Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1867-06-21
M scella nc 9 II s ,
(From the Maine Standard
A Bit of Kennebec History.
The STORY OF JAeATAoUA.

Rough hew them how we will."- Shakespeare.
The details Of history are gathered, not
alone from the naked facts as they trans
pired but quite as much oftentimcs, from
the inferences nationally involved there
with. Some qualifications of this nature
must be confessed in supplying fuluess
to the narrative by which we shall close
this series Of articles. The essential parts
are historically true the traditions incor-
porated with them may he more problem
atical. We give them. however. as they
come to us. The reader can judge of their
supports from reason.
A few DAYS after the arrival of Arnold g
army under the heights of Quebec, and
before Aaron Burr was made bearer OF
dispatches to Gen. Montgomery at Mont
real, (of which mention was made in our
last, } an incident took place, which though
small in itself led to results of singular
and even Proyidential moment. Burr.
accompanied by Jacataqua, during one of
their wanderings in secluded out grounds,
came to brook of pure water which, it
seems, the British sodi RS were in the
habit of visiting for the purpose OF qnench
ing their thirst. Having no cup Burr, slys
his biographer Parton, was proceed
ing to use the top of his cap as Il vessel in
which to offer his companion water, when
a British officer who had come to the 9th
t, sid. OF the hrovk for the purpose of "A
draught. salutcd him politely and offered
nm the use ot his hunting cup. Burr ac
| cpptcd the uiTcI. aud ... .-o ~..-.-a :-,.~
conversation. of which the lady huntress
present constituted the most interestins :
subject. Burr's stock of provisions was
then reduced to one buscuit and an onion.
The officer, pleased with the frank and
gallant hearing of Burr. and the brunette
beauty of Jecataqua, concluded the inter
view by bestowing upon this interesting
party the muniticent gift OF part OF "A
horses tongue, which WAS accepted with
gratitude. 1t was il timely rcpast They
inquired each others name "Whcn next
we meet said the BritOn, it will be as
enemies but if we should ever come to-
gether after the war is over, let US pre-
serve this acquaintance. Each advanc
ed towards the others person, and meet
ing in the middle of the shallow stream.
shook hands together and pledged thence,
forth perpetual friendship. BY private
assignment they met again several times.
both before and after the battle and it
was, probably. during these interviews.
that an arrangement was made tor the
protection of Jacataqua and whatever
might come OF her.
Jacataqua. as we have said. was part
French, and Catholic. The mission at
Norridgcwock had converted most of the
Indians of the Kennebis tribe to the Ro-
man faith When Burr, Oh his hazardous
Journey to Montreal. was obliged to leave
Arnold's army under the Heights of Que
bee, he committed tie care of Jacataqua to
the British officer whom they had met
IN the brook and. fearing what might
happen to her II few months hence, when
lie arrived at the first priests station on
his way. and had succeeded in securing his
friendship, lie arranged with that clerical
iunctionary, (should occasion call for it, }
to provide lyi gin quarters tor her IN one
of the Nunncries OF Quebec. Having
settled this matter, he took papers from the
priest which carried him safely as BROTH
er priest from mission to mission, secur-
ing him support on the way till he reached
Gen. Montgomery in Montreal.
Burr went as Montgomery aid-de-
camp to join Arnold under the walls of
Quebec. aud was at the side of that brave
officer when he fell in the assault upon the
city. After the defeat, Arnold's army.
with Burr as his Brigade Major. remained
near Quebec, all winter i'll the hope oi
starving the citadel out. 1t Was not till
the arrival of Burgoyne's army from En-
gland in the spring. that the American
forces were obliged to retreat to Montreal
Meanwhile Burr had constant compan-
ionship with Jacataqua, took note OF her
situation. and had several interviews with
has pledged friend, the British officer, who
became Jointly interested in her. by
them it was mutually arranged that, alter
he should be obliged to leave the ground.
Jacataqua should have her quarters at the
mission before mentioned, being kindly
cared for under her circumstances, and
at liberty to make such hunting excursions
with her fayorlte dog and trusty French
rifle, as her health would permit, and Us
she might desire When her time should
fully come, she was to be committed tc the
G,ay Nunnery and remain under the gen
e,al custoiay of the British officer whose
name does not appear in the hIstory'-uli
further orders. Jacataqua agreed to all
this. being perfectly fascinated by what
she called at the CushnOc barbecue. in the
toast she then gave. her Burr full OF chest
nuts. She hoped to rcjoin him in due
time.
With all of Ar0n Burr's faults, lccntious
as he Ger, ainly was. it was his boast. through
life. that he never forfeited his promise to IL
woman. Though he had many natural
children all over the country. (the daughter
of one of whom is now the accomplished
wife Of high State officer OF Maiae.) he
never failed to support and educate those
children as his own, and to treat their