IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V- 1.0 I.I liilM |2.5 |jo ^^* H^M >tt Uii ■2.2 US 140 1 2.0 1.25 1 U^ |,.6 < 6" ► fliolDgraphic Sciences Ckarporation 4 23 WIST MAIN STREIT WIUTIR.N.Y. 14580 (716) •72-4503 '^ .^T- CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiquas Technical and Bibliographic Notas/Notes tochniquas at bibliographiquas Tha Instituta has attamptad to obtiin tha bast original copy availabia for filming. I aaturas of this copy which may ba bibliographically uniqua, which may altar any of tha imagas in tha raproduction, or which may significantly changa tha usual mathod of filming, ara chackad balow. D D D D n D D Colourad covars/ Couvarture da coulaur I I Covars damagad/ Couvertura andommagAa Covars rastorad and/or laminatad/ Couvartura rastaur^ at/ou palliculAa I I Covar title missing/ La titra da couvarture manque I I Coloured mapc/ Cartes giographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Relii avec d'autres documents Tight binding may causa shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re iiure serrie peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion la long de la marge intArieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II S9 peut que certaines pages blanches ajouties loi's il'iine restauration apparaissent dans le texte. iTiait. Sorsque cela itait possible, ces pages n'ont pas M filmias. The to tl L'Institut a microfilm* le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a iti possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographiqua, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mAthode normale de filmage sont indiquis ci-dessous. I I Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommagies Pages restored and/oi Pages restaurias et/ou pelliculies Pages discoloured, stained or foxei Pages dicoiories, tachat^es ou piqu^es □ Pages damaged/ Pages I I Pages restored and/or laminated/ r~71 Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ The pos oft film Ori| beg the sior oth( first sior oril □ Pages detached/ Pages ditach^es 0Showthrough/ Transparence Transpar Quality of print varies/ Qualiti inigale de ('impression Includes supplementary material/ Comprend du material supplimantaire Only edition available/ Seuld Edition disponible The sha TIN whi Mai diff enti beg rigr req me D Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Las pages totalament ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelurn, etc.. ont iti filmies A nouveau de fa^on i obtenir la meilleure image possible. Additional comments:/ Commentaires supplAmentaires; Wrinkled pages may film slightly out of focus. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Cede 10X tcum ant e stfil me au tau 14X X de rMu ction 1SX mdli lue ci-des sous nx 26X 30X y 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X The copy filmed hare has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: National Library of Canada L'exemplaire film* fut reproduit grAce A la gAn^rosit* de: BibliothAque nationale du Canada The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy nd in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol —^ (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. i\/laps. plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les images suivantes ont hxh reproduites avec ie plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition at de la netteti de l'exemplaire filmi, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de fiimage. Les exemplaires originaux dont ia couverture en papier est imprimte sont fiimis en commenpant par ie premier plat et en terminant soit par la derniire page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'iilustration, soit par ie second plat, salon Ie cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmte en commen^ant par ia premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'iilustration et en terminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaftra sur la dernitkre image de cheque microfiche, selon ie cas: ie symbols —► signifie "A SUiVRE ", Ie symbols V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre fiimte d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque Ie document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6. il est film* A partir de I'angle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche k droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant Ie nombre d'images n6cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent ia mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 t;fl ff. .-.■If '■ M ':':::n v > Hr ■M I I NABRATIVE or O. M. SPENCER. V W NARRATIVE ' \i/i ; I' 09 OLIVER M. SPENCER; « COMPRISING AN ACCOUNT oy HIS CAPTIVITY AMONG THE MOHAWK INDIANS, IN NORTH AMERICA. . BEVISED FROM THE ORIGINAL PAPERS, BV TH« AUTHOR OF "MORAL AND SCIENTIFIC DIALOGUES.** SECOND EDITION. ' ii LONDON : PUBLISHED BY JOHN MASON, AT THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE OFFICE, 14, CITY-ROAD; AND SOIiD AT 66, PATBRNOSTER-ROW. '''^"4^ X 1 t, i Vf U ii ^ - '■* \ I -..4,'^*'. ,i V.-:: - :'t • -,,1< ■,.«'. J' ):\^ -A LONDON ! # PRINTED BY JAMES NICHOLS, HOXTON-SQUARE. .M'..^^. ■i ■ CONTENTS. itrTROSUCTION .'.i\..t Page* 11 CHAPTER I. The author claims English exftfaction— Causes of ^he emigration of his ancestors, noticed — His father, a military man, and actively engaged in the war with the parent country-~Family losses . in consequencc^mharks in trade, but does not succeed— Resolves to remove to the Miami settlonents— Preparations for departure — De- bate, as to its propriety — The father's opinion predominates — Journey commenced auspici- ously — Bad roads and fractured waggon-wheel —Boy lost, and found again-supposed super- natural visiter— Digression on departed spirits —Beautiful scenery on the Ohio — Safe arrival of the party at Columbia 37 \t- *.,^. CHAPTER II. .■'S Notices of the surrounding country — Erection of a house : how to construct one in an American wild — ^Alarm occasioned by the advance of In- dian war-parties-~.Mutual defence agreed on- Dreadful death of Mr. Abner Hunt — Unheard- of cruelty on the part of the Indians — Their depredations noticed — Presence of mind in a young woman— Outrage committed by a roving bandit — Determination of government to repress the invaders— Desperate battle and defeat of the regulars under St Clair — Disastrous retreat and great loss of life— Astonishing proofs of ferocity and savagism— tVanity of the Indians 34 A 3 6 COiNT£.NTS. CHAPTER III. Page. Oeneral gloom prevails on account of the late defeat —Precautions adopted for self-preservation^. The victorious Indians in their turn surprised and defeated — Property re- taken — Account of Cincinnati, as it appeared in 1798 — Fortifica- ' tions alluded to — Entertainment at Fort Wash- ington— £arly religious impressions on the mind of the author — Fine old preacher — Mr. Gano— Touching recollections of public worships- Scarcity of food, and apprehension of famine- Season of great plenty succeeds — Curious sylvan V scenery in the forests — Method of partitioning the land— Abundant produce of com-^Ap- ' proaching holiday — Descent on the Ohio- Arrival at Fort Washington — Celebration of . American independence— Elopement from friends, and the consequences ^6 \ li CHAPTER IV. Aquatic excursion on the Ohio — Lamentable effects of inebriation— Sudden attack by Indians in ambush — Murder of one person, and capture of t r the author — Narrow escape of Mr. Light and a lady — Rapid retreat through the forest — Human scalps exhibited in token of victory — Precau- tions adopted by the savages to prevent the escape of their prisoner — They carry off a fine horse, which they ill-treat, and leave on the road — Devotional feelings occasionally observed among them — Tremendous hurricane — Consci- ence alarmed the author, who felt unprepared for death — Natural intrepidity of the Indians... '^i_ 94 , V CHAPTER V. The Indians still busy — Another horse stolen — The author closely watched — Finds that no modifi- cation can alter the nature of slavery — ^Vigorous attempt to regain liberty : unhappily not suc- \A CONTENTS/ cessful — Night*B reit in a hollow tree— Recap- tured by the Indians — Terrific interview with the incensed pursuers—Severe punishmenU^ Extreme sufferings — Almost overwhelmed with despair — Danger of perishing — Alarm excited by the internal part of a blackened tree : nothing in it after all— An explanation given Page. 113 4 i'l CHAPTER VI. Merchandising commences on a small scale — Hard travelling and hard blows^The author is sold ^ by one Indian to another — Likes his new master best — Notices of Indian character — Arrival at the Miami river — The author is cheered by sharing a dinner ; the first for a long season — A hawk killed and cooked : turns out a tough morsel — Company of Indians discovered — An eloquent palaver in consequence~-The physical and intellectual qualities of Indians not of an inferior order : examples given : speech of Lo- gan — Native politeness — Their moral condition wretched — Nothing short of Christian principle can control and amend it — Description of an Indian village — Formal entrance therein — Great rejoicings on observing the scalp of a ''pale face"— The war-whoop 133 /■ CHAPTER VII. Rough reception at an Indian tillage — Kindness in '' the wife of a chief — Depressed condition of the females— The author consigned to the care of an old squaw — Did not know at first what to make of each other — Time mended the ac- v^uaintance — Tribes of Indians distinguished and classified — Gradual diminution of Indian influence noticed — Death of a noted chief— .' , Afiliction of his widow strongly marked- Affects to be a prophetess — Her family described — View of her dwelling — Geographical glance at the country — Good fishing going on— Inventory of furniture in an Indian cabin 149 8 C0MTBMT9. CHAPTER VIIJ. Pagt. Visit to a Shawnee village — Dress of a fine lady on going to the fair— ^Dandies looked at— The men most devoted to finery and fashion: singular proof of it«-Introducdon to a viVage chief- Some doubtful heroes on the stage, among whom property is not safe— IB looks and ill deeds sometimes go together — ArtAil questions propounded by an artful personage — Picture of an ungodly and vain boaster— Visits given and received— A French baker, and Polly Meadows, the soldier's wife : each respectable in his and her own way — How to know a genuine Kentuck- ian— J)esper2ite combat— Running the gauntlet, and gallant conduct of one Moore ....* 171^ CHAPTER IX. Feast of green com analysed and described — Singu- lar coincidence between this, and certain ancient Jewish customs— Sharp fight for the best place —Considerable smoking going on— Speech of an old Indian : great applause thereat — Sports and games delineated — Racing and wrestling '' —Liberal feast at the dose — Absurd trial of strength — Dancing, accompanied by music : the latter not over and above melodious— The meeting degenerates into drunkenness and quar- rels-— These mischiefs traced to drinking ardent spirits — The sons of Belial equally offensive in all places— Melancholy instance of the effects of intemperance — What makes men to differ in moral worth ? The grace of God, and that only . 187 CHAPTER X. The author becomes a valuable servant ; that is, a hewer of wood and drawer of water — Ingratiates himself into the good-will of his owners by the capture of a rabbit— Finds the guidance of divine Providence in ^e mazes of the tangled wilder- CONTENTS. P»t** nesi — Chain of circumstancet developed, tending io his deliverance — Indian preparations for war— ^ Predictions of an old lady < right for once, at any rate — Victory obtained by the red men — Battle between the author and a wild animal — MerciM deliverance — Indian genealogy — Grown gentle- men taught to dance--8ad rupture between the author and his patron — they come to blows — Festivities of the sugar-making season x account of the proceedings — Arrival of a mysterious stranger : proves to be a messenger whose errand is not to be despised — Speech of the old squaw, trouble of a young lady, and departure of the author 208 CHAPTER XI. The difFerence between slavery and liberty /«//L-^oy to be lasting should be moderate — Shameful con- duct of one Elliott, an agent, and of Oirty, a Creole—The journey homewards prosecuted — Arrival at a Wyandot encampment — The author unjustly exposed to the ill-treatment of savages- Scuffle with an Indian lad, who turns assassin and wounds the author — Happy arrival at Detroit- Humane and gentlemanly conduct of Colonel England — Blunder of the washerwomen— Un- common kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Andre-..- Things get smooth and fur 232 CHAPTER XII. Situation of Detroit examined — Strength of fortifica- tions and garrison — The author once more pro- ceeds on his travels — Embarks on board a sloop across the lake — Perilous and tedious voyage- Beat back several times : Tom the cook knows the reasons why — Sundry speculations of his on the subject — Clever fellow in his own estimation •— Vocad powers exercised— Notice of the Ameri- can eagle — Good fishing obtained — Melancholy discovery on a desert island, attended by the dis- charge of a serious duty — The wind right at last io CONTENDS. i' Page. -i^Arrival at Fort Erie-^Procedure to Niagare Martial appearance of British soldiers— Queer method of dressing hair — Mrs. Hill, a sensible lady— Her good advices followed, and with ad- vantage .•••> 248 V'» // f\ CHAPTER XIII. Observations relative to Fort Niagara— Noble and picturesque scenery — Waters of the Ontario- Falls of Niagara^i— Their effect on an observer— ^ Good points of inspection selected— The conduct of Elliott reverted toby his superiors— The author takes tea with Lady Simtoe s a little elated at the honour— Takes leave of the party, and finds Mr. Morris, a friend indeed— .The journey re-com- ^' menced in company with that gentleman— Proves himself uncommonly liberal and disinterested—. Novel method of advancing through the shal- lows — Arrival at New- York, and from thence at Elizabethtown— Reception by old friends, sin- cere and cordial— General Bloomfield*s adver- tisement, not exactly convenient-i-Too much of a good thing-i-The author resents it with spirit ^Subsequent interview between him and his parents— Gratitude and thankfulness to the Al- mighty absorb every other feeling — It is found that all things work together for good ; that the ^ promises of Scripture call for unlimited depend- ence, and may safely have it 267 ., i^\ 9-'v < ■ i-^-r- 'f^'V *" ■ « "■;-' "■i|-'.:-^^ ■■''," r '4 ,iw- .%,< , ■■»'." '■■''.- < >^ i-^.r. '■;}f ti- '-:': V 1 ^•1' - ;■/:..■ Itt m •- u--.* ',i- \^ ;.!|^.■.;;^W,.■"■^iM- •' .i. .:i* ;/ i'- •fV, / ■v--r-i INTRODUCTION. ^'"^. » :?.« NoTHiNO is more common among worldly minded and tHouglitless men, than to act as if the events of human life wer^ an entire chance medley, produced by no particular known cause, governed by no conceiyable law, and leading to no necessary result. With such an impression, it is to be expected that the lives of these persons should pass away uninfluenced by uniform and eflScient principle. "With them, every thing is unsettled, and nothing settled. The mistake under which they labour affects even their phraseology, and gives birth to terms which can have no place in the vocabulary of the Christian. From the sum total of their discourses, a hearer might infer that life's pur- suits, like the tickets in a lottery-wheel, are thrown together for the scramble of general speculation ; to be parcelled out and drawn for by adventurous competitors, as fortune and the fates may ordain. From the tenor of their communications, it would appear they are per- fectly independent ; that each was the lord and 12 INTRODUCTION. .// master of every thing around ; the author and giver of his own being ; and had a kind of free- hold interest in human existence, the validity and duration of which were of unquestionable certainty. Borne on the surge of this rash and heedless notion, he floats composedly down the stream of time, though it is evident that these bubbles of momentary birth will presently burst, and be no more. In spite of this dread un- certainty, unrenewed man is ever prone to forget that which above all else should be remembered,— he forgets himself. He inveiits schemes for future occupation; he suggests plans to be acted on for a long time to come : he legislates for futurity, always including him- self in proposed improvements, as if mortality was a catastrophe never heard of, or known only as one of those rare and singular occur- rences to be placed among the remarkable events of an almanac. Are these the inductions of a sane and considerate mind? Are they sup- ported by reason, experience, or revelation? " Go to now, ye that say, "fo-day or to-morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain : whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life ? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then van- isheth away." ^ * The records of past ages reveal, with clear- ness not to be mistaken, the presence of a divine agency, working in and through all the ^' INTRODUCTION'. 4$ Operations of natu ; and tlie evidence of this interposition is so conclusive, that those who allow it to remain unnoticed are without excuse. This is true, whether we survey the rise and fall of states and empires, and the revolutions of large masses of mankind, or con-> fine attention to the narrow occurrences of pri- vate and individual life. In each of these cases, the controlling and over-seeing power is one and the same; and implies the continued protection and guidance of Him who holds the balances of the universe ; with whom the past and future are alike, "while with a smile or with a frown he manages the globe." It is worth notice, that when the laws of God are trampled on, the offenders generally augment their guilt, and add one sin to another, by call- ing in question his right or ability to govern the people whom he has made. One of the finest illustrations of this fact may be found in the conduct of the ancient Israelites. While they clave to the Lord, there was not a doubt, nor the shadow of it, respecting the supremacy of that power by which they were led through the great and terrible wilderness : but, when they forgot the rock of their salvation, when they "took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of their god Bemphan, figures which they made to worship," their spiritual vision became dim, and having first offended the Almighty by breaking his law, they proceed to deny his right to rule. ,.,.,...., J »■■ ■ f^*Ki*0: 14 INTRODUCTION; w il Meantime, succeeding ages haye combined to prore, that the superintendence of the Creator is exercised unceasingly; that his omniscience beholds, and traces the moyements of, eyery member of the entire family of man ; and what is more, that he beholds him in mercy. Were his sustaining influence to be suspended, in that moment we should die. The minuteness of the Almighty inspection is incomprehensible to finite understanding. Not that this is surprising; for how can finite measure infinite ? Eyen the hairs of our head are numbered: we are of more yalue than many sparrows ; and of them, though decidedly inferior, ^ot one falls to the ground unnoticed. We may argue what God can do, from what he has done. The diyine superintendence is also visible from another cheering consideration. Although he causes the sun to rise upon the evil and upon the good, and sweetly orders all that is, for the welfare of his creatures ; it is to Jacob his ser- yant, and to Israel whom he hath chosen, that the goings forth of his goodness are specially seen. For these his noblest wonders have been shown. The sea was turned to solid land, that the ransomed of the Lord might pass over : when they thirsted, he poured water from the flinty rock ; when they hungered, he rained bread from heaven, and gave them angels* food ; the cloud of his presence was their guide by day, and at night its kindled brightness con- gclcd them. Similar manifestations of paternal INTRODUCTION. 15 love were repeated in later times. The laws of nature were sometimes suspended, and at others reversed. For faithful Joshua, the day was miraculously lengthened. The stars in their courses fought against Sisera. Wheii Daniel required protection, the mouths of lions were shut. In the fiery furnace, the form of one like the Son of man was seen, so that the Hebrew children suffered not even the sem- blance of injury. A host of invisible friends had encamped round the dwelling of the pro- phet: and though, since those days, numerous generations of men have figured on the theatre of this shifting stage, '^ all things as they change proclaim the Lord eternally the same." ^ It is in the spirit of this belief, that the nar- rative contained in the ensuing pages is written. That the mind of the person who thus details his adventures was deeply affected with grati- tude to God for the deliverance wrought in his favour, is evident from the earnestness of man- ner and honesty of expression which run through the entire production. With the single exception of a little obscurity of style, which we have endeavoured to remove, he has succeeded in furnishing a plain and li ivamished, but very interesting, relation, in which, though no mate- rial fact or circumstance is omitted, whether it contribute to his advantage or not, he has com- pressed into moderate compass a view of events which, with the aid of a little embellishment, might have been expanded to thrice the extent B 2 // 16 INTRODUCTION. adopted. The brevity thus observea is much more agreeable than if every thought had been elaborated and wire-draw^n to its utmost ten- sion. The reader has time and opportunity to make his own reflections ; added to v^rhich the feeling is produced, that the author was anxious rather to glorify God than to make a book. Without anticipating the particulars of the narrative itself, it may not be amiss to observe^ that the subject of it was of British extraction ; and that his paternal ancestors, dissatisfied wit]^ things as they were in this country, emigrated to America upwards of a century and a half since. In the war which raged between the federalists and the governors of the father-land, about the year 1770, his parent. Colonel Spencer, then in the vigour of life, was engaged as a military leader, and ultimately grew to be^ of course on a moderate scale, somewhat of a hero. When peace and national independence were secured, and the killed and wounded had been gazetted, entombed, — and forgotten, the old warrior sheathed his sword, and turned merchant. In the judgment of his advisers, the change was happy; but, somehow or other, matters were not mended. It may be, that the violence of open hostility does not always qualify the mind for the quiet and monotonous pursuits of trade and barter, or the practice of those civilities, and that desire to oblige even the smallest customer, on which success is said 14 :^s!< INTRODUCTION. 17 in a great measure to depend. At all events, after some attempts to traffic, the ledger was closed, and on coming to a balance the profit was considerably less^than nothing ; or, in other words, the actual loss was extensive. Trials of this sort are severely felt, even by the most enduring man; and those who deem them trifling are trading theorists, and nothing more* The old veteran Spencer, whose crowning grace did not peradventure consist in superabounding patience, was sadly vexed; and with the promptitude of his former calling, he seems to have taken his resolution without much tedi- ousness of reasoning or delay. This was to " fly to the desert," and escape from the misery of present discomfiture, by one grand and final efibrt. The plan was accordingly carried into efiect, and in an incredibly short period. The family arrived at their destination in the far west, in tolerably comfortable circum^- stances. Good people, and a few of questionable good- ness, who leave one part of this pendulous round world to reside in another, — a practice exceedingly common in these voyaging days,— often labour under a slight mistake. They con^ elude, or appear to do so, that when they lose sight of the locality in which they have resided, trouble and privation, in their ever-varied and perplexing forms, are decreed to remain behind. So entirely does this persuasion fill the minds of many of these locomotives, that they think it B 3 18 INTRODUCTIOir. only reasonable to reckon upon sunshine with* out a cloud, and prosperity above the reach of disaster or alloy. What is more singular, although the failings and consequent embarrass- ment of many of these persons may be traced to the indulgence of certain pernicious practices, against which repeated warning has in vain been given, it is taken for granted that the moment they cease to walk upon the soil of this enchanted island, they will at once shuffle out of the coil of evil habit, be it ever so inveterate ; and take nothing across either the Atlantic qr Pacific waters, but their valuable selves, valu- able principles, and the welcome luggage of condensed and valuable property. One particu- lar instance, out of many others, may be quoted* A tradesman, in one of the suburban districts of the British metropolis, had for several years conducted a small business, if not prosperously, .with sufficient tact to keep his head above water. He at length resolved to leave the land of his nativity for a foreign clime. His friends wondered at the resolution ; but his reasons for taking it were neither few nor small. In fact, according to his showing, the only cause for wonder was, that he had tarried so long : busi- ness was dull ; neighbours were shy ; there was something in the air ; quarter-day was for ever returning; people were no better than they should be ; taxation continued, in spite of the Reform Bill ; poor-rates were not abolished ; .the liberty of the subject was abridged ; and he INTRODUCTION. W had been poorly for some time. Now, without calling in question the truth of these allegations, though the soundness of several may be sus- pected, there was one evil more, to which, long as is the catalogue of mischief annexed, no reference is made, and which, looking at the consequences it produced, was more injurious to the parties concerned, than any or all of the others put together. The term "parties'* is used because, although the worthy man had not to grapple with the expensiveness of children, he had taken to himself a wife, to be, as in that case is made and provided, the partner of his weal or woe. This pair of persons, who in most respects seemed pretty well matched, jogged on in tolerable style, so far as others could judge : a few squabbles now and then, which, though they came pattering down, like an April shower, were soon over. But al- though there were but two in family, mischief crept in, as in the days of old, and spoiled all. Determined to avoid personalities, we shall not positively state who was the aggressor ; but one of these persons, and divers whisperings de- clared it was not the man, had contracted and kept up a long and ruinous intimacy with the contents of a certain decanter, very much out of favour at the Board of the Temperance Society ; and so completely did this subtle enemy subdue the nobler povvers, that on the very day selected for embarkation, the accustomed diaught' Lad been so deep, thut reason lost her SX) INTRODUCTION. fl leat, and the unfortunate yictim to an injurious vice, unconscious of the transit, was carried on board the yessel, chosen for the intended voy- age. How this shipment succeeded, has not been positively stated : how it is likely to sue- ceed, may be easily foretold. To prevent mistake, it should be premised, that the weakness just alluded to, or any other of that disgraceful cast, was by no means appli- cable to the gallant soldier, at whose journeyings we have glanced. If he flew, it was not from a vice at home to a vice abroad ; but from actual embarrassment, to what he considered certain relief. He had sound reasons for removing; nor were his expectations of that Quixotic kind, by which those of many mere changelings are characterized. But the decree is irreversible 2 ^'Man is bom to trouble, as the sparks fly upward;" and he must be a rapid traveller who outstrips the common lot, and leaves be* hind the mishaps and contingencies by which human existence is chequered. In addition to the usual and every-day incon- veniences by which Colonel Spencer was assailed on arriving at his Utopia, such as scarcity of food, badly-built and insufficient house-room, and exposure to the red man s hatred ; circum- stances which, even under better management, would be deemed no trifle ; he was overwhelmed by the distressing information, that his son, a youth not yet in his teens, having incautiously strayed from the guardianship of his fi^ends, INTRODUCTION. 21 had been captured by a party of Indians. The affliction caused by this melancholy event will be conceived by parents, and, perhaps, by few beside. The disaster was the more serious, on account of the character of the men into whose hands the boy had fallen. Had he been made a prisoner, by a force made up of civilized ene- mies, influenced by those feelings of humanity which, with respect to a captive child, are pro- tection enough, the case would have been ameliorated ; but the Indians of North America, at that time enraged by political animosity, were rivals of the tiger in ferocity of disposition, especially when in the presence of the hated "pale faces," before whose refined prowess in battle they had so often quailed; on which account, revenge was the sweetest morsel that could be offered to their insatiate appetite. ., ♦ " So then," say some persons, who never con* sider deeply, "we are to conclude that all is lost." O no : we are not come to that yet. If, indeed, what the foolish man hath said in his heart were true, — ^^ that there is no God," we might begin to doubt of the continuance, not only of life's mercies, but of life itself. Better teaching discovers better things. The destiny of the youth, so unexpectedly torn from the embrace of friends, was marked by privations and difficulties enough to appal the stoutest heart ; but the Lord was with him. The lan- guage of Scripture in reference to an ancient worthy was in some measure applicable to out 32 INTRODUCTIOIf. II younpr American wanderer : " The archers sorely griev ^^ a, and iljot at him, and hated him ; I'^'tM \ii^ oov'' abode in strength, and the arms of hU( hands were mdde strong l>y the hands of the taighty God of Jacob." The moral courage ^mtn by the lad Spencer is a fact well worthy of nuih. ^ ' indeed, at his ieAder age, it is asto- nishing tliiat he did not sink beneath the weight of ill-treatment with which he was so mercilessly laden. Where his owner chose to lead, he was obliged to follow. He was inhumanly dragged oyer hill and dale ; and if pursuit was appre-' bended, with speed far beyond his strength. If concealment were desirable, which often hap-< pened, he was compelled to plunge into deep morasses, or wind his way through the tangled and almost interminable forest. The allowance^ of his food was generally scanty, always coarse, and not unfrequently repulsive. Even this was grudgingly allowed ; and, as if to render the meal increasingly bitter, he had to contend with men who knew no other law than that of their own caprice and self-will ; storms of ungovern- able fury, or sallies of brutal merriment, were consequently of frequent occurrence ; so that >v » may conclude it was of the Lcd's mercy thnt i»v> was preserved, either from incurable injury, of violent death. h There h another considetation to be embraced. Independf»iA/> of the salutary lesson taught to^ the youth Bfc oer, the moral condition of the Indians was >ak, in an inferior mould. So far from iri ;, f -ey were in general the owners of gr^B^ intellectual vigour, and in corporeal ^tr.ngth remarkably athletic. Roughly sagacious lu deliberation, their resolves, when once taken, were performed with surprising determination. Decision of purpose may be named as one of the most distinguished traits in their character. The coolness and self-possession shown in con- ducting the movements of their desultory but daring mode of warfare, could only be equalled by the heroic constancy with which, when taken by some sanguinary rival, they endured and even triumphed over tortures the most exquisite. . z*^. , But with all this native energy, they dwelt in an atmosphere of palpable moral darkness. The most ecstatic delight they knew was to indulge ;u vain-glorious boasting over a fallen foe ; and the highest heaven of their grovelling invention consisted of a dim and undefined expectation of sensual gratification, to be theirs at some un- known time and place, without restraint or limitation. Ignorance and crime thus forged a chain, by which these Indians bad for acres been .# V. // I I 24 INTRODUCTION. tied and bound, and the lamentable defects, not to use a harsher epithet, arising from that bond- age, were transmitted as a mischievous heir- loom from parent to child, the effect of which was, for a long and dreary season, to ruin the prospects of one of the noblest sections of the human species. It is worth notice, as a singular proof of this latter position, that a clever Ame- rican writer, who has lately spent some time among the higher ranks of British society, de- clares that ^' a North American Indian, in his more dignified phase, approached nearer to the manner of an English nobleman than any other person. The calm repose of person and feature, the self-possession under all circumstances, the incapability of surprise or embarrassment, the decision about the slightest circumstance, and the apparent certainty that he is acting abso- lutely right, is equally gentlemanly-like and Indian-like."* The small-talk of a fashionable visiter is not, however, to be taken as conclusive evidence of superiority in Indian character and conduct ; nor is it safe to estimate the value of any man, whether red or white, merely by the perfection of his politeness, or the ease of his address and manners. In an inquiry of this kind a few well-attested facts, founded on prin- ciple, do more in the exhibition of character than much speculation, though ever so happy, in its comparisons and glossaries. * Willis's Pencillings by the Way. V INTRODUCTION. 