -<p>“We arrived at the village of the Peorias, -allies of the Illinois, through a fine large meadow, -which is many leagues long. This village -is situated on the banks of a little river, and -surrounded with great pales and posts: there -are many trees on the banks, and the huts are -built beneath them. When we arrived there, -I inquired for the hut of the grand chief: I was -well received by him and his first warriors. -They had just been beaten by the Foxes, their -mortal enemies, and were now holding a consultation -about it. A young Indian lighted the -calumet of peace; then they brought me a dish -of maize flour, called sagamité, sweetened with -the syrup of the maple-tree; and afterwards a -dessert of dry fruits, as good as Corinth raisins. -The next day I saw a great crowd in the plain: -they were for making a dance in favour of -their new Manitou; the high priest had a bonnet -of feathers, like a crown, on his head. I -was at the door of the temple of their false -deity; he begged me to go in. Judge of my -astonishment, for this is the picture of their -Manitou: his head hung upon his breast, and -looked like a goat’s; his ears and his cruel eye -were like those of a lynx, with the same kind -of hair; his feet, hands, and thighs were in -form something like those of a man.</p> - -<p>“The Indians found him in the woods, at the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span> -foot of a ridge of mountains, and the priests -had persuaded them to adopt him for a divinity. -This general assembly was called, to invoke his -protection against their enemies. I let the Indians -know that their Manitou was an evil -genius; as a proof of it, I said that he had just -permitted the nation of Foxes, their most cruel -enemies, to gain a victory over them, and they -ought to get rid of him as soon as possible, and -be revenged on him. After a short time, they -answered, ‘Houé nigeié, tinai labé,’—‘we believe -thee, thou art in the right.’ They then -voted that he should be burnt; and the great -priest, after some opposition, pronounced his -sentence, which, according to the interpreter’s -explanation, was in these terms: ‘O thou, fatal -to our nation, who has wrongfully taken thee -for her Manitou! thou hast paid no regard to -the offerings which we have made thee, and -hast allowed our enemies, whom thou dost -plainly protect, to overcome us; therefore our -old men, assembled in council, have decreed, -with the advice of the chief of the white warriors, -that to expiate thy ingratitude towards -us, thou shalt be burnt alive.’ At the end of -this sentence, all the assembly said, ‘Hau, hau,’ -which signified ‘yes.’</p> - -<p>“As I wished to get this monster, I went to -the priest, made him a small present, and bid -my interpreter tell him that he should persuade -his countrymen, that if they burnt this evil genius, -there might arise one from his ashes that -could be fatal to them; that I would go on purpose<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span> -across the great lake, to deliver them from -it. He found my reasons good, and got the -sentence changed, so that it was strangled. I -got it instantly dissected, in order to bring it to -France, where its skeleton is now in the cabinet -of natural history of M. de Fayolles. The -assembly dispersed, and returned to their village -by the river side. In the evening you might -see them sitting in groups at their doors, and on -the shore, with many fires made of the branches -of the trees, whose light was on the water and -the grove; while some of them danced the -dance of war, with loud shrieks, that were -enough to strike an awe into the heart.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp75" id="illus12" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus12.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="DEATH_OF_A_MOHAWK_CHIEF">DEATH OF A MOHAWK CHIEF.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Count Frontignac, whose sprightly manners -and energetic character supported the spirits of -his countrymen amidst every reverse, was so -provoked with what he deemed the ingratitude -of the Five Nations for his kindness to them at -Schenectady, that, besides encouraging his own -Indian allies to burn their prisoners alive, he at -length condemned to a death still more dreadful, -two Mohawk warriors who had fallen into his -hands. In vain the French priests remonstrated -against this sentence, and urged him not to bring -so foul a stain on the Christian name: the count -declared that every consideration must yield to -the safety and defence of his people, and that -the Indians must not be encouraged to believe -that they might practise the extreme of cruelty -on the French without the hazard of having it -retorted on themselves. If he had been merely -actuated by politic considerations, without being -stimulated by revenge, he might have plainly -perceived, from the conduct of all the Indian -tribes in their wars with each other, that the -fear of retort had no efficacy whatever to restrain -them from their barbarous practices, -which he now undertook to sanction as far as -his example was capable of doing. The priests, -finding that their humane intercession was ineffectual, -repaired to the prisoners, and laboured -to persuade them to embrace the Christian name, -as a preparation for the dreadful fate which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span> -they were about to receive from Christian -hands; but their instructions were rejected with -scorn and derision, and they found the prisoners -determined to dignify, by Indian sentiments and -demeanour, the Indian death which they had -been condemned to undergo. Shortly before -the execution, some Frenchman, less inhuman -than his governor, threw a knife into the prison, -and one of the Mohawks immediately dispatched -himself with it: the other, expressing -contempt at his companion’s mean evasion from -glory, walked to the stake, singing in his death-chant, -that he was a Mohawk warrior, that all -the power of man could not extort the least expression -of suffering from his lips, and that it -was ample consolation to him to reflect that he -had made many Frenchmen suffer the same -pangs that he must now himself undergo. -When attached to the stake, he looked round on -his executioners, their instruments of torture, -and the assembled multitude of spectators, with -all the complacency of heroic fortitude; and, -after enduring for some hours, with composed -mien and triumphant language, a series of barbarities -too atrocious and disgusting to be recited, -his sufferings were terminated by the -interposition of a French lady, who prevailed -with the governor to order that mortal blow, to -which human cruelty has given the name of -<i>coup de grace</i> or stroke of <i>favour</i>.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="MURDER_OF_MISS_MACREA">MURDER OF MISS MACREA.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Mr. Jones, an officer of the British army, had -gained the affections of Miss Macrea, a lovely -young lady of amiable character and spotless -reputation, daughter of a gentleman attached -to the royal cause, residing near Fort Edward; -and they had agreed to be married. In the -course of service, the officer was removed to -some distance from his bride, and became -anxious for her safety and desirous of her -company. He engaged some Indians, of two -different tribes, to bring her to camp, and promised -a keg of rum to the person who should -deliver her safe to him. She dressed to meet -her bridegroom, and accompanied her Indian -conductors; but by the way, the two chiefs, -each being desirous of receiving the promised -reward, disputed which of them should deliver -her to her lover. The dispute rose to a quarrel; -and, according to their usual method of disposing -of a disputed prisoner, one of them -instantly cleft the head of the lady with his -tomahawk. This simple story, sufficiently tragical -and affecting in itself, was blazoned in the -American newspapers with every amplification -that could excite the imagination or touch the -heart; and contributed in no slight degree to -embitter the minds of the people against those -who could degrade themselves by the aid of -such allies. The impulse given to the public -mind by such atrocities more than counterbalanced -any advantages which the British derived -from the assistance of the Indians.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="AN_INDIAN_IN_COLLEGE">AN INDIAN IN COLLEGE.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The first serious disappointment which John -Eliot, the Indian Apostle, experienced, was in -his efforts for the instruction of the Indian -youth in the classic languages; many of the -ablest and most promising among them were -set apart for this purpose; his ambition was -to bring them up “with our English youth -in university learning.” Where was the use -of this? Eliot’s best purposes were prone -to be carried to excess. He gave away -a whole year’s salary, at a wretched cottage, -while his wife was probably expecting -it at home for household demands. He had -learned his Indians to read and write; many -could read English well; and now he wished -to give them a polite education, that must have -sat as gracefully on them as the full-sleeved -gown and bands of the divine. Considerable -sums were expended in their board and education: -a substantial building of brick, which cost -between three and four hundred pounds, was -erected; it was large enough to accommodate -twenty scholars. It must have been Spartan -discipline to the heads as well as hearts of the -poor Indians, to labour morn and night through -the Greek and Roman authors, to try to discover -and relish the beauties of style and the -splendour of imagery. No doubt, their thoughts -sometimes fled away to their deserts, where -their fathers roved in dignity and freedom, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[96]</span> -books never came. The design might be praiseworthy, -but Providence did not smile upon it, -most of these young men died when they had -made great proficiency in their studies, as if the -languages wore out their hearts; others abandoned -their books, even when they were prepared -to enter Harvard College, in the town of -Cambridge; their patience was probably exhausted, -and the boon of literary dignity could -lure them no further. A few of these, passing -from one extreme to the other, burst their bonds -at once; and as if mind and body panted together -to be free, hastened back to the wilderness -again, into its wigwams and swamps; -where neither Homer nor Ovid was like to -follow them.</p> - -<p>“These circumstances proved very discouraging -to the godly in New England,” says a -contemporary. “Some were so far affected by -them, as to conceive that they were manifest -tokens of the Divine disapprobation. Mr. Eliot, -however, whose faith was more vigorous, considered -them merely as trials, to which they -ought to submit without reluctance.” In consequence -of the death and failure of those who -entered the aforesaid building, it was soon after -chiefly occupied by the English. Only one of -these Indian students appears to have obtained -his degree at Harvard College; and at the conclusion -of two Latin and Greek elegies, which -he composed on the death of an eminent minister, -subscribed himself “Cheesecaumuk, Senior<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[97]</span> -Sophista.” What an incongruous blending -of sounds!</p> - -<p>Eliot at last saw his error, and, instead of -the classics, applied with fresh ardour to his -more useful translations, of which the circulation -was so rapid, that he printed a fresh edition -of the “Practice of Piety.” He also soon -after established a lecture at Naticke, in which -he explained the leading doctrines of theology -and logic: here he was on safe ground, and his -labours were eminently useful. During the -summer months they assembled eagerly once -a fortnight, and many of them gained much -knowledge; yet he was far from being satisfied -with his oral instructions, and he printed a -thousand copies of a logic primer, and made -little systems of all the liberal arts, for the use -of the Indians. The same minds that had pined -and sunk beneath the study of the classic -tongues, embraced these things with ardour.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp80" id="illus13" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus13.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[98]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="AN_INDIAN_WARRANT">AN INDIAN WARRANT.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Judge Davis, in his Appendix to the Memorial, -observes, that the employment of the more -intelligent and energetic Indians as rulers, was -particularly grateful to them. He had often -heard of amusing anecdotes of the Indian -rulers. The following warrant is recollected, -which was issued by one of these magistrates, -directed to an Indian constable, and will not -suffer in comparison with our more verbose -forms.</p> - -<p>‘I, Hihoudi, you Peter Waterman, Jeremy -Wicket, quick you take him, fast you hold him -straight you bring him before me, Hihoudi.’</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus14" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus14.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="figcenter illowp61" id="illus15" style="max-width: 35.9375em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus15.jpg" alt=""> - <p class="caption">Pocahontas Saving the Life of Captain Smith.</p> - <p class="caption-r"><a href="#Page_99">Page 99.</a></p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[99]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CAPTAIN_JOHN_SMITH">CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>This gentleman figures, in the early history -of our country, as the most strenuous promoter -of colonization, the most wise founder, and the -most active governor, of colonies. In New -England he acted as discoverer and settler; in -Virginia he sustained both these characters, as -well as that of the most efficient and able governor -of the first permanent colony. When -he landed upon the soil, he was a private -citizen; but the misgovernment of others soon -made it necessary to call him to the office of -governor.</p> - -<p>Under his directions James-Town was fortified -by such defences as were sufficient to repel -the attacks of the savages; and, by dint of -great labour, which he was always the foremost -to share, the colonists were provided with -dwellings that afforded shelter from the weather, -and contributed to restore and preserve their -health. Finding the supplies of the savages -discontinued, he put himself at the head of a -detachment of his people, and penetrated into -the country; and by courtesy and liberality to -the tribes whom he found well disposed, and -vigorously repelling the hostilities of such as -were otherwise minded, he obtained for the -colony the most abundant supplies.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[100]</span></p> - -<p>In the midst of his successes he was surprised -on an expedition, by a hostile body of savages, -who, having succeeded in making him prisoner, -after a gallant and nearly successful defence, -prepared to inflict on him the usual fate of their -captives. His eminent faculties did not desert -him on this trying occasion. He desired to -speak with the sachem or chief, and, presenting -him with a mariner’s compass, expatiated on -the wonderful discoveries to which it had led, -described the shape of the earth, the vastness of -its lands and oceans, the course of the sun, the -varieties of nations, and the singularity of their -relative positions, which made some of them -antipodes to the others.</p> - -<p>With equal prudence and magnanimity he refrained -from all solicitations for his life, which -would only have weakened the impressions -which he hoped to produce. The savages -listened with amazement and admiration. They -had handled the compass, and viewing with -surprise the play of the needle, which they -plainly saw, but found it impossible to touch, -from the intervention of the glass, this marvellous -object prepared their minds for the reception -of those vast impressions by which -their captive endeavoured to gain ascendency -over them.</p> - -<p>For an hour after he had finished his harangue, -they seem to have remained undecided; till -their habitual sentiments reviving, they resumed -their suspended purpose, and, having bound -him to a tree, prepared to dispatch him with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[101]</span> -their arrows. But a stronger impression had -been made on their chief; and his soul, enlarged -for a season by the admission of knowledge, or -subdued by the influence of wonder, revolted -from the dominion of habitual ferocity. This -chief was named Opechancanough, and destined -at a future period to invest his barbarous -name with terror and celebrity. Holding -up the compass in his hand, he gave the signal -of reprieve, and Smith, though still guarded as -a prisoner, was conducted to a dwelling where -he was kindly treated, and plentifully entertained. -But the strongest impressions pass -away, while the influence of habit remains.</p> - -<p>After vainly endeavouring to prevail on their -captive to betray the English colony into their -hands, they referred his fate to Powhatan, the -king or principal sachem of the country, to -whose presence they conducted him in triumphal -procession. The king received him with -much ceremony, ordered a plentiful repast to be -set before him, and then adjudged him to suffer -death by having his head laid on a stone and -beat to pieces with clubs. At the place appointed -for this barbarous execution, he was -again rescued from impending fate by the interposition -of Pocahontas, the favourite daughter -of the king, who, finding her first entreaties disregarded, -threw her arms around the prisoner, -and declared her determination to save him or -die with him. Her generous affection prevailed -over the cruelty of her tribe, and the king not -only gave Smith his life, but soon after sent<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[102]</span> -him back to James-Town, where the beneficence -of Pocahontas continued to follow him -with supplies of provisions that delivered the -colony from famine.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="ANECDOTES_OF_KING_PHILIPS_WAR">ANECDOTES OF KING PHILIP’S WAR.</h2> - -</div> - -<h3>COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR.</h3> - -<p>In the year 1674, the number of Eliot’s towns -and settlements, in which industry, comfort, -good order, and the best instruction, were established, -amounted to more than twelve, when -an unforeseen event happened, that threw a -cloud over all his prospects. This was the war -in which the colonists of New England were -involved with Philip, son of Massasoit, the celebrated -chief, and, for the last years of his life, -the firm friend of the English. “O, thou sword -of the wilderness, when wilt thou be quiet?” -says Mather, forgetful that it was bared by the -aggressions of the settlers, as well as by the -fierce and restless spirit of the Indian prince. -Ever since the foundation of the colonies, the -former had conducted themselves, says more -than one divine of the period, with great kindness -to their heathen brethren. The truth of -this assertion is very doubtful. The missionary -took no part in the disputes, save to urge his -countrymen to forbearance and peace. “We, -the poor church of Naticke,” he writes to them, -“hearing that the honoured rulers of Plymouth<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[103]</span> -are pressing and arming of soldiers to go to -war with the Indians, do mourn greatly on account -of it, and desire that they may not be -destroyed, because we have not heard that they -have done any thing worthy of death. It is -your duty to offer, accept, and desire peace, and -we pray you, for God’s sake, and for your -souls’ sake, obey this word; we long to hear -of a happy peace, that may open a clear passage -for the gospel among that people.” Simple -as these words are, they unfold an affection -on the part of the missionary and his converts, -for those who had few claims on their regard; -for Philip, and most of his chiefs, had sternly -rejected all persuasions to Christianity. But -Eliot was not of the sentiment of another divine, -who rejoiced in the rejection of the proposals -by the Indians, that “this thing was of -the Lord.” He saw only on one side an exquisite -jealousy, roused by many wrongs, a -heart burning with vindictive feelings; on the -other, a sordid ambition, an unhallowed love -of glory. It was a source of sorrow, that the -torch of discord was first kindled by one of his -own people. In the end of the year 1674, John -Seusoman, a converted Indian, after having -apostatized from the faith, devoted himself to -the service of Philip, as secretary. He informed -the English that his countrymen had resolved -to adopt measures for their destruction. “He -could write,” says the historian, “though the -king, his master, could not read.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[104]</span></p> - -<p>This renegade, fearing the consequences of -what he had done, returned to the protection -of the settlers, and was soon after slain by two -of the Indian captains. The English arrested -the perpetrators of the deed, and, on a trial by -jury, finding them guilty, they were executed. -Philip was alarmed at the condemnation of his -counsellors, and, conscious that he had given -cause for suspicion, resolved to be the first in -the field. He had probably long waited for an -opportunity. Rash, headstrong, and vindictive, -with the courage but not the talents of his -father, Massasoit, the slow and artful aggressions -of the settlers stung him to the quick. -He began to gather his warriors around his -dwelling-place, at the strong forts near the Naraganset -river; he received the accession of -several other tribes. In the mean time, it was -said, strange sights and sounds foreboded, in -many parts of the colonies, the woes that were -near; the singing of bullets, and the awful -passing away of drums in the air; invisible -troops of horses were heard riding to and fro; -and in a clear, still, sunshiny morning, the phantoms -of men, fearfully flitting by! Philip, heedless -of omens and dreams, sent away the women -and children, and took his stand on Mount -Hope, a low and beautiful eminence, on which -was his strongest fort. Ere matters came to a -fatal extremity, and all the evils of war were -let loose on his settlements, Eliot did his utmost -to turn them aside; he saw that many of his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[105]</span> -people would inevitably be involved with one -party or the other. His town of Pakeunit was -very near Mount Hope; he had visited the latter -during the life of Massasoit, and though he -felt not the same regard or esteem for his son, -a friendly intercourse had subsisted between -them. His applications to the colonists for -peace being fruitless, he resolved to try them -also on the former.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp95" id="illus16" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus16.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[106]</span></p> - -<h3>INTERVIEW BETWEEN ELIOT AND PHILIP.</h3> - -<p>A few miles only distant, the encampment -of the Indians around their Mount was distinctly -visible from Pakeunit; and Eliot, with -two or three of his people, went to have an interview -with the chieftain. Philip respected -his character, though he disliked his proceedings, -for he had always treated his mission with -contempt and slight; among the warriors, however, -both of his own and other tribes, were -many who had heard Eliot preach, and had received -him beneath their roof. The interview -was without any success; the spirit of the Indian -was made up to the desperate struggle, -and all that could be done was to beseech him -to spare the settlements of the converts.</p> - -<p>The contrast between the two men must -have been sufficiently striking. Philip was in -the prime of life, with a frame nerved by early -hardship, and the usages of savage warfare, in -which he was very expert; he was dressed like -his chiefs, save that he wore a silver-laced tunic, -or coat, and that his arms were more rich; -his chief ensign of dignity was his princely, yet -cruel and gloomy features, where the thirst of -revenge was stamped. The frame of the missionary -was not bowed even by seventy years, -though they had turned his hair white; the -leathern girdle was about his loins, that he -always wore, and the simple apparel that he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[107]</span> -loved; he stood among these fierce and exasperated -men as calm and fearless as in his own -assembly at Naticke: he could not but foresee -the devastation about to be let loose on the -land; that the fire and the sword would waste -all his pleasant places, and scatter his converts; -and he returned with a heavy heart to his -home. Several of the latter afterwards sided -with the forces of Philip: whether from this -circumstance, or from the nearness of the settlement -of Pakeunit to the camp of the prince, -the colonists contracted the strongest dislike -and mistrust of the Christian Indians. Eliot, -when he saw there was no longer a chance of -peace, exhorted his people in the above town, -and at Naticke, as well as the other congregations, -not to be moved by the example or seductions -of either party.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus17" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus17.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[108]</span></p> - -<h3>CHRISTIAN INDIANS ENGAGE IN THE WAR.</h3> - -<p>The contagion was, however, too strong; and -Eliot at last saw many of them also take up -arms against their infidel countrymen. The order -and harmony of their dwelling-places were for -a time utterly blasted; on the hills around Naticke -and Pakeunit the watch-fires were blazing; -the war-whoops were often heard in the -night; at intervals, a solitary musket, and then -a signal cry, came from the neighbouring -woods; and yet nearer, the poor Indians at -last saw their plantations without the town, -burning; for Philip began hostilities by a sudden -attack on them, so that their taking up -arms was partly in self-defence. After several -actions, he retired from Mount Hope to the -woods, swamps, and fastnesses of the interior, -in the dominion of the great tribe of the Naraganset -Indians, who, for his sake, had now -broken treaty with the English. It was the -depth of winter, yet the latter resolved to follow -him to his retreats, and an army of fifteen -hundred men, under the command of the Hon. -J. Winslow, marched to the abode of the Indians. -This was on an island of about five or -six acres, the only entrance to which was upon -a long tree over the water, so that but one -man could pass at a time: but the water was -frozen; the trees and thickets were white with -their burden of snow, as was the surface of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[109]</span> -earth, so that the smallest movement of the -Indians could be seen.</p> - -<p>Within the isle were gathered the powers of -the Pequot and Naraganset tribes, with their -wives, families, and valuable things; the want -of leaves and thick foliage allowed no ambush, -and the savage must fight openly beside his -own hearth and store. It was the close of day -when the colonists came up to the place; a -fort, a blockhouse, and a wall that passed round -the isle, proved the skill, as well as resolution, -of the assailed; the frozen shores and water -were quickly covered with the slain, and then -the Indians fought at their doors and around -their children, till all was lost, and a thousand -of them fell. Philip fled with his surviving -forces to a distant position, where it was impossible -to follow him. Concord, one of the -first settlements of Eliot, and one or two other -towns, were this winter destroyed, and its poor -people turned from their dwellings into all the -rigours of the winter; many perished in the -woods or amidst the snows, or by the secret -and sudden ambushes of the enemy.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus18" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus18.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[110]</span></p> - -<h3>MISFORTUNES OF PHILIP.</h3> - -<p>The last defeat, in which his best fighting -men were slain, had broken the power, but not -the spirit, of Philip. Unable to meet the colonists -in the open field, he harassed them in a -thousand ways, so that, as the spring advanced, -the more industrious and timid were thrown -into the extremity of despair, and said, “How -shall we wade through another summer like -the last?” But the chief was now a wandering -exile; his paternal dominion was taken; the -singular friendship of Quanonchet, “the mighty -sachem of the Naragansets,” was his last support. -The fidelity of this man was tried to the -uttermost: he had received the fugitive with -open arms; rallied all his forces around him; -they fought, side by side, with the heroism of -men on the last strand of their country; were -defeated, and fled together, without a reproach -or complaint on either side; they retreated yet -farther into the interior, and, by their persuasions, -engaged other tribes in the cause; but, at -this moment, the Maquas, a powerful nation in -the west, made a descent on them, and wasted -their band. In spite of these disasters, they -again advanced.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[111]</span></p> - -<h3>CLOSE OF THE WAR.</h3> - -<p>Eliot, during these troubles, was subjected to -much contempt and reproach. His efforts to -protect his people, and watch over their interests, -were incessant; but so strong was the -suspicion against them, that the colonists, not -content with confining a great number of them -in Long Island, inflicted on them many sufferings, -and a few of the more cruel said that they -were worthy of death.</p> - -<p>But the war began to draw to a close: Quanonchet, -venturing out with a few followers -near the enemy, was pursued and taken. His -behaviour under his misfortunes was very noble -and affecting; for when repeated offers were -made him of life, if he would deliver up Philip, -and submit his own people to the English, he -proudly rejected them. They condemned him -to die, and, by a refinement of cruelty, by the -hands of three young Indian chiefs. The heroic -man said, “that he liked it well, for he -should die before his heart was soft, or he had -spoken any thing unworthy of himself.”