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Title: Outdoor Life and Indian Stories
Author: Ellis, Edward Sylvester
Language: English
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*** Start of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "Outdoor Life and Indian Stories" ***
Transcriber's notes:
Variations in spelling, punctuation, and hyphenation have been
retained; typographical errors have been silently corrected.
+Plus signs+ have been used to indicate small caps; _underscores_
has been used to identify italics.
[Illustration:
"_FROM WHERE THE SUN NOW STANDS, I FIGHT NO MORE
AGAINST THE WHITE MAN._"]
OUTDOOR LIFE and
INDIAN STORIES
MAKING OPEN AIR LIFE
ATTRACTIVE TO YOUNG AMERICANS
BY TELLING THEM ALL ABOUT WOODCRAFT, SIGNS AND SIGNALING, THE
STARS, FISHING, CAMPING, CAMP COOKING, HOW TO TIE KNOTS AND HOW
TO MAKE FIRE WITHOUT MATCHES, AND MANY OTHER FASCINATING OPEN AIR
PURSUITS
----ALSO----
STORIES OF NOTED HUNTERS AND SCOUTS
GREAT INDIANS AND WARRIORS, INCLUDING DANIEL BOONE, KIT CARSON,
GENERAL CUSTER, PONTIAC, TECUMSEH, KING PHILIP, BLACK HAWK, BRANDT,
SITTING BULL, AND A HOST OF OTHERS WHOSE NAMES ARE FAMOUS
ALL OF THEM TRUE AND INTERESTING
BY EDWARD S. ELLIS
Author of the Celebrated "Ellis Books" of Adventure, "The Deerfoot
Series," "Youth's History of the United States," Etc., Etc.
PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED
WITH LITHOGRAPH COLOR PLATES, HALF-TONE
ENGRAVINGS AND LINE DRAWINGS
+Copyright 1912+
By L. T. MYERS
CONTENTS
+Outdoor Life for Young Americans+ 9
How to Live in the Woods
+Making a Camp+ 10
How to Build a Lean-To
+How to Make Fire Without Matches+ 11
Using the Fire-Drill
+How to Get Pure Water+ 13
The Indian Filter
+How to Cook in Camp+ 15
Utensils and Simple Recipes
+How to Make a Bow and Arrow+ 17
A Safe and Powerful Weapon
+How to Read Signs and Signals+ 19
Indian Signs and the Wig-Wag System
+How to Tie Knots+ 22
All the Best Knots Explained and Illustrated
+How to Find Your Way by the Stars+ 26
The Heavens at Night
+What to Do in Case of Accident+ 27
First Aid to the Injured
+The Original Americans+ 33
The Indian Tribes
+The Original Emperors of Virginia+ 40
Powhatan and Opecancanough
+The Great Conspiracy+ 54
A Wily Chieftain and His Secret
+Adventures in New England+ 61
The Indians and the Pilgrims
+The Uncrowning of a King+ 76
Philip's Adventures and Death
+A Man of Mark Among the Delawares+ 98
Story of Tammany, White Eyes, and Captain Pipe
+The Greatest of Indian Conspirators+ 106
Pontiac, Chief of the Ottawas
+A Besieged Garrison+ 121
The Attack on Detroit
+A Good Indian+ 129
Little Carpenter, the Cherokee
+A Mighty Mingo Chieftain+ 135
Logan, the Orator and Warrior
+An Indian Demosthenes+ 144
Red Jacket, the Seneca
+Little Turtle+ 149
First an Enemy, then a Friend
+Warrior and Knight+ 159
Buckongahelas, the Delaware Chief
+A Famous Mohawk Chief+ 169
Adventure of Brandt, the Half-Breed
+A Chieftain on the Warpath+ 176
Adventures of Tecumseh, the Shawanoe
+Adventures of Weatherford+ 192
Chief of the Creek Confederacy
+Fighting Against Fate+ 202
Black Hawk and His War
+The Hero of the Everglades+ 219
Osceola and the Seminole War
+Sitting Bull, the Medicine Man+ 233
The Last Great Indian Uprising
OUTDOOR LIFE FOR YOUNG AMERICANS
What boy can resist the call of the woods, the desire to know the
forest and its furred and feathered inhabitants, the fish, the insects,
the plants? But to gather this knowledge in safety the boy must first
learn the ways of the woods, the life of the camper, how to cook and
find his way by the stars, how to tie knots and what to do in case of
accident, the language of signs and the secrets of the trail.
[Illustration: THE CAMP]
There is no better way to do this than to study the methods of the
Indians, the most expert woodsmen the world has known. At their call
the forest produced food, drink, clothes, ornaments and all the
necessities of life. Let us see how they managed this.
Making a Camp
The first thing to be considered on going into the forest is the camp
where the night is to be spent. In choosing a place for this see that
there is fresh water, wood for the fire and brush-wood for building
a "lean-to," or hut, at hand. It is well to build on a dry, level
place, with just enough slope to the ground to insure the water running
away in case of rain. The Indians used to live in huts thatched with
brush-wood, and these are best made by building what is known as a
"lean-to."
[Illustration: METHOD OF THATCHING A LEAN-TO]
Look for two trees standing from eight to ten feet apart on your
camping place, with branches from six to eight feet above the ground.
By placing a pole from one tree to the other in the crotches and
leaning other poles against this one, brush-wood can be woven in to
form a very good roof. Branches of the balsam or hemlock are best for
this purpose, and the needles should point down. It is well to collect
as many soft, thick tips of trees of this character as possible,
both for the thatching and to make the beds. Cover the floor of the
"lean-to" with these tips thickly and lay the rubber blankets on top,
rubber side down. Be sure to make the head of your bed toward the
inside and away from the opening. You will find that this makes a very
comfortable bed.
[Illustration: HOW TO BUILD A LEAN-TO]
How to Make Fire Without Matches
In olden times, before the Indians had matches, and even before they
had the flint and steel that our grandfathers used for making fire,
they used rubbing-sticks. Many people have tried to make fire in this
manner, but few have succeeded. As a matter of fact, it is not a very
difficult thing to do if you know how, as the Indians did. In fact,
they grew so expert that they could make fire almost as quickly as we
can strike a match. The easiest and surest method of doing this is to
use the bow-drill. The tools necessary consist of a bow, or bent stick,
about two feet long, with a stout leather cord attached to each end.
The drill consists of a straight piece of wood pointed at each end.
One end of this rests in a drill-socket, which is simply a piece of
wood with a small notch in it for the top of the fire-drill. This piece
of wood is held in the hand, while the other end of the fire-drill is
placed in the fire-board. This consists of a thin piece of wood with
small pits cut about half an inch from the edge, and with a notch
extending from the edge into the middle of the pit. The leather thong
is given a single turn about the fire-drill and then by drawing the bow
backward and forward the drill is caused to rotate very rapidly in the
fire-board. After a short while the dust which comes out of the notch
grows hot and becomes a glowing coal, which can be easily ignited into
a blazing fire.
[Illustration: THE FIRE-DRILL]
There are many ways of building a camp fire, but the Indian's way is
the best. The Indians always used to laugh at the white men because
they said that they built such a big fire they could not get near it,
while the Indian built a little fire and could get close to it. The
fire must be built systematically. First, get dry, small dead branches,
twigs, fir branches and other inflammable material and place these
loosely on the ground, being sure that the air can draw under and
upward through the mass. Next place some heavier sticks in the form of
a pyramid with the tops of the sticks close together, and so on, until
you have built the camp fire to the required size. Take every care to
prevent the spreading of the fire, and do not build it too close to the
tent or to inflammable pine trees. There is always danger of starting a
disastrous forest fire by carelessness with a small camp fire. Remember
that it is criminal to leave a burning fire, and always to put the fire
out with water or earth. If the fire is to be used for cooking, it is
well to confine the heat between two large logs, or, if baking is to
be done on it, it is best to build an oven with large stones. But the
Indians were usually content with open fire.
[Illustration: HOW TO BUILD A FIRE]
How to Get Pure Water
A very necessary item for the camp is pure water. If this cannot be
obtained from a nearby spring which has good, clear water, or from a
clean stream, it is possible to filter it in the same way that the
Indians did. They had a way of purifying water from a pond or swamp by
digging a hole about one foot across and down about six inches below
the water level, a few feet from the pond. After it was filled with
water they baled it out quickly, repeating the baling process about
three times. After the third baling the hole would fill with filtered
water.
[Illustration: A STONE OVEN]
If there is a stream at hand large enough to swim in, it is well to
remember that if you work your hands and kick your feet you can stay
above water for some time, even with your clothes on. Do not make the
mistake of going into the water too soon after eating, for cramps are
apt to result, causing a serious accident. The Indians have a method
of protecting themselves from cramps. Coming to a bathing pool, the
Indian swimmer, before entering the water, vigorously rubs the pit of
his stomach with the dry palm of his hand. This rubbing probably takes
a minute; then he dashes cold water all over his stomach, and continues
the rubbing for another minute; and after that he is ready for his
plunge.
How to Cook in Camp
The problems of the camp cook are not nearly so great as they seem at
first glance. The essential thing is to select your cooking equipment
and supplies wisely and learn a few simple recipes in advance. An
excellent cooking kit for a long outing is composed of the following
utensils: One 12-inch frying pan, one coffee pot, one 6-quart pail,
one can opener, six air-tight canisters for coffee, tea, sugar, salt,
etc., a knife, fork, teaspoon, tablespoon, plate, bowl and cup for
each person in the party. All of these may be nested in a 12-quart
pail, which will be found useful in many ways about the camp. If only
a short hike is to be taken, however, a much smaller kit may be taken.
An ideal kit for this purpose is used by the United States Army and
may be obtained from outfitters or army stores anywhere. This consists
of a frying pan and plate which can be locked together by the handle
of the frying pan to form a baker. In this a knife, fork and spoon can
be carried. With the addition of a canteen and large tin cup, this kit
can be made to perform wonders in the cooking line on a trip of several
days' duration. For a longer trip the larger kit is recommended.
The supplies to be taken along depend upon the tastes of the campers,
the length of the trip and the convenience of transportation. Of
course, if the trip is to be made by water it is easier to manage a
greater weight than would be the case if it must be carried, a point to
be kept in mind in selecting the supplies.
For a trip of about one week the following supplies are advised in
quantities to suit the number of people in the party: Coffee, tea,
sugar, salt, pepper, condensed milk (unsweetened), lard, bacon, flour,
baking soda, bread and potatoes. This list can be enlarged to advantage
by the addition of a ham, butter (if it can be kept cool), pickles, jam
and additional vegetables, but it is well to keep the outfit down to
the lowest point consistent with comfort. Eggs should be taken if it
is possible to carry them safely. They are now sold in packages which
will stand moderately rough handling. Remember that a bed of hot coals
is best for cooking, and use dry wood if possible to avoid the smoke.
The following recipes will be found easy and practical. Others may be
added as the cook grows more expert.
COFFEE
Use 1 tablespoonful of ground coffee for each cup to be made. For five
people put 5 tablespoonfuls in pot, add ½ cup cold water and mix with
the coffee. Add 4 cups of boiling water and bring to a boil, letting it
boil one minute, then add ½ cup of cold water and set near fire where
it will keep hot but not boil.
TEA
Use 2 teaspoonfuls of tea to 4 cups of boiling water. Put tea in pot
and pour boiling water over it. Never boil tea, but stand in a warm
place for five minutes to draw before serving.
BACON
Very useful on account of its fat which can be used to fry fish,
potatoes, etc. Slice the bacon thin and put in frying pan. Fry over hot
fire until crisp, turning the slices over with a fork from time to time.
POTATOES (BOILED)
Fill pail with water, wash and peel potatoes, boil until tender, take
out of water and keep warm until served.
POTATOES (FRIED)
Put 1 teaspoonful of lard in hot frying pan or use fat left over from
frying bacon. Peel and slice potatoes. Fry over hot fire.
FRIED FISH
Split the fish down the belly, clean, scale and cut off head and tail.
Spread open and fry with lard or bacon fat in hot frying pan.
All of the above can be cooked easily and quickly in camp. It is
recommended that bread be taken along, but if it is desired to cook
this and other more complicated dishes, one of the many handy cook
books on the market should be carried.
How to Make a Bow and Arrow
[Illustration: HOW TO MAKE A BOW AND ARROW]
In early days the Indian did not have the modern hunting rifle, and
was compelled to use bow and arrow in the chase. It is well for the
modern boy to understand this weapon, for it can be made with ease and
much good fun can be had with it. The Indian bow was short, because,
though less efficient, it was easier to carry than a long one, yet
it did not lack power. We hear that many times Indians shot so hard
that their arrows appeared on the far side of the animal, but the long
bow, such as was used by the old English archers or bowmen, was much
the more powerful. To make the bow take a perfectly sound, straight,
well-seasoned stick of about your own height and mark off a space as
wide as your hand in the middle for a handle. This space should be
left round and about an inch thick. The balance of the stick should be
shaved down flat on one side for the front and rounded on the other for
the back until it is about one inch wide and three-fourths of an inch
thick near the handle, tapering to about half that at the ends, which
are then notched for the cord. Next put on the cord and bend it until
it is about five inches from the bow at the center. If one end bends
more than the other shave the other end until it becomes even. After it
is trimmed down to your strength finish it with sand-paper. The best
woods to use are apple, black walnut, slippery elm, mountain ash or
hickory.
[Illustration: HOW TO SHOOT A BOW AND ARROW]
More difficult to make than the bow is the arrow. The Indians made
arrows of reeds and of straight shoots of arrow-wood or of elder,
but we make better arrows out of hickory or ash. The arrow should be
twenty-five inches long, round, and three-eighths of an inch thick. It
should be notched at one end to take the bow-string, and just below
this notch it should have three feathers set around at equal intervals.
These feathers are best made from either turkey or goose wings. With
a sharp knife cut a strip of the midrib on which is the vein of the
feather; make three pieces, each two to three inches long. The Indians
used to leave the midrib projecting at each end, and by these lash the
feathers to the arrow without gluing, but it is easier to glue them and
the arrows fly better. Indian arrow-heads were made of sharp flints
or pieces of stone lashed to the arrow-heads, but the best way to make
them now is like the ferrule of an umbrella, as this keeps the shaft
from splitting. After this the arrow should be painted, both to keep it
from warping and to make it easier to find in the forest by its bright
color.
After the bow and arrows are made one must learn to shoot with them. It
is well to begin with the target close at hand, and gradually increase
the distance as the archer becomes more expert. The Indians generally
used their bows at short range so that it was easy to hit the mark, and
considered rapid firing more important. In their competitions the prize
was given to him who should have the most arrows in the air at once,
and it has been said that their record was eight.
How to Read Signs and Signals
The Indians are very expert at using signs to give messages to one
another. These signs are made in many ways and vary with the different
tribes. Some of those best known are: Shaking a blanket, which means
"I want to talk to you." Holding up a knife or other weapon means
"war" or "I am ready to fight." Holding up a tree branch, "I want to
make peace." Holding up a pole horizontally with both hands on it, "I
have found something." Blazes or marks on trees are widely used to
communicate messages. A simple blaze or small section of bark cut from
a tree is often used to indicate a path through the forest, and if you
are going through dense woods and must come back the same way or others
are to follow you it is well to use this method of marking the way.
Other well-known Indian signs are the water signs. A circle cut in the
bark with an arrow-head pointing directly down and three waved lines
within the circle means "Good water here." A similar circle with the
arrow-head pointing to one side but below the center means "Good water
not far in this direction." If the arrow-head is above the center it
means "Good water a long way off in this direction." An arrow alone
indicates "Go in this direction." An arrow with a rectangular mark on
the end means "A letter is concealed three steps in this direction."
A cross means "Do not use this path." A circle with a small circle
inside, "I have gone home." In addition to the permanent signs the
Indians are very expert at "making smoke talk." A fire is built from
damp wood which will give off a thick smoke. By holding a blanket over
the fire the smoke is caused to rise in short and long puffs which can
be made to spell out a message. At night the light of the fire can be
made to serve the same purpose. As it is not always convenient to build
a fire and the "smoke talk" is not easy to handle it is much better
to use a flag and the wig-wag system. First of all it is necessary to
memorize the signal code which is given below. The numbers are made by
the signal man standing in one position with three motions. Let the
signal man stand facing the signal station with which it is desired
to communicate with the flag-staff carrying a small square flag held
vertically in his hands. A white flag about two and a half feet square
with a red square in the center is a good design, but the size depends
somewhat on the distance between stations. At night a lantern on a pole
or a torch can be used on the same system. To make the first motion
("one" or "1") move the flag as you stand facing the other station to
the right and down to the level of your waist, returning it immediately
to the vertical position. The second motion ("two" or "2") is the
same to the left of the sender. The third motion ("three" or "3") is
downward directly in front of the sender and immediately back to the
vertical position. Remember that numbers which occur in a message must
be spelled to avoid confusion. In sending a message make a slight pause
between each letter and if a mistake is made signal 3 followed by 12,
12, 3, and then begin the incorrect word again.
THE WIG-WAG CODE
ALPHABET
A 22
B 2112
C 121
D 222
E 12
F 2221
G 2211
H 122
I 1
J 1122
K 2121
L 221
M 1221
N 11
O 21
P 1212
Q 1211
R 211
S 212
T 2
U 112
V 1222
W 1121
X 2122
Y 111
Z 2222
tion 1112
NUMERALS
1 1111
2 2222
3 1112
4 2221
5 1122
6 2211
7 1222
8 2111
9 1221
0 2112
CONVENTIONAL SIGNALS
End of word 3
End of sentence 33
End of message 333
XX3 beginning or end of numerals.
I understand 22, 22, 3
Cease signalling, 22, 22, 22, 333
Signal faster 2212, 3
Repeat after (word), 121, 121, 3,
22, 3 (word)
Repeat last word, 121, 121, 33
Repeat last message, 121, 121, 121, 333
Move to right 211, 211, 3
Move to left 221, 221, 3
ABBREVIATIONS
a after
b before
c can
h have
n not
r are
t the
u you
ur your
w word
wi with
y yes
How to Tie Knots
Every boy is familiar with rope and its uses, but not every one is
able to handle it to the best advantage. In camping and fishing, and
particularly in any sport that has to do with the water, a knowledge
of how to tie knots is of the greatest value and interest. Often one's
very life depends on a knot holding.
A good knot has three qualities, it must be easy and quick to tie, it
must hold fast when pulled tight and must be easy to untie. There are
a number of knots which meet these requirements but are adapted to
different uses. To learn the various knots which follow take a section
of flexible rope about four feet long and three-eighths of an inch in
diameter. To keep the ends from fraying it is necessary to "whip" or
bind them with twine. To do this make a loop in the twine and lay on
the rope end so that the closed end of the loop projects just over the
end of the rope. Begin wrapping with the long end of the twine at a
point about an inch from the end of the rope, over the loop and toward
the end. When you reach the end of the rope pass the free end of the
twine through the loop and pull the other end of the twine. This will
pull the free end under the wrapping and secure it. Cut off both ends
close to the wrapping. To understand the directions remember that: 1.
_The Standing-part_ is the long unused portion of the rope upon which
the work is done. 2. _The Bight_ is the loop formed whenever the rope
is turned back upon itself; and 3. _The End_ is the part used in tying
the knots.
[Illustration]
The two primary knots are the "overhand" and the "figure-of-eight,"
which must be learned first of all as a basis.
THE OVERHAND KNOT
[Illustration]
Beginning with the position shown in the preceding diagram back the end
around the standing-part and up through the bight, drawing it tight.
THE FIGURE-OF-EIGHT KNOT
[Illustration]
Make a bight as before. Then lead the end around back of the
standing-part and down through the bight. The following knots are
chiefly based upon these and can be easily learned by careful study of
the diagrams. With practice considerable speed can be obtained, but it
is best to "make haste slowly."
THE SQUARE OR REEF KNOT
[Illustration]
This is the commonest knot for tying two ropes together. It will not
slip or jam if properly tied and is easy to untie.
THE FALSE REEF KNOT OR GRANNY.
[Illustration]
If the ends are not properly crossed in making the reef knot the
_granny_ results, a bad and insecure knot.
THE SHEET BEND OR WEAVER'S KNOT
[Illustration]
A knot much used by sailors in bending (tying) the sheet to the clew
of the sail and in tying two rope ends together. Make a bight with one
rope A, B, then pass the end C, of other rope up through and around the
entire bight and bend it under its own standing-part.
THE BOWLINE
[Illustration]
One of the most useful of all knots. It forms a loop that will neither
jam nor slip and is the only knot which will not cut itself under
heavy tension. It is much used on shipboard and in rigging when a loop
is desired. To tie the knot, form a small loop on the standing-part
leaving the end long enough for the size of the loop required. Pass
the end up through the bight around the standing-part and down through
the bight again. To tighten hold the loop in position and pull the
standing-part. It is important that the knot should be held firmly in
one position while tying for it is apt to slip before it is tightened.
To join two sections together by this knot, tie a bowline in one end,
then with the other end form the small loop, then pass the end through
the loop of the first bowline and complete the knot. This method should
always be used in joining kite cord to prevent cutting.
THE HALTER, SLIP OR RUNNING KNOT
[Illustration]
First form a bight and then tie an overhand knot around the
standing-part. An improvement in this knot for a halter knot is made
by forming the overhand knot with a loop in the end which is pulled
through. By pulling the end the knot is readily released.
THE SHEEPSHANK
[Illustration]
This knot is used to shorten a rope. Take up the amount of rope to be
shortened and make a half hitch around each bend as shown. If the knot
is to be permanent the ends above each half hitch should be lashed.
THE CLOVE HITCH
[Illustration]
A useful knot for quick tying and easy release. It is used in making
fast the bow line of a boat in coming into a wharf, in lashing poles
together, etc. Hold the standing-part in the left hand and pass the
rope around the pole or stake; cross the standing-part, making a second
turn around the pole, and pass the end under the last turn. In making a
boat fast, form a bight with the end beneath, throw this over the top
of the pile or mooring stake. Form another bight with the end on top,
turn this over and throw over pile, pulling end together. This is a
very secure knot which can be tied with the greatest rapidity.
THE FISHERMAN'S BEND
[Illustration]
A useful knot for use on board a yacht. Take two turns around a spar or
ring, then a half hitch around the standing-part and through the turns
on the rings and another half hitch above it around the standing-part.
THE TIMBER HITCH
[Illustration]
Much used in logging operations in hauling logs. Pass the end of the
rope around the timber. Then lead it around its standing-part and bring
it back to make several turns on its own part. The strain will make it
hold securely.
THE DOUBLE HALF HITCH
[Illustration]
A knot which is easy to tie and will not slip. A neat job may be had by
lashing the end to the standing-part after the knot is drawn tight.
THE BECKET HITCH
[Illustration]
Useful in fishing to bend a cord or line to a heavier cord or rope. The
method is shown.
THE FISHERMAN'S KNOT
[Illustration]
Used chiefly in tying gut. It is easy to tie and can be readily untied
by pulling the two short ends. The ropes are laid alongside each other
and with each end an overhand knot is made around the standing-part of
the other. Pull the standing-parts to tighten.
CARRICK BEND
[Illustration]
A knot which is used principally in joining hawsers for towing or heavy
duty hoisting. Turn the end of one rope A over its standing-part B
to form a loop. Pass the end of the other rope across the bight thus
formed back of the standing-part B, over the end A, then under the
bight at C, passing it over its own standing-part and under the bight
again at D.
BLACKWALL HITCH
[Illustration]
Used to secure a rope to a hook. The standing part when hauled tight
holds the end firmly.
How to Find Your Way by the Stars
It is very important that those who frequent the forest should be
sufficiently familiar with the stars to be able to tell their way by
them. Often a compass is lost or damaged or there is not enough light
to see the landmarks. At such a time a knowledge of how to find the
Pole star is invaluable for, to the experienced woodsman, a glimpse of
this star is equivalent to consulting a compass. It is really the most
important of the stars we see, although not a very bright one, because
it marks the North at all times and is fixed in its place, while all
the other stars seem to swing around it once in each twenty-four hours,
which makes it impracticable to use them for guidance. The Dipper or
Great Bear is well known to all American boys on account of the size,
peculiar shape and brilliancy of this group, and the fact that it never
sets in this latitude. This group always points out the Pole star or
Polaris, which is about in a line with the stars (Alpha and Beta)
which form the outside of the Dipper at a distance about three and a
half times as great as the space separating these two stars. This star
always points out the North. If the imaginary line between Alpha and
Beta and Polaris is continued about the same distance beyond Polaris it
will meet Cassiopeia, five stars in the shape of a W, which, like the
Great Bear, is always seen in our latitude. With these directions it
should be always easy to locate Polaris.
[Illustration: THE CIRCUMPOLAR CIRCLE]
What to Do in Case of Accident
DROWNING
1. Loosen clothing, if any. 2. Empty lungs of water by laying body on
its stomach and lifting it by the middle so that the head hangs down.
Jerk the body a few times. 3. Pull tongue forward, using handkerchief,
or pin with string, if necessary. 4. Imitate motion of respiration by
alternately compressing and expanding the lower ribs, about twenty
times a minute. Alternately raising and lowering the arms from the
sides up above the head will stimulate the action of the lungs. Let
it be done gently but persistently. 5. Apply warmth and friction to
extremities. 6. By holding tongue forward, closing the nostrils, and
pressing the "Adam's apple" back (so as to close entrance to stomach),
direct inflation may be tried. Take a deep breath and breathe it
forcibly into the mouth of patient, compress the chest to expel the
air, and repeat the operation. 7. _Don't give up!_ People have been
saved after _hours_ of patient, vigorous effort. 8. When breathing
begins, get patient into a warm bed, give _warm_ drinks, or spirits in
teaspoonfuls, fresh air, and quiet.
[Illustration: ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION--FIRST MOVEMENT]
[Illustration: ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION--SECOND MOVEMENT]
BURNS AND SCALDS
Cover with cooking soda, and lay wet cloths over it. Whites of eggs
and olive oil. Olive oil or linseed oil, plain or mixed with chalk or
whiting. Sweet or olive oil and limewater.
LIGHTNING
Dash cold water over a person struck.
SUNSTROKE
Loosen clothing. Get patient into shade and apply ice-cold water to
head. Keep head in elevated position.
MAD DOG OR SNAKE BITE
Tie cord tight above wound. Suck the wound and cauterize with caustic
or white-hot iron at once, or cut out adjoining parts with a sharp
knife. Give stimulants, as whiskey, brandy, etc.
STINGS OF VENOMOUS INSECTS, ETC.
Apply weak ammonia, oil, salt water, or iodine.
FAINTING
Place flat on back; allow fresh air, and sprinkle with water. Place
head lower than rest of body.
TESTS OF DEATH
Hold mirror to mouth. If living, moisture will gather. Push pin into
flesh. If dead the hole will remain, if alive it will close up. Place
fingers in front of a strong light. If alive, they will appear red; if
dead, black or dark. If a person is dead decomposition is almost sure
to set in after 72 hours have elapsed. If it does not, then there is
room for investigation by the physician. Do not permit burial of dead
until certain indication of death is apparent.
CINDERS IN THE EYE
Roll soft paper up like a lamplighter, and wet the tip to remove, or
use a medicine dropper to draw out. Rub the _other_ eye.
FIRE IN ONE'S CLOTHING
_Don't run_--especially not downstairs or out-of-doors. Roll on carpet
or wrap in woolen rug or blanket. Keep the head down, so as not to
inhale flame.
FIRE FROM KEROSENE
_Don't use water_, it will spread the flames. Dirt, sand, or flour is
the best extinguisher, or smother with woolen rug, table-cloth, or
carpet.
SUFFOCATION FROM INHALING ILLUMINATING GAS
Get into the fresh air as soon as possible and lie down. Keep warm.
Take ammonia--twenty drops to a tumbler of water, at frequent
intervals; also, two to four drops tincture of nux vomica every hour or
two for five or six hours.
ANTIDOTES FOR POISONS
First. Send for a physician.
Second. _Induce vomiting_, by tickling throat with feather or finger.
Drink hot water or strong mustard and water. Swallow sweet oil or
whites of eggs.
_Acids are antidotes for alkalies, and vice versa._
RULES IN CASE OF FIRE
Crawl on the floor. The clearest air is the lowest in the room. Cover
head with woolen wrap, wet if possible. Cut holes for the eyes. _Don't
get excited._
Familiarize yourself with the location of hall windows and natural
escapes. Learn the location of exits to roofs of adjoining buildings.
Learn the position of all stairways, particularly the top landing and
scuttle to the roof. Should you hear cry of "fire," and columns of
smoke fill the rooms, above all _keep cool_. Keep the doors of rooms
shut. Open windows from the top. Wet a towel, stuff it in the mouth,
breathe through it instead of nose, so as not to inhale smoke. Stand
at windows and get benefit of outside air. If room fills with smoke
keep close to floor and crawl along by the wall to the window.
Do not jump unless the blaze behind is scorching you. Do not even then
if the firemen with scaling ladders are coming up the building or are
near. Never go to the roof, unless as a last resort and you know there
is escape from it to adjoining buildings. In big buildings fire always
goes to the top. Do not jump through flame within a building without
first covering the head with a blanket or heavy clothing and gauging
the distance. Don't get excited; try to recall the means of exit, and
if any firemen are in sight, _don't jump_.
If the doors of each apartment, especially in the lower part of the
house, were closed every night before the occupants retired there would
not be such a rapid spread of flames.
[Illustration: A SETTLER FLEEING FROM THE INDIANS]
[Illustration]
THE ORIGINAL AMERICANS
[Illustration]
An Indian always attracts attention. I have no doubt that all the boys
and girls who read these pages have seen one or more Indians. You do
not have to go to the mountains and prairies of the West to meet these
"original Americans," for they live among us; many of them attend
schools of their own in different parts of the country, and some of
them are engaged in business. For years past the football club of the
Indian School at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, has ranked among the best, as
more than one of our colleges have found to their cost. A full-blooded
Indian was a member of General Grant's staff, and was present at the
surrender of General Lee at Appomattox.
Where did these red people come from? Nobody knows any more than he
knows where or when the first human being appeared on this earth. There
have been a good many guesses--for they are little more--to tell how
the Indians came to be on this continent. Some have thought they are
descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel, who passed across Bering
Strait from Asia, and, in the course of centuries, spread over and
peopled both North and South America. Why their color changed to the
well-known copper tint must have been due to the climate, though it is
hard to understand why other persons should become yellow, brown or
black. Then, too, a learned man once said there was no reason why the
Indians might not have crossed Bering Strait from the other way, and
peopled the Eastern Hemisphere. No doubt we shall have to wait a long
time before learning all about the origin of man.
You hardly need be told how these red people got their name.
Christopher Columbus, when he caught sight of land, after sailing so
many weeks to the westward over the Atlantic, thought it was a part of
the Indies. So, quite naturally, he called the natives _Indians_, and
the name will never be changed.
You have heard of the Mound Builders, and many of you have seen some
of the vast piles of earth which they heaped up hundreds of years ago.
Ohio has ten thousand such mounds, and one near St. Louis covers eight
acres. For a long while, it was believed that the Mound Builders were
a race different from the Indians, who in the course of time gave
place to them. This is a mistake. They belonged to the same race, and
when Columbus discovered America, the Mound Builders were working like
beavers in many parts of the country.
I am quite sure that you boys and girls, when reading or thinking about
the Indians, have believed they were dying off, and the day would come
when there would not be one of them left in America. No doubt you have
felt sad over the thought (I remember when I was a little fellow how
I shed a tear, and sniffed and hoped a few of them wouldn't die till
I had become a man and gained a chance of seeing them.) This mistake
is one of the most curious of which I know. There are to-day as many
Indians in this country as there were four hundred years ago. The last
census of the tribes in Canada shows a slight increase. True, some
tribes have been destroyed, but others have grown in number. There are
more Iroquois or "Six Nation" Indians now than during the Revolution.
When the end of all things comes, and the white men of this country are
called to be judged, plenty of red men will be among them. They are in
the United States to stay, and stay they will as long as the white man
remains.
[Illustration: AN OLD INDIAN FARM-HOUSE]
At the opening of the twentieth century, the Indian population of the
United States was more than 270,000. This did not include Alaska, and
is a clear increase during the preceding ten years. More than a third
of the Indians wear civilized dress, and a half of this third know
how to read. Nearly a half of all the Indians are on "reservations"
or at schools. The five civilized tribes, and their members in round
numbers are: Cherokees, 30,000; Chickasaws, 7,000; Choctaws, 15,000;
Creeks, 15,000; Seminoles, 2,500. They have fine schools, churches,
banks, newspapers, factories and all the luxuries of modern life, with
a system of government copied after our own.
More than a million dollars is spent every year by our government for
the support of the various schools formed for the education of the
Indians. These schools are at Albuquerque, N. M.; Chamberlin, So.
Dakota; Cherokee, N. C.; Carlisle, Pa.; Carson City, Nev.; Chilocco,
Oklahoma; Genoa, Neb.; Hampton, Va.; Lawrence, Kansas; and twenty-four
other places.
You know that while the color of the Indians shows different shades,
it is so similar that, leaving out the Eskimos, it is certain all of
them had the same origin. The "pure-bloods" have coarse black hair,
black eyes, high cheek bones, and not much muscular development, but
they can stand a wonderful amount of fatigue. They are generally of a
melancholy disposition, brooding and sullen by nature--though there are
many exceptions--revengeful, unforgiving, treacherous, and yet they
do not forget favors or kindnesses shown to them. The fact that from
the day the first white man set foot on this continent he has abused
the Indians, had much to do with the hatred shown by them toward these
invaders from across the ocean.
Now, when you bear in mind that a good many tribes number only a few
hundreds; that four hundred languages and two thousand dialects are
used by the natives of North and South America, you will see how hard
it is to classify them. Yet it is said the members of each tribe can
be recognized. A good many systems have been used in classifying the
Indians, but the best is that which divides them as follows:
The Panis-Arapahoe family, including the Panis or Pawnees, the
Arapahoes and the Jetans, called Comanches by the Spanish.
[Illustration: COURTSHIP AMONG THE INDIANS]
The Columbian family, including the tribes in the North-west, of which
the principal are the Snake or Flatheads, and the Shoshones.
The Sioux-Osage family, in which are found the powerful and numerous
Sioux or Dakotas, the Assiniboines, who live in alliance with the
Chippewas, the Mandans and the Osages.
The Mobile-Natchez, or Floridian family. This is composed of six
independent branches, each divided into several tribes, including the
five civilized ones already referred to.
The Algonquin, Huron (Wyandot) and Iroquois family. The first two named
are residents of Canada, while many of the Iroquois live in Central New
York.
The Lenape family include the Shawanoes, Kickapoos, Sacs, Foxes,
Illinois, Pottawatomies, Winnebagoes, Delawares or Lenni-Lenape,
Mohicans, Chippewas, and several others. The Apaches forming the most
terrible of all Indian tribes, belong to the Mexican family.
The Indians knew nothing of firearms until they saw them in the hands
of the white men. Like the ancient barbarians of other countries,
they made use of the primitive bow and arrow, spear, tomahawk, knife
and club. Swine, sheep, cows and horses were unknown until brought
across the ocean by white men. America, in turn, gave tobacco to the
Old World. The warrior lolled in his wigwam or tepee, smoking his
pipe, while his squaw scratched the earth and raised maize and a few
vegetables. Now and then the head of the household wandered into
the woods to hunt for game, or to fish in the streams. His delight,
however, was in going on the "war-path," and in slaying those of his
own race, who belonged to another tribe. Through the gloomy depths of
the forest, where only his trained eye could trace the prints of the
moccasin, he tracked his enemy, braving storm, heat, cold, fatigue,
starvation, and every kind of hardship, for the chance of stealing upon
the sleeper, or catching him off his guard. Burying his knife in his
breast, or driving his deadly arrow into the heart of his enemy, he
wrenched the scalp from his crown, and with a shout of triumph, hurried
back to his own people, with the shocking proof of his bravery. The
members of the tribe who thus lost one of their number did not rest,
so long as there was hope of revenge. Thus the fierce warfare went on,
just as if these dusky people were civilized, or belonged to some of
the "feudists" in certain parts of our country.
Among the many thousands of Indians there have appeared from time to
time, numerous men of striking mental ability. They have had some of
the most eloquent of orators, while others have shown marked military
skill. Brought into contact with the white people, they have sometimes
surpassed the Caucasian in real genius. In tracing the history and
development of our country, we meet proofs of such skill and ability
on the part of the Indians, and in the pages that follow we shall give
attention to the most interesting instances, whose truth cannot be
questioned.