25 Testimony of a different and far more weighty kind will now be subjoined. Just an hundred years ago, that is, in July, 1736, an eminent English minister, then in the vigour of youth, and endued with apostolic zeal, crossed the Atlantic, for the express purpose of preaching the Gospel to those who are ignorant and out of the way. Among these were included the American Indians. The divine referred to was a man of uncommon acuteness and penetration. Unused to form his opinion of others by their manners, or any other exterior accomplishment, he endeavoured to look within, and was gene- rally successful in detecting things, not as they seem, but as they are. As his object was to elicit truth, rather than produce an effect, the result of his inquiries, conveyed as it is in sober and plainly-written language, is valuable. On one occasion he procured an interview with Chicali, one of the Indian head men, but in whom, though far advanced in years, age had added little to his knowledge. In answer to several suitable questions put by the minister, all he could reply was, "He that is above knows what he made us for. We are in the dark. We know nothing." At another time, the attendance of five Chicasaw Indian warriors was obtained. Two of these, Paustoobee and Mingo Mattaw, were spokesmen for the rest. The former of these orators crave reneated nroofa O J. X of an excellent though misdirected understand- ing. If he could form no correct conception of w INTRODUCTION. ': revealed truth, i/rhere is the wonder? "What could he reason, but from what he knew ? No surprise, therefore, need be felt, that at the close of the conference, which was managed with great dexterity, the Indians cut short the debate, by observing, " We have no time but to fight. If we should ever be at jpeace, we should be glad to know." The discernment of the warjior enabled him, notwithstanding, to appreciate the kindness of the minister, who had conversed with and tried to enlighten and convert him to the Christian faith. " The French black kings," said he, meaning the priests, '^ never go out. We see you go about: we like that; that is good." The taste of the Indians for war has arisen in a great measure from an indulgence in those predatory and lucrative irruptions, in which they are used to delight, and on the plunder of which they love to luxuriate and revel. This fondness of rapine, which forms the chief ingre- dient in their character, gives a strong bias to their so-called religion. Areskoui, or the god of battle, is viewed as the great god of the Indians. Him they invoke before they go into the field, and success is expected in proportion to the favour found in his sight. Some nu- merous and powerful tribes worship the sun and moon : among others, divers traditions are received, relative to the creation of the world ; to account for which an endless variety of schemes and dates are in store, including also a I INTRODUCTION. 27 copious history of their gods. In these taga- rieS) there is little difference in kind;— all are absurd; — only that in degree some outvie the others. It is also clear, that religion, properly understood, has little to do with the preyailing conduct of the Indians. Like ungodly men in other parts of the world, who seldom look to heaven, except when the enemy thunders at the gate, or mildew consumes the com, these Indians seldom appeal to the gods, or offer them any sort of worship, except when over- taken with temporal calamity, and in need of a I' i file assistance. Their devotion is made up chiefly of superstitious practices, formed on no solid basis, subject to no permanent rule, and leading to no uniform or common end, except that of creating blind presumption, which, in the day of battle, is to preserve them harmless and destroy their enemies. They believe in the existence of a number of good and bad genii, or spirits, who interfere in the affairs of mortals, and produce all their happiness or misery. These spirits, say they, wander through the desert, or float upon the waters. It is from the evil genii that misfortunes proceed, especially diseases; and it is to the good genii they are indebted for deliverance and cure. The minis- ters of the genii are composed of a set of artful jugglers, male and female, who practise also as physicians, and are tolerable adepts in the healing art. Of this subtle race, a curious Bpecimen is afforded in the ensuing narrative, in c 2 28 INTRODUCTION. // the person of Cooh-coo-cheeh, an old Indian squaw, who seems, in the art of deception, to have been a first-rate professor. These jugglers are supposed to be inspired by the good genii, most commonly in their dreams, with the knowledge of future events. When called in to the sick, they are asked whether the patient will recover, and in what way he should be treated. But with all their folly, they are not so simple as to expect the desired result without means ; and it is remarkable that, like certain empirics in a certain civilized land far distant from America, they prescribe one and the same remedy for all diseases. Whether the sufferer be blown up with tympanum, or wasted with atrophy ; whether he shiver with ague, or con- sume away with fever ; whether he rave under the paroxysms of gout, or have fallen headlong by an epileptic blow; whether his habit is plethoric, or spare; and whether the remedies employed should tend to quiet the already irri- tated system, or excite its sluggish powers; aU these, in their ramified results, are questions to which the herbaceous professor of modern days cannot stoop ; one nostrum does for all, inas- much as the panacea on sale, besides other vir- tues too numerous to mention in any single announcement, has the wonderful faculty of suiting itself to all disorders, though ever so opposite in their nature. Juggling is, in fact, the same every where ; only that, added to its usual evil qualities, medical juggling is the most ttWto B M i OM iii W INTRODUCTION. 29 mischievous of any, as it generally ends in irreparable loss. The friends of the victim are robbed of their property, and the man himself of his life. The processes of our Indian doctors are exquisite and summary. They pretend that, agreeably with directions received from an invisible agency, the sick man must be sub- jected to the usual treatment; that is, he is enclosed in a narrow cabin, in the midst of which is a stove, red hot. On this, they throw water, until, from the excessive heat and vapour produced, the man within is soon covered with profuse perspiration. He is then hurried from this bagnio, and plunged suddenly into the next river. This coarse method, as might be ex- pected, has cost many lives ; but as others have survived it, the fame thereof is still unsullied. These jugglers have also a knowledge of the use of sundry specifics of real efficacy : indeed all savages are dexterous in curing wounds by the application of suitable herbs. But, in justice to these rough- handed doctors, it should be ob- served, that the power of these remedies is always attributed to the assistance of their gods, whose help is especially invoked on such occa- sions. These men and their deeds, both of valour and folly, have passed away as a tale that is told. Others have followed them to the land of forgetfulness, as in a rolling sea wave urges wave. In the practices of these successive generations of men, no particular deviatiou 30 INTRODUCTION. V could be detected. The example of the fathet was faithfully copied by the son : they fought well, were mighty hunters, drank hard, laughed heartily, and died. In later days, these races have become more civilized ; but this, when properly translated, has often meant more cor- rupted; and when the conduct of their Euro- pean associate is considered, no other result could be expected. From one party or other, they underwent a regular course of tuition, illustrated by example, in almost every branch of learning, except virtue and religion. From these, the instructers have kept at an awful distance. In the conflicts waged on American soil, during the last century, the Indians were courted by each of the belligerent powers, led to battle where death was certain, and betrayed by all when treachery seemed profitable. For ser- vices faithfully performed, the only reward they received was to be ejected from the inheritance of their progenitors, and beaten back into the central wilds of a country, to every acre of which their title was as good as equity could make it. Such were the men to whose cus- tody, by the inscrutable providence of God, the youth Spencer was committed ; and there is no risk in affirming that this apparent evil was so overruled by the Father of mercies, as to be productive of good, both to the captors and the captured : that the route to felicity with regard to the latter was uninviting and circuitous, is granted ; but it nevertheless tended to the right ■i*lj=«»*w.--V- =»• INTRODUCTION. 31 point, and was therefore the best. Lessons of humility and dependence on the Almighty were spread before his eyes at every changing scene. The characters in which these were written could not be mistaken or overlooked; nor could he fail of being deeply impressed with the "hair-breadth 'scapes and moving accidents of flood and field," with which he was familiar at almost every step. Nor, in this scheme of evangelical truth, is the spiritual welfare of the Indians to be omitted. These, though perhaps unconscious of the circumstance, were surveyed by the broad glance of Omniscience with bene- volence and love. To these untaught men, intercourse with cultivated society almost under any modification, contributed to wear away the rust of savage brutality by which their noble port and bearing, as specimens of God*s vice- gerents on earth, were so disfigured. That, in the instance now under review, they were the aggressors ; that instruments of cruelty were in their habitation ; and that when the capture of the lad took place, his life was cheaply rated, there can be no doubt : and yet these very men, bad and fiercely-disposed as they were, are not to be trampled beneath the feet of better- instructed persons, as though they were formed of inferior materials, or had no claim to relation- ship with the human race. We are not to tuink that those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell were greater sinners than those who dwelt at Jerusalem ; and it is not amiss to 3i INTRODUCTION. call to mind, that God is offended not only by the breach of his law, but by the resistance c^ his grace, and neglect of his ordinances. It is worth notice, that no sooner were the Indians in possession of their prey, than a latent spark of mercy kindled, it may be, in their iron bosoms for the first time, and burst forth in behalf of the lad. They had their reward ; the subsequent conduct and conversation of the youth, though not matured by experience, were eminently serviceable. It is indeed expressly stated, that, of these very Indians, though first known as inveterate enemies, one of the num- ber became steadfastly attached to the youthful prisoner; and that the feeling ripened into friendship, which was shown by an annual visit paid by the hoary Indian to his white brother, till the intercourse was terminated by death. But this is not all. The moral advantages arising to the Indians in general, from the cap- ture of young Spencer, are not to be bounded by an horizon so contracted. The intercourse thus opened, besides being beneficial to the par- ties directly concerned, should be viewed as the harbinger of better days, through their instru- mentality, to the nations around. The stone cast on the quiet lake, at first agitates a point ; but how rapidly the concussion widens, till every new circle, still expanding, produces one that at last extends to the utmost margin of the wide-spread waters! If, with respect to the 11 INTRODUCTION. 33 jase under consideration, it be objected, that [the means are out of all proportion insignifi* [cknt; the reply is, that when the Almighty works his sovereign will, the meanness of the agencies employed creates no difficulty. He often "chooses foolish things of the world to confound the wise ; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are," For this method, which is doubtless founded in eternal wisdom, among other reasons which probably exist, one is, that human pride may be subdued, and "that no flesh should, glory in his presence." Persons who doubt or deny the correctness of these remarks may be sincere in their scep- ticism ; but they know not what they do. "Whatever may be asserted to the contrary, God is no respecter of persons. The apostle bowed his knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, " of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named ; " and the fact is unques* tionable, that this infinitely benevolent Parent cares for every member of this numerous though widely-scattered host. Sick, or in health, in ease or pain, they are his children still. Self-sufficient and haughty-minded men have striven to create distinctions, and con- signed their fellow-creatures into no one knows how many classes of graduated value ; but the pedantic conceit, to which such distinctions are to be imputed, finds no favour or acceptance ul i V 34 IMTBODUOIIOK. // the register of hearen. In the assumption of this authoritative species of law-making, it is not a little singular that the principal criterion for testing human respectability is the colour of the skin ; as if that had any thing to do with intellectual worth, or moral excellence. And after all that may be urged by white boasters, that distinction, on a calculation of the entire population of the world, is in a minority. Among the millions whose dwellings extend from the equator to each pole, external colour differs, and may be noticed by changes almost imperceptible, from the European white to the Asiatic brown, the Australian tawny, the Ame- rican red, and the African black. Each of these is the dwelling of an immaterial and immortal soul ; and to maintain that the first of these variet'os is gifted with some iiherent right to despise every other as an inferior speci- men of human nature, is a monstrous instance of ignorance and injustice. Those who thus act hate their brother for being what God made him. The moral to be deduced from the entire narrative of Spencer is, that the Almighty is faithful to his word, — a very present help in time of trouble ; and that, though hand join in hand for purposes of violence and injury, such attempts are not only counteracted, but not unfrequently converted by unerring wisdom into positive benefit. " Say ye to the righteous. it shall be well with him." The parents of the INTRODUCTION. 35 lost youth, though bereaved for a season of their favourite sod, and ready to conclude that le had perished in the wilderness by pining lunger, or been torn to pieces by wild animals, Iwere eventually made glad by seeing him return safe and sound. The young man himself, as is proved by the testimony of future years, became wiser and better, upon a review of all he had encountered and escaped. He could sing of mercy and of judgment; and while his own demerits were acknowledged, he was able, from heartfelt gratitude, to ascribe righteousness to his Maker. Nor are the Indians to be excluded from the exhibition of providential mercy. That they violated the laws of justice in the [first instance, is evident; but coming events iprobably taught them a different and better lethod of life and conduct. Numbers of these [cultivated men have, in later years, been con- rerted to the faith of Christ ; and among other reasons for the apparently untoward capture of [he lad Spencer, one was, that it should ulti- lately lead to an introduction of spiritual- linded men and evangelical truth. These Anticipations are now realized. The valley was ill of bones, and they were very dry. Many ^f these have heard the word of the Lord, and, idued with life and power, arisen and come >rth from their dark and desolate condition, le frontiers of the kingdom of God have been led far within the former limits of the ire of superstition, and not a few of its rest- // 36 inthoduction. less subjects, laying aside the reveries of ancient error, and discarding the ruthless barbarity of former days, have taken their place at the feet of Jesus, anxious to learn, and ready to obey, his will. . T P. K. Chelsea, 1836. \ » t ( ' ' 1 1 t1 "A- •X:'.:i^.. V :t 'a r" I NARUATIVE ov O. M. SPENCER. CHAPTER I. When an ingenious writer was once up- braided on account of the alleged meanness of his extraction, he wrote the following epitaph, which he desired might be inserted, after his decease, upon his tomb :— ** Nobles and heralds ! by your leave, Here lie the bones of Matthew Prior : A son of Adam and of Eve,— i ^/ Let Bourbon or Nassau go higher.** The bard was, in fact, a clever and approved statesman, and was therefore no stranger to the boast of heraldry, and pomp of courts. But he was a Christian: he had seen the vanity and evanescence of worldly pageantry; and dis- covered, as many other equally gifted men have done, before and since, that ^^ worth makes the man. and want of it the fellow : ** that, as mem- hers of the same human family, and descended 38 NARRATIVE OP V. // from the same common parent, ancestral dignity is altogether immaterial. Hence the just and discriminative lines here quoted. And yet, in spite of the soher maxim now advanced, I believe that none of my countrymen have the least objection to discover and admit, that a long line of their honourable forefathers may be traced within the cliifs of England. Indeed, from such a root, who can be ashamed of having sprung? I mean, among others, to claim this ancient privilege. My father was descended from a family who left the shores of Britain for reasons that will bear inspection : they were weighty and wise; and when it is known that I refer to the time of the second Charles, whose religious vagaries were so oppressively injurious, no one will wonder that, in the estimation of many upright men, an American wild, with all its disadvantages, eclipsed the charms of a land where it was no longer possible to worship God as conscience directed. It was in the year 1662 that the Bill of Uni- formity passed; one of the most unjust and persecuting measures that ever received the ssmction of any Government. As that Act and its results are now matter of history, I need not quote them; and it may be sufficient to ob> serve, that, beside consigning to silence a great number of pious ministers, who were unable to i? ttXJ a coniunu to its requisitions, it amounted scandalous invasion of those rights of private O. M. SPENCER. 39 judgment to which every human heing has a prescriptiye and unalienable claim. I have no desire to invoke and apply the judgments of almighty Providence on every passing instance of apparent crime ; and yet it cannot be for- gotten that the house of Stuart, under whose auspices these errors were committed, has long since been swept from the throne of Britain, and is now quite extinct, and blotted out from among the rulers of the earth. My father inherited the spirit of his ances- tors; and when political differences arose be- tween this country and Great Britain, he was found in the foremost rank of those who armed, in order to oppose certain claims to which the Federalists were determined not to submit. I know not that any advantage can arise from again reciting the causes of the dispute which led to American independence. The reasons of the quarrel may be described in a single sen- tence. The British thought "taxation no tyranny : " we thought differently ; determined to throw off our allegiance, and succeeded. The adverse parties at first strove for mastery hy the interchange of expostulations and papers^ and the examination of privileges and immuni^ ties, claimed by the complainants and denied by the senior power. The rights of nations, of independent states, and those laws, especially, supposed to apply to newly-raised colonies, were ransacked and analysed hv first-rate writers and politicians in the far-famed isle ; but it is diffi« D 2 40 NARRATIVE OF cult to convince a man against his ^ill. On our side of the Atlantic, the conclusiveness of the reasonings on the other was neither per- ceived nor felt. Schemes of negotiation were then exchanged for an appeal to physical force ; and hence arose a series of conflicts, maintained with unusual animosity. After several cam- paigns, fought with varied success, and che- quered by that diversity of incident so likely to arise from warlike operations on so wide a field, our independence was secured. But although distinct as a people, we are not estranged. After-years have shown that those kindly feel- ings by which the family of man is and ought to be cemented, and which, apart from treaties and alliances, form the best and most indissolu- ble bond of union, not only subsist but flourish between ourselves and the parent state; and that in the prosecution of extensive and rami- fied commercial transactions, mutual profit and advantage are secured with each returning year. My father, having resolved on a military life, signalized himself on several occasions; parti- cularly at the head of a battalion of militia, in the battles of Springfield, New- Jersey. He was afterwards appointed by Congress to the command of a regiment, which he led in the battles of Brandy-wine, German-town, and Monmouth. He continued in the same com- mand till the close of the war. ^ Somewhat late in life, my father discovered, what indeed has before and since his days beeu 0. M. SPENCER. 41 abundantly manifest, that glory goes but a little way in purchases at market, and affords scanty supplies in support of a family. Before enter- ing the continental army, he possessed a small fortune, the fruits of industry in a lucrative business. Of this, a large amount had been destroyed by the enemy ; and upwards of ten thousand dollars advanced by him, in specie, to pay and clothe his regiment, were repaid to him by Congress in continental money, on which he sustained severe eventual loss. Like many of his companions in arms, after encountering the dangers and enduring the hardships of a pro- tracted war, he found himself reduced from affluence to comparative poverty. There were, however, counterbalancing considerations. He enjoyed the proud satisfaction of having aided in achieving that independence which composed the basis of the national greatness; beside which, though property and substance had dis- appeared, he was Colonel Spencer, of Brandy- wine. Anxious to repair the wreck of his ruined fortune, the Colonel returned his sword into the sheath, and, though labouring under the disad- vantage of impaired health, again embarked in trade. He also prepared and submitted to the existing Government an extensive claim for money advanced on account of the public ser- vice during the late war; and as the patriots ivi. nev/ brooms ait? oaxu i>v» sweep clean, he, no doubt, fully expected the P 3 . 42 NARRATIVE OF remuneration to which he was equitably enti- tled. He was doomed to disappointment. His trade did not succeed. Expectations from the newly-formed Government were not realized. Whether the treasurers wanted cash wherewith to pay, or virtue to part with it, this deponent sayeth not ; but so it was : the public creditor was neglected ; and the services and patrimony of Colonel Spencer, so lavishly tendered in assisting to create the commonwealth, were suf- I \ fered to remain unnoticed, and without reward. In this deserted condition, and after several years of unsuccessful toil, my father happened to hear a very flattering description of the Miami country. In beauty and fertility it was said to be unequalled. Enamoured with the glowing account, and concluding, probably, that any change must be for the better, he resolved immediately to explore some portion of it. He started on this enterprise some time during the year 1 789 ; and after an inspection of its merits and suitability, sufficiently extensive to please a:id satisfy himself, determined to emigrate thither with his family. Preparations for departure were promptly commenced. My father having in his pos- session several certificates for military service, they were disposed of at one-third their nominal value ; the proceeds were invested in Miami lands; and in a period of time comparatively short, our imaginations pictured the snug and comfortable Columbian cabin, in which, exclud-^ 0. M. SPENCER. 43 ing care, and the care-producing occupations of profitless commerce, our happy family was des- tined to reside. One important member of the little circle was rather sceptical as to the sunny side of the landscape, and the certainty of our future bliss : that was my mother. The Miami had been exhibited as a land flowing with milk and honey, and epithets of recommendation profusely poured forth over all its surface;— still, the ties of home were tenacious. The abandonment of " her own, her native land " was a trial of no common order. She had faithful and long-tried friends. Her daughters had married and were settled within visiting distance : and if it struck her, that between present enjoyment, and comfort in reversion, there was some difference, no one, I think, will blame her for excessive prudence. On the other hand, there was only one reason for removing, but that one was of vast dimensions. I mean, my father s desire. So it was felt ; nor did his wife waver for a moment, when she knew that his resolution was taken. With entire dependence on his affection and judgment, she prepared to follow wherever he chose to lead. Our journeyings at length commenced. Ifc was on a pleasant day in the month of October, 1790, when only nine years of age, that I mounted the leading horse attached to the fore* most of two waggons, destined for the far west. My mother and sisters had already taken the seats assigned them in the respective vehicles- 44 NARRATIVE OF Sundry indispensaLle articles of household fur- niture, not to be procured on the west of the Alleghany, were carefully packed for conyey- ance, and securely stowed. All being ready, we began to move. With spirits naturally buoyant, and pleased with the novelty of travel- ling, which I thought the finest amusement in the world, the few tears which, in defiance of myself, fell, on quitting the home of my child- hood, were soon brushed away. I wondered not a little at the sober sadness of my father, the deep sighs of my mother, and the frequent sobs of my sisters ; whose feelings and expect- ations I supposed would naturally resemble my own. For the first few days we went heavily on. I was delighted by the passing scenery; but our conversation was brief, and with spaces far between. My thoughtless whistle, and the quaint and occasional expressions of the driver, an old soldier, who had been somewhat of a humourist in his time, made up the whole of the entertainment that for hours interrupted the stillness of the forest, or varied the monotony of the rumbling wheels.' Providence has wisely decreed, that to human grief there shall be seasonable limits. Time, with its lenient hand, contributed to soothe the smitten heart, till, at length, our party became tolerably cheerful. Dwelling less upon the past, which appeared to grow dim in the intervening distance, our thoughts became busily occupied with our pre- ..-/' 0, M. SPENCER. 45 sent condition and prospects; and we soon found much to interest attention, and render the journey agreeable. ., ; Having left Mindham, in East-Jersey, our late residence, far in the rear, our route lay through Easton and Harrisburg. Passing these towns, we soon reached the formidable moun- tains which separate the waters of the Atlantic states from those of the Mississippi valley. Here we were compelled to summon all our fortitude, and exercise our utmost patience. Persons who now proceed from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, who can ascend with ease, and glide rapidly along the broad and 'vell-paved road that crowns the huge Alleghany summit, and for whose refreshment commodious inns may be found, at convenient distances, — can form but a faint idea of the difficulties and dangers which, more than forty years since, were endured by emigrants bound to the west* The Alleghany mountains consist of a series of ridges, extend- ing north-easterly and south-westerly, nearly parallel to the sea-coast, about nine hundred miles in length, and from sixty to two hundred miles in breadth. These ridges have been vari- ously named. There is the Blue Ridge, the North Ridge, the Devil's Back -bone, Laurel Ridge, Jackson's Mountains, and Kittatinny Mountains. The entire range is descriptively termed the Back-bone of the United States ; or hy some travellers, the Endless Mountains; wbile a few have c)iosen to designate them the. 46 NARRATIVE OF Apalachiaii, after an adjacent river of that name.. .'Hi.-;' ,•-.-.-, ;:;... ,.-...,:;. >•-^^ v-...^-,. : r:^;'^^- Over this rugged and formidable eminence we took our solitary way, now rising, now descending violently, by steep and unequal disruptions of the solid rock. Without doubt, the passage was effected at the imminent risk of our lives. It was after a wearisome day's jour- ney over the worst part of the then road, that we were detained a considerable time in repair- ing one of our waggons. It had overset by plunging into a deep rut : before we conld ren- der it safe for proceeding onward, night over- took us, in the middle of a dense forest, and more than two miles from any habitation* This exposure, to a family which had never known the want of comfortable shelter, was an appalling circumstance. The hideous howling of numerous wolves, hovering about, increased our terror, and soon created an imaginary host of panthers, bears., and robbers. Trusting to almighty protection, we experienced only a momentary sinking of heart : our courage ral- lied : with the aid of a tinder-box, we kindled a large fire, and after a brief repast of biscuit and eheese, with some water from an adjacent brook, we retired to the waggons, and forgot our cares in sweet and salutary slumber. And yet, our pause for the night was not entirely unbroken. Happening to awake about eleven bUdb I youtb one Te.ir older than myself, was missing : O. M. SPENCER. 47 after reflecting several minutes, I felt great alarm at his absence, and, by repeatedly calling him by name, aroused the family, to whom I related the cause of my uneasiness. Search was immediately made for the wanderer in every direction, bui in vain. 'Loud shouts, and the firing of muskets, though frequently repeated, received no other response save the howling of wolves, by whom, we confidently believed, the lad had been torn to pieces. At last, when all hope had been taken away, we received the cheering information of his safety. The youth, it seems, had retired to rest, with his mind busily occupied with the perils and necessities of our intended migration ; and, under the influence of some visionary impulse, had arisen from his bed while asleep, and, with no other clothing than his night dress, contrived to de- scend from the waggon, and had walked with his feet bare, on a cold October night, to a house nearly two miles in advance on the road : on arriving there, he knocked in due form at the door, which was politely opened; but his unearthly appearance, at the noon of night, and with an exterior so unusual, combined with the unexpectedness of the visit, was rather too much for the dwellers within. They uttered a loud scream, and fled ; the efiect of which, though not perceived by themselves, was most happy, for the spell was dissolved. The noise awoke the unconscious traveller ; and it is diffi- cult to say whose surprise was the greatest, that m L 48 NARR.*.TITE OF of the worthy household, or his, whose singular visit, clad in thin white, was so singularly timed. In justice to the youth, he rallied uncommonly well, and finding himself " pretty considerahly ** hunger-hitten, soon convinced the by-standers, that he was not only a " spirit of . health," but, like themselves, dwelt in a frame of good corporeal mould and substanoe. The fact is, however, remarkable, and serves to show how intimate, and yet how subtle and mysteri- \] ous, is the connexion between mind and matter. The theory of dreams, if I mistake not, defies the calculation of human reason. "Who can tell what parts of a human being are active, or what dormant, when he sleeps ? Why does he not always dream when asleep? or why does he dream at all? Baxter endeavours, in his " Treatise on the Immateriality of the human Soul," to prove, that dreams are produced by the agency of some spiritual beings ; but the inquiries into which this ingenious man desires to enter are evidently beyond the limits of our knowledge. Dr. Beattie, in a very pleasing Essay on the subject, states that he knew a gentleman who was almost a stranger to dream- ing till his twenty-sixth year, and then began to dream in consequence of having had a fever. Moderns have affected to show, that dreams arise from an interruption or suspension in the flow of the nervous fluid. But, after all, these T.a4- -t-Viia \\A ^^v^f v« •■ ^^«^ «« #k««4% trpxiiii/iis aiG iiiere SUppOSltlOUS. pur consolation, that whether asleep or awake, \ O. M. SPENCER. 