</p> - -<p>Philip was deeply moved by the death of the -chieftain, for their friendship was like that of -David and Jonathan, strongest in misery and -exile. He was not yet left desolate: his beloved -wife and only child were with him. -They had shared all his sufferings; in his -flights, his inroads, his dwellings in the swamps, -they seem never to have left his side. The unfortunate<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[112]</span> -prince now returned to Mount Hope, -the scene of his former power and happiness; -it was for no purpose of defence that he came, -for it was too near the English settlements, but -merely to visit it once more. “He finds it,” -says Mather, “to be Mount Misery, Mount -Confusion!”</p> - -<p>No doubt it was so to his bleeding spirit; -for, with all his savage propensities, this prince -was susceptible of some of the finest feelings -of our nature. He sat down mournfully on the -beautiful Mount, on which were now the ruins -of his fortress and camp; but he could not remain -long here, for the feet of his pursuers -were nigh, and he was compelled to seek his -distant retreats again:—there was a greater -agony in store for him than the sight of his -ruined home.</p> - -<p>Early one morning, his quarters were surprised -by the English, most of his followers -slain, and his wife and son made captive. The -chief fled, broken-hearted, but unsubdued, leaving -all he loved on earth in the hands of those -who had no mercy. “This was no small torment -to him,” quaintly says the historian. “Wo -to him that spoileth! His peag, or silver belt, -the ensign of his princedom, also remained in -our hands, so hardly did he escape.” The measure -of his woes was not yet full. The Indian -princess of Pocasset was warmly attached to -his cause, and had more than once aided him -in his extremity; she had received him beneath -her roof, soothed his sorrows, and, what was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[113]</span> -more, summoned her people to fight for him; -and saved him and his people in her canoes the -year before. Now, she followed him in his -flight, and, as the more devout said, as if by a -judgment, could not find a canoe to transport -her, and, venturing over the river upon a raft, -it broke under her, and she was drowned. Her -body was soon after washed on shore, and the -English, forgetful of all decency and delicacy -to a woman of her rank, though a savage, cut -off her head, and placed it on high, which, -when the Indians who were her people saw, -they gathered round, and gave way to the most -sad and touching lamentations.</p> - -<p>Philip now began, like Saul of old, when -earth was leaving him, to look to the powers -beyond it, and to apply to his magicians and -sorcerers, who, on consulting their oracles, -assured him that no Englishman should ever -kill him. This was a vague consolation, yet it -seems to have given him, for a while, a confidence -in his destiny, and he took his last stand -in the middle of a distant and almost inaccessible -swamp. It was a fit retreat for a despairing -man, being one of those waste and dismal -places to which few ever wandered, covered -with rank and dense vegetation. The moist -soil was almost hidden by the cypress and other -trees, that spread their gloomy shades over the -treacherous shallows and pools beneath.</p> - -<p>In the few drier parts, oaks and pines grew, -and, between them, a brushwood so thick, that -the savage could hardly penetrate: on the long<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[114]</span> -rich grass of these parts, wild cattle fed, unassailed -by the hand of man, save when they -ventured beyond the confines of the swamp. -There were wolves, deer, and other animals; -and wilder men, it was said, were seen here; it -was supposed that the children of some of the -Indians had either been lost or left here, and -had thus grown up like denizens of this wild. -Here the baffled chieftain gathered his little -band around him, like a lion baited by the -hunters, sullenly seeking his gloomy thickets, -only to spring forth more fatally; despair was -his only friend; for what other was now left: -his love was turned to agony; his wife was in -the hand of his enemies; and would they spare -her beauty? His only son, the heir of his long -line, must bow his head to their yoke; his chief -warriors had all fallen, and he could not trust -the few who were still with him.</p> - -<p>Quanonchet, whose fidelity and attachment -were stronger than death, was in the land of -spirits, chasing the shadowy deer, and solaced -with many wives; for Philip, to the last, believed -in the religion of his country. In this -extremity, an Indian proposed to seek peace -with the English;—the prince instantly laid him -dead at his feet. This man had a friend, who, -disgusted with the deed, soon after fled from the -place to Rhode Island, where the English were -recruiting their weary forces, and betrayed the -place of his retreat. On this intelligence, a -body of forces instantly set out.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus19" style="max-width: 43.75em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus19.jpg" alt=""> - <p class="caption">Death of King Philip.</p> - <p class="caption-r"><a href="#Page_115">Page 115.</a></p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[115]</span></p> - -<h3>DEATH OF PHILIP.</h3> - -<p>The night before his death, Philip, “like him -in the army of Midian,” says the historian, -“had been dreaming that he was fallen into the -hands of the English; he awoke in great alarm, -and told it to his friends, and advised them to -fly for their lives, for that he believed it would -come to pass.” The place was well suited to -awake all the terrors of the imagination; to -any eye but that of the savage, it was like the -“valley of the shadow of death;” the cypress -and oak trees hung heavy and still, over the -accursed soil; the faint gleam of the pools and -sluggish lakes on every side, in the starlight, -and the howl of the wolf, fitfully, as if it -warned that the hour was nigh. “Now, just -as he was telling his dream, Captain Church, -with his company, fell in upon them.” They -had been guided by the deserter to the swamp, -and, with great difficulty, across some felled -trees, into its labyrinths. The battle was fierce -and short: Philip fought till he saw almost -every follower fall in his defence, then turned, -and fled; he was pursued by an Englishman -and an Indian; and, as if the oracle was -doomed to be fulfilled, the musket of the former -would not go off; and the latter fired, and shot -him through the heart.</p> - -<p>With his death, all resistance ceased; his -dominions fell into the hands of the colonists, -and peace was restored to the settlements, but<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[116]</span> -prosperity came not with it. It was a cruel -blow to Eliot, nearly all whose life had been -given to his beloved cause, to look around on -the plantations ravaged, the dwellings empty, -the defences broken, and, more than all, the -spirit of his people in despair. Of twelve -towns, at the beginning of the war, four only -were now undestroyed.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CANONICUS2">CANONICUS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The <i>Narragansets</i>, possessed the country -about Narraganset Bay, including Rhode Island, -and other Islands in that vicinity, and a part of -Connecticut. <i>Canonicus</i> was their great warrior -Sachem. This tribe is described by our -early historians ‘as a great people,’ capable of -raising 4000 warriors. Canonicus lived to an -advanced age, and died according to Gov. -Winthrop, June 4th, 1647. He discovered a -generous mind in receiving Rev. Roger Williams -when in great distress, and affording him a -friendly protection. Mr. Williams mentioned -his name with respect and acknowledged his -obligation to him thus in a manuscript letter to -the Governor of Massachusetts. After observing -that many hundreds of the English were -witnesses to the friendly disposition of the Narragansets, -he says: ‘Their late long lived Canonicus -so lived and died, in the same most -honorable manner and solemnity (in their way) -as you laid to sleep your prudent peace-maker<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[117]</span> -Mr. Winthrop, did they honor this their prudent -and peaceable prince; yea, through all their -towns and countries how frequently do many -and oft times of Englishmen travel alone with -safety and loving kindness?’ On one occasion -Canonicus thus addressed Roger Williams: ‘I -have never suffered any wrong to be done to -the English since they landed, nor never will. -If the English speak true, if he mean truly, -then shall I go to my grave in peace, and I -hope that the English and my posterity shall -live in love and peace together.’ ‘His heart,’ -says Mr. Williams, ‘was stirred up to love me -as his son to the last gasp.’ However partial -Canonicus may have been to Rev. Mr. Williams, -he was not uniformly friendly to the settlers in -general. It appears in Gov. Winslow’s Good -News from New England, that in February, -1622, this chief sent into Plymouth, a bundle -of arrows bound together with a rattle-snake’s -skin. This was received as it was intended, a -challenge for war. Gov. Bradford filled the -rattle-snake skin with powder and shot and returned -it to <i>Canonicus</i>, with a message of defiance -which produced the desired effect. Canonicus -was so frightened that he dared not -touch the article and soon returned it to Plymouth -and became silent and peaceable.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus20" style="max-width: 43.75em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus20.jpg" alt=""> - <p class="caption">Acceptance of Canonicus’ Challenge.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[118]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHICKATAUBUT">CHICKATAUBUT.</h2> - -</div> - -<p><i>Chickataubut</i>, was a sachem of considerable -note among the <i>Massachusetts</i> tribe, and one -of those who, in 1621, acknowledged themselves -the subjects of King James. He was -Sachem of Passonagesit (Weymouth,) where -his mother was buried. In Drake’s Indian Biography -the following is related from Thomas -Morton’s New Canaan. In the first settling of -Plymouth, some of the company in wandering -about upon discovery, came upon an Indian -grave, which was of the mother of Chickataubut. -Over the body a stake was set in the -ground, and two huge bear skins sewed together -spread over it; these the English took -away. When this came to the knowledge of -Chickataubut, he complained to his people and -demanded immediate vengeance. When they -were assembled, he thus harangued them: -‘When last the glorious light of all the sky was -underneath the globe and birds grew silent, I -began to settle as my custom is to take repose; -before mine eyes were fast closed, me thought I -saw a vision, at which my spirit was much -troubled, and trembling at that doleful sight -cried aloud; Behold! my son, whom I have -cherished, see the paps that gave thee suck, the -hands that clasped thee warm, and fed thee oft, -canst thou forget to take revenge on those wild -people that hath my monument defaced in a -despiteful manner; disdaining our ancient antiquities,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[119]</span> -and honorable customs. See now the -Sachem’s grave lies, like unto the common -people of ignoble race, defaced. Thy mother -doth complain, implores thy aid against this -thievish people newly come hither; if this be -suffered I shall not rest in quiet within my -everlasting habitation.’ Battle was the unanimous -resolve, and the English were watched -and followed from place to place, until at length -as some were going ashore in a boat, they fell -upon them, but gained little advantage. After -maintaining the fight for some time, and being -driven from tree to tree, the chief captain was -wounded in the arm and the whole took to -flight. This action caused the natives about -Plymouth to look upon the English as invincible, -and was the reason that peace was maintained -so long after.</p> - -<p>When Boston was settled <i>Chickataubut</i> -visited Governor <i>Winthrop</i>, and presented him -with a hogshead of corn. Many of his ‘sanops -and squaws’ came with him, but were most of -them sent away after they had all dined, Chickataubut -probably fearing they would be burdensome, -although it thundered and rained and the -Governor urged their stay. At this time he -wore English clothes, and sat at the Governor’s -table, where he behaved himself soberly, &c. -as an Englishman. “Not long after he called -on Governor Winthrop and desired to buy of -him a suit of clothes for himself, the governor -informed him that ‘English Sagamores did not -use to truck;’ but he called his tailor and gave<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120"></a>[120]</span> -him orders to make him a suit of clothes, -whereupon he gave the governor two large -skins of coat beaver. The clothes being ready, -the governor put him into a very good new suit -from head to foot, and after, he set meat before -them; but he would not eat till the governor -had given thanks, and after meat he desired -him to do the like, and so departed.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONDITION_OF_THE_INDIAN_WOMEN">CONDITION OF THE INDIAN WOMEN.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Polygamy is not uncommon among them; -and the husband occasionally finds it necessary -to administer a little wholesome castigation to -his more quarrelsome or refractory squaws. -But many are satisfied with one wife. The -care of the tent and the whole drudgery of the -family devolve on the women. They gather -fuel, cook the provisions, and repair every -article of dress; cultivate the ground, where -any is cultivated; carry the baggage on a -journey; and pitch the tent when they halt. -In these and similar employments, their lordly -fathers, husbands, and brothers, think it degrading -to assist them, and unworthy of warriors -to engage in such employments.</p> - -<p>Mr. Catlin, whose long residence among the -Indians, and careful observation of their habits, -entitle his opinion to great respect, regards the -assignment of drudgery to the women as no -more than an equitable distribution of the -labour necessary to the support of the household.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121"></a>[121]</span> -He considers the toils of war and the -chase, which are almost incessant, and are solely -performed by the men, as a complete offset to -the domestic and agricultural cares of the -women. On the whole he thinks that the condition -of the Indian women is as comfortable -as it is possible to render it by any arrangement -which would not completely change their mode -of life. To withdraw the men from the chase -and confine them to the culture of the ground, -would render the Indians an agricultural and -not a hunting people. Still the condition of the -Indian woman is a miserable and degraded -one,—a condition of incessant labour and care.</p> - -<p>In none of the tribes do the women experience -much tenderness; but among the Sioux -they are so harshly treated, that they occasionally -destroy their female infants, alleging -that it is better for them to be put to death than -to live as miserably as they themselves have -done. Even suicide is not uncommon among -them, although they believe it offensive to the -Father of Life.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_EDUCATION">INDIAN EDUCATION.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The Indians never chastise their children, -especially the boys; thinking that it would damp -their spirits, check their love of independence, -and cool their martial ardour, which they wish -above all things to encourage. “Reason,” say -they, “will guide our children, when they come<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122"></a>[122]</span> -to the use of it; and before that, their faults -cannot be very great.” They avoid compulsory -measures, and allow the boys to act with uncontrolled -freedom; but endeavour, by example, -instruction, and advice, to train them to diligence -and skill in hunting; to animate them with -patience, courage, and fortitude in war; and to -inspire them with contempt of danger, pain, -and death,—qualities of the highest order in -the estimation of an Indian.</p> - -<p>By gentleness and persuasion they endeavour -to imbue the minds of their children with virtuous -sentiments, according to their notions of -virtue. The aged chiefs are zealous in this -patriotic labour, and the squaws give their cordial -co-operation.</p> - -<p>Ishuchenau, an old Kanza warrior, often -admonished the group of young auditors who -gathered around him, of their faults, and exhorted -them never to tell a lie, and never to -steal, except from an enemy, whom it is just to -injure in every possible way. “When you -become men,” said he, “be brave and cunning -in war, and defend your hunting grounds -against all encroachments: never suffer your -squaws and little ones to want; protect them -and strangers from insult. On no occasion -betray a friend; be revenged on your enemies; -drink not the poisonous strong water of the -white people, for it is sent by the bad spirit to -destroy the Indians. Fear not death; none but -cowards fear to die. Obey and venerate old -people, particularly your parents. Fear and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123"></a>[123]</span> -propitiate the bad spirit, that he may do you no -harm: love and adore the Good Spirit, who -made us all, who supplies our hunting grounds, -and keeps all alive.” After recounting his -achievements, he was wont to add, “Like a decayed -prairie tree, I stand alone:—the friends -of my youth, the companions of my sports, my -toils, and my dangers, rest their heads on the -bosom of our mother. My sun is fast descending -behind the western hills, and I feel it -will soon be night with me.” Then with hands -and eyes lifted towards heaven, he thanked the -Great Spirit for having spared him so long, to -show the young men the true path to glory -and fame.</p> - -<p>Their opinions, in many instances, are false, -and lead to corresponding errors in conduct. In -some tribes, the young person is taught to pray, -with various superstitious observances, that he -may be a great hunter, horse-stealer, and warrior; -so that thus the fountain of virtue is -polluted.</p> - -<p>The Indians are entirely unacquainted with -letters; but they have a kind of picture writing, -which they practise on the inside of the bark of -trees, or on skins prepared for the purpose, and -by which they can communicate the knowledge -of many facts to each other.</p> - -<p>The Indian names are descriptive of the real -or supposed qualities of the person to whom -they belong: they often change them in the -course of their lives. The young warrior is -ambitious of acquiring a new name; and stealing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124"></a>[124]</span> -a horse, scalping an enemy, or killing a bear, is -an achievement which entitles him to choose -one for himself, and the nation confirms it.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="SPEECH_OF_AN_INDIAN_TO_JOHN_ELIOT">SPEECH OF AN INDIAN TO JOHN ELIOT.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The following instance is very expressive of -the fine use the Indians make of simple and -natural images:—the speaker was dressed in a -robe of several marten-skins sewed together; -it was fastened to his right shoulder, and passed -under his left arm: he wrapped himself up in -this robe, and said—</p> - -<p>“My heart laughs for joy on seeing myself -before thee: we have all of us heard the word -which thou hast sent us. How beautiful is the -sun to-day! but lately it was red and angry, for -our hands were stained with blood; our tomahawks -thirsted for it; our women howled for -the loss of their relations; at the least shriek of -the birds of night, all our warriors were on foot; -the serpents angrily hissed at us, as we passed. -Those we left behind sang the songs of death.</p> - -<p>“But now our whole nation laughs for joy to -see us walk on the same road with thyself, to -join the Father of spirits: our hearts shall make -but one: come with us to the forests; come to -our homes by the great river; we shall plant -the tree of life, of which thou speakest, there, -and our warriors shall rest beneath its leaves; -and thou shalt tell us more of that land where -there is no storm or death, and the sun is always<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125"></a>[125]</span> -bright. Will not that be good? What dost -thou say to it, my father?”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="RELIGION_OF_THE_INDIANS1">RELIGION OF THE INDIANS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Of the religion of the Indians we have no -full and clear account. Indeed, of the opinions -of a people who have nothing more than a -few vague and indefinite notions, no distinct -explanation can be given. On this subject the -Indians are not communicative; and to obtain -a thorough knowledge of it would require -familiar, attentive, unsuspected, and unprejudiced -observation. But such observation is not -easily made; and a few general, and on some -points uncertain, notices only can be given.</p> - -<p>On looking at the most renowned nations of -the ancient heathen world, we see the people -prostrating themselves before innumerable divinities; -and we are ready to conclude that -polytheism is the natural belief of man, unenlightened -by revelation. But a survey of the -vast wilds of America will correct this opinion. -For there we find a multitude of nations, widely -separated from each other, all believing in One -Supreme God, a great and good spirit, the father -and master of life, the maker of heaven and -earth, and of all other creatures. They believe -themselves entirely dependent on him, thank -him for present enjoyments, and pray to him for -the good things they desire to obtain. They -consider him the author of all good; and believe<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126"></a>[126]</span> -he will reward or punish them according to -their deeds.</p> - -<p>They believe in inferior spirits also, both -good and bad; to whom, particularly to the -good, they give the name of <i>Manitou</i>, and -consider them tutelary spirits. The Indians are -careful observers of dreams, and think themselves -deserted by the Master of life, till they -receive a manitou in a dream; that is, till they -dream of some object, as a buffalo or beaver, or -something else, which they think is an intimation -that the Great Spirit had given them that -object as a manitou, or medicine. Then they -are full of courage, and proud of their powerful -ally. To propitiate the manitou, or medicine, -every exertion is made, and every personal -consideration sacrificed. “I was lately the -proprietor of seventeen horses,” said a Mandan; -“but I have offered them all to my medicine, -and am now poor.” He had turned all these -horses, which constituted the whole of his -wealth, loose into the plain, committed them to -his medicine, and abandoned them for ever. -But, although they offer oblations to the manitous, -they positively deny that they pay them -any adoration, and affirm that they only worship -the Great Spirit through them.</p> - -<p>They have no regular periodical time either -of private or public religious worship. They -have neither temples, altars, stated ministers of -religion, nor regular sacrifices; for the jugglers -are connected rather with the medical art than -with religious services. The Indians in general,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127"></a>[127]</span> -like other ignorant people, are believers in -witchcraft, and think many of their diseases -proceed from the arts of sorcerers. These arts -the jugglers pretend to counteract, as well as to -cure natural diseases. They also pretend to -predict the weather and to make rain; and -much confidence is placed in their prognostications -and their power.</p> - -<p>The devotional exercises of the Indians consist -in singing, dancing, and performing various -mystical ceremonies, which they believe efficacious -in healing the sick, frustrating the designs -of their enemies, and securing their own success. -They often offer up to the Great Spirit a -part of the game first taken in a hunting expedition, -a part of the first produce of their fields, -and a part of their food. At a feast, they first -throw some of the broth, and then of the meat, -into the fire. In smoking, they generally testify -their reverence for the Master of life, by -directing the first puff upwards, and the second -downwards, or the first to the rising, and the -second to the setting sun: at other times they -turn the pipe to every point of the compass.</p> - -<p>They firmly believe in the immortality of the -soul, and in a state of future retribution: but -their conceptions on these subjects are modified -and tinged by their occupations in life, and by -their notions of good and evil. They suppose -the spirit retains the same inclinations as when -in the body, and rejoices in its old pursuits. At -times, an Indian warrior, when about to kill<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128"></a>[128]</span> -and scalp a prostrate enemy, addresses him in -such terms as the following:—</p> - -<p>“My name is Cashegra: I am a famous -warrior, and am going to kill you. When you -reach the land of spirits, you will see the ghost -of my father: tell him it was Cashegra sent -you there.” The uplifted tomahawk then descends -upon his victim.</p> - -<p>The Mandans<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> expected, when they died, to -return to the original subterraneous abode of -their fathers: the good reaching the ancient village -by means of the lake, which the weight -of the sins of the bad will render them unable -to pass. They who have behaved themselves -well in this life, and been brave warriors and -good hunters, will be received into the town of -brave and generous spirits; but the useless and -selfish will be doomed to reside in the town of -poor and useless spirits.</p> - -<p>The belief of those untutored children of nature -has an influence on their conduct. Among -them the grand defect is, an erroneous estimate -of good and evil, right and wrong.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus21" style="max-width: 43.75em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus21.jpg" alt=""> - <p class="caption">Destruction of the Pequots.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129"></a>[129]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="DESTRUCTION_OF_THE_PEQUOTS_IN_1637">DESTRUCTION OF THE PEQUOTS IN 1637.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>“An army of a hundred and sixty men, -under the command of Captain Underhill, were -despatched, and with them was Uncas, an -Indian chief: when they landed from the river, -they were joined by five hundred Narraganset -Indians. We were now informed that the -Indians had retired into two impregnable forts, -one of which was the hold of Sassacus, the -chief tyrant; that fierce tiger, at the very -mention of whose name the Narragansets trembled, -saying, “He was all one a God, nobody -could kill him.” The council of war determined -to fall first upon the fort which they could first -find; and on their silent march in the moon-shiny -night, an Indian spy brought them word -that the Pequots were in a profound sleep. Our -guide was one Wequash, an Indian revolted -from them; and now the Narragansets retired -into the wood, and behind the trees—they were -overcome with fear. The English advanced -against the nearest fort, when a dog, that stood -sentinel like another Cerberus, barking, awoke -them all; their cry, when they sprung from -their sleep, was dreadful to hear in the silent -night; and thereupon followed a bloody encounter; -many were killed; but we set fire to -their huts, and a high wind caused them to be -quickly consumed; many of the Indians climbed -to the tops of the palisadoes, and were a mark -for the bullets; some of the trees also burning<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130"></a>[130]</span> -threw such a fiery light, that with the howlings, -and cries also, the place was like the pit of -torment. Samson was not in greater distress -by thirst after his exploit upon the Philistines, -than was the mighty Sassacus when his strong -holds were thus burned, and his barbarians dismissed -from a world that was burdened with -them. The next day, as we were returning, -three hundred of the enemy again came up, -like bears bereaved of their young; they fought, -and made a fort of every swamp in the way, -covering their bodies with the green boughs -and the long grass, so that we were sometimes -in the very midst of them, and knew it not, -save by the sudden yell and the volley.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus22" style="max-width: 31.25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus22.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131"></a>[131]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_COOLNESS">INDIAN COOLNESS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Sam Barrow was a famous warrior in Philip’s -war, and for a long time dreaded as a ferocious -enemy by the inhabitants. He was at length -captured by Captain Church at Cape Cod. -Church, in his history, says, that ‘he was as -noted a rogue as any among the enemy.’ -Church told him that the government would -not permit him to grant him quarter, because of -his inhuman murders and barbarities, and -therefore ordered him to prepare for execution. -Barrow replied, that the sentence of death -against him was just, and that indeed he was -ashamed to live any longer, and desired no -more favor than to smoke a whiff of tobacco -before his execution. When he had taken a -few whiffs, he said, ‘I am ready,’ when one of -Church’s Indians, being prepared, sunk his -hatchet into his brains.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus23" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus23.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132"></a>[132]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_GREAT_MASSACRE_OF_VIRGINIA">THE GREAT MASSACRE OF VIRGINIA.