Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-12-15
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Indian Chief.

The Indian Chief.
Judge ", who was one of the earliest set
tiers in the western part of New York, estab-
lished himself at Whitestown, about four
miles from Utica; the whole country being
at that time an unbroken forest, inhabited by
savage tribes, who had been for ages the sole
possessors of the soil
Judge W., feeling how much he was at
their mercy in his lonely position, was anx-
ious to keep on good terms With them, and
secure their good will in return. Many of
the chiefs, hearing of his friendly disposition,
had been to visit him, carrying presents in
acknowledgment of the gifts he had sent
them; but he was much troubled that one
old chief of the Senaca tribe, possessing great
influence among his people, had never either
visited him or sent him. any sign of welcome
since his settlement in that region.
After long consideration, the. Judge re-
solved to seek an interview with the sachem
in his own wigwam, and by this mark of at
tention secure his friendship, ON which, per-
haps, his safety might depend. His family
consisted of a widowed daughter and her
only child, fiue boy Of four years Of age !;
so, taking them with him, he set off to pay a
visit to the chief. He found him seated at
the door of the tent, enjoying the balmy air
of fine summer morning, and was received
by him with grave courtesy and kindness.
Judge w. presented his daughter and her
little son to the aged chief, and. desirous to
make a favorable impression on him, said
they had como to live in his country, that
they were anxious to dwell on teams of amity
and good fellowship with the Indians and be
useful to them by introducing among them
the arts of civilization Tho chief listened
to his words and then said (:
"Brother, you ask much and you promise
much what pledge can you give of your
faith ?"
''.rhe honor of man who never knew de-
ception," was the reply.
1.-THE white mans word may be good to the
white man, yet it is but wind when spoken to
the Indian" said the sachem.
Il have put my life into your hands by
coming hither," said the Judge sis not this
an evidence of my good intentions | have
placed confidence in the Indian, and [ will
not believe that he will abuse or betray the
trust have reposed in him."
$50 much is WELL" replied Tie chief
EHThe Indian repays confidence with conf.
dence if you will trust him, he will trust
you. But | must have a pledge. Leave this
boy with me in my wigwam, and [ will bring
him back to you in three days with my an
swcr."
IF an arrow had pierced the bosom of the
mother, she could not have felt sharper
pang than that which the Indians proposal
caused her She flew towards her boy, who
stood beside the sachem, looking into his face
with pleased and innocent wonder, and,
snatching him in her arms, would have rushed
away with him. A gloomy frown overspread
the sachem's brow, and he remained silent.
But Judge w. knew that perhaps the very
lives of himself and family depended upon
the action of that moment, and following his
daughter as she was retreating with her child
into the forest he said, hastily
''Stay, stay, my daughter; bring back the
boy, [ beseech you. l would not risk a hair
of his head, for he is not more dear to you
than to me but, my child, he must remain
with the chief God will watch over him,
and he will be as safe in the sachem's wig
wan as in your arms beneath our own roof"
She yielded, and her darling boy was left
but who can describe the agony of the
mother during the ensuing days? Every
night she awoke from her sleep, seeming to
hear the screams of her child calling upon
his mother for help. How slowly and drear-
lily passed the hours But at last the third
day came. The morning waned away, and
the afternoon was far advanced, yet the
chem came not. There was gloom over the
whole house, and the mother, pale and silent,
walked her room in despair. Judge w,
filled with anxious doubts and fears, went
every moment to the door, looking through
the opening in the forest toward the sachem's
abode.
At last, just as the rays of the setting sun
were thrown upon the tops of the tall trees
around, the eagle feathers of the chieftain
were seen dancing above the bushes in the
distance He advanced rapidly, and the lit
tie boy was at his side He was gaily attired
as a young cbief-his feet dressed in mocca-
sins, fine beaver skin thrown over his shoul-
ders, aud eagles feathers stuck In his hair.
He was in joyous spirits, and so proud of his
honors that he seemed two inches taller than
before. He was soon clasped in his mothers
arms, and in that brief moment of joy she
seemed to pass from death unto life.
"The white man has conquered" said the
sachem; thereafter let us be friends You
have trusted the Indian, he will repay you
with confidence and friendship"
He was true to his word, and Judge w
lived many years, laying there the foundation
of that fourishing and prosperous communi-
ty, which has now spread over wide extent
of country.
= Regret not the golden agethat is behind.
There is one before, and it bockons you. Its
rewards are not Cor the idle, but for the brave