The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-02-28
Weatherford, the Indian Chief.

Weatherf0rd, the Indian Chief.
Jackson, with his new levies, marched
on VIGOROUSLY to the Hickory Ground
the sacred domain of the Creeks, and the
heart OF their territory. Before reaching
it, several bloody battles were fought.
The death-blow to the Creek nation was
gwen at Tahopeka, at the great Horse.
shoe Bend of the Tallapoosa river, where
a thousand warriors, with their women
and children, had congregated in fortif-
ed camp, 10 give final and decisive battle
to the invaders. Jackson attacked them
10 ward the close Of March, 1914. Almost
six hundred warriors were slain, for they
disdained to surrender. They saw no
feat, and they Tough, with desperation. 1t
was their last effort; their power and spirit
were crushed; and upon the Hickory
Ground, at the fork Of the Coosa and
Tallapoosa rivers, their remaining chiefs
bowed in submission to the conqueror.
Among these was W eatherford. their great
est leader, and principal actor in the butch.
cry at Rpft Mimms.
Jackson had ordered his followers to
secure Wea,herford, and bring him bound
to his camp. While sitting alone in his
tent. jus, at sunset, a noble looking Indian
entered, and drawing himself up TO his
full height, and folding his arms. said. 81
am Weatheriord, the chief who command
ed at Fort Mimms. | have come to ask
peace for myself and my people" Jack
son expressed astoDishment that one so
guilty should dare to appear in his pres.
ence and ask for peace and protection.
IL am in your power haughtily replied
the chief. ''Do with me as you please.
| atn soldier. have done the white
people all the harm could. have
fought them. and fought them bravely; if
had an army, would yet fight and con.
tend to the last; bat have none. My
people are all gone. | can now do NO
more than weep over the misfortunes Of
my naiion'' Here was man after jack
sons own heart. He loved his people,
had fought 10 protect his father-land from
the invader, and now fearlessly expressed
his patriotism. Jackson Immediately in
formed him that submission and the &C.
eeptance of home beyond the Missis.
sippi for his nation, was the only wise
policy for him to pursue; and then re.
marked. "lf. however, you desire 10 con !
tinue the war, and feel prepared to meet
the consequences, you may depart in
peace, and unite yourself with the war;
party ii you choose.' Weatheriord proud
ly answered, 81 may we'll be addressed in
such language now. There was time
when had choice, and could have an
swered you: Ihave none now-even hope
is ended. Once Ioould animate my war
riors to battle; but cannot animate the
dead. My warriors can no longer hear
my voice. Their bones are at Talladega,
Tallusehatchee, Emuckfaw. and Tahope-
ka. have not surrendered yself thought
lessly. While there Was chance for sue
cess, never left my post nor supplicated
peace. But my people are gone, and
now ask it tor my nation and for myself
On the miseries and misforiunes brought
upon my country look back with deepes,
sorrow, and wish to avert still greater Ca
lamities. If had been left to contend
with tho Georgia army, would have rails
ed my corn on one bank OF the river and
fought them on the other. But your peo-
pie have destroyed my nation. You are
brave man; | rely upon your generosity
You will exact no terms Of conquered
people but such as they should agree to.
Whatever they may be. it would now be
madness and folly to oppose. If they are
opposed, you will find me among the
sternest enforcers OF obedience. Those
who would still hold out can be influenced
only by mean spirit Of revenge; and 10
this they must not, and shall not, sacrifice
the last remnant Of their country. You
have told our nation where we might GO
and be safe. This is good talk, and they
ought to listen to it. They shall listen to
it," Thus spoke the noble Weatherford
for his nation. Words Of honor respond
ed to words of honor; and Weatherford
was allowed to 60 freely to the forest and
search for his scattered followers and
counsel peace. He did SO; the war ended
and treaty Of peace was concluded with
the remnant of the Creek chiefs on the
10Th of July, l8l4.-Harper's Magazine