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The peace which had subsisted since the -marriage of Pocahontas had lulled the English -into security, and disposed them to extend their -plantations along the banks of the rivers, as far -as the Potomac, in situations too remote from -each other. Their houses were open and free -to the natives, who became acquainted with -their manner of living, their hours of eating, of -labor and repose, the use of their arms and tools, -and frequently borrowed their boats, for the -convenience of fishing and fowling, and to pass -the rivers. This familiarity was pleasing to the -English, as it indicated a spirit of moderation, -which had been always recommended, by the -Company in England, to the planters; and, as -it afforded a favourable symptom of the civilization -and conversion of the natives; but by -them, or their leaders, it was designed to conceal -the most sanguinary intentions.</p> - -<p>In the spring of the next year, (1622) an -opportunity offered, to throw off the mask of -friendship, and kindle their secret enmity into a -blaze. Among the natives who frequently -visited the English, was a tall, handsome, young -chief, renowned for courage and success in war, -and excessively fond of finery in dress. His -Indian name was Nematanow; but by the -English he was called Jack of the Feather. -Coming to the store of one Morgan, he there -viewed several toys and ornaments, which were<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133"></a>[133]</span> -very agreeable to the Indian taste; and persuaded -Morgan to carry them to Pamunky, -where he assured him of an advantageous -traffic. Morgan consented to go with him; but -was murdered by the way.</p> - -<p>In a few days, Nematanow came again to the -store, with Morgan’s cap on his head; and -being interrogated by two stout lads, who -attended there, what was become of their -master, he answered that he was dead. The -boys seized him, and endeavoured to carry him -before a magistrate; but his violent resistance, -and the insolence of his language, so provoked -them, that they shot him. The wound proved -mortal; and when dying, he earnestly requested -of the boys, that the manner of his death might -be concealed from his countrymen, and that he -might be privately buried among the English.</p> - -<p>As soon as this transaction was known, Opechancanough -demanded satisfaction; but being -answered that the retaliation was just, he formed -a plan for a general massacre of the English, -and appointed Friday, the twenty-second day -of March, for its execution; but he dissembled -his resentment to the last moment. Parties of -Indians were distributed through the Colony, to -attack every plantation, at the same hour of the -day, when the men should be abroad and at -work. On the evening before, and on the -morning of that fatal day, the Indians came as -usual to the houses of the English, bringing -game and fish to sell, and sat down with them -to breakfast. So general was the combination,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134"></a>[134]</span> -and so deep the plot, that about one hour before -noon, they fell on the people in the fields and -houses; and, with their own tools and weapons, -killed, indiscriminately, persons of all ages, -sexes and characters; inhumanly mangling their -dead bodies, and triumphing over them, with all -the expressions of frantic joy.</p> - -<p>Where any resistance was made, it was -generally successful. Several houses were defended, -and some few of the assailants slain. -One of Captain Smith’s old soldiers, Nathaniel -Causie, though wounded, split the skull of an -Indian, and put his whole party to flight. -Several other parties were dispersed by the -firing of a single gun, or by the presenting of a -gun, even in the hands of a woman.</p> - -<p>James-Town was preserved by the fidelity -of Chanco, a young Indian convert, who lived -with Richard Pace, and was treated by him as -a son. The brother of this Indian came to lie -with him, the night before the massacre, and revealed -to him the plot, urging him to kill his -master, as he intended to do by his own. As -soon as he was gone in the morning, Chanco -gave notice of what was intended, to his master; -who, having secured his own house, gave the -alarm to his neighbours, and sent an express to -James-Town. Three hundred and forty-nine -people fell in this general massacre; of which -number, six were members of the Council.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135"></a>[135]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="EXPLOIT_OF_CAPTAIN_STANDISH">EXPLOIT OF CAPTAIN STANDISH.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>“The 23d of March (1623) being a yearly -court day, we came to this conclusion; that -Captain Standish should take as many men as -he thought sufficient to make his party good, -against all the Indians in the Massachusetts -Bay; and because it is impossible to deal with -them upon open defiance, but to take them in -such traps as they lay for others; therefore that -he should pretend trade, as at other times; but -first go to the English, and acquaint them with -the plot and the end of his own coming, that by -comparing it with their carriage toward them, -he might better judge of the certainty of it, and -more fitly take opportunity to revenge the same; -but should forbear, if it were possible, till such -time as he could make sure of Wittuwamat, a -bloody and bold villain, whose head he had -orders to bring with him. Upon this, Captain -Standish made choice of eight men, and would -not take more, because he would prevent -jealousy. On the next day, before he could go, -came one of Weston’s company to us with a -pack on his back, who made a pitiful narration -of their lamentable and weak estate, and of the -Indians’ carriage; whose boldness increased -abundantly, insomuch as they would take the -victuals out of their pots, and eat before their -faces; yea, if in any thing they gainsayed them, -they were ready to hold a knife at their breasts. -He said that, to give them content, they had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136"></a>[136]</span> -hanged one of the company, who had stolen -their corn, and yet they regarded it not; that -another of them had turned savage; that their -people had mostly forsaken the town, and made -their rendezvous where they got their victuals, -because they would not take pains to bring it -home; that they had sold their clothes for corn, -and were ready to perish with hunger and cold, -and that they were dispersed into three companies, -having scarcely any powder and shot. -As this relation was grievous to us, so it gave -us good encouragement to proceed; and the -wind coming fair the next day, March 25th, -Captain Standish being now fitted, set forth for -Massachusetts.</p> - -<p>“The Captain being come to Massachusetts, -went first to the ship, but found neither man nor -dog therein. On the discharge of a musket, the -Master and some others shewed themselves, -who were on shore gathering ground-nuts and -other food. After salutation, Captain Standish -asked them how they durst so leave the ship, -and live in such security? they answered, like -men senseless of their own misery, that they -feared not the Indians, but lived and suffered -them to lodge with them, not having sword nor -gun, nor needing the same. To which the -Captain replied, that if there were no cause, he -was glad. But upon further inquiry, understanding -that those in whom John Sanders had -reposed most confidence were at the plantation, -thither he went, and made known the Indians’ -purpose, and the end of his own coming; and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137"></a>[137]</span> -told them that if they durst not stay there, it -was the intention of the Governor and people -of Plymouth, to receive them, till they could be -better provided for. These men answered that -they could expect no better, and it was of God’s -mercy that they were not killed before his -coming, desiring that he would neglect no -opportunity to proceed; hereupon he advised -them to secrecy and to order one third of their -company that were farthest off to come home, -and on pain of death to keep there, himself -allowing them a pint of Indian corn, to a man, -for a day, though that was spared out of our -feed. The weather proving very wet and -stormy, it was the longer before he could do -any thing.</p> - -<p>“In the mean time an Indian came to him -and brought some furs, but rather to get what -he could from the Captain than to trade; and -though the Captain carried things as smoothly -as he could, yet, at his return, the Indian reported -that he saw by his eyes that he was -angry in his heart, and therefore began to suspect -themselves discovered. This caused one -Pecksuot, who was a Pinese (chief) being a man -of a notable spirit to come to Hobamock -(Standish’s Indian guide and interpreter) and -tell him that he understood the Captain was -come to kill himself and the rest of the savages -there: ‘Tell him, said he, we know it, but fear -him not, neither will we shun him; but let him -begin when he dare, he shall not take us at -unawares.’ Many times after, divers of them,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138"></a>[138]</span> -severally or a few together, came to the plantation, -where they would whet and sharpen the -point of their knives before his face, and use -many other insulting gestures and speeches. -Among the rest, Wittuwamat bragged of the -excellency of his knife, on the handle of which -was pictured a woman’s face. ‘But, said he, -I have another at home, wherewith I have -killed both French and English, and that hath a -man’s face on it, and by and by, these two must -be married.’ Further he said of that knife -which he there had, <i>Hinnaim namen, binnaim -michen, matta cuts</i>, that is to say, <i>by and by -it should see, by and by it should eat, but not -speak</i>. Also Pecksuot being a man of greater -stature than the Captain, told him ‘though you -are a great Captain, yet you are but a little -man; though I be no Sachem, yet I am a man -of great strength and courage.’ These things -the Captain observed, but, for the present, bore -them with patience.</p> - -<p>“On the next day, seeing he could not get -many of them together at once, but Pecksuot -and Wittuwamat being together, with another -man and the brother of Wittuwamat a youth -of eighteen, putting many tricks on the weaker -sort of men, and having about as many of his -own men in the same room, the Captain gave -the word to his men; and the door being fast -shut, he begun himself with Pecksuot and -snatching the knife from his neck, after much -struggling killed him therewith; the rest killed -Wittuwamat and the other man; the youth<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139"></a>[139]</span> -they took and hanged. It is incredible, how -many wounds these men received, before they -died, not making any fearful noise, but catching -at their weapons, and striving to the last. Hobamock -stood by as a spectator, observing how -our men demeaned themselves in the action; -which being ended, he, smiling, brake forth and -said, ‘Yesterday Pecksuot bragged of his own -strength and stature, and told you that though -you were a great Captain, yet you were but a -little man; but, to-day, I see you are big enough -to lay him on the ground.’</p> - -<p>“There being some women, at the same time -there, Captain Standish left them, in the custody -of Weston’s people, at the town; and sent word -to another company, to kill those Indian men -that were among them. These killed two more; -himself with some of his own men, went to -another place and killed another; but through -the negligence of one man, an Indian escaped, -who discovered and crossed their proceedings.</p> - -<p>“Captain Standish took one half of his men -with one or two of Weston’s and Hobamock, -still seeking them. At length they espied a file -of Indians, making toward them; and, there -being a small advantage in the ground, by -reason of a hill, both companies strove for it. -Captain Standish got it; whereupon the Indians -retreated, and took each man his tree, letting -fly their arrows amain, especially at himself and -Hobamock. Whereupon Hobamock cast off -his coat, and chased them so fast, that our -people were not able to hold way with him.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140"></a>[140]</span> -They could have but one certain mark, the arm -and half the face of a notable villain, as he -drew his bow at Captain Standish, who with -another, both discharged at him, and brake his -arm. Whereupon, they fled into a swamp; -when they were in the thicket, they parlied but -got nothing but foul language. So our Captain -dared the Sachem to come out and fight like a -man, showing how base and woman-like he -was, in tonguing it as he did; but he refused -and fled. So the Captain returned to the plantation; -where he released the women and took -not their beaver coats from them, nor suffered -the least discourtesy to be offered them.</p> - -<p>“Now were Weston’s people resolved to -leave the plantation, and go to Monhegan, -hoping to get passage and return to England -with the fishing ships. The Captain told them, -that for his own part, he durst live there with -fewer men than they were; yet since they were -otherwise minded, according to his orders from -the Governor and people of Plymouth, he would -help them with corn, which he did, scarce -leaving himself more than brought them home. -Some of them disliked to go to Monhegan; -and desiring to go with him to Plymouth, he -took them into the shallop; and seeing the -others set sail, and clear of Massachusetts Bay, -he took leave and returned to Plymouth, bringing -the head of Wittuwamat, which was set -up on the fort.</p> - -<p>“This sudden and unexpected execution, -hath so terrified and amazed the other people<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141"></a>[141]</span> -who intended to join with the Massachusencks -against us, that they forsook their houses, -running to and fro like men distracted; living -in swamps, and other desert places, and so -brought diseases upon themselves, whereof -many are dead; as Canacum, Sachem of Manomet; -Aspinet, of Nauset; and Ianough, of -Matachiest. This Sachem, (Ianough) in the -midst of these distractions, said, ‘the God of -the English was offended with them, and would -destroy them in his anger.’ From one of -these places, a boat was sent with presents to -the Governor, hoping thereby to work their -peace; but the boat was lost, and three of the -people drowned; only one escaped, who returned; -so that none of them durst come -among us.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus24" style="max-width: 31.25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus24.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142"></a>[142]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="SINGULAR_EXPEDIENT_OF_COLUMBUS">SINGULAR EXPEDIENT OF COLUMBUS</h2> - -</div> - -<p>In one of his later voyages at sea he met -with tempestuous weather of long continuance, -in which his ships were so shattered, that with -the utmost difficulty he kept them above water, -till he ran them ashore on the island of Jamaica. -By his extraordinary address, he procured -from the natives two of their largest canoes; -in which two of his most faithful friends, -Mendez and Fiesco, accompanied by some of -his sailors and a few Indians, embarked for -Hispaniola. After encountering the greatest -difficulties in their passage, they carried tidings -of his misfortune to Ovando, and solicited his -aid. The merciless wretch detained them eight -months, without an answer; during which -time, Columbus suffered the severest hardships, -from the discontent of his company, and the -want of provisions. By the hospitality of the -natives, he at first received such supplies, as -they were able to spare; but the long continuance -of these guests had diminished their store, -and the insolence of the mutineers gave a check -to their friendship. In this extremity, the fertile -invention of Columbus suggested an expedient -which proved successful. He knew that -a total eclipse of the moon was at hand, which -would be visible in the evening. On the preceding -day, he sent for the principal Indians, to -speak with them, on a matter of the utmost importance. -Being assembled, he directed his interpreter<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143"></a>[143]</span> -to tell them, that the God of heaven, -whom he worshipped, was angry with them, -for withholding provision from him, and would -punish them with famine and pestilence; as a -token of which, the moon would, in the evening, -appear of an angry and bloody colour. -Some of them received his speech with terror, -and others with indifference; but when the -moon rose, and the eclipse increased as she advanced -from the horizon, they came in crowds, -loaded with provision, and begged the Admiral -to intercede with his God, for the removal of -his anger. Columbus retired to his cabin; and -when the eclipse began to go off, he came out -and told them, that he had prayed to his God, -and had received this answer; that if they -would be good for the future, and bring him -provision as he should want, God would forgive -them; and as a token of it, the moon -would put on her usual brightness. They gave -him thanks, and promised compliance; and -whilst he remained on the island there was no -more want of provision.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus25" style="max-width: 31.25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus25.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144"></a>[144]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="ADVENTURES_OF_JAMES_CARTIER_IN_CANADA">ADVENTURES OF JAMES CARTIER IN CANADA.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>After spending some time in exploring the -northern coast, to find an opening to the northward; -in the beginning of September, 1535, he -sailed up the river St. Lawrence and discovered -several islands; one of which, from the multitude -of filberts, he called Coudres; and another, -from the vast quantity of grapes, he -named Bacchus, (now Orleans.) This island -was full of inhabitants who subsisted by fishing.</p> - -<p>When the ships had come to anchor between -the N. W. side of the island and the main, Cartier -went on shore with his two young Savages. -The people of the country were at first afraid -of them; but hearing the youths speak to them -in their own language, they became sociable, -and brought eels and other fish, with a quantity -of Indian corn in ears, for the refreshment -of their new guests; in return for which, they -were presented with such European baubles as -were pleasing to them.</p> - -<p>The next day, Donacona, the prince of the -place, came to visit them, attended by twelve -boats; but, keeping ten of them at a distance, -he approached with two only, containing sixteen -men. In the true spirit of hospitality, he -made a speech, accompanied with significant -gestures, welcoming the French to his country -and offering his service to them. The young -savages, Taignoagni and Domagaia answered -him, reporting all which they had seen in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145"></a>[145]</span> -France, at which he appeared to be pleased. -Then approaching the Captain, who held out -his hand, he kissed it, and laid it round his own -neck, in token of friendship. Cartier, on his -part, entertained Donacona with bread and -wine, and they parted mutually pleased.</p> - -<p>The next day Cartier went up in his boat to -find a harbour for his ships; the season being -so far advanced that it became necessary to secure -them. At the west end of the isle of -Bacchus, he found “a goodly and pleasant -sound, where is a little river and haven; about -three fathom deep at high water.” To this he -gave the name of St. Croix, and determined -there to lay up his ships.</p> - -<p>Near this place was a village called Stadacona, -of which Donacona was the Lord. It -was environed with forest trees, some of which -bore fruit; and under the trees, was a growth -of wild hemp. As Cartier was returning to his -ships, he had another specimen of the hospitable -manners of the natives. A company of -people, of both sexes, met him on the shore of -the little river, singing and dancing up to their -knees in water. In return for their courtesy, -he gave them knives and beads; and they continued -their music till he was beyond hearing it.</p> - -<p>When Cartier had brought his ships to the -harbour and secured them, he intimated his intention -to pass in his boats up the river to Hochelaga. -Donacona was loath to part with -him; and invented several artifices to prevent -his going thither. Among others, he contrived<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146"></a>[146]</span> -to dress three of his men in black and white -skins, with horns on their heads, and their faces -besmeared with coal, to make them resemble -infernal spirits. They were put into a canoe -and passed by the ships; brandishing their -horns and making an unintelligible harangue. -Donacona, with his people, pursued and took -them, on which they fell down as if dead. -They were carried ashore into the woods, and -all the savages followed them. A long discourse -ensued, and the conclusion of the farce -was, that these demons had brought news from -the God of Hochelaga, that his country was so -full of snow and ice, that whoever should adventure -thither would perish with the cold. -The artifice afforded diversion to the French, -but was too thin to deceive them. Cartier determined -to proceed; and on the 19th of September, -with his pinnace and two boats, began -his voyage up the river to Hochelaga.</p> - -<p>Among the woods on the margin of the river -were many vines loaded with ripe grapes, than -which nothing could be a more welcome sight -to Frenchmen, though the fruit was not so delicious -as they had been used to taste in their -own country. Along the banks were many -huts of the natives; who made signs of joy as -they passed; presented them with fish; piloted -them through narrow channels; carried them -ashore on their backs, and helped them to get -off their boats when aground. Some presented -their children to them, and such as were of -proper age were accepted.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147"></a>[147]</span></p> - -<p>The water at that time of the year being -low, their passage was rendered difficult; but -by the friendly assistance of the natives they -surmounted the obstructions. On the 28th of -September they passed the rapids between the -islands in the upper part of the lake Angoleme, -(now called St. Peter’s) and on the second -of October they arrived at the island of Hochelaga; -where they had been expected, and -preparations were made to give them a welcome -reception. About a thousand persons -came to meet them, singing and dancing, the -men on one side, the women on the other, and -the children in a distinct body. Presents of -fish and other victuals were brought, and in return -were given knives, beads and other trinkets. -The Frenchmen lodged the first night in -their boats, and the natives watched on the -shore, dancing round their fires during the -whole night.</p> - -<p>The next morning Cartier, with twenty-five -of his company, went to visit the town, and -were met on the way by a person of distinction, -who bade them welcome. To him they gave -two hatchets and two knives, and hung over -his neck a cross which they taught him to kiss. -As they proceeded, they passed through groves -of oak, from which the acorns were fallen and -lay thick on the ground. After this they came -to fields of ripe corn, some of which was gathered. -In the midst of these fields was situate -the town of Hochelaga.</p> - -<p>It was of a round form, encompassed with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148"></a>[148]</span> -three lines of palisades, through which was -one entrance, well secured with stakes and bars. -On the inside was a rampart of timber, to -which were ascents by ladders, and heaps of -stones were laid in proper places for defence. -In the town were about fifty long huts built -with stakes and covered with bark. In the -middle of each hut was a fire, round which -were lodging places, floored with bark and -covered with skins. In the upper part was a -scaffold, on which they dried and preserved -their corn. To prepare it for eating, they -pounded it in wooden mortars, and having -mixed it with water, baked it on hot stones. -Besides corn they had beans, squashes and -pumpkins. They dried their fish and preserved -them in troughs. These people lived chiefly -by tillage and fishing, and seldom went far -from home. Those on the lower parts of the -river were more given to hunting, and considered -the Lord of Hochelaga as their sovereign, -to whom they paid tribute.</p> - -<p>When the new guests were conducted to an -open square in the centre of the town, the females -came to them, rubbing their hands and -faces, weeping with joy at their arrival, and -bringing their children to be touched by the -strangers. They spread mats for them on the -ground, whilst the men seated themselves in a -large circle on the outside. The King was then -brought in a litter, on the shoulders of ten men, -and placed on a mat next to the French Captain. -He was about fifty years old, and had no<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149"></a>[149]</span> -mark of distinction but a coronet made of porcupine’s -quills dyed red; which he took off -and gave to the Captain, requesting him to rub -his arms and legs which were trembling with a -palsy. Several persons, blind, lame, and withered -with age, were also brought to be touched; -as if they supposed that their new guests were -messengers from heaven invested with a power -of healing diseases. Cartier gratified them as -well as he could, by laying his hands on them -and repeating some devotional passages from a -service book, which he had in his pocket; accompanying -his ejaculations with significant -gestures, and lifting up his eyes to heaven. The -natives attentively observed and imitated all his -motions.</p> - -<p>Having performed this ceremony, he desired -men, women and children to arrange themselves -in separate bodies. To the men he gave -hatchets, to the women beads, and to the children -rings. He then ordered his drums and -trumpets to sound, which highly pleased the -company and set them to dancing.</p> - -<p>Being desirous of ascending the hill, under -which the town was built, the natives conducted -them to the summit; where they were -entertained with a most extensive and beautiful -prospect of mountains, woods, islands and waters. -They observed the course of the river -above, and some falls of water in it; and the -natives informed them that they might sail on -it for three months; that it ran through two or -three great lakes, beyond which was a sea of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150"></a>[150]</span> -fresh water, to which they knew of no bounds; -and that on the other side of the mountains -there was another river which ran in a contrary -direction to the south-west, through a country -full of delicious fruits and free from snow and -ice; that there was found such metal as the -Captain’s <i>silver</i> whistle and the haft of a dagger -belonging to one of the company which -was gilt with <i>gold</i>. Being shown some copper, -they pointed to the northward, and said it -came from Saguenay. To this hill Cartier gave -the name of <i>Montreal</i>, which it has ever since -retained.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus26" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus26.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151"></a>[151]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="MILLY_FRANCIS">MILLY FRANCIS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Duncan M’Krimmon, (a resident of Milledgeville, -a Georgia militia man, stationed at Fort -Gadsden,) being out one morning on a fishing -excursion, in attempting to return, missed his -way, and was several days lost in the surrounding -wilderness. After wandering about in -various directions he was espied and captured -by a party of hostile Indians, headed by the -well known prophet Francis. The Indians -having obtained the satisfaction they wanted -respecting the determination of government, the -position of the American army, &c. they began -to prepare for the intended sacrifice. M’Krimmon -was bound to a stake, and the ruthless -savages having shaved his head and reduced -his body to a state of nudity, formed themselves -into a circle and danced round him some hours, -yelling most horribly. The youngest daughter -of the prophet, about fifteen years of age, remained -sad and silent the whole time. She -participated not in the general joy, but was -evidently, even to the affrighted prisoner, much -pained at the savage scene she was compelled -to witness. When the burning torches were -about to be applied to the fagots which encompassed -the prisoner, and the fatal tomahawk -was raised to terminate forever his mortal -existence, Milly Francis, (for that was her -name,) like an angel of mercy, placed herself -between it and death, resolutely bidding the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152"></a>[152]</span> -astonished executioner, if he thirsted for human -blood, to shed hers; being determined, she said, -not to survive the prisoner’s death. A momentary -pause was produced by this unexpected -occurrence, and she took advantage of the -circumstance to implore upon her knees the pity -of the ferocious father, who finally yielded to -her wishes; with the intention, however, it is -suspected, of murdering them both, if he could -not sell M’Krimmon to the Spaniards; which -was luckily effected a few days after at St. -Marks, for seven gallons and a half of rum. -As long as M’Krimmon remained a prisoner -his benefactress continued to show him acts of -kindness. The fortune of war since placed her -in the power of the white people, being compelled, -with a number of others of her tribe -who were in a starving condition, to surrender -themselves prisoners. As soon as this fact was -known to M’Krimmon, in manifestation of a -due sense of the obligation which he owed to -the woman who saved his life, at the hazard of -her own, he sought her to alleviate her misfortune, -and to offer her marriage; but Milly would -not consent to become his wife as a consideration -of having saved his life, declaring that she did -no more than her duty, and that her intercessions -were the same as they would ever have been -on similar occasions.