The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1862-06-11
TRUE TO HIS FLAG.
ny DR. s. COMPTON SMITH.

When, early in the summer of 1912, it
became known to the various Indian tribes
of the frontier that the United States had
declared war against Great Britain, the
principal war chiefs presented themselves
at Detroit, and avowiug their friendship
for their American brothers, solicited the
favor of fighting their battles with them
against the English. But from mistak-
en- sentiment of humanity, our govern
ment declined to accept their services
Had il done so, there is no doubt that
the effusion of much innocent blood might
have been prevented. Such, however,
was the policy of our rulers.
No sooner was il known to the enemy
that these offers had been refused, than
British emissaries were sent among the
tribes, holding out great inducements for
them to turn against their former friends,
and take up arms with the English.
The old chiefs, who had been in long
intercourse with Americans, refused TO lis
ten To the seduclions of the agents thus
employed; but the restless young braves,
influenced by some of the hot-hcaded
young chiefs, gladly embraced The terms,
aud, so that they could he engaged in the
fierce contentious of warfare, they cared
little on which side they were fighting.
Among those warriors who thus took
part with the enemy, were many bands of
Chippcwas, led on by their respective
chiefs.
But there was one noble old sachem of
this tribe who refused to take up the
hatchet unless he could be permitted to
use it against the enemies of his good
friends, the Chemo-ke-muns, or Ameri-
cans.
This man, with his family, remained
true TO the last, and it is of him is related
the following incident:
He was an old and much respected
chief, named NE.owA-eoN, Little Wing,)
and was said BY those who knew him to
have been one of the finest specimens of
humanity to be found among the Chippe-
was, at all times remarkable for their tall,
athletic, and handsome warriors.
Ne.gwa-gon, over six feet in height,
was straight as the oaks of bis own for
ests, and with a muscular development
seldom met with among even his people.
Added to these physical characteristics,
he possessed q countenance of striking
beauty, and manliuess of bearing, that
at once proclaimed him nobleman of
his race.
Hearing that the war was soon TO com.
mence, this brave old chief. with his war
riors, presented himself to the Governor Of
the then Michigan Territory, rendering his
services for the country. But like that of
all the other Indians, his offer was refused.
However, to temper the refusal, and still
TO retain the good will of the chieitain,
the Governor directed that he should be
loaded with such presents as
he and his warriors might select.
"No, nop exclaimed Ne-gwa-non,
when the proposition was made to him,
g. tell tho Governor our good rifles and
our traps will supply us with all we re-
quire. Ny young braves are strong, and
if not permitted to fight for the Cheno-
kc-muns, can obtain in the woods all we
require for food and clothing. Yet there
is one present we would be glad TO re-
ceive," and the chief pointed upwards to
the beautiful stars and stripes, floating
proudly on the breeze over his head.
"Tell the Governor" said he, eve
would be proud to accept that, and if we
can not fight under it, we would rejoice
TO sec il waving over our council fires,
AID VIC will promise that the S0giaosh,
(British) shall never take it from us, or
insult it,"
This request being communicated to the
Governor, be Immediately sent for Ne