New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-30
HE KNEW RED JACKET.
ROCHESTER MAN HAS JUST DIED WHO
WAS FRIEND OF THE INDIAN
CHIEF-HOW THE LATTER
MET LAFAYETTE.
MET LAFAYETTE.

Rochester. Nov 2S (Specian.-The recent death in
this city of Thomas Twning Laing, which
CURED in the nnety-fiftn year of his age. has re-
moved a picturesque character, and one which long
served sturdy link connecting the early days
OF this country with the present Mr.. Laing
born of Scottish parentage, and came from a rug
ged stock. and to the day OF his death showed the
keen mentality of his race Although intimately
familiar with many matters Of historic interest
to this of the State he fondest in his old
age Of relating anecdotes of his friendship with the
great Indian chief. Red Jacket. One of the most
famous of his people. Red Jacket. at the time
when Mr.. Laing to Western New-York.
living in the height of his reputation. The two
met. and the Scotchman took the fancy of the red
man. and the two fell into relations which
tinued for many years terms of the closest
friendship possible between a white and
Indian. Mr.. Laing at that time foreman OF
a large carriage factory in Buffalo and would be
busy at work when turning, he would he startled
to find standing in silence at his side the tower
ing Red Jacket But the Indian expressed
curiosity for closer understanding of the trade
any willingness to be taught the of the
tools Mr.. LainG always thought he curious
enough. but kept by pride from lowering his
dignity sufficiently to show interest
Upon the visit Of Lafayette Buffalo Mr.. Laing
prominent in the preparations for his well
and used to relate the dramatic scene OF
the Frenchman's meeting with the Indian chief
Lafayette" said Mr.. Laing, was escorted to a
broad platform, which had been erected on one of
the principal streets He had heard much about
Red Jacket and curious to meet him. The
willy Indian had kept himself secreted. perhaps
from hidden love for the dramatic and impress
sive, and from what followed you guess
whether not it satisfied. Lafayette walked
to the front OF the platform and stood with
covered head surveying the crowd of people before
him He bowed, and when silence fell turned to
the chairman of the reception committee and said:
1 thank you for this warm greeting, but one face
I miss. Much have l heard of the great chief OF
the redmen Of whom you boast. do not see him.
Where is this great scout and friend upon whom
YOU depend much?' The spokesman about
to reply when deep voice rumbled up like distant
thunder from the front Of the platform, and upon
il. in full panoply of war, much you have seen
him depicted In prints and portraits. appeared
if by a conjuring trick but with great dignity. the
form of Red Jacket. The two looked each other
straight in the eye and then clasped hands. If
each recognized iE the other born leader and
hero"
Another story Mr.. LanG wont to relate does
not reflect so well upon the Indian yet perhaps
throws interesting a light upon his character.
pairing to go home. ne was confronted by the form
OF his Indian friend, whose difficult attempts ad-
what the trouble
Your red brother wants hts white brother to
Red Jacket somewhat thicI,Iy.
That your white brother cannot do answered
Mr.. Laiug firmly. IF Red Jacket had come to him
in his right self his white brother would have well
water and is only drunken Indian not a great
This was bold thing to say. but Red Jacket
stood silent moment looked his old friend In the
face, and then. without word. stalked away In
the dusk Mr.. Laing thought that he had wounded
pected to see his indian friend again yet he felt
yocate Of temperance But to his surprise; Red
Jacket appeared a few DAYS later friendly as
ever. and made no mention Of the incident. whether
from shame or forgetfulness Mr.. Lains never was
able to determine.