The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-11-29

Crock Indian history. manners and character with an indomitable will and a sturdy self-reliance. which spoke for itself, in his tall sinewy form and strongly marked expressive face. A discriminating observer would have selected him out of thousand as a man most fertile in re- sources, most indomitable in the exc cution of his plans, and possessing in the highest degree the physical qualities most needed In the emergen- cies and dangers of mi-Indian life.
 His exterior was rough and his manners were military and at times abrupt. but those who knew him best were well aware that his heart was large enough for any deed of benevo- lence The presuming or pretentious he merciiessly flayed with biting sar- casm of which he was master; and many anecdotes are told of him illus trative of his power of repartee. But to the weak and unprotected he was and is invariably kind. In proof Of this it may be mentioned here that when he learned through Colonel Banks of Georgia. that Mrs. Dill. whom he and others had rescued from the Indians in Florida in 1918 was stfll living at or near Fort Gaines. he inn mediateiy transmitted through the writer of this, a sum of money 10 Colonel Banks for the relief of the old lady's necessities.
 wffh The Indians.
 Few men have had better oppor- tunities for studying the Indian char acter or investigating their customs. than Colonel woodward. Very early in life as appears frpm two biographi- cal letters he was brought into contact with the Red Men; and stirred by the Indian blood in his own veins he studied his character and traditions lovingly and earnestly. His early ap- poIntment to the commend of body of friendly Indians in time of war proves that he was considered to know them and to have influence over them"
 As Mir. Hooper we'll says, General Woodward's insight into the Indian characteu and his Knowledge Of Indian history made him when he wrote hls letters probably the best equipped ex- pert on the Creeks living at that time. He received other honors at the hands of the pioneer people of Alabama. The militia system of that day was much different from that of the present day and the high military officers were se- Iected through an election. General Woodward was several times signally .honored with high places.
 While occupying the position or Brigadier General he was named to command the escort which accompanied General Lafayette across the state or Alabama on his famous tour of 1894 7 One of the richest of4the many treats afforded by the. letters Is his personal description Of this journey and the ceremonies accompanying it
 He thus tells of his escort waiting at the Chattahoochee River near Fort Mitchell and the scene which accom-" panied the French patriots entrance on Alabama soil.
 'aThat was the day before platforms and conventions-~men lived on their own money You must guess that there was some patriotic feeling along hundred persons, all bearing their own expenses. Some in going and coming had to travel 400 miles. and none less than 200 miles. Besides the military there were 6 number or the most respectable citizens of Alabama -among whom were Boiling Hall. ex- member of Congress, ex-Governor Mur- phy, John D. Bibb. John W. FFeeman a,la and Col. James Johnston one Of the beat men that ever lived or died. If there are such men in these days I have not the honor of their acquaint- anca. Our trip to the Chattahoochee was pleasant indeed. We made our headduarters three miles from Fort Mitchell. on Big Uchee Creek at Haynes Crabtrees. Had there been q war. and if 1t had continued until the present dav. all that crowd would have been soldiers. After some three or four days stay at Crabtree's we learned that General Lafayette had passed white water, and we knew at what time ne would reach the river. The Indians seemed to take as much interest In the matter as the whites.
 "All hands mustered on the west, or Alabama side. where we could see the Georgia escort approach with their charge. On the east bank General I,afayette was met by Chilly Mackfn- tosh, son of the Indian General Mack intosh, with fifty Indian warriors' wno were stripped naked and finely paint ed. They had sulky prepared WlSn @ drawing ropes. such as are commonly used In drawing cannons. The General was turned over by the Georgians to the Indians. This was the greatest show I ever saw at the crossing or any river. It beat all of General Jes- ups wind bridges across the TalIa- poosa River and other places where Thsre never was much more water than would swim q dog, except at hlgh rise. As the ferry boat reached the Alabama side of the river. the Indians fin two lines seized the ropes ana the General seated in the sulky, was drawn to the top of the bank, some eighty wards. where stood the Alabama uele- 1 Eation. At a proper distance the in- dians opened their lines and the sulky
 "Evervthing from tho time the Gen. eraI entered the ferry until that time had been conducted in the most pro i found silence. AS the sulky halted the Indians gave three loud whoops, The General aIighted, took on his nat ana was conducted few steps Dy Chilly Macintosh to where stooo MT Hall with head uncovered White Mltn the frosts of age. l knew MT: hail from mv boyhood. He always showed well in company; but never old | sec him look so finely as on that occasion; he looked like himself--what he really was-an American gentleman.
 Lafayett's Introduction.
 "As Mackintosh approached Mir. Hall, he said "GeneraI Lafayette, the Ameri- cen friend. MT. Hall of Alabama" Dointiner to each as he called his name. MT Hail. in a very impressive man ner. welcomed General Lafayette to the shores of Alabama. and then he introduced him to the other gentlemen present Dandridge Bloo then Ad- dressed the General at some length. heard A number of persons address La eavette on his route through Alabama; none surpassed him and none equalled him unIess 1t was Hitchcock and Dr. TJnstis at Cahaba have always been looked upon as being rather dry faced- hut gazing upon the face of the most distinguished patriot 1t had aver been my lot to look upon, but the feeling remarks of MT Bibb on that caused me as dld olhers 10