Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-06-26
A Noble Example.

About the year 1776, circumstance occurred
which deserves TO be written on adamant In the
wars of New England with the aborigines, the Mo
hogan tribes of Indians early became friends of the
English. Their iavorite ground on the banks Of
the river, (now the Thames, between New London
and Norwich. small remnant of the Mohegans still
exist and they scarcely protected 1.-THE possession
and enjoyment of their favOrite domain on the banks
of the Thames The government OF this tribe had
become hereditary in the family of the celebrated
chief Uncas During the time OF my fathers mer-
camille prosperity he had employed several Indians
of this tribe in hunting animals whose skins val
liable for their fur Among these hunters was one
named Zachary, of the royal race, an excellent hun
ter, but as drunken and worthless an Indian ever
lived When he had somewhat passed the age of So,
several members of the royal family who stood be-
tween Zachary and the throne of his tribe, died. and
he found himself with only one life between him and
the empire.
In this moment his better genius resumed IFS sway,
and he reflected seriously elbow can such drunk
en- wretch as aspire to be the chief Of this hon
orable race: What will my people sayf and how
will the shades of my noble ancestors look down in
dignant upon such base successor. Can succeed
to the great Uncas' | will drink no mOre!" He
solemnly resolved never again to taste any drink but
water, and kept his resolution.
had heard this story and did not entirely believe
it for young was, already partook of the prev
ailng contempt for Indians In the beginning OF
May the annual election OF the principal officers
of the (then) colony held at Hartford, the CAPT.
tai NV father attended officially, and it was Gus
tomary for the chief of Mohegans also TO attend.
Zachary had succeeded to the rule of his tribe. My
fathers house was situated about midway on the road
between Mohegan and Hartford, and the old chief
was in the habitof coming few days before the
election and dining with his brother Governor. One
day the mischevous thought struck me to try the old
mans temperance. The family were seated at din
ner, and there was excellent home brewed beer on
he table. | addressed the old chief:
Zachary, this beer is excellent-will you taste
it,"
| The old man dropped his knife and fork-eaned
forward with stern intensity of eXpression-his
black eye sparkling with Indignation, was fixed on
me-
| ''John" said he, sFyou do not know what you are
doing You are serving the devil, boy Do you
not know that | am an Indian? | tell you that am,
and that if should but taste your beer, could not
stop until got 10 rum, and became again the drunk
en- contemplate wretch your father remembers me to
have been. John, while you live, never tempt any
man to break good resolution"
Socrates never uttered more valuable precept
Demosthenes could not have given it in more solemn
tones of eloquence. was thunderstruck. My par
ents were deeply affected they looked at each other
at me- and at the venerable Indian with deep feelings
of awe and respect. They afterwards frequently re-
minded me of the scene, and charged me never to
forget. Zachary lived to pass the age OF so, and
sncredly kept his resolution. He leis buried in the
oval burial place of his tribe near the beautiful falls
of the Yanc, the western branch of the Thames, in
! Norwich, on land owned by my friend Calvin
Goddard, Esq visited the grave of the old chief late
w. and repeated to myself his inestimabe lesson
| Colonel TrWnIbuIs Autobiography.