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153"></a>[153]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="ADVENTURES_OF_SIMON_BUTLER_AMONG_THE_INDIANS">ADVENTURES OF SIMON BUTLER AMONG THE INDIANS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Simon Kenton, <i>alias</i> Butler, from humble -beginnings, made himself conspicuous by distinguished -services and achievements, in the -first settlement of this country, and ought to be -recorded as one of the patriarchs of Kentucky. -He was born in Virginia, in 1753. He grew to -maturity without being able to read or write; -but from his early exploits, he seems to have -been endowed with feelings, which the educated, -and those born in the upper walks of -life appear to suppose a monopoly reserved for -themselves. It is recorded of him, that at the -age of nineteen he had a violent contest with -another competitor for the favour of the lady -of his love. She refused to make an election -between them; and the subject of this notice -indignantly exiled himself from his native -place. After various peregrinations on the long -rivers of the west, he fixed himself in Kentucky, -and soon became a distinguished partizan -against the savages. In 1774, he joined -himself to Lord Dunmore, and was appointed -one of his spies. He made various excursions, -and performed important services in this employ. -He finally selected a place for improvement -on the site where Washington now is. -Returning one day from hunting, he found one -of his companions slain by the Indians, and his -body thrown into the fire. He left Washington<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154"></a>[154]</span> -in consequence, and joined himself to Colonel -Clark in his fortunate and gallant expedition -against Vincennes and Kaskaskia. He was -sent by that commander with despatches for -Kentucky. He passed through the streets of -Vincennes, then in possession of the British -and Indians, without discovery. Arriving at -White river, he and his party made a raft, on -which to cross with their guns and baggage, -driving their horses into the river, and compelling -them to swim it. A party of Indians -was concealed on the opposite bank, who took -possession of the horses as they mounted the -bank, after crossing the river. Butler and his -company seeing this, continued to float down -the river on their raft, without coming to land. -They concealed themselves in the bushes until -night, when they crossed the river, pursued -their journey, and delivered their despatches.</p> - -<p>After this, Butler made a journey of discovery -to the northern regions of the Ohio -country, and was made prisoner by the Indians. -They painted him black, as is their custom, -when a victim is devoted to torture; and -informed him that he was destined to be burned -at Chillicothe. Meanwhile, for their own amusement, -and as a prelude to his torture, they manacled -him hand and foot, placed him on an -unbridled and unbroken horse, and turned the -animal loose, driving it off at its utmost speed, -with shouts, delighted with witnessing its mode -of managing under its living burden. The -horse, unable to shake off this new and strange<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155"></a>[155]</span> -incumbrance, made for the thickest covert of -woods and brambles, with the speed of the -winds. It is easy to conjecture the position and -sufferings of the victim. The terrified animal -exhausted itself in fruitless efforts to shake off -its load, and worn down and subdued, brought -Butler back to the camp amidst the exulting -yells of the savages.</p> - -<p>Having arrived within a mile of Chillicothe, -they halted, took Butler from his horse, and -tied him to a stake, where he remained twenty-four -hours in one position. He was taken from -the stake to ‘run the gauntlet.’ The Indian -mode of managing this kind of torture was as -follows: The inhabitants of the tribe, old and -young, were placed in parallel lines, armed -with clubs and switches. The victim was to -make his way to the council house, through -these files, every member of which struggled to -beat him, as he passed, as severely as possible. -If he reached the council house alive, he was -to be spared. In the lines were nearly six -hundred Indians, and Butler had to make his -way almost a mile in the endurance of this infernal -sport. He was started by a blow; but -soon broke through the files, and had almost -reached the council house, when a stout warrior -knocked him down with a club. He was -severely beaten in this position, and taken back -again into custody.</p> - -<p>It seems incredible, that they sometimes rescued -their prisoners from these tortures, adopted -them, and treated them with the utmost lenity<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156"></a>[156]</span> -and even kindness. At other times, ingenuity -was exhausted to invent tortures, and every renewed -endurance of the victim seemed to stimulate -their vengeance to new discoveries of -cruelty. Butler was one of these ill-fated subjects. -No way satisfied with what they had -done, they marched him from village to village, -to give all a spectacle of his sufferings. He ran -the gauntlet thirteen times. He made various -attempts to escape; and in one instance would -have effected it, had he not been arrested by -some savages who were accidentally returning -to the village from which he was escaping. It -was finally determined to burn him at the lower -Sandusky, but an apparent accident changed -his destiny.</p> - -<p>In passing to the stake, the procession went -by the cabin of Simon Girty, who had just returned -from an unsuccessful expedition to the -frontiers of Pennsylvania. The wretch burned -with disappointment and revenge; and hearing -that there was a white man going to the torture, -determined to wreak his vengeance on -him. He found the unfortunate Butler, threw -him to the ground, and began to beat him. -Butler, who instantly recognized in Girty a former -companion of his youth, made himself -known to him. His savage heart relented. He -raised him up, and promised to use his influence -to save him. Girty had a council called, -and he moved the savages to give Butler up to -him. He took the unfortunate man home, fed, -and clothed him, and Butler began to recruit<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157"></a>[157]</span> -from his wounds and torture. But the relenting -of the savages in his favour was only momentary. -After five days, they repented of -their relaxation in his favour, reclaimed him, -and marched him to Lower Sandusky to be -burned, according to their original purpose. By -a surprising coincidence, he there met the Indian -agent from Detroit, who from motives of -humanity, exerted his influence with the savages -for his release, and took him with him to -Detroit. Here he was paroled by the governor. -He escaped, and by a march of thirty days -through the wilderness, reached Kentucky.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus27" style="max-width: 31.25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus27.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158"></a>[158]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INGENUITY_IN_TORTURE">INGENUITY IN TORTURE.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>An instance of the keenness of Indian ingenuity, -in the invention of original modes of -torture, is given in Flint’s Indian Wars. The -Indians captured a young man of the name of -Moses Hewitt, who lived on the Little Hock -hocking, and was a member of the Marietta -settlement. He was remarkable for the suppleness -of his limbs, and the swiftness of his -running. The Indians tested him with their -champion racers, and, although he could not -have run with much spirit, under his depressing -circumstances, he easily vanquished them all in -swiftness. They affected to be pleased, but -their envy was piqued. They were destitute -of provisions, and wished to secure their swift-footed -prisoner, while they were occupied in -their hunt. With this view, and probably to -torture him at the same time, they fastened his -wrists by crossing them, and binding them -firmly with a cord. They then tied his arms to -a stake, so as partly to raise the upper part of -his body. They fastened his legs in the same -way, and partly cut off a young sapling, bending -it down, so that the weight of the lower -part of his body would be a counterpoise to the -elastic force of the curved tree. Thus was he -partially raised by his hands and feet, in a way -most horribly painful; and yet in a position -where death would be slow in arriving to his -release. It was like the torture of killing by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159"></a>[159]</span> -dropping water on the head. Fortunately the -young man had remarkably slender wrist bones. -When left alone to meditate upon his terrible -situation, he contrived, not without disengaging -the skin and flesh from his wrists, to disentangle -his arms from their manacles, and finally his -legs. He picked up a little of the scraps of -jerked meat, which the Indians had left. To -baffle their pursuit and that of their dogs, he -ran on the bodies of fallen trees, and meandered -his course in every direction. Such was the -adroitness of his management, that he put them -completely at fault, escaped them, and came in -to the settlement of Marietta, wounded, his -flesh torn and mangled, and emaciated to a -skeleton—a living proof how much man can -survive before he suffers the mortal pang. He -had been absent fourteen days.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus28" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus28.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160"></a>[160]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="OSCEOLA">OSCEOLA.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>On one occasion, Osceola acted as guide to a -party of horsemen, and finding that, at starting, -they proceeded slowly, he enquired the cause. -On being told that it was on his account, with -one of those smiles he alone can give, he bade -them proceed more rapidly. They put spurs to -their steeds, and he, a-foot, kept up with them -during the entire route, nor did he exhibit the -slightest symptoms of fatigue, at the close of -day, but arrived at the point proposed, as early -as the mounted body. To Col. Gadsden, sole -Commissioner at the Treaty of Payne’s Landing, -Osceola rendered good service, at the head of -thirty or forty warriors, posting himself nearer -to the Colonel’s position than the other Indians, -and saying, he was more like the white man -than they. He did not sign the treaty then and -there made, nor did he refuse so to do. The -fact is, he was never asked to subscribe his -name thereto, being at that time, but a Tustenugge -and of little note. This treaty must not -be confounded with the subsequent agreement -that Osceola finally signed, and into which he -is said to have plunged his knife, when called -on for his signature. The negotiations at -Payne’s landing were in the time of Tuckasee -Emathla, or the Ground Mole Warrior, Chief -of the Micasuky tribe. At that date it was not -known of Powell, as Cotton Mather says of -Roger Williams, that “the whole country was -soon like to be set on fire by the rapid motion -of a wind mill in the head of this one man.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161"></a>[161]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="GRATITUDE_OF_OSCEOLA">GRATITUDE OF OSCEOLA.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Osceola’s agency, and that of his Lieutenant -Tom, in Omathla’s death, and his killing Gen. -Thompson, with the rifle presented him by the -General, militate against the favourable estimate -of his character. But that all his goodly -feelings were not utterly eradicated, is proven -by an incident, in the interview with Gen. -Gaines’ command. On that occasion, Osceola -anxiously inquired after Lieut. John Grahame, -and on being informed that he was wounded, -stoutly denied it. On being asked why he was -so positive that Lieut. G. was unhurt, he replied -that he had imperatively ordered his people -never to molest that young man, and he knew -no one who would dare disobey him; none -should, and live! It was then admitted, that -though the brothers, Grahame, had been wounded, -yet Lt. G. had escaped injury; at which -admission Osceola greatly joyed. It seems that -Powell has a little daughter, to whom Lt. G. -was kind, and had presented with frocks, in -which the young girl, who grew very fond of -him, always insisted on being dressed, whenever -she perceived Lieut. G. (for whom she often -looked out) coming to visit her. Osceola’s -motive in sparing Lieut. G. was gratitude for -attention to his child, which he also endeavored -to repay by teaching the Lieut. the Indian -language, for he spoke a little English, and was -very intelligent.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162"></a>[162]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_CROWNING_OF_POWHATAN">THE CROWNING OF POWHATAN.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The Virginia company in London, deceived -by false reports, and misled by their own sanguine -imaginations, had conceived an expectation -not only of finding precious metals in the -country, but of discovering the South Sea, from -the mountains at the head of James-river; and -it was thought, that the journey thither, might -be performed in eight or ten days. For the -purpose of making this capital discovery, they -put on board Newport’s ship, a barge capable -of being taken to pieces, and put together again -at pleasure. This barge was to make a voyage -to the head of the river, then to be carried in -pieces across the mountains, and to descend the -rivers which were supposed to run westward -to the South Sea. To facilitate this plan, it was -necessary to gain the favour of Powhatan, -through whose country the passage must be -made; and as means of winning him, a royal -present was brought over, consisting of a bason -and ewer, a bed and furniture, a chair of state, -a suit of scarlet clothes, with a cloak and a -crown, all which were to be presented to him -in due form; and the crown placed on his head, -with as much solemnity as possible. To a -person who knew the country and its inhabitants -so well as Smith, this project appeared chimerical, -and the means whereby it was to be carried -on, dangerous. With a small quantity of -copper and a few beads, he could have kept<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163"></a>[163]</span> -Powhatan in good humour, and made an advantage -of it for the colony, whereas a profusion -of presents he knew would but increase his -pride and insolence. The project of travelling -over unknown mountains with men already -weakened by sickness, and worn out with -fatigue, in a hot climate, and in the midst of -enemies, who might easily cut off their retreat, -was too romantic even for his sanguine and adventurous -spirit. His opinion upon the matter -cannot be expressed in more pointed language, -than he used in a letter to the company. “If -the quartered boat was burned to ashes, <i>one</i> -might carry her in a bag, but as she is, five -hundred cannot, to a navigable place above the -falls.” His dissent however was ineffectual, -and when he found that the voice of the council -was for executing it, he lent his assistance to -effect as much of it as was practicable.</p> - -<p>Previously to their setting out, he undertook, -with four men only, to carry notice to Powhatan -of the intended present, and invite him to come -to James-Town, that he might receive it there. -Having travelled by land twelve miles to Werocomoco, -on Pamunky (York) river, where he -expected to meet Powhatan, and not finding -him there, whilst a messenger was dispatched -thirty miles for him; his daughter Pocahontas, -entertained Smith and his company with a -dance, which for its singularity, merits a particular -description.</p> - -<p>In an open plain, a fire being made, the -gentlemen were seated by it. Suddenly a noise<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164"></a>[164]</span> -was heard in the adjacent wood, which made -them fly to their arms, and seize on two or -three old men, as hostages for their own security, -imagining that they were betrayed. Upon this -the young princess came running to Smith, and -passionately embracing him, offered herself to -be killed, if any harm should happen to him -or his company. Her assurances, seconded by -all the Indians present, removed their fears. -The noise which had alarmed them, was made -by thirty girls, who were preparing for the intended -ceremony. Immediately they made -their appearance, with no other covering than a -girdle of green leaves and their skins painted, -each one of a different colour. Their leader -had a pair of buck’s horns on her head, an -otter’s skin as her girdle, and another on one -arm; a bow and arrow in the other hand, and -a quiver at her back. The rest of them had -horns on their heads, and a wooden sword or -staff in their hands. With shouting and singing, -they formed a ring round the fire, and performed -a circular dance for about an hour, after which -they retired in the same order as they had advanced. -The dance was followed by a feast, -at which the savage nymphs were as eager with -their caresses as with their attendance; and this -being ended, they conducted the gentlemen to -their lodging by the light of fire brands.</p> - -<p>The next day Powhatan arrived, and Smith -delivered the message from his father, Newport -(as he always called him) to this effect. “That -he had brought him from the King of England,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165"></a>[165]</span> -a royal present, and wished to see him at James-Town, -that he might deliver it to him; promising -to assist him in prosecuting his revenge -against the Monacans, whose country they -would penetrate even to the sea beyond the -mountains.” To which the savage prince with -equal subtility and haughtiness, answered, “If -your King has sent me a present, I also am a -King, and am on my own land. I will stay -here eight days. Your father must come to me, -I will not go to him, nor to your fort. As for -the Monacans, I am able to revenge myself. -If you have heard of salt water beyond the -mountains, from any of my people, they have -deceived you.” Then with a stick he drew a -plan of that region on the ground; and after -many compliments the conference ended.</p> - -<p>The present being put on board the boats, -was carried down James-river and up the Pamunky, -whilst Newport, with fifty men, went -across by land and met the boats, in which he -passed the river, and held the proposed interview. -All things being prepared for the ceremony -of coronation, the present was brought -from the boats; the bason and ewer were deposited, -the bed and chair were set up, the -scarlet suit and cloak were put on, though not -till Namontac (an Indian youth whom Newport -had carried to England and brought back again) -had assured him that these habiliments would -do him no harm; but they had great difficulty -in persuading him to receive the crown, nor -would he bend his knee, or incline his head in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166"></a>[166]</span> -the least degree. After many attempts, and -with actual pressing on his shoulders, they at -last made him stoop a little and put it on. -Instantly, a signal being given, the men in the -boats fired a volley, at which the monarch -started with horror, imagining that a design -was forming to destroy him in the summit of -his glory; but being assured that it was meant -as a compliment, his fear subsided, and in -return for the baubles of royalty received from -King James, he desired Newport to present him -his old fur mantle and deer skin shoes, which in -his estimation were doubtless a full equivalent; -since all this finery could not prevail on the wary -chief to allow them guides for the discovery of -the inland country, or to approve their design -of visiting it. Thus disappointed they returned -to James-Town, determined to proceed without -his assistance.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp95" id="illus29" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus29.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus30" style="max-width: 43.75em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus30.jpg" alt=""> - <p class="caption">Florida Indians.</p> - <p class="caption-r"><a href="#Page_167">Page 167.</a></p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167"></a>[167]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_FLORIDA_INDIANS">THE FLORIDA INDIANS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The Palarches, Eamuses and Kaloosas, were -the ancient possessors of Florida, and are all -extinct. The present Florida Indians are the -remains of that ancient and warlike tribe on -the Mississippi, which being almost extirpated -by the French, retreated along the Northern -coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and united with -broken bands of Biloxies, Red Sticks, and runaway -Creeks, called Seminoles. The largest -portion of these Indians are Lower Creeks, and -are of the most dissolute, daring, and abandoned -of that tribe.</p> - -<p>The word Seminole signifies a wanderer or -runaway, or it means a wild people or outsettlers, -the ancestors of the tribe having detached -themselves from the main body of the Creeks, -and dwelt remotely, wherever the inducements -of more game, or greater scope for freedom of -action, might casually lead them. They settled -in Florida about 115 years ago.</p> - -<p>That this is the period of their becoming a -separate community, is confirmed by the connection -of their history with that of the Yemasees, -of whom there occur frequent notices in -the account of the early settlement of Georgia -and South Carolina.</p> - -<p>In a talk, which the Seminoles about the -year 1820, transmitted to the American government, -they say, alluding to their ancient independence: -“An hundred summers have seen<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168"></a>[168]</span> -the Seminole warrior reposing undisturbed under -the shade of his live oak, and the suns of -an hundred winters have risen on his ardent -pursuit of the buck and the bear, with none to -question his bounds, or dispute his range.”</p> - -<p>The greater part of East Florida appears to -have been originally in possession of the Yemasees—a -powerful people, who not only occupied -this province, but spread themselves -over Georgia, and into the limits of South -Carolina, which on its first demarcation was -bounded on the South by the Altamaha. Some -of the tribes resided within the present limits -of that State, in and about Beaufort and Savannah -River, and also the Sea Islands. Bartram -relates that these people, after a hardy -contest, and many bloody defeats, were nearly -exterminated by their ancient enemies the -Creeks, who had a tradition, that a beautiful -race of Indians, whose women they called -Daughters of the Sun, resided amidst the recesses -of the great Oakefanokee wilderness, -where they enjoyed perpetual felicity, in ever -blooming islands, inaccessible to human approach.</p> - -<p>Bartram with probability supposes, that this -fable took its rise from a fugitive remnant of -the Yemasees, who found a refuge in this -swamp, and were perhaps, after a lapse of -years, accidentally seen by some of the hunters -of the Creek nation.</p> - -<p>There is frequent mention, in the early colonial -history of South Carolina of wars between<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169"></a>[169]</span> -the first settlers and the Yemasees, the latter -having been excited to attack the Colony by -the Spanish authorities in St. Augustine.</p> - -<p>A formidable war was kindled by these people, -which would have proved destructive to -the infant settlement of Carolina, had not timely -intimation of the danger been obtained by -means of one of the outsettlers to whom Sanute, -a chief of the hostile Indians, from a feeling -of friendship, gave notice of the impending -attack. On this occasion the Indians were defeated -by Gov. Grant, and driven out of the -province. Dr. Ramsay mentions that the Yemasees -retired into Florida, to which country -they seem to have been subsequently restricted -by the increasing power of the whites, and by -the Creeks. No further mention of them occurs, -until the Seminoles came into notice, by -whom they were conquered, and nearly exterminated, -in 1721, in the manner mentioned by -Bartram. When in the year 1715, the Yemasees -were driven within the limits of Florida, -they became slaves to the Seminoles. Another -account states, that the Yemasees left St. Augustine -in a body, in 1722; or rather were expelled -by the Spaniards, who essayed in vain -to compel them to labours which were regarded -as degrading drudgeries by the warriors of -Yemasee.</p> - -<p>The Yemasees were remarkably black people, -and the Ocklewahaw tribe, who are of a -deeper shade than the Seminoles, are descendants -of the conquered race. The chief of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170"></a>[170]</span> -Ocklewahaws, Yaha Hadgo, who was killed by -General Shelton in the campaign of ’36, was -very dark; but generally, the Seminole’s complexion -is like that of the Creeks.</p> - -<p>Under King Payne, grandfather of Micconope, -(the present Chief) the Seminoles invaded -and achieved the conquest of the territories -they lately occupied. He lived to near 100 -years of age, and married a Yemasee woman, -his slave, by whom he had the late chief Payne, -who bore, in the darkness of his complexion, a -proof of his Yemasee descent.</p> - -<p>The Indians were formerly very numerous -in Florida, perhaps as much so as in Mexico. -They are now reduced to comparatively small -bands, in few villages.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp80" id="illus31" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus31.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171"></a>[171]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="GENERAL_JACKSONS_CONQUEST_OF_THE_INDIANS">GENERAL JACKSON’S CONQUEST OF THE INDIANS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>An artful impostor, Tecumseh of the Shawnees, -a man of most extraordinary abilities and -consummate address, conceived the bold design -of an union of the red against the white population -of America, under a hope that by a general -and continued assault along the whole line -of our frontiers, the future extension of settlements -might be checked, if the present inhabitants -could not be driven into the ocean. Assuming -the attributes of a prophet, and, among -other things, assisted by the fortuitous occurrence -of an earthquake, of which he had hazarded -a prediction, a confidence began to be -reposed in the sacredness of his character and -mission. A majority of the Creek nation were -enlisted in his cause, and the storm of an exterminating -savage war hung over the West. -Its first explosion was on Fort Mims, a rude -stockade defence, into which the Southern inhabitants -of Alabama had lately retreated for -security. More than 300 persons, including -women and children, fell victims to savage barbarity. -“The slaughter was indiscriminate; -mercy was extended to none, and the tomahawk -often transfixed mother and child at the -same stroke. But seventeen of the whole number -in the fort, escaped to give intelligence of -the dreadful catastrophe.” In the midst of an -alarm which such an inhuman outrage was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172"></a>[172]</span> -calculated to excite, the eyes of Tennessee were -turned on Jackson. Though confined at this -period to his house by a fractured arm, his -characteristic firmness did not desert him, and -he cheerfully yielded to a second call for his -services in the cause of his country. Two -thousand militia were ordered to assemble at -Fayetteville in Tennessee, in addition to five -hundred cavalry previously raised under the -command of Gen. Coffee.</p> - -<p>The alarming accounts of the concentration -of the forces of the enemy, with a view of deluging -the frontier in blood, compelled General -Jackson (though individually in a most disabled -state of body) to take the field before the ranks -of his army had been filled, or his troops organized.</p> - -<p>With this undisciplined force, he prepared for -active operations; but the wisest dispositions -were counteracted, and all his movements embarrassed, -by the failure of unfeeling and speculating -contractors.</p> - -<p>The enemy were gathering strength, and on -the advance; they had already threatened a -fort of Indian allies. In this situation, to retreat -was to abandon our frontier citizens to the -mercy of savages; to advance, was with the -certainty of exposure to every privation.</p> - -<p>Jackson hesitated not on the alternative, and -with but six days’ rations of meat, and less than -two of meal, he moved with his army upon the -Coosa; and, with Coffee’s command, gave a -most decisive blow to the enemy at Tallushatchee,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173"></a>[173]</span> -in less than twenty-five days after he -had marched from the rendezvous at Fayetteville. -The loss of the Creeks in this engagement, -was 186 killed, and 84 prisoners.</p> - -<p>Though compelled by the want of supplies -to return to his depots on the frontier, we find -him in less than six weeks in the field, at the -well fought battle of Talledega, and in the subsequent -conflicts at Emuckfau, Enotichopco, -and Tohopka, annihilating the hopes and expectations -of the Creeks, and crushing the hydra -of savage hostility in the South.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus32" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus32.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174"></a>[174]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="MASSACRE_OF_MR_COOLYS_FAMILY">MASSACRE OF MR. COOLY’S FAMILY.