Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1856-09-25
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Joe English, the Friendly Indian

Joe English, the Friendly Indian
AN ORIGINAL AND TRUE STORY.
The hero and warrior in all ages have had
their istorians who would recount, in song or
story. their deeds of valor and bravery The
poets name is oulogized for a few scraps of
verse which have been found to contain Il senti
ment worthy Of remembrance; or the philoso
phelis H9Ae-talizod for adding bis mite to the
literary World But who descends to speak in
praise of the poor untutored Indian. though he
has done that which is more worthy to be re.
membered than many whose names stand high
on our nations history?
OF the early history Of Joe English, little or
nothing is known. To what tribe he belonged,
or the cause of his separation, still rests in OBJ
scurity.
Oac fine morning in the month of May, 1890,
as the inhabitants Of II small fort, on the from
tiers of Massachusetts, went out to gather wood
to cook their morning meal, they saw an Indian
lettering about their camp, in apparent uncon-
Germ. with only torn blanket thrown across
lis shoulders and without either gun, tona-
hawk or hatchet. By signs he made known to
them his lcstituton, fatigue and hunger. AS
they had been continually harrassed by the In
dans, they at once considered him us one strag-
Cling from one Of the neighhoring tribes, or
sent as spy from an enemy's camp. But one
man, more reckless, or humane, than the rest,
invited Joe to his cabin. where he WAS treated
with as much kindness as if he had heen Ills
most intimate friend.
From this time. Joe became extremely
attached to lis English friends, and avowed
himself their friend. and an enemy to the In
diaps lie was full-blooded Indian, apparently
about twenty five Yeas Of age, OF m'ddllns
size, straigl, and stont. His large black eye be-
spoke the bravery and intelligence Of bis noble
sonl and his courage WAS uncqualle'l hy any OF
the veterans Of oldcn time. Unlike mort of the
Indian race, he was possessed OF the sasaclly
and iearh ssn,ss of tie savage combined with
amiableness and bencyolence. In the tolls OF
war he was unparalleled for perseverance, and
activity, and looked upon fatigue and famine
with ,nconcern. But what gave the greatest
polish to his character was his decided orlosi-
tion to injustice and oppression wherever they
were found.
v iih the low lis eye was sure, and the beasts
OF the forest often felt the effects Of his skill.
Being out one day on ii cunning excursion, he
was discovered ty a large stout Indian, with u
loaded musket, near bill in the south part Of
the town now called New Boston. Joe ran
around the hill and was pursued by the other
Indian. lie ran so much faster than the stout
Indian that be soon came up behind and shot
him.
This hill is Of IL couiral shape, and has cyei
since borne tie name of Joe Englisls hlil. II
is annually visited by thousands, especial Il
large cave in the south side, which still bear'
testimony Of heirg The residence OF this celcbra
ted Indian 1t was here that he securely SLEPT
duling the night, free fromfthe danger OF an at
tack from IL hostile foe; here he smoked hi
meat and dried his skins and near this plac
is pointed out the place where he shot the In
dian.
Whenever the Indians were forming any hos
tile design against the whites, Joe invariab
succeeded in finding it out and. like that alig'
OF peace, Pocahontas, never failed to make
known. Ilc was Il shield to the timd female
and the protector Of the aged and inGrm, am
WAS always relied upon with the most impci
confidence.
But it was not the will Of Providence that Jo
should always enjoy good luck 1t Was hisiu
next to become the Victim Of Indian duplicty
After playing off his lranks in good style, for
long time, and harrassing the Indians in all d
roctions he was at last caught in Il trap Of h
own contriving. Ills plan to deceive the Indian
was valuable sson to them. They therefor
made an attempt to catch him. For this pul
pose, suitable instructions were given to one
o''Nil h'm'Vi, WIZ Nds W 20 " llic eebttCilNH
aud there act as descrer He accordingly wen
among the whites. proicsced great lricndsli
towards them, and passed off well as IL ircnt
secured the intimate acquaintance Of Joe, an
was thot by many to he Of the same tribe i,
the result proved otherwise. After several vcel
had passed, he proposed hunting cxpeditio
to Joe who agreed to accompany hin. The
left the settlement, ono pleasant morning. an
proceeded some distance but before lie ha
fired a single gun he was taken prisoner, an
subsequently carried to Canada, where hc W,
savage y treated.
His thoughts were now turned towards ii
quiet settlement he had 80 recently left and il
tently cpntriving some way to get back aeail
lie finally determined to conduct himself in sue
.nanner rs would induce the Indians to col
fde in him, and thought it he could othis,
could probably escape. lie condemned the III
gllsh rs strong us any one. and lost no opport'
nifty to express his hatred Of them
The tribe 10 which he belonged had in co.
temptation an exp diton against Deerteld NJ
A consultation was held, and among others j
was in favor Of the project. And sach WAS i
ardor and confidence Of .saccess, and being we
acquainte with tho country. he was selected
their leader
The company left Canada for Dccrlcll abo
the first Of May, lT0G. In a few days tn
reached the mountain in the north part Of t
town. Here they halted to consult upon t
best mode of attack Joe thought it hest
hunt deer one day, as they would probably wa
considerable quantity for the seise. At
suggestion, nearly tho whole party went rou
on one side Of the mountain, to drive the d,
across to the other, so that he and his comp
ion might shoot them. While thus situat