Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1877-12-05
An Indians HeadWOrk.


of New England 1856. Dudley was Gov
ernor only yafew months. While occupying
that position he was one day superintend-
ing the erection Of ~ building upon II
plantation which he owned in Roxbury,
when his attention was attracted by II
heavy. framed, mddlc-aged Indian, who
stood idly looking on while the workmeu
were heaving up trusses for the roof.
Though the weather-late in autumn
was uncomfortably cold, this Indian was
very nearly naked, his muscular limbs
shivering, and his teeth clatterng rs the
chill blast struck him.
" Look you, my red SON." said the Gov
ernor addressing the Indian, "why do you
not work rs these men do, and earn some
clothes 10 cover your bodyP Why do you
stand here dle?'
ugh" grunted the dusky aboriginal,
"why you no work? What for you stand
here idle?"
" l." replied Dudley, tapping his finger
upon his forehead, "work with my head.
There must be head as well as hands-I
do the head work"
After rejecting for n while, the Indian
asked what work the Governor had for him
to do
i" want calf killed If you will do it
| will give you a shilling"
The fellow having had the calf pointed
out to him killed it, and then applied for
his shilling.
"But why do you not skin it?" asked the
employer.
ugh! Calf dead, Governor Me kill
um. Give me another shilling and | will
skin and dress um."
This was done, and when the Indian had
received his two shillings he went away
to IL tavern where he was not long in
spending one Of them for rum after which
he returned to the Governor declaring that
one of the shilIings he had received was
bad and that the keeper of the tavern
would not take it. Dudley suspected the
cheat, but gave him another shilling. A
few hours later the rascal had the brazen
impudence to come back and declared that
the second shilling had also been worth
less. The Governor knowing very we'll
that the fellow was lying held his thoughts
to himself, and gave him yet another shil-
ling, being resolved, however, that Just
punishment should be moted out. After
thinking for some time he hit upon a plan,
He sat down and wrote u letter to the
keeper of the prison in Boston. In this
letter he sat down the Indians roguery,
and directed that the bearer should be
soundIy logged and shut up for week in
dungeon.
A day or two thereafter he met the dis
honest Indian near the place where the
builders were ut work.
"Ah," said Governor Dudley, in a very
pleasant mood, you are just the man
want have letter covering important
business which wish to have carried TO
the keeper of the jail in Boston. If you
will carry it to him [ will give you half Il
crown
The Indian said lie would do the work
punctualy and he took the letter and the
half crown and set forth. At short
distance he met another Indian, who was
trusted and favorite servant of the Gov
ernor.
"Aha, William" cried the vagabond,
evidently not liking the destination of his
mission. 81 have been looking for YOU.
The Governor told me | should find you,
and give you this letter, and tell you to
carry it to Boston as quick as you can. 1t
is u big matter written in it. -
The faithful servant took the letter
which he saw to be in his masters hand,
and hurried away.
At length the Governor missed his SER
want William, and while search was being
made messenger arriving from Boston,
came from the missing servant, who was
there held in durance.