Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1865-02-03
From the N. Y. Ledger.
Joseph Brandt.

the Indians as Theyendanega, was man
of such excellent qualities and culture.
that he was for many years of long life,
the chosen associate and adviser of some
Of the statesmen Of bis day, not only in
this country, but in Europe. He was in
London in the year 1856, and during his
stay there, he was frequent guest at the
houses of the nobility and men of note Of
the time.
On one occasion there was a grand
fancy ball given by the Earl Of Mora, to
which Brandt was invited. Ho went in
full Indian costume--tomabawk, war
club, and scalps, being included in bis
equipment but, instead of wearing the
mask usual on such occasions, he had bis
face painted in two equal sections divided
by line running down the middle Of his
nose-red on one side, and blue on the
other.
Among the guests present at this en-
tertaiument was a Turkish diplomat Of
rank. This gorgeous Oriental person
was confounded at the Western splendor
of the "nob!e savage" the like Of whom
he had never before seen. He inquired
of those near him why the Indian brought
so many wigs with him-alIuding to the
luxuriant scalp locks that futtered from
the warriors belt and legeins. But,
above all things, be was taken with
Brandt's mask-for such he supposed the
painted and imperturbable face Of the In
dian to be. Interpreters informed the
Mussulman that it was no mask, bot a
live Indian countenanee. This did not
satisfy him, however. Watching his op-
portunity, he undertook TO test the mat
ter by sezing the nose of the painted
warrior, who, too quick for him, stepped
back suddenly, gave terrific war-whoop,
and, fourishing bis knife above the head
of the scared Mussulman, scalped him BY
whipping off his turban, which he grave
ly proceeded to add to the trophies al
ready attached to his. belt. For mo-
ment there was good deal of consterna-
ton throughout the assembly, which was
allayed, however, when Brandt, stepping
up to the discomfited Turk, politely re-
placed the turban on his head, at the
same time informing him, through the in
terpreter, that he entertained sentiments
of the most distinguished consideration
for him, but didn't want him TO pull his
nose.
Brandt, who was Of the Wolf branch
of the Mohawk tribe, and born in the
year l742, had received an excellent ed
ucation through the influence ofhis friend
Sir William johnson, by whom he was
sent to the Moor Charity School at Leb
anon, in Connecticut. Many humane
traits are recorded of him during the
course of his career, while other anec--
dotes :end to prove that the savage ele-
ment was never entirely eradicated from
him.
Brandt was a member of the masonic
fraternity, and no brother was ever more
jealous of its mysteries and privileges
than he.
When a certain Major Wood was ta-
ken prisoner by Brandt's Indians at the
battle of Minisink, he thought 10 save
himself from harm by conveying to the /
chief masonic sign, Of which be had by |
some means become possessed, although |
it turned out afterwards that he had new
er been member Of that order. When
the Indians were about TO tie Wood, he
demonstrated, saying that he was a gen
tIeman, and would not attempt TO escape.
Upon this Brandt ordered them not to
tie him, at the same time telling him that
he should be tomahawked if he was
caught trying to escape. At night Wood
was placed between two Indians in the
camp. The blanket on which he lay
took fire in the course Of the night, but
he was afraid to move, lest the sleeping
Indians should wake suddenly up and
kill him for trying TO escape. So he lay
still until the fire reached his feet, when
ne kicked it out without making any dis
urbauce. 1t SO happened that the blan-
Set belonged to Brandt, who, ever after
ward, so loag as Wood remained in his
custody, treated him with great harshness
frequently saying TO him, "Curse you -
1cu burnt my blanket" !" But Brandt bad
soul above blankets, and it was very
we'll known that the real cause Of his dis
ike to Wood was on account Of the lat
er having deceived him with the mason
C sign.
The logic of the Indian was truly il