Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1871-11-04
The Indian Chief.

The following story is old, but literally
true, and was first published in lecture
delivered by VIM. Tracy, Esq, Utica, OH
the early history of Oneida county
One of the first settlers in Western New
York was Judge W, who established
himself at WhitCstown, about four miles
from Utica. lie brought his family with
him, among whom was n widowed daugh-
ter with an only child-a boy about four
years old. You will recollect, the country
around was an unbroken forest, and this
was the domain of the savage tribes.
Judge W saw the necessity. OF
keeping on good terms with the Indians,
for rs he was nearly alone, he was COM
plctely at their mercy. Accordingly hc
took every opportunity to assure them OF
his kindly feelings, and TO secure their good
will in return. Several OF the chiefs came
to see him, and NIL appeared pacific. But
there was one thing that troubled him an
aged chief of the Oneida tribe, and one OF
great influence, who resided at distance
of II dozen miles, had not yet been to see
him, nor could he ascertain the feelings of
the Sachem in respect to his settlement in
that region. At last he sent him message
and the answer was that the chief would
visit him on the morrow.
True to his appointments the Sachem
came; Judge W received him with
marks of respect, and introduced his wife,
his daughter and little boy. The inter
view that followed was interesting. Upon
its result the Judge was convinced his secu-
rity might depend, and therefore exceed
ingly anxious to make n favorable impress
sion upon the distinguished chief lIo ex-
pressed his desire to settle in the country,
10 live on terms of amity and good fellow
ship with the Indians, and to be useful 10
them by Introducing among them the arts
of civilization.
The chief heard him out aud then said /:
brother, you ask much and you pro.
mise much, What pledge can you give OF
your faith = Tho white mau's word may
be good 10 the white man, yet it is wind
when spoken 10 the Indian"
II have put my life in your hands, " said
the Judge "is not that an evidence OF my
good intention | have placed confidence
in the Indian aud will not believe that hc
will abuse or betray the trust that is thus
rcp0sed.n
"So much is well, - replied the chief, "ihe
Indian win repay confidence with eonli-
deuce II YOU win trust him he will trust
YOU. I.et ia boy go with me 10 my wig
wam-l will bring him back ia three days
with my answer ~
lfan arrow had pierced the bosom Of tho
molher, she could not have lolt u deeper
pang as went 10 her heart, as lho ln-
dian made this proposal. she sprang tor
ward, and running tO the boy, Shn stood
at lhe eide oi tho Stcheni, looking lu his
face with pleased wonder and admiration,
she eIelrclpd him la her arms, alid, prSl.'
Ing him ~ her bosoni, was about IA il from
lhe room, 4 gloomy and OnilnOna ifoWu
uul speak.
liul nui so with Judge W --, lie knes
that tlle succsss ~ lhelI enteTpHse, thp lyrs
ct bic hmily, depended on decision al
mOmfnL
"slaY, say, my daughter Do said
bring back lhe 10y, heseceh ipu. H.
Ia 90 uloN ~ Ynu Than ~ mr. anud uai
rlsk Il hs'r ~ lh head llui. ay child. hs
r4lsi s. allh 80 ehlgG God Mn watch