CHAPTER I
THE ORIGINAL EMPERORS OF VIRGINIA
POWHATAN AND OPECANCANOUGH
[Illustration: Indian Chief]
The first permanent settlement made in the original thirteen States
was at Jamestown, Virginia, by the English in the spring of 1607. The
settlers were at once brought in contact with two famous Indians, to
whom we must now give attention.
The London Company, formed for the planting of colonies in the New
World, sent three ships across the ocean in the month of December,
1606. They carried one hundred and five men, but no women, and were in
charge of Captain Christopher Newport. They sailed up the Chesapeake
Bay, and were charmed by the soft breezes, the fragrant wild flowers
and the beautiful scenery. They halted at a peninsula (now an island),
about fifty miles from the mouth of the James, so named in honor of
their king, and began putting up cabins. Thus Jamestown was founded on
the 13th of May, 1607.
At that time the country from the Allegheny to the ocean, and from the
southern James to the Patuxent River, was inhabited by three families
of Indians, each composed of a number of tribes. With two of them we
have nothing to do.
[Illustration: THE INDIANS DEFEATED AT FALLEN TIMBERS.
This was one of the most memorable battles ever fought with the
Indians. It broke their power and gave supremacy to the whites. August
20, 1794.]
[Illustration: SURPRISING AN INDIAN CAMP.]
[Illustration: THE FAITHFUL INDIAN GUARD.]
The Powhatans lived in the lowland region, reaching from the Carolinas
on the south to the Patuxent on the north, and between the sea to the
falls of the rivers. They had more tribes than either of the other
families, ten being between the Potomac and the Rappahannock; five
between the Rappahannock and the York; eight between the York and
James; and five between the James and the Carolinas.
The Powhatan League was one of the most powerful on the continent and
occupied what is now Henrico county, on the shores of the James, and
about two days' journey from Jamestown.
You will see that the head of this league or confederacy ruled over
thousands of warriors, most of whom he had conquered and compelled
to accept him as sovereign, whose will the bravest under-chief dared
not dispute. In order to give him his proper importance, historians
generally refer to him as "Emperor," a title which it would seem was
proper. He is known as Powhatan, which is the same as his special
tribe, or rather as his chief seat or capital. This old town had a
dozen houses which stood a short distance below the present city of
Richmond, on the banks of the river. Fronting it were three islets.
At the time of the settlement of Jamestown, Powhatan was about sixty
years old. He was gaunt and tall, and as vigorous in body and mind
as a man of half his years, and the gray hair, which was plentifully
sprinkled through the black locks, gave a majesty to his looks. His
head-dress was made of a mass of feathers, and his robe of state was of
raccoon skins. The wooden bench or form upon which he was accustomed
to sit, might be taken as a throne, and his reign over many tribes,
most of whom he had conquered, gave a certain fitness to the name of
emperor. It should be noted that never did his son follow to the
throne, but instead his brothers, then his sisters, and then the heirs
of the oldest sister, all in turn were to inherit power.
Powhatan usually kept two-score of his bravest warriors as a body-guard
about him, but when he learned of the coming of the pale faces to the
mouth of the river, he made the number two hundred. He had favorite
places where he passed the different seasons, a fashion that was often
followed by the Indian chiefs in New England.
The settlement of Jamestown brings forward the name of the most
remarkable pioneer connected with our early history, Captain John
Smith, the "Father of Virginia." Could we believe one-half that this
man told about himself, we should have to admit that he was one of
the greatest heroes in history. He was a great boaster, and many of
the things he told were simple invention. More than one of the most
daring exploits that he claimed to have performed in the Old World have
been proved impossible. None the less, Captain John Smith was brave,
enterprising, unselfish, tactful, industrious and far-seeing, and but
for him Jamestown would have perished from the earth within a few
months after building the first cabins. Enough of him is known to prove
that he was not only the founder, but the saviour of Jamestown.
Smith was a native of Lincolnshire, England, and when he reached
Virginia, was not thirty years old. He had a powerful physique, and did
not hide his disgust with the "gentlemen" of the colony, who thought
themselves too good to work. He gave them the choice of working or
starving, and he set the good example of toiling as hard as any of
them. The settlers with whom he came did not reach Virginia until the
planting season was over, and, before long, all were suffering for
food. The only thing left to do was to get it from the Indians, and
Smith set out to do so. But the red men knew of the needs of the pale
faces, and despised them therefor Smith tried to get them to sell, but
they refused, or at the most would give but a handful of corn for a gun
or a sword. Seeing no other means left, Smith and his men opened fire
on the churlish fellows, drove them into the woods, and marching into
their village, carried a good supply of corn back to Jamestown.
For many years after the discovery of America, it was thought that
it was only a narrow strip of land, and that a short journey to the
westward would take one to the South Sea on the other side. As late as
1609, when Henry Hudson sailed up the stream named for him, it was in
the belief that he had not far to go to reach that vast body of water.
Captain Smith was ordered to explore the streams in the neighborhood
of Jamestown. In obedience to this command, he set out to learn the
sources of the Chickahominy. He went up that stream until the waters
became too shallow to allow the barge to go farther, when he stepped
with two of his men and two friendly Indians into a canoe and paddled
away. He told those left in the boat to stay in the middle of the
stream, and forbade them to approach either bank until he came back.
But he had not been gone long, when those that remained became tired of
sitting motionless in the barge, knowing that their leader could not
join them for many hours, and mayhap not for two or three days. Peering
into the woods and listening, they saw and heard nothing to cause
fear. So after talking for a little time, they paddled to shore and
stepped out on land. They had hardly done so, when they were attacked
by Indians and one killed, the others escaping with great difficulty.
The news they took back to Jamestown made every one believe they would
never again see Smith or his companions.
Meanwhile, the pioneer was pushing his way into the wilderness, with
no thought of what had befallen the men left behind in the barge. The
light canoe was just buoyant enough to float himself and friends, and
they paddled up the narrowing stream with all possible care. The day
was wearing away, and, since they had no food, Smith decided to hunt
for wild fowl. Landing, he went forward alone, never dreaming that
Opecancanough with a large body of warriors was tracking him through
the woods. This chief came upon the two Englishmen while they were
asleep and killed both. Then they hurried after Smith, who they knew
could not be far away.
When the pioneer caught sight of the dusky figures flitting among
the trees, firing their arrows and pressing towards him, he tried to
retreat to his canoe, but soon saw that he would be cut off. He seized
one of his Indian companions and swung him round in front, as a shield.
The pursuers did not wish to harm a member of their own race, and Smith
found for a time that the novel armor served him well. As fast as he
could load his gun he fired into the swarm of warriors, who were so
close together that he did not miss. He wounded a number and said he
killed three, which may be true.
The doughty pioneer could give no attention to his feet, since he dared
not take his eyes off his pursuers. He was slowly falling back, and
hopeful of getting away, when he stepped into a marshy place into which
he immediately sank above his knees. Even when in this plight, the
Indians were afraid to lay hands on him. They would steal forward and
then scramble in a panic for the shelter of the tree trunks, afraid he
was about to fire his terrible gun at them.
Smith struggled hard to free himself from the mire, but with every
effort only sank deeper. The weather was cold, and, seeing that he must
perish if he staid where he was, he set free his human shield and flung
away his weapons. He expected to be killed at once, but the captors
drew him out of the mud and led him back to the place where the two
Englishmen had been slain, and where a fire was kindled. The warmth of
this brought back his vigor and hopefulness, and seeing no disposition
to do him immediate harm, he asked for their chief. The famous
Opecancanough came forward. The captive handed him a small compass.
The chief took it in his hand while his warriors gathered around and
all studied the odd-looking instrument with deep interest. The darting
about of the tiny needle filled them with wonder, and for the moment no
one thought of doing the white man any harm.
Smith says that through the compass he made clear to the Indians the
roundness of the globe, the spheres of the sun, moon and stars, the
revolution of the earth on its axis, the immensity of the land and sea,
the diversity of the nations, the antipodes, "and many other such like
matters, so that all stood amazed with admiration!" And yet how are we
to believe that, unable as he was to speak the Indian language, Smith
"explained" these strange things to the Indians, or that they could
have gained any idea of his meaning! Such a feat was surely beyond his
power.
The compass, however, was to serve a good purpose, for when the
warriors had tied Smith to a tree and were about to fire their arrows
at him, Opecancanough held up the curious instrument and they stopped.
The captive was taken to the home of Powhatan, on York River, and well
treated. Indeed, he was fed so much that he began to suspect they were
fattening him in order that he might make a fine meal for them.
The capture of the leader of the colony sharpened the appetites of the
Indians for greater deeds, and they got ready to destroy Jamestown.
They tried by every means they could think of to get Smith to help
them, promising him much land and the finest of their women as wives.
Nothing could lead Smith to turn against his own countrymen, and he
tried to show his captors that their plan was hopeless. Smith then did
a slight thing of itself, which filled the Indians with wonder. Taking
a blank leaf from his pocket book, he wrote upon it a brief account of
the plot, and asked his friends to send him a number of articles which
he named, and which he promised the Indians they could get by taking
the slip of paper to Jamestown. The messengers made the journey in the
face of severe weather, and brought back the things which Smith had
promised. How he managed thus to talk with his friends many miles away,
was a mystery which the native mind could not grasp.
Since the red men had to give up their plan of capturing Jamestown,
they tried to impress him with their own greatness. He was taken from
place to place, among the different tribes, and finally brought back to
Opecancanough. He was feasted again, the Indians looking upon him as a
sort of god. He was next led into the presence of the mighty Powhatan,
where, after a time, it was decided to put him to death.
This brings us to the incident which is the most famous in the history
of Captain John Smith. He says his head was laid upon two large stones
and the warriors were about to beat out his brains, when Pocahontas,
the favorite daughter of Powhatan, and not more than ten or twelve
years old, threw her arms around the prisoner's neck, and prayed her
father to spare him. He could not refuse the pleadings of his loved
child.
Whether such an incident ever took place will never be known. While
it is not impossible, many doubt its truth. It seems to have been an
afterthought of the grim boaster, for years passed without anyone
hearing a reference of it, and it was not until the death of Pocahontas
that Captain Smith told how he had passed through such a strange
experience.
[Illustration: POCAHONTAS SAVING THE LIFE OF JOHN SMITH]
Powhatan seemed to think that since he had spared the life of the
Englishman, the latter should be turned to account. He made him help in
forming bows and arrows, moccasins, robes and copper trinkets. A son
of the chieftain became friendly to Smith, and did him many kindnesses
during his captivity. The Englishman rapidly learned the tongue of his
captors, and this knowledge afterwards proved of great help to him.
Finally he was sent back to Jamestown. The guard who went with him
were treated with great kindness, and a number of presents were sent
through them to Powhatan. This seems to have won the friendship of
the old chief, who sent his daughter Pocahontas every few days to the
settlement with food, where it was sorely needed. Everything would have
gone well but for the foolish course of Captain Newport, who soon after
arrived from a voyage to England. He gave Powhatan so many presents,
that the emperor was puffed up with his own importance, and refused to
part with any of his goods without being paid five or six times their
value. When Newport had offered about all he had to offer, Powhatan
sneeringly gave only two or three bushels of corn in return. Then it
was that Smith proved himself as shrewd as the chieftain. He managed,
as if by accident, to let Powhatan see a number of shining beads of
blue glass. The chief's eye was caught, and he asked for them. Smith
said they were of great value, and only worn by great kings. This fired
the envy of the chief, who was determined to own them, for who had a
better right than he to wear the jewels of a mighty monarch? With much
seeming unwillingness, Smith parted with the beads for more than two
hundred bushels of corn.
Powhatan began to fear that the continual coming of new emigrants
meant danger to himself and people. He began plotting to massacre
the settlers, but the prompt vigor of Smith scared him, and he sent
Pocahontas to Jamestown with a message that the evil plot was due to
some of his fiery chiefs. Smith, who had taken several prisoners,
thereupon released them, and all remained tranquil for a time.
Captain Newport's silly course with Powhatan came to a head in the
autumn of 1608, when he arrived again from England, just after Smith
had been elected governor of the colony. Newport brought a gilded crown
for Powhatan, and had the whole programme arranged for his coronation.
[Illustration: A GROUP OF INDIAN CHIEFS AND THEIR WIVES VISITING THE
PRESIDENT AT WASHINGTON.]
[Illustration: GENERAL CUSTER'S LAST CHARGE.
The Battle of the Little Big Horn Run, fought in 1876, by General
Custer, in command of United States troops against the Sioux Indians,
resulted in the entire destruction of the troops and their brave
commander. It was the last great battle with the Indians in America.]
At the same time settlers were to offer to aid Powhatan against a tribe
with which he was at war. When this message was sent to him, the
haughty old leader told the English that since he was a king he would
not go to Jamestown, and as for the offered help, he did not wish it,
as he knew how to manage his own affairs.
[Illustration: OPECANCANOUGH IN CAPTIVITY]
Among the emigrants who came over with Newport were three Germans,
who believed because of the woful state of the colony that it could
not last much longer. They gave their views to Powhatan, and were
base enough to offer to help him in putting all the English to death.
The old chief fell in with the plan, and agreed that the first step
necessary was to "remove" Captain Smith. Powhatan tried many tricks to
get him in his power, but that wise man outwitted him every time. The
chief warned his warriors that if they failed to kill Smith he would
have them slain. About this time a strange accident brought safety to
the sturdy governor. One of Powhatan's men had by some means got hold
of a quantity of gunpowder, which he told his friends he could handle
as well as the whites themselves. Several gathered round to watch him,
when the stuff suddenly blew up and killed the Indian and two of his
companions. Powhatan and the others were terrified, and filled with a
desire for peace. They brought back many stolen articles, and, in 1609,
sent half their crop of corn to the settlers. About this time, Captain
Smith was so shockingly burned by the burning of his powder bags, that
he went to England for surgical aid and never returned to Virginia. It
should be added that of the three wicked Germans, one died miserably,
and the others were slain by order of Powhatan, because of their
deception.
The colonists told the chief that Smith was dead, but he would not
believe it, and some time later sent one of his chiefs, Tomocomo, to
England, to learn what had become of him. Tomocomo was also ordered to
find out all he could about the country, and to learn how many white
people were there. The faithful servant began his duty by carrying a
long stick into which he cut a notch every time he met a stranger.
Needless to say that this means of taking the census proved a failure.
When he came back to Virginia and Powhatan asked as to the population
on the other side of the deep water, Tomocomo made his famous answer:
"Count the stars in the sky, the leaves on the trees, and the sand upon
the seashore, for such is the number of people in England."
Powhatan had many broils with the English, but it is only just to
say the fault lay more often with the latter than with him. The most
shameful of all outrages was that of Captain Argall, who while cruising
up the James, invited Pocahontas to visit his ship under the escort of
a squaw that had been bribed to betray her. Argall made Pocahontas a
prisoner, and took her to Jamestown. He believed Powhatan would hasten
to ransom her for a large amount of corn which the settlement needed,
but the enraged parent hastily prepared to go to war. During these evil
days, John Rolfe and the dusky maiden fell in love with each other,
and were married in the quaint old chapel at Jamestown in the month of
April, 1613. This pleasing event made Powhatan the friend of the white
man and as such he died five years later.
We recall that Pocahontas and her husband visited England in 1616. She
received much attention from the court and the leading people of the
kingdom, but when about to sail for her native land fell ill and died.
She left an infant son Thomas, who was educated in London by his uncle
Henry Rolfe. He settled in Virginia after reaching manhood, became
wealthy, and was one of the foremost members of the colony. His only
daughter married Colonel Robert Bolling; their son, Major John Bolling,
was the father of a number of children. One of the daughters married
Colonel Richard Randolph, who was the ancestor of the famous John
Randolph of Roanoke,--a fact of which he was always very proud. Thus
the blood of Pocahontas flows to-day in some of the leading families of
the Old Dominion.
[Illustration: AN INDIAN EMPEROR'S DECLARATION OF WAR]
Now, no one would think the life of Captain John Smith complete without
the story of Pocahontas. Its romance lends it a pleasing interest,
despite the doubt that must always linger as to its truth. But have you
ever heard that his life was saved by another Indian maiden, and that a
different section of the country produced its Pocahontas to serve her
merciful purpose? The story is a sad one, because the beautiful and
heroic girl was killed as you shall hear.
[Illustration: AN OLD PRINT OF CAPTAIN SMITH]
In the month of March, 1905, Robert H. Gardiner, of Bangor, Maine, in
rummaging through some old papers bearing upon the early history of
Kennebec River, found proof that in the summer of 1614 Smith sailed
up the river to the chief village of the Cabassas tribe of Indians,
which stood on the present site of Gardiner. The daughter of the chief,
Saboois by name, so liked the manner and looks of Smith, that she
formed a strong attachment for him. He was so interested with important
matters, however, that he gave no encouragement to her. The visit to
the chief was very friendly, but when Smith was about to leave, one of
his lieutenants, named Hunt, headed a mutiny, and, with several others,
set out on a new expedition, taking several of the Cabassas tribe with
him as captives. Not knowing of the division of the party, the chief
called his warriors together, and started in pursuit of Smith, with the
resolve to destroy the white men for the outrage of which he believed
all were equally guilty.
Knowing the danger of Captain Smith and his friends, Saboois ran ahead
and warned them. She overtook the party just as they had encamped for
the night a few miles down the river. The chief and his warriors were
close behind, and, at the moment the Cabassas maiden flung her arms
around Captain Smith, a shower of arrows poured into the camp. One of
these pierced the girl's breast, while shielding the captain, who was
thereby saved at the cost of the life of his devoted friend.
The horrified chief stopped hostilities. This gave Smith the chance
to explain that it was the mutineers who had kidnapped his people.
The Indians carried the body of Saboois back to their village, and
sorrowfully laid it away near what is now Randolph churchyard, and then
started in pursuit of Hunt and his party. They were overtaken and all
slain near Norridgewock, after which the rescued captives returned home
with their countrymen.
CHAPTER II
THE GREAT CONSPIRACY
A WILY CHIEFTAIN AND HIS SECRET
The great emperor Opecancanough, of whom we have already told you,
hated the whites even more than his brother Powhatan. He was a warrior
of rare skill, much the superior in all respects to Opitchapan, the
successor of Powhatan. Before the death of the latter, Opecancanough
secured the title of king over the free tribe of the Chickahominy.
[Illustration: A Settler.]
This chief was never a friend of the whites. He had several quarrels
with them, and had not been king long when he began plotting to destroy
the settlements. One cannot help admiring the cunning and skill
displayed by this arch enemy of the English. He formed his plans with
such secrecy that not a hint of them reached the settlers before the
hour of the outbreak. Two days before the date of the massacre, a party
of Indians guided several Englishmen through the woods, and sent one
of their youths to live among the white men, that he might learn their
language. A messenger who visited the chief was treated with the utmost
kindness, and told that peace with the white man should last as long
as the stars held their places in the sky. The settlers lent their
boats to the Indians who paddled to and fro as they chose. More than
one pioneer who had been fixed upon as a victim, sat with the dusky
assassins at his table on the morning of the massacre.
The awful blow fell on March 22, 1622, with the suddenness of a
lightning bolt from the blue sky. The warriors seemed to spring
from the ground. Neither sex, nor old age, nor prattling infant was
spared. The toilers in the fields were shot down, women and children
tomahawked, and in the space of one hour, three hundred and forty-seven
victims lay stretched in death. Among these were six members of the
council and many of the leading people. The number of plantations was
reduced from eighty to six.
The massacre raged up and down the James, and all the settlements would
have been destroyed, but for the warning of a Christian Indian, Chanco,
who was able to make known the peril in time for some of the people to
save themselves. White men can become as savage as Indians when their
rage is aroused. The summer months were spent in strengthening the
fortifications and in preparing for a campaign against the Indians.
Every man and boy able to handle a gun was drilled in its use. So
deadly was the general temper that time was not taken for the planting
of more than half a crop. When everything was ready, the settlers took
the field, and began hunting down the savages as if they were so many
rabid dogs. No mercy was shown to any one. They were followed far into
the gloomy forests and shot wherever sight was gained of them. Finally,
the whites seemed to grow weary, and sent word to the Indians that they
were now ready to forgive and make peace with them. Under this pledge
the warriors came forward, but the moment they were within the power of
the settlers, the latter assailed them without mercy. This treachery
was without excuse. For a long time it was believed that Opecancanough
was among the slain, but such was not the fact, as the settlers were
doomed to learn to their cost.
Now comes one of the most awful scenes in all the great story of
American history. The seasons came and went and all was serene and
peaceful, so far as the keenest scouts among the settlers could learn.
Men passed to and fro in the native villages, trusting themselves
for days with the savages, who could have wrought their will with
them; they were received by the grim Opecancanough himself, who told
of his sorrow that his chiefs and warriors had ever forgotten their
friendship for the pale faces, and he assured them that no such wrong
could ever occur again; the Indians visited Jamestown and the different
settlements, just as they had done years before, without the slightest
distrust on the part of their hosts.
Opecancanough was past three-score and ten when the massacre of 1622
took place. His athletic figure yielded slowly to the passing years,
the black strands that dangled about his shoulders were whitened by the
snows of many winters, and the coppery countenance became seamed with
wrinkles. He stepped across the four-score mark, and finally ten more
years were added to his great age, with slight weakening of his vigor
and strength.
And all through the circling years, this wonderful chieftain was
completing his plans for another massacre of the people that had come
across the ocean to steal away the hunting grounds of the red men. Deep
in the gloomy depths of the wilderness, he and his chiefs met, where
no white man ever saw them, and whispered their plans to one another.
Every dusky breast was thrilled by the hope that has nerved myriads of
Indians from the hour that the white men began building their cabins on
American soil; it was that of destroying root and branch these invaders
of their homes.
[Illustration: INDIANS MAKE POOR SAILORS.
During the Pequod war a boat was captured by the Indians. They tried to
sail it and defend it with guns, but as seamen they were failures. The
boat was re-captured by the brave colonists and the Indians slain.]
[Illustration: MARRIAGE OF AN INDIAN PRINCESS.
Pocahontas, the daughter of _Powhatan_, who saved Captain Smith's
life, had a very romantic career.
She afterward married John Rolfe and went to England to live. She never
returned to America.]
The chiefs and warriors did not need to be told by Opecancanough that
they were staking everything on this single attempt. They had failed
by the narrowest chance in 1622, and could not afford to fail again.
The secret must be kept, and the wonder of it is that it _was_ kept
for twenty-two years. Not a whisper reached the ears of the settlers,
nor did any one seem to feel the first throb of misgiving. Through
the spring blossoming of flowers, the sultry fervor of summer, the
whirling snow and ice of winter, the plotters continued to gather in
the twilight depths of the woods, guarded by vigilant sentinels, whom
the most cunning scout could not pass, and they talked and smoked
their pipes and shook their heads and brought their dreadful plot to
perfection. Warriors and chiefs died, and, as we know, the great leader
of them all steadily approached the age of a century, but still the
blow was withheld, for all was not ready. Incredible as it may seem,
Opecancanough was nearly a hundred years old when he gave the order
to attack the settlements. By this time, his iron frame had become so
feeble that he could not walk. His warriors carried him on a litter,
that he might lead in the assault that should not leave a white man or
woman on the soil of Virginia.
One cause for fixing upon April 18, 1644, for the attack was the state
of affairs at Jamestown. The chief kept himself informed, and he knew
of the bitter quarrels that were raging there. Revolts had broken out,
and the condition of the people invited the long postponed assault.
Opecancanough sent his swiftest runners to the distant tribes of the
confederacy which he had built up during the many years that had
flown since the first massacre.
[Illustration: AN INDIAN COUNCIL OF WAR]
He meant to lead in person the five nearest tribes, while the more
remote ones were placed under the command of their different chiefs.
Thus, by a simple plan, the hundreds of savages from the mouth of the
Chesapeake to the sources of the principal rivers which flow into it,
were joined into a compact force, easily handled without confusion.
This fearful horde was to be hurled against the settlements at the
same hour, and there could be no turning back after the first tomahawk
had fallen.
There was no warning as before. The thunderbolts struck the whole line
of settlements at the same hour and almost at the same moment.
Owing to the turmoil of those times, we have no reliable account of
the great massacre in Virginia in 1644, but five hundred people fell
victims to the ferocity of the Indians, who raged up and down the
James for two days. Many were carried into captivity, while cabins,
crops, farming implements, and all manner of property were destroyed.
The fleetest of foot escaped in some instances, and made haste to
Jamestown, which flew to arms. All who were able to handle a weapon
were called, and every twentieth man was placed under the immediate
command of Governor Berkeley, who hurried his preparations for marching
into the Indian country, every soldier as resolute as he to destroy
those who were making such awful havoc among the plantations.
Berkeley, afterwards known as the tyrannical Governor of Virginia, was
a young man at that time, and a good military officer. When he led
his body of picked horsemen against the Indians, he resolved to keep
up the warfare until he captured the leader himself. He pushed the
pursuit with all vigor and finally ran Opecancanough down, and made
him prisoner. Like the Roman conquerors, he brought him as a token
of his triumph to his capital, but it is to be said to the credit of
Berkeley that he treated his royal captive with the respect due to his
fame and prowess. He placed him in proper quarters, and set a guard
about the building to keep back those who might wish to gaze upon the
distinguished prisoner.
The condition of Opecancanough at this time was pitiful. He was
barely able to raise an arm or a foot, and became so feeble that when
he wished to make use of his eyes, some one had to lift the lids for
him. Still he kept to a striking degree his kingly dignity. Hearing
confusion one day about his prison, he had his eyes opened for him, and
noticed a number of persons peering into the room. He sent for Governor
Berkeley and said, reproachfully, "Had it been my fortune to make _you_
prisoner, I would not have exposed you as a show to my people."
The Governor gave strict orders to save the captive from all annoyance.
Struck by the vitality of the chief, he thought of sending him to
England, not only as proof of the prowess of the ruler of Virginia, but
as evidence of the good qualities of the climate, which many visitors
had said was bad.
This plan, however, was defeated by the cruelty of one of the
guards. Thinking upon the ruin and death that had been wrought by
Opecancanough, he raised his musket one day and sent a bullet through
the body of the prisoner. Thus died the most remarkable Indian
connected with the early history of Virginia. His influence over his
countrymen was greater than Powhatan's had ever been. His complaint
was that the whites were fast taking all the hunting lands from the
Indians, and that the overthrow and ruin of the latter could be
prevented only by the massacre of the invaders. In this attempt, like
many leaders of his race, he failed, and comparative peace followed his
death for many years.
CHAPTER III
ADVENTURES IN NEW ENGLAND
THE INDIANS AND THE PILGRIMS
You have all heard of the hardy Pilgrim Fathers. The Pilgrims landed
at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. Several wooden huts were built,
ground marked off, and the company divided into nineteen families. Thus
was made the first permanent settlement in New England, several former
attempts having ended in failure. Those early pioneers, who were a
sturdy, God-fearing people, had a rough time of it from the beginning,
and before spring came, one-half of them had died, Governor Carver
passing away in April.
A great surprise came to the little band of settlers one day in March,
when an Indian walked out of the woods and came toward them. Although
the weather was cold, his only clothing was a band of leather about the
waist to which a fringe hung. He strode boldly forward, and, when he
saw the looks of astonishment, called out:
"Welcome, Englishmen! Welcome, Englishmen!"
The first thought that came to the settlers was wonder as to how this
native had learned their language. His name was Samoset, and he had
picked up a few words from the English fishermen on the coast of Maine.
Because of the chilly air, one of the men brought out a horseman's coat
and flung it over the shoulders of their visitor. He wished to talk
and to tell the white men all that could interest them. By means of
the few English words he knew, and by signs he succeeded quite well.
He felt at home, and ate and drank all that was set before him. He
said that he lived at a place called Pawtuxet, but a few years before
all the men and women had died of a dreadful plague. It was afterwards
found that Samoset told the truth.
[Illustration: GOVERNOR WINSLOW SOLDIER AND STATESMAN]
The dusky caller was more eager to stay with the Englishmen than they
were willing to have him as a guest. They bade him good-bye as night
drew on, but he chose to remain with them, leaving Plymouth the next
day to go to Massasoit, of whom he had spoken several times. He said
Massasoit was a great sachem, who would come in a few days to barter
beaver skins with the white settlers and to pay his respects to them.
On the following Sunday, Samoset was on hand again. He brought with him
five warriors as tall and pleasing in their looks as himself. He had
been told that he and his companions must not come into the settlement
with their weapons. Accordingly, they left their bows and arrows some
distance from town. They were treated well, but the settlers would not
trade with them because it was Sunday. When the five left, Samoset
claimed he was ill, and stayed at Plymouth for three days. In fact, he
had formed a stronger liking for the colonists than they had for him.
The visitors had promised to come again to barter, and they kept their
promise. The most important news, however, brought by them was that
Massasoit, their great sagamore or chief, was only a short distance
off, awaiting the chance for an introduction to the white men. An hour
later the chief with sixty of his followers appeared on the crest of a
hill not far away.
The settlers distrusted the meaning of the visit of so large a body. It
might be they meant to massacre the whites, and were using their usual
trickery to gain an advantage over them. Among the colonists was an
Indian named Squanto, who had been kidnapped several years before, and
kept for some time in England, where he learned to speak the language.
He was now sent to Massasoit to ask the wishes of the sagamore. The
reply was a request for one of the Englishmen to come out and have a
talk with him. Edward Winslow did so, and gave a number of trinkets to
the great chieftain, who showed childish delight over the presents.
Through Squanto, Winslow told Massasoit that the King of England sent
him words of peace and love, and that the Governor of Plymouth wished
to make a treaty of friendship with him.
When the speechmaking was over, Massasoit left Winslow with the
warriors as a hostage, while he and twenty of his men, leaving their
weapons behind, walked forward for a talk with the governor. They were
conducted to a house not then finished, where Governor Carver welcomed
them and ordered refreshments, of which all partook. "Strong water" was
a part of the dinner. It was new to the Indians, but they were pleased
with the fiery stuff, of which they drank enough for its effects to
show. The natives became quite merry, and it is to be feared that the
Puritans reached a mellow mood. Be that as it may, no more favorable
time could have been chosen for agreeing upon a treaty, and the
important fact is that Massasoit made one treaty with the English which
was kept sacred for more than fifty years.
It will help to understand the early history of New England, if we
remember that the Indians of that section consisted at that time of
five confederacies, or leagues, of different numbers and strength. The
Pawtuckets lived mainly in southern New Hampshire; the Massachusetts
around the bay of that name; the Pequots in eastern Connecticut; the
Narragansetts to the east of the Pequots, Rhode Island and the other
small islands in the neighborhood being within their territory, while
the Pokanokets, more generally known as Wampanoags, embraced portions
of Plymouth and Barnstable, and a good deal of the country between
the Pawtucket tribes and the Massachusetts, with a part of present
Bristol county, Rhode Island. The Wampanoags numbered nine tribes, each
governed by its own sagamore, and all subject to Massasoit, the grand
sachem, who generally lived near Mount Hope.
Governor Carver died a few weeks after the signing of the treaty named,
and was succeeded by William Bradford, who held the office for many
years. To him, more than to any one person, is due the success of the
first colonies planted in New England. The most striking tribute to
the greatness of Massasoit lies in the fact that while it was a rule
among his race that the foremost warriors attained their fame through
personal courage and deeds, yet he was a man of peace. But he held the
numerous tribes together without war, and ruled over a larger dominion
and a more numerous people than Powhatan, Opecancanough, Pontiac or
Tecumseh. True, the last two held full sway at certain times, but it
was for purposes of war only.
[Illustration: HIAWATHA, FOUNDER OF THE IROQUOIS LEAGUE.
The Iroquois League was composed of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga,
Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora nations, who founded in the New York
wilderness a barbaric republic, with bonds of union that might serve in
many respects as a model for civilized nations of to-day.]
[Illustration: THE INDIANS LISTEN TO A MISSIONARY.
The Indians often visited the colonists and listened to the traveling
missionary, but only a few converts were made among the red men during
the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.]
It will be recalled that Powhatan had several homes. The same was true
of Massasoit, though his principal home was at Mount Hope. Governor
Bradford had hardly come into office when he sent an agent to Massasoit
to confirm the treaty made with Carver, to procure seed corn and to
explore the country. Massasoit did as requested, and a piece of better
fortune could not have come to New England. Plymouth and her neighbors
for a long time were so weak, and their sufferings from disease and
hardship so severe, that a union of the Indian confederacies would have
swept them from the earth. The feebleness of the colonists could not
be hidden from the Indians, but Massasoit checked the enmity of the
surrounding tribes, and by uniting with Roger Williams in 1637, the
other red men were kept from joining the Pequots in their war against
the colonists. Thus more than once, and through many years, this great
man really saved the settlements from destruction.
There are few American Indians whose fame is not wholly due to their
military skill. Many were great orators, and not a few showed noble
traits of character. The case of Massasoit, therefore, is the more
remarkable, for no man not gifted by nature with fine ability and tact,
could have held peace for so long a time among the fierce tribes, not
only under his direct rule, but that belonged to the confederacies
surrounding his own people. Soon after the signing of the treaty,
one of Massasoit's sachems tried to start a rebellion against his
sovereign. With the help of the bold Miles Standish, the scheme was
brought to naught, and the example of Massasoit led nine other sachems
to come to Plymouth and sign a treaty of submission to the English king.
[Illustration: MILES STANDISH AND HIS SOLDIERS ENTERING THE INDIAN
COUNTRY]
In 1623, news reached Plymouth that the great sachem was mortally ill.
Governor Bradford sent at once two of his people and a friendly Indian
to the chief, who was found near death. No doubt he would have soon
passed away, but for the prompt action of his white friends, who gave
him cordials and took such measures that he was soon restored to rugged
health, and lived many years afterwards. Massasoit was very grateful
all his life for this kindness. He told his visitors of a plot that was
on foot among the Massachusetts tribe and several others to massacre
the English settlers at Wessagusset. He urged that sharp measures be
taken against the plotters, and Captain Standish did so with such
vigor that the evil men were terrified, many of them killed, and the
peril ended.
In 1632, Massasoit was set upon by a party of Narragansetts, and fled
for his life to an English house near at hand. As soon as news of his
danger reached Plymouth, Captain Standish with a small armed force was
sent to aid the brave chief in his danger. It did not take the "man
that never feared" very long to scatter the Narragansetts and to rescue
the good friend of the English from his great danger.
[Illustration: MASSASOIT VISITING THE GOVERNOR]
As Massasoit grew in years, he united his oldest son with him in the
government of the people. In the autumn of 1639, the two came into
open court at Plymouth with the request that the treaty of 1621 should
continue unbroken. Not only that, but the two chiefs made new pledges
which gave the colony a first claim to the Pokanoket lands. The exact
date of Massasoit's death is not known, but it was probably soon after
1660. That he was one of the best friends the white men ever had they
were soon to learn in the most alarming manner.
More than one neighbor of Massasoit was famous at this same time. Next
in power to the Wampanoag confederacy was that of the Narragansetts,
who, it will be remembered inhabited a large part of the territory
which afterward became Rhode Island, including all the islands in the
bay named for them. The Sagamores of a portion of Long Island, Block
Island and Niantic were also under their sway. They had more than two
thousand warriors, one-half of whom owned firearms and knew how to use
them. They had long been enemies of the Pequots on the west and the
Wampanoags on the north.
The chief sachem during the days of Massasoit was Canonicus, who after
a time joined his nephew Miantonomah with him in the government of his
tribes. This was probably due to the youth and wisdom of his relative.
When Roger Williams was driven out of Salem because of his too plain
preaching, he fled to the country of Canonicus. The chief, although
a little distant at first, received him kindly, and gave him a large
tract of land, which Williams divided among those who followed him into
exile. Thus the city of Providence was founded and the settlement of
Rhode Island begun.
This friendship on the part of Canonicus was the more notable because
he disliked the English from the first. As early at 1622, he was
determined to attack them, and sent a messenger to Plymouth with a
bundle of arrows wrapped about with a rattlesnake skin. This was a
challenge to war, and Governor Bradford could not mistake its meaning.
