Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-05-08
Erpm the U. Netes' Gazette.
THE INDIAN PROPHECY.

4.
THE INDIAN PROPHECY.
rx...o,s s.o,n the .sRecollections of'Washngt"r,
new work, by George W. p. Cus'is' Esq Vi al
lngton.
Il was in l772, that Col. Washington ~
COMMANDED BY Dr.. James Craik, ana eonsiu-
cradle oarty of hunters woodsmch ana "'"eiH'
nrocecded 10 the Kenhawa with L view 10 eA-
More the country, and make surveys OF eA'eh-
s;ve and valuable bodies OF lands. Al ina,
time Of day, the KenhaTa was several hundred
miles remote from the frontier settlements, anu
only accessible by Indian paths, when "ouhu
through the passes of the mountains.
In those wild and unirequen'ed regions. 'ne
party formed camp, on the bank OF the fi'er'
consisting of rudel> constructed wlgwams UT
shelters. from which they issued TO survey ana
explore their iliuvial tracts, now forming 'ne
most fertile and best inhabited parts oil Inc
West of Virginia.
This romantic camp, though far removed
from the home Of civilization, possessed very
many advantages. The great abundance Oh
various kinds Of game, in its vicinity, ahorded
a sump,uous larder, while few Injuries oil io'
reign growth, which had been brought on the
bagrsg, horses, made the adventures as coni-
Portable as they could reasonably desire
One day when resting III the camp from inc
fatigues attendant on 50 arduons an eh'erpri%e'
4 party Of Indians led by trader, were dlsco'-
cred No recourse were had TO arms, ior peace
in a great measure reigned on the ironler; inc
border warfare, which SO long haa harraSsea
the unhappy settlers, had principally SaoSiqea'
the savage driven farther and iarther oacS, as
The settlements advanced, had suthcienuy ie.'
the powcr Of the whites, to view them Win
fear, as we'll as hate; again, the approach Oh
this party was. any thing but hos'iie, ana 'ne
appearance Of the trader being hail savage,
half civilized, made 1t certain that the mission
was rather Of peace than oil war
They halted at shor, distance, ana the III
,erpreter adv ancing, declared that ne was con,
Quoting party, which consisted oil 1railu
Sachem, and some attendant warriors; tna' 'ne
Chierwas very great man among the Nor'i,
wcstern tribes, and the same VINO CoIhhiahueu
The Indians on the fall Of Braddock, sixteen
wear, before; that hearing Of the visit OF Col.
Washington to the Western country, this lhlel
had set out on mission, the OBJECT Vi "hi'h
himself would make known. =,
The Colonel received the ambassador win
courtesy, and having put matters IN camp IN
,be be,t possible cr,i-r Ger the reception oil
such distinguished visitors, which so s:'vF;
notice would elbow, the strangers were intro
duced Among the Colonists were some hne
tall and manly figures, but so soon as the Sa'
chem annroac he'd, he in moment pointed out
the Hero of the Monongahela, from amid the
croupc although sixteen years had elapsed
Since he had seen him, and then only III the tu-
,rnlt and fury of battle. The Indian was OF
lofty stature, and Of disnihed and imposing
appearance.
sThe usual salutatiOns were going round, when
!, was observed, that the Grand Chief although
nerrectly familiar with every other person pre-
sent preserved toward Col. Washington the
most reverential Difference; twas in vain that
the Colonel extended his hand, the Indian drew
back. with the most impressive marks OF awe
and respect. A last effort was made TO induce
AN intercourse, by resor,ing TO the deity OF the
sayapes, ardent spirit, which the Colonel hay
ing tasted, offered TO his guest, the Indian bow
ed his head in submission, but wettcd not his
Inns. Tobacco, for the use ofwhich Washing
TON ALWAYS had the utmost adherence, was
next tried, the Col taking single putt TO the
great ANNOYANCE of his feelings, and then offer
inp the calumet to the chief, who touched not
the symbol ofsavage friendship. The banquet
being now ready, the Colonel did the honours
ofthe feast, and placing the Great Man at his
side, helped him pientifully, but the Indian fed
not at the board Amusement now possessed
the company, and intense anxiety became ap-
parent, as to the issue Of SO extraordinary an
adventure.
The Council Fire was kindled, when the
Grand Sachem addressed our Washington 10
the following effect:
am Chief, and the rulcr over many tribes,
nv influence extends TO the waters Of the Great
Lakes, and to the far blue mountains l have
travelled lorg and weary path, that might
see the Young Warrior Of the Great Battles
1t was OH the day, that the White Mans blood,
mixed with the streams Of our forest, that first
bebeld this Chief; l called to my Young men
and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior, he
is no, of the red coat tribe, he hath an Indians
wisdom. and his warriors fight as we do, him
self is alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be
certain, and he dies Our rifles were ievelied,
rifles which but for him knew no, how to miss
Twas all in vain, a power mlgh'er lar than
we, shielded him from harm. He cannot die In
battle. am old, and soon shall be gathered TO
the great council fire Of my fathers, in the land
of shades, bs, ere go, there is a something bids
me speak, in the voice of prophecy.-Listen!
The Great Spirit protects that man, and guides