Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1858-06-10
Logan.

One of the most interesting characters
furnished by the aboriginal history of our
country, is that of Logan, the cheltain and
the orator of the Iroquois. His name is
equally an honor to the red race, from
which he sprung, and reproach to the
white race, that made lis life desoIate, and
his death iuglorious.
His birthplace was Was kouoh, now cal
led CISCO, on the outlet of the lake, about
two-and half miles north of the city OF
Auburn. His Indian name was Tah-gah-
jute. His father was Shkellimus, distiL-
guished Sachem of the Cayugas. Abou,
1920, he removed, with considerable pof-
tion of the Cayuga tribe,1k5 the region Of
Shamokin, Northumberland County,) Pa,
on account of the scarcity of fish and game
in their old haunts. Tah-gah jute was then
about seven years old. Shikellimus became
a friend of the whites, and Christian, and
was received, with his family, into the
Christian church. At his baptism, Tah.
gah jute received the name of Logan,in hon.
or of James Logan, secretary of the Prov
ince.
Logan inherited the talents and peaceful
virtues OF his father, after whose death he
became chieftain. He was jealous par
tizan of the English, and had often distin-
guished himself in their service. He was
taken prisoner, and brought before the Gen.
eral Assembly of Virginia, who hesitated
whether he should be triec by court-martial
as soldier, or at the criminal bar for high
treason. Logan interrupted their delibera-
,ions, and stated to the Assembly, that they
had no jurisdiction to try him; that he owed
no allegiance to the King of England,
being an Indian chief, independent of every
nation" In answer to their inquiries, as to
his motives for taking up arms against the
English, he thus addressed the assembly,
81 appeal to any white man to say, if
ever he entered Logan's cabin hungry, and
l gave him not meat! if ever he came cod
and naked, and gave him not clothing,--
During the last long and bloody war, Logan
remained idle in his tent, an advocate for
peace; nay, such was my love for the
whites, that those Of my own country point
ed at me, as they passed by, and said, Lo-
gan is the friend of white men. had ever
thought to live with you, but for the injuries
of one man. Colonel Cressap. the last
spring, in cold blood and unprovoked, cut
off all the relations of Logan, not sparing
even my women and children. There runs
hot drop of my blood in the veins of any
human creature. This called on me for re-
venge. have sought it. | have killed
many. | have glutied my vengeance. For
my country, rejoice at the beams of peace
But do not harbor the thought that mine is
the joy of fear. Logan never felt fear. He
will not turn his heel to save his life. Who
is there to mourn for Logan! Not one"
This pathetic and affecting speech touch
ed the sensibiIity OF all who heard him. The
General Assembly applauded his noble SEN
tim ents, and immediately set him at liber.
ty Every house in Virginia WED with each
o. her which should enlertain him the best
or shcw him the most respect; and he re-
turned to his native country, loaded with
presents and hono-s.
The citizens of Auburn, in laying out
their beautiful rural cemetery, on the site
of the old Indian fortiications, reserved the
most sacred spot-the saeriicial mound
Tor a stately monument to the mem 'ry OF
Logan. 1t bears the simple and touching
inscription--more eloquent than !abored
epitaph:- :-"Who is there to mourn for Lo-
gan!"- Merry's Museum and WoOd'0orth's
Cabinet.