He snatched up the rattlesnake covering, flung aside the arrows,
and stuffed the skin full of gunpowder and bullets. He ordered the
messenger to tell his chief that if the white ruler had a vessel, he
would not wait for Canonicus to come to Plymouth to fight him, but
would seek him out and give him all he wished of war. The chief was
invited to come to Plymouth at once and start the fighting. The bold
message had its effect. Canonicus decided to leave the white men for
the present alone. It was Canonicus who led the attack on Massasoit
in 1632, when he had to flee to an English house and Captain Miles
Standish hurried to his rescue.
In 1636, the Pequots formed a conspiracy to slay all the English in
their country. As a first step, they asked Canonicus and Miantonomah
to make a treaty of peace with them, and to join in the war against
the settlements. The temptation was a peculiar one to the Narragansett
leaders. They had now the chance of striking a blow at their old
enemies, the Pequots, or of joining with them against the English.
Their inclination was to make common cause against the white men. Roger
Williams was living among the Narragansetts when the Pequot messengers
came to Canonicus, and he used all his powers to keep the chief out
of the alliance. The Pequots were enraged and would have killed him
had they dared, but Canonicus was a true friend of the exile, and they
were afraid to offend the chief. Finally, he yielded to the prayers
of Williams, and refused those of the Pequots, who entered upon the
campaign alone, and, as a consequence, suffered destruction at the
hands of the colonists. In this dreadful work the whites had the help
of several hundred Narragansetts.
Another great Indian leader now appears on the stage. He was Uncas,
who was born a Pequot, and was one of more than a score of the leaders
of that unfortunate nation. During some domestic troubles, he rebelled
against his sachem and became the head of a strong "Schism." This was
just before the opening of the Pequot war. The territories of the
Pequots were divided, and the part known as "Mohegan" fell to Uncas,
who aided the English in their overthrow of the Pequot. It is said
that he felt pity for the dreadful misfortune of his old friends and
neighbors, and, in more than one instance, did what he could to shield
them from the fury of their conquerors. Moreover, he gave protection to
a number of settlements, Norwich being one of the towns thus favored.
[Illustration: A PEQUOT MASSACRE]
In 1638, the magistrates at Hartford asked Uncas and Miantonomah to
come thither and agree upon the division of the two hundred Pequot
captives (not including women and children). In the division eighty
went to the Narragansett chief, twenty to a neighboring chief, while
a hundred were turned over to Uncas. He and Miantonomah had long been
jealous of each other, the feeling being strong on the part of the
Narragansett. The two leaders pledged themselves to peace, but their
mutual hatred was too deep for either to keep the letter or spirit of
the agreement. Miantonomah was ambitious, and wished to become ruler of
all the New England Indians. Uncas belonged to the branch with which
the Narragansetts had always been at enmity, and the Narragansett
leader determined to kill him on the first chance, believing that the
way would thus be opened for a union of all the tribes against the
English.
The first attempt to slay Uncas was made in the spring of 1643. The
criminal caused only a slight wound, when he fled to the Narragansetts,
telling every one he had slain Uncas. Learning after a time his
mistake, he said that Uncas had made the wound himself and then told
the story of the Pequot shooting him. A probing of the affair by the
authorities at Boston removed all doubt of the guilt of the man who had
been delivered to the court by Miantonomah himself. This chief removed
all suspicion of his part in the matter, and the prisoner having been
turned over to him at his request, he slew him with his own hand.
Almost at the same time, a sachem on the Connecticut killed a leading
Mohegan, and, waylaying Uncas, shot several arrows at him. Uncas
complained to the governor and court of the colony, who tried without
success to settle the affair. The criminal refused to express regret,
and insisted that Uncas should fight him. Uncas accepted the challenge
and invaded the territory of the other to whom he gave a severe defeat.
There seems little doubt that Miantonomah prompted both of these
attempts at assassination. The baffled sachem was an ally, and the
Narragansett set on foot a campaign against Uncas, hoping to strike his
blow before the Mohegan could prepare for it. The spies of Uncas warned
him of his danger, and he hurriedly gathered several hundred warriors
to meet the invaders that were twice as numerous.
In order to save his villages the Mohegan marched out several miles
toward the Narragansetts. When they were face to face, he called to
Miantonomah.
"You have a good many brave warriors, so have I; it is a pity that
these men should lose their lives because of a quarrel that is only
between you and me; if you are as much of a man as you claim to be, you
will come forward, and we will fight it out between ourselves; if you
slay me, my men shall be yours; if I slay you, your men shall be mine."
This challenge was not only a brave one, but it was cunning, for,
if accepted, it would make the conflict equal by holding it to two
leaders. Rather it would give Uncas a marked advantage, since he was of
unusual size and strength. Miantonomah was too wise to throw away his
opportunity.
"My warriors have come a long distance to fight," he replied, "and they
shall not go home without a fight."
It was the answer that Uncas expected and for which he was ready.
The words were hardly spoken, when Uncas dropped like a flash to the
ground. At the same instant his men launched a shower of arrows over
his body, uttered a series of shouts, and rushed like a whirlwind upon
the Narragansetts.
The assault was so sudden that the invaders were thrown into a panic,
with the whooping Mohegans at their heels. No mercy was shown, and the
Narragansetts were cut down like frightened sheep. Miantonomah could
not rally his warriors, and joined in the headlong flight. He was soon
overtaken, but the pursuers left him to Uncas, who quickly came up and
seized him by the arm. Believing nothing could save him, the hapless
chief stopped short and sat down without speaking a word. Uncas gave
a signal which brought a number of his men to the spot. The prisoner
continued sullen with downcast eyes and would not make any reply to the
taunts of Uncas.
"If I were _your_ prisoner," said he, "I should have begged for life;
are you too proud to ask a like favor of me?"
Miantonomah was too proud to beg for mercy. Uncas spared his life for
the time and took him to his village as a proof of his triumph. He then
conducted his prisoner before the governor and magistrates at Hartford,
and asked them what he should do with him.
This act put the authorities in a delicate situation. There was no
war between them and the Narragansetts, and they did not wish to
interfere in the quarrel. They therefore turned the problem over to the
Commissioners of the United Colonies, who were to meet in September. By
this time, Miantonomah had regained speech, and, knowing he would be
safer as a prisoner of the English than of his rival, begged that he
might remain in custody at Hartford. Uncas was willing, but insisted
that he should be held as _his_ prisoner.
The Commissioners tackled the question. They declared that it had been
proved that Miantonomah had made several attempts against the life of
Uncas; that he had set on foot a general plot among the Indian tribes
for the destruction of the colonies, and, still further, that he had
urged the Mohawks to join in such a plot, and that they were already
within a short distance of the English settlements, and only awaiting
the release of the Narragansett sachem to unite with him in the attack.
They condemned him to death at the hands of Uncas, who was urged to
make it merciful, and not torture his captive. It was ordered that
the execution should take place in the presence of "certain discreet
English persons," and the Hartford government was to provide Uncas with
sufficient forces to protect him against all his enemies.
These directions were carried out. Uncas went to Hartford, received his
prisoner, and conducted him to the spot where he had been captured.
Hardly had the party arrived, when a Mohegan, directly behind
Miantonomah, killed him with a single blow of his tomahawk.
It is only fair to add that historians have never agreed as to the real
character of Uncas and Miantonomah. The incidents just related would
seem to make Uncas the better of the two, but some think he was simply
the more crafty and cunning, and that the Narragansett sachem was
innocent of the attempts made against the life of the Mohegan leader,
as well as of the charge of urging the Mohawks to join him in a war
against the English. It is impossible at this late day to settle the
dispute as to the honor of Miantonomah, but we must quote the tribute
of Stephen Hopkins, who was governor of Rhode Island for nine years,
and a signer of the Declaration of Independence:
"This was the end of Miantonomah, the most potent Indian prince the
people of New England had ever any concern with, and this was the
reward he received for assisting them seven years before, in their war
with the Pequots."
The death of Miantonomah took place in 1643. News of what had been done
was sent to Canonicus. He was then an old man, well beyond fourscore,
and greatly broken in spirit by the loss of a favorite son. He signed
a deed in April, 1644, by which he subjected himself and his lands to
King Charles I. of England. He had lost all desire for war, and was in
no condition to punish the last sad blow that had been dealt him. He
died just before the middle of the seventeenth century, when he must
have been nearly or quite ninety years old.
Uncas lived for several years after the close of King Philip's war. He
was crafty and treacherous, and the English bore more from him than
they would have borne from any one else, because of their wish to hold
him as an ally. Despite the halo which some writers have thrown about
his memory, it is impossible to believe he was as truthful, high-minded
and honorable as many less noted members of his race.
CHAPTER IV
THE UNCROWNING OF A KING
PHILIP'S ADVENTURES AND DEATH
[Illustration: MEDICINE MAN]
When Massasoit, the friend "tried and true," of the English, died, he
left two sons,--possibly more, but only two figure on the pages of
history. The oldest was Moanam, or Wamsutta, and the second Metacomet,
the former being heir to the chieftaincy of the Wampanoags. Before
the father died, he brought his two sons into the open court at
Plymouth, and asked that each be given a Christian name, in token of
his wish that the good understanding with the colonists should continue
unbroken. The elder was, therefore, called Alexander, and the second
Philip. You will note the classical character of these names, as they
were thus given in memory of the famous heroes of ancient times.
It was not long before Alexander was in trouble with the English.
Rumors reached the governor and council that he was plotting with the
Narragansetts for a war against the whites. The record says that such
good proof of the truth of these reports reached the authorities that
they ordered Alexander to appear before them and make explanation.
[Illustration: DEATH OF KING PHILIP.]
Because he did not do so at once, an armed force was sent in July,
1662, to bring him to Plymouth. He was arrested with a number of his
armed followers, and being ill, asked leave to visit his home. He was
allowed to do so, and died on the way. One of our leading historians
says the suspicions of the English had no real cause, and their course
toward Alexander was unjust to the last degree. He may have been
innocent, or he may have been guilty.
Be that as it may, the death of Alexander, on the threshold of his
reign, was bad from every aspect. Philip declared that his brother had
been poisoned at the hands of the English. Many of his people believed
the charge, and it was whispered by more than one white man. Possibly
it was true, though we cannot think so.
The result of the elder brother's death was to bring Philip to the
"throne" of the Wampanoags. He ranks as one of the greatest Indians
in history. He was wise, eloquent, far-seeing, brave, resourceful,
chivalrous at times, merciless at others, and a leader of remarkable
ability. Resentful as he felt towards the English, he saw the madness
of a war against them, by his tribe alone, though they welcomed him
with ardor to the chieftaincy. Following the example of his father and
brother, he went before the court at Plymouth, and renewed the league
that had lasted for so many years.
It was a long time before a ripple of trouble came between Philip and
the whites. The latter kept stealing the ground in his neighborhood,
until the day came when he could not reach his home at Mount Hope from
any direction without crossing the property claimed by some colonist.
He was angered, and complained to the authorities. He was answered by
the charge that he was secretly training his men for war. Instead of
going to court, the chief invited the officers to meet him for a talk.
They did so at Taunton. Philip denied that he had any thoughts of harm
to the whites, but said his warriors were preparing for defence against
the Narragansetts. The whites kept to their charge, and he finally
owned that there was truth in what they said. He was quite meek, and
signed a pledge of friendship, and promised to turn over the arms of
his warriors to the authorities.
This conference was held in the month of April, 1671. Beyond all doubt,
Philip's submission was only a pretence in order to gain time. He
had been accused of such designs again and again, until, as he said
to one of his friends, he could not make the English believe he was
their friend, and he might as well become their enemy. There must have
been warrant on the part of the whites for doubting his truth, for
after-events proved that he was plotting not only at that time, but had
been laying his far-reaching plans for months.
It has been said that New England, during its early colonial days, had
five powerful Indian confederacies. While the Wampanoags could not put
more than a thousand warriors in the field, the united tribes could
muster twenty-five thousand. What a resistless army they would form, if
they would combine to destroy the pale faces that had come across the
great water to steal their hunting grounds! King Philip's dream was to
bring about such a union, and he now bent all his energies to the task.
The Wampanoag leader saw the necessity of care, time, and thoroughness
in his preparations. It would be the height of rashness to strike
before everything was ready. He held back the impatience of his
followers, and was slowly moulding his grand scheme into form, but when
fully a year was needed in which to perfect it, the war was brought on
by an unexpected event.
[Illustration: GROUP OF INDIAN CHIEFS]
As a result of the self-sacrificing labors of Eliot, the missionary
among the Indians, many of these people had been turned from their
evil ways and become Christians. One of those professing conversion
was John Sassamon, who had been partly educated at Cambridge, and
served as school-teacher at Natick. He was cunning and artful, and
became interpreter or secretary to Philip, who could not read or write
English. In this situation he acted as a spy upon the chieftain, and
betrayed all the secrets he could gather to the authorities. Philip
discovered his treachery and determined to put him to death, but,
knowing he was certain to be charged with the crime, it was carried
out by three others, who no doubt were hired by Philip himself. In the
month of January, 1675, the body of Sassamon was found under the ice
in a pond near Middleborough, with such marks of violence as to show
he had been murdered before being thrust into the water. Three Indians
were charged with the crime, one being a close friend of Philip, and
all were hanged on evidence which in these days would not have been
admitted in court.
Philip with good reason believed that the authorities would try to
get hold of him, and, if they did so, he too would be executed as an
"accessory before the act." He had not yet brought about the vast
union of tribes that was under way, but he made up his mind to wait
no longer. The squaws and children of the Wampanoags were sent to the
Narragansetts, and the warriors stripped for the fray.
New England shuddered at what she saw was coming. The 24th of June,
1675, was appointed a day of fasting and prayer that the awful peril
might pass by. The people gathered in their churches, and never were
more fervent appeals sent to heaven than on that sultry Sunday in early
summer, more than two hundred years ago. At the end of the services
at Swansea, the people were walking quietly homeward, nearly every
one talking of the dreadful danger that threatened, when without the
slightest warning, a party of Indians hiding in the woods, fired upon
them. One man fell dead, and several were wounded. Two others started
on a run for a surgeon, but had gone only a few rods, when they were
shot down. A general rush was made for the blockhouse or fort, and
others were slain. The Wampanoags were very active, and in the course
of a few minutes had several buildings in flames. Before the whites
could rally, they dashed into the woods and were gone. The attack at
Swansea was the opening of King Philip's War.
The chieftain pressed the war "all along the line." Taunton, Namaskat,
Dartmouth and other towns were attacked, and many lives lost and
buildings burned. The settlements were so placed as to be much exposed
in this method of warfare. They were far apart, the homes separated
by no little space, and with slight means of defence. As a rule, each
settlement had one large building, called a fort, specially intended
for such danger. Corn and supplies were kept in these rude defences,
into which the people rushed upon the first appearance of peril. The
Indians showed no mercy, and old age, lusty manhood, feeble woman and
helpless infancy went down before the tomahawk and scalping knife.
There was no saying where the next blow would be struck. In the gloomy
depths of the forest, on the shores of the lonely river, in the
open,--everywhere, the warriors dashed like so many tigers savagely
athirst for human blood.
[Illustration: A STRONGHOLD OF THE INDIANS
From an Old Print]
The war was kept for a time within the Plymouth colony. Rhode Island
tried to keep out of it, but could not. Several settlers were killed
at Tiverton, and a number of buildings were burned on the outskirts
of Providence. In the middle of July, Captain Hutchinson entered the
Narragansett country with an armed force, and made a treaty of peace
with that tribe. This cut off one of the strongest supports on which
Philip had counted, but did not check his ardor. Being hard pressed at
Pocasset, he and his son took refuge in a swamp. The whites decided
to surround it and starve him out with his followers. They hurriedly
enclosed the place on every side, only to learn after a time that
the chief and nearly all his men had stolen out in the darkness and
got away. Finding that they had gone to the country of the Nipmucks,
Captain Hutchinson, at the head of a company of horse, hurried thither
to prevent their joining Philip. But the chief had already won them
over, as they had shown by killing five people at Mendon. Hutchinson
fell into an ambuscade and lost sixteen of his men, the leader being
among the killed. The survivors hurried to Brookfield and warned the
people of their danger. They were about a hundred in number, and
knowing the Indians would soon come, they swarmed into the only stone
structure in the place, carrying with them a few such articles as they
could snatch up, and taking no time to add to the slight stock of
provisions already stored there.
Hardly had they crowded the refuge when the whooping warriors dashed
into the settlement, firing their rifles, and using the torch with a
vigor that soon set every building in flames except the fort itself.
All this destruction, however, could avail nothing so long as the
people themselves were not reached. Unless the roof of the stone
structure was fired, the defenders were safe, and were sure to fight
to the last. Could they have been certain of mercy, they would have
surrendered, but every one knew what fate awaited him, if the hostiles
once gained the upper hand. The grim pioneers were on the alert at
every window and loophole, and the first warrior who tried to steal
forward, torch in hand, was riddled by the deadly marksman. By and by,
the attempt was repeated with more caution, but the dusky miscreant
could not get near enough without showing himself for an instant, and
that instant was his last. Then the Indians grew more careful in their
movements.
[Illustration: THE INDIAN'S CUNNING
In the hunt for game or in an attack upon an enemy the Indian
always has been noted for his cunning. Crouching on a limb of a
forest tree he waits, without the slightest movement, for hours
the approach of his game or enemy and picks him off with unerring
aim when his victim least suspects the nearness of danger.]
And yet every person in the fort knew he was doomed unless help
arrived. The arrows tipped with burning tow, which circled over in the
air and struck the roof with a thud, plainly heard within, did not hold
at first, but by and by some of them clung, and little twists of smoke
appeared. These were put out by the watchful garrison, but the time was
sure to come when their enemies must succeed.
The one thing necessary was for a swift runner to steal out of the
building and gain a start upon the hostiles. The first one who made
the attempt was captured, and a few minutes later the shouting savages
were seen kicking his head to and fro as if it were a football. After
a time, another man managed to get outside, but he was seen, and had
barely time to scramble back through the door held open a few inches
against such a failure. A third effort ended the same way, and then for
the time the plan was given up, though plenty of volunteers were ready
to make the dash whenever their friends thought there was the slightest
chance of success.
With the coming of darkness, the peril of the settlers increased. Each
side had grown more cautious. Knowing that every attempt to reach the
fort would be met with death, the Indians refrained from the venture.
Burning arrows curved through the air, but the roof was kept safe.
At a late hour, the full moon rose above the tree tops and showed a
startling danger. During the darkness, the Nipmucks had gathered a
large mass of leaves, twigs, and dry branches and silently heaped them
against one end of the building. When the defenders first saw the mass,
smoke was rising from it, showing that the torch had done its work.
Unless the fire was quickly put out, nothing could save the whites from
the most frightful of deaths.
Suddenly a half-dozen men dashed through the door drawn softly inward,
and leaping upon the burning stuff, kicked and flung it in all
directions. The Nipmucks ran up to tomahawk them, but their friends
were watching and picked them off with thrilling skill. Those who did
not fall, fled, and they and their companions opened fire on the daring
life-savers. But the work was over in a few minutes, and they leaped
back into the building without one having received so much as a scratch.
The incident was repeated soon after with exactly the same results,
the brave band scattering the burning mass and getting safely back
under the unerring rifles of their comrades. But, best of all, in the
confusion, one of the fleetest runners among the whites succeeded in
dodging into the woods unnoticed, and sped like a deer for Boston,
thirty miles away.
The Nipmucks kept up their attacks through the rest of the night, the
next day and the night which followed that. It seems a miracle how the
defenders held out for so many hours. The men took turns in snatching a
few minutes' sleep and swallowing a mouthful of food, but not for one
minute were they off their guard. The roof caught fire again and again,
but holes were cut through the shingles, and water dashed upon the
twists of flame, until after a time the charred, jagged openings showed
in almost every square yard of surface, presenting a most desperate
appearance.
On the third day, the Nipmucks piled a wagon frame with hemp, flax,
wood and hay, set fire to it and backed it up against the house. By
keeping it between them and the garrison, they were shielded against
the rifles of the defenders, who, without the power of harming one of
them, saw with despairing hearts the blazing mass surge against the end
of the building, and the smoke pour through windows and loopholes in a
stifling cloud.
There was no way of rushing out and dragging the blazing stuff away,
for before the lumbering vehicle could be budged, the hostiles would
destroy the whites. Among the men, women and children, there was not
one who saw a ray of hope or the faintest chance of escape.
And yet every one was saved! At the critical moment, the windows of
heaven were opened, and the rains descended so that the flames were put
out, and all the stuff so wetted that it could not be kindled again.
But it looked as if the saving of the poor defenders was only for a
time, since the Nipmucks had but to press their siege to bring success.
But throughout the hours of the first night and a part of the day,
the runner who dodged unseen into the surrounding woods was speeding
toward Boston. He reached the town and found Major Simon Willard, a
veteran of three-score and ten, as eager as the most youthful officer
to rush to the rescue of Brookfield. Leaping into the saddle, he led
fifty horsemen at a gallop for the settlement. They swooped down like a
cyclone, just as night was closing in, and attacked the Nipmucks with
the utmost fury. Back and forth dashed the horsemen, shouting, striking
and crushing down whenever a chance offered. The few who were quick
enough to leap into the woods and get away left fourscore stretched
lifeless on the ground, many of whom had fallen under the guns of the
garrison.
King Philip's war was marked by more than one strange incident. One of
these occurred a few days after the saving of Brookfield. The people
in Hadley were at church, when they were attacked by a large body of
Indians. The preacher, as many a one had done before him, bounded down
from the pulpit and was among the first to rush outside and catch up
one of the guns stacked there, and to lead in the defense. The assault
was so sudden and fierce that it was impossible to rally all the people
from their panic. The cool-headed hurried the women and children into
the church, or rather compelled them to stay there, while the men
strove to beat back the hostiles.
[Illustration: AN INDIAN WIGWAM]
It quickly became clear that the day was lost unless the brave but
scattered men, each of whom was fighting on his own hook, could have
a leader, who would bring order out of the wild chaos. Suddenly the
leader appeared, and not one of the amazed people could tell where he
came from. He was tall, with a long, flowing white beard, and carried a
sword in one hand. Swinging it over his head, he shouted his commands
in the ringing tones of a trumpet, and with wonderful quickness brought
order and confidence where all had been confusion in the leaderless
defense.
Placing himself at their head, he led a charge which scattered the
Indians like chaff. Then, when all danger had gone, the strange
deliverer vanished as strangely as he had appeared. He had come, he had
acted, and now he was gone.
Many believed he was more than a human being,--one sent by heaven to
save them in their peril. But he was as much flesh and blood as those
whom he had rescued, being no other than General Goffe, who had fled
with another comrade from England, for having been one of the judges
who sentenced Charles I. to the scaffold. When the son of the executed
king came to the throne, after the death of Cromwell, and the passing
away of the Commonwealth, Charles II. ordered the death of all those
who had condemned his father. Goffe and Whalley fled to the American
colonies, and though search was made for them, their friends kept them
hidden, and they were never arrested. General Goffe was hiding in the
house of one of these friends at Hadley at the time of the Indian
attack. Peeping out, he saw the dreadful danger, caught up his sword
and rushed to the defence. When all danger was over, he quietly went
back to his hiding place, and lived a number of years afterward.
On the same day that Hadley was attacked, the Indians burned several
houses and barns at Deerfield, and some weeks afterward Northfield was
almost destroyed, a dozen settlers being slain. Captain Richard Beers
hurried from Watertown with thirty-six men to the relief of Northfield,
but in a fight on the road lost twenty of his troop. Beers retreated to
a hill and fought until his ammunition was spent. Then he being killed,
the others fled. The garrison at Northfield was saved by the arrival of
one hundred men who went with the troops to Hadley.
About the middle of September, Captain Lathrop left Beverly with nearly
a hundred men to bring in the corn, grain and valuable articles at
Deerfield. In his command were "the very flower of Essex county,"
eighteen of them belonging to Deerfield. They finished threshing the
grain, loaded it into wagons, and started for Hadley on the morning
of the 18th. They had seen no signs of Indians, and halted near a
small brook to rest. The weather was sultry, and they were tempted by
the abundance of luscious grapes growing near. Leaving their weapons
in the wagons, they began plucking and eating the fruit, but a large
force of Indians had been stealthily following them all night, and now
rushed upon them with such fury that only seven out of the whole number
escaped.
Captain Mosely was scouting with seventy men, and, hearing the firing
knew what it meant. He galloped in all haste to the place and attacked
the Indians, but they are believed to have been under the command of
Philip himself, and rallied and drove Mosely in turn. Then another
force of English and friendly Mohegans appeared, and the Indians were
driven off with the loss of nearly a hundred men. The waters of the
little stream ran red that day, and it has ever since been known by the
name of "Bloody Brook."
By this time the success of Philip had alarmed all New England. He kept
drawing allies to his side, and it was soon learned that the powerful
Narragansetts were about to join him. It was necessary, therefore,
to strike a crushing blow at this ally. If they could be overthrown,
little hope would be left to Philip, while, on the other hand, failure
would be disastrous beyond measure to the greater part of New England.
The campaign must be pushed with a vigor that would destroy Philip and
his allies.
Massachusetts, Connecticut and Plymouth placed fifteen hundred
armed men in the field, nearly one-half of whom were furnished by
Massachusetts. To these were joined one hundred and fifty Mohegans, but
they gave little help in the campaign that followed. Governor Josiah
Winslow commanded this large body of troops.
The Narragansetts, to the number of more than three thousand, were
gathered in an immense swamp at South Kingston, Rhode Island. Philip
was there and meant to stay through the winter. The stronghold was one
of the largest of its kind ever known on this continent, including
fully five hundred wigwams, and covering three or four acres in the
form of an island, which was surrounded by strong palisades on every
side. The only path leading to the fort was a narrow footbridge
of logs. Here enough food was collected to last the multitude of
Indians until spring. The weather was very cold, and snow lay to the
depth of two or three feet on the level. In these circumstances, the
Narragansetts did not believe they were in any danger of molestation.
It was a difficult and dangerous task that the soldiers had laid
out for themselves, for the Indians could be counted upon to make
a desperate resistance, and there were enough of them behind those
intrenchments to give their assailants all and quite possibly more than
they could do.
The soldiers were so ill-supplied with food that, despite the bad
weather, they dared not wait. From a captured prisoner, Governor
Winslow had learned of the single approach to the stronghold. The
footbridge was so narrow that two men could not walk abreast. The first
arrivals started on a run across the support, but were shot down the
moment they came within range. Others took their places only to fall in
turn. When six captains and a large number of privates had been swept
away, those behind them fell back, and it looked as if the whole force
was checked.
But Captain Mosely, whom a singular good fortune seemed always to
attend, had managed by some means to get within the fort at the rear
with a handful of men, and all were fighting hand to hand against
overwhelming odds. Their shouts brought others to their side, and by
almost superhuman efforts, the Indians were driven from their main
stronghold. Men, women and children ran in terror from wigwam to
wigwam, chased by men as merciless as they, who spared none. In the
assault at the rear, Captain Benjamin Church was wounded three times.
He kept on fighting, and wished to save the wigwams with their valuable
supplies, but the torch was applied, and the immense stronghold became
a roaring conflagration.
[Illustration: INDIAN VILLAGE ENCLOSED WITH PALISADES]
Driven into the open, the Indians fought with the same fierce bravery
as at first, and inflicted great loss upon the troops. But they were
forced from the fort, which was now in possession of their enemies. Of
the Indians, more than seven hundred were slain, while eighty of the
English were killed and a hundred and fifty wounded.
Captain Church and Governor Winslow wished to stay in the stronghold,
since it was the place where the wounded could have proper attention,
but the surgeon and Captain Mosely opposed, believing the warriors
would return to the attack and drive them out. Their advice was
followed, and, as a consequence, many of the wounded, who otherwise
might have been saved, died before reaching the end of the dismal march
of eighteen miles.
Among the prisoners was the head sachem of the Narragansetts, who,
because he had violated his treaty with the whites, was put to death.
The providential arrival of a vessel from Boston with supplies was all
that saved the survivors from perishing of starvation.
This crushing blow to the Narragansetts would have ended the war had
Philip been among the captured or slain, but he escaped and became more
active than ever. He fled with most of the defeated warriors to the
Nipmuck country, and made a visit to the Mohawks of New York, whom he
strove to persuade to join him in the uprising against the English, but
they refused, and the Wampanoag orator roused the Indians elsewhere.
In the course of a month, the war was raging over an area of three
hundred miles. Settlers who lived beyond the confines of villages were
attacked, generally in the dead of night, and often when the weather
was bitterly cold or a violent storm raged. They fought bravely, but
few thus assailed escaped. Husband and wife, and, perhaps one or two
of the larger children, joined in defending the home that was doomed
from the first. The helpless ones were often tortured, and in other
instances, were carried off to a captivity to which a quiet death would
have been merciful. Warwick and Providence, in Rhode Island, narrowly
escaped being laid in ashes, and Medford, Weymouth, Groton, Lancaster,
and Marlborough--all in Massachusetts--were burned.
The Indians were so successful that they grew more daring. As if to
show their contempt for the English, a body went to the deserted
fields at Greenfield and began planting corn, showing thereby that
they expected to harvest it. Captain William Turner, some twenty
miles away, was so indignant over the "nerve" of these redskins, that
he resolved to teach them a lesson. He gathered more than a hundred
troopers, and rode so hard that he reached Deerfield before daylight on
the morning of May 10.
The attack was a surprise to the warriors, who fled to their canoes
in such fright that they forgot to take their paddles, and many were
swept over the falls. They were assailed so determinedly that more
than two hundred were slain. Sad to say, however, the great advantage
thus gained was worse than thrown away. Another force of hostiles was
in the neighborhood, and unexpectedly attacked the English. Somehow
or other, the rumor spread among the whites that their enemies were
under the lead of Philip himself. When there was not the least doubt of
destroying the Indians, the troopers were seized with a panic and fled
in headlong confusion. The enemy, much less in number, pursued them for
several miles, and killed one-third of the English, including Captain
Turner himself. This sad affair gave its name to Turner Falls.
Despite the many successes of the Indians, they were doomed to failure
in the end. The English far outnumbered all the warriors Philip could
bring into the field, and they were better disciplined and more
capable than the dusky natives. The defeats of the latter became so
numerous that the seat of war shifted from Massachusetts southward
to Connecticut and Rhode Island. Knowing that the quickest road to
peace was by pressing the war vigorously, Massachusetts passed a rigid
law for the impressment of soldiers, and Captain Church, who had
recovered from his wounds received in the swamp fight at Kingston,
gave the hostiles no rest. He shrewdly scared a number of Philip's
allies into leaving his cause and coming to the side of the English.
Even among the Indians were many who saw the certain overthrow of
Philip and the triumph of the English. When assured that none of these
would be punished if they abandoned the chieftain, and warned that if
they did not do so very soon, they would suffer the vengeance of the
authorities, a large number made haste to accept the offer. Then, at
the right moment, Massachusetts made known that she would pardon every
Indian who laid down his arms within two weeks. So many took advantage
of this offer, that the uprising received a fatal blow, and the danger
to the English was past.
But Philip was not among those who cringed. He probably knew that
although his warriors might be forgiven by the English, no pardon
awaited _him_. A white man can be as fiendish as any savage, and that
too without trying very hard, and many of those who preached the Gospel
of love and forgiveness, were yearning for a chance to wreak vengeance
upon the barbarian.
And yet Philip must have seen for a long time that he was waging a
hopeless war. Since the longer he fought the more bitter would become
the anger of the English against him, the question naturally arises,
"Why then did he continue to fight?" To this, the answer is that such
is Indian nature, and such the spirit of the warrior.
Ere long he became a fugitive, harried night and day. He was often
obliged to flee in desperate haste, and make the quickest possible
change of quarters. Some of his escapes could not have been narrower.
One day, in a furious skirmish, a soldier recognized an Indian as the
uncle of Philip, because of which he leveled his musket and shot him
down, and yet the warrior at the side of the victim, who was spared
and whose identity was unsuspected, was Philip himself. He cut off his
hair, stained his face, and changed his clothes, so that many of his
acquaintances failed to identify him. This stratagem saved the sachem
more than once from the English, who were trying to run him to earth.
When everything was going wrong, one of his men ventured to suggest
to him, that he should try to make terms with the whites. The chief
whirled like lightning, his face aflame with fury, and brained the
insolent warrior. But the victim had a brother, who bided his time, and
then made the sachem pay dearly for his ferocious cruelty.
[Illustration: AN INDIAN CHIEF'S WIFE]
Philip was devotedly attached to his wife and only son. He stealthily
made his way to their home at Mount Hope, with a few of his faithful
followers. His presence was betrayed to his enemies, who suddenly
descended upon him. Philip escaped by a hair's breadth, but his wife
and boy were carried off prisoners. The authorities at Plymouth
solemnly debated over the question as to what should be done with these
captives. Some favored putting them to death, but it was finally agreed
to sell them as slaves. This was done, as in the case of many others,
and they were sent to the Bermudas.
Captain Church was bent upon capturing or killing Philip. Many times
he was close upon him, and it is quite likely the two saw each other
more than once, but the royal fugitive was saved by the disguise named.
His warriors kept steadily falling away from him, and he was harassed
by that torturing of all doubts--the distrust of the loyalty of those
that remained at his side. He must have asked himself many a time,
as he looked into the stern, painted faces, whether _all_ were true,
or whether some of them were not planning his betrayal while they
professed friendship.
One day an Indian hurriedly entered the camp of Captain Church at
Tiverton. He was the brother of the man who had been slain by Philip
for daring to suggest that he should make peace with the English. The
hour for his revenge had come. He told Church that Philip and a few of
his warriors were on a piece of land at the southern end of the swamp,
near the base of Mount Hope. Church questioned the runner closely, and
was satisfied he was telling the truth. He was familiar with the place
and he knew the description given by his informant was correct.
No time was lost. Church had quite a number of men whom he hurried
to the swamp. He placed them so as to surround it, and then ordered
several of his best scouts to go within and rout out the fugitive.
Philip was such an expert in woodcraft, and slept so lightly, that the
men knew he was sure to discover their approach before they could get a
sight of him in the tangled fastnesses.
Such proved the fact. The chieftain heard the stealthy footsteps,
and, catching up his gun, rushed with a swift, noiseless tread along
one of the faintly marked paths. Near the outlet he came upon a white
man and an Indian. The soldier leveled his musket and pulled trigger,
but the weapon flashed in the pan. The Indian took careful aim at
Philip, as he was running toward him, and sent a bullet through his
heart. The chieftain fell forward on his hands and face into the mud
and water, his gun flying from his hands. Thus passed away one of the
greatest American Indians that ever lived--great in strategy, great in
perseverance.
It is worth noting that the Indian who fired the fatal shot was
Alderman, brother of the victim of Philip's anger. The gun barrel which
carried the bullet may be seen to-day in the Historical Museum at
Plymouth.
[Illustration: THE OLD INDIAN HOUSE AT DEERFIELD, MASS., TAKEN DOWN IN
1848.]
CHAPTER V
A MAN OF MARK AMONG THE DELAWARES
STORY OF TAMMANY, WHITE EYES AND CAPTAIN PIPE
Tammany was the most famous of the Delaware Indian chiefs. He died
toward the close of the eighteenth century. His reputation is that of
a mighty warrior, a lofty patriot, and the greatest statesman ever
born among his people. Such were his perfections that his countrymen
believed he talked with the Great Spirit. In 1776, when Colonel George
Morgan, of Princeton, New Jersey, was sent to the western Indians
by Congress, he was so liked by the Delawares that they called him
"Tammany," "in honor and remembrance of their ancient chief, and as
the greatest mark of respect which they could show to that gentleman,
who they said had the same address, affability and meekness as their
honored chief."
When the first whites visited this country, the Lenni-Lenapes or
Delaware Indians, one of the most important members of the Algonquin
family, occupied the valleys of the Delaware and Schuykill. They were
so powerful that they impressed themselves upon all the tribes from
the Hudson to the Chesapeake. This power lasted till the rise of the
Iroquois, or Six Nations of New York, the greatest confederation that
ever existed among the American race. It soon crushed the Delawares,
who lost in a sense their independence. At an assemblage near
Lancaster, in 1774, the Iroquois forbade the Delawares to sell their
lands without the permission of their masters, who even called them
"squaws," and looked upon them with undisguised contempt.
About the middle of the eighteenth century, the Delawares removed
to the banks of the Susquehanna. They learned the principles of
non-resistance from William Penn and the missionary Zinzendorf, for
which they suffered much at the hands of the English and the Iroquois.
The former charged that they were under French influence, while the
Iroquois, angered at their neutrality, despoiled them without mercy and
expressed contempt for the tribe.
