The American patriot. (Clinton, La.) 1854-1???, 1855-03-21

Indians as to some reports put in circulation
by the enemies of the United States, to arouse
them into state of outbreak and war. The
gentleman sent on this mission, whose name
was Parker, found great difficulty in disabus-
ing the minds of the suspicious Indians, as to
the false statement made to them by the inter-
ested parties already named; and the more SO
as some fellow had preceded him, falsely rep
resenting himself as the agent Of our govern
ment, who had declared to the savages, that it
was the fixed and settled policy of the United
States to continue to encroach upon them and
their possessions, until both should be swal-
lowed up,
This was false as to the intention our gov
ernment at that time, though the representa-
ton, in some degree, has since become a fact
Of history, owing perhaps to the unlooked-for
and unprecedented tide of emigration, which
has ceaselessly rolled its waves westward But
after much earnest labor, Mr.. Parker began to
succeed SO well in his work, that those inter-
ested in the continuance of the state of excl
ted Feeling he was allaying and moulding to
his purpose, became alarmed lest he should f.
nally prove entirely successful in his efforts
and restore tranquility where they desired TO-
mentation and strife rs the preparation for an
open rapture.
10 prevent the cunsummation of this object
the parties interested appear to have held a
kind of secret council among themselves, and
the result Of their deliberations was that Par
ker must be put to death. But how? Tccum-
sch was not yet prepared to bring on a state
of open hostilities as his grand schemes for
universal confederacy of all the tribes were
not yet completed. Mckee, the British agent,
took it on himself to see that the bloody
deed was done, and thus the matter was set
! tied
10 succeed in killing Parker, and yet not
commit the Indians Mckee had only to call in
the aid of Turkey. Foot, whose services he en-
gagged by promise of reward-he was to kill
Parker and receive pay for the work of muir
der, at the hands of this agent of civilized
and Chrtstianised country
The bargain was struck; and in pursuance of
his part of the contract, Turkey-Foot took four
Of his men and started on the trail of his in.
tended victim, who, all unconscious of the
threatening danger that hung over him, went
peaceably on in his work of reconciliation. He
had reached the limits of his mission, and was
on his return tour when the mnrderous assas-
sins came on his track. Down the Mississppi
he went and down they followed after him.
They neared him every hour, vet he knew not
that they were scenting his track as the wolf
does his prey! They were near-so near that
the place and time for the preparation of the
crime were fixed, and the winged hours were
leetly waiting the short interval into the cter.
nifty ofthe past! The time arrives--the stealthy
mnrdcrers approach their victim--a moment
and the work Of death is done! But Mr.. Par
ker is not the person slain He had from some
cause hastened his movements, thus saving his
life by few hours, and two Frcnchmen met
the fate that was intended by the murdercrs for
him.
Gov. Harrison was speedily informed of this
cold-blooded atrocity, and demanded of the
Potowatamies that Turkey-Foot and his accom-
p!icos shonid be given up and their great
chief the Sun, declared his desire to have him
punished, and his willingness to endcavor to
secure him. In consequence of this turn of
affairs, the deSpcradoes now became the fugi-
lives, and were pursued by the Indians who
had volunteered to carry out the wishes of Har-
rison and the Sun. Turkey Foot expected a
reward from Mckee for the two scaIps Of the
FrenchInon, and WAS making his way to his
place Of residence, when the new complication
Of affairs make it necessary for him to change
his course. and he fled across the Mississippi
into Missouri. where he remained for length
Of time not daring to show himself where he
was known.
So soon, however, as the excitement died
away and other topics began 10 cngross the at
teltion Of those who sought his life, he returned
and recommended his life of crime and villainy
Ii will no, coinport with the limits Of this bliuf
sketch, for US 10 even name the cnormities he
committed, their name being legion; but so nu.
merous were they, and withal, of such an out
rageous character that Gov. Harrison at last
demanded Of his tribe that they should deliver
him up under pain of the dispeasure of the
United States. The chief promised that he
should bc taken either dead 81 alive but the
government would not hear TO his death, and
demanded that he be brought in alive; that he
might be punished according to the laws of the
country, in accordance with provision in the
treaty of Greeenyille The chief then promised
to bring him in as the Governor desired, and,
with DO ly of his followers, set out to hunt
him up. They met him unexpectedly, as he
was crossing small prairie, he not being aware
Of their intentions, and the chief addressed him
in a friendly manner, as he approached, and
took him by the hand. determined at the same
time to hold him fast until he was surrounded
and secured.
But no sooner did Turkey-Foot perceive the
intention of the chief, than with great dexterity
and presence of mind he brought his rifle,
which was upon his left shoulder, around in
such manner as to present the muzzle direct
at the chief and thus the two stood. 1t was
moment of great suspense Another second,
and one of the two might be in eternity; but
the chief had no weapon of defense ready, and
his life seemed to be the certain sacrifice. An
other instant and the sharp crack of rife
broke out shrill upon the quiet morning air,
and Turkey Foot lay in the agonies of death
A young Indian had perceived the perilous sit
uation of his chief, and shot the miscreant
dead on the spot ere he had time to discharge
his own piece. His scalp was taken to Gov.
Harrison, to whom an account of his death
was rendered, and the circumstances were con-
sidcred an excuse for not camplying with the