49 fit home or abroad, in the void waste or in th^ city full, the Watchman of Israel neither slum- bers nor sleeps, and all our steps attends. We proceeded on our journey with tolerable speed. Having taken a south-westerly direc- tion, we arrived at a place called Jacob's Creek, a branch of the Yougheghany. We adopted this course in preference to the route through Pittsburg, as boats were to be obtained at the former place with more facility, and on better terms. Steam navigation being at that time unknown, the only method of conveyance on the western waters consisted of what are termed keel and flat-bottomed boats. Vessels of this description^ being cheap, and easily built, were eagerly sought for by families wishing to descend the rivers. Our boat being ready, we embarked for Columbia, and, in company with another family, numbering together about six- teen persons, we were soon quietly wafted on the majestic Ohio. * ,s Having proceeded thus far without material injury, our confidence in the supreme Disposer of events gained strength. Our souls were deli- vered from death, our eyes from J^^ears, and our feet from falling; and with sensations of mingled gratitude for the past, and confidence for the future, we felt no unwillingness to exchange the slow and toilsome mode of land- travelling, rendere4 increasingly irksome by carnages auu ill-constructeu roaus, lOr the more rapid and less toilsome process of E «0 NARRATIVE OP \\ water conveyance. I was at that time uilac* quainted with experimental religion, nor were my views of Almighty faithfulness much en- lightened hy scriptural knowledge ; but I have jsince perceived, that although ignorant of the source whence all our blessings come, our lone and solitary family was divinely guided. Acting on principles of uprightness, so far as human sagacity could direct, my parents were in quest of a home best adapted to the wants of their progeny. In this exigency, the Lord, though unknown by ourselves, forsook us not. Before us went the pillar of fire by night, and the pillar of a cloud by day ; and I can, in an humble degree at least, appropriate to ourselves the encouraging promise once made to the father of the faithful, when he went to sojourn in a strange and unknown land: '^I am the almighty God : walk before me, and be thou perfect, and I will establish my covenant be- tween me and thee, and thy seed after thee in their generation for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee." The scenery of which we were the surprised and delighted spectators was sublime ; but the circumstance by which the mind became most deeply affected, was the silence and solitude of an apparently unlimited range of wildernesses, through which a passage had been scooped by the plastic hand of Almighty Power. "With the excention of our politarv boat, the little inter- course of the passengers, and the occasional \S'-. O. M. SPENCER, 51 episode of a wild animars howl, we seemed ta be suddenly removed from the world of ani- mated being, and enclosed within a barrier of everlasting hills. The banks of the Ohio were of surprising loveliness. On one side might be seen the pebbled shore, forming a gentle slope, fringed with willows ; then gradually ascending a few paces, covered with cotton-wood, linden, and soft maple. Advancing higher, the ascent became more steep ; and rising to the summit, we observed the elm and sycamore ; while all around, and finely strewed upon the undulating ground adjacent, were the stately beech and poplar, the noble ash and walnut, the tall hickory, and the majestic oak, a goodly fra- ternity of which had braved the blasts of ages. Nor were minuter glories absent. Here were the flowering buck-eye, the ^uaided honey-tree, the fragrant spice- wood ; and the sassafras, affording tea, together with the maple, yielding sugar, to the early settlers. On the other side were seen the vast elevated lands, bounding these fertile vales, and forming a prodigious amphitheatre; sometimes broken into huge masses of rock, interspersed with cedar, and occasionally terminating with sudden descent, covered with lofty trees quite to the water's edge. But these reflections, and the cause that pro-* duced them, have passed away, with otheif usages and scenery of the olden time. By the industry and enterprise of increasing mercantile^ E 2 52 IfARRATIVlB OP U and manufacturing society, the face of the country is altered. Populous towns have arisen, as if by magic. In desolate and formerly unheard-of places, where scarcely the voice of man or the sound of a hammer was heard, the busy hum of commerce, with the varied activi- ties of ceaseless intercourse, are now in full and vigorous exercise. The dull and sluggish flat, or labouring keel, whose progress through the water, though aided by oars, sails, and warps, was hardly perceptible, is now succeeded by the stately steam-ship, proudly stemming the impe- tuous current, or urged with it at a rate so rapid that a voyage which formerly consumed three months is now accomplished in eight days. Our passage along the Ohio was not attended by any unusual occurrence : we strove to feel cheerful, and succeeded in appearing so ; but no one, save the parties concerned, can tell the struggle it cost. We were indeed susceptible of the elegancies which nature had scattered so profusely on every hand; but the vastness of surrounding objects sank us into nothing; added to which, we felt ourselves advancing upon territories hitherto untrod by the foot of civilized man, and known only to fierce and savage tribes of Indians, whose hatred of the white man was proverbial. Not that we were, deficient in courage; but still an undefinable apprehension of danger, which, for aught we knew, might lurk behind some adjoining tree, ^r break on our view in the form of a nume* \ 0. H. SPENOEK. 53' rically superior force, was enough to call up serious musings in the stoutest mind. Thank God, we escaped from every foe, visible or invi- sible. We met with several places in which Indians had halted, but the party had left; and after passing the towns of Wheeling, Marietta, Kanawka, Galliopoli, Limestone, and a few other intermediate places, we arrived, by the blessing of Providence, at Columbia, early in December, 1790. Thus the good hand of our God was upon us; we arrived in safety at our destination; and although the dangers already escaped were but few in comparison of those apparently^ before us, the protection so far afforded served to arm our minds with fortitude, and inspire strengthened confidence in the arm of Omnipo- tence. In circumstances of peculiar and, in many respects, appalling peril, like those in which we were placed, the mind could extract sound solace and rational support, only froni genuine and heartfelt dependence upon the Father of our spirits, before whose all-seeing eye every thing is plain and open. But the Psalmist, happy at all times in beauteous com- position, has almost exceeded himself in his graphic delineation of the mercies promised to the " traveller, in his journey far : *'— " Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilenee. Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror by night ; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the E 3 11 64 NARRATIVE OF pestilence that walketh in darkncSss; nor fot- the destruction that waste th at noon-day. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, t04> keep thee in all thy \yays : they shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot Ugainst a stone." ^ , * i ^k^;^^ ;l. A;;. ■, *' ..• ,«^-a *"V'^' CHAPTER II. k ' The broad and extensive plain stretching along the Ohio, from the Craw-fish to the mouth, and for three miles up the Little Miami, was the ancient site of Columbia. It was ori- ginally designed by Major Benjamin Stiles, the ' proprietor; is at present divided into several . highly-cultivated farms ; and was once expected by the spirited projector and his friends to become a large city, and the capital of the west. From Craw-fish, the small creek which forms its north-western boundary extends more than a mile up the Ohio, and is about three quarters of a mile in breadth. A line was then drawn more* i^ than half the way up a high hill, forming part *" of the eastern and northern limit. A portion of the ground included within this superficies was divided into allotments, each of half an acre, bounded by streets, intersecting each other at right angles. The rest of the land was laid out in lots of four and five acres, for the accomino- ^i^jtion of the town, and its expected inhabitants. '41 yt- Oi M« SPENCfiR. 55 Oyer this plain we found, scattered, on our arriva], about fifty cabins, flanked by a small stockade, iiearly half a mile below the mouth of the Miami. A few block-houses, erected at convenient distances, completed the defences along the banks of the Ohio. On this locality we determined to fix our dwelling ; and as those who wished to inhabit a house must first contrive to build it, we imme- diately addressed ourselves to this important undertaking. Two points were to be secured,— safety and comfort. As to other advantages, we were not over anxious concerning them. When existbr is at stake, fashion and orna- ment are api i^t be disregarded. The erection for our residence was a log-cabin. The designa- tion is homely ; but were I to term it a palace, the matter would not be mended. The exact, dimensions chalked out for the foundation I cannot well remember. An ambitious tenant would, doubtless, have thought them contracted : but large and little are relative terms ; and that which in the estimation of some towering souls would be intolerably small, might appear to a more moderate man exceedingly roomy ; espe- cially if that moderate man happened to be houseless, and in the heart of an unknown forest. It should also be considered, that our domicile was not only a dwelling, but a fortress ; and as the garrison consisted but of few, our force had the advantage, from the simnlicitv of the works, pf being concentrated in a compass m MABRAItTE OF U. conyeniently narrow. We had only one en- trance : that we thought enough for the egress of a friend, or the ingress of a foe. The door, not a Tery wide ore, was mad < of thick oak- plank, turning on StOut wooden hinges, and was secured with strong bars, braced with timber from the floor. This formed a safe barrier on the ground or entrance apartment ; while aboye, and on each side, port-holes or enbrasures were prepared, through which, though unobserved from without, we could discover what was pass- ing, and fire upon an approaching enemy. Our house had the advantage of two windows ; but, for the sake of security, they were cautiously constructed. Four small panes of glass were sufficient for each; and the openings were so contractea, *hat any attempt to enter them by force must; have proved fatal to an assailant. These precautions may appear excessive, to persons residue: in the midst of civilized society, or within range of the protection it affords ; but the strange and unsocial locality on which our choice had fallen, made no small difference. Our advanced and unprotected fort was one of the most dangerous imaginable. Extreme cau- tion was not only excusable, but absolutely necessary ; and though aware that, " except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh in vain," we felt it our duty to adopt every method of defence that prudence could suggest, in the cheerful expectation that in the hour of trial it Ivould be rendered availaWe. A very brief sea^ I ■i-; v-t; ) a. M. SPENCER. 57 son discoyereu thai this hour was much nighcr than we had anticipated. \ In the course of a few weeks, our habitation, including the needful fences and out-houses, was completed ; and though obliged to submit to the privations and inconyeniences so common among the pioneers of the west, we felt no dis- position to repine, and were in some measure comfortably settled. Our repose was, however, of short duration. In less than a month after the completion of our premises, coming events discovered that our defensive precautions were well-timed, and were not prepared too soon. We received authentic information that a body of several hundred Indians had attacked Dun- lops's station, now called Colerain, fifteen or twenty miles north-west of Cincinnati, then garrisoned by a few of the inhabitants, and forty or fifty soldiers under the command of Lieute- nant Kingsbury. The intelligence was brought by Mr. J. S. Wallace, who, at the risk of his life, left the garrison at night, passed unper- ceived through the enemy, and reached Cincin- nati the same night. As the principle of mutual support prevailed, volunteers marched from several places to relieve the garrison; and of the entire body one company proceeded from Columbia. The whole detachment was well mounted; some of the men were armed with rifles, others with knives and tomahawks ; they aunting shirts, so were moreover dressed ■/■ galled ; and, in this array, marched off in singly 58 NARRATIVE OF f file. The expedition did not, after aii, perfornr much; though there was no deficiency in the intrepidity so suddenly excited. On arriving at Colerain, it was found that the enemy had raised the siege, and precipitately retreated. The armed Columbians soon after returned ; but the statements made relative to Indian powers and barbarity, rather increased than allayed our fears, so that the most harassing apprehensions of murderous hostility generally prevailed, i These feelings, not unmixed with a desire to retaliate, were exasperated to an almost intole- rable degree, by an account of the capture and miserable end of Mr. Abner Hunt, who had belonged to the garrison at Colerain. Having unfortunately wandered outside the line of defence, he was taken by the Indians. This untoward seizure was made within sight and hearing of the garrison, who were besought by the unhappy man to save his life, and their own, by an immediate surrender. Convinced, as the men were, that no concession could make the least impression on the furies who thirsted for their blood, who longed for the luxury of gene- ral massacre, and who would receive the signal of surrender as an amusing reason for wholesale butchery, they were compelled to refuse this— almost no request, though made by a companion in arms, and had the misery of beholding him on the verge of destruction without the power of yielding help. They were obliged to witness the mute despair of the prisoner, when he hear4 O. M. SPENCER. 59 the decided though reluctant refusal of the gar- rison to save his life at the certain loss of their own. The fearful preparations for torture vfere commenced within sight of the garrison. The Indians tied their prisoner to a sapling, and made a large fire^ so near as to scorch him, inflicting the most acute pain ; then, as his flesh, from the ardent action of the fire, and the fre- quent application of live coals, oecame less sensitive, these red-skinned harpies made deep incisions in his limhs, as if to renew his suscep- tibility of pain. The screams of the suflFeier were distinctly heard by his unhappy friends, who dared not move to his rescue. His cries for water were especially piercing; and when exhausted and likely to faint, when the welcome messenger of death seemed nigh, flaming brands were applied to hi? bowels, by that time bared and visible. So much for the kindness and dignity of untutored human nature, sometimes extolled by a vain and unsound philosophy! " Let me fall," says David, " into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of man." Yerily, the prophet knew what he said. George White- field was wont to observe, that, until renewed by divine grace, man was a compound of beast and devil; and I begin to adopt the same opinion. It is consoling to add, that the villany of these wretches went no further. The siege lasted two days, without inflicting any serious pei^onal injury on the garrison, who made good their position, and whose loss consisted merely Mi ^- 60 NARRATIVE OF of some cattle, which the enemy contrived to drive away. This was but the beginning of sorrows; a mere prelude to the storm which soon burst upon our entire community. In the ensuing spring the Indians audaciously attacked several boats on the Ohio, and made many prisc^ ;jrs. White persons were occasionally snatched away on the verge of Cincinnati, and near the mouth of Deer-creek. To repress these daring irrup- tions, an expedition under General Scott, of Kentucky, was undertaken, in May, 1791 ; but although he succeeded in repulsing the Indians on the Wabash, little or no effect was produced on the northern tribes, whose boldness and daring remained unshaken. Of this, our family had an alarming specimen. Two of our horses had been stolen from a shed adjoining our cabin. The occurrence was a happy one, as it tended to arouse our vigilance. A few days after the per- petration of this petty theft, just as we had finished our evening meal, one of my sisters heard what she believed to be the almost noise- less tread of approaching footsteps. Justly alarmed, she instinctively directed her eyes to t^r house-door, when she perceived the latch g ? J raised by some one without. She in- jf ^f sprang from her seat, seized the latch, and, with great resolution, kept it down till the door was barred. Preparations for defence were lYin/lp • Anr lifrfifs xvt^rf^ ^'vfin- immediate!^ guished. The females sought for safety by O. M. SPENCER. 01 red to ws; a burst isuing jeveral io^ ;jrs. I away mouth irrup- ott, of 1; but Indians oduced ss and family horses : cabin, idcd to 16 per- 7e had sisters noise- Justly eyes to s latch he in- 5 latch, till the ;e were ^xtin- ety by covering themselyes with beds ; while the men, three in number, with a rifle and two muskets, manned the embrasures above, and by frequently removing to different sides of the house, endea- voured to impress the Indians with an idea of our superior strength. The tread of the rene- gades was distinctly heard, and the forms, in profile, of two or three of them were frequently observed, gliding about, under cover of the ni[ ht. Their intention, no doubt, had been to take us by surprise ; and, opening the door sud- denly, to have first fired on us, then to have rushed into the house, and completed the work of destruction with the tomahawk. Failing in the attempt, afraid of meeting us openly, and unwilling probably to alarm the town, when no booty was to be secured, they eventually stole off, and disappeared. Our neighbours fared worse. But a few minutes had elapsed after the departure of our evil-disposed visitants, when we heard the crack of rifles within two hundred yards' distance, followed by the shrill war-whoop of the Indi- ans. On the other side, three musket-snots in succession soon sounded an alarm ; and in less than a quarter of an hour, thirty men had assembled at the cabin of Ensign Bowman, on the hill side, a short distance west of us. They found the family in great consternation. The Indians having discovered an opening between the logs, fired through it into the house, and slightly wounded Mrs. Bowman. At sunrise, 62 NAnRATIVE OI* on the following day, a small party pursued the Indians, whose number, judging from their footmarks, did not exceed six, and towards noon, finding their track quite fresh, sanguine hopes were entertained of coming up with them. The operations were not on this occa- sion conducted with much judgment. The pur- suing party suffered their energies to be diverted by a bear, who accidentally bounded from a thicket across the path. One of the party snapped the lock of his musket, but missed fire. Bruin cleyerly escaped without harm or loss. The Indians, alarmed probably at the report, mended their pace, and secured a retreat ; while our people, chagrined and disappointed, openly disagreed ; charges of cowardice were mutually made, perhaps without cause, and at any rate without use; and they returned home with those unpleasant feelings which generally arise •when a well-conceived project is spoiled by the clumsiness of those to whom the execution is intrusted. These repeated disasters at length excited national indignation; and a determination was entered into by the executive Government, to send a powerful force against the Indians, suffix cient at once to reduce chem to subjection. Preparations on an extensive scale were accord- ingly made; troops, dispatched from various quarters, continued to arrive at Cincinnati dur- inff the summer of 1791 : so that bv the end of September, a large force, consisting of regulars, \ 0. M. 8PENCER. 63 ed the their )wards iguine ) with occa- le pur- iverted from a party ed fire, r loss, report, while openly utually ly rate 5 with y arise by the tion is xcited m was ent, to , suffi- ection. ccord- rarious i dur- eiid of gulars, levies, and militia, under the command of General St. Clair, then governor of the north- western territory, was ready to march against the enemy. From the known experience and distinguished reputation of the general, as a soldier, and the character of the officers under his command, most of whom had been engaged in active service, public confidence was immedi- ately restored; so that when the troops ad- vanced, the inhabitants of the Miami valley, covered by the long line of their defenders, enjoyed a degree of tranquillity to which they had- for years been strangers. From Cincinnati the army marched in a north-westerly direction. Passing Fort Hamilton, which had been previ- ously built by the militia, on the site of the present town of Hamilton, and crossing the Great Miami at that place, they advanced about twenty-six miles, and having built Fort St. Clair, near the present town of Eaton, marched twenty-two miles faither north, and erected Fort Jefferson. , The advance of the army was unavoidably slow, not only on account of the delay aris- ing from the erection of forts, but from the rugged nature of the country over which the march was conducted. In some places, labori- ous exertions were necessary in preparing even a narrow opening, and especially in making a road wide enough for the artillery and baggage- waggons. Some inconvenience and detention had also been produced by the late and imper-* ■ - p 2 . . 04 NABBATIVE OF f feet delivery of needful supplies: this arose,' partly from the sluggishness of the contractors, and partly from the stratagems of the Indians, who succeeded in cutting off several convoys. In order to attack the enemy in the n. st vul- nerahle part, the forces moved directly upon some Indian villages on the Maumee river ; and on the 3d of Novemher the advanced posts were within a short distance of one of the hostile towns. So far all was well. Accounts descrip- H tive of the excellent condition of the troops were repeatedly received by the inhabitants of the Miami settlements; when, on the evening of the 6th, we were stunned by the almost incredible tidings, that a severe engagement had taken place, which had terminated in the total defeat of the army. The consternation that ensued is indescribable. We were not, at first, disposed to give credit to the appalling tale ; but these doubts, so willingly indulged, were not suffered long to linger. Stragglers, drop* ping in, at first singly, and afterwards by twos and threes, confirmed the intelligence. In a short time, the broken remains of the entire force, in wretched and deplorable groups, made their appearance, and spread the most fearful details of Indian barbarity. It was evident that all was lost, and our defence annihilated. The poor fellows had retreated night and day, and by extraordinary effort reached us on the 8th of November. . , As the defeat of a well-disciplined armed 0. H. ftPENCER. 6f force by an tmcoutli assemLlage of half-clothed and less than half-taught savages, was a most unusual and astounding event, it cannot be uninteresting to inquire how it happened ; and if it be asserted that this discomfiture, so com-* plete and ruinous, was brought on by overween- ing confidence in their owd resources, coupled with contempt of rash and unskilful prowess, the conjecture will not be far from the truth. But facts shall speak for themselves. Having subsequently had a good deal of conversation with several ofiicers who were engaged in the action, I shall be able to gire a tolerably correct notion of the affair. On the afternoon of the 3d of Norember, the main body of the forces, consisting chiefly of regulars and levies, encamped in two lines on the south side of a branch of the Wabash. Between these lines there was an opening of about seventy yards in width. The whole fronted the stream, and extended along its mar- gin for about three hundred and fifty yftrts^ On the other or north side of the stream, and a quarter of a mile in advance of the main body, the militia, under Colonel Oldham, was posted ; and beyond that corps, at a suitable distance, a company of regulars, under Captain Slough, was stationed in advance. Next morning, before day had dawned, the approach of a strong Indian force obliged this company to fall back Upon the militia. This state of things was reported to General - F 3 NARRATIVE OF Butlet ; but though he was assured that a gene-> 1^1 attack might he apprehended that morning, he affected to regard the information as an idle tftle, or to suppose that he had nothing to da but show himself and conquer. He was pre- sently undeceived. The first rays of light had glanced on the uplands, and the cheerful reveille been poured forth from the shrill fifes and roll- ing drums : the troops, as was their daily cus-* tom, had manned the lines, and remained under arms till the sun had arisen, and shone brightly. As no enemy was in sight, they had retired, some to prepare their breakfasts, or perform various other duties, and not a few to lounge in the tents. Fatal security ! At this juncture, and without the warning of an instant, the con- tinuous ring of a thousand rifles, mingled with the hideous and deafening yells of the Indians, announced but too certainly, that the militia in front were attacked in great force, and beaten back. The drums of the encampment immedi- ately beat to arms, and the soldiers hastened to their posts: but scarcely had the troops formed JLi prepared for action, Tvhen the routed militia, closely pursued by the foe, rushed through the first line into the camp, and threw that line into confusion, from which it • could not entirely be recovered. Following up the advantage, the Indians boldly advanced upon the front, as if determined to force it ; but Several well-directed volleys from, ouk men, ttey \ >'!' P* M. SPENCER, 67 trerd compelled to fall back. Our troops for a short time fought brayelj, but contending under great disadvantages, with superior numbers, soon became disheartened. ^^^ The groimd occupied by our line was rather elevated, so that the troops were fatally exposed to the destructive fire of the Indians, who were posted behind trees and logs; so that, while they had the leisure for taking aim, our fire was in a great degree ineffectual. It was discovered some time after the battle, that the fire from our men was too elevated : bullets, and even can- non-balls were found embedded in the boughs and bodies of trees, at the height of at least thirty feet from the ground. Early in the action, the troops were entirely surrounded by the Indians ; and while some of them retreated from one side of the camp before a charge of the bayonet, others, rushing in on the other side, or on the flanks, killed and scalped the wounded. These charges were repeated several; times, but always with great loss to our troops ; indeed, it seemed as if the Indians fled at first before their charge, as if to draw them out some distance from the lines, then, turning^ suddenly upon them, compel them to retreat, leaving their wounded to certain destruction* It was during one of these charges, that the brave but unfortunate General Butler was killed. He had been mortally wounded early tliA hattlp »n on /I VCI1I.J.XCVI bU AA19 J_x uctcr- / — . mined to sell his life as dearly as possible^; he ! 68 NARRATIVE OF was placed in a reclining posture, Ivith a pdr of pistols by his side. In pursuing our troops, retreating in their turn, two warriors at onoe espied him; and both, anxious to plunder his^ person, as well as to take his scalp, rushed forward, the one only a few feet in advance of the other. The foremost Indian had but just entered his tent, when the General, levelling one pistol, shot him dead ; but, while in the act of presenting the other, he received the stroke of the hurled tomahawk, and instantly expired. Captain Ford, the only surviving officer of artillery, had nearly experienced a similar fate.- Ile was severely wounded, and had been placed near the lamented officer just named. His pre-* servation was simply owing to the circumstance, that he lay against a tree, on the side opposite to that on which the Indians charged. Unwilling to sacrifice human life, by continu- ing a struggle so disproportionate and hopeless, and apprehensive that a total route would soon take place. General St. Clair determined on a retreat, which he trusted to effect in something like order. Nearly cue half of the soldier* were killed. More than three-fourths of the officers lay lifeless on the field; while the tomahawk and scalping-knife assisted to satiate the revenge of the furies whose lot it was to triumph. In order to withdraw the surviving troops most advantageously, they were drawn VLTi under Colonel Darke- who vio'orously the Indians. They gave way, as usua)|^ 0. M. SPENCER. 09 on the riglit and left, leaving an open dpace to the high road, to which the troops advanced, and commenced their retreat. This soon in- creased to a flight. Not only were the artillery and baggage deserted, but even the wounded, with few exceptions, were left to their fate. Each, striving to secure himself, thought no- thing concerning the safety of others. Not that this mean and unsoldierlike conduct was uni- versally prevalent. The exceptions might be few, but there were such ; and one of the most honourable I will beg to mention. Captain Ford was saved by the devoted attachment of one of his men. who, placing him upon a horse, bore him safely from the battle-ground ; while Dr. Richard Allison, senior surgeon of the army, than whom few were more brave and humane, mounted on his own powerful and spirited horse, with his servant seated behind him, brought off from the field Captain Shailer, and three others, who, laying hold of the mane and tail of the noble animal, were enabled to escape the pursuit of the enemy. The severity of the engagement now described may be inferred from the loss sustained by the defeated party. Of about fifteen hundred men, who engaged in battle on that fatal morning, six hundred and thirty, including thirty-seven officers, were killed; and two hundred and forty- four, including thirty officers, were wound- ed. Beside this melancholy list of lost and maimed friends^ a number of pack-horse men. *, f ^ ) . ;1 70 NARRATIVE OF waggoners, and others attached to the army^ were slain ; and of nearly two hundred women, following the rear of the forces, three only escaped. Ahout fifty were killed, and the resi-^ due made prisoners. Had the Indians known how to pursue their advantage, they might easily have cut off the retreat of the fugitives, many of whom, soon after gaining the road, threw away their arms, and hetook themselves to speedier flight. But having signally defeated the army, and gratified their revengeful propensities, the greater numher of the victors remained to plun-* der the camp ; while those who pursued the flying troops, cutting off stragglers, and scalping the wounded, suddenly drew hack, and after following for ahout four miles gave over the pursuit, and returned to the encampment ; fear* ing, probably, that unless present, they might he cheated out of an equitable share of the plunder. The scene presented on this occasion was cha« racteristic, and shows the immense difference existing between man in a state of savagism, and that of comparative civilization. War is, indeed, a dreadful game, wherever and by whomsoever it is pursued ; but among the latter class, though rancour may rise terribly high in the tug of actual strife, mercy to a fallen adver- sary is shown as a matter of course. In the case now reviewed, the better part of man is relinquished for the ferocity of brutes. Here, after stripping the dead and insulting the re- mains, after pocketing the plunder, and gorging \i omen, only e resw cnown easily any of r away >eedieF army, es, the plun-^ ed the jalping L after er the ; fear- ight be lunder. as cha« Perence ragism, iVar is, nd by e latter high in adver- In the man is Here, clie re- gorging i 6. M. SPENCER. 71 Upon the recently- slaughtered cattle, they began to drink and carouse. Some became stupid; others grew furious, in proportion to the quan- tity they drank of Jire-water, They rent the air with hideous war-whoops ; they acted oyer, and then over again, their savage feats, cutting and mangling the dead bodies. Finding some who were not quite dead from the wounds received, they tore out the hearts of several ; and throwing others into a fire they had ignited, put a speedy end to their sufferings. A few Indians, less ferocious, dressing themselves in the uniform of the dead officers, strutted about the encampment. One of these I afterwards saw, while a prisoner among the Shawanese, wearing the dress-coat of a field officer of in- fantry, with silver epaulettes on his shoulders, and a watch suspended from each ear. With one hand taking hold of the facing of his coat, he said to me, "Me kill un;" and with the other, smiting his breast, vociferated, " Captain Walker ! Great man me ! " The Indians were led by several brave and experienced chiefs; and beside the infamous renegade Girty, and the notorious Elliott, I was told that Captain M'Kee of the Royal Americans, and sever'il British officers, were in the battle. As this lat- ter fact rests merely upon hearsay evidence, which frequently misleads, I do not positively Touch for its authenticity. M-M 'l1 vvitiiout pretending to examine or explain the causes of dispute between the parties whose i i" // 72 NARRATIVE OF conflict I h<' e just described, war is so great a misery, that an appeal to arms must be looked at as one of the heaviest of all human calamiticB^» Indeed, many excellent persons insist, that it m unjustifiable under any pref;ence whatever, eve j for the purposes of self-defence. TLe prcposi tion is, without doubt, founded in love and good-wiil ; and, though one scarcely knows how to receive it literally > tbe principles of peaoe and forbeaixnce whi*:!i It in^ralcates are worthy of all acceptation. jSI vilxiiit^ certeinly but the ruffian- ism of dotYnrighi; brutality could have impelled these Indian ivaniorb to add cruelty to valour, and marder those with coolness who had been maimed in actual strife. On the other hand, the politer ai^d more scientific party was un« doabtedly the aggressor. This fact is obvious ; for the army had advanced for the express purpose of driving back the Indians into the remoter parts of their inland fastnesses ; and, after the provocation they had received, ren-' dered still more intolerable by lofty contempt, by treachery, and over-reaching on the part. 0. their persecutors, we are not to wonder that revenge waxed doubly hot, and produced effects so wretched. The woes and injuries of war extend ov ^. much wider space thp'^ many persons are ap i consider. Howard, f - philanthropist, v . ? j1- dom spoke at random, states in one of k; . letr ters, uateu ?vIoscow, tuat no lewc* " than scve;* ;/ thousand recruits for the army and navy I *yq * •^. O. M. SPENCER. 