Bedford inquirer and chronicle. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1854-1857, 1857-07-10
Trus ting an Indian Chief.
A FACT.

IorK was Judge W. who established him.
self at Whitesboro, about four miles from
Utica. He brought his family with him,
among whom was widowed daughter with
an only child, a fine boy Of abot four years
old. You will recollect that the country
around was an unbroken forest, and this was
the domain Of the savage tribes.
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 every
opportunity to assure them of his kindly
feelings and to secure their good will in re-
turn. Several of the chiefs came to see
him, and all appeared pacific. But there
was Que thing that troubled him; an aged
chief of the Seneca tribe, and one of great
influence, who resided at distance Of six
miles, had not yet been to see him; nor
could he by any means ascertain the feel
ings of The Sachem, in respect to his set
tlement in that region. At last be sent
him message, and the answer was, that the
chief would visit him on the morrow.
True to his appoin tmeut, the Sachem
came. Judge ". received him with marks
of respect, and introduced his wife, his
daughter and the little boy. The interview
that followed, was deeply interesting. Up
on its results, the Judge conceived his Sc
curity might depend. aud he was, there
fore exceedingly anxious to make favora-
Bile impression upon the distinguished chief.
He expressed 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,
eBrother, you ask much and you promise
lnuch--what pledge can you give OF your
faith Z"
aThe honor of a man that never knew
deception" was the reply.
"The white mans word may be good to
the white man, yet it is but wind when
spoken to the Indian said tho Sachem.
q have put my life in your hands, said
the Judge; SIS this an evidence of my good
intentions? have placed confidence in the
Indian, and will hot believe be will abuse
or betray the trust that is thus reposed-'
so much is well,' replied the chief; 'the
Indian will repay confidence; if you trust
him he will trust you. But | must have
pledge. Let the boy 60 with me to my
wigwam: l will bring him back in three
days with my answer
Ifan arrow bad pierced the bosom of the
mother, sbe could not have felt a dseper
pang than went to her heart as the Indian
made the proposal. She sprang from her
seat, and rushing to the boy who stood at
the side Of Sachen, looking into his face
with pleased wonder and admiration, SIZE
encircled him in her arms, and pressing him
clOSe 10 ueF DEedSt, was aoout w ~ hVii
the room. A gloomy and ominous frowr
came over the Sacheln'S brow, but be did
not speak.
But not so with Judge W. He knew
that the success of the euterpris, the very
life of the family depended on the decision
of the moment. 'Stay, stay, my daughter
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, lie must go With the chief. God
will watch over him He will be as safe in
the Sacheln's wigwam as beneath our roof
and in your arms.
shall not attempt to describe the agony
of the mother for the three ensuing days.
She was agitated cOnteudiug hopes and fears.
In the night she awoke from her sleep,
seeming to hear the screams Of. her child
calling upon its mother for help But the
time wore away-and the third day came.
How slowly did the hours pass! The morn
ing waned away; noon arrived, and the af-
ternoon was far advanced, yet the Sachem
came not. There was gloom over the
whole household. The mother was pale and
silent, 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 Sachem's abode.
AT last rs the rays of the setting sun
were thrown upon the tops of the forest
around, the eagle feathers of the ohieftain
were seen dancing above the bushes in the
| distance. lie advanced rapidly. and the
little boy was at bis side. He was gsily
attired as young chief--tis feet being
dressed in moccasins, a fine beaver skin
was over his shoulders, and eagles feathers
we're stuck In his hair. He was in excel
lent 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.