Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-07-18
NJ 7 S q Is u u a ~ 80
INTERESTING srDIAN ANEcDoTE.

In abs new novel of The Prairie Bird,' the
latest work by the Hon. Charles A. Mnrrv.
and faithfully descriptive of the Indian inhab-
itans of the vast tracts of prairie and forest
land, now comprising the States of Ohio. In
diana, and Illinois, and Of The scattered Euro
rean settlers among them at the close of the
last century-we find the following anecdote
illustrative of some of the peculiar and strik-
ing characteristics of the Indian character:
'Ihe Prairie Bird although possessing the
ianlt OF proliXity, is one OF the most enter
tanning productions we have read for MANY
months. With all the amusement of fiction.
It's chIei ann is To afford correct information
respecting the habits, condition and character
OF me North American Indians, and those
bordering on their territory. The annexed
anecdote, as we have said, illustrates some
prominent characteristics SIT is not Cea-
ture In the character of the Indians to do anv.
hing by halves; their love and their hate. their
patience and Impotence, their abstinence and
seli-indulgence, all are apt to run into ex-
tremes. Moderation is essentially virtue of
civilization; it is the result of Corethouob,.
reasoning, and a careful calculation of conse-
quences, whereas the qualities of the Indian
are rather the children of impulse. and are
less modified by conflicting motives: hence
the lights and shades of character are broader
and more distinct; and though il NAV be per-
haps impossible that Indian vil,ainy should
assume deeper dye than that which NAV I'M
fortunately be met with among civilized ma
lions, 1t is not asserting too much to saw that
there are TO he found among these savages in
stances of disinierested. el-devoteG heroism.
such as are rarely heard of beyond the world
oil chlvalry and romance and those who are
conversant with the history of the Indian ma
tons can testify that parallel instances to tina,
which follows have frequently occurred among
them. Some years ago, Young married In
dan residing on the western bank Of the Mis-
sisslppi, quarreled with another Of his tfibe
ana Iii the heat of passion killed him with a
Oiow oil his tomahdwk After few moments
| rehection, he walked direct to The village, and
presenting himself before the wigwam Of the
murdered man, called together his relations
ana addressed them as follows: ''Your rela-
1--WE was my lriend;- we were together-some
angry words arose between us-l killed him
on the spot. My life is in your hands, and
nave come to offer ii up to yom; but the sum-
mer hunting season has now begun. ! have
a vile and some young children they have
done you no wrong; wish to go out in the
woods TO Kill plentiful supply Of meat such
as may feed them during the winter; and
when have done that, will return and give
myself 10 YOU" The stern assembly oil
mourners gave their assent, and the young
man retired. For many weeks lie toiled indie
iaigably in the chase, his wife jerked and
orled the meat as lie daily brought it in, until
ne saw The supply was ample for the ensuing
winter he then babe farewell TO her and tc