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>On the 6th of January, 1836, whilst Mr. -Cooly was from home, a party of about thirty -Indians made an attack upon his family, settled -at New River, about 12 miles from Cape Florida. -They murdered his wife, three children, -and a Mr. Flinton, who was employed as their -teacher. The children were sitting in the hall, -getting their lessons, when the Indians came up -by stealth, and shot them down. Flinton was -killed on the threshold of the door; the little -girl about eleven years old was found dead, -with her book in her hand. As soon as the -firing commenced, Mrs. Cooly snatched up her -infant child, and endeavoured to effect their escape -by a back way. She was shot at a distance -of about one hundred and fifty yards -from the house: the ball entered between her -shoulders, and after passing through her breast, -broke the arm of the child which was cradled -on her bosom. The little boy, about eight or -nine years of age, was found in the yard with -his skull and arm fractured, probably done with -a billet of wood. Having destroyed all of the -white inhabitants, they shot the cattle, plundered -the house of property worth from one -thousand to twelve hundred dollars, took away -two negroes and all the horses, and finally set -fire to the house.</p> - -<p>The circumstances attending the murder of -Mr. Cooly’s family, are well calculated to illustrate<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175"></a>[175]</span> -the treachery of the Indian character. He -had resided among them for many years, spoke -their language well, and treated them with uniform -kindness and hospitality. Indeed, such -was his friendship for them, that he named two -of his sons after their chiefs Alnomock and -Montezuma. His wife had once been a captive -among them, and was esteemed a great -favourite. Standing in this relation, and confiding -in their professions of friendship, which -lulled him into a fatal security, he left his home -for a few days, and returned to find it desolate. -It is a remarkable fact, that the villains who -perpetrated the deed of death, had not the -hardihood to scalp the poor mother and her -three innocent children. Was it the recollection -of former friendship, that induced them thus to -spare? Or were they conscious that their own -savage colleagues would have blushed for the -chivalry of those warriors, who could find no -work more befitting their tomahawks and scalping -knives, than the cruel butchery of women -and children? Did they fear that some chief, -more feeling than the rest, would ask,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Oh wherefore strike the beautiful, the young,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">So innocent, unharming? Lift the knife,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">If need be, ’gainst the warrior; but forbear</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The trembling woman.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The unfortunate schoolmaster shared a different -fate. To him they owed no obligations -of friendship; he was a man, and as such, capable -of resistance; his scalp was therefore -torn from him, and borne off as a testimony of -their savage triumph.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176"></a>[176]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PHYSICAL_CHARACTER_OF_THE_INDIANS">PHYSICAL CHARACTER OF THE INDIANS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>In their physical character, the American -Indians are considered by Blumenbach as -forming a particular variety of the human -species, differing, though not very widely, from -the Mongolian. Believing, as we do, that the -New World was peopled from the Old, and -considering that the Mongol race was situated -nearest to the point where Asia and America -come almost into contact, we incline to ascribe -these variations merely to a change of outward -circumstances. The face is broad and flat, with -high cheek-bones; more rounded and arched, -however, than in the allied type, without having -the visage expanded to the same breadth. The -forehead is generally low; the eyes deep, small, -and black; the nose rather diminutive, but -prominent, with wide nostrils; and the mouth -large, with somewhat thick lips. The stature, -which varies remarkably throughout the Continent, -is, in the quarter of which we treat, -generally above the middle size. This property, -however, is confined to the men, the females -being usually below that standard, a fact which -may be confidently ascribed to the oppressive -drudgery they are compelled to undergo. The -limbs, in both sexes, are well proportioned; -and few instances of deformity ever occur.</p> - -<p>The colour of the skin in the Indian is -generally described as red or copper-coloured; -or, according to Mr. Lawrence’s more precise<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177"></a>[177]</span> -definition, it is “an obscure orange or rusty iron -colour, not unlike the bark of the cinnamon-tree.” -Although we believe that climate is the -chief cause of the diversities in human colour, -yet it is certain that all savages are dark-tinted. -This peculiarity may be accounted for by their -constant exposure to the inclemency of the -seasons, to sun, air, and tempests; and the same -cause in civilized countries produces a similar -effect on sailors, as well as on those who work -constantly in the fields. In the Old World, the -intermediate tints between white and black are -generally varieties of brown and yellow. The -red tint is considered characteristic of the New -World. We must, however, observe, that the -traveller Adair, who lived upward of thirty -years among the Indians, positively asserts that -it is artificially produced; that in the oil, grease, -and other unctuous substances with which they -keep their skin constantly smeared, there is -dissolved the juice of a root which gradually -tinges it of this colour. He states, that a white -man, who spent some years with the natives, -and adorned himself in their manner, completely -acquired it. Charlevoix seems also to lean to -the same opinion. Weld, though rather inclined -to dissent from it, admits that such a notion was -adopted by missionaries and others who had resided -long in the country. It is certain that the -inhabitants glory in this colour, and regard -Europeans who have it not as nondescript -beings, not fully entitled to the name of men. -It may be noticed also, that this tint is by no<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178"></a>[178]</span> -means so universal as is commonly supposed. -Humboldt declares that the idea of its general -prevalence could never have arisen in equinoctial -America, or been suggested by the view of -the natives in that region; yet these provinces -include by far the larger part of the aboriginal -population. The people of Nootka sound and -other districts of the north-western coast are -nearly as white as Europeans; which may be -ascribed, we think, to their ample clothing and -spacious habitations. Thus the red nations -appear limited to the eastern tribes of North -America, among whom generally prevails the -custom of painting or smearing the skin with -that favourite colour. We are not prepared to -express a decided opinion on this subject; but -it obviously requires a closer investigation than -it has yet received.</p> - -<p>The hair is another particular in which the -races of mankind remarkably differ. The ruder -classes are generally defective, either in the -abundance or quality of that graceful appendage; -and the hair of the American Indians, -like that of their allied type the Mongols, is -coarse, black, thin, but strong, and growing to a -great length. Like the latter, also, by a curious -coincidence, most of them remove it from every -part of the head, with the exception of a tuft -on the crown, which they cherish with much -care. The circumstance, however, which has -excited the greatest attention, is the absence of -beard, apparently entire, among all the people -of the New World. The early travellers viewed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179"></a>[179]</span> -it as a natural deficiency; whence Robertson -and other eminent writers have even inferred -the existence of something peculiarly feeble in -their whole frame. But the assertion, with all -the inferences founded upon it, so far as relates -to the North American tribes, has been completely -refuted by recent observation. The -original growth has been found nearly, if not -wholly, as ample as that of Europeans; but the -moment it appears, every trace is studiously -obliterated. This is effected by the aged females, -originally with a species of clam-shell, -but now by means of spiral pieces of brass-wire -supplied by the traders. With these an old -squaw will in a few minutes reduce the chin to -a state of complete smoothness; and slight -applications during the year clear away such -straggling hairs as may happen to sprout. It is -only among old men, who become careless of -their appearance, that the beard begins to be -perceptible. A late English traveller strongly -recommends to his countrymen a practice which, -though scarcely accordant with our ideas of -manly dignity, would, at the expense of a few -minutes’ pain, save them much daily trouble. -The Indians have probably adopted this usage, -as it removes an obstacle to the fantastic -painting of the face, which they value so highly. -A full beard, at all events, when it was first seen -on their French visiters, is said to have been -viewed with peculiar antipathy, and to have -greatly enhanced the pleasure with which they -killed these foreigners.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180"></a>[180]</span></p> - -<p>The comparative physical strength of savage -and civilized nations has been a subject of -controversy. A general impression has obtained -that the former, inured to simple and -active habits, acquire a decided superiority; -but experience appears to have proved that this -conclusion is ill founded. On the field of battle, -when a struggle takes place between man and -man, the Indian is usually worsted. In sportive -exercises, such as wrestling, he is most frequently -thrown, and in leaping comes short of his -antagonist. Even in walking or running, if for -a short distance, he is left behind; but in these -last movements he possesses a power of perseverance -and continued exertion to which -there is scarcely any parallel. An individual -has been known to travel nearly eighty miles in -a day, and arrive at his destination without any -symptoms of fatigue. These long journeys, -also, are frequently performed without any refreshment, -and even having the shoulders loaded -with heavy burdens, their capacity of supporting -which is truly wonderful. For about twelve -miles, indeed, a strong European will keep -ahead of the Indian; but then he begins to flag, -while the other, proceeding with unaltered pace, -outstrips him considerably. Even powerful -animals cannot equal them in this respect. -Many of their civilized adversaries, when -overcome in war, and fleeing before them on -swift horses, have, after a long chase, been -overtaken and scalped.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181"></a>[181]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="DRESS_OF_THE_INDIANS">DRESS OF THE INDIANS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Having thus given a view of the persons of -the Indians, we may proceed to consider the -manner in which they are clothed and ornamented. -This last object might have been expected -to be a very secondary one, among tribes -whose means of subsistence are so scanty and -precarious; but, so far is this from being the -case, that there is scarcely any pursuit which -occupies so much of their time and regard. -They have availed themselves of European intercourse -to procure each a small mirror, in -which, from time to time, they view their personal -decorations, taking care that everything -shall be in the most perfect order. Embellishment, -however, is not much expended on actual -clothing, which is simple, and chiefly arranged -with a view to convenience. Instead -of shoes, they wear what are termed moccasins, -consisting of one strip of soft leather -wrapped round the foot, and fastened in front -and behind. Europeans, walking over hard -roads, soon knock these to pieces; but the Indian, -tripping over snow or grass, finds them a -light and agreeable <i>chaussure</i>. Upward to the -middle of the thigh, a piece of leather or cloth, -tightly fitted to the limb, serves instead of pantaloons, -stockings, and boots; it is sometimes -sewed on so close as never to be taken off. To -a string or girdle round the waist are fastened -two aprons, one before and the other at the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182"></a>[182]</span> -back, each somewhat more than a foot square -and these are connected by a piece of cloth like -a truss, often used also as a capacious pocket. -The use of breeches they have always repelled -with contempt, as cumbrous and effeminate. -As an article of female dress, they would consider -them less objectionable; but that the limbs -of a warrior should be thus manacled, appears -to them utterly preposterous. They were particularly -scandalized at seeing an officer have -them fastened over the shoulder by braces, and -never after gave him any name but Tied-Breech.</p> - -<p>The garments now enumerated form the -whole of their permanent dress. On occasions -of ceremony, indeed, or when exposed to cold, -they put over it a short shirt fastened at the -neck and wrists, and above it a long loose robe, -closed or held together in front. For this purpose -they now generally prefer an English -blanket. All these articles were originally fabricated -from the skins of wild animals; but at -present, unless for the moccasins, and sometimes -the leggins, European stuffs are preferred. -The dress of the female scarcely differs from -that of the male, except that the apron reaches -down to the knees; and even this is said to -have been adopted since their acquaintance -with civilized nations. The early French writers -relate an amusing anecdote to prove how -little dress was considered as making a distinction -between the sexes. The Ursuline nuns, -having educated a Huron girl, presented her,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183"></a>[183]</span> -on her marriage to one of her countrymen, -with a complete and handsome suit of clothes -in the Parisian style. They were much surprised, -some days after, to see the husband, -who had ungenerously seized the whole of his -bride’s attire and arrayed himself in it, parading -back and forward in front of the convent, -and betraying every symptom of the most extravagant -exultation. This was farther heightened -when he observed the ladies crowding to -the window to see him, and a universal smile -spread over their countenances.</p> - -<p>These vestments, as already observed, are -simple, and adapted only for use. To gratify -his passionate love of ornament, the Indian -seeks chiefly to load his person with certain -glittering appendages. Before the arrival of -Europeans, shells and feathers took the lead; -but, since that period, these commodities have -been nearly supplanted by beads, rings, bracelets, -and similar toys, which are inserted profusely -into various parts of his apparel, particularly -the little apron in front. The chiefs -usually wear a breastplate ornamented with -them; and among all classes it is an object of -the greatest ambition to have the largest possible -number suspended from the ear. That -organ, therefore, is not bored, but slit to such -an extent that a stick of wax may be passed -through the aperture, which is then loaded with -all the baubles that can be mustered; and if -the weight of these gradually draw down the -yielding flap till it rest on the shoulder, and the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184"></a>[184]</span> -ornaments themselves cover the breast, the Indian -has reached his utmost height of finery. -This, however, is a precarious splendour; the -ear becomes more and more unfit to support -the burden, when at length some accident, the -branch of a tree, or even a twitch by a waggish -comrade, lays at his feet all his decorations, -with the portion of flesh to which they -were attached. Weld saw very few who had -preserved this organ entire through life. The -adjustment of the hair, again, is an object of -especial study. As already observed, the greater -part is generally eradicated, leaving only a tuft, -varying in shape and place, according to taste -and national custom, but usually encircling the -crown. This lock is stuck full of feathers, -wings of birds, shells, and every kind of fantastic -ornament. The women wear theirs long -and flowing, and contrive to collect a considerable -number of ornaments for it, as well as for -their ears and dress.</p> - -<p>But it is upon his skin that the American -warrior chiefly lavishes his powers of embellishment. -His taste in doing so is very different -from ours. “While the European,” says Creuxius, -“studies to keep his skin clean, and free -from every extraneous substance, the Indian’s -aim is, that his, by the accumulation of oil, -grease, and paint, may shine like that of a -roasted pig.” Soot scraped from the bottoms -of kettles, the juices of herbs, having a green, -yellow, and, above all, a vermilion tint, rendered -adhesive by combination with oil and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185"></a>[185]</span> -grease, are lavishly employed to adorn his person, -or, according to our idea, to render it -hideous. Black and red, alternating with each -other in varied stripes, are the favourite tints. -Some blacken the face, leaving in the middle a -red circle, including the upper lip and tip of the -nose; others have a red spot on each ear, or -one eye black and the other of a red colour. In -war the black tint is profusely laid on, the -others being only employed to heighten its -effect, and give to the countenance a terrific expression. -M. de Tracy, when governor of Canada, -was told by his Indian allies, that, with -his good-humoured face, he would never inspire -the enemy with any degree of awe. They -besought him to place himself under their -brush, when they would soon make him such -that his very aspect would strike terror. The -breast, arms, and legs are the seat of more permanent -impressions, analogous to the tattooing -of the South Sea Islanders. The colours are -either elaborately rubbed in, or fixed by slight -incisions with needles and sharp-pointed bones. -His guardian spirit, and the animal that forms -the symbol of his tribe, are the first objects delineated. -After this, every memorable exploit, -and particularly the enemies whom he has -slain and scalped, are diligently graven on some -part of his figure; so that the body of an aged -warrior contains the history of his life.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186"></a>[186]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_HUNTING">INDIAN HUNTING.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>It is a mistake to suppose that hunting is pursued -by the Indian merely as a means of subsistence. -It is also his favourite sport; and no -English gentleman who spends his thousands of -pounds per annum on his horses and hounds, -follows the sports of the field with a keener zest, -than the wild Indian who has never beheld the -face of a white man. The accounts of Catlin, -who spent much time among the wildest tribes, -show, that amusement, in its most liberal sense, -is pursued by the Indians in this way. Hunting -is not drudgery to them.</p> - -<p>The means of procuring subsistence must -always form an important branch of national -economy. Writers take a superficial view of -savage life, and, seeing how scanty the articles -of food are, while the demand is necessarily -urgent, have assumed that the efforts to attain -them must absorb his whole mind, and scarcely -leave room for any other thought. But, on the -contrary, these are to him very subordinate objects. -To perform a round of daily labour, -even though ensuring the most ample provision -for his wants, would be equally contrary to his -inclination and supposed dignity. He will not -deign to follow any pursuit which does not, at -the same time, include enterprise, adventure,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187"></a>[187]</span> -and excitement. Hunting, which the higher -classes in the civilized parts of the world pursue -for mere recreation, is almost the only occupation -considered of sufficient importance to -engage his attention. It is peculiarly endeared -by its resemblance to war, being carried on -with the same weapons, and nearly in the same -manner. In his native state, the arrow was the -favourite and almost exclusive instrument for -assailing distant objects; but now the gun has -nearly superseded it. The great hunts are rendered -more animating, as well as more effectual, -from being carried on in large parties, and even -by whole tribes. The men are prepared for -these by fasting, dreaming, and other superstitious -observances, similar to those which we -shall find employed in anticipation of war. In -such expeditions, too, contrivance and skill, as -well as boldness and enterprise, are largely employed. -Sometimes a circle is formed, when all -the animals surrounded by it are pressed closer -and closer, till they are collected in the centre, -and fall under the accumulated weight of weapons. -On other occasions they are driven to -the margin of a lake or river, in which, if they -attempt to seek refuge, canoes are ready to intercept -them. Elsewhere a space is enclosed -by stakes, only a narrow opening being left, -which, by clamour and shouts, the game are -compelled to enter, and thereby secured. In -autumn and spring, when the ice is newly -formed and slight, they are pushed upon it, and -their legs breaking through, they are easily<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188"></a>[188]</span> -caught. In winter, when the snow begins to -fall, traps are set, in which planks are so arranged, -that the animal, in snatching at the -bait, is crushed to death. Originally the deer, -both for food and clothing, was the most valuable -object of chase; but, since the trade with -Europeans has given such a prominent importance -to furs, the beaver has in some degree -supplanted it. In attacking this animal, great -care is taken to prevent his escape into the water, -on which his habitation always borders; -and with this view various kinds of nets and -springes are employed. On some occasions the -Indians place themselves upon the dike which -encloses his amphibious village. They then -make an opening in it, when the inmates, -alarmed by seeing the water flowing out, hasten -to this barrier, where they encounter their enemies, -armed with all the instruments of destruction. -At other times, when ice covers the -surface of the pond, a hole is made, at which -the animal comes to respire; he is then drawn -out and secured. The bear is a formidable -enemy, which must be assailed by the combined -force of the hunters, who are ranged in -two rows, armed with bows or muskets. One -of them advances and wounds him, and, on -being furiously pursued, he retreats between -the files, followed in the same line by the animal, -which is then overwhelmed by their united -onset. In killing these quadrupeds, the natives -seem to feel a sort of kindness and sympathy -for their victim. On vanquishing a beaver or<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189"></a>[189]</span> -a bear, they celebrate its praises in a song, -recounting those good qualities which it will -never more be able to display, yet consoling -themselves with the useful purposes to which -its flesh and its skin will be applied.</p> - -<p>Of the animals usually tamed and rendered -subservient to useful purposes, the Indians have -only the dog, that faithful friend of man. -Though his services in hunting are valuable, -he is treated with but little tenderness, and is -left to roam about the dwelling, very sparingly -supplied with food and shelter. A missionary, -who resided in a Huron village, represents his -life as having been rendered miserable by these -animals. At night they laid themselves on his -person for the benefit of the warmth; and, -whenever his scanty meal was set down, their -snouts were always first in the dish. Dog’s -flesh is eaten, and has even a peculiar sanctity -attached to it. On all solemn festivals it is the -principal meat, the use of which, on such occasions, -seems to import some high and mysterious -meaning.</p> - -<p>But, besides the cheering avocations of the -chase, other means must be used to ensure the -comfort and subsistence of the Indian’s family; -all of which, however, are most ungenerously -devolved upon the weaker sex. Women, according -to Creuxius, serve them as domestics, -as tailors, as peasants, and as oxen; and Long -does not conceive that any other purposes of -their existence are recognized, except those of -bearing children and performing hard work.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190"></a>[190]</span> -They till the ground, carry wood and water, -build huts, make canoes, and fish; in which -latter processes, however, and in reaping the -harvest, their lords deign to give occasional aid. -So habituated are they to such occupations, that -when one of them saw a party of English soldiers -collecting wood, she exclaimed that it was -a shame to see men doing women’s work, and -began herself to carry a load.</p> - -<p>Through the services of this enslaved portion -of the tribe, those savages are enabled to combine -in a certain degree the agricultural with -the hunting state, without any mixture of the -pastoral, usually considered as intermediate. -Cultivation, however, is limited to small spots -in the immediate vicinity of the villages, and -these being usually at the distance of sixteen -or seventeen miles from each other, it scarcely -makes any impression on the immense expanse -of forest. The women, in the beginning of -summer, after having burned the stubble of the -preceding crop, rudely stir the ground with a -long, crooked piece of wood; they then throw -in the grain, which is chiefly the coarse but productive -species of maize peculiar to the Continent. -The nations in the south have a considerable -variety of fruits; whereas those of Canada -appear to have raised only turnsols, watermelons, -and pompions. Tobacco used to be -grown largely; but that produced by the European -settlers is now universally preferred, -and has become a regular object of trade. The -grain, after harvest (which is celebrated by a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191"></a>[191]</span> -festival), is lodged in large subterraneous stores -lined with bark, where it keeps extremely well. -Previous to being placed in these, it is sometimes -thrashed; on other occasions merely the -ears are cut off, and thrown in. When first discovered -by settlers from Europe, the degrees of -culture were found to vary in different tribes. -The Algonquins, who were the ruling people -previous to the arrival of the French, wholly -despised it, and branded as plebeian their neighbours, -by whom it was practised. In general, -the northern clans, and those near the mouth of -the St. Lawrence, depended almost solely on -hunting and fishing; and when these failed -they were reduced to dreadful extremities, being -often obliged to depend on the miserable -resource of that species of lichen called <i>tripe -de roche</i>.</p> - -<p>The maize, when thrashed, is occasionally -toasted on the coals, and sometimes made into -a coarse kind of unleavened cake. But the -most favourite preparation is that called <i>sagamity</i>, -a species of pap formed after it has been -roasted, bruised, and separated from the husk. -It is insipid by itself; yet when thrown into the -pot, along with the produce of the chase, it enriches -the soup or stew, one of the principal -dishes at their feasts. They never eat victuals -raw, but rather overboiled; nor have they yet -been brought to endure French ragouts, salt, -pepper, or, indeed, any species of condiment. -A chief, admitted to the governor’s table, seeing -the general use of mustard, was led by curiosity<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192"></a>[192]</span> -to take a spoonful and put it into his -mouth. On feeling its violent effects, he made -incredible efforts to conceal them, and escape -the ridicule of the company; but severe sneezings, -and the tears starting from his eyes, soon -betrayed him, and raised a general laugh. He -was then shown the manner in which it should -be used; but nothing could ever induce him to -allow the “boiling yellow,” as he termed it, to -enter his lips.</p> - -<p>The Indians are capable of extraordinary -abstinence from food, in which they can persevere -for successive days without complaint or -apparent suffering. They even take a pride in -long fasts, by which they usually prepare themselves -for any great undertaking. Yet, when -once set down to a feast, their gluttony is described -as enormous, and the capacity of their -stomachs almost incredible. They will go from -feast to feast, doing honour to each in succession. -The chief giving the entertainment does not -partake, but with his own hands distributes -portions among the guests. On solemn occasions, -it is a rule that everything shall be eaten; -nor does this obligation seem to be felt as either -burdensome or unpleasant. In their native -state, they were not acquainted with any species -of intoxicating liquors; their love of ardent -spirits, attended with so many ruinous effects, -having been entirely consequent on their intercourse -with Europeans.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_193"></a>[193]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="HABITATIONS_OF_THE_INDIANS">HABITATIONS OF THE INDIANS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>There is great diversity among the various -tribes of North American Indians in respect to -manners and customs, dress, and modes of -living. The inhabitants of the sultry regions -of Florida and Texas, of course pay less attention -to the texture of their garments, and the -comfort of their dwellings, than those who reside -in the more northern regions; and other -diversities of habit are produced by differences -of climate and situation. Still there is a certain -degree of simplicity inherent in savage life -which pervades all the tribes:—it is the simplicity -which is the necessary consequence of -poverty and ignorance.