Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-05-12

his counsel advised him TO retraC, Ills eo"i' :.
There was no doubt Of bis gilt, for he aVoweo II
again and again at St Peters. Here however,
he pleaded not guilty, and as no witness appeal
ed against him he was acquitted ana discnarsea
In few days he left the city ann cesan mo
journey across the prairies directing ms U Tou,s
to the Teneton villages on the missouri -, i1oa.
blv. these were his reflections: Il nave k''ieu d"
American. and gained the name OF "atllt :.
The Big Knives have not dared TO rese"ee n'
and will therefore slay another the nrs' "PP'i-
tunity.' Whether these were MS thousn'e vi
not. it is certain such were the common oP'n'oh'
of the more remote Indians before they were a. ac-
quainted with the power OF the whres; d'iu u''
belief still prevails in many tribes.
Rnt in an evil hour for Mahzah Khotah, he en-
countered with John Moredock, and called from
his incxtincuishable hatred to the Aborlgines:
the indian hater. This man came into Illinois
when the descendants Of the French enlgrants
were its only inhabitants. The fourth husband
of his mother had died like her three former
spouses, being killed by the Indians. Yet this
woman. who seemed mark for the shafts OF
border warfare. left Vincennes in order to settle
in Illinois with her children. As she was ascend
ing the Mississippi she and the whole party with
which she travelled were surprised and butchered
by the savages. Of all her family John More
dock only escaped. he having voyaged in another
company. From the day he heard of this calaml-
ty. revenge on those who had destroyed his kin
dred became his ruling passion. The Indians
who had been active in their determination did
not escape him. BY unremittlng pursuit. he a.
chieved the destruction of every individual OF
them. His vengeance did not sleep here
though irreproachable in his dealings with ms
fellows, and though he afterwards obtained a
seat in The legislature of Illinois, and the rank OF
colonel of militia he never let slip an opportunl-
ty to dip his hands in Indian blood. He was
famous as hunter and paftizan warrior, and
in the couse of his life was said to have Killed
thirteen Indians with his own hand, and 1t IS
probable the truth rather exceeds than falls short
Of report.
He had been at Charlton business, when
he met Mahzah Khotah both being on foot and
alone. His rifle was in his hand. At the sight
Of the savage, his eyes flashed fire and his face
grew black with passion. He sol his triggers.
but the time required for this operation enabled
Mahzah Khotah to get behind tree. He too
was armed with gun, given him by the Indian
agent at St. Louis. Moredock gained a similar
cover. There they stood, watching each other
as the gladiator and the lion might do in the are
ma. Neither could raise his weapon or take
more than momentarv look, without exposing
himself to certain death. But the fertile brain of
Moredock suggested an expedient He drew
his ramrod puthis cap on the end oft. &protruded
it rom his cover at the height of his head. The
Indian very naturally supposed that his head was
in it. The lightning is not quicker than was the
flash of his gun. The Indian Halter fell. and
Mahzah Khotah, drawing his knife, rushed for
ward to take his scalp. But the white man was
instantly on his feet again. where are YOU
going with your knife" said he, with fiendish
laugh. He fired, and the Daheotah dropped.
that counts one more said Moredock, as he
turned from the bleeding corpse to pursue his
journey.
From the time his son was surrendered to the
American officer at st. Peters, Ahkitchetah
Dootah pitched his tent in the vicnity of the gar
rison. He visited his offspring daily. wept over
him. and asked many questions relative to his
probable fate. When Mazah Khotah was re-
moved to st. Louis, the old man lost hope. Tie
became listless and inactive. He was no more
seen spearing fishes in the river. nor did the
echoes of his gun disturb the silence OF the sur
rounding hills. To white man, such course
would promise a speedy release from sorrow
by starvation; but 1t was no great disadvantage
to Ahkitchetah Dootah. Among Indians, the
lndolent share the provision made by the indus
trious, and refusal to give food or Globes, is
thing unheard Of This very generosity is the
great bar to their Improvement. Where the $50
cial system prevails to its fullest extent, as with
Daheotahs, it is not to be expected that any ndi-
vidual will exert himself more than is necessary
to meet the wants of the hour. 1t Is no benefit
to squaw to plant cornfeld. for the harvest
must be reaped by hands that did not sow. 1t
is useless for hunter to kill more venison than
is needed for the immediate consumption of his
family, as the greater part will be eaten by those
who have been smoking by the fireside, while he
has been freezing his fingers and wearying his
limbs in the chase. The obstacles to the civil
cation of the Aborigines are indeed many; but
in.the opinion of one who has had many opportu-
mites for observation, this is the greatest But,
dear, reader, we find we have been betrayed into
a DEPRESSION, and lift pleases thee we will return
to our story.
Ahkitchetah Dootah continued his visits to the
fort; and at last learned that his son had been
tried. 1t was in vain to tell him that Mahzah
KhO,ah had been acouitted and set at liberty, for