Western courier. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1837-1838, 1837-10-05

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dollars For one fourth Of column, .ft}ecn
dollars. For half conmn f,reNiy do'Mrs-
For one coumn, Thirty dollars.
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Fro,n the Saturday Newsstand Gazette.
ALEGEND OF THE SOUTH WEST.
1t is a fact pretty gonsrally known that
the Indian appelations,f by which many
orthc Lakes, Rivers, &c. of our country
are distinguished, are significant Of somc-
thing peculiar TO thoir character or abort"
ginal history. One instance only, the
writer will mention, as that will suffice
his present purpose. The small river
known as the lOktibbchah, or las it is
more commonly styled) the Oktibbo. and
failing into the Fombicboc; not far from
Columbus, Mi, once formed the houuda-
ry line between the Chickasaw and Choc-
iaw tribes. From time immcmoriai these
Two natioas were leaguod together in wa
ging perpetual warfare with the neigh
bouring Creeks; and the immediate vicin-
ity Of the Oktibbehah almost invariably
becamsd he meeting ground for the war;
riors ofthe three contending parties. Be-
tween the above mentioned nations, it is
stated, on the shores Of this little stream
orton occurred some Of the bloodnst con-
ficts ever handed down by sober history
orltraditonary song. From this cFcum-
stsnce it received from tho Choctsws the
name of Oktib6ehab-a word in their
language ,signifying "the tide or acat-
trs Of strife" Associated with the name
Of this stream, there is an Indian Legend,
to which a,lusion is made in the subloined
stanzas. 1t wasrelated to the writer in
substance as follows. During battle be-
tween the tribes just named, Choctaw
4 Chief was overpowered and made prison
er by tho Creeks. On retiring from the
conflict, council was held TOR the pur-
pose Of determining what disposition should
y be made of the captive warrior. 1t was
! decided that he should die by fire. The
I Chief heard his sentence with perfect
composure and stole frmness, and having
hpbralded his enemes as dastards, and
!, reminded them Of his own proves on the
banks Of the Oktibbchah and elsewhere,
lcaped into the fatal flame, now ready 10
receive him, and expired amidst the shouts
of his cxulting foes. The warriors name
was Ochlow.
THE CHOCTAW CHIEF.
Loud as the oceans troub'lous roar,
When high its waves the tempest swell,
BY forest deep and craggy shore, .
RollsaMild shout--the chieftain's knell!
And fiefcely CLEANS the wrathful. flame
Fromthut dread pile the blazing pyrc,
Yet quails he not of warrior fame,
Nor fears to brave its kindlcd ire.
With cheek unblanch'd and fearless eye,
Proud Ochlow stands, of lordly mien,
Nor sheds a tear, nor vents sigh,
But calmly views the deathtul scence;
And round him crowd fcndish throng,
Eager their deamon thirst to safe
While widely swcIs their savage song,
In triumph Of the captivc's fate.
But bark! voice--'tis Ochlow speaks,
Breathing defiance proud and stern;
r"Aye, fan your Aamcs,ye bastard Creeks,
And let the faggots fiercely burn
But dream ye, that my soul will quail,
Tho. furnace like your fires may glow?
Say, dream ye, fools, that | will wall,
Tho keenest pangs may pierce me
through?'
." NY soul disdains it--I shrink not
From death by murd'rous fire or knife,
My deadly arm, have ye forgot?
Have yo forgot yon tide of strife?
Twas there we met--say, bastard foe,
If quail'd mid that horrid fight?
ASK yc your chief my spear laid low,
II palsied was my arm Of might"
@sDauntlcss, as then, I'll brave the flame,
A chieftain still Of lofty pride
Nor tarnish now my warrior name,
Illustrious as Oktibbe's tide"
He said--and mid the flames he leaps,
While shouts tumultous onward roll
in echoes loud, long woods and sc -
Dread requium Of the warriors soul!
Meridian Springs, Mi
ED OEETE CeG H..