</p> - -<p>The habitations of the Indians receive much -less of their attention than the attire, or, at -least, embellishment of their persons. Our -countrymen, by common consent, give to them -no better appellation than cabins. The bark -of trees is their chief material both for houses -and boats: they peel it off with considerable -skill, sometimes stripping a whole tree in one -piece. This coating, spread not unskilfully -over a framework of poles, and fastened to -them by strips of tough rind, forms their dwellings. -The shape, according to the owner’s -fancy, resembles a tub, a cone, or a cart-shed, -the mixture of which gives to the village a -confused and chaotic appearance. Light and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194"></a>[194]</span> -heat are admitted only by an aperture at the -top, through which also the smoke escapes, -after filling all the upper part of the mansion. -Little inconvenience is felt from this by the -natives, who, within doors, never think of any -position except sitting or lying; but to Europeans, -who must occasionally stand or walk, the -abode is thereby rendered almost intolerable; -and matters become much worse when rain or -snow makes it necessary to close the roof. -These structures are sometimes upward of a -hundred feet long; but they are then the residence -of two or three separate families. Four -of them occasionally compose a quadrangle, -each open on the inside, and having a common -fire in the centre. Formerly the Iroquois had -houses somewhat superior, adorned even with -some rude carving; but these were burned -down by the French in successive expeditions, -and were never after rebuilt in the same style. -The Canadians in this respect seem to be -surpassed by the Choctaws, Chickasaws, and -other tribes in the south, and even by the -Saukies in the west, whose mansions Carver -describes as constructed of well-hewn planks, -neatly jointed, and each capable of containing -several families.</p> - -<p>In their expeditions, whether for war or -hunting, which often lead them through desolate -forests, several hundred miles from home, the -Indians have the art of rearing, with great expedition, -temporary abodes. On arriving at -their evening station, a few poles, meeting at<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195"></a>[195]</span> -the top in the form of a cone, are in half an -hour covered with bark; and having spread a -few pine-branches within by way of mattress, -they sleep as soundly as on beds of down. -Like the Esquimaux, they also understand how -to convert snow into a material for building; -and find it in the depth of winter the warmest -and most comfortable. A few twigs platted -together secure the roof. Our own countrymen, -in their several campaigns, have, in cases of -necessity, used with advantage this species of -bivouac.</p> - -<p>The furniture in these native huts is exceedingly -simple. The chief articles are two or -three pots or kettles for boiling their food, with -a few wooden plates and spoons. The former, -in the absence of metal, with which the inhabitants -were unacquainted, were made of -coarse earthenware that resisted the fire; and -sometimes of a species of soft stone, which -could be excavated with their rude hatchets. -Nay, in some cases, their kitchen utensils were -of wood, and the water made to boil by throwing -in heated stones. Since their acquaintance -with Europeans, the superiority of iron vessels -has been found so decided, that they are now -universally preferred. The great kettle or -caldron, employed only on high festivals associated -with religion, hunting, or war, attracts -even a kind of veneration; and potent chiefs -have assumed its name as their title of honour.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196"></a>[196]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INTELLECTUAL_CHARACTER_OF_THE_INDIANS">INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER OF THE INDIANS</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The intellectual character of the American -savage presents some very striking peculiarities. -Considering his unfavourable condition, he of -all other human beings might seem doomed to -make the nearest approach to the brute; while, -in point of fact, without any aid from letters or -study, many of the higher faculties of his mind -are developed in a very remarkable degree. He -displays a decided superiority over the uninstructed -labourer in a civilized community, -whose mental energies are benumbed amid the -daily round of mechanical occupation. The -former spends a great part of his life in arduous -enterprises, where much contrivance is requisite, -and whence he must often extricate himself by -presence of mind and ingenuity. His senses, -particularly those of seeing and smelling, have -acquired by practice an almost preternatural -acuteness. He can trace an animal or a foe by -indications which to a European eye would be -wholly imperceptible; and in his wanderings -he gathers a minute acquaintance with the -geography of the countries which he traverses. -He can even draw a rude outline of them by -applying a mixture of charcoal and grease to -prepared skins, and on seeing a regular map he -soon understands its construction, and readily -finds out places. His facility in discovering the -most direct way to spots situated at the distance -of hundreds of miles, and known perhaps only by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197"></a>[197]</span> -the report of his countrymen, is truly astonishing. -It has been ascribed by some to a mysterious -and supernatural instinct, but it appears to be -achieved by merely observing the different -aspect of the trees or shrubs when exposed to -the north or the south, as also the position of -the sun, which he can point out, although hidden -by clouds. Even where there is a beaten track, -if at all circuitous, he strikes directly through -the woods, and reaches his destination by the -straightest possible line.</p> - -<p>Other faculties of a higher order are developed -by the scenes amid which the life of savages is -spent. They are divided into a number of little -communities, between which are actively carried -on all the relations of war, negotiation, treaty, -and alliance. As mighty revolutions, observes -an eloquent writer, take place in these kingdoms -of wood and cities of bark, as in the most -powerful civilized states. To increase the influence -and extend the possessions of their own -tribe, to humble and, if possible, to destroy those -hostile to them, are the constant aims of every -member of those little commonwealths. For -these ends, not only deeds of daring valour are -achieved, but schemes are deeply laid, and pursued -with the most accurate calculation. There -is scarcely a refinement in European diplomacy -to which they are strangers. The French once -made an attempt to crush the confederacy of -the Five Nations by attacking each in succession; -but as they were on their march against -the first tribe, they were met by the deputies of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198"></a>[198]</span> -the others, who offered their mediation, intimating -that, if it were rejected, they would make -common cause with the one threatened. That -association also showed that they completely -understood how to employ the hostility which -prevailed between their enemy and the English -for promoting their own aggrandizement. Embassies, -announced by the calumet of peace, are -constantly passing from one tribe to another.</p> - -<p>The same political circumstances develop in -an extraordinary degree the powers of oratory; -for nothing of any importance is transacted -without a speech. On every emergency a -council of the tribe is called, when the aged and -wise hold long deliberations for the public weal. -The best speakers are despatched to conduct -their negotiations, the object of which is unfolded -in studied harangues. The functions of -orator, among the Five Nations, had even become -a separate profession, held in equal or -higher honour than that of the warrior; and -each clan appointed the most eloquent of their -number to speak for them in the public council. -Nay, there was a general orator for the whole -confederacy, who could say to the French -governor, “Ononthio, lend thine ear; I am the -mouth of all the country; you hear all the -Iroquois in hearing my word.” Decanesora, -their speaker at a later period, was greatly admired -by the English, and his bust was thought -to resemble that of Cicero. In their diplomatic -discourses, each proposition is prefaced by the -delivery of a belt of wampum, of which what<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199"></a>[199]</span> -follows is understood to be the explanation, and -which is to be preserved as a record of the -conference. The orator does not express his -proposals in words only, but gives to every -sentence its appropriate action. If he threatens -war, he wildly brandishes the tomahawk; if -he solicits alliance, he twines his arms closely -with those of the chief whom he addresses; -and if he invites friendly intercourse, he assumes -all the attitudes of one who is forming a road -in the Indian manner, by cutting down the trees, -clearing them away, and carefully removing -the leaves and branches. To a French writer, -who witnessed the delivery of a solemn embassy, -it suggested the idea of a company of -actors performing on a stage. So expressive -are their gestures, that negotiations have been -conducted and alliances concluded between -petty states and communities who understood -nothing of one another’s language.</p> - -<p>The composition of the Indian orators is -studied and elaborate. The language of the -Iroquois is even held to be susceptible of an -Attic elegance, which few can attain so fully as -to escape all criticism. It is figurative in the -highest degree, every notion being expressed -by images addressed to the senses. Thus, to -throw up the hatchet or to put on the great -caldron is to begin a war; to throw the hatchet -to the sky is to wage open and terrible war; to -take off the caldron or to bury the hatchet is to -make peace; to plant the tree of peace on the -highest mountain of the earth is to make a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200"></a>[200]</span> -general pacification. To throw a prisoner into -the caldron is to devote him to torture and -death; to take him out, is to pardon and receive -him as a member of the community. Ambassadors -coming to propose a full and general -treaty say, “We rend the clouds asunder, and -drive away all darkness from the heavens, that -the sun of peace may shine with brightness -over us all.” On another occasion, referring -to their own violent conduct, they said, “We -are glad that Assarigoa will bury in the pit -what is past; let the earth be trodden hard over -it, or, rather, let a strong stream run under the -pit to wash away the evil.” They afterward -added, “We now plant a tree, whose top will -reach the sun, and its branches spread far abroad, -and we shall shelter ourselves under it, and live -in peace.” To send the collar under ground is -to carry on a secret negotiation; but when expressing -a desire that there might be no duplicity -or concealment between them and the -French, they said that “They wished to fix the -sun in the top of the heaven, immediately -above that pole, that it might beat directly -down and leave nothing in obscurity.” In -pledging themselves to a firm and steady peace, -they declared that they would not only throw -down the great war-caldron, and cause all the -water to flow out, but would break it in pieces. -This disposition to represent every thing by a -sensible object extends to matters the most important. -One powerful people assumed the -appellation of Foxes, while another gloried in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201"></a>[201]</span> -that of Cats. Even when the entire nation -bore a different appellation, separate fraternities -distinguished themselves as the tribe of the -Bear, the Tortoise, and the Wolf. They did -not disdain a reference even to inanimate things. -The Black Caldron was at one time the chief -warrior of the Five Nations; and Red Shoes -was a person of distinction well known to Long -the traveller. When the chiefs concluded treaties -with Europeans, their signature consisted in a -picture, often tolerably well executed, of the -beast or object after which they chose to be -named.</p> - -<p>The absence among these tribes of any written -or even pictorial mode of recording events, -was supplied by the memories of their old men, -which were so retentive, that a certain writer -calls them living books. Their only remembrancer -consisted in the wampum belts; of -which one was appropriated to each division of -a speech or treaty, and had seemingly a powerful -effect in calling it to recollection. On the -close of the transaction, these were deposited as -public documents, to be drawn forth on great -occasions, when the orators, and even the old -women, could repeat verbatim the passage to -which each referred. Europeans were thus enabled -to collect information concerning the -revolutions of different tribes, for several ages -preceding their own arrival.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202"></a>[202]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="SINGULAR_EXECUTION_OF_AN_INDIAN">SINGULAR EXECUTION OF AN INDIAN.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>In March, 1823, a Choctaw savage, calling -himself Doctor Sibley, belonging to a wandering -tribe of his nation, in the Arkansas Territory,—while -in a state of intoxication, stabbed -to the heart another Indian; who instantly expired. -This act called for revenge, founded on -the <i>lex taliones</i>—that invariable custom of the -aborigines. A brother of the deceased called -upon Sibley, and told him, that he was come to -take his life, in atonement for the death of his -brother. With the composure of a philosopher, -and the courage of a Roman, Sibley—readily, -and without a murmur—yielded assent; only -desiring the execution might be postponed until -the following morning. This was granted;—the -execution was postponed—and Sibley <i>left -at large, under no restraint whatever</i>!</p> - -<p>When the morning came, Sibley went out -with the rest of the party, and, with perfect -apathy, aided in digging a grave for the murdered -Indian. The work being finished, he -calmly observed to the by-standers, that, he -thought it large enough to contain two bodies;—signifying, -at the same time, a wish to be -buried in the same grave. This, too, was -granted: and the murderer deliberately took a -standing position over the grave, with outstretched -arms; and, giving a signal to fire, the -brother drove a rifle ball through his heart—and -he dropt into the hole he had assisted to -make!</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203"></a>[203]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_VERACITY">INDIAN VERACITY.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>“<i>He once told a lie</i>”—was the emphatical -expression of an Indian to me, in 1794, when I -was attending to the surveying of a large body -of lands in, what was then called, ‘The French-Creek -Country,’ and West of the Alleghany -River: and, as some of my people were killed -by the Western Indians, I found it necessary, -while the surveying was going on, to visit the -Indian Towns on the Alleghany River frequently:—they -were inhabited by the Senecas. -General Wayne was then on his way, with his -army, to the Indian settlements on the Miami -River.</p> - -<p>One day, when I was at the Cornplanter’s -town, the ‘<i>News-Spout</i>,’ as it is called, was -heard. All the Indians in the village immediately -retired to their houses (and even their dogs -went with them;) when an old man went out -to meet the person who brought the news, and -to take him to the Long, or Council-House, -where a fire was made and refreshments were -carried to him, and time given for him to dress -and paint himself, so as to appear decent.</p> - -<p>When sufficient time had elapsed for the -preparatives to be performed, the chiefs went -first to the house; and, as the young men were -following, I asked an Indian—who spoke -English, and to whom (as he professed to be a -priest, physician, and conjurer) I gave the name -of Doctor—whether there was any impropriety<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204"></a>[204]</span> -in my going to hear the news. He said, “No”—and -that, as I was received as a friend and -visiter, all their houses were open to me: and -if I did not go without any ceremony, it would -appear as if <i>I doubted their words and hospitality</i>; -which was considered as the greatest -affront that could be put on an Indian. For -that, if there was any secret business going on -they would inform me of it, in a friendly way -and then I might retire.</p> - -<p>I accordingly went into the house with him; -when the Chiefs immediately rose, and gave me -a seat among them.</p> - -<p>All the Indians in the house were smoking -their pipes when I came in; and the stranger -was sitting opposite the Chiefs, in a seat, or -rather a platform, by himself. The time appeared -to me very long, as I was anxious to -hear the news; being much interested in the -event, as the Indians had been deliberating, -whether or not they would permit me to continue -surveying, or send me out of the country: -and, what surprised me, was, that no one—contrary -to their usual custom—asked him for the -news; and I was at a loss to account for their -conduct. Eventually, the Indian himself—after -prefacing the business, with telling them, he -had no doubt,—as they knew he had been to -the West—they would be gratified in hearing -his news. But no one appeared to signify his -assent or negative. The Indian then gave an -account of an affair between a convoy of -Americans—who were carrying reinforcements<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205"></a>[205]</span> -and provisions to one of our frontier posts—and -the Indians; and they had killed the commanding -officer and a number of our men: -and, after he had related all he had to say, no -one asked for any particulars of the action, or -for any corroborating circumstance; as I had -formerly observed, they were particularly polite -to strangers and visiters, and were very cautious -to say or do any thing to hurt their feelings, -and, soon after, the chiefs and other Indians -began to leave the house.</p> - -<p>I left the house with the Doctor; and, as -soon as we had passed the door, I expressed my -surprise to him, at the manner they treated the -man who brought the news, as it was so -different from any treatment I had before seen, -when visited by strangers; and that I would -thank him to inform me of the cause of it:—when -he, without any hesitation, and with -considerable emphasis, answered, “<span class="smcap">He once -told a lie</span>”—and continued: “What that man -said, may be so true; may be so not. We -always listen to what a newsman has to say,—even -when we know him to be a liar. But, -whether we believe him or not, it is not our -custom to let him know; or to say any thing -on the subject: for, if we had asked him any -questions about the fight, it would have been -a great gratification to him; as he would have -concluded some of the company did believe -him: which is a thing we do not indulge any -person in, who has been guilty of telling a lie.” -He concluded, by saying, “<i>He all one as dead.</i>”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206"></a>[206]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PETER_OTSAQUETTE_THE_ONEIDAN">PETER OTSAQUETTE, THE ONEIDAN</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Peter Otsaquette was the son of a man of -consideration among the Oneida Indians of -New York. At the close of the Revolutionary -war, he was noticed by the Marquis de La -Fayette, who, to a noble zeal for liberty, united -the most philanthropic feelings. Viewing, therefore, -this young savage with peculiar interest, -and anticipating the happy results to be derived -from his moral regeneration, he took him, though -scarcely twelve years old, to France. Peter arrived -at that period when Louis XVI. and Maria -Antoinette were in the zenith of their glory. -There he was taught the accomplishments of a -gentleman;—music, drawing, and fencing, were -made familiar to him, and he danced with a -grace that a Vestris could not but admire. At -about eighteen, his separation from a country -in which he had spent his time so agreeably -and so profitably, became necessary. Laden -with favours from the Marquis, and the miniatures -of those friends he had left behind. -Peter departed for America—inflated, perhaps, -with the idea, that the deep ignorance of his -nation, with that of the Indians of the whole -continent, might be dispelled by his efforts, and -he become the proud instrument of the civilization -of thousands.</p> - -<p>Prosecuting his route to the land of his parents, -he came to the city of Albany; not the -uncivilized savage, not with any of those marks<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207"></a>[207]</span> -which bespoke a birth in the forest, or years -spent in toiling the wilds of a desert, but possessing -a fine commanding figure, an expressive -countenance, an intelligent eye, with a face -scarcely indicative of the race from which he -was descended. He presented, at this period, -an interesting spectacle: a child of the wilderness -was beheld about to proceed to the home -of his forefathers, having received the brilliant -advantages of a cultivated mind, and on his way -to impart to the nation that owned him, the -benefits which civilization had given him. It -was an opportunity for the philosopher to contemplate, -and to reflect on the future good this -young Indian might be the means of producing.</p> - -<p>Shortly after his arrival in Albany—where -he visited the first families—he took advantage -of Governor Clinton’s journey to Fort Stanwix -(where a treaty was to be held with the Indians,) -to return to his tribe. On the route, Otsaquette -amused the company (among whom were the -French Minister, Count De Moustiers, and -several gentlemen of respectability) by his -powers on various instruments of music. At -Fort Stanwix, he found himself again with the -companions of his early days, who saw and recognised -him. His friends and relations had -not forgotten him, and he was welcomed to his -home and to his blanket.</p> - -<p>But that which occurred soon after his reception, -led him to a too fearful anticipation of -an unsuccessful project; for the Oneidas, as if -they could not acknowledge Otsaquette, attired<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208"></a>[208]</span> -in the dress with which he appeared before -them,—a mark which did not disclose his -nation,—and, thinking that he had assumed it, -as if ashamed of his own native costume, the -garb of his ancestors, they tore it from him with -a savage avidity, and a fiend-like ferociousness, -daubed on the paint to which he had been so -long unused, and clothed him with the uncouth -habiliments held sacred by his tribe. Their -fiery ferocity, in the performance of the act, -showed but too well the bold stand they were -about to take against the innovations they supposed -Otsaquette was to be the agent for -affecting against their immemorial manners and -customs, and which, from the venerable antiquity -of their structure, it would be nothing -short of sacrilege to destroy.</p> - -<p>Thus the reformed savage was taken back -again to his native barbarity, and—as if to cap -the climax of degradation to a mind just susceptible -of its own powers—was <i>married to a -squaw</i>!</p> - -<p>From that day, Otsaquette was no longer the -accomplished Indian, from whom every wish -of philanthropy was expected to be realized. -He was no longer the instrument by whose -power the emancipation of his countrymen -from the thraldom of ignorance and superstition, -was to be effected. From that day, he was -again an inmate with the forest; was once -more buried in his original obscurity, and his -nation only viewed him as <i>an equal</i>. Even a -liberal grant from the State, failed of securing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209"></a>[209]</span> -to him that superior consideration among them -which his civilization had procured for him with -the rest of mankind. The commanding preeminence -acquired from instruction, from which -it was expected ambition would have sprung -up, and acted as a double stimulant, from either -the natural inferiority of the savage mind, or -the predetermination of his countrymen—became -of no effect, and, in a little time, was -wholly annihilated. Otsaquette was lost! His -moral perdition began from the hour he left -Fort Stanwix. Three short months had hardly -transpired, when Intemperance had marked -him as her own, and soon hurried him to the -grave. And, as if the very transition had -deadened all the finer feelings of his nature, the -picture given him by the Marquis—the very -portrait of his affectionate friend and benefactor -himself—he parted with!</p> - -<p>Extraordinary and unnatural as the conduct -of this educated savage may appear, the anecdote -is not of a kind altogether unique; which -proves, that little or nothing is to be expected -from conferring a literary education upon those -children of the forest:—An Indian, named -George White-Eyes, was taken, while a boy, to -the college at Princeton, where he received a -classical education. On returning to his nation, -he made some little stay in Philadelphia. He -was amiable in his manners, and of modest demeanour, -without exhibiting any trait of the -savage whatever; but, no sooner had he rejoined -his friends and former companions, in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210"></a>[210]</span> -the land of his nativity, than he dropped the -garb and manners of civilization, and resumed -those of the savage, and, drinking deep of -their intoxicating cup, soon put a period to his -existence.</p> - -<p>Many other instances might be adduced, to -show how ineffectual have been the attempts -to plant civilization on savage habits, by means -of <i>literary</i> education—“Can the leopard change -his spots?”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp80" id="illus33" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus33.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211"></a>[211]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_CATASTROPHE">THE CATASTROPHE.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The son of a Kickapoo Chief, being engaged -to a Ouiattanon girl, came in quest of her to -fort Knox, at Vincennes—though an Indian -war was then waging against the United States; -and, in this, the Kickapoos were among the -most formidable. We happened to be there at -this time. It was summer, and the weather very -warm. The young Kickapoo was admitted into -the fort, and, among other presents, threw down -several joints of venison; observing to the commanding -officer, that, if he could not eat them -himself, (for they were tainted,) they might -answer for his <i>hogs</i> and <i>dogs</i>—muttering at -the same time, and making the sign of a halter -round his neck, that perhaps they might hang -him for appearing among them; alluding, no -doubt, to the then Indian war.</p> - -<p>On the evening of the same day the young -Kickapoo got into a drunken frolic, with other -savages, among whom was the before mentioned -Indian. The latter said to the Kickapoo, -“May be I shall kill you:” and, without further -preface, he plunged a knife into him—which -instantly proved fatal. At this moment the -Ouiattanons in company took the alarm—fearful -of the consequences that might befall their -tribe, from the death of the son of a powerful -chieftain. It was therefore determined to propitiate -the Kickapoo’s father, by sending a -deputation to him with the present of a ten<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212"></a>[212]</span> -gallon keg of whisky as a peace offering. This -was furnished for the purpose, on request, by -the commanding officer of the fort. They had -not gone far when the precious liquor proved -too great a temptation: the keg was broached, -and soon emptied. What then was to be done?</p> - -<p>Next morning, however, they appeared again -at the fort—deplored the ‘<i>accident</i>,’ (as they -called it,) and begged for another keg of liquor. -This too was granted—and off they went again. -But this keg met with the fate of the former: -its contents proved an irresistible temptation. -As no more whisky could now be obtained, the -mission fell through.</p> - -<p>Upon this, the Indians appeared before the -fort, with the murderer in custody, under the -window of the writer, and demanded justice to -be done on the prisoner. He told them it was -an affair for themselves to settle, as it was confined -to themselves alone. They now marched -in Indian file, carrying off the murderer, who, -every now and then, looked fearfully behind -him—for the brother of the deceased’s sweetheart -had taken post next in his rear. They had -not proceeded far, when this brother plunged a -knife into the prisoner’s back, which broke, and -a part was left buried in the wound. The -whole party now returned before the fort—the -wounded man singing his death-song. He was -borne off by his friends into a thicket, in the -prairie, where all their efforts to extract the -broken blade proved ineffectual; and the next -day or two he died.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213"></a>[213]</span></p> - -<p>The Spider, a brother of the murderer, and -then at Kaskaskia, hearing of the predicament -which had befallen the latter, hastened to Vincennes—but -death had closed the scene. He -came in time, however, to attend the funeral. -When the body was about to be consigned to -the earth, he opened the blanket which enveloped -the corpse, and taking off a silver ornament -which encompassed his head, he bound it -around that of the defunct, saying, “There, -brother! this will bring you respect in the land -of Spirits.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp80" id="illus34" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus34.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214"></a>[214]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="BUFFALO_HUNTING">BUFFALO HUNTING.