73 great a >e looked llamitic^f/. that it m ves-. evc-i prcposi lore and iO'w% Low leaoe and thy of all e ruflBan- impelied ;o valour, had been ler hand, was mi- ohvious ; express into the tes; and, red, reu- contempt. J part 0. der that ed effccta id ov€ n. je ap- '^ j&4'.;v let- \ died in the Russian hospitals during a single year." Few writers seem inclined to approach this terrible spectre near enough rightly to limn its h'/'seous aspect. The deformity seems to oveijK wer description, and places the scribe in the situation of an artist, who, it is said, in attempting to draw the devil, lost his senses at ihii excessive ugliness of the lines he had in-f vented.* . Confining myself to the contest recently con- cluded, it is evident that an important lesson had been taught to the vanquished. Pride kept them silent; but though conviction was sma-s thered, they must have felt that glittering epau< lettes, silk sashes, and ostrich feathers, though • The system of war seems to be made up of vice and deception from beginning to end. The false and honied statements planned at the recruiting department, and put forth at every street corner, even in England, during the late war, exemplify the extent of these seducements. Were it not for the cruel injdry inflicted on the luckless victims whose feet were taken in the shining snare, the whole thing would be highly ludicrous. Take, for instance, the following announcement, which is rather an underrated specimen of the placards then in circula- tion, drawn up, as may be perc( Wed, by some practised hand, to catch the ^ *,i^ar, and to swell the ranks of the enlisting sergear - : — " All aspirirg heroes, who wish to serve their king and country, defend the •( rotestant reli- gion, and live for ever, may receive ten shillings and sixpence, by applyinjr at the Britannia public •house, Wapping." Against such temptationiS, who caii stand ? — Fame which shall know no end, and half- a-guinea to begin with I \ i riSf I > > * ( n •v;- v>> // ?4 NARRATIVE OF looked Upon as flashy appendages to military costume, go a veiy little way in the composition of a soldier. The ease with which these and other articles of finery were laid in the dust, by an ill-scented and ungentlemanly, but strong* armed, multitude, must have reminded the ruined battalions of the immeasurable difference there is between the marching and counter- marching of rank and file over smoothly-rolled gravel on the parade-ground, where men meet together to play at soldiering, and the deadly tug, the strife, and desperate effort, which ensue in the actual shock of hostile encounter. That associations should be established for the promotion of peace, affords ground for pleasing contemplation. Equally agreeable is it to survey the rise and progressive prosperity of Tempe- rance Societies. But these, and every other attempt to produce reformation, must, if avail- able, be based on religious principle : if they be not, the design, however prudently conceived, will be abortive. We may as well, therefore, choose the shorter way, and refer at once to the law and the testimony. Christianity, and that alone, furnishes the great and only moral anti- dote to war and its attendant evils, by the con- trol and subjugation of the passions which lead to it. Where there is piety to God, there will be good-will to man: where grace rules the heart, sobriety governs the life. Independently therefore of newly-formed establishments tor the enforcement of any one particultu: virtue, whose ilitary osition e and list, by trong- d the •erence unter- -rolled meet deadl/ | i ensue for the leasing surrey ^empe- other - avail- hey be ceived, irefore, to the d that il anti- le con- h lead re will Bs the dently tor the whose I O. M. SPENCER. 79 value, however, I have no desire to disparage, and which furnish channels for the flow of scrip- tural precept, let us repair to the well of life, whose waters ever flow in streams of pure and lasting peace, and pray for the approach of that long-expected day, when the Heathen shall no longer rage, nor the people imagine a vain thing. Say not that the hope is vain, or that an expec- tation so glorious shall he cut ofiP. The walls of Jerusalem will be built, even in troublous times. Though the vision tarry, it shall not lie. *' They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks : nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." CHAPTER III. The most gloomy apprehensions, it may rea« dily be supposed, were entertained, as to the probable result of the disastrous defeat of Gene- ral St. Clair. Indeed, it is surprising, when the force and animosity of the Indians are consi- dered, that the face of the country was not overspread by these victorious warriors; an event which, on ^i^wing their sanguinary pro- pensities, could )j*mmmu*n''>'*'^f**»'v^3v««v I.AVAMVM* 0. M. SPENCER. 87 Having behaved, during the early part of the summer of 17^)2, to my fathers satisfaction, he was good enough to promise me a reward,; This was nothing less than a holiday, to be spent at Fort Washington, and to commence on the approaching 4th of July ; on which day, as every one knows, or ought to know, is cele- brated the anniversary of American independ- ence. It is not easy to limit the pleasures of hope; and the anticipations of this promising excursion were of surpassing magnitude. Dur- ing the interim my work seemed nothing: no load was heavy, no task was grievous, and duties were performed with alacrity till then unknown even to myself. At last the long- expected time drew nigh ; and on the afternoon of the 3d day of the month just named my journey commenced. Every body does not possess a carriage and horses; and for sundry good and sufficient causes we determined to travel by water, — indeed the boat was at hand. The company consisted of my sisters, hand- somely decked out, together with several other ladies of Columbia, and a number of officers who had arrived there in the morning for the express purpose of procuring conveyance t Fort Washington ; where they intended to par- take of a dinner to be given by the officers stationed there, and share the good fellowship of a ball announced for the following evening. All this was mighty agreeable. We saw directlv that ever^^ conceivable circumstance ^ "^ H 2 Ik I. it ( l! ) 1 ( ; ( 'l ! // NARRATIVE OF united in our favour. As to any reverse, or the possibility of deductions from the sun total of our expected enjoyment, the idea was prepos- terous. The time of departure, though long in coming, came at last. Our places in the barge were selected and taken ; and if it was a tight fit, so much more compact and steady the boat's trim. We descended the Ohio at the rate of six miles an hour, rowed by eight soldiers. Every thing above, around, and beneath, con- spired, I thought, to render the spectacle en- chanting : the banks of the river were clothed with living green, and scarcely a tree had at that time been cut down between the mouth of the Craw-fish and that of Deer-creek, a dis- tance of more than four miles. The varied views, as we passed on, afforded matter for constant and instructive speculation; and though our opinions might not have been philosophically overpowering, and occasionally wavered, we all agreed that the last view was by far the most picturesque and romantic of sny. The sand-bar, now extending from the left bank of the river opposite to Sportsman s Hall, was then a small island, between which and the Kentucky shore was a narrow channel, though with sufficient depth of water for the passage of boats. The upper and lower parts of this island were bare and rocky ; but its centre, containing about four acres, was covered with small 1 »-nri on w/\nn AaA Ki XMTillrk'Mre «-v_ 11 AXX\f 1^ IS V.A.~ 0. M. fiPENCER. 89 ll tending along its side almost down to the waters edge. The right bank o^ the river, crowned with lofty hills, now gradually ascend- ing, now abruptly rising to iheir summits, and forming a magnificent amphitheatre, afforded a singular and sublime view more than two miles in length. The approach to these elevated lands was, on the whole, precipitous and steep, and was covered with trees and herbage down to the beach. On proceeding farther, and nearly opposite the lower end of the island, the ascent became more gradual ; and for two miles, at least, a thick impervious growth of willows served to form a border, behind which the foliage of tall w^ide-spread trees tow^ered to a great height. This portion of mountain- scenery was succeeded by an open beach, rather unproductive and stony. Nothing appeared to thrive, save here and there a small tuft of wil- low ; and the country around was equal ■ 7 open. Just here, and near the line of the present turnpike, was a narrow pass leading from Columbia to Cincinnati, wide enough only for the admission of a small waggon. This outlet, dignified by the name of a road, wound iound a certain point of the hill above Deer-creek, and theri descended on the north side to the depth of about four hundred feet : crossing that creek, it emerged from the valley, and gradually ascended the western bank in "1 southerly direction, upon ground on which in ^\ ^se build- ««J>^«^ J -V. vxjlxa>^K; K-" ymmes- Street now staEii., . na in 11 3 a 90 NARRATIVE OP It; /I*. I %.: 'i ' direct line to Fort Washington. Of course it enters the town in the vicinity of Lawrence- street, by which on one part it is intersected. The preceding description is not, I hope, tedious : I meant it to be particular, and have reasons for it. It proved to be the place on which it was my lot to experience a most remarkable and unexpected personal calamity; so serious and severe, that the preservation of my reason and existence is to be viewed as little else than a miracle. My narrative must, however, be regularly pursued. Forgetful, therefore, of coming disasters, we may observe that our trip down the Ohio was safely managed. We were soon gratified with the jsight of Fort Washington, and in a few mo- ments ascended thv? lunding-place leading to it. Morning came- unci a fine one it was. What tended to exah \i BtiU higher was, as I have already stated, that it was the 4th of July. Of all the mornings in the year, no One, politically viewed, shines so brightly to an American. On the occasion to which I now refer, it was ushered in by the discharge of thirteen rounds from the guns of the fort : at twelve the firing was repeated, and the troops under arms per- formed various evolutions. At dinner, as usual, the toasts were followed by the discharge of artillery. At dusk there was a brilliant display of fire -works; and the rejoicings of the day were closed by a ball. Most persons thought it well- ordered and sprightly: greater men than 0. M. SPENCER. 91 ou' wives will, we hope, excuse us, if we pro- nounce it most splendid and imposing. I spent the two following days in various amusements. What a mercy it is, that in pity to fallc n man, Heaven has kindly hidden the future f- om .lis view ! How often does it happen, in th vari- ous stages of human experience, h nt the moment of our greatest self-secuntv a lien suspicion sleeps, danger is most imr' So it was with me. Having tired myocf the pursuit of several rustic games that required physical exertion, I felt overcome by lassitude ; grew uneasy and discontented; and, with the inconsiderateness of childhood, (for I was not eleven years old,) I resolved to return home. Full of this novel but rash enterprise, I stole away from the garrison, unnoticed by any per- son. So sudden was my elopement, and with such rapidity did the consequences follow, that the first tidings heard concerning me, conveyed at one and the same time the fact of my depart- ure, and the heart-rending intelligence of my capture by a party of Indian scouts. The par- ticulars of this unexpected adventure are too deeply impressed on my recollection to be for- gotten, or remembered dimly; but, as they introduced me to an entirely new state and condition, almost resembling another world, peopled with other souls, I shall preserve the statement for another section of this work. Meantime I cannot refrain from expressing my firm conviction that, untoward and painful m IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 11.25 Hi |2B 12.5 150 *^~ HHB itt Ui2 12.2 ^ 1^ 112.0 llllim 1.4 11.6 o> w 7 Photographic Sdences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEaSTER.N.Y. MSSO (716) 872-4503 '^>^ ^ '^^ % ^^O 93 NARIlATtVE 09 ' as were the trials througli which I had to pass, and although wearisome days and nights were allotted for a long and gloomy season, I can trace, in and through every step of the dispen^ sation, proofs of Almighty goodness; under whose guiding influence, though life frequently was placed in circumstances of apparent jeo- pardy, no weapon formed against me was suf- fered to prevail. But why was the mischief suflfered to happen at all ? Such may he the suggestion of men whose views extend only to the little round of life's daily occupation. Perhaps it was foreseen by the Searcher of hearts, that nothing else or less than privation and distress would soften my hard heart, and bring me to the knowledge of myself. It is true, other means might have been employed; but how do we know that ^hey would have been effectual? God speaks once, yea, twice ; but man perceiveth it not ; neither does he regard the operations of his hand. Indications of divine favour and love surround us on every side, and yet the mind often remains callous and insensible. So pro- found is the sleep of carnal security into which human nature has fallen, that, in order to arouse the slumberer, nothing less can avail than that voice which speaks the dead to life. Nor is it imreasonable to conclude, that the affliction which happened to myself was sancti- fied to the moral welfare of my beloved parents. To see their worldly comforts snatched firom O. M. SPENCER* 93 their grasp by the hand of violence, probably taught them to look for happiness in nothing lower than the skies. Nor am I certain but that our entire family, chastened by the hand of their heavenly Parent, derived that instruction which is seldom taught but in the school of adversity and disappointment. Without doubt some real and permanent benefit lay concealed beneath the event which befell me, adapted to promote and secure, not only my own well- being, but the happiness of others. Looking back, therefore, through the long vista of departed years, I feel thankful for all that is past ; and especially, that, added to the mercies of Providence, I am a debtor beyond computation to the grace of God, by whose power I am delivered from the thraldom of sin, and am introduced into the favour and family of the Saviour. We may, indeed, admit that the eternal power and Godhead of the Almighty Word may be inferred from the things that are seen; nor can any ingenuous mind fail in receiving impression from an induction so nata- ral. The spangled heavens, though solemn and silent, utter his praise ; storm and tempest own his sway; the calm that succeeds them inti* mates his presence ; the roaring of Niagara, the explosions of Vesuvius, the "jaculation dire" of the earthquake, all proclaim his agency, and work the wonders of his sovereign will : but to the heart of man, where the kingdom of heaven is to be opened and stablished, more potent and 94 NARRATIVE OP persuasive than any or all other intimations is the still small voice of the eternal Spirit, speaking peace and assurance to the troubled soul. CHAPTER IV. ii ■ ■ A (. I Having escaped from Fort Washington, in pursuance pf my resolution to return home, I bent my steps to the banks of the well-known Ohio. On arriving there, soon after three in the afternoon, on the 7th of July, I observed a canoe, with four persons aboard, bound for Co- lumbia, and just about to push from the shore. Discovering one of them to be a person I had fieeu before, and thinking the smooth mode of travelling they had chosen was the fine^ aing in the world, I hailed them, requesting to be taken on board. With this, after a little consult- ation, they complied ; and I was added to the company. The canoe, which was small, narrow, and very imsteady, had proceeded only a short distance from the mouth of Deer-creek, when one of the passengers, much intoxicated, made several unhandsome lurches, first on one side, then on the other; till at last, in obedience to the law of gravitation, he fell overboard, in an apparently helpless condition. The sense of danger partially restored him : he immediately struck out, and, after a little awkward floundex- 0. M. 8PENCEII. 95 ing, reached the shore in safety. Being rather alarmed at these irregularities, and feeling my- self in jeopardy, I requested to he set on shore. This was complied with. The drunken man was then left to his fate, while I walked on the bank, within speaking distance of the men in the canoe, which proceeded more rapidly. Mr. Light was placed in the bow, and with a pole assisted to propel the boat. In the stem, a stranger had seated himself. He was a swar- thy, athletic man, with thick, black, bushy hair, and had provided himself with a paddle, wbich he used either as an oar or rudder, as occasion required. In the middle of the boat, an old lady named Coleman, a good-natured garrulous personage, had taken her place. Meantime I pursued my way, at an easy pace, along the beach, a little in advance of the canoe, listening to the merry conversation of my companions afloat, or amusing myself hy skimming small fiat stones on the surface of the water. About a mile above the mouth of Deer- creek, a canoe, which we had discovered some time before de- scending the mid-stream of the river, passed us. There were several market-people on board, and among them a woman whose child cried loudly and without intermission. This elicited no no- tice on our part, excepting that tl^e old lady with us gave out sundry sage apophthegms relative to the right management of children. A very short time discovered that if the uplifted voice of the infant now referred to had been sup- 96 NARRATIVE OF V' \ I / pressed, the consequences to us would have been of almost inyaluable worth. Soon after getting rid of this canoe ^nd hbr brawling cargo, we rounded the point of a small cove, less than a mile below the foot of the island already described, and proceeded a few hundred yards along the close willows bordering the beach ; when, while the boat was about one- fourth that distance from the shore, I observed one of the passengers. Light, look behind ; and on seeing our quondam friend, the wine-bibber, staggering along nearly a mile in the rear, he remarked, with an oath, that ''he would be bait for the Indians." He had scarcely resumed his oar, laid aside for an instant, when I noticed that he suddenly sprang into the river, leaving the canoe to drift waywardly ; while the stran- ger, who had occupied the stern, fell over, and made for the shore near where I stood. In the next moment I heard the sharp crack of two rifles in close succession ; and, looking towards the wilderness, saw, through the smoke of the guns fired, two Indians, with faces black as mid- night, rushing towards the canoe. Never shall I forget my feelings at that period. For an in- stant I stood motionless ; and the reflection that darted across my mind, as I instinctively drew down my head between my shoulders, was,^" I have had some narrow escapes, but now death is certain." One of the Indians had advanced to within ten feet of the spot where I stood ; in his right hand was the raised tomahawk, and in I o. m; bpbno^. 07 his left the naked scalping-knife. My fortitude soon rallied; and, unwilling to surrender to the big bully without an effort, I attempted to fly, and made choice of a path which, though rather circuitous, led to the water-side, where I hoped to find the canoe, in which to push out on the riyer. The Indian apprehending my design, selected a parallel course, and passing by my side, at a small distance, arrived first at the shore. The stranger, who had trayelled thus far in the canoe, unfortunately took shelter in the same place ; and I had the unspeakable misery of seeing him murdered. The Indian struck him on the head with his tomahawk; and, seizing him by the hair, he passed his knife quickly round the head, tearing off the scalp with incredible dispatch and violence. He then held it up with the exultation and malice of a fiend, between whom and himself the resem- blance, I thought, was perfect. Finding I could not gain the canoe, which by this time had swung out into the current, I turned from the heart-sickening sight of the mangled man, and dreading a similar fate, ran down by the river side, in the hope of escaping; but I had not proceeded far, when I was observed by the other Indian, who easily headed me, and stopped far- ther flight or parley. Contrary to the expectation I had formed, the Indian, instead of seizing me with anger, ap- proached with calmness, and extended his hand in token of peace. I took it ; and from what I 98 NARRATITB or i V had heard of the character and customs of Indian life, I felt assured of present safety. The who|e of the events comprised in the rencontre just re- cited, occupied less than a minute. The circum- stances which led to the assault and capture may he as hriefly related. The Indians, it seems, had heen hovering ahout the hill in quest of horses, a few of which they longed to pick up. Hearing the loud crying of a child, they advanced to the j I hank of the river, rightly judging that the sound proceeded from a canoe. They arrired too late to injure that of which the innocent little mis- chief-maker was an occupant, and discovered ours, ahout a quarter of a mile helow. Deter- mined to do something, in the form of plunder or massacre, they coolly awaited our approach, concealing themselves hehind a large log among the willows. The scheme was hut too success- fiil. Nothing could exceed the promptness of the attack, which was made just as the canoe arrived opposite the amhush. Mr. Light hap- pily eluded the vigilance of the foe. He had heen wounded hy the £rst fire in the left arm ; hut, heing an expert and ahle swimmer, he contrived, hy the dexterous use of his right arm and hand, to effect his escape. Poor lady Coleman was harder put to it ; and yet she fared sumptuously, all things considered. Compelled to leaye the canoe, in which she was a mark for the enemy's fire, she gallantly threw herself into the Viver. Whether or n**** she was a nerson of larsre dimen- stons, I will not now pretend to avouch ; for 0. M. SPENCER. 09 Indian who|e list re- rcum- 'emay 18, had lorses, earing to the sound >o late e mis- overed Deter- lunder )roach, ailiong access- less of canoe it hap- d been i; but, itriyed, L hand, m was aously, lye the nemy's i Viver. dimen- th ; for recollection furnishes no clue. Incredible as the circumstance appears, though encumbered \\ith several weighty garments, she nerer sank. In- deed, her clothes, instead of becoming an incon- venience by their weight, seemed to be a help. When I saw her, they appeared spread out on the surface of the water, like the large round leaf of a marine plant, with her head in the! centre, by which means her buoyancy was infal- libly safe. Thus securely invested, she was car- ried with the current to Cincinnati. Such an arrival, I humbly apprehend, they never had be- fore or since. The honour of being the first to convey the news of my captivity is a contested point, and is claimed by our aquatic female friend, and her co-partner Light. To which of the two the palm is to be awarded, I cannot tell ; the thing is immaterial ; and it will be enough to state, with regard both to lady and gentle- man, that their deliverance was providential. The Indian who had taken me prisoner, ano who continued to grasp my hand, led the way, followed by his companion, whose tomahawk was suspended almost over my head. In this order we began to climb the hill bordering the Ohio ; and after crossing a road near the summit, we stopped to make observations. The Indians, whose senses both of hearing and sight are amaz- ingly acute, cast a keen and searching glance in every direction, and listened attentively, as if they heard!» or thought they heard, the footsteps of approaching pursuers. On being satisfied i2 100 NARRATIVE OF n that no one was nigh, our retreat was recom- menced ; and, having quickly regained the top of another hill, our march was hastened, till we fairly ran at the height of my speed ; one of the Indians still holding my hand, and the other fol« lowing, with his tomahawk in a menacing posi- tion. Unfortunately for myself, I had heen so imprudent as to leave my shoes in the canoe ; and being urged so rapidly by my tall and longer- legged conductors, with feet wholly unprotected, my situation was no sinecure. This was iioticed by the guiding Indian, whom I now regarded as a master, who immediately supplied me with a pair of mocassons.* Unwilling to be behind in generosity, I presented him with a pocket-hand- kerchief, which he received as a mark of grati- tude. I observed also that the other Indian had so far abated in his suspicion, as to place his tomahawk in the belt. Fearing lest he should consider himself slighted, and become jealous ^ the preference shown to his comrade, I gave him my hat. The article was not well received. He threw it contemptuously on the ground: soon after, as if influenced by second thought, and thinking, probably, that if found it might direct pursuit, he picked it up, carried it in his hand till evening, and then burned it. The Indians soon after relaxed their speed ; and I was thank- ful for it, having hitherto been kept in a con- tinued trot. The course pursued was due north. * A kind of sandal or shoe. O. M. SPBNOBR. 101 About an hour before 6un-set, after descending a high hill, we reached a small stream, running in a westerly direction, which I believe to be the rivulet and hill adjoining Sharon. Our line of advance now lay through a shallow stream, in which we waded for a full half mile ; the leading Indian directing me to step in his track, while the other that followed trod in mine. Having safely forded the lake, we travelled about a mile through a tolerably well-made road, and at sunset encamped on a low point of thick underwood, near a rivulet. Here, while one Indian kindled a fire, the other went in pursuit of game, and soon returned with a racoon,* which he had killed with his rifle. The culinary processes were soon accom- plished. The hair of the animal was first singed off, when it was divided lengthwise, and broiled on the fire. The Indians ate voraci- ously. Orercome yrith weakness and anxiety, I could take very little refreshment ; added to which, just before supper was ready, I had witnessed a scene calculated to destroy the appetite of a cormorant, or, if it be possible, even a cannibal. While my commandant was dressing the racoon, I happened to perceive the other Indian peculiarly busy ; and, on noticing his movements, saw him draw from the sheath his large brass-handled knife, and cutting off the limb of a small dwaif tree, he took from his * A small four-footed animal: the Ursus Lotor: class^ Mammalia. I 3 * 1 HHI H |H 1 1 H H 1 ■ H ^^H ^^^^^^V 1 ■ H 1 1 ■ i 1 I^Bd h KARRATITB 09 bullet-pouoh the black scalp, recently torn from the head of the unfortunate white man ; then, piercing a hole near its edge, he hung it on the stump of the serered branch, and with delibera- tion, and a kind of butcher-like hardiness, which proved the extent of his practice in that line, carefully scraped off the fat from the inner part. Having finished that process, he formed a small hoop about six inches in diameter, with an elastic thread of deer^s sinew, and stretched the scalp upon it, like the parchment on a drum-head, or as if preparing to dry the skin of an animal. To what uses the scalp was ulti- mately applied I know not, but believe it was exhibited as a trophy of victory, in accordance with Indian custom. But I cannot dismiss this Indian gentleman vnthout additional notices; His name was Waw-paw-maw-quaw, or White Loon. He was no beauty ; when on his feet, he amounted to an immense ill-looking fellow ; and, as will be gathered from the preceding account, he was by no means remarkable for loveliness of disposition. Having finished the repast, the Indians prepared for rest. This was managed with great cunning and caution. They first fastened the middle of a cord, formed into a noose, about my neck, extending its ends to my wrists separately: they then spread a blanket on the ground, and ordered me to lie down ; then taking their places on each ^de^ they passed the ends of my corded manacle beneath their bodies, and, covering tliemselres d. M. SPfiNOER. 103 tbeii, nthe ibera- iness, ithat inner >rmed , with ichdd on a Idn of I ulti- t was "dance 38 this oticesi ^hite I feet, jllow ; ceding le for d the is was ution. ormed 3 ends ead a to lie ^de^ anacle iselyes with the r^kdiynidg blanket, sodn sunk into a profound sleep* For some time I lay mmi- nating on the sad events of the past day. My mind was filled with fearftd apprehensions of the future. Stung with the thoughts of home, of my belored parents and affectionate sisters, I felt impressed for the moment, that I should behold them no more.. My prospect was indeed sufficiently gloomy. The hands into which I had fallen were used to deeds of blood. Rapine and plunder were their professional pursuits; and, from all I had seen, the men between whom I lay bound were a specimen of the worst, where all were bad: a couple of the most consummate rogues that could possibly infest the pale of civilized society. Recollect- ing all this, tears of bitter regret flowed plente- ously, and I could scarcely repress my sobs. Then, a momentary ray of hope glanced across my soul. I became more tranquil. Methods of escape were presented; but before I could execute the plan even in imagination, my ener- gies were exhausted. '^ Tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep," interposed her kindly office, and my sorrows were suspended till the coming day. I have since heard that the news of my cap- tivity created a strong sensation at Columbia. The commanding officer immediately dispatched a messenger to my father, announcing the pain- ful occurrence* and proposing to send out a small force of regulars. As the matter became 104 NARRATIVE OF » w more generally known the interest excited spread wider. A number of the inhabitants soon assembled, properly armed, and prepared to pursue the Indians. But my father foresaw, from his intimate acquaintance with the man- ners of these roving barbarians, that if the party who seized me were hard pressed, resentment would arise, they would take my life, and, after all, most likely escape. He therefore respect- fully declined the profiPered aid, and perempto- rily forbade all pursuit. To this restriction our kind friends reluctantly assented ; they accord- ingly went no farther than the place where I was taken, and where they discovered the re- mains of the murdered man already alluded to. To describe the feelings of my parents, is out of my power. To be bereaved by death of an only son, and the youngest of a numerous family, of whora but six were living, would, under ordinary circumstances, have been a severe affliction. Had I been found dead, inhumanly scalped and mangled on the beach by the side of my unfortunate companion, the shock, though powerful, might have gradually subsided; and the violence of grief would in the course of time have abated : but, that I should be taken by the Indians, whose savagism was terrific and proverbial, and be thus doomed to a living death or dying life, was to my parents, and especially my mother, a reflection almost insupportable. ^'Busy, meddling me- mory " recalled past enjoyment, and perpetually O. M. SPENCER. 105 scited dtants spared resaw, man- party itment , after jspect- jmpto- on our iccord- bere I he re- id to. . is out i of an uerous would, •een a dead, beach m, the ^dually uld in that I yagism Loomed to my iebtion g me- etually tormented her waking moments. Fancy pic- tured even more than I was likely to suffer. In her mind's eye she saw me fainting with fatigue, or famishing with hunger, or pining with disease, or yielding my last breath, the melancholy and despairing prey of these united evils. Her visionary terror discovered me fall- ing by the knife, or sinking under the blow of the tomahawk, or expiring at the stake in flames, under the most refined and cruel tor- tures. These agonizing apprehensions admitted, for a long season, neither of alleviation nor abatement. It was not until the ensuing month of November that any information con- cerning me reached my friends. Verbal com- munications were then made, by which, through the medium of the commanding officer at Port Vincennes, they were given to understand I was alive, and had been seen at an Indian village near the mouth of the Auglaize. This is a digression : I will resume my narra* tive. We awoke with the dawn of morning : it was the 8th of July. Having untied the cord with which I was secured, the Indians arose, and I followed their example. Our breakfast was scanty, and consisted only of the remnant of the racoon on which we had previously supped. The next care was to arrange our baggage, which consisted of two blankets, a bridle, a length of cord, and a scalp. The cata- logue of articles is certainly brief, but was deemed satisfactory by the proprietors : the 106 NARRATIVE OF whole was easily shouldered in travelling order. Nothing then remained but to examine the priming of the loaded rifles ; and before the sun arose we were marching in single file, my mas- ter in iront, myself in the centre, and White Loon in the rear, in the direction of the Shawnee villages. The morning of this day was pleasant, with a clear sky, and the air balmy and refreshing. The ground, less broken and more level than that we had passed, was covered with verdure; tall woods on either hand were sublimely beautiful ; and, but for the condition in which I found myself when every step bore me farther from friends and home, I should have been delighted. Even under the depressing situation in which I was then placed, my mind gradually became cheerful, and my spirits had regained some portion of their wonted elevation. About noon I observed that, while passing along the east side of a high hill, behind which there appeared to be a wide opening, the Indi- ans altered their gait, and moved cautiously, bending occasionally forward, and trailing their rifles, as if to elude observation. Proceeding about half a mile, we halted in a deep ravine, when White Loon, taking the bridle, and pur- suing a westerly course, dived into the hollow, and disappeared. It struck me that these, wor- thies intended to ply their usual avocation ; and so it proved. In about ten minutes the black visage of Sc[uire White Loon was visible. His s order, the le sun ' mas- White the day le air >rokeii i, was either ■or the every bme, I er the placed, ad my ■ their passing which e Indi- tiously, g their needing ravine, id pur- hollow, se. wor- Q ; and B hlack ^ His 0. SPENCER. 