Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1881-01-06
AN INDIAN PITHIAS.
How CayuSa Warrior Kept His Vow.

Syracuse Herald, who sought perma-
nent residence in Onondaga county,
and passed the most of his time among
the red men of his day. Force of cir
cumstances brought him TO Onondaga.
and soon after he had located there Il
young brave of the Cayuga nation one
morning presented himself before the
chiefs of the Onondagas and Mr.. Web
ster, while sitting ut the door of the
council-house. The young man SAID
Il have come To dwell amoCg YOU and
your people, if you viii permit | have
left forever the home of my father and
tie hearth of my mother, | seek a
home with you; my name is Manti-
noah, deny me not.
"Mantinoah, you are welcome here
said the aged chief ka-whick-do-ta; "sit
down among us. Be our son, we will
be to you n father; you can hunt and
fish with our young men, and tread the
war path with the braves Of our nation;
YOU shall be honored as You deserve"
Nearly two years passed, and Manti-
noah was apparently contentcd and
happy He was the first in the chase,
most active in the dance, and the loud
est in the song. His ever pleasant and
even manner won for him the friend
ship of Webster, and therefore it was
that where one was, there was the 9TH
er also. Webster was surprised one
bright morning by Mantinoah saying:
II must leave your peaceful valley soon
forever. | 90 toward the setting sun:
| have II vow to perform. My nation
and my friends know Mantinoah to be
true. Ny friend, | desire you to go
with me" Webster consented, and
preparation was made for the Journey.
They left Onondaga valley together
and, after walk of three or four days,
taking their journey leisurely, hunting
and fishing by the way, they arrived at
an eminence near Montinoah's village
Here" said Mantinoae, ''let us rest
let us invoke the Great Spirit to grant
us strength to pass triumphantly
through the scenes of this day. Here"
said he. eve will eat, and here, for the
last time vii smoke the pipe of peace
and friendship together
After a repast of broiled venison and
bread, the pipe was passed from one
to the other in regular succession, and
the silence was broken by Mantinoah
saying "a little moro than two years
have elapsed since, in my native VII
lage near to us, in burst of passion,
slew my bosom friend and chosen com
panion. The chiefs of my nation de.
clared me guilty of my friends blood,
and decreed / must suffer death. 1t
was then | sought your nation; it was
then ! won your friendship. The near
est of kin to him | slew, according to
our custom, was to become my eXeCu-
toner. My execution was deferred two
full years, during which time was CON
demned to Punishment from my nation.
| vowed to return. The time Of two
full years expires this day, when the
setting sun sinks behind the topmost
branch of yonder tree. Beneath the
broad branches of this venerable oak
where we now stand, Mt the foot of this
ancient rock, against which we now
lean, | stand prepared to receive my
doom. My friend, we have had many
Il cheerful sport together; our joys have
not been circumscri5ed; our griefs have
been few; look not SO sad now, but let
new Joys arouse you to happiness
When YOU return to the OnOndagas
bear witness that Mantnoah died like
true brave of the Cayugas; that he
trembled not at the approach OF death
like the coward pale face, nor shed tear,
like woman. Ny friend, take my
belt, my knife, my hunting pouch, my
horn and rifle; accept them rs mcmen
toes Of our friendship; | shall need
them no longer; few moments anC
the avcnger will be here; the Grea
Spirit calls; | am ready; Mantinoal
fears not to die; farewell"
As soon as the brave Indian had fin
sshcd, Webster demonstrated with him
but in vain he urged him to escape tn,
consequences. A short silence ensued
when n yell was heard in the distance
to which the Cayuga responded, \
single Indian approached and tool
Mantinoah by the hand. He, too, haC
been his friend, but the law Of the say
age could not be broken.
After mutual salutaticns and expires
sions of kindness, the ayenger address
ed him: "Mantinoah, you have slair
my brother; our laws declare me hi:
ayenger and your executioner. Your
time is come; death is athand; prepare
to meet him. Be steadfast, be firm
and may the Great Spirit sustain you.
Upon this Mantinoah gracefully elc
waited his manly form, carefully barred
his broad bosom, calmly laid his arm
across his manly breast; not a muscle
moyed, not a breath was heard. There
he stood, ready for the voluntary sacri
flee, immovable as adamant. Accom-
panied by deafening yell, the bright
tnmahnMk Of the aNenrer piistnned ii