The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-05-25

veys of extensive and valuable bodies O,
lands. At that time of day, the Kenhawa
was several hundred miles remote from the
frontier settlements, and only accessible by
Indian paths, which wound thro' the passes
of the mountains.
In those wild and unfrequented regions,
the party formed a camp on the bank of the
river, consisting of rudely constructed wig
vans or shelters, from which they issued
to explore and survey those alluvial tracts
now forming the most fertile and best in
habited parts of the west of Virginia.
This romantic camp, though far removed
from the home of civilization, possessed vc-
ry many advantages. The great abundance
of various kinds of game, in its vicinity, af-
forded a sumptuons larder, while few lux
ries of foreign growth, which had been
brought on the baggage horses, made the
adventurers as comfortable as they could
reasonably desire.
One day, when resting in the camp from
the fatigues attendant on SO arduous an en-
terprize, party of Indians, led by trader
we're discovered. No recourse was had to
arms, for peace, in great measure, reigned
on the frontier; the border warfare which
50 long had harrassed the unhappy settlers,
had principally subsidized. the savage driven
farther and farther back, as the settlements
advanced, had sufficiently felt the power OF
the whites, to view them with fear, as well
as hate again, the approach of this party
was any thing but hostile, and the appear
ance OF the trader, half savage, half civiliz
ed, made it certain that the mission was ra-
ther of peace than war.
They halted at short distance, and the
interpreter advancing, declared that he was
conducting party, which consisted of a
Grand Sachem, and some attendant warri-
ors; that the chief was very great man "a
mong the Northwestern tribes, and the same
who commanded the Indians on the fall of
Bratdock, sixteen years before; that hearing
of the visit of Col. Washington to the West
ern country, this Chief had set out OIL a mis-
sioE, the object of which himself would make
known.
The Colonel received the ambassador with
courtesy, and having put matters in camp in
the best possible order, for the reception of
such distinguished visitors, which so short
a notice would allow, the strangers were in
troduced. Among the Colonists were some
fine tall and manly figures, but so soon as the
Sachem approached, he pointed out the He
ro of the Monongahela from amid the group,
although sixteen years had elapsed since he
had seen him, and then only in the tumult
and fury of battle. The Indian was of a lof-
ty stature, and of dgpihed and imposing
appearance.
The usual salutatiors were going round,
when it was observed that the Grand Chief
although perfectly familiar with every other
person present, preserved toward Colonel
Washington the most revcrcntial Difference;
it was in vain that the Colonel extended his
hand, the Indian drew back, with most i'm
pressive marks of awe and respect. A last
effort was made to induce an intercourse, by
restoring to the deity ofthe savagcs, ardent
spirit, which the Colonel having tasted, Of
fcred to his guest; the Indian bowed his
head in submission, but wctted not his lips,
Tobacco, for the use OF which Washington
always had the utmost abhorrence was
next tried, the Colonel taking a single puff
to the great annoyance of his feelings, and
then offering the calumet to the Chief, who
touched not the symbol of savage friendship.
The banquet being now ready, the Colonel
did the honours of the feast, and placing the
Great Man at his side, helped him plentiful
ly, but the Indian fed not at the board. A.
mazement now possessed the company,
and an intense anxiety became apparent,
as to the issue of so extraordinary all adven-
ture.
The Council Fire was kindled, when the
Grand Sachem addressed our Washington
to the following effect:
am Chief, and the Ruler over many
tribes. My influence extends to the waters
of the Great Lakes, and to the far blue
mountains. have travelled a long and wea-
rv path, that l might see the Young War
rior of the Great Battle. 1t was on the day
that the White Mans blood, mixed with the
streams of our forest, that / first beheld
this Chief; | called tn my young men, and
said, mark yon tall and warrior, he is not OF
the Redcoat tribe, he hath an Indians wis
dom, and his warriors fight as we do, him /
self is alone exposed. Quick, let your aim
be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were
leveled-rii1es, which but for him, knew
not how to miss.-'Twas all in vain; pow
er mighter far than we, shielded him from
harm. He cannot die in battle. l am old,
and soon shall be gathered to the great coun-
Gil fire of my fathers, in the land OF shades,
but ere go, there is a something, bids me I
speak, in the voice of prophecy. Listen
IHe Great Shirt Protects that man, and
guides his destines--Ie 4viH become the
Cnirf of Nations, and q feohle, yet nn-
born, hail him as Founder ofa mighty Em-
hire!
The savage ceased, his oracle delivered,
his prophetic mission fulfilled, he retired to
muse in silence, upon that wonder working
spirit. which his dark
''Untutored mind