107 worship was mounted on a fine cream-coloured horse, which, of course, came to him ; hut which, in the language of the Decalogue, he had just stolen. Taking me up hehind, he trotted off for several miles, the other Indian following, until coming to a thick undergrowth of low herhage, he slacked into a hrisk walk. Here we discovered a faint and rudely-constructed foot- walk. This we endeavoured to trace, till at length it led to a good plain path, which I afterwards learned was an Indian war-path. Stolen waters are said to he sweet, and bread, on the palate of dishonest sensuality, to be plea- sant; but the aggressors know not that the dead are there. The Indians seemed highly delighted with their late fraudulent acquisi- tion, riding the horse by turns, and occasionally placing me behind them. But we soon found, as many of our betters have before us, that worldly advantages, and especially those that are wrong- fully obtained, are fleeting and delusive. About the middle of the afternoon, probably for want of proper and sufficient food, and on account of being overworked, the horse suddenly became dull, so that it was with difficulty he could be urged forward. The consequence of putting a beggar on horseback has been often foretold, so that I need not repeat it; and the Indians seemed to have no other idea of the noble animal they so ill-treated, than that of a thing to be ridden upon, without cessation or refresh- ment. Our horse soon became restive, and 'I ( m u il06 KARRATIYB CF presently came to a dead stop. White Loon then dismounted, and, haying furnished him- self with a hickory switch, laid lustily ahout the beast; but his ill-judged labour was in vain. The horse remained still, or only kicked: the Other Indian then tried to lead him forward, but not another step would he advance. The animal had no doubt been attacked with some internal disorder, induced by excessive exhaus- tion, and the injurious management of these blundering jockeys. Unable to stand, the horse fell on his side, with a deep groan, rolling and plunging with distressing violence. The limbs were convulsively agitated, and his head fre- quently struck the ground with sad force. After beating him with cruelty, not to be ex- cused even in a savage, the Indians began to expostulate. They threatened the horse, and endeavoured to alarm him as to the conse- quences of persisted contumacy. Then, in a fit of anger, my master seized his rifle, and vowed be would shoot him unless he immediately arose. Finding this ineffectual, he let fly a volley of imprecations and abuse in broken Ekglisb, in which he invoked all manner of evils on the animal. It will readily be sup- posed that all this talkative fury signified and ended in nothing. The horse was left lying on the road ; so that, although the owner wa^ de- prived of his property, the robbers gained little by the outrage. Being again reduced to the humble class pf 0. M. SPENCER. 109 tiOOB him- •ut the L vain. 1: the rwardy The 1 some ](haus- ' these I e horse ngand i limbs ad fre- force. be ex- gan to ^e, and conse- in a fit vowed idiatelj ; fly a broken mer of )e sup- ied and jdng on vas de- jd little class pf pedestrian travellers, we set forward on foot as before. After pushing on for several miles, we drew up at sunset in a low rich valley, near a charming stream; and, having lighted a fire, roasted part of a young fawn, which White Loon a very few moments before had killed. "VVe ate a hearty supper, though two needful articles, salt and bread, were missing; neither of which could be procured till we arrived at the Indian villages. Before retiring to rest, the Indians resorted to a practice which served to show, that however depraved and degenerate may be the condition of the human heart, the notion of a Supreme Being, though mixed up with much that is absurd and unmeaning, is universally discoverable. These, therefore, " who have not the law, are a law unto them- selves, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another." Singular too as it may seem, the necessity of a sacrificial or some propitiatory act, in order to appease or avert the wrath, and secure the protection, of this unknown power, is also to be noticed as a predominant persuasion. The person in whom I had observed this devotional temperament, and who acted as high priest on the occasion referred to, was no other than White Loon himself, from whom I certainly had expected nothing of the kind. After supper he took a small roll of tobacco, and cut it into fine pieces, by passing the edge of a knife between his fore- 110 NARRATIVE OP* H finger and tHumb; receiving the whole, when thus prepared, into the palm of his hand. He then with great solemnity and earnestness of manner commenced his worship. His lips moved, as if uttering certain petitions. He then proceeded to sprinkle a few grains of tobacco on the live embers, — an offering, as I was given to understand, to the Great Spiiit. That the general behaviour of this man was at variance with true religion, need not be told; and yet, ruffian-like and infuriated as he com- monly was, it is clear that his dark soul was not quite unvisited with that ^' light which en- lighteneth every man that cometh into the world." Not that I design to enter into abstruse inquiries relative to the salvation of the heathen world. On that point we may be quite composed. The ways of the Almighty are equal. He holds with impartial hands the balance and the rod, and will assuredly render to every one according to his works. The luxury, such as it is, of smoking the Indian weed was of almost universal prevalence among the aborigines of these lands. I have known the dried leaves of tobacco to be depo- sited in the bullet-pouch for occasional use. The bowl of a tomahawk served the purpose of a pipe ; and the method of smoking was, to fill the mouth with smoke, and, closing the lips, force it through the nostrils, strongly inhaling the air, and accompanying the process with a slight grinding of the teeth. Such is smoking Li re lo W{ vii ei fl£ C( tl ell tU tl m _4^>..-ir. 0. M. SPENCER. Ill when He )SS of lips He ns of as I Spirit. vas at told; ; com- il was jh en- to the into of the e quite ty are ds the render ng the ralence I have I depo- Eil use. pose of , to fill le lips, ihallng with a moking among savages: what it is among philosophers and literati, I shall not venture to affirm ; hut I have heard, that if any desire to he correctly in- formed, they may know all hy consulting an interesting tract, on the " Use and Ahuse of Tobacco," written some years since hy the emi- nent European scholar. Dr. Adam Clarke. It was now my turn to he alarmed from a quarter whence I had so far received henefits without ceasing. After a hard day's journey of nearly forty miles, kept up with little intermis- sion from sunrise to sunset, we lay down to rest before our fire ; and under the shade of a wide- spreading beech-tree, soon tried to forget our weariness in grateful slumber. A few hours only elapsed before we were suddenly awaked by the howling of a tremendous hurricane, pass- ing only at a short distance from our lodgment. Large trees were prostrated with loud and oft- repeated crash : deafening peals of thunder fol- lowed with such rapidity, that the aerial roar was incessant. The flashes of lightning, whose vividness exceeded every thing of the sort I had ever known, kindled and kept up a sheet of flame expansive as the horizon. An ominous congeries of black clouds came driving on from the eastward, and presented on the whole an elemental strife of the most appalling descrip- tion. The alarm I felt was great indeed. I thought the universe had given way, and that nature was about to heave her last throe and expire. Another discovery was made. I found k2 >.' u 112 NARRATIVE OF M // that my spiritual state was unsatisfactory. It struck me, that perhaps the great day of almighty wrath was come, and I felt myself unahle to stand. I then resolved, that, if God would spare my life, all my faculties and powers should be devoted to his service. But resolutions made in the hour of danger, or the prospect of death, are often illusory. Mine were registered in air, and no sooner made than forgotten, I was not a little surprised at the coolness of the Indians during this visitation. Expecting every moment to perish, I had for some time i stood mute with astonishment ; and, unconscious of the presence of any human being, was per- fectly absorbed by the extraordinary scene ; when, my terror having a little subsided, I looked at the Indians who stood near me. They were patterns of intrepidity and self-possession. Apparently unaware of danger, they were gaz- ing upwards with a sort of delighted wonder. Frequently, when an unusually vivid bolt had been shot from a dense and pitchy cloud, their enjoyment appeared to rise the higher. Their imaginations seemed to revel in the fury of the storm, and occasionally they were unable to re- press expressions of satisfaction. I repeatedly heard one exclamation, Wauhaugh J waugh I which signify admiration. On the following morning the warring winds were hushed, every cloud had disappeared, the sky was serene, and the sun shone brightly. The wide waste ground served, however, to remind us of the violence I 0* M. SFEflC£R. ii3 bf tlie late tempest. The tree-tops were bent^ fallen branches strewed the ground, and the devastation appeared extensive. After getting an early breakfast we pursued our journey ; but our progress for the first half-hour was slow, and encumbered with numerous difficulties. Sometimes we had to climb over the large bodies of fallen trees, or to wind round their up-torn roots, and occasionally to creep through their tops interwoven with underwood. Those who have never witnessed the effects of a tornado can form but an inadequate idea of its power and operation. Here, for at least a quarter of a mile in breadth, and many miles in length, not a tree had been able to withstand its force. Not only were the larger trees torn up by the roots, but a great number of young trees, whose main stems were not less than two feet in diameter, were twisted asunder, some near the ground, and others ten or twenty feet from it, apparently with as much ease as a man would separate a slender twig. Such are the works of God ; and so powerful are the agencies employed in the execution of his purposes and the accomplish-' ment of his will. I CHAPTER V. Several hours spent in hard travelling had k3 114 NARRATIVE OP « I '/ ened avenue of fallen trees. Soon after taking leave of them, we halted near a small open space on the left. Here wc heard the sound of a bell, a note which, to my superiors, had peculiar charms. Waw-paw-maw-quaw was oflF instan- ter. He proceeded, guided, no doubt, by the correctness of his ear, in a westerly direction, and returned in about half an hour with an old black horse, which had probably belonged to the army, and had strayed. The bell we heard, and whose tinkling had been so successfully traced, was suspended by a broad leathern belt around \ the neck of the animal. This bell we stuffed with grass to put an end to the noise it made, lest we should not only meet with the horse, but its owner; an interview by no means de- sirable. This horse, like the last, was speedily appropriated for use. It was far inferior to the ill-fated animal before-mentioned ; and yet we esteemed the old warrior as a valuable helpmate. As my feet were rendered sore by continued walking, I was placed on the newly- acquired steed ; and as his paces were of the steady, sober kind, I rode very pleasantly, en- joying the comfort thus afforded, and was glad to £nd that the Indians were careless as to sharing it with me. After a brief halt at noon, and taking some refreshment, we renewed our journey till about six in the evening; when, passing along the side of a ridge leading to a low bottom, we ^topped on the south bank of a beautiful stream. t ^...., ■■ \ O. M. SPENCER. 115 \ :iking space k bell, culiar isian- Y the ction, in old to the 1, and raced, round itufFed made, horse, IS de- eedily Lor to id yet luable •re by ewly- Df the y, en- 3 glad as to some about g the n, we ;ream. the name of which, as I have since been told, is Duck-creek. Each side was skirted by a grove. Near the spot was a small naturally-formed meadow ; and adjoining th»at, only on the oppo- site bank of the stream, a prairie extending a mile or two north and west. Tempted by this inviting locality, the Indians resolved to remain in it for a season. But this, in their opinion, was a matter that required some care. The first point was to secure the horse ; the second, to I secure myself. The four-footed slave, being less witty than him with two feet, was sent to graze, merely with the bell round his neck to guide those who searched for him. With regard to myself, the precautions were of a much graver cast. I was ordered to sit down with my back against a small tree. The Indians then took a cord and tied it to the tree, after which it was passed round my neck, and from thence to my wrists separately. My arms were then extended obliquely on each side, when they fastened one end of the cord to a stake driven into the ground, and the other to the stump of a tree on the bank of the stream. A fiat piece of bark was afterwards placed over my head as a shelter from the sun. Thus secured, we parted. I was left to my refiections, and the Indians went on a hunting expedition. Cords and lashings may secure the body, but thought cannot be confined. Mine moved through a thousand circles. Tender recollec- tions of home and inmates, came no NARRATIVE OF . ^'I^mu.ii{^ on ill puirtful succession. My condi- t\on then ujipeared more wretched than ever : ^dcd to which, I was, in the most dismal sense iA the term, a slave, the property of another, wiio placed me in the Mst of his goods and chattels, to be dealt with as he pleased, and sold or bartered away at pleasure. I felt then, and after-years have confirmed the sentiment, that let slavery be disguised and modified as it may, it is an accursed and intolerable evil. There may H be gradations of suffering and privation, as there are shades of difference in any other dark vil- lany; but that cannot disarm the principle of slavery of its virulence and injustice. The slave -owner may be susceptible of occasional fits of good humour, or he may be naturally well-tempered; but, oxi the part of the op- // pressed, these are ciroumstances of but minor import. Such an one has to reflect, '^ I do not possess a title even to myself; these hands, and the faculties which direct them, belong to the proprietor, of whose estate I am part and par- cel : the capriciousness of his will controls or urges me with the force of law, an" r»'l oiy movements are impelled or imped«^J ♦.^* my owner." These reflections enter the soul ; and unlf^^s the faculties have failed, are enough to drivo '; sufferer to desperation. Thov"!^ ^ pnt quite twelve years of age, these considciai ons prodioed bitterness and grief, which I was unable to mitigate or subdue ; and in despite of surrouixdirjg dimculties, the idea of \ 5ver : sense ther, and [sold , and .that ay, it may there c vil- I )le of The donal iirally 5 op- minor not ), and the 1 par- )ls or my and ;h to> these grief, and lea of o. M. 8PE^'CER. 117 escape was so powerfully presented, that I knew not how to cast it aside After reflecting on several schemes, my rontrivances seemed to fail, and I sank into despondency ; but desires for liberty, when once awakened, are not easily repressed. My resolution returned ; and having been taught to believe in the doctrine of an ovv vruli »g Providence, I besought the Almighty to aid riy undertaking, and prosper the enter- pn^^'. Never did I offer a more sincere and fervent prayer ; and I remember having pro- mised that, if he would deliver mc from the hands of the savages, and restore mc to mybelovc 1 parents, I would serve him during the residue of my days. Having thus implored divine assist- ance, proceedings were commenced with all the vigour I could collect. Seizing the cord with which I was bound, I first pulled it strongly with my right hand, for the purpose of breaking or detaching it from the stump to which it was made fast. Unable to succeed, I tried with my left hand, endeavouring to loosen the stake to which the other end was tied. This was alike unsuccessful. It then occurred to me that the cord, being put round the cuff of my coat-sleeve, it would be possible to slip it off. On making the effort, 1 had the pleasure of finding it rather loose and movable. Another tug, and I drew my arm fairly through the loop. Having my left hand free, it was the work only of a few moments to disengage the other. When this was effected, and fiudiner mvself once more 'VJ ll // 118 NARRATIVE OF restored to personal freedom, I lost no time iii making use of it. The bridle of our horse was placed close by ; that I picked up, and, thrust- ing into my bosom a small piece of fly-blown meat, the remnant of the fawn we had killed, as provision for my journey, went in search of the horse. He was quietly grazing at a short distance, and I caught him without difficulty. I then put on the bridle, made a sort of whip with twisted strips of bark, mounted without delay, and commenced my perilous and uncertain jour- ^ ney homeward. From the report of rifles repeat- \ ediy heard, I judged the Indians were about a mile distant, in a south-westerly direction, and flattered myself that I should easily return unperceived along the path in which we had already travelled. The scheme was not amiss ; but so child-like were my views and reasonings, and so eagerly did my thoughts fly to home and its desired sweets, to the threshold of which my imagina- tion had already arrived, that the notion of pur- suit* by the incensed Indians never entered into my calculations. The conclusion to which I had come was, that if I could once get a few miles beyond the encampment on the right side, all would be safe. The result was just what might have been expected, though on my part there was no deficiency of perseverance and exertion. My first attempt was, to put the horse to his utmost speed. In this I was alto- gether foiled. He had, in fact, seen his. best 0. M. SPENCER. 119 me iri se was hrust- blown killed, ircli of short Ity. I p with delay, 1 jour- epeat- \ bout a D, and return e had Id-like jagerly lesired agina- )f pur- d into lich I a few it side, ; what ly part e and it the s alto- is best I days, and was not to be seduced from his ordi- nary pace by me or any one else. Thinking that my riding- whip of twisted bark was insuffi- cient to arouse his energies, I threw it away, and gathering a switch from a neighbouring hedge-tree, applied it with spirit to the poor animal's side ; I then struck him with my heels, and jirked the reins; but all was useless, nor could I excite him even to trot. I had left the camp about an hour after sunrise, and had travelled steadily, though perhaps with circu- itous course, till nearly sunset; but such was the slowness of my progress, that I had not pro- ceeded, in a straight line, more than three or four miles. Having made up my mind to halt for the night, I dismounted, and bending a small twig by the path-side, pointing home- wards, I led the horse up a gentle slope of woodland into a close thicket of very small sassafras, and, securing him with the bridle, went in search of a lodging-place. About sixty yards south of the thicket, I ob- served a large fallen tree facing the path, haying near its root a hollow, forming a shelter. This I selected as a passable resting-place ; but, being hungry, and having no provision for the future, except a small piece of meat which I wished to preserve for the next day, I resolved to make my evening's meal on raspberries, which grew here in great abundance. I accordingly strayed from bush to bush, eagerly picking and eating to satisfy the craving of appetite. So deeply 4l] 120 NARRATIVE OF had I been engaged, that on attempting to return to my lodging-place, I grew bewildered, and knew not which way to pursue. At length I felt myself completely lost, and grew dread- fully alarmed. I ran about in every direction, seeking the thicket where I had secured my \?^ horse ; -and, overcome with terror at the thought ^^ of perishing in the wilderness, regretted the attempt I had made to escape. Happily, after wandering for some time, I found the hollow I \ log ; and, having drawn together a quantity of loose leaves, I made them up into a decent sort ^ of pillow, and lay thankfully down, covered with my jacket, devoutly thanking God for saving me from impending danger, and for all his kindness : I then composed myself to rest, and slept sweetly. , That proved to be an eventful night, and my slumber was of short continuance. The events of the preceding day, and perhaps the uncertain occurrences of the morrow, were too mighty for resistance. Hope and fear, thankfulness for the past, and trembling for the future, alternately agitated my mind. I had seen the sun set with more than usual glory. The evening, mild, calm, and silent, had followed. The soft twi- light, gradually deepening, was fast merging into night. The birds had chanted their vesper hymn ; and through the almost illimitable soli- tude of the primeval forest, deep and uninter- rupted stillness reigned. The sense of loneliness which then oppressed me cannot be told. I b. M. SPENCEfl. 121 ig to iered, ength Iread- iction, d my Lought d the , after lollow titv of it sort i with saving ill his $t, and id my events 3ertain ity for 'or the nately t with mild, :'t twi- ig into vesper soli- linter- eliness Wd. I found myself all unaided and alone, in the centre of a vast wilderness, exposed to prowling wolves land deadly panthers. My heart sank within me ; especially when it struck me, that I was unable, if attacked by wild animals, to oppose even the barrier of fire between myself and destruction. After all, the thought of home, and the hope of reaching it in safety, chased away half my misgivings, and inspired fresh courage. Having lain some time, now closing my eyes in a vain effort to lengthen out my sleep, now opening them upon the spreading tree-tops, or stars faintly gleaming through their branches, I was suddenly aroused by the crackling of bushes, and a confused noice like that of quickly-repeated footsteps on the ground. Looking towards the part whence the noise proceeded, I observed a herd of deer bounding through the woods, and swiftly approaching me. Presently, one of them sprang over the log under which I lay : others leaped between me and the thicket in which I had placed the horse : the whole pack were almost instantly out of sight. Scarcely had I again resumed my leafy bed, when, hearing a rustling among the underwood at a short dis- tance, I raised myself on my elbow to ascertain the cause ; when, on looking through an opening between the limbs of the fallen tree which I then inhabited, I saw the two Indians from whom I fled. They had just entered the thicket. The consternation and dismay by which I was If V:;. 122 NARRATIVE OP overwhelmed, deprived me at first of the power both of speech and action. I saw them advance to the horse and take hold of the bridle, after which they minutely examined the passes of the thicket, from different points of observation, and with the evident design of detecting my retreat. v?i By this time I had recovered some little compo- sure ; and, apprehending that if I gave further trouble, and allowed them to discover me, I should at once be dispatchod with the toma- i hawk, I felt the necessity, and with that the resolution, to discover myself : instantly spring- ing up with assumed cheerfulness, the effort to produce which cost me no small price, and put- ting on my jacket, I ran to the thicket, and with the fear of punishment, mingled with some hope of clemency, I uttered the truly child-like though H genuine excuse, " I have been out picking rasp- berries." The interview was horrible. The moment I was observed by the ignited* savag;e, he raised his levelled rifle to shoot me. His oouritenance resembled that of a malignant fiend, bent on mischief and murder ; and while grinding his teeth with rage, I felt there was but a step between me and death. My blood seemed to congeal; and how it was that the catastrophe was averted, is yet to myself matter of astonish- ment. Possibly, my mother s prayers were just then ascending before the throne. My father, perad venture, was supplicating protection for his lost son ; or, it may be, the Father of mercies \ J: \- 0. M. SPENCER. 123 oma- t the )ring- \ >rt to put- with hope aough rasp- er [I said, *' Lay not thy hand upon the lad." Let no impiously hint that these are idle conjee- IS, or are based in fanaticism or enthusiasm. o I not fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord;" and are not his power and presence omnipotently nigh " in the void waste as in the city full?" At the critical juncture just de- scribed, and apparently within one second of time ere the bullet was sped, the Almighty touched the heart of a man with compassion from whom I certainly had no reason to expect it. This was no other than my friend Waw-paw-maw- quaw. Throwing up the muzzle of his com- rade's nearly4eteUed rifle, he: saved my life: a brief altercaition then tocdc plajpe between the parties, which. Was succeeded bj^ earnest conver- sation. The debate and ensuing^onference, no doubt, had reference to myself; and when they were closed, each man put down his rifle, and, cutting large switches from a neighbouring thicket, commenced beating me severely on the head and shoulders till their whips were literally worn out. I bore the beating with the firmness of an Indian ; never once complaining, nor en- treating remission ; but did not dare to ofier further resistance than to throw up my arms to protect my head. Even here I saw, and have since more clearly seen, the hand of mercy. It so happened, or rather was so ordered, that there were none but sassafras bushes within reasonable reach. Had the Indians beaten »«^ lllC with hickory or oak switches, I should certainly h2 124 HARFATIYE OF il hare been killed. When they had wearied themselves in the infliction of this commuted punishment, they gave me to understand, by several decisive and intelligible signs^ that if I again attempted to escape they would kill and scalp me. Having delivered themselves of this gracious notice, which was given, without doubt, in good faith, we once more set forward towards the encampment. White Loon moved on in front, leading me by the hand ; and the other Indian followed on the horse until we reached the war-path. The march was then continued in single file, the centre being composed of myself, with a red man in front and rear. . These were but the beginning of sorrows., The treatment which followed my attempt to regain liberty was made up of a series of in^ juries and cruelty, almost too much for human endurance. It was indeed ta be expected, that the vigilance of the Indians should he re -excited, and that some abridgment of my privileges would follow ; and, had not wanton barbarity been added, I should have borne the penalty without a murmur. If at any time I flagged a little through weariness, or fell out of the exact line behind the leading man, the other behind goaded me with a pointed stick, or strove to ride over me. When we had proceeded about two miles, the scoundrel who had so re-» cently longed to murder me alighted from his horse, and. (mthermsL some switches, inflicted several severe blows on my head and shoulders*. O. M, SPENCER. ]25 v\ "Weary and faint, I rejoiced when at last we reached the camp : but my exultation was brief; for, without stopping even to secure the horse, the Indians proceeded to manacle my hands. Passing a cord round my elbows, they then drew them together behind my back, so closely as almost to dislocate my shoulders. Then tying my wrists tightly, so as nearly to prevent the circulation of blood, they fastened the ends of the cord to a forked stake driven into the ground. The torture was almost unendurable ; and none but tigers in human shape could have so far imposed on a youth, whose only crime consisted in a justifiable attempt to escape from the rogues who had detained him. My former sufferings, though acute, were nothing compared with those now experienced. I could not lie down on account of the shortness and tension of the cord. To sleep was impossible. My head, bruised and swollen, pained me exceed- ingly ; but the most terrible sensation was pro- duced by the violent straining of my arms behind my back. My ribs felt as if separated from the breast-bone, and my shouldef-blades as if torn and wrenched from my body. So far my confi- dence in the Almighty had remained unshaken : but now my feet had well nigh slipped; and in the bitterness of my anguish I longed for death, and was ready to hail the grave as a salutary and desirable refuge. The night of this suffering seemed of length almost interminable; but, thanks be to God) l3 Y,. 126 NARRATIVE OF like all other seasons of human trial, it came to an end. Great indeed i¥as my thankfulness, ' when, soon after dawn, the Indians prepared to release me from confinement. Not that they put themselves out of the way by any extraordi- nary haste. The sun had risen long before I was released ; nor was it until after they had eaten their breakfast, and prepared for the day's journey, that I received the favour of their attention. On moving forward, we first forded i \ Buck-creek, which forms the eastern branch of Mud-river. It was here about thirty feet wide, and being swelled with late rains, reached to my waist while wading through it. We then passed on parallel with the eastern boundary of a prairie, and within sight of lofty woodlands, not less than a mile and a half in length. Soon ^ter we crossed Mud-river, about sixty feet in width, and an important branch of the Great Miami, We then ascended a fruitful bank, matted with blue grass, and covered with rasp- berry bushes and plum-trees, and exhibiting tbe appearance of having once been an Indian yiU lage. Here we halted a little, while the Indians adjusted their blankets, and made a pair of bark stirrups; while I improved the time by pro- curing an ample breakfast of raspberries, fresh and well-flavoured, from the abundant surround- ing store. Setting out afresh, we travelled over a fine Tindulatiiig tract of country, through open \yQgds, and about noon descended into a vast ';■;'•*;-: O. M. SPfiNCER. 127 and ricbly variegated hollow, where the India- chose to halt, taking care, as usual, to he in the vicinity of a fine spring. In this stage of my wandering I was doomed to uncommon mental distress, hy an anticipation of a calamity founded, on my part, entirely in mistake, and which for a time threw me into unspeakable misery. And yet, on a retrospect of my recent and present condition, and especially at the treatment I had received, it is no great wonder, that in circum- stances so defenceless, I sometimes feared when fear need not have existed. My alarm proceeded from the view of a large sycamore-tree near our encampment. It was hollow at the bottom, had an opening of about six feet high, and was barricaded round the lower part with logs covered with brush-wood. To this tree the Indians formally proceeded ; after removing the furze from the front, and looking into the hol- low part, they returned to the spring, where they made a fire, and roasted some squirrels which they had killed in the morning. They then sat down, and ate their dinner ; and very excellent it imdoubtedly was. But they offered me none, though I was perishing with hunger, and though they knew that for the last twenty- four hours I had eaten nothing but a few raspberries. This unkindness, coupled with the contempt I had to encounter, was acutely felt, and reminded me of every former instance of Indian inhumanity. While brooding over these melan- 1 128 NARRATIVE OP choly events, the dark hollow interior of the sycamore-tree arrested my attention, the surface of which had a blackened and charred appear- ance, as if produced by the action of fire. In the same instant my mind was struck with the apprehension that the Indians intended to bum me as they had others. This idea was a dread- ful addition to my wretchedness ; nor could I even with the most strenuous effort parry or dismiss it. Weak and faint for want of food, li debilitated by the effects of dysentery which attacked me that very morning, stiff and sore from beating and confinement, with feet swelled ' by hard walking, and my legs torn with briers, I was surely an object of pity. Unwilling that the Indians should detect my distress, I had firmness enough to turn away my ilice while /^ruminating on the desponding prospect. The conflict was severe. I was more than half dis- posed to pray for the approach of death ; but my mind was not without some portion of spiritual light, and before I could well resolve on such a petition, a sense of my unfitness for the eternal w^orld drove me back on life, as a refuge from more terrible misery. Calm and better thoughts were eventually inspired, and a gush of tears which I could not suppress, but which I con- cealed from the Indians, greatly tended to my relief. I afterwards washed my face, and bathed my throbbing temples, in the brook ; striving, and partly succeeding, to assume the appear of cheerfulness. The result soon showed %v%ntk M /I J 'l'^:-.. \ O. M. SPENCER/ 129 :>( 4'" tbe horror which had shaken mj frame, nigh to dissolution, was perfectly uncalled for. The dark, capacious, and ominously hollow tree, within which my fears had created so much of the terrific, was neither more nor less than a receptacle or warehouse for Indian goods. The fact is curious and worth explaining. It seems that in the dwellings of an Indian village, so strong and well-founded is mutual confidence, that such articles as bolts and locks are never required; and that when the cabins are left, either empty or with property within, a log is placed against the entrance, which, as a symbol of security, affords ample protection to the goods deposited, and is held to convey abundant evi- dence of the right of possession in behalf of the occupant, — a right seldom or never violated, even by the most worthless among them. The same rule is observed even in the wilderness, with regard to property known or supposed to belong to Indians of the same tribe, or to those of other tribes at peace with them ; — an exam- ple of integrity and good feeling which might be advantageously copied by many persons pro- fessing to be wiser and more civilized than they. That the preceding detail forms a chapter of serious accidents, is undoubted. Treatment so unmercifully severe pressed heavily ; and yet I was sustained. By the light of human reason, I saw no way of escape : but the ways of God are not like ours, neither are his thoughts like our thoughts. ^ He can make darkness light, an/^ I i f ) 138 NARRATIVE OF 1^ I I. ( 1 taste of the beverage altogether was not only' insipid, but sickening. ^ About the middle of the afternoon a circum- ' stance occurred, which to myself was novel and interesting, and certainly formed an era in my uncouth and almost hopeless pilgrimage. We met with a small company of Indian hunters. They were the first human beings we had seen since leaving the margin of the much- loved Ohio. Here we rested awhile. Long and ani- mated intercourse ensued; and after making various mutual inquiries, as I supposed, with respect to the welfare of their families, Waw- paw-maw-quaw put himself in speaking atti- tude, and proceeded at great length to relate the particulars of the expedition in which he had taken a part. He described by gestures, the most significant and striking, the ambush they had contrived, and our approach to it ; the opening of their fire, together with the fall of one man on our part, and the escape of another b}' swimming. The manner in which my cap- ture was eflfected was then detailed with graphic accuracy ; and the address, which amounted to a most vehement piece of native oratory, was closed by the triumphant exhibi- tion of the scalp of the murdered man. The production of this ghastly fragment formed the climax of general exultation ; and seemed to supersede the necessity of further reasoning, to Throve the su'nerioritv of the tribe and the invincibility of their warrior's prowess. The . -In'*!