The Delawares produced two remarkable chiefs, of opposing views. One
wanted peace, and the other wished war. Each had hundreds of friends,
and the tribe was broken up by quarrels, which often resulted in
bloodshed.
The leader of the peace party had a hard Indian name, but was dubbed
"Captain White Eyes" by the Americans. Whether this was due to any
peculiarity of his organs of vision, we have not been able to learn. It
may have been on account of his peace principles, which were as open
as those of the Friends. He was the leading chief of the Turtle clan
in Ohio, and his bitterest enemies never denied his lofty honor, pure
life, and unselfish patriotism.
When the Revolution broke out, the British authorities used every
effort to win the Delawares over to their side. Congress strove equally
hard to hold them neutral. Thus two opposing factions faced each other.
White Eyes was the sleepless champion of peace, and Captain Pipe of war
to the knife. Both had ingenuity, tact, and strong will. Captain Pipe,
on his part, could count upon the natural, revengeful temper of his
countrymen. They had many wrongs to brood over, and the Indian dearly
loves war. White Eyes admitted the wrongs his people had suffered,
but insisted that the true interests of the Delawares forbade them to
take the side of either of the opponents. If they did, they were sure
to suffer, and many of their bravest men would be slain. There was no
difference between the British and Americans; one was as likely to
prove as good or ill a neighbor as the other.
It followed that the Delawares in breaking apart joined one or the
other of the warring champions. They lost sight of the principles at
stake, and identified themselves with the leaders. The Delaware tribe
had passed under the sway of two great sachems or "bosses." Which was
to prevail?
White Eyes gave many proofs of his personal courage. When war became
certain, he and several of his tribe went to Pittsburg to meet in
conference a number of Senecas, members of the Iroquois or Six Nations
and resolute allies of the British. White Eyes boldly opposed their
designs, and used such biting words that the Senecas were angered. They
told him he was the last one to prate of independent action by his
tribe, when every one knew they had been made _women_ by the Iroquois.
White Eyes scornfully faced the chief who uttered this insult, and
replied:
"I know you look upon us as a conquered nation; as your inferiors; as
women, made such by you. You say you have placed hoes in our hands and
ordered us to dig and plant for you, and that we shall wear petticoats.
But look at _me_! Am I not a full-grown man and am I not in the dress
of a warrior! Do I not carry a musket the same as you? And (waving his
hand toward the Allegheny) all that is mine!"
These were daring words, and greatly disturbed many of his own warriors
who believed the fiery Senecas would revenge themselves upon White Eyes
and his friends. They sent word to the Iroquois that they did not think
like White Eyes, and that they would not stay by his side. Captain Pipe
had much to do with this cowardly action. He and White Eyes set to work
with more resolution than ever, and each had varying success. White
Eyes' message to the Wyandots at Sandusky was insultingly answered
by notice to the Delawares to hold themselves ready to take the war
path with them against the Americans. He visited a portion of the same
tribe at Detroit. They refused to receive his peace belts except in the
presence of the British governor. When the proffer was made before him,
he snatched the belts from the hands of the chief, cut them to pieces,
and threw them to the ground in a high rage.
[Illustration: AN INDIAN FAMILY]
"And you," he said, turning angrily upon White Eyes, "if you value your
life, will leave here within half an hour!"
This remarkable man was often in imminent peril from his own people.
Passion ran high, and among the friends of Captain Pipe were many who
would have assassinated White Eyes had they not lacked the courage.
It is hard to understand how he escaped, and how he retained his
influence over so many fiery warriors. Early in 1778, a number of
Tories from Pittsburg came among the Indians with word that the
Americans were hurrying against them, and their only hope of escape was
to begin war without delay.
These rumors threw the Delawares into a panic, and for several days
White Eyes could do nothing to stay the rising tide. When he was able
to soothe them to some extent, he called a council to which he said he
was satisfied that the reports were lies, and it would never do for his
warriors to make a mistake in such a matter. He, therefore, asked them
to do nothing for ten days. This would give time to learn the facts.
The cunning Pipe also called a council. He gave out the impression that
he knew the whole truth, and he called upon his countrymen to declare
that man an enemy to the nation who did anything to prevent their
taking up arms against the American people.
White Eyes parried this blow by saying that if the Delawares were
determined to go upon the war path, he would go with them. "I have done
what I could for peace," he said, "but if you choose to believe these
lying vagabonds, you shall not go without me! And I shall not _follow_;
I shall place myself at your head and none shall fight harder than I;
I shall be the first to fall, for I do not wish to survive my nation;
I will not live to mourn the destruction of a people who deserved a
better fate."
This appeal was overpowering. The council, with more enthusiasm than
such a body generally shows, declared that they would wait the ten
days, while others said with equal emphasis that they would never fight
the Americans unless led by White Eyes.
The baffled Pipe and his friends worked more determinedly than ever,
and with such success that after several days, many of the Delawares
began preparations for war White Eyes was warned that if he interfered
again, he would be killed. Nine days had passed without a single fact
appearing to disprove the rumors of the coming of the Americans. It
looked as if nothing could calm the rising war spirit.
Providentially, at this juncture, the German missionary Heckewelder,
who had arrived among the Christian Delawares, not far from the village
of White Eyes, learned of the crisis, and made haste to the settlement.
His coming drew wide attention, and the warriors flocked thither from
all points, anxious to learn the errand that had brought the white man
thither.
[Illustration: A PIONEER'S CABIN]
The missionary and White Eyes had always been friends, but the chief
now scowled at him and refused to take his offered hand. Heckewelder
was amazed, but quickly read the meaning of the rebuff. Pipe had
his spies in the crowd watching everything. If White Eyes welcomed
the missionary, it would show that he had been invited to come, and
that the whole affair was a scheme to throw dust in the eyes of the
Delawares. If the chief showed a distrust, it would tell the contrary
story.
Heckewelder demanded the reason of the chief's churlish action. He
answered:
"I will tell you. If what has been told us is true, we have not a
single friend among the Americans; therefore, we are the enemies of
every white man and can look upon you as coming to us only to put us
off our guard that our enemies may take us by surprise."
Heckewelder strongly denied the charge, declaring that if he was not
the friend of the Delawares, he never would have come among them. White
Eyes fixed his piercing gaze upon the missionary, and in the hush that
fell upon the throng, asked:
"Will you tell me the truth as to what I shall ask you?"
"I always strive to speak the truth and I shall not deceive you," was
the reply.
"We are told that the American armies have been cut to pieces, that
General Washington has been killed, that there is no more Congress, and
that those that have not already been hanged will be taken to England
and hanged by the king, that all the country beyond the mountains is
in possession of the English, and the few thousand Americans who have
escaped are gathered on this side of the mountains to kill us and our
women and children. Now, tell me the truth; are all or any of these
things true?"
With all the solemnity he could command, the visitor replied that
there was not a word of truth in the rumors that had been brought to
the Delawares. The Americans had not been defeated, Washington was
unharmed, the cause of patriotism was making the best of progress, and
he carried with him the proof that one of the greatest of the British
armies had surrendered to the Americans only a few months before.
Heckewelder then unfolded and displayed a newspaper which told of the
capture of General Burgoyne and his troops. Then the visitor added that
he had with him also the friendly messages which the Americans wished
him to deliver to the Delawares as a sign of their good will.
[Illustration: MASSACRE AT FORT MIMMS.
This fort in Alabama was attacked by eight hundred Creek warriors,
August 30, 1813, led by the noted half-breed and Chief Weathersford.
The fort held five hundred soldiers, men, women and children, but being
taken by surprise, over two hundred people were scalped.]
[Illustration: DEATH OF TECUMSEH THE GREAT INDIAN CHIEF.
Tecumseh was one of the most famous chiefs and Indian warriors of the
eighteenth century. He organized many expeditions against the whites
but lost his life at the Battle of the Thames, October 5, 1813. He was
an ally of the British in the War of 1812.]
Every warrior present knew that the visitor was a man of truth, and his
words caused a sensation. White Eyes seized the "psychological moment,"
and, turning to the assemblage, asked whether they should listen to the
words of those who had always been their friends. The warriors replied
as one voice that they would. Accordingly, the drum was beaten and the
whole body moved to the council house, where friendly addresses were
spoken. When they were finished, White Eyes stepped forward and offered
his hand to Heckewelder, saying: "You are welcome, my brother," and the
others did likewise.
It was a triumph. Captain Pipe was silent, and soon after, his spies
brought him word that everything told by the white men was true. White
Eyes sent his runners to the Shawnees, where the Tories had already
gone to stir up enmity against the Americans, and the messengers did
their work well. Never was a more complete victory gained by diplomat,
statesman, or military leader.
Ever anxious for peace, White Eyes made a visit to Pittsburg in the
winter of 1779-80, to talk with the Indian agent. He went with General
McIntosh to the country of the Tuscaroras, where a fort was to be built
for the protection of the neutral Indians, but, sad to say, he took the
smallpox and died.
The death of the great and good chief caused profound grief not only
among the Delawares, but with other tribes. One of the truest friends
the American Indians ever knew had gone to his final hunting grounds.
White Eyes being out of the way, Captain Pipe naturally gained control
of his people. He fought on the side of the British, and at times
showed a high sense of honor and chivalry. He is believed to have died
about the year 1820.
CHAPTER VI
THE GREATEST OF INDIAN CONSPIRATORS
PONTIAC, CHIEF OF THE OTTAWAS
We are now to learn of another great American Indian,--one who ranks
beside King Philip and Tecumseh, and whose career stamped itself upon
the history of the frontier. This native leader was Pontiac, chief of
the Ottawas.
[Illustration]
Down to the opening of the last half of the eighteenth century, England
and France were the leading rivals in colonizing America. The English
planted their settlements along the coast, while the vast territory to
the westward remained a wilderness, trodden only by the red men and
wild beasts. France settled Canada, but, while doing so, she dreamed of
founding a mighty empire, reaching from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of
Mexico. She sent her surveyors into the Mississippi Valley, and they
buried leaden plates at different points to let every one know that the
country belonged to the King of France. They also built forts to the
number of sixty or more throughout that vast region, leaving no doubt
that they meant to hold it if necessary by force of arms.
French trappers, hunters and explorers began pushing eastward into
the valley of the Ohio. At the same time some of the English pressed
westward. These pioneers of two civilizations met in the gloomy
solitudes, and fighting and bloodshed followed. Neither would yield,
and war was certain to come. You know that the building of Fort Le
Bœuf, in the far northwest corner of Pennsylvania, was looked upon by
Virginia as an invasion of her territory, and Governor Dinwiddie sent a
messenger, named +George Washington+, with a letter protesting against
the act. The gallant young Virginian came back with word from the
French officer that he not only meant to stay there, but would drive
out every Englishman who showed himself in the country which belonged
to the King of France.
The French and Indian War followed, ending with the triumph of
England. France gave up every foot of soil she had held on the Western
Hemisphere, except a little fishing station or two, and agreed to turn
over all the western posts to her conqueror. It was this change of
masters that brought Pontiac forward and caused one of the greatest
crises in the history of that region.
A short time after the surrender of Quebec, General Amherst sent an
armed force to the leading post, Detroit, to receive its submission,
and that of the other forts on the frontier. This body was under the
command of Major Robert Rogers of New Hampshire, who had acted a
prominent part in the war, and who gained still greater fame (though
unfortunately it was afterward tarnished) in the Revolution at the head
of his famous Rangers.
Major Rogers coasted along southern Lake Erie late in the autumn of
1760. For a time the weather was crisp and pleasant, but when near the
site of the present city of Cleveland, a cold, dismal storm broke, and
the party put ashore and went into camp until the skies should clear.
While resting, a score of Ottawa Indians visited the camp. They were
led by a chief of striking appearance, whose identity Rogers suspected
the moment he saw him. The officer had had dealings with red men, and
none knew better than he how to treat with them. He showed the visitors
every courtesy, and put on a meekness which it is safe to say he was
far from feeling. He had heard of Pontiac, who now stood before him,
and knew him to be one of the foremost of his race. The veteran meant
to win his good will, if such a thing were possible.
Pontiac asked by what right these white soldiers dared to enter the
country which belonged to him. Rogers explained that the war which
had been going on for several years (and in which the great chief had
played so honorable a part) was now ended by the victory of the English
over the French. Rogers was on his way to Detroit to tell the news to
the French commandant there, who would give up the post to the English,
as soon as he learned the truth. There was no way of getting to Detroit
except by passing through the country of the mighty Pontiac; he assured
the great and good chief that no harm should be done to any of his
people; he hoped he would not take offence, for the visitors would go
back to their homes as soon as their task was over. Meanwhile he begged
Pontiac to accept a few slight tokens of the good will of their Father
across the water.
Rogers won Pontiac's good will by his flattery and presents, and the
chief told the visitors that so long as they acted rightly, no harm
would befall them from his warriors. So Rogers and his party embarked
in their whale boats once more, and in due time reached Detroit.
The news they carried thither proved bitter medicine to the French
commandant, and for a time he refused to swallow it, but there was no
help for it, and in the end he submitted with the best grace possible.
Few of the scowling Indians gathered round grasped the full meaning
of this surrender. They could not understand how it was that a force
so much larger than the English could yield to them. Another mystery
was, why, after the French had submitted and laid down their arms, the
English did not put every one to death. _That_ was the fashion among
the red men, with whom mercy is a failing of which few are guilty at
any time.
[Illustration: ON THE WARPATH]
There was one, however, in the dusky swarm who understood it all.
"Because the English have conquered the French everywhere else,"
thought Pontiac, "those that are here are compelled to yield. The
English will now become the masters of the Indians, and we have much
more reason to hate them than we have to hate the French."
The words of the Ottawa were true. The French from the first were wiser
than their rivals in dealing with the red men. Naturally, therefore,
the latter were generally the allies of the French in the wars between
the two nations. Believing that the new masters would act cruelly--and
there was good ground for such belief--Pontiac formed his great
conspiracy. Like King Philip, three-quarters of a century before, his
plan was to unite all the tribes he could reach into a confederation
for keeping Detroit and all the western posts in the hands of the
French, who had treated them better than the English. It was a plot of
magnitude.
In the formation of this conspiracy, Pontiac had the aid, to a certain
extent, of the French themselves. They were soured because of their
defeat, and many of the officers could not justify France in thus
throwing away a continent. They were sure that with the help of the
Indians, it could have been held against their rivals. Such, also, was
the unshakable belief of Pontiac. But he went farther than his white
friends. He was certain that although some of the forts had been given
up, they could be retaken from the English and turned over again to
the French. In reaching this belief, the Ottawa forgot the laws of
civilized warfare. He reasoned as an Indian.
Like King Philip also, he understood the necessity of thorough
preparation. The plot would be ruined by impatience or by a blow
delivered too soon. Weeks and months, and possibly years, were
necessary to bring his plans to a head. He would not require the time
taken by Opecancanough, but he meant to use all that was needed.
Pontiac's plan in brief was that the blow at all the western posts
should be struck on the same day. Thus there would be no time for the
forts to send warning to one another, or to give mutual help. Indeed,
these forest garrisons were as a rule so weak that they were sure to
have all they could do, after being warned of their danger, to defend
themselves.
Pontiac set grimly to work. He held under his direct control the
Ottawas, Ojibwas and Pottawatomies,--all powerful tribes, who could
be counted upon to do his will. But he needed many more warriors, and
he set out to gain them. He plotted and schemed for nearly two years
before sending his ambassadors to the more distant tribes. To each he
gave as his credentials a tomahawk painted red, and a wampum war belt.
Active and ceaseless as was the chieftain, he could not do more than
a fraction of the work alone. It was necessary to travel hundreds of
miles through the trackless wilderness, often in the depth of winter,
or when the floods descended and the hurricanes uprooted the forest
trees. But while he was forever planning, his faithful ambassadors were
busy, and so perfect was the work done by him and them, that every
tribe between the Ottawa and Lower Mississippi was visited, and many
were won to the support of the iron-willed chieftain.
[Illustration: THE WAMPUM OF PEACE BELT]
Sir William Johnson held the Six Nations in New York in a tight grasp.
He suddenly found Pontiac's messengers among them and doing dangerous
work; but he was a warm friend of the English, as he proved when the
Revolution broke out, and he succeeded in keeping his warlike wards
from going to the support of the Ottawa leader, excepting only the
fierce Senecas, who pledged the ambassadors that when Pontiac called
them, they would be ready to fight against the English. He fixed upon
May 7, 1763, as the day when the general attack should be made upon all
the forest garrisons covering a wide area.
Now, every one must see the impossibility of keeping secret this
far-reaching conspiracy. The situation was different from that of
Opecancanough in Virginia. That hoary leader of the Powhatans was able
to do all his plotting in the depths of the woods, and his objective
point was the settlements along the James. Pontiac's area of operations
covered thousands of square miles; some of the tribes to whom he
appealed were unfriendly to him, and the score and more of forts were
widely separated. Here and there, the commandants, or those under them,
had made warm friends of the red men, who could be counted upon to give
them notice of any danger. It was impossible, therefore, to keep the
plot secret during the two years it was coming to a head; the wonder is
that it did not become generally known much earlier than was actually
the fact.
The records of all wars with savages betray a strange blindness on the
part of the whites to the signs of danger around them. This blindness
may be due to their unwillingness to believe ill of those who have
acted well for a long time, but none the less, it is hard to understand
why it should deceive those who ought to be the last ones in the world
to be caught off their guard in such surroundings.
Ensign Holmes had charge of the small garrison at Fort Miama,
where Fort Wayne, Indiana, now stands. One day, an Indian of the
neighborhood, who had shown a strong liking for the officer, came to
him with the war belt that had been brought to his tribe by one of
Pontiac's messengers. The Ensign's suspicions were roused, and he
questioned his dusky friend closely. He revealed the whole plot.
[Illustration: THE INDIAN MASSACRE IN WYOMING VALLEY, PENNSYLVANIA.
On July 3, 1778, Major Butler, commanding a force of Indians,
British and Tories, descended upon the beautiful Wyoming Valley, in
Pennsylvania, to dispossess the Continentals. The Indians could not be
restrained and a brutal massacre of men, women and children followed
the battle.]
[Illustration: CHIEF BRANDT AND HIS INDIANS MASSACRE THE SETTLERS.
Cherry Valley, New York, was the scene of a sudden attack by the
Indians in 1778, when women and children were murdered in presence of
their husbands and fathers.]
Holmes sent the war belt to Major Gladwyn, commandant at Detroit, with
a letter telling all that he had learned, and asking him to send the
news to General Amherst. Mischief was in the air, and precautions could
not be taken too soon. Gladwyn, as requested, sent a runner to Amherst,
bearing a letter which told what Ensign Holmes thought he had found
out. The major took pains to add that he did not credit the story and
was sure there was no danger! It was the same old blunder that has been
made times without number, and doubtless will continue to be made to
the end of all things.
[Illustration: OLD WAY OF BROILING FISH
From the Original Drawing in the British Museum, made by John White in
1585.]
Our interest for the present is with Pontiac. Ten days before the date
fixed for the general uprising and attack, he called his warriors
together some miles from the fort, and made them a fiery address which
aroused them to hurricane ardor. He had chosen as the special object
of their attention, Detroit itself. He was allowed to come and go
unquestioned, and had used the chance to study every point connected
with the fort,--every weak and strong spot. This town was laid out in
the form of a square, enclosed on every side by a high palisade, with
a wooden bastion at every corner. Upon these bastions several small
pieces of artillery were mounted, and there were blockhouses over the
gateway. The dwellings, about a hundred in number, were of wood, that
would burn furiously if the torch were once applied. The garrison
numbered a hundred and twenty men, and a third more could bear arms if
necessary.
The watchful Pontiac had seen that Major Gladwyn was unsuspicious of
his danger, and therefore had taken no precautions. It would seem that
the capture and destruction of Detroit would prove as easy as "rolling
off a log."
The chieftain explained his plan, which had the merit of simplicity,
if of nothing else. He would call upon Major Gladwyn with a number of
his chiefs and picked warriors, and make the usual Indian address,
professing eternal friendship to the white man. At a certain point in
his speech, he would present the officer with a wampum belt, but, in
doing so, would hold it in a reversed position.
This was to be the signal. The moment it was given, each Indian was
to whip out from under his blanket, his gun, whose barrel had been
shortened, and make an assault. The Ottawas on the outside would also
attack upon hearing the firing, and it looked as if nothing could save
the garrison.
Such most likely would have been the result, had not an Indian woman
revealed the whole plot to Major Gladwyn the evening before. He had
made every preparation, as Pontiac himself saw the moment he passed
through the gate at the head of his sixty warriors. What furious
chagrin must have gnawed at his heart when he saw the defeat of
his plans! Still, with wonderful self-control, he kept an outward
appearance of calmness, greeted Gladwyn with a smile, and placing his
party in the form of a semi-circle in front of the officer's quarters,
began his speech.
Gladwyn knew what the signal was to be. He kept his eyes upon the black
orbs of the chieftain, who looked straight into his face. The critical
moment came, when, the Ottawa decided after all to give the signal and
stake everything upon the result; but the watchful Gladwyn read his
purpose, and suddenly raised his hand. He and each of his officers drew
their swords, the clicks of the gunlocks were heard in the hush, and
the soldiers leveled their muskets at the visitors. Pontiac handed the
wampum belt in proper form, and the tense situation was lifted for the
time.
[Illustration: OUTSIDE THE GARRISON GATES]
But Gladwyn was angry. He replied that the friendship of which the
chief talked depended wholly upon him. So long as he and his people
acted with honesty, they would be well treated, but if they proved
unworthy, they should suffer. He left it to the chief himself to decide
upon his course.
Pontiac still hoped to deceive the English commandant. He repeated his
words of good will, saying that as evil birds had sung in the ears
of his great ally, he would prove to him by his deeds that he should
not listen to them. This sort of talk was kept up until Gladwyn lost
patience, and gave orders that neither Pontiac nor his warriors should
be allowed again to enter the gate.
Unsuspicious of anything of the kind, the chief appeared with a number
of his men at the gate soon afterward, and was instantly ordered by the
guard to keep away, unless he chose to come alone. The rebuff threw
Pontiac into a rage. He saw it was useless to keep up the farce any
longer, and threw all disguise aside. He dashed off at the head of his
indignant warriors with whoops of defiance. They fired their guns at
the garrison, who replied without effect, and ran to the house of an
old English woman and her two sons, whom they tomahawked, and whose
scalps they swung aloft in sight of the garrison. Then they sped to Hog
Island, where an old sergeant lived, and slew him. The war had begun.
Pontiac had planned that attacks should be made on the same day upon
all the British posts on the Lakes,--St. Joseph, Ouiantenon, Green
Bay, Michilimackinac, Detroit, the Maumee, and the Sandusky, as well
as the forts of Niagara, Presque Isle, Le Bœuf, Venango and Pittsburg.
It was a far-reaching conspiracy, and, if successful, would have been
the severest blow that could be dealt the frontier. Before giving the
history of the siege of Detroit, let us glance at the fate of one other
of the forest garrisons.
Michilimackinac (Mackinaw) stood, as we know, on the south side of the
strait of the same name, between Lakes Huron and Michigan. It was there
the traders gathered on their journey to and from Montreal, and it
was one of the most important posts in the West. It had about thirty
families in as many different houses, and the garrison numbered nearly
a hundred men. Its capture was left to the Chippewas, who were aided by
the Sacs. They formed a cunning plan, which was kept secret from the
garrison. It was to engage in a game of Indian ball, like lacrosse. Two
posts were set up a long distance apart, and the ball was laid on the
ground midway between them. The parties placed at the ends strove to
bat the ball towards the opposite post, whose defenders tried equally
hard to send the sphere into the other's territory. Like all games of
this character a great deal of excitement is developed, and it was this
fact upon which the Indians counted to surprise the garrison.
The men gathered outside on the broad plain to watch the contestants,
and soon caught their ardor. They saw the ball roll back and forth,
chased by the shouting players, and they joined in the cheers over the
skill shown by them. More than three hundred brawny warriors were in
the sport running to and fro, striking strong, quick blows with their
bats, tumbling over one another, and acting for all the world like so
many football players. For that which followed we are indebted to a
trader named Alexander Henry, who was at Mackinaw at the time.
In the midst of the exciting scene, some one struck the ball a hard
blow. It rose high in air, and circling over, dropped inside the
pickets of the fort. It was the most natural thing in the world for the
players to dash headlong after it, and the officers and soldiers who
were looking on suspected nothing when they saw the panting horde swarm
through the gates and inside the stockades.
The knocking of the ball over the pickets was not an accident, but had
been agreed upon beforehand. It was the trick by which the Indians
gained a fatal advantage without rousing the distrust of their victims.
In a twinkling the players turned from the ball, and drawing their
hidden weapons, attacked the garrison. They cut down and scalped the
Englishmen, who were taken so by surprise that no defence could be
offered. It was a heartrending massacre.
Henry was not among those who were watching the game, but was in a
room in one of the houses, writing letters to send to Montreal by
a trader who was about to leave the post in his canoe. Hearing the
unusual racket outside, he rose from his chair and looked out of the
window. A horrifying sight met his gaze. He saw his countrymen falling
on every hand, the Indians slaying and scalping them without mercy. On
the outskirts of the slayers and victims, stood a number of Canadian
villagers calmly looking on, as if they felt no special interest in the
awful tragedy.
Henry saw his own peril, and the thought came to him that the only
place of possible safety was in one of the houses of the Canadians. It
would not do to stay where he was, for the Indians had already begun
searching the dwellings of the English for more victims. Bounding
down stairs, he dashed out of the rear, and climbed a low fence which
divided his yard from that of his next door neighbor, who was a
Canadian. Plunging into the rear of the house, he saw the Canadian and
members of his family gathered at the front and watching the fearful
deeds from the windows.
Henry appealed to the man to give him shelter until the outburst had
spent itself. If he would hide him for the time, the trader would be
safe, for the Indians did not offer any harm to the Canadians. The
neighbor looked at Henry for a moment, and then coolly saying he could
do nothing for him, shrugged his shoulders and turned back to view the
dreadful scenes in front of his dwelling.
[Illustration: THE SETTLERS' DEFENCE]
In this moment of despair, a Pawnee woman, a servant of the family,
beckoned to Henry to follow her. He passed softly through the door,
and, on the outside, she opened another door, whispering that it led
to the garret where he should hide himself. He quickly did so, and
she, keeping at his heels, locked the upper door behind him, and came
down stairs, taking the key with her. The room was so loosely built
that the fugitive could peer through between the cracks and watch the
massacre on the open plain in front. While he was doing so, several of
the savages, seeing that no more victims were left, ran to the building
in which the trader was hiding. He peered through the crevices in the
floor, and heard the visitors ask the head of the house whether any
Englishmen were inside.
"I do not know of any," replied the Canadian, speaking the truth, for
he had not seen what his servant did. "If you have any doubts, search
for yourselves."
Acting on the hint, the warriors went up the stairs, and who shall
picture the feelings of the poor man, when he heard their footsteps and
the next moment their hands trying the door? The absence of the key
caused delay, which he quickly turned to account. In the corner of the
room was a heap of birch vessels used in making maple sugar. He crawled
under these, covering himself as best he could.
He had barely time to do so, when four Indians, covered with the blood
of their victims, stalked into the room. They walked about the garret,
peering here and there, one of them coming so close that the trembling
white man could have touched his moccasin. But the twilight of the room
(it had no windows) and the dark clothing of Henry helped him, and the
Indians went down stairs without finding him. In the end, he made his
escape, as has been stated, and we are indebted to him for the story of
the fall of Mackinaw.
CHAPTER VII
A BESIEGED GARRISON
THE ATTACK ON DETROIT
Let us now return to Detroit. Its experience is without a parallel
in the history of our country. Never before was a town of importance
held in a state of siege for more than a year by Indians. That such
a remarkable thing took place was due to the genius of the master
mind, who held the turbulent savages to their work, when the task of
waiting is the most distasteful that can befall their race. Pontiac
had to foresee the means of providing his forces with food, and he did
it. He was the first American savage--so far as we have been able to
learn--who gave promissory notes for the supplies he had to take from
the neutral French residents outside of Detroit. Whenever he did this,
he handed a memorandum of what had been taken, marked on the inside of
a piece of bark, to which was added his totum, the sign of an otter.
Moreover, this aboriginal financier redeemed every one of those notes,
thereby setting a good example to his white brethren.
The Ottawa, upon being refused admittance within the stockade, had
thrown aside all pretence of friendship or neutrality, and pressed his
designs with a skill that even the defenders admired. The red skins
crouched behind outbuildings, stumps and earth, and opened a hot fire
which lasted for several hours. The garrison replied as best they
could, but little injury was done on either side. Finally, a cannon
was loaded to the muzzle with red hot slugs, and the bits of iron when
discharged, set fire to the principal outbuildings. As the savages
scampered for cover, the garrison picked off a number of the most
conspicuous.
Naturally the Indians made many attempts to burn the fort and other
defences. If the flames were once fairly started, nothing could stay
them, but the vigilance of the garrison night and day defeated every
effort of this nature. Days and weeks passed without any marked change
in the situation. The defenders held out grimly and the besiegers did
not loose their grip. The supply of provisions began to run low, and,
but for the help of the Canadians on the other side of the river, the
garrison, who had long been on short rations, must have suffered for
food. These friends came over at night, for had Pontiac known what they
were doing, he would have stopped their practices and punished them.
At the wharf near the fort lay two schooners, which gave much help
in fighting off the besiegers. The critical situation of Detroit
had become known to the authorities, who were expected to send
reinforcements and supplies to the post by way of Lake Erie. These
were so slow in coming, that Major Gladwyn sent one of the vessels to
hasten them. Several days later, the lookout at Detroit called out the
glad tidings that the supply boats were in sight. When all faces were
glowing with expectation, an alarming thing was seen. In one of the
boats, a white man was desperately fighting with an Indian. In each
craft were a number of warriors, who were lying down, in order to reach
the fort undiscovered. In fact, all the boats with their supplies had
been captured by the redskins. It was a clever ruse.
The schooner which had been sent to hurry the boats missed them, and
sailed on to Niagara, while the relief expedition had coasted Lake
Erie to the mouth of Detroit River. At that place they landed and were
making camp, when they were attacked by a force of Wyandots, who killed
many and took sixty prisoners. Two boats escaped with forty men, in one
of which was Lieutenant Cuyler, in charge of the company. They made
their way back to Niagara, while the prisoners were compelled to row to
Detroit.
Meanwhile, a second expedition was fitted out at Niagara, and sailed in
the schooner that had been sent thither by Major Gladwyn. She reached
the Detroit River, but while still some miles below the fort, the wind
died out and she dropped anchor. Every one on board was aware of their
peril. The banks were lined with warriors, who would not let such a
golden opportunity pass. It was about midnight, that a large number of
canoes put out from the shores, and silently approached the schooner.
The watchful crew allowed them to come within a few rods, when a
broadside of grape and a volley of musket balls killed and wounded
nearly two-score. The others leaped overboard or rowed frantically to
land, and the next morning the vessel made her way to the wharf below
the fort, much to the chagrin of the red men.
The presence of the two vessels was intolerable to Pontiac. He made
several fire rafts, piled them with brush, set them ablaze and started
them down stream. But the white men were looking for such an attempt,
and by their quickness steered the flaming craft harmlessly past the
schooners. Pontiac repeated the effort, but without success, and then
gave it up as useless strategy.
As the weeks and months passed, without anything being done, many of
the Indians grew tired of the siege. The Pottawatomies and Wyandots
proposed peace and exchanged prisoners with Major Gladwyn, who placed
little faith in the promise of the savages. Pontiac, however, held his
Ottawas and Ojibwas as strongly in hand as ever.
In the latter part of July, twenty-two barges, containing two hundred
and eighty men, in charge of Major Dalzell, entered the Detroit River.
A fog hung over the stream, and when the boats were opposite the
Wyandot and Pottawatomie village, they received a fire which killed
and wounded several men. It will be remembered that these were the
tribes that had made an agreement of peace with Major Gladwyn only a
few days before. They were partly punished by the return volleys of the
reinforcements, which brought down a number of Indians and scattered
the others in a headlong panic.
The arrival of such a large body of friends raised the hopes of the
defenders to the highest point. Major Dalzell himself was ardent, and
declared it a disgrace to submit longer to such a state of affairs. The
idea of so large a force of white men being cooped up in the defences
by a horde of painted Indians, was too much to be borne. He insisted
upon attacking the besiegers, not doubting for a moment that he would
send the whole lot flying. Major Gladwyn understood the situation
better than his friend, and shook his head. He could not share the
confidence of the officer. But Dalzell still urged, and finally,
Gladwyn, against his own judgment, gave his consent to the plan for
ending the siege of Detroit.
[Illustration: "_WHO IS THERE TO MOURN FOR LOGAN? NOT ONE._"]
Just as the first streakings of day were beginning to show in the east,
two hundred and fifty men moved out of the fort, and stole like so many
phantoms through the forest, toward Pontiac's encampment. They kept
along shore, while two bateaux, each with a swivel gun at its bow, held
their places abreast of the soldiers. The expedition would have been
successful, and a crushing blow given, had not the scheme become
known to some of the Canadians, who revealed it to the Ottawa chief. He
had time to make his preparations which he did thoroughly.
The soldiers moved forward, every heart beating high with hope. Not an
Indian was seen until they reached the bridge spanning Parent's Creek.
Then the hundreds of crouching warriors opened fire. Half the advance
guard fell, when Dalzell, as the only means of saving the remainder,
ordered a retreat. In the confusion, the soldiers were surrounded by
the Indians. When it looked as if not one could escape, Major Rogers,
with a number of men as brave as himself, took possession of a house
swarming with fugitives, and defeated every assault, while the troops
were fighting their way back to the fort. The bateaux aided Rogers by
their fire, and he and his little company succeeded in reaching the
post. The English loss was fifty-nine killed and wounded. Major Dalzell
was slain while trying to save a wounded sergeant. This sad affair has
passed into history as the battle of Bloody Ridge.
[Illustration: AN INDIAN APOLLO]
The disaster cast gloom over the garrison and the survivors. While the
force that remained felt able to hold out, the besiegers were greatly
elated. Many of the Indians who were on the point of going to their
homes, gained new ardor in their support to Pontiac and his cause. They
were certain to retain this enthusiasm for a long time.
On the night of August 4, a sloop arrived in sight of the fort with
despatches from Niagara. The crew numbered barely a score, and the
slackness of the wind forced the captain to drop anchor before he could
reach a point of safety. Unfortunately, too, the night was very dark,
so that an attack by their enemies was one of the certainties.
Sure enough, two hundred warriors stole forward in the gloom which
allowed them to reach the sloop before they were seen. When discovered
they were swarming over the gunwales at the bow, stern and sides. The
crew fought with the energy of desperation, but could not withstand the
furious assault. Seeing that all was lost, the mate shouted to one of
the sailors to fire the magazine, that in their own destruction they
might kill many of their enemies. Now, it so happened that among the
Indians were several who knew enough English to understand the command,
and they repeated it to the others. On the instant, every one leaped
overboard, diving, swimming and struggling with frantic haste to save
himself. With the loss of the captain and several of the crew, the
sloop soon after reached Detroit.
By and by, impatience and discontent again spread among the Indians.
That race in certain circumstances displays the perfection of patience,
but not often does it do so in military operations. An Indian is eager
for results, and when they are slow in coming, he loses interest in
the affair itself, whatever it may be. Cold weather was at hand, and
about the middle of October, all the tribes, except the Ottawas, sent
messengers to Major Gladwyn with a request for peace. He replied
that he had not power to make peace, but would agree to a truce. They
consented, and the officer made the best use of the time to gather food
and supplies for consumption during the coming winter.
Pontiac saw signs of dissatisfaction among his own tribe, but his iron
will still held his warriors well in hand. The crushing blow came near
the close of October in a message from the French commandant at Fort
Chartres, on the Mississippi. He told Pontiac that peace had been made
between France and England, and gave him clearly to understand that
he could expect no help from the French in the continuance of his
causeless warfare.
Even then the resolute leader did not yield. He left the vicinity of
Detroit with a number of his sub-chiefs and warriors, and visited the
Maumee country, where he used all his eloquence and logic to draw these
tribes into the war. He met with some success, but it was slight. The
French commandant did more than notify him of the close of hostilities.