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The buffalo, more properly called the bison, -is the great object of Indian hunting in the -west. These animals abound in the prairies; and -they are often seen coursing over the plains in -immense herds. Thousands of them appear -under the direction of one of their number, -who acts as leader. This propensity to follow -a leader affords a ready means to the Indians -of destroying them. The manner in which -this is accomplished is graphically described in -the following extract from the account of a -late writer. It affords a wild picture of the -scenes which present themselves to the notice -of the traveller as he passes through the great -prairies of the west.</p> - -<p>We passed a precipice of about one hundred -and twenty feet high, under which lay scattered -the fragments of at least one hundred carcases -of buffaloes, although the water, which had -washed away the lower part of the hill, must -have carried off many of the dead. These -buffaloes had been chased down the precipice, -in a way very common on the Missouri, and -by which vast herds are destroyed in a moment. -The mode of hunting is, to select one of the -most active and fleet young men, who is disguised, -by a buffalo skin around his body, the -skin of the head, with the ears and the horns, -fastened on his own head, in such a way as to -deceive the buffalo. Thus dressed, he fixes<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215"></a>[215]</span> -himself at a convenient distance, between a -herd of buffaloes and any of the river precipices, -which sometimes extend for some miles. His -companions, in the meantime, get into the rear, -and on the side of the herd, and, at a given -signal, show themselves, and advance towards -the buffalo: they instantly take the alarm; and, -finding the hunters beside them, they run towards -the disguised Indian or decoy, who leads -them on at full speed toward the river, when, -suddenly securing himself in some crevice of -the cliff which he had previously fixed on, the -herd is left on the brink of the precipice. It is -then in vain for the foremost to retreat, or even -to stop—they are pressed on by the hindmost -rank, who, seeing no danger, but from the -hunters, goad on those before them, till the -whole are precipitated, and the shore is strewed -with their dead bodies. Sometimes, in this -perilous seduction, the Indian is himself either -trodden under foot, by the rapid movements of -the buffaloes or missing his footing in the cliff, -is urged down the precipice along with the falling -herd.</p> - -<p>The Indians now select as much meat as they -choose, and the rest is abandoned to the wolves, -and creates a most dreadful stench. The wolves -who had been feasting on these carcases were -very fat, and so gentle, that one of them was -killed with an espontoon.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216"></a>[216]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="RELIGION_OF_THE_INDIANS2">RELIGION OF THE INDIANS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The earliest visiters of the New World, -on seeing among the Indians neither priests, -temples, idols, nor sacrifices, represented them -as a people wholly destitute of religious opinions. -Closer inquiry, however, showed that a belief -in the spiritual world, however imperfect, had -a commanding influence over almost all their -actions. Their creed includes even some lofty -and pure conceptions. Under the title of the -Great Spirit, the Master of Life, the Maker of -heaven and earth, they distinctly recognise a -supreme ruler of the universe and an arbiter of -their destiny. A party of them, when informed -by the missionaries of the existence of a being -of infinite power, who had created the heavens -and the earth, with one consent exclaimed, -“<i>Atahocan! Atahocan!</i>” that being the name -of their principal deity. According to Long, the -Indians among whom he resided ascribe every -event, propitious or unfortunate, to the favour -or anger of the Master of Life. They address -him for their daily subsistence; they believe him -to convey to them presence of mind in battle; -and amid tortures they thank him for inspiring -them with courage. Yet though this one elevated -and just conception is deeply graven on their -minds, it is combined with others which show -all the imperfection of unassisted reason in attempting -to think rightly on this great subject. -It may even be observed, that the term, rendered<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217"></a>[217]</span> -into our language “great spirit,” does not really -convey the idea of an immaterial nature, it -imports with them merely some being possessed -of lofty and mysterious powers, and in this -sense is applied to men, and even to animals. -The brute creation, which occupies a prominent -place in all their ideas, is often viewed by them -as invested, to a great extent, with supernatural -powers; an extreme absurdity, which, however, -they share with the civilized creeds of Egypt -and India.</p> - -<p>When the missionaries, on their first arrival, -attempted to form an idea of the Indian mythology, -it appeared to them extremely complicated, -more especially because those who attempted -to explain it had no fixed opinions. -Each man differed from his neighbour, and at -another time from himself; and when the discrepancies -were pointed out, no attempt was -made to reconcile them. The southern tribes, -who had a more settled faith, are described by -Adair as intoxicated with spiritual pride, and -denouncing even their European allies as “the -accursed people.” The native Canadian, on the -contrary, is said to have been so little tenacious, -that he would at any time renounce all his theological -errors for a pipe of tobacco, though, as -soon as it was smoked, he immediately relapsed. -An idea was found prevalent respecting a certain -mystical animal, called Mesou or Messessagen, -who, when the earth was buried in water, had -drawn it up and restored it. Others spoke of a -contest between the hare, the fox, the beaver, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218"></a>[218]</span> -the seal, for the empire of the world. Among -the principal nations of Canada, the hare is -thought to have attained a decided preeminence; -and hence the Great Spirit and the Great Hare -are sometimes used as synonymous terms. -What should have raised this creature to such -distinction seems rather unaccountable; unless -it were that its extreme swiftness might appear -something supernatural. Among the Ottowas -alone the heavenly bodies become an object of -veneration; the sun appears to rank as their -supreme deity.</p> - -<p>To dive into the abyss of futurity has always -been a favourite object of superstition. It has -been attempted by various means; but the -Indian seeks it chiefly through his dreams, which -always bear with him a sacred character. Before -engaging in any high undertaking, especially -in hunting or war, the dreams of the principal -chiefs are carefully watched and studiously -examined; and according to the interpretation -their conduct is guided. A whole nation has -been set in motion by the sleeping fancies of a -single man. Sometimes a person imagines in -his sleep that he has been presented with an -article of value by another, who then cannot, -without impropriety, leave the omen unfulfilled. -When Sir William Johnson, during the American -war, was negotiating an alliance with a -friendly tribe, the chief confidentially disclosed -that, during his slumbers, he had been favoured -with a vision of Sir William bestowing upon -him the rich laced coat which formed his full<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219"></a>[219]</span> -dress. The fulfilment of this revelation was -very inconvenient; yet, on being assured that -it positively occurred, the English commander -found it advisable to resign his uniform. Soon -after, however, he unfolded to the Indian a -dream with which he had himself been favored, -and in which the former was seen presenting -him with a large tract of fertile land most commodiously -situated. The native ruler admitted -that, since the vision had been vouchsafed, it -must be realized, yet earnestly proposed to cease -this mutual dreaming, which he found had -turned much to his own disadvantage.</p> - -<p>The manitou is an object of peculiar veneration; -and the fixing upon this guardian power -is not only the most important event in the -history of a youth, but even constitutes his -initiation into active life. As a preliminary, his -face is painted black, and he undergoes a severe -fast, which is, if possible, prolonged for eight -days. This is preparatory to the dream in which -he is to behold the idol destined ever after to -afford him aid and protection. In this state of -excited expectation, and while every nocturnal -vision is carefully watched, there seldom fails to -occur to his mind something which, as it makes -a deep impression, is pronounced his manitou. -Most commonly it is a trifling and even fantastic -article; the head, beak, or claw of a bird, the -hoof of a cow, or even a piece of wood. However, -having undergone a thorough perspiration -in one of their vapour-baths, he is laid on his -back, and a picture of it is drawn upon his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220"></a>[220]</span> -breast by needles of fish-bone dipped in vermilion. -A good specimen of the original being -procured, it is carefully treasured up; and to it -he applies in every emergency, hoping that it -will inspire his dreams, and secure to him every -kind of good fortune. When, however, notwithstanding -every means of propitiating its -favour, misfortunes befall him, the manitou is -considered as having exposed itself to just and -serious reproach. He begins with remonstrances, -representing all that has been done for it, the -disgrace it incurs by not protecting its votary, -and, finally, the danger that, in case of repeated -neglect, it may be discarded for another. Nor -is this considered merely as an empty threat; -for if the manitou is judged incorrigible, it is -thrown away; and by means of a fresh course -of fasting, dreaming, sweating, and painting, -another is installed, from whom better success -may be hoped.</p> - -<p>The absence of temples, worship, sacrifices, -and all the observances to which superstition -prompts the untutored mind, is a remarkable -circumstance, and, as we have already remarked, -led the early visiters to believe that the Indians -were strangers to all religious ideas. Yet the -missionaries found room to suspect that some -of their great feasts, in which every thing presented -must be eaten, bore an idolatrous character, -and were held in honour of the Great -Hare. The Ottawas, whose mythological system -seems to have been the most complicated, were -wont to keep a regular festival to celebrate the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221"></a>[221]</span> -beneficence of the sun; on which occasion the -luminary was told that this service was in return -for the good hunting he had procured for his -people, and as an encouragement to persevere -in his friendly cares. They were also observed -to erect an idol in the middle of their town, and -sacrifice to it; but such ceremonies were by no -means general. On first witnessing Christian -worship, the only idea suggested by it was that -of their asking some temporal good, which was -either granted or refused. The missionaries -mention two Hurons, who arrived from the -woods soon after the congregation had assembled. -Standing without, they began to speculate -what it was the white men were asking, and -then whether they were getting it. As the service -continued beyond expectation, it was concluded -they were <i>not</i> getting it; and as the devotional -duties still proceeded, they admired the perseverance -with which this rejected suit was -urged. At length, when the vesper hymn began, -one of the savages observed to the other: -“Listen to them now in despair, crying with all -their might.”</p> - -<p>The grand doctrine of a life beyond the grave -was, among all the tribes of America, most -deeply cherished and most sincerely believed. -They had even formed a distinct idea of the -region whither they hoped to be transported, -and of the new and happier mode of existence, -free from those wars, tortures, and cruelties -which throw so dark a shade over their lot upon -earth. Yet their conceptions on this subject<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222"></a>[222]</span> -were by no means either exalted or spiritualized. -They expected simply a prolongation of their -present life and enjoyments, under more favourable -circumstances, and with the same -objects furnished in greater choice and abundance. -In that brighter land the sun ever shines -unclouded, the forests abound with deer, the -lakes and rivers with fish; benefits which are -farther enhanced in their imagination by a faithful -wife and dutiful children. They do not reach -it, however, till after a journey of several months, -and encountering various obstacles; a broad -river, a chain of lofty mountains, and the attack -of a furious dog. This favoured country lies -far in the west, at the remotest boundary of -the earth, which is supposed to terminate in a -steep precipice, with the ocean rolling beneath. -Sometimes, in the too eager pursuit of game, -the spirits fall over, and are converted into -fishes. The local position of their paradise appears -connected with certain obscure intimations -received from their wandering neighbours of -the Mississippi, the Rocky Mountains, and the -distant shores of the Pacific. This system of -belief labours under a great defect, inasmuch as -it scarcely connects felicity in the future world -with virtuous conduct in the present. The one -is held to be simply a continuation of the other; -and under this impression, the arms, ornaments, -and everything that had contributed to the welfare -of the deceased, are interred along with -him. This supposed assurance of a future life -so conformable to their gross habits and conceptions,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223"></a>[223]</span> -was found by the missionaries a serious -obstacle when they attempted to allure them -by the hope of a destiny, purer and higher indeed, -but less accordant with their untutored -conceptions. Upon being told that in the promised -world they would neither hunt, eat, drink, -nor marry, many of them declared that, far -from endeavouring to reach such an abode, they -would consider their arrival there as the greatest -calamity. Mention is made of a Huron girl -whom one of the Christian ministers was endeavouring -to instruct, and whose first question -was what she would find to eat. The answer -being “Nothing,” she then asked what she -would see; and being informed that she would -see the Maker of heaven and earth, she expressed -herself much at a loss how she should -address him.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus35" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus35.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224"></a>[224]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_FUNERALS">INDIAN FUNERALS.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Another sentiment, congenial with that now -described, is most deeply rooted in the mind of -the Indians. This is reverence for the dead, -with which Chateaubriand, though somewhat -hastily, considers them more deeply imbued than -any other people. During life they are by no -means lavish in their expressions of tenderness, -but on the hour of final separation it is displayed -with extraordinary force. When any -member of a family becomes seriously ill, all -the resources of magic and medicine are exhausted -in order to procure his recovery. When -the fatal moment arrives, all the kindred burst -into loud lamentations, which continue till some -person possessing the requisite authority desires -them to cease. These expressions of grief, -however, are renewed for a considerable time -at sunrise and sunset. After three days the -funeral takes place, when all the provisions -which the family can procure are expended in -a feast, to which the neighbours are generally -invited; and, although on all solemn occasions -it is required that every thing should be eaten, -the relations do not partake. These last cut off -their hair, cover their heads, paint their faces of -a black colour, and continue long to deny themselves -every species of amusement. The deceased -is then interred with his arms and ornaments, -his face painted, and his person attired -in the richest robes which they can furnish. It<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225"></a>[225]</span> -was the opinion of one of the early missionaries, -that the chief object of the Hurons in their -traffic with the French was to procure materials -for honouring their dead; and, as a proof of -this, many of them have been seen shivering -half naked in the cold, while their hut contained -rich robes to be wrapped round them after their -decease. The body is placed in the tomb in an -upright posture, and skins are carefully spread -round it, so that no part may touch the earth. -This, however, is by no means the final ceremony, -being followed by another still more -solemn and singular. Every eighth, tenth, or -twelfth year, according to the custom of the -different nations, is celebrated the festival of the -dead; and, till then, the souls are supposed to -hover round their former tenement, and not to -depart for their final abode in the west. On -this occasion the people march in procession to -the places of interment, open the tombs, and, on -beholding the mortal remains of their friends, -continue some time fixed in mournful silence. -The women then break out into loud cries, and -the party begin to collect the bones, removing -every remnant of flesh. The remains are then -wrapped in fresh and valuable robes, and conveyed -amid continual lamentation to the family -cabin. A feast is then given, followed during -several days by dances, games, and prize-combats, -to which strangers often repair from a -great distance. This mode of celebration certainly -accords very ill with the sad occasion; -yet the Greek and Roman obsequies were<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226"></a>[226]</span> -solemnized in a similar manner; nay, in many -parts of Scotland, till very recently, they were -accompanied by festival, and often by revelry. -The relics are then carried to the council-house -of the nation, where they are hung for exhibition -along the walls, with fresh presents destined -to be interred along with them. Sometimes -they are even displayed from village to village. -At length, being deposited in a pit previously -dug in the earth, and lined with the richest furs, -they are finally entombed. Tears and lamentations -are again lavished; and during a few -days food is brought to the place. The bones -of their fathers are considered by the Indians -the strongest ties to their native soil; and when -calamity forces them to quit it, these mouldering -fragments are, if possible, conveyed along with -them.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="illus36" style="max-width: 31.25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/illus36.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227"></a>[227]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_CANNIBALISM">INDIAN CANNIBALISM.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>It has been made a question whether the -Indians can be justly charged with cannibalism. -It is certain that all the terms by which they -designate their inhuman mode of putting a -prisoner to death bear reference to this horrid -practice. The expressions are to throw him -into the caldron, to devour him, to eat soup -made of his flesh. It has hence been plausibly -inferred that this enormity really prevailed in -early times, but was changed, we can scarcely -say mitigated, into the present system of torture. -Yet, as every action is described by them in -terms highly figurative, those now quoted may -have been used as expressing most fully the -complete gratification of their revenge. Of -this charge they cannot now be either condemned -or wholly acquitted. In the excited -fury of their passions, portions of the flesh are -often seized, roasted, and eaten, and draughts -taken of the blood. To eat an enemy’s heart -is considered a peculiar enjoyment. Long -mentions a gentleman who came upon a party -who were busy broiling a human heart, when -he with difficulty prevailed on them to desist. -There is little hesitation among them, in periods -of scarcity, to relieve hunger with the flesh of -their captives; and during one war, this fate is -said to have befallen many French soldiers who -fell into the hands of the Five Nations. Colonel -Schuyler told Colden, that, having entered the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228"></a>[228]</span> -cabin of a chief who had some rich soup before -him, he was invited to partake. Being hungry -and tired, he readily agreed, till the ladle, being -put into the great caldron, brought up a human -hand, the sight of which put an immediate end -to his appetite and meal.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_DANCES">INDIAN DANCES.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The dances of the Indians, even those at -common festivals, are on an extensive scale, requiring -to a complete performance forty or fifty -persons, who execute their evolutions by following -each other round a great fire kindled in -the centre. Their movements, monotonous but -violent, consist in stamping furiously on the -ground, and often brandishing their arms in a -manner compared by an able writer to a baker -converting flour into dough. They keep good -time; but the music is so exceedingly simple -that this implies little merit. They conclude -with a loud shout or howl, which echoes -frightfully through the woods. The dances in -celebration of particular events are of a more -varied character, and often form a very expressive -pantomime. The war-dance is the most -favourite and frequent. In this extraordinary -performance, a complete image is given of the -terrible reality; the war-whoop is sounded with -the most frightful yells; the tomahawk is wildly -brandished; and the enemy are surprised, seized, -and scalped, or carried off for torture. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229"></a>[229]</span> -calumet-dance, which celebrates peace between -nations, and the marriage-dance, which represents -domestic life, are much more pleasing. -Some mention is made of a mystic dance, -carried on by the jugglers or doctors, with -strange superstitious ceremonies, and in which -a supernatural personage, termed by some the -devil, rises and performs; but it does not seem -to have been witnessed by any European, and -is said to be now in a great measure disused.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDIAN_GAMES">INDIAN GAMES.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>There are games to which the Indians are -fondly attached, which, though they be only -ranked under the head of amusement, are yet -constructed in the same serious manner as their -other transactions. Their great parties are said -to be collected by supernatural authority, communicated -by the jugglers; and they are preceded, -like their wars and hunts, by a course of -fasting, dreaming, and other means of propitiating -fortune. The favourite game is that of the -bone, in which small pieces of that substance, -resembling dice, and painted of different colours, -are thrown in the air, and according to the -manner in which they fall, the game is decided. -Only two persons can play; but a numerous -party, and sometimes whole villages, embrace -one side or the other, and look on with intense -interest. At each throw, especially if it be decisive, -tremendous shouts are raised; the players<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230"></a>[230]</span> -and spectators equally resemble persons possessed; -the air rings with invocations to the -bones and to the manitous. Their eagerness -sometimes leads to quarreling and even fighting, -which on no other occasion ever disturb the -interior of these societies. To such a pitch are -they occasionally worked up, that they stake -successively all they possess, and even their -personal liberty; but this description must apply -only to the more southern nations, as slavery -was unknown among the Canadian Indians.</p> - -<p>A temporary interval of wild license, of -emancipation from all the restraints of dignity -and decorum, seems to afford an enjoyment -highly prized in all rude societies. Corresponding -with the saturnalia and bacchanals of antiquity, -the Indians have their festivals of dreams, which, -during fifteen days, enlivens the inaction of the -coldest season. Laying aside all their usual -order and gravity, they run about, frightfully -disguised, and committing every imaginable -extravagance. He who meets another demands -an explanation of his visions, and if not satisfied, -imposes some fantastic penalty. He throws -upon him cold water, hot ashes, or filth; sometimes, -rushing into his cabin, he breaks and -destroys the furniture. Although everything -appears wild and unpremeditated, it is alleged -that opportunities are often taken to give vent -to old and secret resentments. The period -having elapsed, a feast is given, order is restored, -and the damages done are carefully repaired.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_231"></a>[231]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="BEAUTIFUL_TRAIT_OF_CHARACTER">BEAUTIFUL TRAIT OF CHARACTER.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>One M’Dougal, a native of Argyleshire, having -emigrated to Upper Canada, from anxiety -to make the most of his scanty capital, or some -other motive, he purchased a location, where -the price of land is merely nominal, in a country -thinly peopled, and on the extreme verge of -civilization. His first care was to construct a -house, and plant in the wild. This task finished, -he spent his whole time, early and late, in the -garden and the fields. By vigorous exertions, -and occasional assistance, he brought a few -acres of ground under crop; acquired a stock -of cattle, sheep and hogs; made additional inroads -on the glade and the forest, and, though -his toils were hard, gradually and imperceptibly -became, in a rough way, “well enough to live,” -as compared with the poverty he had abandoned -at home.</p> - -<p>His greatest discomforts were, distance from -his neighbours, the church, markets, and even -the mill; and, along with these, the suspension -(or rather, the enjoyment) after long intervals -of time, of those endearing charities and friendly -offices, which lend such a charm to social life.</p> - -<p>On one occasion, M’Dougal had a melder of -corn to grind, and as the distance was considerable, -and the roads none of the smoothest, this -important part of his duty could only be performed -by starting with the sun, and returning -with the going down of the same. In his absence,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_232"></a>[232]</span> -the care of the cattle devolved on his -spouse, and as they did not return at the usual -hour, the careful matron went out in quest of -them. Beyond its mere outskirts, the forest was, -to her, <i>terra incognita</i>, in the most emphatic -sense of the term; and with no compass, or -notched trees to guide, it is not to be wondered -at that she wandered long and wearily to very -little purpose. Like alps on alps, tall trees arose -on every side—a boundless continuity of shade—and, -fatigued with the search, she deemed it -prudent to retrace her steps, while it was yet -time. But this resolution was much easier -formed than executed; returning was as dangerous -as “going o’er,” and, after wandering -for hours, she sunk on the ground, her eyes -swollen and filled with tears, and her mind -agitated almost to distraction. But here she had -not rested many minutes, before she was startled -by the sound of approaching footsteps, and, -anon, an Indian hunter stood before her, “a -stoic of the woods, a man without fear.” Mrs. -M’Dougal knew that Indians lived at no great -distance, but as she had never seen a member -of the tribe, her emotions were those of terror—quickening, -it may be said, every pulse, and -yet paralyzing every limb. The Indian’s views -were more comprehensive; constantly on the -look out, in search of the quarry, and accustomed -to make circuits, comprising the superficies of -many a highland mountain and glen, he had -observed her, without being observed himself, -knew her home, recognized her person, comprehended<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_233"></a>[233]</span> -her mishap, divined her errand, and -immediately beckoned her to follow him. The -unfortunate woman understood his signal, and -obeyed it, as far as terror left her power; and, -after a lengthened sweep, which added not a -little to her previous fatigue, they arrived at the -door of an Indian wigwam.</p> - -<p>Her conductor invited her to enter, by signs: -but this she sternly refused to do, dreading the -consequence, and preferring death in the open -air to the tender mercies of cannibals within. -Perceiving her reluctance, and scanning her -feelings, the hospitable Indian darted into the -wigwam, and communed with his wife, who, -in a few minutes, also appeared: and, by certain -signs and sympathies, known only to females, -calmed the stranger’s fears, and induced her to -enter their lowly abode. Venison was instantly -prepared for supper, and Mrs. M’Dougal—though -still alarmed at the novelty of her situation, -found the viands delicious, and had rarely, -if ever, partaken of so savoury a meal. Aware -that she was wearied, the Indians removed from -their place near the roof, two beautiful deer -skins, and, by stretching and fixing them across, -divided the wigwam into two apartments. Mats -were also spread in both, and next, the stranger -was given to understand, that the further dormitory -was expressly designed for her accommodation. -But here again her courage failed -her, and to the most pressing intreaties, she -replied by signs, as well as she could, that she -would prefer to sit and sleep by the fire. This<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_234"></a>[234]</span> -determination seemed to puzzle the Indian and -his squaw sadly. Often they looked at each -other, and conversed softly in their own language: -and, at last, the Red took the White -woman by the hand, led her to her couch, and -became her bedfellow. In the morning she -awoke greatly refreshed, and anxious to depart, -without further delay—but the Indian would -on no account permit it. Breakfast was prepared—another -savoury and well-cooked meal—and -then the Indian accompanied his guest, -and conducted her to the very spot where the -cattle were grazing. These he kindly drove -from the wood, on the verge of which Mrs. -M’Dougal descried her husband, running about -every where, hallooing and seeking for her, in -a state of absolute distraction. Great was his -joy, and great his gratitude to her Indian benefactor, -who was invited to the house, and treated -to the best the larder afforded, and presented, -on his departure, with a suit of clothes.