Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1848-07-27
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THE TrsnTAN gserr-y,

THE INDIAN CsEIIT.
The following beautiful story is literally true, and
was FIRST puifshed lecture delivered 1y William
Tracy, Esq, of Utica, ,ls.eary history Of Oaeida
county.
One Of the first settlers in Western New York was
Judge W, who established himself at Whiesiown
about four m lies from Utica. He brought his fam
lily with him, among whom dowsd daughter
with an only chld--a 6ne boy about four years old
You will recoecr, the country around was an unbro
len forest. and this was the domain of the savage "a
Judge W. the necessity Of keeping on
good terms with the indians, for, as he was nearly a.
lone, he was completely at their mercy Accordingly
ne took every opportunity 10 them Of his kind
ly feeling. and 10 their good will in return
Several chiefs came 10 see him. and all appeared pa
enc; Bnt there was one Thing troubled him; aged
ehel OF The Oneida tribe, and Of great influence, no
resided at the distance of dozen miles. had not yet
been to see him. nor could he ascertain the views and
feelings OF the sachem ia respect to this settlement n
that region. Al last he sent message, and the an
swer was that the chief would visit him on the NOR
rowi
Tfue 10 his appointment, the sachem came Judge
W received him with marks of respect, and IN
iroduced his wife. his daughter and little boy. The
interview that followed was interesting. Upon its
result tue Judge was convinced bis security mi. lit de-
pend, and he therefore exceedingly anxious 10
make favorable impression upon the Distinguished
Chief lie expressed his desire TO settle his county,
10 1--we on terms of arny and good fellowship with
itudns, ana 10 De useful 10 them by introducing
among thea the arts OF ciylllzaGon
The chief heard him out, and then said "Bro,her
you ask much and you promise much. What pledge
can you give Of your iaih The white mans word
may be good TO The white man, yet II IS wind when
spoken TO the Indian"
II have put my life in your hands :" said the Judge
rs not that an evidence olmy good iasenloa have
placed confidence in the Indian and will not believe
that he will abuse betray the that is thus re-
posed.'
4 : A -. a r
will repay confidence with confidence, if you will
trasi, he will uust you"
'Let this boy go with me TO my wigwan--I will
bring him back in three days with an answerl"
III an arrow had pierced the bosom OF the mother,
she could not have felt deeper pang than went TO
her heart. the Indian made this proposal She
sprang forward, and running TO the boy, who stood at
The side OF the sachem looking into his face with pleas
ed wonder and admiration, she enclrcled him her
bosom, was about to Fly from The room A gloomy
and onnous irown came over The sachems brow, but
be did not speak
/ But not SO with Judge W he knew tina; the
success OF the enterprise. the lives of his family de
pended on decision OF moment
Stay, stay. any daughter" he said. 'Bring back
the boy, beseech you He is not 10 you than
to me. would not risk halr OF his head But
my CHILD, he must 60 with the chief. God will watch
over him! He will be as safe in the saohem's wig
wan, as beneath own roof"
The agonlzed mother heslated for n moment she
then slowly returned placed the boy on the knee Of
the chef and kneeling at his feet, burst into food of
tears. The gloom passed from the sachem's brow,
but he SAID not word. He arose aud departed.
l shall not attempt 10 describe The agony of the
mother Tor the ensuing three days. She was agltated
BY coniendng hopes aud fears. Ia line night she a
woke from her sleep, seeming 10 hear he screams Of
The child calling on its mother for help. Buthe time
We're slowly away-and the Third day came How
slowly did The hours pass. The morning waned a
way, noon arrived, yet the sachem not. There