He sent messengers with wampum belts and calumets to the principal
tribes between the Ohio and the lakes, warning them to have nothing to
do with Pontiac and his scheme, which was highly displeasing to the
French. Finally, representatives of the leading tribes met Sir William
Johnson at Oswego, and signed a treaty of peace and friendship with the
English. Among those who took part in the important proceedings was
Pontiac, once the great sachem of the Ottawas.
Pontiac returned to his own country, and was believed to be a good
friend of the English, who it is said, gave him a pension, though this
is not certain. His inclinations were to help the Americans in the
Revolution, but he was held back by General Hamilton at Detroit. While
attending an Indian council, the chief was watched by a spy for the
English who had become suspicious of him. Pontiac had grown fond of
"fire water," and while under its influence, he betrayed his enmity
to the English. Because of this he was treacherously killed by the
spy, who had been bribed to do the deed by a trader. Thus Philip and
Pontiac, two of the foremost of American Indians, were each slain by
one of his own race.
[Illustration: SAVED BY THE SPIDER'S WEB]
CHAPTER VIII
A GOOD INDIAN
LITTLE CARPENTER, THE CHEROKEE
[Illustration]
The great cavalry leader, General Sheridan, once said that the only
good Indian was a dead one. It is unfortunate that the amicable
relations of William Penn and the Indians could not have been more
lasting and more widespread. Often the latter, with their savage
instincts, were to blame for the feeling of hatred existing. But, on
the other hand, many a red man has set a noble example to those who
oppressed him. Such an Indian was Attakullakulla, a name so hard to
pronounce, that we shall use the one by which he was known among the
whites. This is Little Carpenter, who was a Cherokee chief, born early
in the eighteenth century. Like White Eyes, of whom we have told, he
was always opposed by a war party, at whose head was Occonostota, or
the Great Warrior.
The Cherokees made a treaty with the English in 1730, and were their
friends for a quarter of a century. Then on the eve of the great
struggle between England and France for the ownership of America,
French agents succeeded in causing a division of feeling among the
Cherokees. English messengers strove to win them to their side, and a
grand council was called by the tribe to decide what they should do.
Everything was going in favor of the English, when the council was
thrown into wild rage by the news that a party of their tribe which
had visited the French on the Ohio, had been massacred by Virginians,
while on their way back. So fierce was the anger of the Cherokee
members of the council that they would have killed every English agent
present, but for Little Carpenter, who managed to save them with great
difficulty after an exciting harangue.
The Cherokees had given much help to the English expedition against
Fort Du Quesne, but on their return, when the worn horses gave out,
they left some of them by the way-side on the frontiers of Virginia,
and took others that belonged to the people whose homes they were
passing. This brought an attack upon them, in which two-score warriors
were shot down. This crime was partly due to the fact that, after
Braddock's massacre, Virginia offered a bounty for Indian scalps. Thus
the white men where impelled by two powerful motives,--indignation over
the theft of their property, and an avarice that did not stop at the
call of mercy. It proved to be the sowing of the wind and the reaping
of the whirlwind.
Little Carpenter would not have been an Indian had not his soul been
stirred by this fearful crime. After he had warned the agents of their
danger and safely hidden them, he turned to his warriors, his whole
frame shaking with anger:
"Let us make war at once," he said, "and never bury the hatchet till
our countrymen have been avenged. We cannot violate our faith or the
laws of hospitality by staining our hands with the blood of those now
in our power. They came to us as brothers, and have no blame for what
evil men have done. Let them carry back the belts of wampum and then
let us take up the hatchet and not rest till all these murderers have
been destroyed."
The man hated above all others by Great Warrior and the Cherokees was
Captain Coitmore. He was the commandant at Fort George, had placed
the ironed prisoners in their wretched quarters, and treated them
with brutality. The continued confinement of the hostages enraged the
Indians who laid siege to Fort George. It did not take Great Warrior
long to learn he could make no impression on it, and he gave up his
design for another, more subtle one.
[Illustration: WILLIAM PENN TREATING WITH THE INDIANS]
He hid a number of his bucks in a dense cane-brake at the river side,
and sent a squaw, who was well known at the garrison, to the captain,
with a request that he would come to the water where the chief was
waiting to tell him important news. Captain Coitmore was rash enough
to accept the invitation and went to the place named with two of his
officers as companions. He soon saw Great Warrior standing on the other
side of the Savannah with a bridle in his hand. This was to give color
to his statement that he was going to Charleston to secure the release
of the Cherokees held as hostages. As the distance was great, he hoped
to be able to obtain a horse.
As he said this, the chief turned about and swung the bridle over his
head. The act was the signal to his hidden men, who instantly fired at
the three officers. The captain was killed and his companions wounded.
The garrison immediately started to put all the hostages in irons,
they having been released a short time before. They resisted fiercely,
killing one of the soldiers and wounding several. The prisoners
expected their comrades outside to come to their help, but that was
beyond their power, and the troops completed their crime by putting
every one of the imprisoned hostages remorselessly to death.
By a strange fatality the victims were related to nearly all the
principal families among the Cherokees, who were driven to a frenzy
against the whites. Great Warrior became as determined in his hostility
as was ever Pontiac or Philip, while Little Carpenter, as grieved and
angry as he, still saw that a war would only add to the sufferings of
his people. He strove to keep them from taking the war path, but it was
in vain. He stood almost alone. The scenes that followed were such as
have spread woe and desolation times without number along the frontier.
The truth was driven home at last upon the Cherokees that only one way
of escaping destruction was left to them: that was to make peace with
the whites on the best terms they could get. When the force reached
Fort George, twenty chiefs begged a meeting with the colonel. The
proud Great Warrior was not with them, for he would have died before
asking mercy of the invaders, but Little Carpenter was at the head
of the party. He was known to the commandant who received him and his
companions with fitting honors, and accepted the statement that he
spoke for his whole people. Addressing the officer, Little Carpenter
said:
"You live at the water side and are in light. We are in darkness, but
hope that all will yet be clear. I have been going about all the time
doing good, and though I am tired, yet I come to see what can be done
for my people who are in great distress."
At this point the chief handed over the belts of wampum which he had
brought from the different towns as prayers for peace. "As to what has
happened," continued Little Carpenter, "I believe it has been ordered
by our Father above. We are of a different color from the white people.
They are superior to us. But one God is father of us all, and we hope
what is past will be forgotten. God made all people. There is not a day
that some are not coming into and others going out of the world. The
Great King told me the path should never be crocked, but open for every
one to pass and repass. As we all live in one land, I hope we shall all
love as one people."
Anxious as the Cherokees were for peace, and strongly as Little
Carpenter had striven from the first to bring it about, it must not
be thought that he was lacking in personal or moral courage. None but
the bravest of men would have dared to withstand the terrible Great
Warrior and the large majority of his tribe, as this chief did again
and again. So at the present time, when the English leader of the
expedition stated terms on which he would give peace to the Indians,
Little Carpenter rejected one condition: that was the surrender of four
Cherokees, specially noted for their cruelties, and their execution in
front of the camp.
The chief closed his lips and shook his head. The colonel persisted. It
was the only condition over which there was any hitch.
"I will insist," continued the officer; "take a day to think it over;
you and all your people have asked for peace; these four men deserve
death, and you ought not to let a little matter like that stand in the
way."
On the day following, the colonel asked Little Carpenter for his
decision.
"I gave it yesterday," he replied.
The officer was vexed at what he considered the stubbornness of the
chief, and refused to yield to him. The most to which he could consent
was that Little Carpenter should make the long journey to Charleston
and lay the matter before the governor. Little Carpenter traveled the
hundreds of miles through wilderness and solitudes, and explained his
errand to the governor.
By this time, South Carolina had an executive of sense. He knew all
about Little Carpenter. He considered him the finest type of his
race, whose conduct from the first was highly honorable. He had never
been known to ask an unreasonable thing, and the governor no sooner
understood what he wished, than he assured him it should be granted.
Then Little Carpenter made another request:
"We wish that Captain John Stewart shall be made Indian agent in
our nation. All the Indians love him and none of us will ever feel
uneasiness while he is with us."
"It shall be as you wish," replied the governor, and the pleased chief,
having obtained all, and indeed more than he expected to obtain, arose
to set out on the long journey homeward through the wilds.
CHAPTER IX
A MIGHTY MINGO CHIEFTAIN
LOGAN, THE ORATOR AND WARRIOR
The Mingo chieftain known as Logan, had a fame which reached the other
side of the Atlantic; he was the author of perhaps the best known
speech ever delivered by one of his race, and his life was marked by a
pathos that must touch every heart.
Logan was a chief like his father, but lived most of his life in the
West, probably at Sandusky, or on a branch of the Scioto. A number of
his warriors made their homes at these places. Why, if this chief was
an _Iroquois_, is he called a _Mingo_? The explanation lies in the fact
that the two words mean the same. The Iroquois are sometimes spoken of
as the Mingoes, Menwes or Maquas.
Logan, although one of the bravest of men, always loved peace above
war. Throughout the dark years before and during the plotting of
Pontiac, he took no part except that of peacemaker. In time he became
a most bitter enemy of the white race and if ever an Indian had good
reason for such enmity, he was Logan.
In the spring of 1774, several white explorers in the Ohio country
said they had been robbed by Indians of a number of horses, though it
is by no means certain that such was the fact, or that, if the theft
took place, that the thieves were not white men. Be that as it may,
the explorers claimed that the Indians should be taught a lesson that
would prevent any more outrages of that nature.
The infamous Colonel Michael Cresap gathered a party of men as evil as
himself, the members coming together on the site of the present city
of Wheeling, West Virginia. Learning that some Indians were near at
hand, Cresap made ready to attack them. The question of their guilt or
innocence was of no concern to him. He knew he had enough men to defeat
the small company, and that was all he cared to know before acting.
As if to help in the fearful crime, a canoe was seen coming from the
other shore. It contained one warrior and several women and children.
Hiding themselves, Cresap and his companions waited till the party had
landed, and then each picked out his victim. When the guns were fired,
not a single man, woman or child escaped. All these people belonged to
the family of Logan, known far and near as the "friend of the white
man."
This fearful outrage against the red man brought on a war in which
occurred one of the most remarkable battles between the two races that
has ever been fought in our history. The event, for some reason, has
not attracted the attention it deserves.
Logan was changed from a warm, unselfish friend of the white people
into their bitter enemy, and who can blame him? In July, 1774, he left
his home with only eight warriors. Instead of attacking the settlements
on the Ohio, where everybody expected the first blow would fall, he
passed them by and made his way to the Muskingum, where nobody dreamed
of danger.
The first white men seen were three who were pulling flax in a field.
One of them was shot down, and the others taken as prisoners.
[Illustration: THE INDIANS FRIENDLY TO WILLIAM PENN.
The fairness, justice and generosity of William Penn in buying from the
Indians their lands and privileges, secured for him and his settlers
protection not enjoyed by the other colonists.]
[Illustration: DEATH OF THE INDIAN KING PHILIP.
This famous Indian chief was for many years friendly with the whites,
but finally united the Indians in a final effort to drive away the
invaders. He was killed by an Indian enemy in 1675.]
They traveled a long distance through the forest to the Indian village,
where it was ordered that the captives should run the gantlet. This, as
you may know, consists of the unarmed person dashing between two rows
of his captors, standing a few feet from each other, all armed with
clubs or knives, with which they strike at the unfortunate as he speeds
forward and tries to dodge the cruel blows. If he succeeds in reaching
the extremity of the double line, he is sometimes spared or allowed to
make a break for liberty. But the ordeal is so dreadful, that not one
in a hundred survives it.
Logan did not like any kind of torture, and he told one of the captives
how he could escape many of the blows aimed at him. The man failed,
however, and the Indians condemned him to be burned to death at the
stake. Logan pleaded for his life, and, when it was refused, he cut the
cords and caused his adoption into an Indian family.
The Shawnees and Delawares had suffered many wrongs and outrages, and
they now joined in the war against the whites. The Virginia Legislature
was in session when the news reached that body, and Governor Dunmore
ordered the preparation of three thousand men to march against the
Indians. One-half of this force, under the command of General Andrew
Lewis, was to march to the mouth of the Kanawha, while the governor
was to lead the other half to a point on the Ohio, in order to strike
the Indian towns between the two. The movement of Lewis was to draw
off the main body of warriors, leaving the way open for the governor.
Having destroyed the towns, he was then to form a junction with General
Lewis at Point Pleasant, subsequent action of the army to be guided by
circumstances.
General Lewis with eleven hundred men began his march on the 11th of
September for Point Pleasant, distant one hundred and sixty miles on
the Great Kanawha. The whole distance led through a wilderness without
trails, but the force had a veteran scout of the frontier to guide them
over the best route. They reached their destination on the last day of
the month, and formed an intrenched camp. Lewis waited for more than a
week for the coming of Dunmore, but he did not arrive, and the officer
was in a quandary. The action of Governor Dunmore laid him open to
the gravest charges. The various explanations of his conduct will be
referred to presently.
On the morning of October 10, while General Lewis was still wondering
and perplexed over his failure to hear from Governor Dunmore, a white
man came to him with a startling story. While he and a companion were
hunting deer, they ran upon a camp of a numerous body of Indians in
their war paint. They fired upon the hunters and killed one, the other
escaping with great difficulty by fleet running.
The news brought by this messenger left no doubt that a large force
of red men were hurrying to attack the soldiers. It is said that
General Lewis coolly lit his pipe and smoked for several minutes while
reflecting upon the situation. He then ordered his brother, Colonel
Charles Lewis, and another officer of similar rank, to reconnoitre the
approaching enemy, while the commander arranged to support them. The
two regiments had gone barely a fourth of a mile, when they met the
Indians, advancing to the attack.
It was early in the morning and the battle opened immediately. The
Virginians had not forgotten the lesson of Braddock's defeat, and
fought in the same fashion as their opponents, taking advantage of
the trees, bushes, roughness of the ground, and every object that
afforded protection. The conflict was long and desperate. The uniform
of Colonel Lewis drew the attention of the warriors, and he soon fell
mortally wounded. The Indians speedily proved their superiority and put
the soldiers to flight, after having shot down a large number. In the
crisis of the disorderly retreat, when a general massacre was imminent,
reinforcements arrived and, by their firmness, checked the pursuit and
compelled the Indians in turn to take refuge behind a breastwork of
logs and bush, which they had been wise enough to prepare for such a
check.
[Illustration: AN UNEXPECTED ATTACK]
The redskins displayed rare military skill, for the breastwork alluded
to extended clean across a neck of land from river to river. They had
placed men on both sides of the stream, so that if the Virginians were
defeated, not one of them would have been able to save himself. It is
claimed that the battle which followed was the most hotly contested
of any ever fought between white and red men. The Indians did not
scramble for the breastwork, but gave way, foot by foot, as may be
said, contesting the ground with an obstinacy that more than once made
the issue doubtful. Colonel Lewis having fallen, his brother officer,
Colonel Fleming, was twice wounded, but kept his command and animated
others by his coolness and daring. When the reinforcements arrived at
the critical moment, the tide was turned, but Colonel Field, who was
leading them was killed, and Colonel Fleming, already twice hurt, was
shot through the lungs, but still refused to give place to any other
officer.
Behind that blazing breastwork were fifteen hundred brave warriors,
of the Shawanoe, Delaware, Mingo, Wyandot, and Cayuga tribes, under
the lead of Logan, Cornstalk, Red Eagle, and other famous chiefs.
Cornstalk was the head sachem, and the attacking soldiers heard his
ringing commands many times above the din of battle. When he saw one
of his frightened men trying to run away, he sent his tomahawk in
his brain. He dashed from side to side of the long line, cheering
all by his example. The battle lasted from morning until late in
the afternoon,--something, as has been said, unknown in similar
circumstances, and still the Indians held their ground, despite the
repeated and desperate charges of the soldiers.
General Lewis became intensely anxious. He was distressed at the sight
of the number of his men who fell at every rush. He saw that the
Indians must be routed before night, or the Virginians were almost sure
to suffer disastrous defeat. He sent three companies, who, favored
by the forest, reached the rear of the enemy unobserved. Then they
dashed to the attack. The warriors did not believe they were a part
of the force they had been fighting for hours, but thought they were
reinforcements and that the Indians' only safety lay in instant flight.
Just as the sun was setting they retreated across the Ohio and made for
their towns along that river.
The loss of the soldiers included nine officers and about fifty
privates, with nearly a hundred wounded. That of the Indians is not
known, but it is not likely it exceeded that of the whites. Judging by
those who were killed and wounded, the circumstances, and the length
of the conflict, the battle of Point Pleasant, in the autumn of 1774,
seems to justify the claim that it was the hardest fought one that ever
took place between the American and Caucasian races.
[Illustration: A BLOODY MASSACRE]
It has been said that grave suspicion was caused by the course of
Governor Dunmore. He set out with the purpose of attacking the rear of
the Indians and coöperating with General Lewis, and yet such could not
have been his real intention, for he was seventy-five miles distant,
and coöperation was out of the question. In the many attempts to
explain his course, it was said he meant to sacrifice General Lewis and
his men in order to add to his own reputation. Such a theory is absurd,
however, for he would have been denounced for his treachery, instead
of being praised. Others have thought that he felt the justice of the
Indians' cause, and tried to bring peace with the least destruction
and harm to them. To us, the more reasonable theory is, that Governor
Dunmore saw, as every one else saw, that the colonies were on the verge
of rebellion against England, and he was very anxious to keep the
goodwill of the Indians, with a view to bringing them to the side of
the mother country. You know he did all he could to befriend England,
and was rebuked by Patrick Henry and other patriots for too much
activity against their interests, when war was about to open.
After burying his dead, General Lewis withdrew agreeably to the
commands of Governor Dunmore. The latter advanced to within a few miles
of the leading Indian town on the Chillicothe, for the purpose of
treating with the tribes, from whom he had already received requests to
do so. The meetings were marked with distrust on both sides. Cornstalk,
in an indignant speech, laid the whole blame of the war upon the
whites, due mainly to the murder of Logan's family. Governor Dunmore
showed much tact, and, in the end, secured the pledges of the leading
chiefs to the peace he sought.
Among the sachems who signed the treaty the name of Logan did not
appear, nor would he go to the conference. Lord Dunmore was so anxious
to obtain his name that he sent a special messenger to the cabin of the
Mingo, a long distance away in the woods. When this messenger explained
his business to Logan, the latter led him a little way from his cabin,
and the two sat down beside each other on a fallen tree. The sachem
gave his assent to the treaty, and in doing so, uttered that memorable
speech, which will live as long as man can admire eloquence, pathos and
truth:
"I appeal to any white man to say, if he ever entered Logan's cabin
hungry, and he gave him not meat; if ever he came cold and naked, and
he clothed him not.
"During the course of the long, bloody war, Logan remained idle in his
cabin, an advocate of peace. Such was my love for the whites, that my
countrymen pointed as they passed and said, 'Logan is the friend of the
white man.'
"I had even thought to have lived with you, but for the injuries of one
man. Colonel Cresap, the last spring, in cold blood, and unprovoked,
murdered all the relatives of Logan, not even sparing my women and
children.
"There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins of any living 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 a thought that mine is the joy of fear.
Logan never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life.
Who is there to mourn for Logan? Not one."
CHAPTER X
AN INDIAN DEMOSTHENES
RED JACKET, THE SENECA
Red Jacket was the greatest orator ever born to the American race.
President Jefferson said of the words quoted at the close of the
preceding chapter: "I may challenge the whole orations of Demosthenes
and Cicero, and of any more eminent orator, if Europe has furnished
more eminent, to produce a single passage superior to the speech of
Logan." Yet that speech is the only notable one which, so far as we
know, was ever made by the famous sachem, who afterwards died of strong
drink. But Red Jacket delivered many that will live. His eloquence
at times reached the loftiest flights; his sarcasm and irony were
unequalled, and the effect of his wonderful addresses was surpassed by
no orator of ancient or modern times. He was never a noted warrior, and
when he was once asked as to his exploits in the field, he replied:
"A warrior! I am an _Orator_; I was born an _Orator_!"
[Illustration: A SENECA WARRIOR]
The Indian name of Red Jacket, like most Indian names, is variously
spelled, the most common being Sagoyewatha. He was chief of the
Senecas, had white blood in his veins, and was born about the middle of
the eighteenth century.
[Illustration: INDIAN CONQUERING THE WILD HORSE.]
[Illustration: THE INDIAN ARCHER.]
[Illustration: THE INDIAN SCOUT.]
[Illustration: INDIANS SHOOTING THE RAPIDS.]
We know comparatively little of the military career of Red Jacket.
It is certain that he fought with his tribe against the Americans
during the Revolution, and was their enemy in the troublous times
that followed in the West. He was never a great warrior or leader,
and although he displayed bravery at times, he was surpassed in that
respect by many of his people, who won less fame than he. It has even
been charged more than once that the Seneca sachem showed a timidity
amounting almost to cowardice,--a crime unpardonable with his race,
and which would have brought disgrace to him but for his marvelous
eloquence.
Red Jacket's one ambition was to become the greatest orator of his
race, and as has been already stated, he gained that honor. The poet
Halleck declared he possessed:
"The monarch mind--the mystery of commanding--
The godlike power--the art Napoleon,
Of winning, fettering, moulding, wielding, banding,
The heart of millions, till they move like one."
As proof of the oratorical genius of the chief, an incident may be
related. In the spring of 1821, an Indian, belonging to his tribe, died
of a mysterious disease. Several circumstances were so strange that
the woman who attended him in his last hours was accused of being a
witch. According to the laws of the nation, she was doomed to death,
just as was formerly the rule among the most civilized nations, and
especially in New England. The chief appointed to execute her did so
without hesitation. The whites were so outraged and indignant, that
they arrested the man and threw him into prison. Among the witnesses
was Red Jacket. Neither he nor the criminal himself denied the charge,
but they pleaded that it was justified by a law in force from time
immemorial. The chief had eyes of wonderfully piercing power. While on
the witness stand, he suddenly called out in a voice that rang like a
trumpet through the court room:
[Illustration: A HURRIED FLIGHT]
What! Do you denounce us as fools and bigots, because we still continue
to believe that which you yourselves believed two centuries ago? Your
divines have thundered this doctrine from the pulpit, your judges have
pronounced it from the bench, your courts of justice have sanctioned it
with the formalities of law, and you would now punish our unfortunate
brother for adherence to the superstition of his fathers!
"_Go to Salem!_ Look at the records of your government, and you will
find hundreds executed for the very crime which has called forth the
sentence of condemnation upon this woman, and drawn down the arm of
vengeance on her. What have our brothers done more than the rulers
of your people have done? And what crime has this man committed by
executing, in a summary way, the laws of his country, and the commands
of his God?"
The prisoner was set free.
As has been hinted, Red Jacket became addicted to the use of liquor,
as his years increased. He indulged at times to such an extent that
even his own people felt scandalized. It was impossible that such an
aggressive leader should not make enemies. More than one of his acts
offended members of his tribe. Conscious of his own mental superiority,
he left no doubt of the estimation in which he held others. He was
not always tactful, and the attention paid to him by whites roused
much jealousy. After plotting together, these enemies formed a plan
for taking his chieftaincy from him in the autumn of 1827, they
"impeached" him. A series of charges were brought against the orator,
embracing about all the crimes a man is capable of committing. Had Red
Jacket been guilty of a tenth of them, he deserved hanging. It was his
drinking habits which really brought the issue to a head. The charges
were signed by twenty-six leading Senecas who declared Red Jacket
deposed.
But the fiery old orator was not the one tamely to submit to such
injustice. Knowing that it was useless to appeal to his own particular
tribe, he appealed to the Six Nations themselves, and, within a month
of his deposition, the chiefs representing all the different tribes
assembled in Grand Council, at the upper council house of the Seneca
reservation.
The hearing was conducted with dignity. The charges were read and the
action of the Seneca council stated. After several speeches, Red Jacket
rose to his feet with all his former kingly majesty. He was old and his
bad habits had wrought havoc with the once iron frame, but his eye had
lost none of its fire, his voice none of its persuasive power, and for
the occasion he was Red Jacket, the supreme orator.
His address was cunning, convincing and resistless. He swept every
obstacle like chaff from before him. Even his enemies were thrilled by
his eloquence. His victory was absolute. He was restored to his former
rank and held it to the end.
Red Jacket's intemperate habits hastened his death, which took place in
his own cabin, near Buffalo, in the month of January, 1830. The voice
of the matchless orator, the "Last of the Senecas," was never to be
heard again.
CHAPTER XI
LITTLE TURTLE
FIRST AN ENEMY, THEN A FRIEND
At the close of the Revolution, the boundaries of the United States
were the Mississippi River on the west, the St. Lawrence and Great
Lakes on the north, and the thirty-first parallel on the south. But
for the famous expedition of Captain George Rogers Clark in 1778, the
western boundary would have been the Allegheny Mountains. Clark was an
elder brother of Captain William Clark, who, with Captain Merriwether
Lewis, made his memorable journey across the continent to the Pacific,
a quarter of a century later.
The opening of the vast region to the west of the old original thirteen
States set flowing a tide of emigration into the new and inviting
territory. The stream poured steadily year after year, but was often
checked by the enmity of the Indian tribes, who claimed the country as
their own, and resisted the inroads of the white men. Exposed cabins
and small settlements were burned, and the inhabitants slain, while the
stream of flatboats going down the Ohio had to run the gauntlet of the
redskins along the shores. Although the craft had bullet-proof sides,
even those, in many instances, failed to save them from destruction.
The most active leader of the Indians in their fights with the military
forces sent thither to bring them to terms, was Little Turtle, or
Michiniqua, a Miami chief, of great ability. Although his father
was also a chief, Little Turtle won his rank at an early age by his
skill and bravery. Every attempt having failed to bring peace to the
frontier, President Washington sent a powerful military force into
the region. It was under the command of General Josiah Harmar, who
had served well through the Revolution, and was commander-in-chief of
the United States army from 1789 to 1792. He marched from old Fort
Washington, the site of Cincinnati, in 1790, at the head of three
hundred and twenty regulars, to whom more than a thousand militia were
soon afterward added. Six hundred Kentucky troops, led by Colonel
Hardin, pushed in advance, and, finding the Indian villages deserted,
destroyed them, after which a part of his force was sent in pursuit of
the savages. They had not gone far when they met a body of warriors,
under the command of Little Turtle. The latter attacked the whites so
furiously that over fifty were quickly killed, and the militia fled in
headlong panic. General Harmar laid waste the only remaining Indian
village in the neighborhood, and returned to Fort Washington. He
determined to try again. Halting within a few miles of Chillicothe, he
ordered Colonel Hardin to hunt out the Indians, and give them battle.
Little Turtle was quite willing to be found, and again under his lead,
the redskins fought with such daring that a hundred and fifty of the
regulars and militia, including several leading officers, were killed.
Although the survivors fled, General Harmar claimed a victory. The only
ground for this claim was that the Turtle lost so many of his men, that
he permitted the soldiers to retreat unmolested.
The result of these disasters was bad indeed. The Indians became
so bold in their raids that a reign of terror spread along the
western border. The situation was so grave that Congress ordered the
organization of a force for the punishment of the savages. In addition
to several forts and garrisons, this army numbered fully two thousand
men, under the command of General Arthur St. Clair, governor of the
Northwest Territory. Before he set out on his campaign, President
Washington called him to Philadelphia and warned him to guard against a
surprise by the Indians. "They have a leader of great ability in Little
Turtle," said he, "and have proved more than once that they will fight
with bravery. Remember, my words: _Beware of a surprise!_"
[Illustration: LITTLE TURTLE'S BATTLE-AXE]
General St. Clair left the nation's capitol with the words of the
President ringing in his ears, and went directly to Fort Washington,
arriving there in the middle of May, 1791. Various causes delayed the
campaign, which began early in September, one year after the defeat of
General Harmar. Fort Hamilton was built on the Miami in the country of
Turtle, and Fort Jefferson forty miles farther on. Leaving a garrison
in each, the army advanced, but its strength was reduced by desertions
to fourteen hundred effectives. The militia were dissatisfied and
unreliable.
Early in November, St. Clair made his camp on high ground, within
fifteen miles of the Miami villages. The militia, to the number of
three hundred, crossed a creek and halted on the first elevation a
quarter of a mile beyond the main body. While forming their camp,
Little Turtle attacked them. The militia immediately broke in a wild
panic. Without attempting any fight, most of them flung away their
guns, the warriors at their heels, and cutting them down as they ran.
The Indians pursued them all the way to the main body and then attacked
it. The soldiers fought heroically, and drove back their enemies
several times, but the charges were repeated under the direction of the
Turtle, with a boldness rarely shown by his race. The end of it all
was another crushing disaster, in which the troops lost thirty-eight
officers and about eight hundred men. Many of the wounded suffered
shocking barbarities. Thus, out of a total of fourteen hundred, nearly
seventy per cent. were slain or disabled.
In this woful affair, the opposing forces were equal--the Indians being
perhaps a trifle the greater in number--and the credit of the victory
by the red men is therefore the more marked. The horde was commanded
by Little Turtle, and although there is no way of knowing his loss, it
was certainly less than that of the whites. Years afterward, the chief
declared that only nine of his warriors were killed, but the number was
probably fifty or sixty.
Nothing could have been more complete than the panic of the soldiers.
General Butler, second in command, was killed; the camp and artillery
were abandoned, because not a horse was left alive to draw off the
cannon, and the panting fugitives continued to throw away their guns
and accoutrements long after the pursuit ceased. They did not halt
until they reached Fort Jefferson, twenty-nine miles from the scene of
the massacre.
Personally no one could have shown more bravery than General St. Clair.
His clothing was pierced eight times by bullets, three horses were
killed under him, and he strove with all the power and authority at his
command to check the flight and rally the troops; but terrified men
are as uncontrollable as so many thirsting buffaloes in their rush for
water.
Washington was of a serene temperament, and very rarely did he give
way to anger. We know, however, of two occasions in which his rage
overmastered him. One of these was at Monmouth Court House, on that
flaming day in June, 1778, when he came face to face with General
Charles Lee, leading a retreat of a part of the patriot forces, and the
other was when the news reached him of the disaster to St. Clair and
his army. He stormed up and down his room, his passion so terrible,
that none of his attendants dare address him.
"_Right there!_" he thundered, pointing at a chair, "he sat, and the
last words I said to him were a warning against the very thing that
has happened; _there can be no excuse_ for such atrocious, horrible
blundering."
One of the noblest attributes of the noblest of men was his disposition
to do right, and to be just to every one. When the tempest of emotion
had passed, and his natural calm returned, he added:
"I will not condemn him too harshly until I have heard his story from
his own lips."
In due time, St. Clair presented himself before Washington, timid and
fearful as to his reception. He was quickly set at ease, however, and
the President kindly but earnestly questioned him. Despite the bad
light in which the officer appeared, he had something to say in his own
defence, and was entitled to a hearing. The regulars in his command
were reliable, but most of the militia proved themselves worse than
useless, for the example of their panic, which no one could check, had
its disastrous effect upon their braver comrades as well.
Washington, however, made sure that the next general sent to the West
was one who would not repeat the blunders of the others. He named that
daring veteran "Mad Anthony" Wayne, and no officer could surpass him in
the qualities required to overcome the hostiles, who had grown bolder
than ever.
General Wayne began his campaign with the resolution to do the work
thoroughly. He was eager to meet the hostiles, but was too wise to do
so until every preparation was made. After entering the Indian country
he did not neglect the slightest precaution. In the autumn of 1793,
he built Fort Recovery on the site of St. Clair's defeat, followed by
the erection of Fort Defiance, at the junction of the Miami and the Au
Glaize. The next summer he began his march with two thousand regulars
and eleven hundred mounted Kentucky militia. He entered the hostile
section by a new and roundabout route, hoping to deceive Little Turtle
as to his real line of march, but that wily chief was not misled.
Despite his fighting mood, Wayne did not give up hope of securing
peace without a battle with the Indians. He thought that when they
knew of the strong force marching against them, they would see the
folly of resisting it. Learning that the redskins were in camp near the
rapids of the Miami, he decided to send a messenger to them with peace
proposals.
Now, while the office of a messenger to a civilized army brings no
personal danger, it is otherwise when he visits an Indian force. Those
people have no respect for a flag of truce, and have an unpleasant
habit of killing visitors whom they do not like, when they present
themselves with the white emblem fluttering over their heads. Among
Wayne's troops was a man who had lived for several years with the
Indians, who could speak their language, and knew all about them.
When Wayne asked him to take his message to Little Turtle, he shook
his head. He said the Indians were set upon war, that no argument or
proposals could change that determination, and the chances were a
hundred to one that they would kill him as soon as he appeared before
them. Wayne told him he might have any escort he chose, and that he
would hold eight prisoners then in his hands, as hostages. He was to
warn the chiefs that if they did any harm to the messenger, or if he
did not return to Wayne at the end of three days, every one of the
eight captives would be put to death at once.
[Illustration: THE UNSUSPECTING WHEELWRIGHT]
The soldier finally consented to go, taking one man and a squaw with
him as his companions, instead of an armed escort, which he knew would
be very dangerous to him. He started one afternoon and reached the
Indian camp the next morning, without his approach being observed,
until he was among the hostiles. The moment he displayed his flag, and
said he was a messenger, he was met on all sides with shouts, "Kill
him! Kill the spy!" He explained matters in their own language, and
instead of slaying him, the redskins told him he was their prisoner. He
then gave the rest of his message, telling about the letter of General
Wayne, and warning them that if he was held longer than the next day,
all the eight Indians in camp would be put to death at sunset.
This language had its effect. The visitor was set free after a few
hours, and took back a message to General Wayne to the effect that
if he would stay where he was for ten days, and would then send the
same messenger to them, they would treat with him, but if he made any
advance with his army, he would be attacked.
It should be said in this place that the only wise one among the Indian
chiefs was Little Turtle. He opposed a battle with the American army.
He reminded his associates that they had made many attempts to surprise
the commander, but had not done so in a single instance; there were
more "Long Knives" than had ever before entered their country, and they
were led by their best general. In such circumstances, defeat at their
hands was more than likely.
One of the chiefs replied to these wise words by taunting the Turtle
with cowardice. The leader was enraged enough to brain the sachem, but
he mastered his anger, and said nothing; it was decided that the battle
should be given on the morrow and he was ready.
On his way to camp, the messenger met General Wayne and his army. That
officer was so certain of the answer to his message that he decided
not to wait any longer. He reached the Miami Rapids on August 18th,
near the enemy's camp, and threw up fortifications. He was on the march
again by the 20th, using all care against surprise. A few hours later,
his advance scouts were fired upon, and Wayne formed his line of battle
and advanced in three columns.
Little Turtle had posted his men with his usual skill, a rocky bank of
the river being on the left, and had cut down a large number of trees
in his front, so as to make the cavalry useless. The warriors were
formed in three lines, within supporting distance of one another, with
a front fully a mile and a half long.
It is not necessary to describe this historical battle, which was
conducted with such skill by Wayne that in a brief time the whole
force of hostiles were routed in headlong flight. They were shot down
and pursued until they took refuge under the guns of Fort Maumee, a
British post. When the commandant of this warned Wayne to cease slaying
the warriors, the American replied that he would do as he saw fit,
and, if the British officer was not pleased therewith, he might bring
his garrison outside and he would serve _them_ in the same way as the
Indians.
Seven tribes were represented in this battle,--the Shawnoes, Miamis,
Pottawatomies, Chippewas, Delawares, Ottawas and Senecas. One year
later, the treaty of Greenville was signed, twelve tribes giving
their written assent to its terms, which ceded twenty-five thousand
square miles of territory to the United States in the present States
of Indiana and Michigan, in addition to sixteen tracts, including
lands and forts. The Indians who agreed to this cession were paid
twenty thousand dollars in presents and promised an annual allowance
of ten thousand dollars. The peace thus secured lasted, with slight
interruption, until the breaking out of the war of 1812, some years
after.
Among those who accepted the treaty of Greenville were Little Turtle
and Tecumseh (of whom we shall learn presently). They never left any
doubt of the sincerity of their pledge, though the Turtle, like Red
Jacket and others, raised a good deal of enmity among his own people,
because of the respect the whites showed him, and the self-evident
fact that the sachem had more wisdom than any or all of their own
chiefs. The Americans built him a comfortable home on Eel River, a few
miles from Fort Wayne, and he made his home there. He showed such a
preference for civilized life that our Indian agents were ordered to
see that he never wanted for anything necessary to his comfort. He made
several visits to Philadelphia, and to Washington, when the seat of the
national government was removed to the latter city. In every case he
received marked attention, and became a general favorite. The famous
French traveler and scholar, Count Volney, sought out Little Turtle in
Philadelphia, in 1797, and with the aid given him by the chief, formed
a vocabulary of his language, copies of which are still well preserved.
