The Illinois free trader. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1840-1841, 1840-11-20

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the log-cabin palace of the Governor, q
Tallahassee, and appeared perfectly con
tented. All at once they ceased thei
visits, and for three or four days not on
was to be seen. Governor Duval bega
to apprehend that some mischief wa
brewing. On the evening of the fourtl
day, chief named Yellow-Hair, a reso
lutte, intelligent fellow, who had Away
evinced an attachment for the Governor
entered his cabin about twelve o'clock a
night, and informed him that between
four and five hundred warriors, painte.
and decorated, were assembled to hold
secret wartalk at Neamathla's town. HI
had slipped off to give intelligence, at the
risk of his life, and FASTENED back lest hi:
absence should be discovered.
Governor Duval passed an anxious
night after this intelligence. He knew
the talent and the daring character of Ne.
amathla; he recolected the threats he
had thrown out; he reflected that about
eighty white families were scattered
widely apart, over great extent Of coun-
try, and might be swept away at once,
should the Indians, as he feared, determ.
inc to clear the country. That he did
not exaggerate the dangers of the case,
has been proved by the horrid scenes Of
Indian warfare that have since desolated
that devoted region. After night of
sleepless cogitation, Duval determined on
measure suited to his prompt and reso-
lutte character. Knowing the admiration
of the savages for personal courage, he
determined, by a sudden surprise, to en-
deavor to overawe and check them. Ii
was hazarding much but where so ma
ny lives were in jeopardy, he felt bound
to incur the hazard.
Accordingly, on the next morning, he
set off on horseback, attended merely by
a white man, who had been reared among
the Seminoles, and understood their lam
guage and manners, and who acted as
They struck into trail
leading to Neamathla's village. After
proceeding about half mile, Governor
Duval informed the interpreter of the
object of his expedition. The latter,
though bold man, paused and remons-
trated. The Indians among whom they
were going were among the most desper-
ate and discontinued of the nation. Ma
ny OF them were veteran warriors, impov-
erished and exasperated by defeat, and
ready to set their lives at any hazard.
He said that if they were holding a war
council, it must be with desperate intent,
and it would be certain death to intrude
among them.
Duval made light of his apprehensions;
he said he was perfectly we'll acquainted
with the Indian character, and should
certainly proceed. So saying, he rode
on. When within half-a-mile Of the vii
lage, the interpreter addressed him again,
in such tremulous tone, that Duval
turned and looked him IN the face. He
was deadly pale, and once more urged
the Governor to return, as they would
be massacred if they proceeded.
Duval repeated his determination to 90
on, but advised the other to return, lest
his pale face should betray fear to the
Indians, and they might take advantage
of it. The interpreter replied that he
would rather die thousand deaths, than
have it said that he had deserted his lea
der when in peril.
Duval then told him he must translate
all he should say to the Indians,
without soflening word. The interpre-
ter promised faithfully to do so, adding
that he well knew, when they were once
in the town, nothing but boldness could
save them.
They now rode into the village, and
advanced to the councilhouse. This was
rather a group Of four houses, forming
square, in the centre of which was a great
council-fire. The houses were open in
front toward the fire, and closed III the
rear. AT each corner of the square there
was an interval between the houses, for
lngress and egrcss. In these houses sat
the old men and the chiefs the young
men were gathered round the fire. Ne
amathla presided at the council, elevated
on higher seat than the rest.
Governor Duval entered by one Of the
corner intervals, and rode boldly into the
centre of the square. The young men
made way for him; an old man who was
speaking, paused in the midst of his har-
angue. In an instant thirty or forty rifles
were cooked and leveled. Never had