The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1848-08-01
THE INDIAN CHIEF.

The following beautiful story is literally true,
and was first published in lecture delivered by
William Tracy, Esq, of Utica, n. Y on the car
ly history of Oneida County. II has been alter
ed by somebody, but we have not the means at
hand of correcting the alterations, nor are they
sufficiently important TO greatly mar the beauty
of the incident as gracefully related by Mr. Ira
CIV, whose fine pen, VIC would take this occasion
to say 1t is reproach to him that he has suffered
TO be idle so long;
One of the first settlers in Western New York.
was Judge W, who established himself at
Whitcstown-about four miles from Utica. He
brought his family with him, among whom was
a widowed daughter with an only child-a fine
boy about four years old. Yon will recollect, the
country around was an unbroken forest, and this
was the domain Cfthe savage tribes.
Judge W, saw the necessity of keeping on
good terms with the Indians, for as he was alone
he was completely at their mercy. Accordingly
he took every opportunity to assure them Of his
kindly feelings, and 10 secure their good will in
return. Several Of the chiefs came to see him, and
all appeared paciic.-But there was one thing that
troubled him; an aged chief of the Oneida tribe,
and of great influence, who resided at the distance
of dozen miles, had not vet been 20 see him. nor
could he ascertain the views and feelings of the
sachem in respect TO his settlement in that region.
At last he sent him message, and the answer
was that the chief 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 daughter and little
BOY. The interview that followed was interesting.
Upon its result the Judge was convinced his secu-
rily might depend. and he was therefore exceed
ingly anxious of making favorable impression
upon the distinguished chef-He expressed his
desire TO settle in the country 10 live on terms OF
amity and good fellowship with the Indians and to
be useful to them by introducing among them the
arts of civilization.
The chief heard him out and then said -
Brother vou ask much and YOU promise much,
what pledge can you give of your faith The
white mans word may he good TO the white man,
yet it is wind when spoken to the Indian
Il have put my life in your hands" said the
Judge is not that an evidence of my good intcn-
ton? 1 have placed confidence in the Indian and
will not believe that he will abuse and betray the
trust that is thus reposed"
$50 much is well, replied the chief ''the Indi-
an will repay confidence with confidence, if you
will trust him, he will trust you. Let the boy 60
with me 10 nv wigwam-I will bring him back in
three days with my answer"
If an arrow had pierced the bosom of the moth.
err. she could not have felt a deeper pang than
went to her heart, rs the Indian made this propo-
sal She sprang forward, and running to the boy
who stood at the side of the Sachcm, looking in
10 his face with pleased wonder and admiration
she encircled him IN her arms, and pressing hin
to her bosom, she was about to fly from the room
y gloomy and ominous frown came over the Sd
chem's brow, but he did not speak.
But not so with Judge W. He knew thai
the success of the enterprise the lives of his fami
", depended on decision. "Stay, stay, my
daughter" he said Bring back the boy, 1 be
seech you. He is not more 10 you than to me.
would not risk a hair of his head. But, my child
he must 90 with the Chief. God will watch owe
him He will be as safe in the Sacbem's wigwam
as beneathour own roof"
The agonized mother hesitated for moment
she then slowly returned, placing the boy on thu
knee of the Chief, and kneeling at his feet, burs
into food of tears. The gloom passed from thu
Sachems brow, but he said not word. He a
rose and departed.
shall not attempt to describe the agony of thu
mother for the ensuing day. She was agitated b,
contending hopes and fears. In the night she a
woke from her sleep, seeming to hear the scream
OF her child calling on its mother for help. Blu
the time slowly wore away-and the third ia,
came. How slowly did the hours pass. In
morning waned away, noon arrived; yet the ga
chem came not. There was gloom over tn
whole household The mother was pale and 81