Volney, who became quite fond of Little Turtle, asked him one day why
he did not live in Philadelphia, instead of in his cabin on the Wabash.
The chief replied: "I admit that on the whole you have the advantage
over us, but here I am deaf and dumb. I do not talk your language;
I can neither hear nor make myself heard. When I walk through the
streets, I see every person in his shop employed at something. One
makes shoes, another makes hats, a third sells cloth, and every one
lives by his labor. I say to myself, 'Which of all these things can you
do?' Not one. I can make a bow or an arrow, catch fish, kill game and
go to war; but none of these is of any good here. To learn what is done
here would require a long time. Old age comes on; I should be a piece
of furniture useless to my nation, useless to the whites, and useless
to myself; I must return to my own country."
CHAPTER XII
WARRIOR AND KNIGHT
BUCKONGAHELAS, THE DELAWARE CHIEF
Among the leading chiefs who took part in the decisive battle at
Maumee Rapids, when General Wayne smashed the Indian confederacy, was
Buckongahelas, a sachem of the Delaware tribe. He was an orator of
ability and a military leader of skill, with a humanity not often shown
by one of his race. He took the side of the British until his attitude
was changed by a certain incident, soon to be related.
No missionaries toiled more faithfully among the red men than the
Moravians, who suffered every kind of persecution, facing privations,
trials, tortures, and the most painful of deaths in order to bring
the children of the forest to a knowledge of the true faith. They met
with much success, and founded a number of missions, where scores of
red men proved by their lives their belief in the religion professed
by the white men. Thriving settlements were founded by the Moravian
missionaries. These people, by their gentle ways, often suffered
from their own race, while others, like Buckongahelas, treated them
with kindness and respect, even though he did not believe in their
principles.
It cannot be denied that our forefathers on the frontier were often
frightfully misused by the Indians. Many atrocities were too dreadful
to be described. The winter of 1782 was marked by a number of
cruelties at the hands of the Sandusky Indians. In revenge, a band of
nearly a hundred men gathered on the frontier of Pennsylvania, and, led
by Colonel David Williamson, marched against the Christian Indians at
Gnadenhutten, a missionary settlement. Friendly messengers were sent to
warn them of their danger, but, sad to say, they arrived too late. In
March, 1782, ninety-six men, women and children, while singing hymns
and praying, were slain by this company of white men, not one of whom
ever was punished for the crime.
A few months before this awful crime, two Christian Indians of
Gnadenhutten went out into the woods to look for some estray horses.
They had not gone far, when they met a chieftain at the head of eighty
warriors. The Christians were made prisoners without explanation. Then
the band took a roundabout course through the forest, until near the
settlement, when they went into a secret camp, keeping the captives
lest they should escape and give the alarm. Early the next morning, the
town was surrounded so that none could leave, and the leader of the war
party shouted to the frightened people that they must give up their
chief and principal councillors, either alive or dead.
The leader named the men he wanted and was determined to have, but the
Christians replied that it chanced that every one was absent, having
gone to Pittsburg some days before. The visitors searched each house
from attic to cellar, and found they had been told the truth. Then the
chief ordered that the leading men remaining in Gnadenhutten and Salem
should appear before him to hear what he had to say. When they had
assembled, he spoke:
"Friends, listen to what I say. You see a great and powerful nation
divided. The father (the King) has called on his Indian children to
help him in punishing his children, the Americans, who have become
stubborn and will not obey him. Friends, often has the father been
obliged to settle and make amends for the wrongs and mischiefs done to
us, by his evil children, yet these children do not grow any better!
They remain the same and will remain the same so long as there is left
any land of which they can rob us. Listen to me and hear what I have
to say. I have come to bid you arise and go with me to a safe place. I
will take you to a country (the Miami), where your fields shall yield
you abundant crops and where your cattle shall find plenty of pasture;
where there is much game; where your women and children, together
with yourselves, will live in peace and safety; where no Long Knife"
(meaning the sword and bayonet of the colonists) "shall ever disturb
you. Nay; I will live between you and them, and not even allow them to
frighten you. There you can worship your God without fear. Here where
you live you cannot do so. Think on what I have said to you and believe
that if you stay where you are, very soon the Long Knives will talk to
you with fine words, and while they are talking they will kill you all."
The chief who uttered this warning was Buckongahelas, and he was honest
in his wish to take the gentle people with him, to where they would
escape the danger to which he knew they were exposed. They thanked him
but declined his offer, believing that their principles and goodly
lives were so well known that no one would harm them. The chief then
asked that those who wished to leave should be allowed to do so. This
was agreed to and a few left. How true the words of the good man were
was proven soon after when the massacre named occurred!
Buckongahelas next went to Salem. The following account is by
Heckewelder who was present:
"The Christian Indians," said the chieftain, "were a happy people
and he would never trouble them on account of their not joining in
the war. Indeed they could not with propriety join in wars, without
first renouncing praying," (meaning Christianity). "And every Indian,
or body of Indians, had a right to chose for themselves, whom they
should serve. For him, he had hired himself to his father, the king
of England, for the purpose of fighting his refractory children, the
Long Knives, whilst his friends and relations, the Christian Indians,
had hired themselves to the Great Spirit, solely for the purpose
of performing prayers," (meaning attending to religion). "He added
that both were right in their way, though both employments could not
be connected together. And only yesterday they were told, while at
Gnadenhutten, that God had instructed all Christian people to _love_
their enemies, and even to pray for them. These words, he said, were
written in the large book that contained the words and commandments
of God! Now, how would it appear, were we to compel our friends, who
love and pray for their enemies to fight against them--compel them to
act contrary to what they believe to be right--force them to do that
by which they would incur the displeasure of the Great Spirit, and
bring his wrath upon them? It would be as wrong in him to compel the
Christian Indians to quit praying and to turn out and kill people, as
it would be in them to compel him to lay fighting aside, and turn to
praying only."
Did Indian or white man ever utter nobler sentiments? Buckongahelas
was not a Christian, and he claimed the right belonging to every one,
to think for himself and to form his own judgment, but he did that
which many, who may profess the same principles, are unable to do; he
accepted just as fully the right of every one else to do the same. He
complimented the principles of the Christians, for he respected them
and, as has been already said, his only wish was to befriend and save
them from the cruelty of the white man. He knew better than they that
no trust could be placed in those of the other race, and sad indeed
was it for the Moravian Christians that they did not act upon his own
counsel.
Before entering Salem, the chief made all his warriors leave their
guns behind, so as not to alarm their hosts. When ready to leave, he
turned and addressed the assembled Christians thanking them for their
hospitality, and assuring them that they could always depend upon his
steadfast friendship.
[Illustration: A FIGHT AT ODDS]
The following incident will illustrate a peculiar phase of the
character of this remarkable man:
One of the most noted scouts connected with Colonel Brodhead's army,
and afterward with Harmar, St. Clair and Wayne, was an Irishman named
Murphy. He was a rollicking fellow, with all the wit and waggery of
his people, brave to the last degree, and a master of woodcraft. Some
of the exploits with which he is credited sound incredible. No Indian
could follow a shadowy trail through the woods more truly, and few were
his equal in resources and quickness to see the right thing to do in a
crisis. He was tall, bony, homely of feature, with a shock of fiery red
hair and a freckled countenance. With many, his greatest gift was his
fleetness of foot. In all the races in which he engaged he never met
his superior. Simon Kenton, who, in his prime, could run like a deer,
said Murphy was able to lead every one else.
This point became well known to the Indians, and many of them put forth
their utmost efforts to capture him. Aware of the valuable help he gave
to the whites, they would have given much to lay hands on him. He had
slain and scalped (sad to say that barbarous practice was not confined
to the red men) some of their most noted warriors, and there would have
been general rejoicing among all the tribes could the means be found to
check his destroying career.
Well, disaster came to Murphy at last. He had a hard fight with three
Delawares, one summer afternoon, in the depths of the wilderness. He
shot one, wounded the second, and would have gotten away as usual,
but at the critical moment, a score of bucks arrived on the spot,
surrounded and made him prisoner. When the grinning captors closed
about him, Murphy threw up his hands and asked them to be considerate
as he had wrenched his ankle, and was barely able to stand. His appeal
was useless, for they beat him unmercifully, and forced him to keep
pace with them, though he limped so badly that at times he actually
hopped forward on one foot. But the plucky fellow gritted his teeth,
bore their blows unflinchingly, and, seemingly more dead than alive,
finally reached the Delaware villages, where his coming caused great
excitement and rejoicing.
It was early in the afternoon, and a discussion immediately took place
as to how the prize should be disposed of. The majority favored
burning him at the stake; but Buckongahelas had stopped that inhuman
practice, and would not listen to anything of the kind. Other savage
pleasantries were suggested, all of which the chief vetoed, in several
cases being backed by some of the leaders. Finally, some one proposed
that the captive should run the gauntlet.
The grim fiendishness of this will be understood when the lameness of
poor Murphy is remembered. All through the talk, he was standing in
the background on one foot, his rugged face twitching with the pain he
could not keep back. Buckongahelas would have interfered, had he not
known that it was useless. There was a point beyond which he could not
hold his warriors. He had denied them their favorite pastime, and even
he could not say that they should be robbed of every form of amusement.
There was not a warrior among the howling throng who did not know
the scout who had wrought them so much evil, and upon whom they had
tried so long to lay hands. The chieftain nodded his consent to their
proposal.
Murphy was familiar enough with the Delaware tongue to understand the
decision that had been reached. He was too sensible to protest and
silently nerved himself for the dreaded ordeal soon to come.
The Delawares made their preparations with the enthusiasm of so many
boys, while those who were not to take part chuckled with delight.
The persecutors formed in two rows, facing each other, with hardly a
dozen feet of space between. In each row were twenty-eight warriors and
squaws, separated by slightly less distance. The arrangement was meant
to give each one just enough room to swing his or her arms with freedom.
Thus, as will be seen, Murphy was doomed to run over a path nearly
a hundred yards in length, and between two rows of persecutors, all
eagerly waiting for him to come nigh enough for them to reach him with
the clubs in their itching hands. They had laid their guns aside, and
every one was armed with a heavy stick, which he meant to bring down
with a vicious energy that would hurl the poor fellow to the ground, if
the implement once reached its mark.
Behind these rows of exultant redskins were grouped the other members
of the tribe, to the extent of several hundred. Barbarous as were the
warriors, the squaws were worse, if that was possible, and the dancing
children were as eager as their elders to see the white man pounded to
death.
One of the Delawares took Murphy by the arm and led him to the head of
the line. He limped so heavily that he barely touched the ground with
the tip of one foot. He was seen to shut his lips and shake his head,
as if to force back his suffering and to brace himself for the trial
before him. But he did not utter a word; it was useless.
At the head of the line on his right, was stationed a warrior whom he
recognized as one of his captors and his chief persecutor. He was large
and inclined to corpulency, but his painted face was ugly to the last
degree. He had struck the captive on the way to the village, and had
subjected him to many indignities. Now he took a place which gave him
the first chance to reach the helpless prisoner, and there can be no
doubt that he meant to leave no work to be done by the others in the
lines.
Murphy looked down the long path, and, like many situations of danger,
spat on his palms and rubbed them together, as if the action gave more
nerve and strength to him. All were waiting, shifting about and toying
with their clubs, impatient for the amusement to open. Buckongahelas
stood several rods to the rear of one of the lines, well beyond it,
watching proceedings. He did not add to the turmoil, but with his arms
folded over his massive chest, studied the prisoner, regarding whom he
held a singular suspicion which he kept to himself.
Suddenly Murphy gathered his energies for the test. He leaned forward
with his left foot advanced, and most of his weight resting on it,
after the manner of the professional runner. This largely relieved the
other ankle of the weight of his body. With his arms crooked at the
elbows and held close to his sides, he suddenly lowered his head and
shot forward as if propelled from a cannon.
The instant he did so, the suspicion of Buckongahelas became certainty.
All trace of lameness vanished! Both legs were as sound as ever, and
had been from the first.
But Hercules himself could not have run the length of those lines,
between the rows of tormentors, and Murphy had never a thought of
trying anything of the kind. With a quick turn to the right, and, when
going at the height of his great speed, the top of his head struck his
chief tormentor in the stomach, with an impact like that of a catapult.
The life was almost knocked from his body, as he went over on his back,
his moccasins kicking the air. Like a cat, Murphy leaped over the form,
and with a burst of his wonderful fleetness, dashed for the nearest
point in the woods.
This took him towards the spot where Buckongahelas was standing. The
chief could have headed him off without trouble, but, instead of doing
so, he stepped aside to make way for him. The confusion caused by the
captive's break for freedom gave him the very chance needed. Among the
spectators were many who had guns in their hands and several fired
wildly at the fugitive, but the majority of the men who formed the
double line, sped after him, with a view of recapture, and the carrying
out of their amusement so suddenly interrupted by his escape.
In a few seconds, Murphy was among the trees and going with the speed
of the wind. It was impossible to gain a fair shot at him, when it was
seen that he was rapidly increasing the distance between him and his
pursuers. Sooner than would be supposed, he was beyond danger, and the
next day rejoined his friends.
Some years later, when peace had come to the frontier, Murphy and
Buckongahelas met at one of the forts, and, in the course of their
talk, the incident just told was recalled. Both laughed over the
remembrance, and the chief told the scout that he suspected from the
first that his lameness was a pretence, and he thought it strange that
none of the warriors shared his belief.
"I was glad when you got away," said the Delaware.
"I observed that ye stepped aside to give me room to pass, without
losing any time in doing the same," said the grinning Irishman; "I
knowed ye was my friend, which is why I headed toward yersilf."
When the league of Indians was defeated by General Wayne at Maumee
Rapids, they fled for refuge to the British post near at hand. The
commandant had promised them that, if they were repelled, he would give
them shelter. But Wayne frightened him, and he closed the gates against
the fugitives, and allowed many to be cut down.
Buckongahelas was so angered by this breach of faith that his
principles changed. He refused longer to trust the English, for whom he
had bravely fought, became the warm friend of the Americans, and urged
his countrymen to do the same. He had all the qualifications of a great
hero.
A FAMOUS MOHAWK CHIEF
ADVENTURES OF BRANDT, THE HALF-BREED
Colonel Joseph Brandt, whose Indian name was Thayendenaga, was a
chieftain of the Mohawk tribe. He was in fact a half-breed, who lived
and acted so like the red men that few are aware of his mongrel blood.
He was born about 1745, and was placed by Sir William Johnson in a
school at Lebanon, Connecticut, where he received a fair education. On
the eve of the Revolution, he went to England, was presented to King
George III. and attracted much notice. A peculiar trait of Brandt was
that he always managed to draw much attention to himself. He formed a
strong liking for the English, and made up his mind to do all he could
for them in the war that was about to open. He was given a colonel's
commission in the British army on the frontiers, and soon after
returned to America to link his name with some of the most shameful
events in the West. Associated with Brandt were two Tories who were
worse miscreants than he; these were John Butler and Walter his son,
who lived a few miles from Johnstown, in New York, which was the home
of Brandt.
Brandt acted as the secretary of Colonel Guy Johnson, son-in-law of Sir
William Johnson, who died in 1774. When Guy Johnson, alarmed for his
own safety, fled to Canada, Brandt and the two Butlers went with him.
There, where they were safe, they hatched their plots for injuring the
Americans. Brandt soon fell out with Johnson, and he and the Butlers
returned to New York.
In order clearly to understand the events that follow, we must glance
at the status of the struggle of the colonies for independence. England
formed a plan in 1777, for crushing the uprising by means of the most
formidable campaign that had yet been set on foot. This was to send
Burgoyne, with his large army from Canada, and open communication
between that province and the city of New York, thereby cutting off New
England from the rest of the colonies. If this plan could be carried
out, Burgoyne's powerful army would be forced like a stupendous wedge
between the two sections, and a fatal blow given to the struggle for
liberty.
This campaign provided for the advance of Burgoyne to Albany, where he
was to meet a large force sent up the Hudson from New York. This is not
the place to describe the failure of the important movement, ending in
the capture of Burgoyne and his whole army.
A part of this great scheme was that Colonel Barry St. Leger was to go
up the St. Lawrence to Lake Ontario, and thence to Albany by the Mohawk
River. His command was composed mostly of Tories and Indians, and
Brandt and the Butlers were with him. Early in June, Brandt gathered
his Mohawks together and made ready to strike a blow for the English.
General Nicholas Herkimer in command of the Tryon County militia, was
ordered to check Brandt. He set out to relieve Fort Stanwix (also
called Fort Schuyler), which was besieged by a large number of British,
Canadians, Tories and Indians. Most of these marched to meet Herkimer,
of whose approach they had learned.
While marching in loose order through the woods at Oriskany, near
Utica, Herkimer's militia were ambushed by the Tories and Indians. They
were thrown into a panic and a large number shot down. A bullet killed
Herkimer's horse and mortally wounded him. He propped himself on the
ground with his back against a tree, lit his pipe and continued to give
orders. The reports of the guns of a body of troops that had hurried
out of the fort to the relief of the militia, alarmed the Indians who
fled, the Tories quickly following them. General Herkimer was carried
to his home, where he soon died from the effects of the wound.
[Illustration: COLONEL JOSEPH BRANDT]
The relief of Fort Stanwix was brought about by a curious piece of
strategy. Schuyler, in command at the time of the campaign against
Burgoyne, could hardly spare a man, and yet, unless relief was sent,
the fort must fall. His officers opposed, for the reason named, and
the angry Schuyler asked for some leader to volunteer. Benedict Arnold
promptly offered, and at the head of eight hundred men, hastened toward
the endangered post. Brave as was Arnold, he could not shut his eyes to
the fact that his force could not compare in number with the Tories and
Indians, and was more likely to fail than to succeed.
Reaching German Flats he found that one of the prisoners held by the
Americans was a half-witted Tory, who had been condemned to death for
some fault. He was hardly responsible for his acts, but was scared
almost to death, and his mother was in an agony of distress over his
fate. She sank on her knees before Arnold and prayed him to save her
son. The officer consented on the single condition that the youth
should do a certain thing for him. The joyous mother and boy declared
that he had only to tell them what it was and it should be done.
"It is simple," explained Arnold, "you and a friendly Oneida Indian are
to go to the camp of St. Leger and make him believe my force is twice
as great as his, and that if he waits where he is, I shall kill them
all."
The youth eagerly said he would do all that was required, and the plan
was soon formed. Several bullets were fired through his clothes, and
he dashed off as fast as he could speed through the woods. When he
reached the enemy's camp a few miles away, he was so exhausted that he
could hardly stand. Asked to explain what it all meant, he said he had
just escaped from the Americans by the narrowest means possible, and as
proof he showed the many bullet holes in his clothing.
Hardly was this explanation made when the Oneida ran in from another
direction, with the same startling story. "The Americans are like the
leaves on the trees," he said; "They will soon be here!"
It was enough. The terrified Indians broke in a wild flight for safer
quarters, despite the efforts of their officers to check them. Inasmuch
as they made up most of the force of the besiegers, the soldiers had
nothing to do but follow them and thus the siege of Fort Stanwix was
raised.
It seems strange that it did not occur to the underwitted Tory that,
after reaching the camp of the besiegers, he might as well have told
the truth, since he was beyond the reach of Arnold; but that officer
probably gave him such a scare that it took him a long time to get
over it. And it is likely the American commander played upon his fears
regarding the safety of his mother, in case he betrayed his trust.
The next event in which Brandt figures is the tragedy at Wyoming,
which occurred in the following July. Congress had been warned that a
large force was gathering at Niagara for the purpose of desolating the
frontiers of New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, but that body had so
much other business on hand it gave no attention to the appeal.
In the month of July, 1778, a Tory and Indian force to the number of
sixteen hundred, marched against the lovely settlement. The people
took refuge in a structure known as "Forty Fort," while the old men,
boys, and a few veteran soldiers, who were home on furlough, ranged
themselves for action.
[Illustration: AN OLD CHRISTIAN INDIAN]
Although the invaders were three times as numerous as the patriots, the
latter had a fair chance of success in an open fight, for they were
quite well armed, were led by good officers, and had the strongest
inspiration that can come to men placed in their situation; they
were about to fight, not for themselves alone, but for their wives
and children. Before the opening of the battle, strong spirits were
distributed among the defenders, and truth compels us to say that a
number indulged too freely,--so much so that it helped in the defeat
of the patriots. They were steadily gaining ground when an order was
misunderstood and confusion followed. At that critical moment, the
Indians made a charge, hopeless panic followed, and the historical
Wyoming massacre began. Under a solemn pledge that no one should be
harmed, the fort was surrendered: nearly all the garrison, as well as
the women and children, perished by the tomahawk.
Some of the settlers were too wise to trust their lives to the plighted
word of a Tory or Indian, and plunged into the forests on their way to
the settlements of the Upper Delaware. Many sank down and died in the
dismal solitudes which have ever since borne the name of the "Shades of
Death." A few succeeded in reaching Stroudsburg and other points, but
the awful woe suffered by Wyoming in the early days of July, 1778, will
give the place a sad distinction so long as the history of our country
is chronicled.
It was only four months later, that a body of seven hundred, most of
whom were under Brandt, set out for Cherry Valley. Colonel Ichabod
Alden was in command of this post, and was blamable for what followed.
He was warned of the approach of Brandt and his men, and the settlers
asked for shelter in the fort. He replied that he did not believe the
danger was serious, and would send out scouts that would keep him
informed of the movements of the enemy. The principal of these scouts
found the November weather so chilly, that, after going a little way
they kindled a fire, lay down and went to sleep. Brandt's scouts were
drawn to the spot by the light, and captured every one of the men, who
were compelled to give exact information of the fort and settlement. In
the cold mist of the morning the enemy approached the post. Among the
first victims was Colonel Alden, who was quartered outside the fort.
The latter repelled several attacks, and the assailants took their
departure with about forty prisoners, while fully as many had been put
to death or mortally wounded.
When peace came and the independence of the United States was secured,
Colonel Brandt did what he could to prevent hostilities by the Indians
on the southern and western frontier. Much trouble resulted from the
failure properly to fix the boundary between the United States and the
Indian tribes. Brandt urged making the Ohio and the Muskingum such
boundary, and, declared that, unless it was done, the Indians would go
to war. He even said he would join them, but this must have been in
the nature of intimidation, for though the red men took up the hatchet
again, Brandt was at no time with them.
The king of England did not forget the services of his ally. He gave
him a fine tract of land on the western side of Lake Ontario, where
he made his home and lived after the English fashion. He had married
a half-breed woman in the winter of 1779, by whom he had several
children. She remained more of an Indian, however, than a white woman,
and refused to conform to civilized life. After her husband's death
(November 24, 1807), she removed to Grand River and spent the remainder
of her days in a wigwam, taking some of her children with her and
leaving others at their former home.
A remarkable piece of work by Brandt was the translation of John's
Gospel and the Book of Common Prayer into the Mohawk language. Copies
of these works may be found in the library of Harvard University.
A CHIEFTAIN ON THE WARPATH
ADVENTURES OF TECUMSEH, THE SHAWANOE
Tecumseh was an eloquent orator and a brilliant military leader. He
was appointed a brigadier-general in the British army, and few or none
of the English officers were his equal in all that goes to make a
successful leader of men. He was a knightly foe, who never, so far as
known, permitted the abuse of prisoners. Whilst yet in his teens and on
the war path, he fought against the cruel practice and more than once
forcibly prevented it. No man kept a promise more honorably than he. He
was brave and self-restrained, and in many respects set an example for
those who professed higher things.
A remarkable fact about Tecumseh is that he was born one of triplets.
This was probably in 1770, his birthplace being on the Scioto, not far
from Chillicothe. He is authority for the statement that his mother was
a Cherokee, who was taken prisoner during the war between that tribe
and the Shawanoes and was adopted by the latter. His father was one of
the foremost warriors among his people.
When the flatboats going down the Ohio had to run the gauntlet of the
hostile Indians along the shores, the youthful Tecumseh was among those
who were most active in the attacks. It is said that while he was still
a boy, he saw the torture of a white prisoner at the hands of his
captors, and was so shocked that he vowed he would do all he could to
break up the practice, and, as has been said, he kept his pledge.
Tecumseh was one of the hardest fighters at the battle of Maumee
Rapids, where General Wayne smashed the Indian confederacy. He accepted
the treaty of Greenville, and honorably lived up to its terms. Settling
among his people, he became a hunter and fisherman, and seemed to think
no more of warfare. The unharmed white man who met him in the depths
of the forest had no cause to fear. Instead, the Shawanoe was ready
to give him the help he might need, and would share the last pound of
venison with him. The story is told of Tecumseh that he once entered
the home of a white friend to spend the evening, the two having formed
a liking for each other. The caller found another white man present--a
stranger, to whom he was introduced. He gravely shook hands with the
visitor, and sat down in a chair on the other side of the broad hearth.
Tecumseh must have been noted as a warrior even at that time, for when
his name was spoken, the other caller plainly showed his fear. It was
evident that he was much afraid of the Shawanoe, who was quick to
note the fact. With a meaning glance at his friend, he began talking
about the imaginary scalping expeditions from which he had just
returned, and said he was anxious to add a few more ghastly trophies
to his collection. This was kept up until the poor fellow was pale and
trembling with fright. Then Tecumseh walked over to his chair, placed
his hand on his shoulder and said, soothingly:
"Don't be scared; Tecumseh will not hurt you." The hearty laugh of the
host showed the visitor that he had been made the victim of a joke by
the Shawanoe chieftain.
Tecumseh must have given a great deal of thought, while still a youth,
to his race and to the many injustices which it had suffered. The
problem to him was as to how these wrongs could be righted, or rather,
since many of them were beyond righting, how further wrongs could be
stopped. Never did any one see more clearly than he, the full force of
the truth that in union lies strength. The Indians were weak because,
instead of uniting, they fought one another, and thereby invited their
conquest by the invaders of their country. How different would have
been the story had the red men stood together when the first European
crossed the ocean!
Now, it must not be thought that this native genius was nerved by the
ambition of Philip or Pontiac. The former dreamed of and strove for
a confederacy that would destroy all the English settlements. When,
at that distant day, these settlements were scattered and weak, he
had good reason to believe he would succeed. As we know, his plot was
sprung before he was ready, and Philip could not bring about the full
union of the New England tribes.
The day for doing that had passed when the chieftain of the Ottawas
came upon the stage of action. He tried to bring about an alliance with
France and to destroy the western posts that had been turned over to
England. He did capture a number, but failed because France would have
nothing to do with him or his plans.
Tecumseh also believed that when war broke out between England and the
United States, the former had a good chance of success. This belief he
shared with the mother country herself, else she never would have begun
the struggle. The Shawanoe knew that if the western tribes united to
resist the Americans, they would get much better terms than if they
fought separately. He bent all his energies to that difficult task.
History proves that when such an effort is set on foot, war is certain
to follow. Such is the record of the past, for if union is strength,
it must give that confidence which results in deeds. The activity of
Tecumseh made Governor Harrison and the authorities in the West uneasy.
What could be finer than the retort of the redoubtable Shawanoe, when
it was asked of him:
"Why are you trying to bring about a union of the different Indian
tribes?"
"For the same reason that _you_ have brought about a union of _your_
colonies; we never objected to that, and what business is it of yours
what we do among ourselves? Besides, it is necessary that we should
unite to save us from the scoundrels among the white men."
[Illustration: A RIVER ENCOUNTER]
We have no authentic record of the opinion expressed in reply to these
memorable words. Probably none was given.
The bringing together in friendship of the tribes who had been enemies
for centuries was a herculean task. It called into play all the
matchless abilities of Tecumseh. Even he could not succeed in every
instance, though it is certain none could have done so well.
In this work, the Shawanoe chieftain used the two most powerful levers
that can affect the Indian mind--superstition and eloquence. The
Prophet was the spokesman of the former. He claimed to have had direct
dealings with the Great Spirit and to utter his will. Many of his
professions were grotesque to the last degree, and it may have been
for that very reason that he gained hundreds of converts. Like some of
the false prophets of modern days, he drew a mongrel set of disciples
around him, who could be neither shamed nor argued out of their
foolishness.
Tecumseh professed to believe in the supernatural power of his brother,
and his example brought over many others. The master hand of the
warrior could be seen in the labors of The Prophet, who began preaching
about 1804. Some of his doctrines were good. He insisted that there
must be a complete change in the conduct of the red children of the
Great Spirit. They must quit copying the dress and manner of the white
people; especially must they give up the use of ardent spirits, and all
Indians must show by their lives that they were brothers and sisters.
While there was impressive truth in his words about the long, happy,
peaceful lives of their forefathers, such a reminder did not improve
their feelings toward those who had brought about this change.
Tecumseh gave strong support to his brother in his mission. In some
cases chiefs who opposed them were put to death, generally on the
charge of witchcraft; in other instances, their power was taken away.
While The Prophet gave all his efforts to preaching the new gospel,
Tecumseh himself made a tour among the different tribes, winning many
warriors and leaders to his views. That he had the encouragement of the
English in this crusade cannot be denied. They saw as clearly as he
that war was coming.
Now as to the real dispute between Tecumseh and the Americans; the
Shawanoe insisted that no _single_ tribe had the legal or moral right
to sell to our government the lands which it might chance to occupy.
Such right lay in _all_ the tribes, whose consent was necessary in
order to make such sale binding. Several large cessions had already
been made and treaties signed in which these terms had been violated.
Tecumseh declared that these lands belonged to the _whole Indian
population_, that such fact should be admitted by our government and
the sales cancelled, the transfer still depending upon the consent of
_all_ the tribes.
It will be seen that this view could not be accepted by our government,
for if it were, there never could be any real sales, and everything
that had already taken place in that respect went for nothing.
Governor Harrison of Vincennes had a delicate and hard task before
him. It has been said that his government would never allow him to
accept the views of Tecumseh, and he saw the time had come for plain
words. He reminded the chieftain that when the white people came to
take this continent, they found the Miamis occupying all the country
on the Wabash, but the Shawanoes at that time lived in Georgia, from
which they were driven by the Creeks. The lands had been bought from
the Miamis, who were the first and real owners of it, and the only ones
having a clear right to sell the lands. It was untrue to say that all
the Indian tribes formed one nation, for if such had been the intention
of the Great Spirit he would have given them the same language to
speak, instead of so many different ones. The Miamis had thought it
best for their interest to sell a part of their lands, thereby securing
another annuity and the Shawanoes had no right to come from a distant
country and compel the Miamis to do as the Shawanoes wished them to do.
The governor having taken his seat, the interpreter began explaining to
Tecumseh what had been said by him. Before he was through, and as soon
as the chieftain caught the gist of the words, he sprang to his feet in
anger and exclaimed, "It is false!" His warriors leaped from the grass
on which they had been sitting, and grasped their weapons. Believing he
was about to be attacked, the governor drew his sword and stood ready
to defend himself. He was surrounded by more of his own people than
there were Indians present, but they were unarmed. They snatched up
stones and clubs ready to make the best fight they could. Major Floyd,
standing near the governor drew his dirk, and a Methodist minister
ran to the governor's house, and, catching up a gun, placed himself
in the doorway to defend the family. One of the chiefs close to the
governor, cocked his pistol which he had already primed, saying, that
Tecumseh had threatened his life, because he signed the treaty and sale
of the disputed land. Governor Harrison told the interpreter to say to
Tecumseh that he would have nothing more to do with him. He was ordered
to leave, but, instead of doing so, he remained in the neighborhood
with his chiefs until the next morning, when he sent an apology to
the executive, pledging himself that nothing of the kind should occur
again. Harrison accepted his explanation, and met him a second time. On
this occasion, Tecumseh was dignified and courteous, but it was evident
that he was under strong emotion. Having no new argument to offer,
the plain question was put to him whether he intended to oppose the
survey of the newly-bought territory. He replied that he would cling
to the old boundary. The leading chiefs with him rose to their feet,
one after another, and gave notice that they would stand by Tecumseh.
The governor promised the Shawanoe that his words should be told to the
President, but he added that it would be useless, for the land would
never be given up.
Governor Harrison, hoping he could do something in a private talk,
went with his interpreter to the tent of Tecumseh. He was received
kindly and the two conversed for a long time, each strongly urging
his views upon the other. The chieftain said he would much rather be
a friend of the United States than an enemy. He knew that war between
them and England would soon come, and he would greatly prefer to fight
on the side of the Americans. He would do so, if his views regarding
the lands were accepted.
[Illustration: TECUMSEH DEFIES GENERAL HARRISON]
"I repeat what I said that that will never be done, and it would be
wrong in me to hold out any hope for you in that respect," replied the
governor.
"Well, as the great chief in Washington is to settle the question, I
hope the Great Spirit will put some sense in his head. But he is so far
off he will never be harmed by the war; he can sit down and feast and
drink his wine while you and I fight it out."
"Is it your determination to make war if your terms are refused?"
"It is," replied Tecumseh; "nor will I give rest to my feet, till I
have united all the red men in a like resolution."
The unusual fact about these talks was the frankness with which
Tecumseh gave his views. He never made the slightest effort to hide
his intentions, nor would he utter any promise which he did not mean
to keep. He and Governor Harrison had several interviews, but it was
impossible to shake the resolution of the Shawanoe. At one of the
councils, he turned to rest himself, after finishing his speech, when
he saw that no chair had been placed for him. Apologizing, the governor
had one hastily brought, and as it was handed to the chief, the
interpreter said: "Your father requests you to take a chair."
"My father," replied Tecumseh, with dignity, "the sun is my father,
and the earth is my mother; I will repose on her bosom," and he seated
himself upon the ground.
Harrison finally gave over his attempt to change the views or
resolution of Tecumseh. Before the final parting of the two, the
governor said to him:
"We shall soon be fighting each other; a good many will be killed on
both sides, and there will be much suffering; I ask you to agree with
me, Tecumseh, that there shall be no capturing of women and children by
your warriors, and no torture or ill treatment of such men as you may
take prisoners."
"Tecumseh has _never_ ill treated his prisoners, nor has it ever been
done in his presence," was the answer of the chieftain; "why do you ask
me to do that which you know I will be sure to do without the asking."
Harrison pleaded his anxiety, and thanked Tecumseh for his pledge,
which he knew would be strictly kept.
The declaration of the chief that he would give his feet no rest until
he united all the red men was carried out. His travels and labors were
prodigious. During the year 1811, he visited numerous tribes west of
the Mississippi, and about Lakes Superior and Huron, not once, but
several times, thrilling all by his eloquence and winning hundreds to
his side. Regarding this tour, the following incident is authentic,
though since it must have been a coincidence, it certainly was one of
the most remarkable ever known.
While making one of his appeals to the Creeks, Tecumseh lost patience
with their coldness. He shouted angrily:
"When I go back to my people, I will stamp the ground and the earth
shall shake!"
It was just about time for the chieftain to reach his towns to the
north, when the New Madrid earthquake took place, the severest
phenomenon of the kind which up to that time our country had ever
known. When the Creeks felt the ground rocking under their feet, they
ran from their tepees shouting in terror:
"Tecumseh has got home! Tecumseh has got home!"
While the chieftain was absent on this tour, The Prophet was busy
with his magic. He made the wildest prophecies, and hundreds of his
superstitious countrymen believed that, as he claimed, he was in direct
communion with the Great Spirit. The Prophet told them the Indians
should soon be given back their former hunting grounds and all the
pale faces should be driven into the sea. Fired by these promises, the
fanatical warriors gathered around The Prophet and began committing
outrages upon the whites. The government could not refuse to go to
the protection of its citizens. A small force of regulars and militia
was brought together at Vincennes, the capital, and placed under the
command of Governor Harrison, who was given a free hand to do all he
might think necessary.
No better officer could have been chosen. United to his fine military
talent, he had a thorough knowledge of Indian character, and was safe
against any such blunders as had been committed by St. Clair, Harmar
and others. Marching into the Indian country, he encamped, early in
November, within nine miles of The Prophet's town. The redskins did not
disturb him, and he pushed three miles further. He sent forward his
interpreters, but the Indians refused to have anything to do with them.
