The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-03-17
"REMINISCENCES OF A PIONEER.

When l reached the Arkansas Territory,
in 1928, | learned that lis capital had been
visited year or two previous by an individu-
al whose history and real character remain a
mystery to the present day. He was gentle
man of refined manners and thorough educa-
ton. No one knew his object in visiting
these remote parts. He made several ex
cursions to the neighbOring Indian tribes.
The account he gave of himself was about
as follows: He had, according to his own
statement, been carried captive by the In,
dians before his earliest recollection. He
knew not from what place he had been
taken, nor VINO had been his parents. His
FIRST remembrance was, when small boy,
accompanying a tribe of Indians west Of
Missouri. They treated him kindly, and he
was pleased with their pursuits. When
about ten or twelve years of age, this tribe
was visited by hunters of the white race who
convinced him that he was not among his
own people, and advised him to return with
them. The Indians made no objection, and
he did so. He was left by them in Cape
Girardeau, Missouri. Here he was without
friends, or home, or name. While in this
condition, benevolent gentleman named
John Dunn took pity on him, and treated
him as a son, clothing him, and l believe
sending him to school. As he had no name
he chose that of his bonefactor, calling him
self John Dunn, and added Hunter as a
surname. After some time he wandered
through various parts, and at length made
his way to Virginia, and spent some time at
Charlottesville. Hero Jefferson and other
distinguished men, attracted by the novelty
of his history, paid special attention to him,
and introduced him into the mostrespectable
families. By these opportunities ne was
enabled to overcome the disadvantages
of his early mode of life. After some time
he found his way to England, where his novel
history was the means of attracting the at
tention, and securing the friendship of the
most distinguished men of the nation. He
had been induced by them to publish his
autobiography, which has been source of
no small profit to him. In it he had incor-
porated his recOllections. of Indian customs
and modes of life. This was substantially
the account he gave of himself while in our
territory. In visiting the Indian tribes he
seemed to feel the deepest interest in their
welfare, but was bitterly opposed to mission
ary operations among them.
After remaining few months in Arkansas
he disappeared, and was next heard of in
Texas, then Mexican province. There he
began to develope what had probably been
his original design, by collecting together a
body of adventures Of all characters, among
whom were many Indians. These he had
begun to equip and drill, evidently with the
intention of setting up an independent gov
ernment. But before he had time to pre-
pare his men for successful operations, a
Mexican officer with some regular troops
was sent against him, and in the conflict
which followed, Hunter was slain and his
men dispersed. The particulars of his in
surreetiOnary movements and his death, /
could never learn, as at that time there was
scarcely any communication with Texas.
On leaving Little Rock for Texas, he had
deposited at that place number of valuable
articles which ne intended to have forwarded
to him when he became settled. Among
these was telescope of the finest construc.
ton l have ever seen, and of great magnify
ing powers. Also many rare literary pro-
ductions. These, upon the news of his death,
were sold at public auction. Several of his
books were presented 20 me, which | have
yet in my possession: among them are the
works of RamOhun Roy, a learned Hindoc
convert from Brahmauism to Unitalianism-
the writings of Ben David, Fox's Lectures
&C., all Unitarian works, and presented tc
him by distinguished literary men in Eng
land, such as Roscoe, whose fame Washing
ton Irving has rendered immortal.
Mr.. Hunter spent number of weeks il