The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1850-09-07

broke forth, with gladness in their hearts and
gratitude TO the Good Spirit, retraced their
steps, and again were happy in their homes"
The Prophet ceased. and the succeeding 81
lence was broken by Mokena.
'Thc chief understands the dream-the
Potowatomies are the menacing clouds, ga
therng into the mighty storm. and about to
crush the Illinois. But, Prophet, here lie the
bones of the fathers of this once great nation.
Shall they be deserted by the sons to the
spurnngs OfPatOwatomie moccasions2 No!
| The Great Spirit cannot thus whisper to his
children. Generations. Prophet, have been
born. strengthened into maturity. withered in
old are, and passed away; yet in the strong
grasp Of these cliffs, 'mid the storms Of war
and smiles of peace, still stand secure the
wigwams of the Illinois. Here the nation is
strong-away, they would be as children"
"Chief, the Prophet speaks not-'tis the
Great Spirit. IL is for his children 10 listen
and obey, not 20 question:
"Mokena has been dreaming too-and he
saw his people sink into night, and when the
morning opened, their bones lay bleaching i'll
the winds. The Illinois will soon be gone,
and t7ere will be none left to weep"
mot so chiel-the Great Spirit has point
cd out the path. the maiden has already fol-
lowed it, and if the Illinois are wise, the chief
will clasp the flower 10 his bosom, and have
his people smiling around him in security, ere
| The flight Of another sun. The Prophet Is
like an aged tree, his limbs shaking and shlv-
ering in the cold lasts. leailess aud truitiess
and bending to the earth which must soon re-
ceive him. He wishes not 10 be preserved
/ from the enemy's hatchet-buthish heart beats
warm for the happy children and squaws OF
the Illinois. and Tor the strong armed warrl-
I ors too, i'm whom Il great nation even now may
/ be concentrated. at some future day, TO bud
blossom. and yield it's fruit The chief has
gaZed in wonder at the great rock which rises
| from the bosom of the small river. He has
not been upon its pinnacle, for there, he thinks,
dwells the Great Sprit-but he dwells not
there now, for he has given up his home to
/ his Illinois children, and there. with plenty oil
corn and venison. they may mock, and laugh
at, and defy their enemies"
The chiefs eye glstened with the new
hope. tor well he knew II half dozen warriors
might defend themselves in the security oil the
rock, against hosts of enemies. A reveren-
tal fear founded on the belief that the great
rock was the abiding place Of the Good Splr-
| il, had prevented hun previously from think
| ing for moment of rendering 1t Il place OF
mortal habilaiIOn.
]
| Prophets words are good"
'.On that rock, " continued the old man,
/ impressively, " the Ottawa maiden awaits her
CHIFFON that rock the Great Spirits smile
awaits his children. Dare to despise his
whspcriDgs, and his power shall bead on the
| Illinois nation. There is no longer time Tor
debate. The storm will soon burst, and ter
rible is the wrath of the great offended. His
prOuheI has sDokeno
Wrapping in dignity his robe about him,
the old luIidn meaningly pointed above and
walked away. The chief paused moment
then silently joined his warriors, who for some
time had one by ore assembled in the great
square. He addressed them in Il low but
emphatic tone of voice for few moments,
briefly explaining the Prophets dream and
warning. At the close, dark eyes flashed
their meaning and answer. though no lIp
spoke till an aged warrior, stepping on: from
the little band said:
"The Great Spirit has spoken-iti is indie ed
for his children To obey"
The chief GaZed around upon his brave
followers, and saw that tins was their answer.
Quietly then he gave his orders. The day
had dlSDet. yet ere the sun wasan hour high
the slim Pshdlns,yet strong and unconquered
OF the once great Illinois nation, had departed
from the village OF their toreIaiherS, TO seek
the rock ot their salvation"
70 be Continued