Certain that treachery was intended, the governor moved with the
utmost care. He was pleased when he was not attacked on the way to
the town, which he reached without the firing of a shot. Still the
Indians refused to receive or make any replies to the calls of his
interpreters. Harrison formed his line of battle and was advancing upon
the town, when several messengers of The Prophet appeared. An interview
was held, in which they asked that no attack should be made before the
morrow, when the principal chiefs would visit Harrison with proposals
for peace.
That officer was not deceived. The men slept on their arms, the guards
were strengthened, and nothing was neglected that could prevent
surprise. Every officer and private knew just what to do, in the event
of an attack, and it maybe doubted whether there was a soldier in the
army who did not feel sure such an attack would soon be made.
Just as it was growing light, on the morning of November 7, 1811, the
Indians made a furious charge upon the camp. The fight was one of the
most desperate in the history of our frontier. But for the preparation,
the coolness and bravery, and the fine generalship of commander and
officers, all the force would have been destroyed. As it was, the
Americans lost sixty-two killed and one hundred and twenty-five
wounded, among whom were some of the bravest officers. The loss of the
Indians was about one hundred and fifty. They were routed and driven
headlong from the field.
While the battle was raging, The Prophet stood on a neighboring hill,
keeping up his frenzied performance. He shouted to the warriors that
victory was certain, and none of the enemy's bullets could hurt them.
Told that his people were falling, he urged the others to keep on
fighting, declared all would come out right and sang his war songs
louder than ever; but when the final overthrow took place, The Prophet
led in the flight. He was soon left alone by his men, who lost faith
in his claims. Two days later, Governor Harrison laid the town and
surrounding settlements in ashes, sending the hostiles scurrying in
every direction, after which he returned to Vincennes.
[Illustration: A SHAWANOE CHIEFTAIN]
The victory of Harrison could not have been more complete. It won
the admiration of his countrymen, and had more than anything else to
do with his nomination and election to the presidency of the United
States. Nearly thirty years later, the cry of "Tippecanoe and Tyler
too," swept the country like wildfire, and roused an ardor the like of
which had never been seen before.
As we know, Tecumseh was absent on his "stumping tour" when the battle
of Tippecanoe was fought. It was contrary to his orders, and overturned
all his plans. When he came back and learned what had been done, his
rage was fearful. He seized his brother by his long hair, and almost
shook his head off, declaring that he deserved death and he was tempted
to inflict it.
Tecumseh gave his eloquence and energies to rallying the different
tribes, after they had fallen away through the blundering of The
Prophet. He visited them all again, and won not hundreds but thousands
to his standard. With these, he entered the service of the British when
war broke out between England and our country. Hardly a battle took
place in the West, down to the death of the Shawanoe, in which he did
not act a creditable part. His military ability was so notable that he
was made a brigadier general, and, as has been said, there was no white
officer of that rank who was his superior, if indeed any one was his
equal. When asked one day to give an idea of the face of the country
through which they were marching, he took a piece of elm bark, laid it
on the ground, with a heavy stone on each corner to hold it flat, and
with the point of his hunting knife, traced a map, which the English
engineers declared could not be surpassed by any of their number.
One day General Proctor was sitting on his horse calmly watching a
number of Indians that were maltreating several American prisoners.
Although claiming to be civilized and guided by the rules of honorable
warfare, the commander smiled, as if the sight was as pleasing to him
as to the dusky persecutors.
In the midst of the cruel pastime the sound of a galloping horse was
heard, and the animal was reined up on his haunches within a few feet
of the general. At the same instant Tecumseh leaped from his back to
the ground, grasped the principal tormentor by the throat, hurled him
backward a dozen feet, struck another a blow that almost fractured his
skull, and with his face flaming with passion, whipped out his hunting
knife, and shouted that he would kill the first one who laid hands on
another prisoner.
Turning to General Proctor, he demanded with angry voice and flashing
eyes:
"What do you mean by permitting such things?"
"Sir, your warriors cannot be restrained," was the reply.
With burning scorn, Tecumseh said:
"You are not fit to command; go home and put on petticoats!"
Commodore Perry won his great victory over the British fleet on Lake
Erie, September 10, 1813. Had he failed, it was the plan of the British
army in the West to invade Ohio. If he won, General Harrison meant to
invade Canada. As soon as he learned of the victory, told to him by
Perry's message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours," he lost no
time in invading Canada. He embarked at Sandusky Bay, September 27, and
landed near Malden. Proctor retreated to Sandwich with the Americans
closely pressing him. Instead of giving battle, the British commander
kept up his retreat to the Thames.
Tecumseh, with a large force of Indians, was with Proctor. He was
angered over the cowardice of the British officer. The chief saw many
good positions given up without a struggle, and did not hide his
disgust. Going to the general he protested.
"Our fleet has gone out," said the Shawanoe; "we know they have fought;
we have heard the great guns, but we know nothing of what has happened
to our father with one arm. (This was an allusion to Commodore Barclay,
who went into the battle of Lake Erie with only one arm and came out
without that.) Our ships have gone one way, and we are much astonished
to see our father tying up everything and preparing to run the other
way, without letting his red children know what his intentions are. You
always told us you would never draw your feet off British ground. But
now, father, we see you are drawing back, and we are sorry to see our
father doing so without seeing the enemy. We must compare our father's
conduct to a fat dog, that carries its tail upon its back, but when
frightened, it drops it between its legs and runs off.
"Father, listen!--The Americans have not yet defeated us by land,
neither are we sure they have done so by water; we therefore wish to
remain here and fight our enemy, should they make their appearance. If
they defeat us, we will then retreat with our father.
"Father!--You have got the arms and ammunition which our great father
sent for his red children. If you have any idea of going away, give
them to us and you may go and welcome. Our lives are in the hands of
the Great Spirit. We are determined to defend our lands, and if it be
his will, we wish to leave our bones upon them."
This speech referred to the retreat from Malden. Tecumseh reluctantly
gave his assent to a still further withdrawal, but he warned Proctor
that if he did not stop retreating and fight, he would call off his
warriors and have nothing to do with him. The British leader was forced
to give battle at the Moravian Town on the Thames. He and Tecumseh
chose the battle ground, the Shawanoe having the most to say about it.
He showed Proctor how he could protect one flank with the river and the
other with a swamp.
The battle of the Thames October 5, was another brilliant victory for
the Americans under General Harrison. Proctor and a few others escaped
by starting early in their flight. With this exception, the whole
British force became prisoners. Tecumseh never thought of retreating
or surrendering, but, at the head of his fifteen hundred warriors,
he held the American army in check for a long time. He soon received
a severe wound in the arm, but paid no attention to it, and fought
on with as much bravery as ever. His wonderful voice rose above the
roar of battle, and nerved the arms of his warriors, but suddenly it
ceased, and it quickly became known that Tecumseh had fallen. A panic
instantly spread among the Indians, who broke into headlong flight in
all directions.
[Illustration: KIT CARSON]
A strange dispute raged for years as to who it was that killed
Tecumseh. Although it was never settled, it is generally believed that
it was Colonel Richard M. Johnson of Kentucky, afterward Vice-President
of the United States. While the identity of Tecumseh's slayer may be
uncertain, there is no doubt that, whoever he was, he closed the career
of the "greatest American Indian that ever lived."
ADVENTURES OF WEATHERFORD
CHIEF OF THE CREEK CONFEDERACY
Living at the time of Tecumseh, was a chief of strong ability, though
inferior to the great Shawanoe in the nobler qualities. He was
Weatherford, the Creek leader, whose name recalls one of the most
terrible incidents in the history of the frontier.
[Illustration]
It will be remembered that Tecumseh visited the Creeks, and when his
burning appeals failed to rouse his listeners as he expected, he
declared in his impatience that when he got home he would stamp the
ground and it should shake. His return was followed by the historical
New Madrid earthquake.
But for the fatal blunder of The Prophet, in bringing on the battle
of Tippecanoe, while Tecumseh was absent, the Creeks as a body would
have joined the confederacy. As it was, the younger warriors were swept
off their feet by the Shawanoe's eloquence, though many of the elders
urged them to keep out of the war that was sure to bring suffering and
disaster to them.
Withal, in the face of bad traits, Weatherford was brave, eloquent
and tactful. He required a strong occasion to rouse him to bursts
of oratory, and he was too wise to cheapen his gifts by speaking too
often. His wisdom was the admiration of the old, while his vices
made him the idol of the young and vicious. He was tall, straight,
well-proportioned, with pleasing features; and the impression of
any one looking upon him for the first time was favorable. He was
avaricious and took for himself one of the finest tracts of land
belonging to the tribe among whom he made his home. To sum up, he was
the corner-stone of the Creek confederacy.
The Creeks and Seminoles, living within the limits of Florida, began
a series of outrages against the white settlements at the opening of
the War of 1812. Numerous runaway slaves took refuge in the swamps
and morasses where they were welcomed by the Indians and were safe
against pursuit and recovery by their former masters. These negroes
intermarried with the Indians and the mongrel population was of the
most degraded character. Their forays became so harassing, that the
militia of the Southwest were called out, and marched against the
savages. A large number of the inhabitants fled to Fort Mimms, a
stockade on Lake Tonsas, Alabama. Knowing the peril to which these
refugees were exposed, Governor Claiborne sent one hundred and
seventy-five volunteers to its defence, and placed them under the
command of Major Beasley. In his anxiety the governor visited the fort,
and tried to impress Beasley with the imminence of the danger to which
all were exposed.
"I look upon it as almost certain you will be attacked; Weatherford is
one of the most daring leaders the Indians have ever had; his spies are
watching you at this moment, as they have been doing from the first;
nothing that you can do will escape him; if you give him the first
encouragement, he will massacre everyone of you."
The officer assured the governor that he would be vigilant, but the
fear of the executive was not removed. Fort Early was the farthest
advanced in the Indian country, and he went thither with his escort to
impress the same watchfulness upon the garrison there. While on the
road, he wrote a letter to Major Beasley, warning him again of his
peril, and reminding him that the life of every one of the women and
children who had fled to the post was in his keeping.
One would suppose that after these appeals Major Beasley, figuratively
speaking, never would have closed his eyes; but that officer was one
of those who, when placed in a critical situation, seem to be smitten
with blindness. Several negroes had been sent up the Alabama by their
masters to procure corn. The Indians captured three, but one managed
to escape. He ran to Fort Mimms, and told the Major that the Indians
were marching against the post. The commandant looked calmly at the
panting servant, the picture of terror, and smiled. He couldn't believe
the negro had any cause for his panic. The next day several white men
came to the fort with word that a large force of Indians were in the
neighborhood, and every sign pointed to an attack. The officer was
not so foolish as wholly to disregard this news, though he could not
believe the danger was serious. That which followed seems incredible.
Three negroes, a day or two later, hurried to the post, and told Major
Beasley that, while looking for cattle in the woods, they had met a
large party of prowling Indians. The officer sent out several scouts
to look for them. They came back saying they had not found a single
redskin, whereupon, Major Beasley had the principal negro whipped for
spreading falsehoods. The next day the same negro discovered a large
number of warriors stealing through the woods toward the fort. Not
caring to earn another reward such as he had received for telling the
truth in the former instance, he wisely decided to hold his peace.
Not long afterward, Weatherford, at the head of fifteen hundred
warriors, crossed an open field and came within thirty paces of the
fort on a bright summer morning (August 30, 1813), before his approach
was discovered. To complete the criminal idiocy of the commandant and
his officers, the gates were open and unguarded. Before they could be
closed, the horde swarmed through and attacked the garrison. Of the
defenders, nearly one-half were old men, women and children.
The soldiers fought as men do who know no quarter will be given, and
who are aware of the awful fate of those dependent upon them, in case
of the failure to repel their assailants. It is not necessary to dwell
upon the particulars of this dreadful affair. Every officer died
fighting. The women and children took refuge in the blockhouse, to
which the Creeks applied the torch, and all perished. The wounded Major
Beasley was one of those who breathed his last in the flames. Nearly
three hundred were in Fort Mimms, of whom only seventeen escaped, and
most of these were wounded.
This massacre sent a thrill of horror and wrath throughout the country.
Tennessee set aside three hundred thousand dollars, and placed five
thousand men under command of General Andrew Jackson, with orders to
punish the Creeks. It is worth noting that "Old Hickory" at that time
was not fully recovered from a wound received in a duel, and among
the volunteers under him were the eccentric Davy Crockett, killed
more than twenty years later at the Alamo, and "Sam" Houston, who won
the independence of Texas at San Jacinto, shortly after the death of
Crockett, and his comrades at the fort in San Antonio.
On the march, Jackson's men rebelled because they were reduced to the
point of starvation, and saw no hope of getting a mouthful of food if
they remained. The stern old hero of New Orleans crushed the mutiny,
and lived upon acorns, and sometimes was unable to obtain even these.
It was not the only time that that remarkable man, single-handed,
conquered a thousand men by the strength of his will.
It is not our province to give a history of the Creek War, marked as
it was by many shocking occurrences on both sides. White men, in the
intense anger caused by the outrages of the Indians, often equalled
them in cruelty. There were numerous skirmishes, battles and defeats
of the hostiles, whose spirits, however, remained unbroken, until
the delivery of the crushing blow at the Great Horseshoe Bend of the
Tallapoosa River, in the State of Alabama. The Creeks had been beaten
so many times that they determined to make their final stand at this
point, and to stake everything on a single battle. Their camp was
fortified with a skill that recalled the fort of the Narragansetts
during King Philip's war, it being so built that the only way to carry
it was by storm. Behind these rough intrenchments crouched a thousand
warriors, ready to fight to the death.
General Jackson had been eager from the first to get the hostiles
together like this, so that when he struck his blow, it should be
effective. So long as only a few were slain here and there, no real
effect upon the campaign itself followed. He was as resolute to reach
the hostiles as they were to have him come within reach of them.
Early on the forenoon of March 27, 1814, General Coffee, with a force
of regulars, and a number of friendly Indians, crossed the river two
miles below the encampment and stationed his men so as to cut off the
retreat of the enemy. A number of spies paddled in canoes to the end of
the bend, and fired several buildings. Pressing on, they attacked the
breastworks, but did not make much of an impression.
[Illustration: WEATHERFORD AND GENERAL JACKSON]
Meanwhile, the rest of the American army was impatiently awaiting their
opportunity. When Jackson, as eager as they, had placed his troops
in position, he sent forward a flag of truce, with an interpreter to
summon Weatherford to surrender. The moment the flag came within range,
the Creeks fired upon it. The bearer hurried back with a report of his
inhospitable reception.
The battle which opened lasted for five hours, and was fought with the
fierceness that marked the great Swamp Fight in New England, more than
a hundred years before. The triumph of the Americans was overwhelming.
They had twenty-five killed and more than a hundred wounded, while the
loss of the Creeks reached the fearful total of six hundred, besides
two hundred and fifty women and children prisoners. The blow was one of
the most crushing ever delivered in the history of Indian warfare.
None of the Creeks was so blind as not to see that the only escape from
utter destruction was by making peace on the best terms possible, with
the whites. Chiefs and warriors began coming into the American camp and
offering their submission. Whenever they did so, the eagle-eyed Jackson
scanned each dusky face, and asked the name of the leader before him.
He wanted to secure Weatherford, and left no doubt of his purpose to
shoot him for the horrible crime of Fort Mimms. He was willing to
accept the surrender of any and all chiefs, with the one exception of
the arch-fiend, who had placed himself outside the pale of civilized
warfare.
But Weatherford did not appear. He may have been too proud to
surrender, but it is as likely he feared to put himself in the power of
the stern leader of the Americans. Afraid the Creek sachem would not
appear, and determined to get him, Jackson told several chiefs that he
would accept their submission, but, before doing so, they must prove
their earnestness by bringing Weatherford to him, securely bound.
When these chiefs, at Jackson's command, went to Weatherford with the
message, he replied:
"I shall never be delivered to him bound a captive."
Some time later General Jackson was busy with certain papers, when a
tall, fine looking Indian stalked into his tent.
"I am Weatherford," said he; "I am the chief who commanded at Fort
Mimms; I have come to ask peace for my people."
"I am surprised that you should appear in my presence," replied the
general, studying the visitor from head to foot; "I know of your wicked
conduct at Fort Mimms, for which you deserve death; my orders were that
you should not be seen here until you were bound; had that been done, I
should have known how to deal with you."
"You can still do that; am I not in your power? Can you not do with me
as you choose? I am a soldier; I have done your people all the harm
I could; I should have done them more harm, but I could not; I have
fought you bravely, and if I had an army I should still fight you; I
would contend to the last; but I cannot fight without warriors, for
they have been taken from me. My people are gone; you have left but few
of them; I can only weep for them that are gone."
Jackson was the man to admire boldness in another. His visitor had
disarmed him by his bold surrender, knowing, as Jackson was sure
he knew, his anger toward him. He looked admiringly at the tall,
magnificent fellow and said:
"I will take no advantage over you, scoundrel though you are! If I
should serve you as you ought to be served, even your own people
would say I did right. You showed no mercy to poor women and children
at Fort Mimms, when they had not harmed a hair in the head of you or
yours, and could not defend themselves. But, as I said, I will take no
advantage over you. You may walk out of this camp unharmed; you may
place yourself at the head of your war party and fight us; but I warn
you that if you are captured, you shall receive no quarter. Your people
can save themselves only by unconditional submission."
Standing erect, the chief looked into the face of the stern, military
leader, and without a tremor, replied:
"You know it is safe to address such words to me. There was a time,
not long ago, when I should have known how to answer you; once I had
a choice, but there is none left to me now. There does not remain
even to me a hope. I could once animate my warriors to battle, but
I cannot animate the dead. My warriors can no longer hear the voice
which has nerved their arms so many times. Their bones are scattered at
Talladega, Tallushatches, Emuckfau, and Tohopeka (the Indian name of
Horseshoe Bend).
"I have not surrendered myself without thought. While there was a
single chance of success, I never left my post nor begged for peace,
for I did not want it. Weatherford does not fear to meet any white
man. But my people are gone, and my prayer is not for myself but for
my nation. I look back with deep sorrow, and wish to avert deeper
calamities that threaten to come upon my people. If I had been left
to contend with the Georgia army, I should have raised my corn on one
bank of the river, and 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 it is right
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 still hold out can be
influenced by nothing but a mean spirit of revenge. To this they _must
not_, and _shall not_ sacrifice the last remnant of their country. You
have told our nation where we might go and be safe. This is good talk,
and they ought to listen to it. They _shall listen_ to it!"
This fine speech produced the effect intended. General Jackson declined
to accept Weatherford as a prisoner of war, and he strode out of the
American camp as proudly as he had entered it, and kept the pledge made
to his conqueror.
[Illustration: NORTHERN INDIAN TOTEM POLES]
CHAPTER XIII
FIGHTING AGAINST FATE
BLACK HAWK AND HIS WAR
Black Hawk was born on Rock River, in Illinois, about the year 1767.
When only fifteen years old he took the scalp of an enemy and soon
gained so much fame on the war path, that he became one of the foremost
of leaders, and often headed parties of his people against other
tribes. It was claimed by the majority of the chiefs and sachems of the
Sacs and Foxes that the treaty made with Governor Harrison in 1804,
by which their lands east of the Mississippi were sold, was executed
on the part of the Indians by a few chiefs, who had no authority of
the nation to whom the act was unknown until some time later. When,
therefore, the Americans built a fort on the Mississippi, the Indians
were angry and tried to cut off the garrison.
When Illinois became a State, in 1818, hundreds of emigrants flocked
thither. They came so fast that their settlements surrounded the
territory occupied by the Sacs and Foxes. Trouble is sure to come when
such a state of affairs exists. The Indians looked upon the white
people as intruders--as they certainly were--while the new comers
were anxious to be rid of their unwelcome neighbors, and did all they
could to make their situation uncomfortable. They thought that by
doing this, they would force the Indians to "pull up stakes" and go
elsewhere. But the true owners stayed where they were. When they were
absent on a hunt, the settlers tore down the fences and turned the
Indians' cattle into their cornfields, whose crops were trampled and
destroyed. In 1827, during another absence of the warriors and their
families, some miscreants set fire to their village and nearly fifty
houses were laid in ashes.
[Illustration: AN INDIAN CATTLE RAID]
Two months after these events, General Atkinson entered the Winnebago
country with a military force and captured the chief and six
Winnebagoes who were thrown into prison until they could be tried. The
chief died in jail. After a long time four were found guilty and two
acquitted, the former being sentenced to be hanged. Black Hawk was
accused of being one of the party who fired on the keel boats, but was
set free for lack of evidence. Not long afterward, when all danger was
past, he confessed that he was guilty as charged.
Several shameful acts against the Indians were perpetrated by the
whites about this time. In one instance several settlers, claiming that
they had been ill-used, fell upon Black Hawk and beat him unmercifully.
The indignity, added to other wrongs, led him to determine upon war
against the whites. He had been promised help by other tribes, but when
he called upon them, nearly all refused to give the slightest aid. He
convinced Keokuk that he had made a great mistake in parting with the
lands, and that chief promised to do what he could to get them back.
Black Hawk said he would let the whites have all the valuable lead
mines, on condition that they were allowed to stay in their village
and till their cornfields, where, according to tradition, one of their
villages had stood for nearly two centuries.
So sure were the Sacs that their wishes would be granted, that they
went on their usual fall hunt in 1830. When they came back, they found
that the whites had moved in, and taken possession of every wigwam and
lodge. The Sacs were upon the banks of the Mississippi, without shelter
for their squaws and children. No wonder that they felt the wrong was
beyond bearing.
The chiefs decided to take possession of their village. The whites were
alarmed when the blanketed warriors and their families stalked in among
them and made themselves at home. It was evident that any attempt to
oust the rightful owners would cause bloodshed; so the settlers said
they would stay and work and plant in partnership. This was done, but
the situation of the Indians was made almost intolerable. The whites
took care that they had the best land, and they treated their dusky
neighbors with brutal harshness, insulting them on every pretext, and,
in one instance at least, they beat a young man so badly that he died
of his injuries. It was to be expected in some cases the Indians would
give great provocation, but nothing could excuse the wholesale stealing
of their village and land. The chiefs, knowing how closely they were
watched, and that the intruders were anxious for an excuse for calling
upon the authorities, told their people in no circumstances to be the
first to commit a hostile act against the intruders.
The Sacs were notified that their lands had been sold, and they must
not again set foot on the eastern side of the river. We have shown
that they disregarded the warning, and Black Hawk and his band did
not hesitate to declare they meant to _stay_. The settlers appealed
to the governor of Illinois, who, asserting that the State had been
invaded by hostile Indians, called out seven hundred militia to protect
the citizens. He requested General Gaines, commanding the western
department, to coöperate with him. That officer summoned a strong force
of regulars and went to the region in dispute. Under date of June 2d,
1831, the general made the following interesting statement:
"I have visited the Rock River villages, with a view to ascertain the
localities, and, as far as possible, the disposition of the Indians.
They confirm me in the opinion I had previously formed, that, whatever
may be their feelings of hostility, they are resolved to abstain from
the use of their tomahawks and firearms except in self-defence. But I
am resolved to abstain from firing a shot without some bloodshed, or
some manifest attempt to shed blood, on the part of the Indians. I have
already induced one-third of them to cross the Mississippi to their
own land. The residue, however, say, as the friendly chiefs report,
that they will never move; and what is very uncommon, their women urge
their hostile husbands to fight rather than to move and thus abandon
their homes."
General Gaines awaited the arrival of the militia. They appeared about
a week later. Knowing what was to be expected from them, if they were
once let loose, the Indians immediately moved across the Mississippi,
and the army took possession of the Sac village without the firing of
a shot. A treaty was signed, but it was without permanent effect, for
before the close of the year, both parties violated it.
Being in a starving condition, a number of Sacs secretly recrossed
the river, and stole some of their own corn. Matters remained in an
unsettled condition, and in the following spring, General Atkinson, at
the head of a regiment of regulars, set out for the Upper Mississippi.
At his approach Black Hawk and his party left their camp, and went up
Rock River. He expected to be joined by the Pottawatomies, Winnebagoes
and Kickapoos, but they wisely kept out of the fighting, when they knew
a disastrous end was certain.
Black Hawk moved leisurely up stream, and on the way was overtaken
by several expresses from General Atkinson, ordering him to return.
In every instance the chief sent back a defiant answer, and kept on.
Instead of pursuing, General Atkinson halted at Dixon's Ferry, and
waited for the reinforcements that were on the way. He was pleased to
find, however, that quite a strong military force had already arrived
at the place before his advent.
Having decided upon a reconnaissance, Major Silliman at the head of two
hundred and seventy men, moved cautiously toward the hostiles. Black
Hawk sent three messengers with a flag of truce to invite the officer
to a conference. Instead of accepting the invitation or respecting the
flag, the major made prisoners of the bearers. Not understanding why
they did not return, Black Hawk sent five other messengers after them.
They were fired upon and two killed, the others escaping by running.
Thus the Sacs were receiving valuable lessons in civilized warfare.
As soon as the chief learned of the outrage, he prepared to ambush the
advancing company, although their number was more than double that
of the Indians. The effort succeeded so well, that the soldiers were
driven back in disorderly flight with the loss of a dozen men.
The war having begun was carried on in the usual barbarous fashion of
the border. The Sacs were too wise to meet the troops in open battle,
but attacked exposed places, when there was no thought of their
coming. Scores of dreadful outrages took place, and in more than one
instance, the white men proved as cruel in their methods as the Indians
themselves ever were.
The state of affairs grew so intolerable, that General Scott was
ordered to the frontier with nine companies of artillery. The same
number of companies were also sent thither from the Lakes, and two
companies from another point. It was wise to launch a strong enough
force against Black Hawk to make sure of crushing him and his hostiles.
However, General Scott's companies were soon attacked by the cholera
and terribly decimated.
It is interesting to record the names of two persons who figured in the
Black Hawk War, on the side of the Americans. One was a tall, ungainly
captain of Illinois, who was registered as Abraham Lincoln. The United
States officer who mustered him and the soldiers into the service of
the country was Jefferson Davis.
Black Hawk had gathered a thousand warriors, with whom he awaited
General Atkinson at a point between Rock and Wisconsin rivers. When
he saw that the troops outnumbered his bucks almost two to one, he
retreated, and, though General Atkinson strove hard, he could not bring
the chief to a stand. Seeing that his force was too bulky to escape
together, Black Hawk approached the Mississippi above the mouth of
the Wisconsin. Most of the women and children went down the river in
canoes. Several were drowned, and nearly all the others fell into the
hands of the whites.
When the main body under Black Hawk reached the bank of the river,
they were alarmed by the sight of the steamboat _Warrior_, which
seemed to be waiting for them. Most of the Indians were in a starving
condition, and the sufferings of the women and children were so pitiful
that Black Hawk, seeing the hopelessness of keeping up the struggle,
decided to surrender. He sent a body of his warriors to the edge of the
stream, bearing a flag of truce. The troops were not wholly blamable
for thinking this was a ruse to lure them to land, for the trick was
used many times during our border troubles. Black Hawk always said he
honestly meant to surrender. Be the truth as it may, the steamer opened
with a six-pounder. More than a score of Indians were slain, besides a
large number wounded, while not a man was killed on the steamboat.
In the latter part of July, General Atkinson, with sixteen hundred men,
crossed to the north side of the Wisconsin at Helena, and pressed on
with the purpose of hitting the Indian trail. He made a forced march,
and, four nights later, an old Sac was met who told him the Indians had
gone to the Mississippi which they meant to cross the next day. The
horses and men were so tired that General Atkinson was forced to rest
for several hours.
Before the Sacs were able to reach the river, they were overtaken,
and the fight that followed and lasted for several hours was more of a
massacre than a battle. While the Americans lost only twenty-seven men,
that of the Indians was ten times as great. Black Hawk escaped by the
narrowest chance with the remnant of his force.
This battle was the finishing stroke to the Black Hawk War. The Sioux
and Winnebagoes kept continually bringing in prisoners, and General
Atkinson asked Keokuk to send messengers to demand the surrender of
Black Hawk and the remainder of the hostiles, and to deliver the chief,
alive or dead, within an appointed time.
Black Hawk, with a few friends, took refuge at the Winnebago village
of Prairie la Cross. Worn out, depressed and hopeless, he told the
chief he was ready to surrender to the whites, and they were welcome
to do what they chose with him; he would not make the least objection
if they decided to put him to death. The squaws made him a dress of
white deerskin, and clothed in this, he walked voluntarily to Prairie
du Chien, with the two Winnebagoes who had been sent after him. About
midday, August 27, 1833, he and his companion, better known as The
Prophet (no relative of course of Tecumseh), walked into Prairie du
Chien Fort and gave themselves up as prisoners of war.
When Black Hawk surrendered to the commander, he waited for one of
his companions to speak, and gave close attention to the reply of the
officer. All eyes being turned upon the chieftain, he said:
"You have taken me prisoner with all my warriors. I am much grieved,
for I expected, if I did not defeat you, to hold out much longer, and
give you more trouble before I surrendered. I tried hard to bring you
into ambush, but your last general understands Indian fighting. The
first one was not so wise. When I saw I could not beat you by Indian
fighting, I determined to rush on you, and fight you face to face. I
fought hard. But your guns were well aimed. The bullets flew like birds
in the air, and whizzed by our ears like the wind through the trees in
winter.
"Black Hawk is a true Indian, and disdains to cry like a woman. He
feels for his wife, his children and friends. He does not care for
himself. He cares for his nation and the Indians. They will suffer. He
laments their fate. The white men do not scalp the dead; but they do
worse--they poison the heart; it is not pure with them. His countrymen
will not be scalped, but they will, in a few years, become like the
white men, so that you cannot trust them, and there must be, as in the
white settlements, nearly as many officers as men, to take care of them
and keep them in order.
"Farewell, my nation! Black Hawk tried to save you and avenge your
wrongs. He drank the blood of some of the whites. He has been taken
prisoner, and his plans are stopped. He can do no more. He is near his
end. His sun is setting, and he will rise no more. Farewell to Black
Hawk!"
There was no thought, however, of putting the chief or any of his
companions to death. The prisoners and their guard were taken by
steamboat down the river to Jefferson Barracks. Black Hawk, The
Prophet, eleven head men or chiefs of the Sacs and Foxes, and some
fifty warriors composed the party. Upon their arrival all were put in
irons. By a treaty made with the Sacs and Foxes, a short time after,
they ceded five million acres of land, containing much valuable lead
deposits, to the United States. At the same time, the Winnebagoes
surrendered four millions six hundred thousand acres of equally good
land to our government. In addition to an annuity for thirty years,
the payment of the debts of the tribes, and a supply of provisions,
a reservation of forty square miles on the Iowa River was given to
Keokuk and his band for their loyalty during the troubles now happily
brought to an end. Black Hawk, his two sons, and seven of the principal
warriors, were to be held as hostages at the pleasure of the President
of the United States.
Black Hawk now entered upon the experience which gave him his real
reputation as an orator. His war against the settlements had drawn more
attention and raised more interest throughout the country than many
wars of greater magnitude before or since, and, wherever he went, he
was a notable personage. In the month of April, 1833, the chief and his
companions arrived in Washington, and had an interview with President
Jackson. Each had heard of the other, and the salutation of the
chieftain when presented to the foremost citizen of the United States,
was: "I am a man and you are another!"
Old Hickory received his visitor kindly, but, as was his custom, used
plain words. He told him that a number of articles of dress which had
been prepared would be speedily given to him, and the chief was at
liberty to distribute them as he thought best. The President added that
the party must leave at once for Fort Monroe, and be content to remain
there until he gave them permission to return to their homes. Their
stay would depend upon the conduct of their people. When the terms of
the treaty had been complied with, and the distant warriors showed
a friendly spirit, the chiefs and their friends would be set free.
The President assured them that they need feel no uneasiness about
their women and children, for they would be shielded from all harm at
the hands of the Sioux and the Menominies. He meant to compel the
different tribes to live at peace with one another, and, when he became
sure that everything would remain quiet, the prisoners would be sent to
their homes.
It is worth noting that among all the curiosities shown to these
visitors, they were more interested in the portraits of the Indian
chiefs in the War Department than in anything else. They seemed never
to weary of standing in front of the paintings, and gazing upon the
features of those of their own race, whose fame had come down to them
in tradition, and whose deeds and oratory had filled even civilized
brethren with admiration for their heroic qualities.
The Indians arrived at Fort Monroe in the latter part of April. None
was put in irons, and all were treated with kindness. Few indeed
could feel any emotion other than sympathy for those men who had
suffered so much from a people that claimed a higher civilization and
professed the gentle teachings of Christianity. Although the cage in
which they were kept was a gilded one, it was none the less a prison,
and they sighed for the free air of the prairies and mountains. The
welcome order arrived in about five weeks, and they left by steamboat
for Baltimore. Naturally they attracted great interest at all points
where they stopped, and their tour through the northern cities was,
to use a common expression, an "ovation." We Americans are famous
for our "speeches" and "addresses" which are ready on the slightest
provocation. Most of those directed at Black Hawk were of a wishy-washy
character, that could bear no comparison with the sturdy, sententious
eloquence of the natural orator. The best one of the lot was made by
Hon. John A. Graham, at a reception given to the red men in New York.
"Brothers," said he, "open your ears. You are brave men. You have
fought like tigers, but in a bad cause. We have conquered you. We
are sorry, last year, that you raised the tomahawk against us; but we
believe you did not know us then as you do now. We think that in time
to come, you will be wise, and that we shall be friends forever. You
see that we are a great people, numerous as the flowers of the field,
as the shells on the seashore, or the fish in the sea. We put one hand
on the eastern, and, at the same time, the other on the western ocean.
We all act together. Sometimes our great men talk loud and long at
our council fires, but if you shed one drop of white men's blood, our
young warriors, as thick as stars of the night, will leap on board our
great boats, which fly on the waves, and over the lakes, swift as the
eagle of the air, then penetrate the woods, make the big guns thunder,
and the whole heavens red with the flames of the dwellings of their
enemies."
[Illustration: SHAWANOH, THE UTE CHIEF]
"Brothers, the President made you a great talk. He has but one mouth.
That one has sounded the sentiments of all the people. Listen to what
he has said to you. Write it on your memories. It is good, very good.
"Black Hawk, take these jewels, a pair of topaz ear rings, beautifully
set in gold, for your wife or daughter, as a token of friendship,
keeping always in mind that women and children are the favorites of the
Great Spirit. These jewels are from an old man, whose head is whitened
by the snows of seventy winters; an old man, who has thrown down the
bow, put off the sword, and now stands leaning on his staff, awaiting
the command of the Great Spirit.
"Look around you; see all these mighty people; then go to your homes,
and open your arms to receive your families. Tell them to bury the
hatchet, to make bright the chain of friendship, to love the white men
and to live in peace with them, as long as the rivers run into the sea,
and the sun rises and sets. If you do so, you will be happy. You will
then insure the prosperity of unborn generations of your tribes, who
will go hand in hand with the sons of the white men, and all shall be
blessed by the Great Spirit. Peace and happiness, by the blessing of
the Great Spirit, attend you! Farewell!"
The grim countenance of the old chief showed the pleasure he felt, as
the well-chosen words were interpreted to him. His mouth expanded into
a smile, when the pretty present was handed to him, and he was told for
whom it was intended.
"Brother," said he, in reply, "we like your talk. We will be friends.
We like the white people; they are very kind to us. We shall not forget
it. Your counsel is good; we shall attend to it. Your valuable present
shall go to my squaw. It pleases me very much. We shall always be
friends."
In the month of August, 1813, a peculiar battle was fought near Fort
George, by several hundred volunteers and Indians, the latter supported
by two hundred English regulars. The Americans surprised the British
and Indian camp at daybreak, killed seventy-five and took a number
of prisoners. The singular feature of the fight was that the Seneca
Indians, who were with the Americans, decoyed their brethren on the
British side into an ambush by a series of signals which the others
thought were made by friends. Among the chiefs who led the warriors
were Red Jacket, of whom we have learned, and Captain Pollard, whose
Indian name was Karlundawana. He was now an aged chieftain of the
Senecas, held in high respect not only by them, but by the whites, to
whom he had always been a loyal friend.
Black Hawk arrived in Buffalo in the latter part of June, and on
the afternoon of the next day, paid a visit to the Senecas, who had
gathered in their council house to give them welcome. Captain Pollard
was their spokesman, and taking the hand of Black Hawk, he welcomed
in a few fitting words, telling him of the pleasure it gave him and
his people to greet the great chief of the Sacs and Foxes. Then, with
touching earnestness, he urged his visitors to go to their homes with
peaceable minds toward the whites; to cultivate the earth, and to
think no more of war, which was certain at all times to bring evil and
suffering upon them.
