The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-04-20
ANEcDoTE OF THE INDIAN WARRIOR,
TECUMSEH.

Every circumstance relating to this extra
ordinary person, will be read with interest.
About thirty years ago as the writer re-
ceived the narrative from Capt. Thomas
Bryan, Of Kentucky, the said Bryan was em-
ployed as surveyor of Virginia Military lands
N. w. of the Ohio river.-Whilst employed
to complete a chain of surveys extending
from the head waters of Bush creek to those
of Paint creek, (now the central part of the
state of Ohio,) his provisions became scant,
and at length entirely exhausted. He di-
rected his hunter (who had been unsuccess-
full on recent excursion) to make another
attempt to procure sustenance, and to meet
particular point, then designated, where
after closing the labor of the day he should
encamp with his chain men and marks.
The men towards evening became exhaust
ed with hunger; they were in the heart OF
solitary wilderness, and every circumstance
was calculated to produce great detection OF
spirit; after making great exertions to reach
the point designated, where they were to en-
camp,upont their arrivalthey met their hunter
who had been again unsuccessful. Feeling for
himself and comrades every emotion of
noble heart, he was alarmed for their stu
alton. He declares that he had used every
exertion in pursuit of game, but found every
attempt fruitless; that the whole forest APP
peared to be entirely destitute OF both birds
and beasts Under these awful apprehen-
sions of starvation, he knew that it would be
vain to attempt to reach the settlement--he
trembled and shed tears Capt Byran, at
this critical juncturc, felt his spirits reused
| at the reflection OF their desperate situation,
he thrust his Jacob staff in the earth, and or
dered his men to prepare camp and to
make good fire; he seized the gun and am
| munitlon of the unsuccessful hunter and hur-
ried off In pursuit of game. The weather had
become exceedingly cold, for it was in the
dead OF winter; every rivulet was frozen,
and he had not proceeded far before he dis
covered three elks making in direction to-
wards him. He succeeded in killing two
of them and shortly after a BEAR He then
called tor his men, and ordered all his game
to be carried to the camp. Moo but those
similarly situated can imagine the feelings
! experienced On such an occasion.
But dreadful as the situation of the survey
or and his men might appear, there were
others who were threatened with the same
| alarming distress. Three OF four Indians,
who had been out on a hunting excursion,
hearing the report of Captain Bryan's gun,
made Immediately in that direction, and had
arrived at the camp before Capt. Bryan re-
turned. On his return they told him as
we'll as they could, Csome of them could
speak little Engllsh) OF their wretched sit
uation; they informed him that for three
days the whole company had subsisted on
one skunk, and that was exhausted. They
described the absense of the game, i'll the
language OF the hunter, as If the very woods
were destitute OF both birds and beasts.
They were informed by Capt. Bryan that he
had plenty for himself, his men, and them
selves. He requested them to fix their camp,
make good fire, and then to assist his men
in skinning the bear and two elks which
were now brought into camp, and then to
cut, carve and cook for themselves. Their
very looks indicated the joy that they now
felt; nor did they spare the provisions.
Their hunger was great, and AS often as one
round was served up, Capt. Bryan insisted
on their partaking of more, until they were
fully satisfied, when they began to prepare
for rest--A fine tall dignihed Indian then
approached Capt. Bryan's camp; Capt. b.
states he was rather young i'll appearance
than otherwise. He very gracefully stepped
up to Capt. Bryan (who was now reposing
in his camp ON account OF much atfilction
from the rheumatism in his knee, from his
recent exposure, and informed him that the
old mar in his camp was Chief; that ne
felt under such great obligations to the great
! and good spirit for SO signal an lnterpositlon
in their favor that he was about TO MAKE