Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1818-05-06
The INDIAN CHIEF wKATBERHoRD

In reading the the life of gen. Jackson,
recently published by major Read my at
tention was forcibly arrested by the tear
less Kramer, and manly language. in
which this untutored lnhabitant OF the To-
rest addressed the commander Of the A
merican army IN his own tent. Whether,
or not, Weatherford, like some Of Livy's
heroes, i, in any degree indebted to the
author, for the garb in which his ssnti-
nent' appear before the public, am un
able to say have no hesitation. howe
yer. in BELIEVING that It IS faithful Far
rative Of what occurred at the interview
alluded to. Since the frequent talks"
which have been held with the different
Indian tribes bold, orig nal, and even lof-
ty sentiments, nay even genuine traits OF
eloquence have ceased to be novelties to
tn. haraneue of North American savage.
But il is the magnanimous and decided
conduct OF Weatherford, at a moment
frausht with peril to himself aud to his
country, that ! particularly admire. 1t
speaks a man of no common stamp, and
should rescue his ma e, Ike those OF Ak
nomack and Logan from obscurty The
spri, and feelings which animated him.
and the frankness with which he obeyed
their dictates, are truly Roman virtues,
and such as would have dlgniied con,
snl of thrt republic in he pIuude,t days.
/ question whether histor, can furnish an
instance, even in civilized lie, where a
vanquished enemy has appeared in more
pleasing point of view: placing himself
Voluntarily in the power of coRqueror
when he had provoked almost be,Ond
endurance and freely admitting, but in
the same breath bitterly lamenting his
inability to prolong contest, tor his a.
cency in which he had to aPprehend the
most serious consequences. Those who
have net an opportunity of reading the
massage referred to. and /" can mark and
admire this bold display Of savage genius"
will M doubt be gratified by seeing it in
your columns--The b.osrapher having
stated that the chiefs Of the different
tribes we're daily arriving at head quar-
tiers, and offering to submit on any terms,
proceeds to inform rs, that, I" to put their
friendly professions At enoe to the test,
Jackson directed them to bring Weather
ford to his camp, tied, that he might be
dealt with as he deserved /; he was one OF
the frs, chiefs of The nation, and had been
the principal actor in the butchery at tort
Mimms. Learning from the chiefs on
their return what had been required OF
them by Jackson, he was prevailed upon
as perhaps being the safer course to 60
AMI make voluntary surrender OF him
self.
Having reached the camp without be-
ing known, and obtained admission to
the generals quarters. he told him he was
Westherford, the chief who had COM
manded at Fort Mimms, and desiring
peace for himself and his people, be had
come to ask it Somewhat surprised that
one who so richly merited punishment,
Should SO sternly demand the protect'"n
which had been extended to others ne
replied to him that he was astonished he
should venture to appear in his pres1ce !;
that he vas not ignorant OF his having
been at Fort Mimms, nor If his conduct
there, tor which he ought to die l had
directed, continued he, that you should
be brought to me confined; had you have
appeared in this way should have known
how 10 have treated you. Weathford re-
Piled. al an in your power--ds with me
"a YOU nlesse. I am a soldier, / have
done the white people sill the harm l
could have fought them and fought
them braveIy: II I had Tn army, l
would yet fight and contend to the last
but have none my people are gone
: can now do no more than weep over the
misfortunes Of my nation" Pleased at
tue iirmness Of the man, Jackson inform