Black Hawk's native sense, coupled with what he had seen for himself,
of the resources and power of the United States, could not fail to
convince him of the truth of the words of the Seneca chieftain. He
meant what he said:
"Our aged brother of the Senecas, who has spoken to us, has spoken the
words of a good and wise man. We are strangers to each other, though we
have the same color, and the same Great Spirit made us all, and gave
us this country together. Brothers, we have seen how great a people the
whites are. They are very rich and very strong. It is folly for us to
fight with them. We shall go home with much knowledge. For myself, I
shall advise my people to be quiet and live like good men. The advice
which you gave us, brother, is very good, and we tell you now that we
mean to walk the straight path in the future, and to content ourselves
with what we have and with cultivating our lands."
A marked but perhaps natural change in the feelings of the white people
showed itself as the Indians drew near Detroit, for they were then
entering a section where the inhabitants could not forget the injuries
they had suffered from these redskins. While they offered no violence,
they scowled at them. Insulting remarks were made in their hearing, and
several men, more impulsive than their fellows, burned Black Hawk and
his companions in effigy.
It will be remembered that the Menominies and Winnebagoes had always
been enemies of the Sacs and Foxes. They made savage war against them
during the late hostilities, and it was a couple of Winnebagoes who
brought the chief to the camp as a prisoner. From Green Bay, the route
of the party was through the country of these people, and the danger of
an attack by them was thought to be so great, that a strong guard of
troops escorted the returning captives to Chicago, which at that time
was little more than a frontier post.
Naturally, Black Hawk and his companions seemed depressed when they
drew near the scene of the late stormy events in their lives. They saw
the lands they loved in the possession of the invaders, and the homes
that once had been theirs in ashes and ruins. But their dejection
showed only in their faces. None uttered a word of complaint.
Fort Armstrong, on Rock Island, had been selected as the place where
the Indians were to be made fully free, with liberty to go whither they
chose and do what they pleased, so long as they did not injure the
white people. When their old comrades came in with news of the families
of those who had been separated so long from them, the spirits of all
rose, and as the numerous presents were distributed, every one was
happy, as might be expected.
The bitterest cup of which Black Hawk had to drink was now pressed to
his lips. He and Keokuk had headed two warring factions of the Sacs.
But for the aid given by the white men to his rival, Black Hawk was
sure he would have triumphed; but that rival was more cunning than
he, in that he took the side of those who were mightier than the two
together. He had conquered, and was now the sole head of the Sac
nation. Black Hawk must meet him, and submit to the crowning shame of
all. There was no help for it.
Keokuk was absent on a buffalo hunt when Black Hawk reached Fort
Armstrong, but he and a number of his warriors came in the following
day. It did not add to Black Hawk's peace of mind to see his rival's
breast covered with medals presented to him by the people who had
despoiled both. But Keokuk could afford to be genial, and when he saw
the other he advanced toward him.
"The Great Spirit has sent our brother back; let us shake hands in
friendship."
Black Hawk silently returned the pressure, and looked in the face of
Keokuk with a world of pathos in his gloomy features. As he still
remained silent, too depressed to find words, Keokuk began asking him
questions about his journey home. Then pipes were brought out, and
all smoked and chatted for an hour or more. A more formal reception
took place on the morrow, when Keokuk returned and the grand council
was held. There was some friction during the speaking, in which the
commandant of the fort took part, but in the end all was made smooth,
and Black Hawk finally left for his wigwam, with expressions of good
will toward all, including the chief who had supplanted him.
Black Hawk died October 3, 1838, and his funeral was attended by
hundreds of whites as well as Indians. He was buried at his request in
a sitting posture, with his cane between his knees and grasped in his
hands. His bones were stolen and found a year later in the possession
of a surgeon of Quincy, Illinois. Governor Lucas of Iowa compelled
their restoration to the friends of the dead chieftain.
[Illustration: THE EARLY RAILROAD IN INDIAN COUNTRY]
CHAPTER XIV
THE HERO OF THE EVERGLADES
OSCEOLA AND THE SEMINOLE WAR
The first treaty of Payne's Landing, which was signed in May, 1832,
required the Seminoles to give up all their lands in Florida and to go
west of the Mississippi. Only seven chiefs signed the treaty for their
people, nearly all of whom were bitterly opposed to it. In their rage
they killed two signers, and replaced them with a bitter enemy of the
project. One of the indignant chiefs, when asked to give his views of
the Treaty of Payne's Landing, strode to the table where the paper lay,
hunting knife in hand, and exclaimed:
"_That_ is my opinion!"
As he spoke, he brought down the knife with such force that the point
passed through the paper and the top of the table on which it lay. The
chief who did this startling thing was Osceola, the most famous leader
of the Seminoles.
Did you ever hear of a war that was caused by the dispute over the
meaning of a single pronoun? Such was the Seminole War, one of the most
long drawn out and trying in the history of our country.
In the treaty referred to the removal of the tribe west of the
Mississippi was made conditional. It said, "Should _they_ be satisfied
with the character of the country." Who was meant by "they?" President
Jackson insisted that it was the seven signers of the treaty (of whom
two were killed), while the Seminoles were as firm in arguing that it
referred to the _whole tribe_, whose opinion was to be formed after
their agents had examined the region and made their report. Candor
forces us to say that the red men had the better of the argument.
Nor need it be denied that wrong pressure was brought to bear on the
consenting chiefs. They were paid to misrepresent the wishes of their
people, and, like their civilized brethren, were open to such base
inducements.
As the time drew near for removal, it became clear that the Seminoles
had no intention of going. General Wiley Thompson, the agent, called
the real Indian chiefs together in October, 1834, and talked pointedly,
impressing upon them the firm resolve of the government to make them
obey the terms of the treaty. The dusky leaders were not scared, and
told him the whole business was a fraud, and they would never accept
it. The most outspoken of the chiefs was Osceola.
The conference having adjourned without result, was again called
some time later, to hear the message of President Jackson, which
was as direct as that sturdy man knew how to make his words. It was
useless; the chiefs knew they had been cheated and remained defiant.
What specially angered Osceola was that some of them, upon whom he
had counted for support, were won over by the agent. This was done no
doubt through the corrupt means that had convinced those who reported
favorably on the country selected for their new homes beyond the
Mississippi. He accused General Thompson of unfairness. The quarrel
became so heated that the agent had Osceola put in irons. He was kept
over night and a part of two days, finally gaining his release by
promising General Thompson to sign the treaty, and use his influence to
persuade the other chiefs to do the same.
[Illustration: "THAT IS MY OPINION!"]
Osceola was a half-breed, and this submission was simply a ruse to
gain his freedom. His heart burned with rage, and he yearned for the
chance to strike him who had put the crowning shame upon him. As might
have been expected, the mongrel was hardly free of the camp when the
outrages were renewed with more ferocity than ever. He killed one of
the friendly chiefs, and then the Seminoles left all their towns, and
took their families far into the gloomy swamps, beyond reach of the
white men. The remarkable thing about this removal was that it was done
with such skill that not the slightest sign showed where the fugitives
had gone. The most skillful scouts of the American army tried for weeks
to trace their hiding place, but in not a single instance did they
succeed. The feat was marvelous, nothing of the kind having been known
before or since.
The government could no longer shut its eyes to the fact that it had a
serious war on its hands. Unless protection was quickly given to the
inhabitants of Florida, most of them would be massacred. The Seminoles
were in dead earnest. General Clinch had charge of Fort King, and would
have been doomed had not Major Dade reached him with reinforcements.
On the day before Christmas, 1835, Dade, with one hundred men and
eight officers, and a fieldpiece, marched against the hostiles. They
advanced without hindrance for several days, when they were attacked by
a large force of Indians and mongrels. Almost the first man to fall was
Major Dade, but the other officers and men went down around him like
tenpins. Under Captain Gardener, the Indians were finally repelled.
It was known, however, that they would soon return, and the soldiers
began hastily throwing up intrenchments. They were working desperately,
when the Indians attacked again. Captain Gardener and many others were
quickly killed. An attempt was made to bring the field-piece into
action, but the Seminoles and negroes shot down every one who tried
to serve it. When all the officers and two-thirds of the men had been
slain, the ammunition of the survivors gave out, and the enemy rushed
upon them. Only three men, by feigning death, escaped to the woods
after the departure of the assailants.
The massacre of Major Dade and his command caused as profound emotion
throughout the country as that of Custer and his men nearly a half
century later.
It is believed, though it is not certain, that Osceola was the leader
in this terrible affair. If so, he did another thing, which, in its
way, was equally startling. His enmity toward General Thompson, who had
put him in irons, was intense. On the same day that the Dade massacre
took place, Thompson was dining in a house within a short distance of
Fort King. Seated at the table with him were several gentlemen; and,
as the day was unusually warm, even for that latitude, the sashes were
raised. In the midst of the meal, and while all were chatting and
laughing, a volley came through the windows, and Osceola, at the head
of a party of Seminoles, dashed into the room with tomahawks upraised.
Five guests leaped out of the windows, and, running at headlong speed,
reached the fort. The others made for a hummock near by, but were shot
down on the way. Five in all, including General Thompson, were killed.
The cook, a negro woman, hid behind a barrel and was not noticed. Those
who fell were scalped, and Osceola, uttering his well-known defiant
cry, made off with his companions, before the garrison at the fort
could interfere.
The famous mongrel was the head and front of the rebellion. A force
of seven hundred men, while crossing the Ouithlacoochee River, were
attacked by him, and in an hour's fight, the Americans suffered a loss
of sixty-three killed and wounded, though they inflicted a greater loss
upon their assailants. During this struggle, Osceola was recognized
many times by the soldiers. He wore a red belt and several long,
stained eagle feathers in his hair. He would stand behind a tree, while
reloading his rifle, after which he would step out into full view and
fire with a deliberate aim. He was seen to level his gun at General
Clinch several times, but fortunately that officer, who rashly exposed
himself, was unharmed, though his clothing was pierced by one of the
bullets of the Seminole chieftain.
In more than one instance a whole platoon fired at Osceola. The bark
was seen to fly from the tree behind which he crouched, and once he was
hit, but the wound was slight and did not bother him. Not until a squad
of Americans were almost upon him, did he break for new cover, which he
safely reached amid a storm of bullets whistling about him. The valor
of the Americans saved them from a more fearful massacre than that of
Major Dade's command.
It was a long time before the United States awoke to the difficult
task on its hands, in bringing the Seminoles of Florida to terms. It
seemed incredible that such an insignificant tribe could withstand the
armed forces sent against them, but, by-and-by, more than one alarming
fact came to light. Some of the Creeks of Georgia were stealing across
the border and joining the hostiles; the stream of runaway slaves
into those gloomy swamps increased in extent, and white desperadoes
were doing the same thing, out of pure wantonness. Furthermore, the
Seminoles had the great advantage of fully knowing the wild region.
They could strike their lightning-like blows, and, if too closely
pressed, take refuge in the dismal solitudes, whither the white
soldiers could not follow them. The warriors and negroes were relieved
of all anxiety about their families, for, as has been said, the veteran
scouts could not find any of them in hiding. This left the husbands
and sons at liberty to fight without thought for the safety of those
dependent upon them.
As proof of the singular nature of the war, a few instances may be
named. While the sloop _Pilot_ was sailing up the Halifax River, it
was attacked by Indians and would have been captured had the Seminoles
been better marksmen. General Gaines, while marching from Tampa for
the Indian country, with a large force was fired upon several times,
and his losses, which were not great, included a lieutenant of United
States dragoons, while the general himself was wounded. It seemed as
if the end of the war was put off in more than one instance, by some
incident, slight of itself, but enough to cause misunderstanding. The
whites had good reason to suspect the honesty of the Indians, and the
latter were equally distrustful--and it must be confessed that ground
was sometimes given for such distrust--of the honor of the white men.
Thus early in March, 1836, Osceola headed a party which met one of
General Gaines' staff officers under a flag of truce, and sent word
that he and his warriors were tired of fighting, and wished to make
peace. General Gaines made the unwise answer that it mattered nothing
to him whether the hostiles wanted peace or not, a large force would
soon be on the ground, and every Indian taken with arms in his hands
would be shot. Osceola answered this message by saying that the chiefs
would hold a council and send their reply before the close of the day.
General Gaines told them that if they would stop fighting, go south of
the Ouithlacoochee River, and come to a council when told to do so by
the United States Commissioners, no harm should befall them.
Osceola agreed to this, but had hardly done so, when General Clinch,
with several hundred armed men appeared near them. He had just arrived
with supplies for the army, and had no other thought in mind, but
Osceola believed the whole thing was a trap, and he and his warriors
dashed into the woods in precipitous flight.
General Scott now took command in Florida. Fighting went on all through
the summer, with no real advantage to either side. The Seminoles met
with several successes, but when cool weather came again, no actual
gain had been made by the Americans. Congress had to grant funds to
save many of the settlers from starvation. The whole country became
impatient. Again and again, reports were printed that the final blow to
the revolt had been given and peace was secured at last; but, hardly
was this news read when it was followed by tidings of some startling
success of the hostiles. If any of the readers of these pages are old
enough to remember the Seminole War, they will recall those trying
months and years with their "hope long deferred."
In September, 1836, a hatless man dashed into Jacksonville, with the
report that his home, only seven miles away, was attacked by Indians.
Volunteers hurried to the relief of the besieged, who, it was found,
had been able to hold off their assailants; but several neighbors had
been slain and their houses burned.
The Creeks and Seminoles, considered as tribes, had long been enemies.
In fact, one cause of the anger of the latter over the Treaty of
Payne's Landing was that it located the Seminoles near the former in
Indian Territory. Two Creek chiefs with nearly a thousand warriors, now
joined the United States forces. This was "fighting fire with fire,"
and many saw in it the certainty that the war must soon be brought to a
close.
But the aimless fighting went on. The Seminoles showed marked valor,
and succeeded in defeating the soldiers with severe losses. General
Jessup having declined to take chief command in Florida, Governor Call
did so, sure of soon forcing the Seminoles to sue for peace. He did all
that was possible, and it amounted to nothing. Then the Secretary of
War ordered General Jessup to take command again. He did so, and set
the main army in motion, in January, 1837.
Great was the relief of that officer, when he received proposals of
peace from the Seminoles. They kept straggling in until, before the
close of May, three thousand, among whom were many women and children,
were gathered at one of the posts on Lake Monroe. Rations were issued
to them, and among the chiefs was Osceola himself. More than that, he
had eaten at the table of General Barney, and slept in his tent. He and
all the chiefs said over and over again, that they had made up their
minds to offer no further opposition to their removal to the new lands
beyond the Mississippi. General Jessup breathed easier, for he was
surely warranted in believing the end was at hand.
Twenty-four transports lay at Tampa to take away the Indians; but when
the day came for them to embark, not a warrior, squaw or papoose was to
be seen. All had taken to the woods again in obedience to the command
of Osceola. It is hard to understand why he did this thing. Could it be
in obedience to a waggish disposition? Did he wish to humiliate General
Jessup, and through him the American army? Or did he seek a few good
meals for his people, and more knowledge for himself of the plans of
his enemies?
The whole war was not marked by a more provoking occurrence. A large
party of the army was prostrated by sickness, and many had been given
furlough, so that the strength of our forces in Florida was less than
it had been for a long time. The Seminoles were greatly heartened by
the trick, and became more daring than ever. The Territory of Florida
was swept by a reign of terror, and the conquest of the redskins seemed
farther off than ever.
What could be more natural than that General Jessup should be filled
with hot resentment against Osceola, the cause of his humiliation? He
resolved never to trust him again, and to relax no effort to kill or
make him prisoner.
In the month of October, 1837, a message came to Fort Peyton from
Osceola to the effect that he was a short distance away and desired an
interview with General Hernandez. He asked General Jessup to come out
and talk with him. Instead of replying, that officer ordered one of his
lieutenants to lure Osceola and his companions into the fort, and then
make them prisoners. But the Seminole was too wily to be trapped and
declined the invitation.
General Hernandez was now sent with two hundred and fifty men to hold
a parley with the Seminoles, and the lieutenant was told to report
whether the answers of the Indians were satisfactory. He came back
after a short time with word that they were not. Jessup then ordered
Major Ashby to seize the whole party, and this, too, despite the fact
that the meeting was under a flag of truce.
It was so done. Seventy-five Indians, including Osceola, were made
prisoners under the white flag, and without the firing of a gun,
October 23, 1837, and the act was accepted by our government.
While the deed must ever remain a blot upon our honor, it is only
fair to name some of the circumstances that were urged in excuse.
The Seminoles themselves had repeatedly violated flags of truce, and
were so treacherous that they had placed themselves outside the pale
of civilized warfare. Furthermore, there was every reason to doubt
the honesty of Osceola and his brother chiefs. They had made the same
professions before, for no reason except to gain time. Finally, there
was every cause to believe that his capture and that of the prominent
leaders would either end, or hasten the end, of the war, and prevent
the shedding of a great deal of innocent blood through the termination
of hostilities.
These arguments named may be accepted as a partial excuse for the act
of General Jessup, though it cannot be justified. All the abuse he
had suffered before was as nothing compared to that now heaped upon
his head, but he had probably become used to that sort of thing, and
believed that when peace speedily followed, those who blamed him would
speak words of praise. But peace did not come, and the war dragged on
for year after year.
[Illustration: OSCEOLA, THE SEMINOLE]
Osceola and his brother prisoners were sent to St. Augustine. The
leader was soon after removed to Fort Moultrie, in Charleston harbor.
His heart was broken, his spirit crushed, and he pined away and died
within the following year. That he possessed courage and much strength
of character cannot be denied, though in no respect was he the equal of
several leaders of his race who have been named in these pages in the
true stories that have been told.
We have said so much about the Seminole War that it is well to sum up
its history. It has been stated that the capture of Osceola and many
leading chiefs failed to bring the struggle to an end, as nearly every
one believed it would do. General Zachary Taylor succeeded General
Jessup in command, and marched from Fort Gardener at the close of the
year, 1837. "Rough and Ready" became President of the United States
something more than ten years later, because of the fine record he made
in our war with Mexico. In his biographies, much notice was given to
the battle of Lake Okeechobee, which was fought on that body of water.
It was the conflict of the war with the Seminoles. The issue more than
once was doubtful, but in the end the Americans drove the enemy from
the field. The loss of the soldiers was twenty-eight killed and a
hundred and eleven wounded. Four companies had every officer, with one
exception, killed.
The rough handling which the Indians received made them more wary
than before about risking a battle in the open. The affrays were too
numerous to be recorded. In one case, General Jessup was badly hurt,
and had ten men killed and thirty wounded. Convinced by this time that
it was impossible to drive out the Seminoles from Florida, he wrote to
the Secretary of War advising that a certain part of the Territory be
set apart for them. The Secretary gave no attention to the suggestion.
Finally, after all methods, including the violation of the flag of
truce, had failed, a novel plan was tried. General Jessup proposed
that bloodhounds should be used to run down the Indians, who hitherto
had found refuge in the swamps. General Taylor and the administration
approved the scheme, it being declared that the dogs were to be used
for no other purpose than to track the redskins. Despite the storm
of protests raised throughout the country, thirty-three hounds were
imported from Cuba, and five Spaniards were hired to handle them, the
cost of the venture being several thousand dollars.
High hopes were felt of the success of this plan, but, to the dismay
of its authors, the canines having been trained to track negroes,
refused to take the scent of an Indian. By urging, several were made to
follow the scent, but the results were more discouraging than in the
case of the others. The red men waited in the woods till the savage
brutes came up to them, when they made friends with them and used the
dogs to trail the owners themselves!
General Taylor was relieved by General McComb in April, 1838. He
succeeded in getting a few of the Seminoles, who came in with their
families, to consent to be shipped to the lands set apart for them
beyond the Mississippi. After coddling several scores of prisoners, he
sent them back to their brethren under their promise to try to persuade
the others to move, but no results followed.
Not only were scores of settlers slain, but many small companies of
soldiers were cut off. General Armistead succeeded to the command in
1840. He roused some hope by his kindly policy. He had a number of
chiefs brought from Indian Territory, taking care to select those who
had strongly opposed at first the removal thither, but had changed
their views, and sent them among the hostiles. Whether they really
tried to convince the discontented ones of their error or not, is
uncertain. But though several meetings were held, the hostiles refused
to listen, fled to the woods and swamps, and renewed the war with the
old-time ferocity.
General Armistead, in his disappointment, wrote to the Secretary of War:
"Thus have ended all our well-grounded hopes of bringing the war to a
close by pacific measures. Confident in the resources of the country,
the enemy will hold out to the last, and can never be induced to come
in again. Immediately upon the withdrawal of the Indians, orders were
transmitted to commanders of the various regiments to put their troops
in motion, and before this reaches you there will be scouting in every
direction."
And now, at last the right man came forward in the person of General
William J. Worth, who took military charge in Florida in the spring of
1841. During the summer months, he sent parties of men who made their
way far into the swamps to the islands, where the Seminoles had planted
the crops on which they depended for support during the winter. These
were destroyed, and a bright chief was brought as a prisoner to Tampa.
He listened to the arguments of General Worth, and was impressed by
them. The general invited him to select five of his fellow prisoners,
and they were returned to the camp of the hostiles, with word that if
they did not come in and surrender by a certain date to be fixed by the
chief himself, he and all his fellow captives should be hanged.
This message did the work. The fierce heroes who had defied the United
States for so many years, knew that they would starve if they stayed
in their retreats and that their leading chief and others would have
to die unless the surrender was made. So the barefooted, emaciated
Seminoles, negroes and mongrels, and their ragged women and children,
stalked out of the regions of twilight and gloom, handed over their
flintlocks, joined the procession beyond the Mississippi, and the
Seminole War came to an end.
CHAPTER XV
SITTING BULL, THE MEDICINE MAN
THE LAST GREAT INDIAN UPRISING
On a slight elevation in a western town across which the gusty wind
was sweeping, sat a stolid, glum-looking Indian, slowly writing his
autograph on slips of paper and handing them out to the amused persons
in front of him. The thrifty red man charged a dollar and a half for
each signature, and was doing a thriving business. Not the ghost of a
smile lit up the wrinkled, iron countenance, though now and then he
grunted, which might have meant pleasure over his profits, or possibly
disgust that he had not charged a higher tariff. He never made any
mistake against himself in changing the bills passed over to him.
A plump, military man of short, stocky build, in civilian suit, with
big mustaches, and looking for fun in everything, bought one of his
autographs. A glance at the round pleasing face showed that he was
General Philip H. Sheridan, while the man standing on his left, with
close-cropped sandy beard, and smoking a black cigar, was a still more
famous American.
General Sheridan studied the awkward signature for a minute or two, and
then turning to his friend at his elbow, who was doing the same with
his autograph, said:
"Grant, I'll be hanged if the old fraud doesn't write a better hand
than you."
General Grant turned his bit of paper over several times, held it away
and then quite close to his face, as though interested only in the
scrawl, then removed his cigar and with a shadowy smile, replied to his
old comrade:
"I don't see that _you've_ any cause for boasting, Sheridan."
The little group that were listening to the couple laughed, for Grant,
Sherman and Sheridan never came together without chaffing one another.
Besides the illustrious heroes named, there were Carl Schurz, W. M.
Evarts, fully a score of United States Senators and Congressmen,
and several British noblemen, as well as German professors, railway
magnates and journalists.
This is a reproduction of one of the aboriginal autographs:
[Illustration]
You will have no difficulty in reading the signature, which is that
of a Sioux "medicine man," who, a few years ago was perhaps the most
notable of his race. Sitting Bull was born in Dakota, in 1837. He
inherited a deep hatred of the white people, and the tribe to which he
belonged is to-day the most powerful on this continent. It can put five
thousand bucks or more in the field, and every one of them would prove
himself a sturdy fighter.
A bloody outbreak of the Sioux in Minnesota took place in the summer of
1862. We were in the throes of our Civil War at that time. The crimes
of the Indians were of the most horrible nature, but the military force
sent thither, together with the volunteers steadily drove the hostiles
to the wall and captured a large number. Thirty-seven of the leaders
were tried by a military commission and found guilty of such fearful
outrages that they were hanged.
Sitting Bull, the Sioux chief, was not frightened by this exhibition of
a nation's anger. He was then a young warrior, but he gathered about
him a large number of Indians, who had been friendly to the whites. In
1874, they attacked the Crows and drove them from their reservation.
Notice was sent to him by the Interior Department, to remove with his
band by January 31, 1876. Sitting Bull paid no attention to the order,
and the business was put in the hands of the War Department. General
Crook destroyed the village of Crazy Horse in the following March, but
the severity of the weather compelled a halt in military movements.
[Illustration: GENERAL CROOK'S APACHE GUIDE]
The discovery of gold in the Black Hills led to an invasion of the
section by emigrants. The section belonged by treaty to the Sioux, and
the authorities warned all white people to keep away. No heed was
given to the notice, and the enraged Sioux left their own reservation
and began to plunder and massacre the people of Wyoming and Montana.
Generals Terry and Cook, with a strong force of regulars moved into the
region of the Upper Yellowstone, and drove Sitting Bull with several
thousand hostiles toward the Big Horn Mountains and the river. Generals
Custer and Reno with the Seventh Cavalry set out to locate the Indians.
They found their camp, three miles in length, on the left bank of the
Little Big Horn River. Custer sent Reno with three companies to attack
the rear, and without waiting for support, charged the Sioux.
Not a soldier came out of the charge alive. Fifteen officers, including
two brothers and a nephew of Custer, and two hundred and thirty-two men
were overwhelmed and massacred by the hostiles. It was one of the most
awful disasters in our frontier history, but the fault lay with the
dashing, headlong Custer himself.
When news of the calamity reached Fort Leavenworth, General Nelson P.
Miles was ordered to the scene with the Fifth Infantry. Certain that
a large number of the Indians were not far off, General Miles moved
down the left bank of the Yellowstone. On the way, he came upon the
following note, fastened on a stick thrust into the ground, where it
had been left by an Indian runner several days before:
"Yellowstone.
"I want to know what you are doing traveling on this road. You
scare all the buffalo away. I want to hunt in this place. I
want you to turn back from here. If you don't I will fight you
again. I want you to leave what you have got here and turn back
from here.
"I am your friend,
"+Sitting Bull+.
"I mean all the rations you have got and some powder. Wish you
would write as soon as you can."
Instead of writing, as requested, General Miles started
after Sitting Bull, and overtook him near one of the branches
of the Yellowstone. The two leaders met under a flag of
truce and the talk was sharp. Sitting Bull was not in chief
command of the Sioux at the Custer massacre, but he was
present and took part. The thought of accepting orders from
this dusky miscreant was beyond bearing, and General Miles,
notable for his self-restraint, said to the grim chieftain:
"I am going to drive you out or you are going to drive
me out."
[Illustration: AN INDIAN AGENCY]
Filled with rage, Sitting Bull strode back to his bucks, and, knowing
that all negotiation was at an end, General Miles attacked him with
such vigor that the Sioux were driven into wild flight, with the loss
of a large number of warriors. General Miles, who had long before
proved himself one of the finest of soldiers, pushed the pursuit so
resolutely that the Sioux leaped from their ponies, and, leaving
everything, scattered among the hills. General Miles was anxious to
capture Sitting Bull, the chief marplot, and he pressed the pursuit for
fifty miles, but the Sioux leader kept out of his way. It may as well
be said at this point, that Sitting Bull proved that he was lacking in
personal courage. He and several other chiefs managed to break away
from the main body and thus saved themselves.
Knowing the need of running down Sitting Bull, General Miles
reorganized his forces in the camp on Tongue River, and again started
in pursuit of the Sioux medicine man. A fall of snow hid the trail.
The cold grew intense. General Miles kept his scouts busy, and early
in January, the camp of the hostiles was located. It numbered about
two hundred lodges, and was attacked with such spirit that the horde
was driven headlong across the Missouri. Another assault a fortnight
later resulted in the capture of most of the camp equipage of the
Indians. Sitting Bull kept pushing northward until he believed he was
beyond reach of the tireless Miles. This proved true for the time, for
the snow was so deep that it was impossible for the cavalry to make
headway; but when spring began melting the snow and ice, the chieftain
knew he was liable to be pounced upon at any hour by the officers and
men who would not be baffled. So he clinched his safety by crossing
the line into Canada. So long as he stayed there, our troops could not
disturb him. The fervent hope was that he would stay there, for if he
returned to his own country, trouble was sure to follow. He knew better
than to misbehave himself while in Canada, where the mounted police
looked after the law-breakers.
You have read more than one account in the previous pages of great
uprisings and conspiracies on the part of the Indians of our country.
Some of them threatened large sections, and at times many cities and
towns were imperilled by these plottings and border wars. It seems
hard, therefore, to believe that the closing years of the nineteenth
century saw the gravest danger of that nature through which we have
ever passed. Yet such is the fact. An uprising might have been started
by the discharge of a single gun, or the rash act of one private
soldier, and once kindled, it would have swept like a cyclone from
Canada to Mexico, causing the deaths of thousands and the loss of
millions of dollars worth of property.
It need not be repeated that the cause of this fearful state of affairs
was the injustice of white men and the shameless treatment of the
Indians by our government. It is not necessary to give particulars, but
I will illustrate the fact by a single incident, which is a type of
scores of others.
[Illustration: BUFFALO BILL]
It once became certain that an agent at one of the Sioux agencies
had swindled the Indians and our government to the extent of eighty
thousand dollars. The offence was so flagrant that a committee was
sent from Washington to look into the matter. A friend of the agent
notified him of his danger. He bribed one of his interpreters to meet
the committee at a point where they had to take a stage to ride to
the agency. This cunning fellow did so without a hint of his purpose.
It did not take him long to make friends with the visitors. They
were pleased to learn that he was familiar with Indian affairs, and
still more pleased to find that he could speak the Sioux tongue. They
proposed that he should act as interpreter. He agreed, and the bargain
was closed by the payment to him of fifty dollars. The man carried out
his contract with his dishonest employer. The Indians poured their
grievance into his ears and he listened gravely, nodding his head as
if in sympathy. Then turning to the waiting members of the committee,
he changed those complaints into praise of the faithful labors of the
thieving agent. He took care that his face did not betray the truth to
either party. The committee, little dreaming of the trick, went back to
Washington, wondering how the unjust reports had been spread concerning
the model employé of the government.
The inhabitants of Dakota (not then divided into the two present
States) wished to open a highway through the Sioux reservation, and
have it settled by white men. The work would have been of advantage to
the Indians themselves. It was not hard to make them see this fact, and
they seemed willing to sell their lands. All they wanted was that they
should not be cheated, and if they had not been cheated, they never
would have raised a hand against the United States. Negotiations went
on for several years, until at last a new Commission, of which General
Crook was chairman, persuaded the Sioux to sign a treaty by which
they gave up about 11,000,000 acres of their reservation, reducing it
one-half.
The chiefs signed their names with misgiving. They had seen so much
deception that they had grown suspicious, even though they were argued
with by a leading military officer--a class who are always more honest
than civilians.
We hear of the Messiah craze about this time. It was the strange belief
that the Great Spirit was soon coming to destroy the white people, and
to give back the lands they had stolen from the Indians. The faith
spread like wildfire, and seemed to rob nearly all the Sioux tribe of
their senses. The bucks quickly reached that state of frenzy in which
they were eager to attack the whites.
To Sitting Bull this was the golden opportunity for which he had been
waiting for years. He could turn the fanaticism of his people to his
own account, and he determined to do so. He sent out his runners to
the different branches of the Sioux. They made numerous converts
everywhere. The heart of the old, brooding pagan must have glowed
when he saw everything working out as he wished it to work. Very soon
he would be able to launch his warriors against the settlements and
agencies, and spread desolation and death among those whom he hated
with unspeakable hatred.
[Illustration: SITTING BULL]
The camp of Sitting Bull was about forty miles southeast of the Pine
Ridge Agency. In December, 1890, General Ruger telegraphed from St.
Paul to Colonel Drum, commandant at Fort Yates, ordering him to arrest
the chief. General Ruger wished to have the military and civil officers
join in the act, but the agent believed less friction would follow if
the matter was placed in the hands of the Indian police. These men, as
the name shows are Indians. They are the sole agents of the Interior
Department for the enforcement of its regulations, and for preserving
the peace. They are taken from the best men, physically and mentally,
and, though their pay is moderate, they have done fine service, and
shown a bravery in many instances, which none of our own race could
surpass.
The arrest of Sitting Bull was certain to cause excitement among
his people, and would perhaps be attended by violence. The plan was
carefully guarded, and a time was selected, when most of the Indians
would be at the agency drawing their rations. The delay would have been
greater, had it not been learned that the chief was preparing to leave
the reservation, and unless the authorities acted promptly, would soon
be beyond reach.
Forty Indian police galloped toward the camp of the famous medicine
man, followed at some distance by two troops of cavalry and a force of
infantry. When within a few miles, these bodies united and halted. The
plan was that the soldiers should station themselves some two miles
from the camp, where they would be within call, should the police need
their help. Then the Indian police rode forward at an easy pace.
When they reached his tent, Sitting Bull was in bed. He was roused and
told that he was under arrest. He did not resist (you will remember
he was lacking in personal courage) and would have submitted quietly
but for his son, Crow Foot, a bright fellow of seventeen years. He was
provoked by the meekness of his father. "You are very brave," he said,
"when there is no danger, but when the police come you are a child."
Roused by the taunt, Sitting Bull began fighting, and called to his
friends to come to his help. One of these caught up a gun and added his
shouts. The next minute the battle was on, and raged viciously for some
minutes. The hostiles were twice as numerous as the police, and though
the latter fought heroically, they quickly found themselves in serious
danger. Several were shot down, and the outlook was doubtful, when one
of them galloped to the top of the nearest hill and signalled to the
cavalry, who dashed forward on a dead run. A few minutes later, they
opened with their Hotchkiss and Gatling guns and dispersed the hostiles.
In this affray, five of the police were killed, including the
lieutenant in command. Of the hostiles, seven were shot, besides
Sitting Bull, who was slain by the lieutenant a moment before his own
death. In addition to these, Crow Foot, the son of the chief, was drawn
out from hiding and killed by the police who were enraged because of
the losses they had suffered. This was apparently not justified even in
war.
The days now came, when, as I have stated, a spark would have kindled
the conflagration that would have raged from Canada to the Gulf; but
General Miles took charge, just before the battle at Wounded Knee, and
he acted with such admirable skill, that his success was perfect. The
hostiles were coaxed to come forward and surrender, and this was done
with such tact, that they soon showed signs of obeying. For days they
edged up foot by foot. Sometimes the bucks revolted, for they were bent
on war, and many a time it seemed that nothing less than a miracle
could prevent a terrific outbreak. On the morning of January 15, the
immense horde came in, gave up their guns, and made submission.
To show the strength of this body, it may be said that the procession
was four miles long and very nearly six thousand Indians were in line.
Actual count made the number of lodges seven hundred and thirty-two.
Army officers believed the whole number was fully eleven thousand.
One needs only to think of what such a host--larger than any had
supposed--when reinforced by the thousands from other tribes, would
have done if they had once taken the war path against the United States.
Our account of the great Indian uprising of 1890-91 would be incomplete
without a few words concerning one of the most prominent leaders of
that revolt. He was Red Cloud, who became head chief of the entire
Sioux tribe. Considerably older than Sitting Bull, he fiercely opposed
every change in the customs of his people which the government agents
tried to bring about. He was the leader in the councils, and, when the
outbreak came, he caught up his Winchester and proved himself a force
with which the military arm had to reckon. In December, 1866, he and
two thousand Sioux ambushed Colonel Fetterman and ninety of his men
near Fort Phil Kearney. He was deposed in 1876 by General Crook, who
made Spotted Tail his successor. This chief was killed by Crow Dog, and
the way thus opened for Sitting Bull.
When the storm-cloud passed, Red Cloud openly opposed the scheme
of allotting lands to the Indians, and making the red men support
themselves by farming and cattle raising. He lived for many years
in a two-story frame dwelling, which the government built for him
near the agency at Pine Ridge, but refused to take his allotment of
land, insisting that our government owed the Sioux a living without
compelling them to work. The proud old chief said he would starve
before he would accept a piece of land and toil like a squaw. So bitter
was his feeling against the white man that he would never learn a word
of our language.
*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "Outdoor Life and Indian Stories" ***
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