Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1895-02-09
forks Of tho ST. Mares and ~. Joscpr.s

Rivers, opposite the fort. This reserva-
ton now embraces portion Of the
beautiful city of Fort Wayne.
During the peaceful relations existing
In 1907 between the whites and the In.
dams. President Washington invited
Little Turtle to visit him at Philadcl-
phia, requesting Capt. Wells. Indian
agent. to accompany him. The invita-
ton was accepted. although the trip
was Il most difficult one to make at that
time. During his visit Gen. washing
ton presented Little Turtle with u hand.
some sword, and had the celebrated
artist, Stuart. paint his portrait. Dur.
ing their stay at Philadelphia a great
deal of attention was shown Little lur-
tie and his companion, Capt. Wells.
who was his interpreter. Among the
many people of note whom they met
was the distinguished Trcncl, philoso'
pher and traveller, Count Volney. also
the Polish patriot, Kosciusko. who pre-
scented the Turtle with beautiful pair
of pistols and handsome sea otter
robe.
Count volney manifested much inter.
est In the Turtle. and had many inquir.
les regarding himself and his people.
At one of these meetings the Count
asked Turtle. "Whnt prevents your llv.
ing with the whites? Are you moro
comfortable In Philadelphia than upon
the banks of the Wabash!" He re.
piled: Taking all things together you
have the advantage over us. Here
am deaf and dumb. cannot talk your
language; can neither hear nor make
myself heard. When walk through
the streets I sec every person In his
shop and employed about something
one making shoes, another hats, anotlr
or selling cloth, and every one living by
his labor. I nsk myself. which of all
these things can you do? Not onc.'
can make q bow or an arrow, catch fish,
kill game, or go to war, but none Of
these Is of any use here. To learn what
Is done here would require n long time.
Old age comes on. should be a piece
Of furniture useless to my nation, use.
less to the whites, and useless to my.
self. must return to my own coun.
try"
McAfcc. In his history Of the war OF
1912, on page 40, says: 1.-THE Little
Turtle Of the Miamis. now In the de-
cline Of life and influence, was tho
strenuous advocate Of peace. but the
majority Of his people followed the
counsels Of Tccumsch."
Little Turtles health had been rapid
~ falling for some time. He was now
in the last stages of the govt. and had
come from his village on Eel River to b.
treated by the United States surgeon u,
the fort, and was stopping ut the resi-
dence Of Capt. Wells, where he died
July ii, 1912.
Says one who was present ut tho
funeral: Ellis body was borne to til,
grave with the greatest hOnOrs by hi
great enemy, the white man. The muf
fed drum, the solemn march, the tuner
nj salute announced that n great war
rior had fallen. His remains were In
TERED with oil his adornments, nipple
mcnts of war. beautiful sword pro
scented to him by Gen. Washington, to
gether with large silver medal, witt
the likeness Of Washington upon II.
The grave was located upon the grount
Of Capt. Wells; Its exact location In,
been lost.
Little Turtle was of mixed origin
half Miami and half Mohican. son Of Z
chief. born Mt the village OH Eel River
In the year 1747, where he continued t
reside until his death. In stature Il,
was short. well built, with Symmetrical
form. prominent forehead. heavy eye
brows, Keen black eyes ana heavy chin
Such was Mc-chc-kan-nah-qua LITTLE
Turtlc), the bravest Of the brave, til,
! wisest among the wise of the Indians o
tho Northwest Of his day--lcading al
} army Of braves to sure victory on'
hour-cutting ana slashing Us with thu
ferocity OF tiger one moment, and n
passive and gentle rs child the next.