The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-08-25
Bic Leg, a Miami Chief.
HIS TRIAL FOR MURDER.

The Indians of the Maumce and Wa
bash valleys, until very recently, held a
sort of supremacy over the whole popula-
ton of that region; or, at least so much as
to cause their depredations among them
selves to be overlooked, or winked at by
the civil authorities.
Fort Wayne, on the Maumee, for s3v.
eral years the head quarters of the Miami
les, Ottowas, and Pottowattamies, was dur
ing the period, the scene of many a bru-
tai murder, which for want Of power to the
white population, was suffered to go un-
punished-or if punished or noticed at
all, was left to the Indians themselves to
redress, by their own. well known custom
of retaliation of murders, and frequently
brought these warlke nations into hostile
collision with each other.
At length, however, about the year 1895
or 80, when the white population had in
creased to about two or three hundred, it
was thought proper to assume more au-
thoritative attitude, and possible 10 arrest
the further progress of Indian murders.
The resolution had hardly been formed,
when an opportunity to rythe white mans
power was presented; one, too, which is
no less amusing for its novelty, than char
acteristic of the Indian customs, and their
entire ignorance of municipal law.
A Miami chief called Big Leg, because
of the large and muscular dimensions of
his limbs, was the first selected to under
90 the transition from savage to civilized
punishment.
His father at his outset in the world, had
given him, as part Of his portion. fine,
young and interesting squaw.. She was
the child of the same father, but by dif-
ferent mother. Big Leg was pure In
dian, but his squaw was the child OF a
negro woman, whom his father had taken
captive in the wars. As the Indians had
never red the xviiith chapter Of Leviticus,
nor the christian codes founded thereon,
they knew of no objection to union where
the tie of consanguinity existed only in
half blood. They accordingly exchanged
the relation of master and slave, for the
more affectionate one of husband and
wiEe--or ratherof Indian and squaw: and
as such Big Leg and his squaw lived to-
gether for many years.
But at length, for some cause, OF which
we are not apprised they separated and
agreed to pursue their respective journies
alone. Big Leg continued to reside in his
ancient wigwam, and as he was good
hunter, generally kept it well supplied
with venison. But she seemed to be less
successful, or either from want to crafty
a thievish nature, would return when Big
Leg was absent and steal his provisions.
This incensed the Indian very much.
By the custom of his nation she was his
own property, which he might dispose of
as he thought proper. But, as an act of
Indian humanity, he chose rathert to spare
her rilife than Be her murderer-but it was
on the express condition that she should
leave him, and not return. His authority
wasnow frampled upon, and, as he thought
hishumanity was but lily repaid-but still
herefrained from the exercise. of his SOW
ereign right, and again notified her that
a further violation would certainly cost
herlife. This sseems to have had but little
effect q The same offence was again and
again repeated. Big Leg now determin-
ed that his words should not be idle; and
accordingly sought for an opportunity to
consumate his resolve. Afew weeks only
elapsed before an opportunity presented.
Hehad followed her to Fort Wayne, where
he knew she had retreated, and there; while
lurking around in her pursuit, ,rhe discover
ed'her in a yard, at work leaning over a
d.