Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1857-03-05
Trusting an Indian Chief,
es 80 OR, ba
CONFIDENCE RETURNED.

One OF the first settlers in Western
New York was Judge W., who establish
ed himself at Whitostown, about four miles
/ from Utica. He brought his family with
him, among whom was widowed daugh,
ter, with an only child, fine boy of
about four years old. You will recollect
that the country around was an unbroken
forest. and this was the domain of savage
tribes. 7
| Judge w. saw the necessity of keeping
on good terms with the Indians, for as he
was nearly alone, he was completely at
their mercy. Accordingly he took eve
ry opportunity to assure. them of his kind
| ly feelings, and to secure their good will
in return. Several Of the chiefs came to
see him, and all appeared pacific. But
there was one thing that troubled him;
an aged chief Of the Seneca tribe, and one
of great influence, who resided at dis:
lance of about six miles, had not yet been
to see him; nor could he by any means
ascertain the feelings and views of the
Sachem, in respect to his settlement in
that region. At last he sent him mes
sage and the answer was That the chief
would visit him on the morrow
True to his appointment. the Sachem
came, Judge W. received him with marks
of respect, and introduced his wife, his
daughter. and the little boy. The inter-
view that followed, was deeply interest
ing. Upon its results, the Judge con-
ceiyed his security might depend, and he
was therefore, exceedingly anxious to
p,olyo 60 blo in,nracciop 11Dnn th q
mind of the distinguished chief. He ex-
pressed to him his desire to settle in the
country. to live on terms of amity, and
good fellowship with the Indians; to be
useful to them by introducing among
them the arts of civilization.
The chief heard him out and then said,
Brother, you ask much and you promise
much; what pledge can you give me Of
your faith?"
1.-THE honor of man that never knew
deception" was the reply.
"The white mans word may be true to
the white man, yet it is but wind when
spoken to the Indian" said the Sachem.
have put my life in your hands"
said the Judge; /" is not this an evidence
of my good intentions? l have placed
confidence in the Indian, and l will not
believe he will abuse or betray the trust
that is thus reposed."
$50 much is WE'LL" replied the chief;
" the Indian will repay confidence; If You
trust him, he will trust you. But must
have pledge. Let this boy go with me
to my wigwam; and will bring him back
in three days with my answer"
If an arrow had pierced the bosom Of
the mother, she could not have felt
deeper pang than went to her heart, as the
Indian made this proposal. She sprang
from her seat and rushing to the little
boy who stood at the side Of the Sachem,
looking into his face with pleasant won
der and admiration, she encircled him in
her arms, and pressing him close to her
heart, was about to fly from the room. A
gloomy and ominous frown came over the
Sachem's brow. but he did not speak.
But not so with Judge w. He knew
that the success of the enterprise, the very
lives of the family, depended on the decis-
ion of the moment. Stay, stay, my
ds1ghter!" said he. Bring back the boy
| beseech you. would not risk hair Of
his head. He is not more dear to you
than me. But my child, he must go with
the chief. God will watch over him.
He will be as safe in the Sachem's wig,
wan as beneath our roof and in your
arms.
| shall not attempt to describe the ago
ny Of the mother for the three ensuing
days. She was agitatcd by contending
hopes and fears. In the night she awoke
from her sleep, seeming to hear the
screams of her child calling upon its moth
er 1or help! But the time wore away
and the third day came. How slowly
did the hours pass! The morning waned
away; noon arrived, and the afternoon
was lar advanced; yet the sachem came
not. There was gloom over the whole
household. The mother was pale and 81
lent. as if despair was settling coldly
around her heart. Judge W. walked to
and fro. going every few minutes to the
door, and looking through the opening in
the forest, towards the Sachems abode
At last. as the rays of the setting sun
were thrown upon the forest around, the
eagle feathers of the chieftain were seen
dancing above the bushes in the distance.
lie advanced rapidly, and the little boy
was at his side. He was gaily attired as
young chief-his feet being dressed in
moccassns; a fine beaver skin was over
his shoulders, and eagle feathers we're
stuck in his hair. He was in excellent
spirits, and so proud was he of his hon.
ors that he seemed two inches taller than
before. He was soon in his mothers arms
and in that brief minute she seemed to
pass from death to life. It was happy
mceting-too happy for me to describe.
The white man has conquered" said
the Sachem; hereafter let US be friends.
You have trusted the Indian; he will re-
pay you with confidence and friendship"
He was as good as his word, and Judge
W. lived there many years. laying the
foundation of fourishing and promising
community.
A Mysterious Parsonage.