- S«£ i 0» M. SPENCER. 189^ The' the I to: the The : entire relation was listened to bj the hunters ■with profound attention, interrupted onlj by expressions of wonder or applause. When the palaver closed, we purchased for a small silver brooch several pieces of dried venison. "We then took our leave ; and, after supping on a piece of the said venison nicelj boiled, I felt thankful for life and its mercies, and lay down to rest. Attempts have been made by several writers to disparage both the mental and physical quali- ties of the aborigines of America ; especially by M. Buffon, the French naturalist : but it should be remembered, that tae degeneracy which he wishes to establish, and impute to these races of men, consists merely of an hypothesis, to the exclusion of facts and observations. His theory is, in reality, good for nothing; and is over- turned, not only by the superiority of reasoning adopted by clearer and better writers, but by direct references to the history and conduct of the persons alluded to. It has, for instance, been affirmed, that American Indians are inca- pable of friendship. Of the truth of such an averment we may judge by the following state- ment. Some years since Colonel Byrd was sent to the Cherokee nation, to transact some business on behalf of the then British Govern- ment. It happened that some disorderly per- sons had just killed one or two of the Indians : it was therefore proposed, in the council of the Chejokees, that Colonel Byrd should be put to (I 1)1 140 NARRATIVE OP il i i 1/ II.' death, in revenge for the loss of their country-' men. Among them was a chief, called Silouee, who on some former occasion had contracted an acquaintance and friendship with Colonel Byrd. He came to him every night in his tent, and told him not to he afraid ; they should not kill him. After many days* deliberation, however, the determination was, contrary to Silouee's expectation, that Byrd should he put to death ; and some warriors were dispatched as execu- tioners. Silouee attended them; and when they entered the tent, he threw himself between them and Bjrrd, and said to the warriors, " This man is my friend : before you get at him, you must kill me;" on which they returned, and the council respected the principle so much, as to recede from the resolution entered into. Others have spoken lightly of the genius and power of speech observed among American Indians. This objection, like the other, is based in a mistaken notion. It has been re- marked by one of our eminent citizens, that were we furnished with facts, which can be obtained in abundance only in more ciyilized society, it would be seen that the Indian mind is in no wise inferior to that of Europeans. Of the bravery of these dark-Iookiiig men, and their address in war, there are multiplied proofs ; for we have felt their eflfects. Of their eminence in oratory, the examples are few, be- cause it is displayed chiefly in their own coun- cils. There are, however, instances of do-* 0. M. SPENCER. 141 IS 11 ;ans* queiice to be found among them sufficient to rival the most splendid efforts either of ancient or of modern speech. The address of Logan to Lord Dunmore is of this sort. The story is as follows, of which, and of the speech itself, the authenticity is undoubted. In the spring of 1774 a robbery and murder were committed on au inhabitant of the frontiers of Virginia, by two Indians of the Shawnee tribe. The neighbouring whites, according to their cus- tom, undertook to punish this outrage in a^ summary way. Colonel Creasap, a man infa- mous for the many murders he had committed on those much-injured people, collected a party, and proceeded down the Kanhaway in quest of vengeance. Unfortunately a canoe of women and children, with one man only, was seen coming from the opposite shore, imarmed, and unsuspecting any hostile attack from the whites. Creasap and his party concealed them- selves on the bank of the river; and the moment the canoe reached the shore, singled out their objects, and at one fire killed every person in it. This happened to be the family of Logan, who had long been distinguished as the j&iend of the whites. This unworthy return provoked his vengeance. He accordingly sig- nalized himself in the war which ensued. In the autumn of the same year a decisive battle was fought at the mouth of the Great-Kanha- wav. between the collected forces of the Shaw- ^' ■.v * i I I 9^es, Mingoes, and Delawares, and a detach* //■ si '%} 142 NARRATIVE OF ment of tlie Virginian militia. The Indians were defeated, and sued for peace. Logan, however, disdained to be seen among the sup- plicants ; but, lest the sincerity of a treaty should be distrusted, on account of the absence of a chief so distinguished, he sent by a mes- senger the following speech to be delivered to Lord Dunmore : — " I appeal to any white man to say, if ever he entered Logan's cabin hungry, and he gave him not meat ; if ever he came cold and naked, and he clothed him not. Dur* ing the course of the last long and bloody war, Logan remained idle in his cabin, the advocate of peace. Such was my love for the whites, that my countrymen pointed as they passed, and said, ' Logan is the friend of white men.' I had even thought of living with you, but for the injuries of one man. Colonel Creasap, the last spring, in cold blood, and unprovoked, murdered all the relations of Logan, not sparing even my women and children. There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins of any living creature. This called on me for revenge. I have sought it; I have killed many: I have fully glutted my vengeance. For my country I rejoice at the beams of peace ; but do not har- bour a thought that mine is the joy of fear. Logan never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life. Who is there to mourn for Logan ? Not one." i The native politeness of a sensible Indian is, lYithout doubt, superior to the specimens of m^'-^ ¥■ O. M. SPENCER. 143 European behaviour usually exhibited in the middling classes. This is in conversation car- ried to an inconvenient excess ; for it does not allow him to contradict or deny the truth of what is asserted in his presence. By this means they avoid dispute ; but then it is difficult to know their minds, or what impression you make upon them. When Indians enter one of our towns, our people are apt to gaze upon them and incommode them, when they desire to be private : this they esteem great rudeness, and the effect of defective instruction in the rules of civility and good manners. " We have," say they, " as much curiosity as you ; and when you come itto our towns we wish for opportu- nities: of looking at you ; but for this purpose we hide ourselves behind bushes where you are to pass, and never intrude ourselves into your company." Another proof of the shrewdness of tha In- dians may be gathered from the just and discri- minating manner in which they survey and decide upon the conduct of professing Chris- tians ; especially with regard to the sincerity of those who engage in public acts of worship, or desire to convert them to the truths of the Gospel. Of this penetration, Conrad Weiser, interpreter, gave Dr. Franklin the following proof. Weiser had occasion to spend part of a day with Canassetego, an old Indian acquaint- ance. After a good deal of conversation respect- ing past times, the Indian, wishing to continue i J 1^ 144 NARRATIVE OP ' I ■ k 11 the interview, said, " Conrad, you have lived long among the white people, and know some* thing of their customs. I have heen sometimes at Albany, and have observed that once ir seven days they shut up their shops, and assemble all in the great house : tell me what it is for ? What do they do there ? " Conrad, — " They meet there to hear and learn good things." ' Indian."^^^ I do not doubt that they tell you so ; they have told me the same; but I doubt the truth of what they say, and I will tell you why. I went lately to Albany to sell my skins, and buy blankets, knives, powder, and rum. You know I generally used to deal with Hans Hanson; but I was inclined this time to try some other merchants. However, I called first upon Hans, and asked what he would give for beaver. He said he could not give more than four shillings a pound. ' But,' said he, ' I can- not talk on business now : this is the day when we meet together to learn good things, and I am going to the meeting." So I thought to myself, since I cannot do any business to-day, I may as well go to the meeting too, and I went with him. There stood up a man in black, and began to talk to the peopl«^ very angrily. I did not understand what he said; but perceiving that he looked very much at me and Hanson, I imagined he was angry at seeing me there ; so I went out, lit my pipe, and waited till the meet- ing should break up. I thought too, that the 0. M. SPENCER. 145 men present Lad mentioned something about beaver, and suspected that it might have been the subject of their meeting. So when they came out, I accosted my merchant. * Wei J, Hans,' said I, ' I hope you have agreed to give more than four shillings a pound ? ' ' No,' said he, * I cannot give so much. I cannot give more than three and sixpence.' I then spoke to several other dealers ; but they all joined in the chorus, ' Three and sixpence, and nothing else.' This made it clear to me that my suspicion was right, and that when they pretended to meet to learn good things, the real purpose was to con- sult how to cheat Indians in the price of beaver. Consider but a little, Conrad, and you must be of my opinion. If they meet so often to learn good things, they certainly would have been taught some before now. But they are still ignorant. You know our practice : if a white man, in trav( .ang through our country, enters one of our cabins, we all treat him as I treat you : we dry him, if he is wet ; we warm him, if he is cold ; and give him meat and drink, that he may allay his thirst and hunger; and we spread soft furs for him to rest and sleep on : we demand nothing in return. But if I go into a white man's house at Albany, and ask for victuals and drink, they say, * Where is your money ? ' and if I have none, they say, * Get out, you Indian dog ! ' You see they have not yet learned these little good things, that we need no meeting to be instructed in, because our N 146 NARRATIVE 0^ mothers taught them to us when we were chil- dren ; and it appears to me that they assemhle merely to contrive how they may cheat the Indians in the price of heaver." v ?, ^m , But whatever may he the amount of excel- lence, mental or physical, belonging to the In- dians, nothing can he more certain than that their moral condition is deplorable and wretched. "While, on the one hand, we are supported in the belief, that God has made of one blood all nations of the earth, and has rendered every man capable of receiving words whereby he may he saved; we may, on the other, be equally sure that no human power, no course of phi^ losophical reasoning, no refinement resulting merely from civilization, nor any other agency or combination of agencies, short of spiritual influence, can check and subdue the vices of human nature. Of late years, when all other resources had failed, the eiffects of heart-felt religion have been experienced by many an untaught Indian. Faithful Missionaries, well instructed in the word and doctrine, have laboured with success among tribes of men, concerning whom, in former years, little or no expectations of improvement were entertained. Numbers of these furious but benighted spirits have been melted in the mould of love. Many a warrior, fresh from the battle-field, and the horrors of massacre, has been convinced that the reliffion of Christ is the onlv and sovereinn antidote for life's varied ills. The important ly an well have O, M. SPENCER. 147 discovery of innate corruption has followed the preaching of the truth. These daring sinners, self-convicted, have stooped to the cross ; virtue has gone forth ; the numher of repentant men was great ; and it has heen discovered by crowds of genuine converts to saving faith, that it is not the profession of an outward form, but the exer- tion and victorious prevalence of an indwelling principle, that makes the Christian character. They discover not only how to learn good things, but to embrace and practise them ; while the tomahawk and scalping-knife, used only in the perpetration of deeds of darkness and cruelty, have been beaten into the spade of industry, or an implement fitted for social utility. The principles maintained in this digression have been frequently illustrated in preceding parts of this narradve ; and I was destined on several future occasions to notice the inveterate, and, until power descend from on high, the incurable, malice of unenlightened man in his best estate. On the morning of the 12th of July w^ conti- nued our route along the banks of the Auglaize, until we came within sight of an Indian village. To myself the spectacle was novel ; and had it not been for the uneasiness which it was im- possible to banish, as to the reception I might meet with, some little amusement might have been extracted. On entering the place Waw- paw-maw-quaw procured and smoothed a long pole ; he then tied to one end of it the scalp . ^ ^ N 2 148 NARRATIVE OP of oiir poor friend so often named ; after whicfi he elevated it over his head, and set up the scalp-halloo, a shrill kind of whoop, much re- lished by the hearers, and oft repeated by the Indians as we passed on. On arriving at the centre of the town, we found the whole of the inhabitants, consisting of men, women, and chil- dren, assembled to meet us. Some were seated on logs, others on the ground, and when the salutations of the principal men were ended, which seemed to be a matter of prime import- ance, and was seasoned with a sufficient quantity of grin and grimace, the entire group put itself into an attitude of attention, while Waw-paw- maw-quaw related the particulars of his late expedition to the Ohio. The subjects of his discourse were apparently of a mingled order. His manner, on the whole, was serious, as if labouring under the weight of the' subject. In relating the circumstances of my capture, which were minutely described, the intonations of his voice were deep and musical. These impas- sioned parts were afterwards relieved by some lighter details. The transitions were well ma- iled, " from grave to gay, from lively to severe." He afterwards entered on a survey of the scene when and where the unfortunate white man was tomahawked and scalped. This, I apprehend, ravished the hearers beyond the power of control. It was that part of the lee- LUiC, T X mean, in wnicu eninusiasm couid. no logger be restrained within decent limits* In i f O. M. SPENCER. 149 that moment, a little old Indian, as if stung by a tarantula, suddenly sprang from his seat, threw himself upon me with all his might, and cast me to the earth with great yiolence. The mis- chievous pigmy then arose, gare a loud shout, accompanied with sundry extrayagant and furi- ous gestures, and vociferating, as I was after- wards told, that he had vanquished the enemy. Then, as if this immeaning and cowardly assault deserved further celebrity, the women and chil- ' dren commenced a long and piercing war-whoop. Sounds so discordant and unearthly never before smote my ear ; a jargon so monstrous defies de- •jcHption : but tastes are various and unaccoimt- a; l^ ; and, in the estimation of the assembly then convened, the notes so plenteously poured forth were passing sweet and soothing. H CHAPTER VII. no In I The rough and brutal treatment I had received from the uncouth rabble just adverted to was sufiiciently disgusting; but it was only a pre- lude to further insult, in which, had it been in their power, they would have gladly indulged. On perceiving that the women and children ga- thered round me, I instinctively clung to Waw- paw-maw-quaw, and even then my escape was narrow. I afterwards found that it had been the intention of these ladies to make me run t^^e .^. -./ -■ - n3 150' NARRATIVE OP // gauntlet througli a long line of female and juve- nile warriors, and from which I escaped, merely on account of personal debility arisinj, from an attack of dysentery, from the effects of whic^ I was unj ble to move faster than in a' slow and feeble walking pace. At length, much - to my satisfaction, we made our exit from the ' village ?nd its pestiferous population, and soon ' ^ after mid-day arrived at a small hamlet, in which our reception formed a most cheering and de- lightful contrast to that just experienced. Here also, as in the other instance, the inhabitants came out in crowds to meet us, desiring to know whence we came, and why we came, and who we were, and what had been our occupation. In reply to this challenge, Waw-paw-maw-quaw was obliged to repeat the story of his incursion into the far-distant country, including the events already referred to, especially the contests in "which he fought and conquered ; for the Indians have little notion of merit, unless it involve deeds "of valour, and the destruction of some en^my with the hated " pale face." His tale was listened to with unbounded applause, the' expression of which was by no means equivocal : Fired at the sound, the chief grew vain, Fought all his battles o'er again, '^ And thrice he routed all his foes, i i And tlirice he slew the slain. After the bitter cup of insult and outrage, the very dregs of which I was compelled to drain, how sweet was the milk of human kindness 1 V - O. M. SPENGEn. 151 tlie Si In this village I was deemed a natural curiosity ; i^iie poor white hoy was a theme for incessant speculation and wonder : hut, though scanned from head to foot, to ascertain my colour, as if they could scarcely credit their senses, and com- pelled to suhmit to a close examination of my dress and person, no one offered the least insult or injury. Not the semblance of rudeness was any where observable. These introductory ceremonies being over, an elderly noble-looking Indian, whom I took to be the vilHge chief, came forward, and led me to his cabin, where we found his wife, who ap- peared to be a mild, humane woman. From her kindness we obtained an immediate supply of com- cake and boiled venison. This food was, to myself, at that time half-starved, a most deli- cious repast. I ate very heartily ; after which, rising from my seat, I returned to our benevo- lent hostess the bowl out of which I had eaten, bowing low, and expressing, what I had deeply felt, my grateful thanks. She smiled, and only said, " Onee, that is right ; you are welcome ; " and, as if wishing to lessen the sense of the favour conferred, *' It is nothing." From this village we travelled leisurely on, occasionally passing an Indian hut, and towards evening arrived at the cabin of Wawpunnoo, a tall, stout warrior: I afterwards discovered th?i he was brother to my friend White Loon. The wife of this newly -acquired acquaintance was a remark- ably handsome woman, delicately formed, and 152 NARRATIVE OF ii // fairer, by several shades, than the generality of squaws. The qualities of her mind rivalled those of her person. Her disposition was truly amiable ; of which I need adduce no stronger proof than the mildness with which she bore the churlish treatment of her husband, a repulsive, uncouth fellow, for whom she was, by many degrees, too good. Indeed, so unusual was her self-command, that, notwithstanding the ill- treatment received, she was evidently mortified when the unkind conduct of her husband was noticed by others. By the way, I cannot help observing, (and concerning Indians in general few persons have Lad a better opportunity of seeing things as they are,) that the men ^are sadly defective in respect and attention to the female character. The wives of these dark, blustering gentry are treated more like slaves than companions, and are forced to perform not only the household drudgery, but to work in the field; the lubberly Indians having got it into their heads, that for them to labour is disgrace-* ful. I have often noticed families, while on a journey; and it was invariably the case, that while the poor squaw was labouring along, bend- ing under the weight of a heavy load, and the girls, similarly oppressed, were obliged to carry packs, or the smaller children, on their shoulderi^, the indolent Indian, puffed up with fancied su- periority, marched largely in front, with rifle in hand, and nicely wrapped in his blanket ; while the boys, who appeared to come forward, as 0. M. SPENCEIt. 15d promising candidates for tlieir father's surliness, carried only a bow and arrow, or reed blow-gun, for amusement. My opinion is, that women are seldom, perhaps never, put into possession of their rights among pagan and idolatrous nations. Christianity places human society on an equit- able level. It teaches not only the value of the soul, and the way of salvafjon, but supports the social compact, in t^e sacred ties of domestic life, and secures the respect and love, ivithout which the alliances of matrimony, with refer- ence either to sage or savage, are neither more nor less than mocking and insult. To add to my comforts, which I began to fear had taken a long farewell, I was accommodated during the night with a sheltered sleeping-plac ?, beside which I lay on a deer-skin, to which, as a coverlid, was subjoined an excellent blanket. As this was the first time since my captivity that A luxury of the sort fell to my share, the enjoyment was far from common-place. The next morning we breakfasted early, and a little before noon, on the 13th of July, after a journey lasting six days, during which we had travelled about an hundred and eighty miles, we arrived at the point desired by my Indian guides. This was the confluence of the Auglaize and Miami rivers. Some trading commenced at this place. The Indians disposed of their deer-skins to a British Indian trader ; after which, crossing over the Miami, we made our way to a small bark cabin, near the bank, and, leaving me in charge // I 154 NARKATIVE OP of its occupant, an old widow, the mother of Waw-paw-maw-quaw, they departed for their homes, situated in a village on the river, ahout a mile helow. v-. For the first few hours I did not know what to make of my newly-appointed guardian ; and, to speak the truth, I helieve she was much in the same plight w:th regard t'^ her newly-con* signed ward. The name of the old squaw was Cooh-coo-cheeh, the literal meaning of which I have never yet divined. Apprehending, per- haps, from my squalid appearance, that I should be a troublesome inmate, she at first eyed me with a look indicative of any thing but satisfac- tion. This, however, lasted but a short time. Her better feelings soon prevailed ; and, casting aside the reasonings of cold, calculating prudence for those of kindlier afiections, she at once ad- dressed herself to the alleviation of my sufferings. She first took a general survey of my emaciated form ; then examined my scratched and festered limbs; then my swelled feet, which retained, when pressed, the print of a finger ; then my toes, in all of which, the friction of sharp sand that had insinuated itself between them had produced several sores, penetrating almost to the bone. These united ailments pleaded most powerfully in my behalf. A mother's feelings, dormant for a brief season, were awakened, and her recipes for my relief were neither few nor small. As the work was rather extensive, she commenced proceedings in order. The first step y .' i.S 0. M. SPENCER. 155 Was to the river, in which I was plunged for the sake of a thorough ahlution. The basis of per- sonal cleanliness being thus laid, the old lady next washed my clothes. I was then compelled to lie on a blanket for three or four days, under the scorching sun, till my back was one entire blister. She then prepared a strong decoction of red oak, wild-cherry bark, and dewberry root, of which I drank plentifully. The same liquid was also used externally, for the purpose of bathing my feet. The remedies were generally successful, aLd in a short time my health was restored. So far her praises may fairly extend ; and if Unable to present a portrait of my benefactress altogether favourable, it must be imputed to me as a misfortune rather than a fault. Having received the favour of her services w^hen help was valuable, I cannot do less than distinguish her by a distinct personal notice. Cooh-coo- cheeh was a princess of the Wolf tribe of the Iro- quois, formerly living on the Sorel. She was in stature about the ordinary height, but stout and clumsy ; her features were rather homely, and her voice and gesture h^'-^^h and forbidding; though when particularly well pleased, she could relax into something like good looks and hu- mour. Her husband had been a distinguished war-chief of the Mohawks, a nation which once occupied the country along the St. Law- rence, as far as Lake Ontario, and borderinfr on the Lakes George and Champlain. This nation. 156 l^ARRATIVE OP about the year 1670, confederated with the Senecas, the Oneidas, the Cajngas, and the Onondagas, forming what >vas then termed ^^ the Five Nations : " between this allied power and the Tuscarawas of North Carolina, a junction was afterwards effected, when the whole were known as " the Six Nations." These united forces conquered most of the tribes on the south and west sides of their extended territories : they claimed the sovereignty of the soil as far as the Mississippi, on the western boundary, and the Cherokee river on the south. Of the tribes thus expelled, some were utterly destroyed ; nor has a vestige of them since been noticed. Others were incorporated with the victors. An alliance was at length established, which, beside being formidable for numbers, contained men remark- able for gallantry and skill in war. Success, as might be expected, for a long time, followed their oft-repeated and daring excursions. In later times this Mohawk power lent its aid to the British^ to whom it was an important auxiliary ; nor was its supremacy shaken, until about the year 1770, when, coming into collision with the American colonists, it was totally defeated. The ascendancy of this ancient people then began to decline ; their claim to paramount authority was soon wrested from them ; until, reduced in num- bers and influence, they were scattered in various directions, and ceased to exist as an independent people. . : After this signal and ruinous defeat of the ;h tHe id the I « the er and nction B were united ) south tories : 3 far as y, and J tribes d ; nor Others illianee J being emark- cess, as jd their . later to the ciliary ; out the ith the a. The egan to ity was n num- various )endent of the O. M. BPENOERi 15? Mohawks, the husband of my mistress Cooh- coo-cheeh, with his family, consisting of his wife, three sons, and a daughter, removed from the St. Lawrence, and settled at the Shawnee village, a mile below the mouth of the Auglaize. Soon after this period, a severe engagement took place between the Indians of that vicinity, and a part of the American force stationed at Har- mar, under two commanders, named Harden and Willis. This happened in the month of Octo- ber, 1790. The discipline and tactics of these modem advere»aries were more than a match for Indian energy and strength, with whatever fury they might be brought into action. The battle was fatal to their expiring cause, and made Cooh-coo-cheeh a widow. Her husband, while heading a furious charge directed against the regulars, and at the moment of raising his tomahawk for the purpose of striking a soldier, received a mortal wound from a bayonet, and died on his way home. His widow found a grave for the warrior on the bank of the Mau- mee, about twenty miles from the scene of action : but shortly after, having made choice of her present residence, and erected the bark cabin, where she lived when I was thrown in her way, she caused the much-loved remains of her late companion to be disinteiTed, and once more consigned them to the dust. The tomb she had chosen was placed in a secluded spot, within a few paces of her new residence, and close to the war-path; so that she might not .-»■■ 158 NARRATIVE OF V) f only have the happiness of conversing with him, but that his spirit might be refreshed by a view of the warriors, as they crossed the Maumee on their hostile expeditions; until, having ended his probation, and made roady for his journey, he should travel to the finui abode of good spi- rits, in the land far west, abounding with game, and enjoy the delights which constitute an In- dian heaven. The body was placed in a sitting posture, facing the west. The rifle, tomahawk, knife, and blanket, with several other articles used by the departed in his hunting and warlike excursions, were placed by his side. To these were also added several presents, which were also thrown into the grave ; at the head of which was placed a post, about four feet high, painted yed, and having near the top, rudely carved, the image of a face. Below this was marked the number of scalps taken by the deceased in battle ; and, on high occasions, the scalps them- selves, of which there was a great variety within, were exhibited, and might be seen with the hair of varied length and colour streaming in the wind, and suspended on a high pole bend- ing over the grave. I once counted nineteen scalps in this unenviable elevation, all of them previously torn from the heads of my unfortu- nate countrymen. The fact is interesting, and has been noticed by intelligent travellers in various countries, that the human mind, though utterly unculti- vated, and destitute of true religious light, O. M. SPENCER. 