The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1828-12-17
PRESIDENT ADAMS AND THE WIN
NERAG0S.

PRESIDENT ADAMS AND THE WIN |
NEBAG0S.
correspondent of the National Intelli- |
gencer describes the parting interview be-
tween the Winnebago Chiefs and the Pres
ident The meeting took place in one of
the rUoms communicating with the hall
of the Presidents mansion: safer the
the arrival Of the Chiefs, refreshments were
passed round and it was somewhat whim-
steal to see Madeira slipped from cut glass
by these stern-featured visiters, who were
accustomed to lap water from the running
brook, or quaff whiskey from the hosns of
slaughtered elk; and to observe with what
ayidity they fed on macaroon and other
choice confectionery, whose tastes had sell
dom been better RECALLED than with the
reeklng entrails of bears and offers.
Business succeeded. AN old chief slept
forth into the centre of the room, with a
long uncouth pipe in his hand, which, after
brief ceremonial not precisely Ineligible,
he brought near the President and waved
over his head-it was the calumet of peace.
Holding it then before him, and pointing to
it, he begun an harangue in slow cultural
tones, accompanied with much earnest GEES
ture. He spoke in short paragraphs, an
Indian of half blood reported them in French,
and second Interpreter conveyed the Eng
lish:
Father: I am glad to see you. hold
out this pipe, and, take your hand, in
friendship.
Father: cloud has been betw-a-.-
1t was thick and black. l thought once it
would never be removed. But now | see
p your face. 1t looks upon me pleasantly.
"Father: long way stretched between
US. There were those who told me it was
blocked up. They said the Red men could
not pass it. / attempted it. 1t is like the
plain path which conducts to the Great
Spirit.
"Father: when came in sight of your
home, it looked white and beautiful. NY
heart rejoiced. thought now should talk
with you.
Father: the Great Spirit gave to his
children, the Winnebagos, pleasant plant.
1t is good to smoke. have it here, touch
ing with his finger the bowl of the pipe, II
give it youth peace.
Father: l am as old as you. My heart
is true. They told me your heart was
black. 1t is not so. We salute you in
friendship.
"Father: say no more. Ny talk is lit
tic. am chief among my people. But
one is here who win speak to you soon, and
tell you better our thoughts"
The address being ended, young Win
nebago advanced, in obedience to signal
from the old warrior. and lighted pipe with
fire struck from a flint. The pipe was then
presented to the President, the chief still
holding its stem. He inhaled few puffs,
and as the smoke curled gently upwards,
the savage group gazed with intenseness
and uttered a low murmur of satisfaction.
The chief then handed the calumet to all
the spectators in order, and lastly, to each
of his tribe. 1t was next made over in form
to the President to be retained who, re-
questing the Indian to lay one hand upon it
again, while he pledged him with the other,
proceeded to dictate to the interpreters
his reply.
"Say to the Chief, rejoice to see him.
He and his brethren are welcome to me
and my children.
!" Tell him, it has greved me that cloud
has been between us, but | am pleased
equally with him, that it has been dissipat-
ed. 1t is dispersed like the fumes of the pipe
we have smoked. May it never close down
upon us more
"Say-I am glad that he and his COM
panions meet me on this propitious day
Bid him look to the face of the heavens
No cloud is there. The sun shines bright
ly upon us. The Great Spirit looks down
and smiles upon our meeting.
SAY hope the same sun will light his
path in peace to the abodes of his fathers.
When he is gone, will look upon this pipe
with pleasure; and should hear ever after
that in place of pacific, any hostile DISPOSE
tons break forth among his nation towards
my brethren and children, will say it is
impossible. For have the word of Win
nebago, which must be true, that his people
pledge their amity with mine, and have left
this pipe in token of sincerity.
SAY yesterday beheld with satisfac
ton the sports of himself and his associates
as they practised their ancient war dance
upon the green beneath my windows. But
higher pleasure now experience-and
one the memory of which will endure-in
cordially greeting him within these walls,
and reciprocating assurances of plighted
concord"
Each of these periods, so soon as inter-
preted, drew forth hoarse plaudit from the
savage auditors. Once it swelled to a
deafening howl, in acknowledgment of the
compliment paid to the inviolate integrity of
their word"
TRIAL, FOR MITRnER