</p> - -<p>In about three days he returned, and endeavoured, -by every wile, to induce Mr. M’Dougal -to follow him into the forest. But this invitation -the other positively declined—and the poor -Indian went on his way, obviously grieved and -disappointed. But again he returned; and, -though words were wanting, renewed his intreaties—but -still vainly, and without effect: -and then, as a last desperate effort, he hit upon -an expedient, which none, save an Indian -hunter, would have thought of. Mrs. M’Dougal -had a nursling only a few months old—a fact<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_235"></a>[235]</span> -the Indian failed not to notice. After his pantomimic -eloquence had been thrown away, he -approached the cradle, seized the child, and -darted out of the house with the speed of an -antelope. The alarmed parents instantly followed, -supplicating and imploring, at the top -of their voices. But the Indian’s resolves were -as fixed as fate—and away he went, slow -enough to encourage his pursuers, but still in -the van by a good many paces, and far enough -ahead to achieve the secret purpose he had -formed—like the parent-bird, skimming the -ground, when she wishes to wile the enemy -from her nest. Again and again Mr. M’Dougal -wished to continue the chase alone—but maternal -anxiety baffled every remonstrance; and -this anxiety was, if possible, increased, when -she saw the painted savage enter the wood, and -steer, as she thought, his course towards his -own cabin. The Indian, however, was in no -hurry;—occasionally, he cast a glance behind, -poised the child almost like a feather, treading -his way with admirable dexterity, and kept the -swaddling clothes so closely drawn around it, -that not even the winds of heaven were permitted -to visit it roughly. It is, of course, needless -to go into all the details of this singular -journey, further than to say, that the Indian, at -length, called a halt on the margin of a most -beautiful prairie, teeming with the richest vegetation, -and comprising many thousands of acres. -In a moment the child was restored to its parents—who, -wondering what so strange a procedure<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_236"></a>[236]</span> -could mean, stood, for some minutes, panting -for breath, and eyeing one another in silent and -speechless astonishment.</p> - -<p>The Indian, on the other hand, appeared -overjoyed at the success of his manœuvre—and -never did a human being frisk about and -gesticulate with greater animation. We have -heard, or read, of a professor of signs: and -supposing such a character were wanted, the -selection could not—or, at least should not—be -a matter of difficulty, so long as even a remnant -remains of the aborigines of North America. -All travellers agree in describing their gestures -as highly dignified, eloquent, and intelligent: -and we have the authority of Mr. M’Dougal -for saying, that the hero of the present strictly -authentic tale, proved himself to be a perfect -master of the art. The restoration of the child—the -beauty and wide extent of the prairies, -and various other circumstances combined—flashed -across our countryman’s mind—operating -conviction where jealously and distrust had -lurked before. Mr. M’Dougal, in a trice, examined -the soil, and immediately saw the propriety -of the advice given by the <i>untutored one</i>. -By a sort of tacit agreement, a day was fixed -for the removal of the materials of our countryman’s -cabin, goods and chattels;—and the -Indian, true to his word, brought a detachment -of his tribe to assist in one of the most romantic -“flittings” that ever was undertaken either in -the old or new world. In a few days a roomy -log-house was fashioned, and a garden formed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_237"></a>[237]</span> -in a convenient section of the beautiful prairie, -from which the smoke was seen curling, and -the woodpecker tapping at no great distance. -M’Dougal was greatly pleased at the change—and -no wonder, seeing that he could almost -boast of a body-guard as bold as the bowmen -of Robin Hood. His Indian friend speedily -became a sort of foster brother, and his tribe as -faithful as the most attached Tail of Gillies that -ever surrounded a Highland chieftain. Even -the stupid kine lowed, on finding themselves -suddenly transferred to a boundless range of -richest pasture:—and, up to the date of the -last advices, were improving rapidly in condition, -and increasing in numbers.</p> - -<p>The little garden was smiling like a rose in -the desert—grass, overabundant, was gradually -giving way to thriving crops, and the kine so -well satisfied with their <i>gang</i>, that the herds -and enclosures were like unheeded to keep them -from the corn. The Indians continued friendly -and faithful—occasionally bringing presents of -venison and other game, and were uniformly -rewarded from the stores of a dairy, overflowing -with milk, butter, and cheese.</p> - -<p>Attached as the Red man was to his own -mode of life, he was induced at length to form -a part of the establishment, in the capacity of -grieve, or head shepherd—a duty he undertook -most cheerfully, as it still left him opportunities -of meeting and communing with his friends, -and reconnoitering the altering denizens of the -forest. Let us hope, therefore, that no untoward<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_238"></a>[238]</span> -accident will occur to mar this beautiful -picture of sylvan life; that the M’Dougal colony -will wax stronger, till every section of the -prairie is forced to yield tribute to the spade -and the plough.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_REFORMED_INDIAN">THE REFORMED INDIAN.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Some of the Indians believe, that the “Evil -Spirit” is the maker of spirituous liquors, from -which, notwithstanding, hardly one of them -can refrain. An Indian near the Delaware -Water Gap, told Mr. Heckewelder, a missionary, -that he had once, when under the influence of -strong liquor, killed the best Indian friend he -had, fancying him to be his worst avowed -enemy. He said that the deception was complete; -and that while intoxicated, the face of -his friend presented to <i>his</i> eyes all the features -of the man with whom he was in a state of -hostility. It is impossible to express the horror -which struck him, when he awoke from that -delusion. He was so shocked, that from that -moment, he resolved never more to taste of the -maddening potion, of which he was convinced -the devil was the inventor; for that it could -only be the “Evil Spirit” who made him see -his enemy when his friend was before him, and -produced so strong a delusion on his bewildered -senses, that he actually killed him. From that -time until his death, which happened thirty -years afterwards, he never drank a drop of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_239"></a>[239]</span> -ardent spirits, which he always called “the -devil’s blood;” and was firmly persuaded that -the devil, or some of his infernal spirits, had a -hand in preparing it.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="FIDELITY">FIDELITY.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Among the North American Indians, one of -the first lessons they inculcate on their children, -is duty to their parents, and respect for old age; -and there is not among the most civilized -nations, any people who more strictly observe -the duty of filial obedience. A father need -only to say, in the presence of his children, “I -want such a thing done”—“I want one of my -children to go upon such an errand”—“Let me -see who is the good child that will do it.” The -word <i>good</i> operates as it were by magic, and -the children immediately vie with each other to -comply with the parent’s wishes. If a father -sees an old decrepid man or woman pass by, -led along by a child, he will draw the attention -of his own children to the object, by saying, -“What a <i>good</i> child that must be, which pays -such attention to the aged! That child, indeed, -looks forward to the time when it will likewise -be old, and need its children’s help.” Or he -will say, “May the Great Spirit, who looks upon -him, grant this <i>good</i> child a long life!”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_240"></a>[240]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="STRATAGEM_DEFEATED">STRATAGEM DEFEATED.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Early in the war of the American revolution, -a Sergeant, who travelled through the woods -of New Hampshire, on his way to the American -army, met with a singular adventure, which -ended much to his credit.</p> - -<p>He had twelve men with him. Their route -was far from any settlement, and they were -obliged every night to encamp in the woods. -The Sergeant had seen a good deal of the -Indians, and understood them well;—early in -the afternoon, one day, as they were marching -on, over bogs, swamps, and brooks, under the -towering maple trees, a body of Indians, exceeding -their own number, rushed out upon a -hill in front of them.</p> - -<p>They appeared to be pleased at meeting with -the Sergeant and his party. They considered -them, they said, as their best friends; for themselves, -they had taken up the hatchet for the -Americans, and would scalp and strip those -rascally English for them, like so many wild -cats. “How do you do, pro?” (meaning -brother) said one. “How do you do, pro?” -said another, and so they went about, shaking -hands with the Sergeant and his twelve men.</p> - -<p>They went off, at last, and the Sergeant, -having marched onward a mile or two, halted -his men, and addressed them,—“My brave -fellows,” said he, “we must use all possible -caution, or before morning we shall all of us<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_241"></a>[241]</span> -be dead men. You are amazed, but depend -upon me, these Indians have tried to put our -suspicion to sleep; you will see more of them -by-and-bye.”</p> - -<p>It was concluded, finally, to adopt the following -scheme for defence: they encamped for the -night, near a stream of water, which protected -them from behind. A large oak was felled, -and a brilliant fire kindled; each man cut a log -of wood, about the size of his body, rolled it -nicely up in his blanket, placed his hat on the -end of it, and laid it before the fire, that the -enemy might take it for a man.</p> - -<p>Thirteen logs were fitted out in this way, -representing the Sergeant and his twelve men. -They then placed themselves, with loaded guns, -behind the fallen tree; by this time it was dark, -but the fire was kept burning till midnight. -The Sergeant knew, that if the Savages ever -came, they would come now.</p> - -<p>A tall Indian was seen, at length, through -the glimmering of the fire, which was getting -low. He moved cautiously towards them, -skulking, as an Indian always does. He seemed -to suspect, at first, that a guard might be -watching, but seeing none, he came forward -more boldly, rested on his toes, and was seen to -move his finger, as he counted the thirteen men, -sleeping, as he supposed, by the fire. He -counted them again, and retired; another came -up, and did the same. Then the whole party, -sixteen in number, came up and glared silently -at the logs, till they seemed to be satisfied they<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_242"></a>[242]</span> -were fast asleep. Presently they took aim, -fired their whole number of guns upon the logs, -yelled the horrid war-whoop, and pushed forward -to murder and scalp their supposed victims. -The Sergeant and his men were ready for them; -they fired upon them, and not one of the Indians -was left to tell the story of that night. The -Sergeant reached the army in safety.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="SCENES_IN_KING_WILLIAMS_WAR_1689">SCENES IN KING WILLIAM’S WAR, 1689.</h2> - -</div> - -<h3>SURPRISE OF DOVER.</h3> - -<p>Thirteen years had almost elapsed since the -seizure of the 400 Indians, at Cocheco, by -Major Waldron; during all which time an -inextinguishable thirst of revenge had been -cherished among them, which never till now -found opportunity for gratification. Wonolanset, -one of the sachems of Penacook, who was -dismissed with his people at the time of the -seizure, always observed his father’s dying -charge, not to quarrel with the English; but -Hagkins, another sachem, who had been treated -with neglect by Cranfield, was more ready to -listen to the seducing invitations of Castine’s -emissaries. Some of those Indians, who were -then seized and sold into slavery abroad, had -found their way home, and could not rest till -they had their revenge. Accordingly a confederacy -being formed between the tribes of -Penacook and Pigwacket, and the strange<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_243"></a>[243]</span> -Indians (as they were called) who were incorporated -with them, it was determined to -surprise the major and his neighbours, among -whom they had all this time been peaceably -conversant.</p> - -<p>In that part of the town of Dover which lies -about the first falls in the river Cocheco, were -five garrisoned houses; three on the north side, -called respectively, Waldron, Otis, and Heard; -and two on the south side, Peter Coffin and his -son’s. These houses were surrounded with -timber walls, the gates of which, as well as the -house doors, were secured with bolts and bars. -The neighbouring families retired to these houses -by night; but by an unaccountable negligence, -no watch was kept. The Indians who were -daily passing through the town, visiting and -trading with the inhabitants, as usual in time of -peace, viewed their situation with an attentive -eye. Some hints of a mischievous design had -been given out by their squaws; but in such -dark and ambiguous terms that no one could -comprehend their meaning. Some of the people -were uneasy; but Waldron, who, from a long -course of experience, was intimately acquainted -with the Indians, and on other occasions had -been ready enough to suspect them, was now so -thoroughly secure, that when some of the people -hinted their fears to him, he merrily bade them -to go and plant their pumpkins, saying that he -would tell them when the Indians would break -out. The very evening before the mischief -was done, being told by a young man that the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_244"></a>[244]</span> -town was full of Indians, and the people were -much concerned; he answered that he knew -the Indians very well, and there was no danger.</p> - -<p>The plan which the Indians had preconcerted -was, that two squaws should go to each of the -garrisoned houses in the evening, and ask leave -to lodge by the fire; that in the night when the -people were asleep they should open the doors -and gates, and give the signal by a whistle, -upon which the strange Indians, who were to -be within hearing, should rush in, and take -their long meditated revenge. This plan being -ripe for execution, on the evening of Thursday -the 27th of June, two squaws applied to each -of the garrisons for lodging, as they frequently -did in time of peace. They were admitted into -all but the younger Coffin’s, and the people, at -their request, shewed them how to open the -doors, in case they should have occasion to go -out in the night. Mesandowit, one of their -chiefs, went to Waldron’s garrison, and was -kindly entertained, as he had often been before. -The squaws told the major, that a number of -Indians were coming to trade with him the -next day, and Mesandowit while at supper, -with his usual familiarity, said, “Brother Waldron, -what would you do if the strange Indians -should come?” The major carelessly answered, -that he could assemble 100 men, by lifting up -his finger. In this unsuspecting confidence the -family retired to rest.</p> - -<p>When all was quiet, the gates were opened -and the signal given. The Indians entered, set<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_245"></a>[245]</span> -a guard at the door, and rushed into the major’s -apartment, which was an inner room. Awakened -by the noise, he jumped out of bed, and though -now advanced in life to the age of eighty years, -he retained so much vigour as to drive them -with his sword through two or three doors, but -as he was returning for his other arms, they -came behind him, stunned him with a hatchet, -drew him into his hall, and seating him in an -elbow chair on a long table insultingly asked -him, “Who shall judge Indians now?” They -then obliged the people in the house to get them -some victuals: and when they had done eating, -they cut the major across the breast and belly -with knives, each one with a stroke saying, “I -cross out my account.” They then cut off his -nose and ears, forcing them into his mouth—and -when, spent with the loss of blood, he was -falling down from the table, one of them held -his own sword under him, which put an end to -his misery. They also killed his son in law -Abraham Lee; but took his daughter Lee with -several others, and having pillaged the house, -left it on fire. Otis’s garrison, which was next -to the major’s, met with the same fate; he was -killed, with several others, and his wife and -child were captured. Heard’s was saved by -the barking of a dog just as the Indians were -entering: Elder Wentworth, who was awakened -by the noise, pushed them out, and falling on -his back, set his feet against the gate and held -it till he had alarmed the people; two balls -were fired through it but both missed him. Coffin’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_246"></a>[246]</span> -house was surprised, but as the Indians -had no particular enmity to him, they spared -his life, and the lives of his family, and contended -themselves with pillaging the house. -Finding a bag of money, they made him throw -it by handfuls on the floor, while they amused -themselves in scrambling for it. They then -went to the house of his son who would not -admit the squaws in the evening, and summoned -him to surrender, promising him quarter: he -declined their offer, and determined to defend his -house, till they brought out his father and -threatened to kill him before his eyes; filial affection -then overcame his resolution, and he -surrendered. They put both families together -into a deserted house, intending to reserve them -for prisoners; but while the Indians were busy -in plundering, they all escaped.</p> - -<p>Twenty-three people were killed in this surprisal, -and twenty-nine were captured; five or -six houses with the mills were burned; and so -expeditious were the Indians in the execution -of their plot, that before the people could be -collected from the other parts of the town to -oppose them, they fled with their prisoners and -booty. As they passed by Heard’s garrison in -their retreat, they fired upon it, but the people -being prepared and resolved to defend it, and -the enemy being in haste, it was preserved. The -preservation of its owner was more remarkable.</p> - -<p>Elizabeth Heard, with her three sons and a -daughter, and some others, were returning in -the night from Portsmouth; they passed up the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_247"></a>[247]</span> -river in their boat unperceived by the Indians, -who were then in possession of the houses; but -suspecting danger by the noise which they -heard, after they had landed they betook themselves -to Waldron’s garrison, where they saw -lights, which they imagined were set up for -direction to those who might be seeking a -refuge. They knocked and begged earnestly -for admission, but no answer being given, a -young man of the company climbed up the -wall, and saw, to his inexpressible surprise, an -Indian standing in the door of the house with -his gun. The woman was so overcome with -the fright that she was unable to fly, but begged -her children to shift for themselves, and they -with heavy hearts left her. When she had a -little recovered she crawled into some bushes, -and lay there till day-light: she then perceived -an Indian coming toward her with a pistol in his -hand, he looked at her and went away; returning, -he looked at her again, and she asked him -what he would have. He made no answer, but -ran yelling to the house, and she saw him no -more. She kept her place till the house was -burned and the Indians were gone, and then returning -home found her own house safe. Her -preservation in these dangerous circumstances -was more remarkable, if (as it is supposed) it -was an instance of justice and gratitude in the -Indians: for at the time when the 400 were -seized in 1676, a young Indian escaped and -took refuge in her house, where she concealed -him; in return for which kindness he promised<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_248"></a>[248]</span> -her that he never would kill her, nor any of her -family in any future war, and that he would -use his influence with the other Indians to the -same purpose. This Indian was one of the -party who surprised the place, and she was well -known to the most of them.</p> - -<p>The same day, after the mischief was done, -a letter from Secretary Addington, written by -order of the government, directed to Major -Waldron, giving him notice of the intention of -the Indians to surprise him under pretence of -trade, fell into the hands of his son. This design -was communicated to Governor Bradstreet by -Major Henchman of Chelmsford, who had -learned it of the Indians. The letter was dispatched -from Boston, the day before, by Mr. -Weare; but some delay which he met with at -Newbury ferry prevented his arrival in season.</p> - -<p>The prisoners taken at this time were mostly -carried to Canada, and sold to the French; and -these, so far as can be learned, were the first -that ever were carried thither. One of these -prisoners was Sarah Gerrish, a remarkably fine -child, of seven years old, and grand-daughter of -Major Waldron, in whose house she lodged that -fatal night. Some circumstances attending her -captivity are truly affecting. When she was awakened -by the noise of the Indians in the house, -she crept into another bed, and hid herself under -the clothes to escape their search. She remained -in their hands till the next winter, and was sold -from one to another several times. An Indian -girl once pushed her into a river; but, catching<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_249"></a>[249]</span> -by the bushes, she escaped drowning, yet durst -not tell how she came to be wet. Once she was -so weary with travelling, that she did not awake -in the morning till the Indians were gone, and -then found herself alone in the woods, covered -with snow, and without any food; having found -their tracks, she went crying after them till they -heard her and took her with them. At another -time they kindled a great fire, and the young -Indians told her she was to be roasted. She -burst into tears, threw her arms round her -master’s neck, and begged him to save her, -which he promised to do if she would behave -well. Being arrived in Canada, she was bought -by the Intendant’s lady, who treated her courteously, -and sent her to a nunnery for education. -But when Sir William Phips was at Quebec she -was exchanged, and returned to her friends, with -whom she lived till she was sixteen years old.</p> - -<p>The wife of Richard Otis was taken at the -same time, with an infant daughter of three -months old. The French priests took this child -under their care, baptised her by the name of -Christina, and educated her in the Romish religion. -She passed some time in a nunnery, -but declined taking the veil, and was married -to a Frenchman, by whom she had two children. -But her desire to see New England was -so strong, that upon an exchange of prisoners -in 1714, being then a widow, she left both her -children, who were not permitted to come with -her, and returned home, where she abjured the -Romish faith. M. Siguenot, her former confessor,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_250"></a>[250]</span> -wrote her a flattering letter, warning her -of her danger, inviting her to return to the -bosom of the catholic church, and repeating -many gross calumnies which had formerly been -vented against Luther and the other reformers. -This letter being shown to Governor Burnet, he -wrote her a sensible and masterly answer, refuting -the arguments, and detecting the falsehoods -it contained: both these letters were -printed. She was married afterwards to Captain -Thomas Baker, who had been taken at Deerfield, -in 1704, and lived in Dover, where she -was born, till the year 1773. The Indians had -been seduced to the French interest by popish -emissaries, who had begun to fascinate them -with their religious and national prejudices. -They had now learned to call the English heretics, -and that to extirpate them as such was -meritorious in the sight of heaven. When their -minds were filled with religious frenzy, they -became more bitter and implacable enemies -than before; and finding the sale of scalps and -prisoners turn to good account in Canada, they -had still farther incitement to continue their -depredations, and prosecute their vengeance.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_251"></a>[251]</span></p> - -<h3>TREATMENT OF THE PRISONERS AT SALMON FALLS IN 1690.</h3> - -<p>The following instances of cruelty, exercised -towards the prisoners taken at Salmon falls, are -mentioned by Dr. Mather. Robert Rogers, a -corpulent man, being unable to carry the burden -which the Indians imposed upon him, threw it -in the path and went aside in the woods to conceal -himself. They found him by his track, -stripped, beat, and pricked him with their -swords: then tied him to a tree and danced -round him till they had kindled a fire. They -gave him time to pray, and take leave of his -fellow prisoners, who were placed round the -fire to see his death. They pushed the fire -toward him, and when he was almost stifled, -took it away to give him time to breathe, and -thus prolong his misery; they drowned his -dying groans with their hideous singing and -yelling, all the while dancing round the fire, -cutting off pieces of his flesh and throwing -them in his face. When he was dead they left -his body broiling on the coals, in which state it -was found by his friends and buried. Mehetabel -Goodwin was taken with a child of five months -old; when it cried they threatened to kill it, -which made the mother go aside and sit for -hours together in the snow to lull it to sleep; -her master seeing that this hindered her from -travelling, took the child, struck its head against -a tree, and hung it on one of the branches; she<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_252"></a>[252]</span> -would have buried it but he would not let her, -telling her that if she came again that way she -might have the pleasure of seeing it. She was -carried to Canada, and after five years returned -home. Mary Plaisted was taken out of her -bed, having lain in but three weeks: they made -her travel with them through the snow and “to -ease her of her burden,” as they said, struck -the child’s head against a tree, and threw it into -a river. An anecdote of another kind may -relieve the reader after these tragical accounts. -Thomas Toogood was pursued by three Indians -and overtaken by one of them, who having -enquired his name, was preparing strings to -bind him, holding his gun under his arm, which -Toogood seized and went backward, keeping -the gun presented at him, and protesting that he -would shoot him if he alarmed the others who -had stopped on the opposite side of the hill. -By this dexterity he escaped and got safe into -Cocheco; while his adversary had no recompense -in his power but to call after him by the -name of Nogood.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="footnotes"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="FOOTNOTES">FOOTNOTES</h2> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> General Jackson.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> Published in the Mobile Com. Register. March, 1824.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> This speech is the most manly and dignified piece of -Indian oratory that has ever met our eye. It even surpasses -the admired speech of Caractacus, the Briton, when -led captive to Rome;—and is, in no wise, inferior to that of -Logan.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> This interesting fact of a young Indian Chief of the -Pawnee nation, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, who was -on a visit to Washington in the winter of 1824, is extracted -from a letter of the Rev. Richard Reece, to the editor of the -London Wesleyan Methodist Magazine.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> In 1775 Shenandoh was present at a treaty made in -Albany. At night he was excessively drunk; and in the -morning, found himself in the street, stripped of all his ornaments, -and every article of clothing. His pride revolted at -his self-degradation, and he resolved never more to deliver -himself over to the power of ‘strong water.’</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a> The Editor of the Indian Anecdotes, is not responsible -for the sentiments, which any of the Anecdotes of this collection -may seem to illustrate. And although he has carefully -omitted such as would tend to corrupt, or exert an immoral -influence on the character; he disclaims every political or -religious partiality. The above has been introduced as an -interesting specimen of Indian logic.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> The Mandan tribe is now entirely extinct—<i>Catlin.</i></p> - -</div> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="figcenter illowp48" id="back-cover" style="max-width: 28.125em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/back-cover.jpg" alt=""> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOYS' BOOK OF INDIAN BATTLES AND ADVENTURES ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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