The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1842-09-13
CONF IDEN r L L U r n f d ;
OR THE
LITTLE BOY AND INDIAN CHIEF.

One of tic first settlers in Western N,
Y. was Judge W.. who established himself
al Whitestown-abouI four miles from Uti-
ca. He brought his family with him, a.
mong whom was n widowed daughter with
an only child-a fine boy about four years
old. You will recollect that the country IL
round was an unbounded forest, and this
was the domain Of the savage tribes.
Judge w. saw tine necessity Of keeping
on good terms with the Indians, for as he
vas nearly alone, he was completely at their
mercy Accordingly he took every oppor-
! tunity TO assure them Of his kindly feelings
and To secure good will in return. Several
Of the chiefs came to see him. and all ap-
peared pacific. But there was one thing
that troubled him; an aged chief Of the Sem
eca tribe, and one of great influence, who
resided al the distance Of hall a dozen miles,
had not Yet been 10 see him; nor could he
by any means. ascertain the views and ieel
,ngs of the sachem, in respect to his settle
meni in that region. Al last he sen, him
a message, and the answer was, that the chiei
would visit him on the morrow.
True to his appointment the sachem
came. Judge w. received him with marks
of respect, and introduced his wife, his
daug litter and the lille boy. The interview
that followed was deeply interesting. Upon
lis results, the Judge conceived that his Sc
curty might depend. and he was, therefore,
exceedingly anxious to make favorable
impression upon the distinguished chief
He expressed 10 him his desire 10 settle in
the country; to live on terms of amity and
good fellowship with the lndisps; and to be
usefui to them Uy introducing among them
the arts of civilization.
The chief heard him out, and then said,
brother. YOU ask much, and you promise
much. VIVA pledge can YOU give OF your
good faith p
THE honor of man that never knew
deception" was the reply.
THE white mans word may be good TO
the white man, yet il is but wind when spo'
ken 10 the Indian" said the sachem.
81 have put my life ino your hands.' said
the Judge, is not this an evidence Of my
good intentions have placed confidence
in the Indian. and | will not believe that he
will abuse or beiray the trus, that is thus re-
posed"
80 much is we'll" replied the chief; 1.-The
Indian will repay confidence with CONN.,
dence; if YOU will trust him he will trust you.
But must have pledge. Let this boy
go with ME 10 my wigwam; will bring him
back i, three days with my answer y
If an arrow had pierced the mothers bo-
som she could no, have felt deeper pang
than went 10 her hesrt as the Indian made
this proposal. She sprang from her seat
aud rushing 10 the boy, who stood at the
side of the sachem. looking into his face with
pleased wonder and admiration; she encir-
cled him in her arms, and pressing him
close to her bosom, was about TO by from
lie room. A gloomy and omIous iro"n
come over The sachem's brow, but he did mol
speak. -
But not so with Judgs w. He knew
that the success of their enterprise, the very
lives of his family, depended upon the de-
cision of the moment. 'Stay, stay, my
daugh,erl" said he. "Bnng back the boy,
| bescech you. He is not more 10 you than
TO me. ! would not risk hair Of his head.
But. nv child. he must go with the chief
God will watch over himl He will be as
safe in the sachem's wigwam as beneath our
roof and in your arms"
The agonizsd mother hesitaied for a mo-
meui; she then slowly returned, placed the