159 him, view lee on ended irney, d spi- game, in In- sitting hawk, rticles arlike these were which aintcd ;arved, aarked ksed in them- lyithin, th the ling in bend- ineteen f them nfortu- noticed iintries, mculti- light, dwells with complacency on, and seems to derive its choicest consolation from, the belief of a future state. The understanding may be dark, and a vagrant roving fancy may furnish its picture of folly and sensuality ; the renewed existence thus longed for appears, it must be admitted, to better-taught men, a paradise of vanity and weakness ; still it is evident that the notion of another mode of existence is firmly believed; leading to the conclusion, that, even independently of divine revelation, there is a principle in the human soul which refuses to be limited by the admeasurement of time, and ii :e- sistibly sends out its powers in search of future and endless good. If, in the view c i%,:i of an uneducated Indian, anticipations of future good, though dimly shadowed forth, and mingled with absurdity, are so joyous, with what well- grounded exultation can the Christian reflect upon the period, when, delivered from the pri- son of corruptibility, his soul shall soar and expatiate in unrestrained freedom ! Not that the doctrine of a resurrectioi ^s to be deduced chiefly, or in any material degree, from the con- clusions of human reasoning, ingenious and pleasing as much of it is. The doctrine itself is an essential article of Christian faith, and stands upon a basis of unyielding firmness. It would appear that the scepticism of some men had been foreseen with respect to this subliiac verity : and we find afioordincrlv. that, miided by the Spirit's influence, the evidences in its 160 NARRATIVE OF // 1 I w support, minutely recorded in Scripture, are not merely plausible, but demonstrative; and amount to direct and unanswerable testimony, powerful in itself, and so well supported by a train of concurring events, marvellously com- bining to one end, and rendered convincing by the acknowledged reputation of credible wit- nesses, as to establish the fact beyond contra- diction or gainsaying. Here and there a soli- tary person has affected to believe that he shall die like a brute beast, and sink into annihila- tion ♦ but whenever a dogma so gloomy is pro- pounded, it is usually connected with immo- rality of life, and an uneasy conscience. Guilt first suggests the wish for an eternal sleep, and then insinuates it will happen. Opposed to this debased and repulsive vagary, engendered by sinful indulgence, " The men of grace have found Glory begun below.' »> They know that when the " earthly house of** their " tabernacle " is " dissolved," they " have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Of this the conviction they feel is decisive and final. Not that their reversionary home is visible to mortal ken. Faith lends its realizing light ; and by the help of that glorious power, which, as an optic tube of surpassing efficiency, brings distant olyects n .x_. , their vision is assisted, and .iuiervtiuiug clouds, though ever so opaoue to man in his w O. M. SPENCER. i6i natural estate, become clear as ambient air. " But how can the dead be raised, and with what body do they come ?" To this old-fashioned and oft-repeated query of unbelief, the answer is ready. He that created man at first, can renew and fashion him again, when, and how, and as often as, he pleases. He that spake a Tv^orld from nought, and prepared the elements by justest weight and measure of which it is com- posed, can modify and recompose the materials of that world in all its parts and proportions, including every one of its rational and irrational inhabitants, according to the counsel of his will. We may allow that the doctrine of the resur- rection is mysterious ; nor am Indisposed to rest my belief of it on the metaphysical reasonings adopted by some, who imagine that the germ, or some indestructible atom, is to survive the decomposition of the human frame, and that the principle of vitality, thus wrapped up and concentrated, shall again burst forth, like seed in spring, and unfold itself at the bidding of the Almighty. Theories of this sort may be harm- less; but they are not expedient, much less necessary. The best and safest way is at once to abandon our reasonings, which, to speak the truth, are on this subject worth very little, and approach with humble boldness to the fountain of eternal reason. The natural man, however gifted, can do little here. The well is deep, and he has nothing wherewith to draw. Secret things belong unto God. Man is a mystery to .*. . o 3 162 NARRATIVE OP r Si"'- i himself: the union of his soul and body, the manner in which the functions of life are con- trolled and ordered, — these, and an endless variety of other wonders, both in the heavens above and on the earth around, are incompre- hensible to short-sighted man ; and yet to refuse our assent to the. fact of their existence, merely because the mode cannot be known, would be to reject the evidence of our senses, and to conclude that a thing is, and is not, at the same moment of time. With what efful- gence do the beams of inspiration burst through the mist of mere philosophical speculation! The mind is at once strengthened and placed at ease, both by the lucid statements of holy writ, and by the impressiveness of its reasonings. Let us look at the facts to which the apostle Paul deposes : " How that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he arose again the third day, according to the Scriptures ; and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve : after that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once ; of whom the greater part remain unto this pres'^nt, but some are fallen asleep: after that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles : and, last of all, he was seen of me also, as of one bom out of due time.'* Stronger and better evidence than this can neither be desired nor conceived. If men are to be found who hear it not, neither would they be con- vinced though one rose from the det^d. Seeing ' ■, 0. M. SPENCER. 163 then that we are encompassed ^^ about with so great a cloud of witnesses;" (that they are persons upon whose veracity the fullest depend- ; ence may be placed; and that they are not likely to be deceived themselves, nor capable of deceiving others;) what remains but that, in imitation of our Indian friend, but with better light and feelings, we joyfully exclaim with the same apostle, in his well-attested affirmation, "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump ; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorrupti- ble, and we shall be changed ? " The wayward imaginings of my hostess, already alluded to, were not the only mistakes into which she had fallen with respect to the invisible world and its dread realities. She professed herself to be deeply learned in the mysteries of the gods they served, of which there were many, and frequently officiated as priestess. She also pretended to foretell future events, and was often in great request, when the warriors wished to know the result of approaching battle. Her answers were given most oracularly; and were, in general, so cle- verly ambiguous and evasive, that while hopes of victory were prefigured in dark and doubtful sentences, she contrived to throw in a shade sufficiently broad and deep to neutralise the prediction in case of defeat. It was like the announcement of rain in the old almanacks : ^ 164 NARRATIVE OF // little would come, either here or elsewhere ; the day before, or the day after. She was also a kind of consulting physician, to be resorted to when all other authorities were bewildered. Her skill in compounding medicines was deemed unequalled; and I believe she had some little knowledge of the quality of several useful herbs: but the virtue of her prescrip- tions was supposed to arise from the daily inter- course she professed to maintain with certain good spirits. The whole of this arrant non- sense was uncommonly well acted, I have already hinted that Mistress Cooh-coo-cheeh was far from being a beauty; though, on all ordinary occasions, her appearance was pass- able. She had also the tact of rendering her- self agreeable, by great apparent friendliness of disposition, and was fond of relating the early incidents of her lite : but when the frenzy of her fancied afflatus came on, she was trans- formed into the personification of ugliness; and her incantations, though powerless with regard to others, seemed to change her into one of the evil agencies against whom she affected to afford protection. The family of Cooh-coo-cheeh consisted, at the time of my introduction, of two gi'and- children, by her only daughter. One of these children was a dark-complexioned girl, about fourteen years of age; and the other a half- Indian bov. whose affe did not. I think, exceed *t > twelve. The boy was the reputed son of the O. M. SPENCER. 165 famous, or rather infamous, Simon Girty; and was a fine sprightly fellow, hut excessively passionate and wilful ; a perfectly spoiled child. His mother had given him the Mohawk name of Ked-zaw-saw, while his grandmother called him Simo-ne. The girl was rather plain in person, but cheerful and good-natured. She also had two names. Her mother insisted on calling her So-tone-go, while the old squaw stuck out for Qua-say. Having given a sketch of the old lady and her singularities, it may not he uninteresting to subjoin a few notices of her dwelling, together with some incidental matters therewith con- nected. It should be understood that, among these deluded people, the residence of an Indian priestess was constructed with rather more than ordinary care, and was surveyed by others with feelings approaching to reverence. The cabin in which Cooh-coo-cheeh lived was built of bark, and covered an area of twenty-eight feet by fourteen. The frame was constructed of small poles, of which some were placed in an upright position, and well bedded in the ground, as a support to the ridge-pieccs and eave-bearers. Others were used, as occasion required, to bind and strengthen the whole, and were firmly fastened with thongs of hickcrj- bark ; from which material these house-builders contrived, though without much aid from the square and plum-line, to form girders, braceSj laths, and rafters : the frame of the cabin was II 186 NARRATIVE OP then covered with large pieces of elm-bark, each seven or eight feet long, and three or four wide ; these, being pressed flat, and well dried to present curling, were fastened to the princi- pal uprights with stout thongs of l>'irk, fonnin,^ the weatiier-boarding and r* of. At tl"j 7r istsn end there was a narrow door-way, about six feet high; closed at pleasure by a single piece of bark placed beside it, and fastened by a biace, set either within or wilhoutj as occasion ra- qiired. The internal part was diviael into twj co?npartments ; of these the inner room was I'cck >Tied the principal : into this few per- sons, cj.cept the old squaw, ever entered. She iised it sometimes as a pantry, at others as a spare bed-room; and when the affectation of great secrecy rendered the retreat necessary, she retired thither to perform her incantations ; or, in other words, to invent a plausible tale for future deception. The outer apartment was used for common purposes. On each side a low form was fixed, covered with bark and deer- skins, which served both for seats and bed- steads. The fire-place was cons, ^^"ted exactly in the centre; the chimney consisting simply of an aperture in the roof as an outlet for the smoke; to which, however, was subjoined a tolerably neat wooden contrivi ce to aid the process of preparing food. , The i\ iow had shown L ^^ dte, not only by buildiiiL a decent cabin, b > bv makincr choice of a most picturesque and i>'r antic spot on )]m-bark, e or four el! dried > fQrmiB(X t six ieet piece of a brace sioii re- iei into er room few per- 3d. She ers as a tation of sary, she ons; or, tale for ent was de a low id deer- ud bed- exaotly r simply ; for the oined a aid the only by or choice spot on O. M. SPENCER. 167 which to erect it. On a range of high land en- closing the dwelling, was a beautiful open wood, principally of oak and hickory. Extensive low- lands adjoining were covered with com ; whilo here and there clumps of small trees were scat- tered in agreeable confusion, consisting of blue and white ash, and elm saplings. The mean- derings of the Miami added also not a little to the magnificence of the view. The bank on each side was steep and lofty : that on which our cabin stood was covered with gracefully bending willows ; while the opposite bank down to a certain point, curving to the north-east, was destitute of vegetation. Immediately below the bight just described, the Auglaize entered ob- liquely, and mingled its current with the Mau- mee, producing a whirl of water in the centre, and strong eddies on both sides of the river. The perturbation thus occasioned was, however, merely local, and the mid-stream continued to flow with its usual still and even course. The river Maumee, at the part referred to, was not less than three hundred and sixty feet in width ; and at a short distance it widened to about ^ye hundred and ten feet, by an average depth of seven. To the Indians, this noble river is a source of .almost inexhaustible treasure. It ?»' c unds with various and excellent fish ; which, though unfurnished with the tackle and snares of accomplished angkrs, they contrive to secure with very little trouble, ^n Indian frequently strikes a fish with an ariow, sent with forceful m 168 NAUttATIVE Of < i and unerring aim. He also succeeds in killing his watery game with rifle hall; hut in hoth cases, success can be ohtained only hy an expe- rienced eye and hand. The difficulty is increased when the water is deep, as the fish to the sight of an unpractised marksman appears near the surface, when in reality he floats at great depth below. In reaching these deep recesses, the bullets used in rifles are flattened, so that by ofifering less resistance to the fluid through which they pass, fish may be struck with greater pre- cision and violence. On the south side of the Maumee, for some distance below the mouthy and extending more than a mile up the Auglaize to an Indian village, the low rich vale, not less than three quarters of a mile in breadth, was one entire field, covered with corn ; which being in bloom ; or, as it is technically expressed, in " tassel," presented a fine appearance. An ex- cellent custom prevailed at that time among the Indian women. Whenever it 'wm practicable, large spaces of fertile land were divided among them, in quantities suited to the strength and demands of their respective families. Each of the portions, thus separated, was cultivated with great diligence. Every one knew her own, and of course felt emulous to equal or surpass the efforts of her contemporary cultivators. The com thus raised was seldom disposed of as an article of commerce, but went directly to the support of the families concerned* These field? were unprotected by enclosures. Indeed, no- '^iXiSkAH 0. M* PFENCER. 109 L killing in both m expe- ncreased the sight near the lat depth sses, the I that by ^h which later pre- ie of the e mouthy Auglaize !, not less idth, was ich being essed, in An ex- mong the acticable, id among Qgth and Each of ated with )wn, and rpass the )rs. The of as an iy to the ese fields- leed, no- thing of the sort was required : they had neither homed cattle, sheep, nor hogs ; so that encroach- ments from four-footed trespassers required no prevention. As for the few horses which fell to the lot of these humble farmers, they were either driven to the woods, or secured near one of the cabins, with a bell round the neck of each ; besides which, young lads were employed to watch by turns, and prevent them from going astray. . A residence of one week in my new habita- tion served in some measure to reconcile me to the domestic habits of the people among whom I was so strangely thrown. Convinced ^ too, of the impossibility of escape, I felt it pru- dent to conform to the reasonable requests of my present superiors, so far as it was /a my power. This was, however, on some occasicib^ no easy matter. " There is no place like home ; " and thoughts of the happy circle, in- cluding in it my beloved parents and affectionate relations, from w^hich I had been torn by the hands of barbarians, were too much for me. It was a subject on which I dared not dwell, and one against which I was obliged to set a r j • ite guard, when, in the hours of leisure or of nighty it began to intrude. To please Cooh-coo-cheeh, I strove to be cheerful; and in some measure succeeded in throwing off the gloom that, in spiv >f my best exertions, had settled on my heart. I felt grateful in the recoUectior that this poor woman, though until now an entire stranger ■'¥■•-' ">■& ■ .' / I I' i 1 I I ■ 170 NARRATIVE OF to myself, had been the means of restoring me to health ; and that, in her plain way, she had taken some pains to minister to my comfort and amusemer.'^ ' ^^ At tile's p'^vloJ, principally through the gene- rosity of her son-in-law, a respectable Indian trader, my mistress received what to her was deemed a considerable accession of property. It consisted of an addition to her household goods and chattels ; an inventory of which I can fur- nish, as a specimen of Indian furniture and household utensils. First, we had a large brass kettle, for washing and sugar-making ; then there was a deep, close-covered copper kettle, suit- able for more purposes than I can tell. Knives of several forms were added : besides which a variety of tin cups, and spoons mado of pewter or horn, adorned the shelves. We were also possessed of sieves with meshes of different fineness ; wooden bowls, large, small, and mid- dling sized; bask ots of several forms and capa- bilities; ?^ wooden block for culinary purposes; four beds and bedding, including for each nu- merous deer -skins and blankets : so that, alto- gether, the circums'cinces of the widow were not only above par, br' , in the judgment of her neighbours, on V -^ verge of affluence. Mean- time, from thosv pei ons who thought fit to consult her on various topics, she received pre- sents of venison or valuable skins ; at other times, well-made brooches were tendered and accepted : this latter mode of payment was pe^- ing me she had fort and e gene- Indian her was Tty. It d goods can fur- are and 'ge hrass en there le, suit- Knives which a f pewtor ere also different md mid- nd capa- urposes ; 3ach nu- iiat, alto- ow were it of her Mean- it fit to ved pre- at other ered and was pe- 0. M- SPENCER. 171 culiarly eligible, as tides of jewellery were often used among these people as a species of circulating medium, and analogous to money. CHAPTER VIII. The time and circumstances of a holiday are seldom forgotten by the juvenile mind ; and after the fatigue and hardship I had undergone, any thing appron^hing to relaxation formed a contrast not to be overlooked. It was on the 21st of July, that Cooh-coo-cheeh, partly perhaps to suit her own convenience, but pro- fessedly for my gratification, proposed a visit to the Shawnee village below ours. Having been confined more or less to a small cabin, and unused to such restraint, I gladly acceded to the proposition. We therefore commenced our pre- p. itions : but as the toilet is, in every country, a matter of some little note among ladies, I must glance at the dress worn by my patroness on this visiting occasion. This dress, as I after- wards observed, did not altogether resemhle those worn by younger Indian women : though quite as respectable, it was rather more suited to the grave cind dignified character she thought well to assume. Simplicity was the prevailing feature. She had on a calico shirt, extending about six inches below the waist, and secured at the lower part with a silver brooch. To this * . p 2 k' 172 NARRATIYB OF garment was added a stroud or pettiov^ai, con- sisting of about a yard and a half of broad blue cloth, wrapped round the waist, confined with a girdle or sash, and extending a little below the knee. She also wore a pair of handsome gaiters or Indian stockings, made of the same blue cloth, and well fitted. These had a neat border extending to the instep ; and the feet of the wearer were protected by a pair of plain mo- cassons. The form of the above dress prevails among Indian women generally, of all ranks and ages ; varying only in quality, and in the richness and variety of the decorations superadded. These are regulated, not by rank or station, but solely by the ability of the wearer in procuring them. It was clear, however, with regard to every class of this female society, a passionate fondness for finery in dress was universal. An Indian belle who wished to be noticed, was arrayed from head to foot, with the nicest regard to the last reigning fashion, not a punctilio of which could on any account be waved. Her mocassons were curiously wrought with lacings of beads, ribbons, and porcupine quills. The border of the gaiters, and the edgings of the vest, are also bound with ribbon, interspersed with variously coloured beads. Tufts of deer s hair, dyed red, and con- fined in small pieces of tin, were often sub- joined. These produced a slight jingling noiise in walking, and forcibly reminded a spectator of the " tinkling ornaments " worn by the Jewish 0. M. SPENCER. 173 women spoken of in Scripture. The bosom and shoulder were veiled with a shirt frequently made of silk handkerchiefs, of which the tip- top pattern was a broad cross-bar. This vest was secured with large and small silver clasps. Bracelets of the same metal, from one to four inches in width, were also worn on the wrists and arms. But, in justice to my female Indian friends, whose kindness I shall not forget, it ought to be added, that, to whatever height their fondness of dress may arise, it is far exceeded by the men, who in this, as in all other respects, do just as they please. In addition to the ornaments worn by the women, with not one of which they will dispense, they wear large silver medals and gorgets on the breast ; silver rings in the nose are also sported; and heavy pieces of silver, more remarkable for weight than beauty, are suspended from the ear. In managing this folly, an incision is made in the cartilage of the ear, which is frequently drawn down much beyond its natural length by the weight of metal at- tached. The love of show possessed by a genuine dandy was evinced by a circumstance that occurred soon after my capture. The coat and trousers I had on at that time were made of plain cloth, with covered mould buttons; but my waistcoat was of blue silk, double-breasted, with two rows of small plated sugar-loaf shaped buttons. The shining surface of these buttons attention, r 3 iC^eatedly attracted uud »u -.■s.-. I ! ' // 174 NARRATIVE OF mucb like silver, that ttey were often surveyed •with a wishful eye. On the second night after leaving the Ohio, my old owner, of whom I never was much enamoured, posseRS*ed himself of my waistcoat, and cut off hoth rows of huttons, including a strip of silk on each side, two inches wide. These he carefully folded up, and stowed away in his hullet-pouch. Not knowing the man at the time, the vanity of the theft never entered my mind. I imputed it to savage ma- lignity ; hut on entering an Indian village some time after, I saw the rogue strutting about with a pair of garters round his legs, made of my identical silk slips, and with the buttons glitter- ing as they did of old on my rightful waistcoat. Begging pardon for the reminiscence in which I have indulged, I will now pursue the narrative of my visit. Oa ai riving at our desti- nation, one of the first persons we met was "Waw-paw-maw-quaw, by whom we were re- ceived in a most friendly manner. His wife, a very agreeable and rather pretty woman, about twenty-five, set before us, according to custom, some refreshment. It was composed of dried green corn, boiled with beans and pumkins; making, as I thought, a capital dish. The lady of the house did the honours of the table much to her credit and my satisfaction. After spend- ing a few hours with the family, we proceeded in due form to make our respects to the village chief; and a most formidable personage he was. This chieftain was a finely proportioned man, rveyed Lt after horn I iimself uttons, inches stowed ig the never je ma- :e some it with of my glitter- stcoat. Lce in lue the r desti- Bt was ere re- wife, a , ahout ustom, ^ dried nkins ; e lady ) much spend- ceeded village le was. i man. 0. M* SPEHCER. 175 ahout six feet high, stout and muscular; his eyes large and piercing, the forehead high and hroad, the nose aquiline, the mouth rather wide, and the countenance altogether open and intelligent, expressive of firmness and decision. In fact, I found we were in the presence of the celehrated Blue Jacket ; one of the hravest and most accomplished Indian chiefs, who had sig- nalized himself on numerous occasions at the cost of many a valuahle American life ; and was second only, in deeds of war, to Little Turtle, and Buck-on-ge-ha-la. He held, as I was told, a commission, and received some sort of pay, from the British Government ; hut of this fact, like many other similar ones occasionally afloat, there is, I apprehend, no positive proof. My visit, it would appear, was rather oppor- tune for the discovery and study of Indian cha- racter. I had heen hut a short time in the company of the warrior just described, when two unexpected visiters arrived from a neigh- bouring village, both noticeable characters in their way : one was the SnpJce, chief of a Sbaw- nee village close at hand ; and the other, Simon Girty, an ill-looking but consequential fellow. To meefr this brace of heroes something of state was deemed expedient : Blue Jacket therefore lost no time in preparation. When visible, for the purpose of audience, he was dressed in a scarlet frock-coat, richly laced with gold; round the waist he wore a party-coloured sash. He exhibited also a pfiir of red gaiters, and < { 176 NABRATIVE OF mocassons to match, ornamented in tlie first style of Indian costume, and manufactured for the occasion, heyond all doubt, by some emi- nent artiste. On his shoulders were gold epau- lets, with broad silver bracelets for each ami : while, suspended from his neck, was a massive silver gorget, and a large medallion of His Majesty, George the Third. The internal part of the chieftain's lodge was also fitted up to correspond. Numerous rifles adorned the walls. War-clubs, bows and arrows, and other de- structive implements, were plenteously distri- buted ; nor were symbols of the chase wanting : I noticed skins of deer, of the bear, panther, and otter ; many of which were converted into pouches for tobacco, or mats for seats and bed- ding. The wife of this chief was a remarkably fine-looking woman ; his daughters were much fairer than the generality of Indians ; and his two sons, of about eighteen and twenty years of age respectively, were well-educated, promising young men. I soon discovered that the visiters were men of very diflferent characters. The Snake was \ grave chief of sage appearance. The other Girty, was an incorrigible villain^ He had not only racked his ingenuity in devising new and more severe modes of torture for captured ene- mies, but was the murderer of several of his own countrymen. How far imaginatiri had any thing to do with the opinion I had formed of this man, I will not pretend to sav : but it 0. M. SPENCER. 177 appeared to me, that Providence, in order to express its displeasure, had set a mark on the renegado, so distinct in its character, as to defy mistake. His dark shaggy hair, low forehead, contracted hrows, and short flat nose, .with grey sunken eyes, and thin compressed lips, com- hined with a certain sinister expression which overspread his countenance, especially if he happened to meet the gaze of another person, pointed him out to me as one with whom no one, regarding his own safety, would like to associate. He wore the Indian dress, but with- out ornament ; and his silk handkerchief, while it supplied the place of a hat, hid an unsightly wound in his forehead. On each side, in his belt, was stuck a silver- mounted pistol ; and at his left side, a short broad- bladed dirk, which occasionally served the purpose of a knife. He thought fit to tax my youth and inexperience with a number of impertinent inquiries relative to my family connexions, and the circumstances which led to my seizure by the Indians. These questions were the foreruniiers of others much more minute and artful, respecting the strength of various frontier garrisons; the number of American troops at Fori Washington ; and whether the president intended to send further reinforcements to act against the Indians. He then reverted to a number of alleged wrongs he had received from the hands of his countrymen, the whole of which were most likely founded in AilaoYiAA/l • an/1 fVion iTi/liilrroil in n ano/>ioa nr »%lia|^WA*««Vft« % ■ •. V> %AAWAA *. b«A«fik^^Vfc A. ^jm Mf^^^V^'VrM ^^^ i 17B NARRATIVE OP fiend-like exultation at the revenge he had taken. He boasted of his exploits, of the num- ber of his victories, and his personal prowess ; then, raising the handkerchief from his head, ivhich he wore turban-fashion, he exhibited the deep scar in his forehead, and said it was the mark of a sabre-cut received in a battle fought with General St. Clair; adding, with an oath, that he "had sent the d d fellow to hell who gave it." To say nothing of the brutal profanity of this expression, I knew the repre- sentation itself to be a palpable untruth, and wondered that the empty-headed coxcomb even dared to invent and utter it. The fact is, and was well known, that he received the wound from the tomahawk of a noted chief named Brandt, during the quarrelsome revels of a drunken frolic. Girty ended his tirade of impiety by teUing me that I should never see home any more ; but that if I turned out a good warrior and hunter, perhaps I might some day be a chief. Thank God, the predictions of this man were as valueless as his imprecations ; and it will readily be supposed that I was glad to escape from his presence and conversation. In the evening of the day we returned home ; or, in other words, to our cabin on the Maumee bank. Visits began to multiply. In a few days after returning from that to Blue Jacket, my mistress invited me to accompany her to the residence of her daughter. We accordingly ' s he had ;he num- prowess ; lis head, )ited the was the le fought an oath, to hell le hrutal le repre- iith°, and mb even it is, and B wound f named ih of a irade of lever see 3d out a ^ht some ctions of ^cations ; was glad ersation. I home; Maumee 3W days iket, my r to the ordingly o. M. SPENCER. 179 proceeded thither ; and I have since discovered, that the place to which we journeyed is the very spot on which Fort Defiance was erected in 1794, by General "Wayne; extending from the Maumee full five hundred yards up the river's edge, by about two hundred in breadth. This area, at the time of my youth, was an open space; bounded on two sides with oak woods, and rendered almost impassable by an undergrowth of hazel. Within this enclosure, and on the steep, high bank of the Auglaize, ^ye or six cabins and log-houses had been erected, and were inhabited principally by Indian traders. The most northerly of these, a large hewed log-house, divided below into no fewer than three apartments, was occupied as a store and dwelling by George Ironside, the most wealthy and influential trader on the point. Next to his residence was the house of Pirault, (Pero,) a French baker, who contrived to draw a profitable batch for the accommodation of his friends and his own advantage. Then came M'Kenzie, a Scotchman, who took care to be behind none of them. In addition to a good, share of skilfully conducted merchandising, he followed the occupation of silversmith, exchang- ing with the credulous Indians, at the moderate profit of something more than cent per cent, his brooches, ear-drops, and other silver omamen,ts, for skins and furs. A little farther on, several other families of French anu English persons had ch^*"'*'" tlinir ViATnoa T^An^ianiQairkTi Tiarl oTark * 180 NARRATIVE OF * m 'J i been granted to a couple of American prisoners to settle on the same spot: one of these was Henry Ball, a soldier, taken at the defeat of St. Clair; the other was his reputed wife, one Polly Meadows, who was captured at the same time. These persons, however, were merely endured, as a matter of favour and connivance ; besides which, the whole of their time and services were exacted as a gradual payment for their ransom ; the man by boating passengers to the rapids of the Maumee, and the woman by washing and sewing. Means of defence were also raised for the infant colony. Fronting the house of Ironside, and about fifty yards from the bank, (of the river, be it understood,) a small stockade, comprising two log-houses, was erected. One of these was occupied by James Girty, brother to the veritable Simon ; and the other was the occasional domicile of Mackie and Elliott, British Indian agents at Detroit. From this station, a fine view was afforded of the Maumee river for several miles in length, as well as of the extensive prairie, covered with corn, directly opposite ; forming, on the whole, a peculiarly interesting landscape. Having re- ceived a very kind invitation from Mr. Ironside, I agreed to spend a day with him ; and an agreeable one it was. He treated me with great kindness; was much affected with the story of my captivity ; and gave me a good deal of curious information, relative to the customs and manners of the Indians, not forgetting 0. M. 8P£NC£B. 181 ptisoners lese was lat of St. ife, one the same J merely nivance ; Lme and ment for Bngers to oman by ice were iting the rds from ,) a small es, was 3y James and the Mackie 3troit. 'orded of ength, as red with e whole, iving re- Ironside, and an me with with the jood deal customs some excellent advice for the regulation of my own conduct. I subsequently found that the hints of this intelligent and humane person were of singular worth and consequence. On the following day I was surprised, and in a certain sense consoled, by the unexpected appearance of a companion in affliction, who, like myself, was a captive exile in a strange land. This was no other than William Moore, a townsman of my father s, who, while return- ing from the rapids, about sixty miles distant, had been made prisoner by my active and right trusty friend, Waw-paw-maw-quaw. I felt convinced there must have been some hard fighting in subduing Moore ; and so it proved. He was a stout, sinewy, muscular man, more than six feet high without his shoes, and of a disposition remarkably bold and intrepid., He was, in truth, a fair specimen of the western boatman and hunter, one who in Kentuckian phraseology would be termed " half horse, half alligator ; " a practised marksman ; who, at fifty steps, Vvitli his rifle " off hand," was able to " drive the centre ; " and wKo, when afloat, was foremost on the keel, and pushed the first pole. "With these physical qualifications for aggressive or defensive operations, he was not exactly the man to be trifled with. I am sorry to add, that liis morals were nothing t© boast of. He was known to be a lawless freebooter, governed only by his own construction of right and wronff : and vet, with these fearful drawbacks. 