Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1854-01-19

has never been Published, and as it relates to
the memorable campaign ending in the dreadful
massacre of Fort William Henry, we believe It
cannot fail to interest our readers. 1t will oc
cupy one or two of oar columns several weeks
to complete the publication. Ed
LETTER OF FATHER
MISSIONARY To THE ADrAK1s
Nep Account of these People and of the Algon-
quins-Frcnch and English War in Canada.
ST.. francois, Oct q, 1857.
On the twelfth day of July, left St. Fran
co.'s, the principal village of the Abuakis mis-
sion, to 90 to Montreal. The sole object of my
voyage WAS to conduct to the Marquis de Vaud-
reuil II deputation of tweuty Abuakis, destined
to accompany Father Vivot, who has gone for
the purpose of founding new mission among
the Wolves of Ohio, or tho beautiful river. The
part have been able to take in this glorious
enterprise, the event which occasioned it, the
difficulties that had to be surmounted, are able
to furnish in the sequel, interesting matter for
| " INN Ntpi. but We iuubJ NulI DIcbSllISo
may crown the efforts we have been able to
make to carry the light of the faith to people
who appear so disposed to receive them.
Arrived at Montreal distant one day and
half from my mission, supposed myself at the
end of my journey; but Providence ordered it
otherwise. An expedition was neditated against
the enemy, and they expected the greatest sue
cess, as the savage nations seemed well disposed
towards them. The Abuakis were to be of the
party, and as all the Christian savages are ac-
companied by their missionaries, who are eager
to furnish the proper aid of their ministry, the.
Abuakis felt assured would not abandon them
in such critical circumstances. w
therefore prepared to depart. My equipages
were soon in readiness, the plate of the chapel
and the holy oil--these were all. For the rest
/ | trusted in Providence, who had never failed to
take care of me. embarked two days after
ON the great river st. Lawrence, in company
with two gentlemen from St. Sulpice. One was
! NJ. Pequet, missionary to the Iroquois of Ga
lette and the second NJ. Matharet, missionary
to the Nipistingues of the lake of the two
mountains.
My Abuakis were eacamped at St. Johns, one
of the colonial forts, a day. journey from Mon
treal. Not being appriscd of my arrival, they
were taken by surprise. Hardly had they per-
ceivcd me, than the woods and neighboring
mountains rang with their shouts. Even the
children (for among savages all are soldiers from
the time they are able to carry muskcts. 1.-THE
children themselves gave me marks of their sat
isfaction. " neutrality-suspicious. nemittangous-
tenas!" exclaimed they in their language
ouziouni eri nanihoung!" that is to say,
= our father, our father that we are obliged to
thee for having procured Us the pleasure of see
ing thee"
thanked them in few words for the good
will they expressed for me. delayed not to
discharge the duties of my Office. Hardly had
| erected my tent than hastened orejoin them
conducted them to the foot of great cross
placed on the bank of the river. made, in a
loud voice, the evening prayer | ended by q
short exhortation in which 1 endeavorod to re-
count the obligations of a Chrstiou warrior in
battle dismissed them, after announcing
mass for the next day. / expected that this
would be the day of our departure. The bad
weather disappointed our hopes. We were
obliged still to cncamp there this day, which
was employed in making proper arrangements
Tor our march,
In the evening the liberality of an officer pro-
cured us one of those savage military spectaclos
which so many persons admire, as being capable
, of producing in the hearts of the most cowardly
, that martial ardor which makes the true war
rior. For myself, it has always appeared to me
like comic farce, capable of producing burst
1 of laughter in any one who is not on his guard
speak of a warlike feast. Imagine to your
self great assembly of savagcs dccked in orna
ments the most disfguring in European eyes
| Red, white, green, yellow, black made of 500
+ or the scrapings of kettles, are all applied on
single face, methodically arranged with the ait
!, of q little tallow, which serves for pomatum
d that is the paint used on these grand occasion
: not only to embellish the face, but even th
n head, which is almost all shaved, except littl
tuft on the top, which is reserved to hold eithe
y feathers, pieces of porcelain, or similar gew
d gaws. Each part of the head has its particula
y ornament; the nose has its pendant; the ear
s are slit when quite yonng, and become so muc
J, elongated by the heavy weight carried in ther
g as to strike the shoulders. The rest of tn
equipment answers to this fantastic decoration
l A shirt daubed with red paint, necklaces of POI
celain, bracelets of silver, great knife susper
/, dcd on the breast, girdle of various colors
n always grotesquely assorted, and shoes of ur
it dressed leather, complete the savage costume
n The chiefs and captains arc only distinguishe
ID by the neck piece, and by medallion havin
ID the portrait of the king on one side, and on til
g other Mars and Bellona, who hold hands, wit
ii this device, I" virtus ct honor" Imagine q
assembly of people thus deeked, arranged in
; line. In the middle are placed great kettle
of filed with baked meats, cut in pieces in ord,
ct to be more conveniently distributed to the con