182 NARRATIVE OF /d Hi lU 1 i ■ , he was good-humoured and obliging; it being always understood that he had his own way. When excited by opposition, Moore became transmuted into a downright savage; and I soon found, by a brief conversation, that when taken by the Indians, he was overcome by numbers. Moore, it appears, had been hunting about five miles north of Columbia, on the waters of the Mill Creek, and had just killed a fine doe, which he had lashed to his shoulders for the purpose of conveying it home. Just then, and in an evil hour, Waw-paw-maw- quaw, and his brother, Caw-ta-waw-maw-quaw, (Black Loon,) with three other Indians, with the lengtbiness of whose names it is hardly worth while to meddle, and who were on the look out, observed the white man and his valu- able load. The temptation was inesistible. After watching his motions for some time, and perceiving that he was rather encumbered with his load, they fired on him simultaneously. One of their balls grazed his right shoulder- blade, and another passed through the carpus, or compact bones of the wrist, depriving him, for the time, of the use of his left hand. Un- daunted b^ tie suddenness of this scoundrel ambush attack, or of the wounds received, he sprang forward with almost superhuman energy, and, though crippled by the injury received, and impeded by his load, he outran the Indians by nearly the third of a mile. He then threw Ids rifle over his left shoulder, placed his 0. M. SPENCER. -as being n way. became and I when me by lunting on the killed a oulders Just r-maw- ^-quaW) s, with hardly on the is valu- sistible. ne> and 3d with leously. Loulder- carpus, ig hi^m, . Un- oundrel red, he energy, jceived, [ndians L threw ed his wounded hand over it for security, and with his right hand soon succeeded in disencumbering himself from the dec/ he had shot. He then darted away ith the velocity of an arrow, and soon distanced three out of five of his pursuers. Having gained the summit of a steep declivity, he had time to take breath, and to cast a back* ward glance upon the Indians, of whom the foremost was at a considerable distance. Moore then gave a loud exulting whoop, and derid- ingly slapped his thigh, in token of defiance. In an instant he was off with the rapidity of a chased deer, and soon arrived at the base of the hill. The crisis of the pursuit had now arrived ; and had it not been for one of those untoward events, against which neither might nor courage can at all times be available, he would probably have escaped. His progress was arrested by a creek. Of this, however, he thought but little, and leaped over it with j3se ; but unfortunately, in consequence of the slippery state of the ground, he made a falt^e step on the opposite side of the stream, and fell back into the water. Still unconquered, he rose instantly, recovered his rifle, and attempted to renew the retreat. At this moment, Waw-paw-maw-quaw de- scended the bank, and twice snapped bis pistol. Moore, in return, twice levelled his rifle; but the priming being wet from the accident which had just occurred, he missed fire both times. He then clubbed his niece, and endeavoured to strike down his a/^ sary with the butt end; h2 {I 184 NARRATIVE OP /> but his left hand being powerless, the blow won* easily parried. Moore then threw down the rifle, and drew his knife ; when, a^ the moment of commencing the deadly strife which must have followed, the brother of White Loon came up, and suspended the conflict. By this time Moore was faint through loss of blood; the other Indians were within a few paces ; and, unable to maintain so unequal a struggle, he surrendered to Waw-paw-maw-quaw, who ex- tended his hand, and received him as a pri- soner. Had Moore been taken in open war, the con- sequences to himself might have been fatal ; but, as the seizure and detention of the captive were mingled with no political consideration, he was consideic d to be private property, on which ac- count, r,b*} usual ceremony of convening a coun- cil te dcii berate concerning his merits and destiny was dispensed with. And yet, human life, in the hands of these capricious and jealous-pated people, is in extreme jeopardy ; especially if that life resides in the frame of a white man, or, as they term him, a "pale face." Had it so happened, that either of the Loons, White or Black, had been labouring under resentment for recent injuries, real or fancied, inflicted by per- sons whose colour was opposed to their own, Moore would, without doubt, have been sacri- ficed. As it was, he was reduced to the neces- sity of submitting to a barbarous custom ; and pne, too, which, had it not been for his uncom- 0. M. SPENCER. 185 m the loment must ti came s time ; the ; and, ;le, he bo ex- a pri- e con- 1 ; but, e were he was ch ac- i coun- lestiny life, in {-pated if that an, or, I it so lite or ent for )j per- : own, sacri- neces- i; and mcom- af ^d for this treat with Moore. Men, won^.ei d children, differ- ing in all respects excev' in from all quarters, a. t pleasure as we do on the v national independence. The rabble who thus congregated were of various ages, from ten to six times ten, and were generally furnished with knobbed switches, and other instruments adapted to inflict serious hurt. The first avocation in which these worthies engaged, was, to examine the prisoner; an office, in the performance of which there was no lack either of ignorance or impudence. They then arranged themselves, face to face, in single files, forming two long lines, each man being about seven feet apart from the rest. The extent of this formidable column could not be short of three hundred yards, along the level space, between the Shawnee village, and the Maumee river. Every man was, of course, armed with a stout stick ; and the amusement consisted in making Moore run between the lines, %vhile every one of these myrmidons struck at him with as much force as was possible. The Chiefs and principal warriors took *their station at the head of the line, and within a short distance of the Q 3 ^^.^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I lASlM |2..5 |50 ■^™ HH Ks 1^ |||2.2 1.8 ^ m 1.25 ||U < 6" — ► ^ V Photographic Sdences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 873-4503 "•b"- <^ 186 NAnitATIVE OP // ^j*. cabin selected as the goal ; while the rest of the men, with the women and youths, promiscu- ously occupied the other spaces. Moore was now led out and stripped to the waist. The Indians, aware of his strength and activity, (for it appears he had recovered from his wounds,) tied together his wrists, for the double purpose of hindering his speed, and preventing him from retaliating on his tormentors, and afford- ing him only the means of protecting his face. When the moment arrived, Moore walked back a few paces from one end of the column, in order to gather a little speed at starting; a|i|d such was the surprising energy and corporeal power of this well-made fellow, that he bounded through the entire line, unimpeded by the nu- merous uplifted hands of the assembled crowd. After resting for a few moments, he began to tdtum with similar speed, and had reached the centre, when the Indians, who saw from his fleetness and athletic moidd, that he would run thiQough the whole with little injury, half closed their ranks, and attempted to obstruct his pro- gress. Most of the blows, instead of striking the man, had hitherto fallen clattering on each other s sticks. Moore now very properly called for fair play, and appealed for protection to the honour of the parties ; but he found, as many others in far politer circles have done, that honour is a very imdefinable article, and seldom ak home when most demanded. He resolved, tnerefore, as the only remedy againk ill usage, I I O, .M. 8PEMGER. 167. to redress his cwn wrongs; and he did it effec-. tually. By Okie of those powerful exertions which none but a vigorous mind residing|jn a powerful frame could make, he literally fought his way through the closing files of his oppo< nents. Those who directly opposed him, were felled to the earth with his clenched fist, though he had not more than half the use of it. Others he kicked away. Some felt the weight and hardness of his head^ with which, as a battering- ram, he sent them sprawling. Many more, who began to think that discretion was the better part of yalour, wisely moved aside : an ample passage was speedily opened, and, amid the shouts of the warriors, he reached the goal. Having passed the ordinary trial, with more than ordinary eclat, he was generally congratu- lated as a brave man, and by some applauded for his resistance, I observed, however, that on tjiis motion there was a considerable number in the minority. Sundry substantial favours, many of which were pretty particular, dealt out by Moore, while fighting his way through, had made an impression too deep for imiuediate orasure and forgetfulness. CHAPTER IX. Notwithstanding the absurd and violently conducted ordeal by which the good temper of ., i .W! » | i ", » |. iv 1 I M f 188 NARRATIVE OF Moore had been tested, there was no apparent abatement in the friendliness of his disposition , and, considering that he was a stranger, ^* nearly so, to those principles of morality on which alone the safety of society is secure, he made a better neighbour than might have been expected. With Cooh-coo-cheeh he was a special fayourite. To this preference he was entitled, having largely contributed to her comfort and accommo- dation, tndeed, it must be admitted on the part of this prudent matron, that no one needed think of effeciing a lodgment in her good opiiiion, unless some pleasing and efficient service's Were rendered. Moore had recently added an apart- ment to her cabin, and at the period of my acquaintance with him, was engaged in erecting for her use a bark shed, closed at the back, and with an elevated floor of not less than three feet from the ground. This extra erection ^«»s pre- pared for a particular purpose ; and c which to myself was interesting, and furnished matter for agreeable speculation. About this season of the year, (that is, the middle of August,) I found that the Indians, from time immemorial, held an annual festival, termed " The Feast of Green Com," on which occasion it was customary to gather a quantity of the nearly-ripe wheat, when the ear was grown to its full size, and the grain itself was in that soft and milky state in which it is used for roasting. I have since thought that some similarity might be traced between this feast and that of the " first-fruits" kept by 0. M. SPENCER. 189 ppareut )sition , ger, ^* 1 which made a :pected. voiirite. having ;ommo- ;he part d think >pi]iion, e's were fi apart- of my erecting ck, and ree feet *^«is pre- which matter sason of I found al, held f Green nary to kt, when le grain a which thought between kept by the. Jews. Among that ancient people, the pre- sents thus named consisted of part of the fruits of their harvest, and were meant to express their submission and dependence, and to acknowledge the sovereign dominion of God, the author of all happiness. The day after the feast of the Passover, they brought a sheaf into the temple, as the first-fruits of the barley harvest. The sheaf was threshed in the court, and of the grain that came out they took a full homer ; that is, about three pints. After it had been well win- nowed, parched, and bruised, they sprinkled over it a log of oil ; that is, near a pint. They added to it a handful of incense ; and the priest that received this offering, shook it before the Lord towards the four quarters of the world; he then cast part of it upon the altar, and the rest was his own. After this every one might begin his harvest. This was offered in the name of the whole nation, and by this the whole har- vest was sanctified unto them. When the wheat- harvest was over, that is, the day of Pentecost, they offered again " first>fruits " of another kind, in the name of all the nation, which con- sisted of two loaves of two tenth-deals (that is, of about three pints) of flour each. These loaves were made of leavened dough. The co- incidence between this custom of the olden time, and that of the Indians of modem date, as derived from their ancestry, has been noticed by several able writers who have observed it, and is Educed by some as an argument to prove, that 190 NARRATIVE OF the aborigines of America were of Israelitish extraction. The hypothesis is, most likely, of a slender order, and those who desire to maintain it must fetch their knowledge from far. At the same time, there is something decidedly analo- gous in the practices referred to ; they are, in both cases, pleasing and rational, and clearly arise from gratitude to the real or supposed author and giver of the harvest, and its valued produce. Plunged in a state of gross ignorance, as were the Indians of the Miami, it was likely that their best acts of devotion, including their votive ofiferings, should be mixed with error and weak- ness. So it was in the instance now quoted. The festival which commenced with acts of piety, finished with vice and sensuality. The day of celebration, when I was a spectator, was, with respect to the weather, serene and beau- tiful. The shed built by Moore was for the accommodation of several aged guests, who, un- able to take any active part in the sports of the day, might witness them without interruption. Company came in with rapidity. Cooh-coo-cheeh was the star, or magnet of attraction. Then came her three sons, with a wife apiece. Next to these were her daughter, with her husband, my friend Ironside. Several Shawnee warriors then en- tered, including a smart fellow, named Walker, with a remarkably good opinion of himself. All these, with many more of less n6te, drew up with their respective squaws. A few elderly raelitish ely, of a aaintain At the Y analo- are, in clearly upposed 3 valued as were hat their votive d weak- quoted, acts of y. The tor, was, id beau- for the vho, Tin- ts of the rruption. )o-cheeh len came ; to these ly friend then en- Wajker, jelf. All drew up I elderly 1/ J 0. M. spbncbh. 191 matrons wisely kept together, for the purpose, it may be, of keeping intruders at a distance. As the meeting was one of some solemnitj^ consi* derable time elapsed before all parties had ex- changed compliments; indeed, the contest for precedence was maintained with a spirit which would have done credit to the drawing-room of the president himself. Matters were at length brought to a tolerable issue, when every lady and gentleman present took the seat assigned to each, the whole being so arranged as to form a circle ; the verdant grass on which the meet- ing was held, forming at once a capital sofa and cushion. It has been affirmed, that great smokers can never study to so much advantage, as when as- sisted by the potent influence of the lighted cigar ; and many profound reflectors, besides the Dutch, have made it a practice to finish at least a couple of pipes, and knock out the ashes neatly, before they ventured on the least intellectual exertion, inasmuch as they felt confident, that, without this preparation, they would make no- thing out. The Indians seem to partake of this sentiment. When all were seated, the pipe passed very gravely round the circle, not fewer than three times. A venerable Indian then rose and addressed the assembly : — " The Great Spi- rit," said he, '^ has loug distinguished his red children, the first and most honourable of the human race. He has given them the vast coun- try, which extends from the sun*s rising-place in K V. ,• > ! 193 NARRATIVE OF the far east, to the place wliere it sets in the great waters heyond the rocky mountains ; and from tl]# frozen seas of the north, to the hound-* less salt waters in the south. These yield com in ahundance for hread. He has given us also the hujSalo, the elk, the deer, and every kind of wild game. With these our forests once ahounded. Nor has he denied us valuahle me- dicinal plants. These furnish specifics for every disease to which his red children are exposed. He sends us fruitful showers, and has now hlessed us with the assurance of a good crop of com. We ought therefore to give evidence of a sense of obligation to him, by gratefully feasting on the bounties provided, and by heartily enter- ing into the manly and sporting exercises of the day." The speaker then changed his subject. Having urged the duty of piety to God, he sud- denly gave way to a revulsion of feeling, and strongly moved his audience to revenge on the common enemy. " The pale faces," said he, " were the, first murderers and oppressors, and we may ascribe our own sad reverses to the judgments of the Great Spirit, who was angry with us for affording them an asylum on our shores. It is now our duty to drive them to their own soil, or at least to send them south of the Ohio. His will be done. Our late victory over St. Clair and his intruders is a proof of the returning favour of the Great Spirit. Nothing therefore remains, but that we exertise ourselves in deeds of valour, so that we may conquer our ^u^' 0. M. SPENCER. 193 in the b; and bound-' Id com us also y kind ;s once }le me- >r every xposed. EU3 now crop of ice of a feasting f enter- 3 of the subject. he sud-^ Ing, and on the laid he, ors, and to the s angry on our to their b of the ory over of the Nothing urselves [uer our natural enemies. This, beside present advantage, will supply a certain passport to the boundless hunting-grounds beyond the far-west waters, where no pale face shall ever enter ; for so the Great Spirit wills." No reflecting person can review these sen- timents without feeling the importance of those godlike attempts which have for many years been made to enlighten the minds and convert the hearts of heathen men in general, and the Indians of our continent in particular, to the faith of Christ. From the race of men, now named, have been taken every enjoyment, actual and prospective, for the sake of which they were apt to think life valuable. Their lands are gone. The produce has been swept away. They have no longer any political existence. Of the warriow, in whose prowess lay their glory and boast, it is rare to discover a single remaining specimen. Unable to reckon with the wary and calculating white trader, they have n 'to- tiated till they have little to negotiate with. In one word, they have nothing left, either here or hereafter, from which they can extract a single ray of well-grounded hope, or reap the least portion of solid comfort. The question is there- fore proper. What compensation shall be made to those, whose intercourse with civilized hu- manity has been so disastrous ? The answer is obvious. Give them all good things in one. Present them with moral principle ; or, to use better terms, impart to them religious light. R IH NARRATIVE OF I Recommend holy practice. Let them possess and be taught the great word. Procure and despatch suitable Missionaries to explain and teach that word. Direct these teachers, not merely to pay to these red men an occasional risit, but to go and dwell among them, and adopt, so far as is proper, their peculiarities, connive at their eccentricity, and pray with and for them, till power descend from on high ; and, as an ample equivalent for lost house and land, they receive the Spirit of adoption, and become entitled to that better inheritance, reserved in heaven for those who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salva- tion. ■-''''- ■ ■ •'-''^^ .:...---^. The speech was listened to with deep atten- tion. Indeed, during the period of its delivery, murmurs of approbation ran through the atten- tive multitude, and were particularly emphatic at the close of such sentences as were thought Bpecially pertinent and weighty. The enthu- siasm of the meeting did not, however, force its way out, till the orator had concluded, when, as if actuated by one soul, the entire assembly sprang on iheir feet, and uttered a whoop, so prodigiously shrill and prolonged, that, to a stranger, or one unaccustomed to such &Jinale^ the effect was startling. After all, it was merely an expression of pleasure; and no doubt was prompted by feelings similar to those which in certain other meetings of the ^' pi^le feces,^ call for the <' three times three;" or in others less O. M^ SPENCER. 195 possess lire and ain and ers, not ;casional em, and iliarities, ay with >n high ; }t house idoption, eritance, kept by to salva- ep atten- delivery, he atten- emphatic I thought Q enthu- force its when, as assembly hoop, so Eit, to a Skjlnahy \H merely mbt was whicti in ces," call hers less conyiyial, the sober and better-regulated cheer and clapping of the hands. The deliberations of our Indian friends haying concluded, the parties instantly addressed them- selves to theif sports and amusements. The first of these was running on foot over a straight course of about an hundred yards in length. The principal competitors were the Black and White Loons, Wawpunnoo, and Captain Walker. Moore would have been a formidable rival in the race ; but, being a prisoner, and a white one too, the others could not degrade themselves by an association so mean. Here, for the first time, I noticed the extraordinary fleetness of the Indian. His attitude is not elegant, in con- sequence of an awkwardness of gait, principally shown by turning in the toes while stepping out, which diminishes or counteracts the full force of the leg. His movements resemble the bound- ing of the deer, rather than the more rapid and well-placed step of the white man, whose lower, and even forward, e£Port bears him more rapidly onward. In a very protracted race, I think it probable that the Indian might prove more than a match for the white, on account of the freedom with which the former continues to breathe after long exertion ; but in a short distance the white man runs fastest. I had proof of the truth of these positions. Waw-paw-maw-quaw was the winner over a long course, while Moore offered to give him twenty paces in a race of one hun- dred yards, which he declined. R 2 196 NARRATIVB OF The next amusement consisted of wrestling. Several good specimens of strength and skill were shown ; but the palm was home away by Wawpunnoo, brother of the Loons, and Captain Walker, two huge Herculear^ men, with whom an adversary of less weight or slighter form stood little or no chance. After several con- tests with each other, Walker was declared best man. Waw-paw-maw-quaw was not, however, satisfied that he should so easily secure and wear the laurel. Perhaps, too, he was a little mortified by defeat, he having been throwi^ by Walker. He therefore insisted, that the victor should wrestle at least a single fall with the hitherto-discarded Moore. To this Walker ob- jected, intimating that he could not stoop to such an inferior. Most likely he had misgivings of another kind ; but as the Loon was positive, and eren walked up to Moore, and led him out, big Mister Walker was obliged to conform. When Moore peeled to the combat, it was evident, from his fine form, that he was not to be trifled with. Like another Ulysses, the poor beggar did himself no discredit, in spite of his well- fed opponent. Their first essays, as is usual with practised wrestlers, were mere trials of strength; but at length, exerting their powers, the contest grew warm. Each appeared to stand firmly, till Moore, observing an unguarded movement of his adversary, gave him an un- expected trip with his foot, and\ threw him cleverly to the ground, civilly taking care to ri O. M« 8P£NC£R. 197 sustain him wliile fidlingi so that he suffered no iDJuiy. Walker^s pride was now wounded ; and, more than half angry, he sprang quickly to his feet, and again closed with Moore, straining every muscle to throw his antagonist. But this he was unahle to effect. The struggle was compa- ratively short. Moore, obserying that his risen foe was intent on mischief, seemed to think that further politeness on his own part would he thrown away : he therefore at once exerted his force, raised his opponent on his hip, and pitched him heels over head, stretching his whole length with violence on the ground. This produced a loud tvaugh ! from the spectators ; and no small gratification to White Loon. Moore conti- nued to manifest extraordinary prudence. He saw it necessary to allay, if possible, the aroused resentment of the discomfited Walker, and put down the jealousy of several others, which he observed was much excited. He magnified the vigour of his late adversary, extolled his appear- ance, and ascribed his own achievement rather to accident than to any superior power or talent. By these judicious and good-tempered conces- sions all parties were pleased, and clouded faces cleared up as beforci By this time noon had arrived, and the sports were suspended to partake of refreshment, the preparation of which had been confided to Cooh-coo-cheeh. Her task was executed with great exactness and liberality, and the feast r3 198 NARRATIVE 0^ // Amounted to a profusion of good things. The bill of fare contained boiled fish of several kinds, which were well served. Afterwards came stewed squirrels and venison ; then green com, nicely boiled : for the sake of variety, some was brought to table in the ear, while, in another dish, it was cut from the stalk and mixed with beans. We had also a delicate squash, or soup, and several roasted pumkins. Two kinds of bread were also added. One sort was prepared in the ordinary way from com meal ; and a su- perior kind, made for the occasion, from green cam carefully selected and pounded in a mortar, till reduced to a proper consistency. It was then not unlike cream ; salt was added to it ; and in this state the preparation was poured into a sort of mould, of an oblong form, com- posed of corn-leaves, about the size of an ordi- nary earthenware dish, and placed upon hot ashes, by which process the bread was gradually baked ; and a capital article it was. Not being used to plates, each guest was furnished with a wooden bowl, which he placed in his lap. Every person had his own knife; and as forks were not in requisition, those who wished for a slice of meat .took the joint between their fingers, and helped themselves. There Were, however, seve- ral spoons in use. Some were wooden, others made of pewter, and a few of horn. As each inan and woman finished dining, they put the bowl aside, saying, Oorvay nelah : netape hoo- loo ; literally, " I have done ; my stomach is O. M. BPBNCER. 199 la. The d kinds, s came sn corn, sme was another ced with or soup, kinds of prepared nd a su- m green I mortar, It was d to it ; I poured m, com- an ordi- Lpon hot Gradually rot being id with a p. Every pks were •r a slice ^ers, and er, seve- 1, others As each put the %pe hoo- mach is full.^ When all had dined, pipes were intro- duced, a custom with Indians of irresistible weight. A small keg of rum was then produced, to the no small gratification of the guests, all of whom, of both sexes, indulged in a deep and heavy draught. The men then gave their knives and tomahawks in charge to Cooh-coo- cheeh, and arose for the renewal of their amuse- ments. ■ 'f The men, invigorated by their plentiful repast, and a little elevated, perhaps, by the aforesaid cask of strong drink, resumed their field-sports with increased energy. A circle or ring was formed of the males present ; within which, and near the circumference, one of the strongest, lying on his back, held firmly in his hands, be- tween his raised knees, a stout piece of raw hide, made soft by soaking, and so slippery by the previous application of grease as to require a powerful grasp and a strong hand to wrest it from his gripe. When this central fellow had taken his prostrate position, the Indians hegan to move round the circle with a short quick step, following each other at the distance of ahout three feet, and sinking alternately on each foot. They seemed to think the attitude re- markahle for gracefiilness. Meanwhile the charms of vocal music were not absent. The burden of the canto was, A yaw whano hiegh horv-wa yow way ; the translation of which, I regret to say, defies my ingenuity. The passage was recited in a dull monotonous measure ; and, 200 NARRATIVE OF li ( at its dose, each Indian, in succession, gave a loud halloo, suddenly stopped, and grasping the raw hide, strove to draw it from the hands of the holder. Some failed in the attempt, others succeeded; but, in each case, amusement was afforded, as, from the suddenness of the move- ment, the active agent generally measured his length on the ground. Raising the man from the position in the centre was the most difficult operation, and was held to be a proof of superior strength. The diversion next presented was that of dancing. In the management of this matter, the men moved in an outer, and the women in an inner, circle ; stepping lightly, and with more dexterity, with a waving motion. The party then changed its position, and opened into two lines, facing each other. Here the dancing varied in its time, from a rather quick step to a movement of great gravity, which was concluded by lifting both feet at once, and bringing them down heavily, every one uttering a heigh at each step. I ought to men- tion, that a demure old gentleman beat time, by pounding with one stick upon a small hollow instrument which bore some resemblance to a cracked and worn-out drum. This was meant for music ; and to do the actors justice, their feet and the old man's tattoo kept together pretty well. Towards the middle of the afternoon, I observed that the dancers abated in their brisk- ness. In fact, wishing to exhibit n^y friends in the most favourable light, I am sorry to add, ''*i.'*. '■„;?": % O. M. SPENCER. 201 gave a ing the ands of others }nt was move- red his n from difficult that the whole hr , hoth of men and women, with the except .>u of Cooh-coo-cheeh, were more than half drunk. Moore had prudently retired with Mr. Ironside across the Miami; and, aware of the approaching excess, I had withdrawn to the corn-fields, where, looking through a small hole in the hack of the shed, I could, without danger, witness the proceedings of the company. It was easy to foresee the result of these extravagancies. Applications to the liquor cask hecame more frequent. The more the men drank the more they wanted. Fuel was thus added to the fire. Reason was of course discarded. The amusements degene- rated into noise and confusion ; and while some attempted to sing, others hurraed about they knew not what ; and not a few were disposed to commence a general fight, for the luxury of the thing. Among others, Waw-paw-maw-i quaw, recollecting the defeat and severe falls he had received from Walker, laid violent hands on him, and insisted on another trial of strength and skill. This was granted, and he received the punishment due to his drunkenness and temerity. In a heavy throw he fell into the fire, and was severely burned. This circum- stance checked the disposition to continued revelry, and contributed to close the assembly. Soon after the parties separated, and staggered home in different directions. One cannot reflect upon the preceding rela- tion of facts, without being struck with that 202 NARBATIVB OF l[\ uniyersal deprayity by wHch, whateyer may be the circumstances in wbicb man is placed, he is sure to be oyercome, and kept in bondage, until the light of truth is kindled in his mind, and the power of truth enters and renoyates his heart. It signifies nothing to say, that Indian attachment to ardent liquors is the result of ignorance ; and that the evils under which they struggle may be taught to fiy as education advances. If that were the case, if civilization were the infallible precursor of sound morals, and all men did their duty, who knew their duty, how is it, that in the large cities of America, to say nothing of those in Europe, where the arts and sciences flourish, and intel- lectual cultivation is estimated at the highest price, — ^how is it, I ask, that among those classes of men who expect to be termed respect- able, and that even in the high places of the earth, where common persons dare scarcely intrude,— that even here, where the knowledge of right and wrong must surely prevail, the yery same vice that conquers the red man in his cabin, is sometimes known to predominate and triumph ? The truth is, that nothing short of, and nothing less than, Christian temperance founded on Christian experience, under the influence of divine grace, can eradicate those propensities to which the indulgence of these excesses is to be imputed. No one but a so- journer among. the Indians, like myself, can tell how strongly they are attached to heady and O. M. SPENCER. 203 may be ^d, he is ge, until ind, and 'ates his t Indian 'esult of ich they ducation dlization morals, Bw their cities of Europe, id intel- highest g those respect- s of the scarcely Lowledge rail, the m in his late and hort of, iperance ier the e those )f these it a so- can tell kdy and powerful liquids. This is the case, both with men and women. In this disgraceful career I am unable to say which of the sexes takes the lead : if either be behind, it is not their fault, I believe. The conduct of these poor people , amounts to an illustration of scriptural precept and doctrine. They see the right, but pursue the wrong. They are often taken captive against their better judgment ; and I have more than once witnessed a curious specimen of the precautions they adopt to guard against the danger that they foresee will arise from the indulgence into which they feel themselves gradually drawn, as on a forceful resistless tide of animal passion and sensuality. Previously to a debauch of this sort, it is customary to sit deliberately down, and make certain arrange- ments, with the view of lessening the mischief that may arise, when, from inebriety, they are no longer able to distinguish what is dangerous from what is not. One of these plans is, to select some person among their own tribe, whose duty it shall be to remain sober during the approaching revel, into whose hands are committed the knives, tomahawks, and other dangerous weapons. It is the duty of this self-denying watchman carefully to secrete and retain these weapons till the carousal shall be over, and the parties concerned have recovered their sobriety. It has been said, there is some- times method in madness : and it seldom hap- pens, that during these intemperate outbreak- ii 1! 204 NARRATIVE OP i I X . ings, more serious injury is inflicted, than bruised eyes, or some superficial hurt, which among such bacchanalians are of common and unnoticeable occurrence. ^ - r : '^^ i 'Another singularity which I have observed is, that whatever injury may have been inflicted during the carnival of intoxication, even though amounting to blows or wounds, all the blame is cast upon the "fire-water." The madness and fury of the drunkard himself are overlooked ; for, say these advocates of innocence, if it had not been for the strong drop, his faculties would be undisturbed. These licentious doings gene- rally lasted till late at night ; and as it was the practice of the company to perform, or rather roar out, on their way home, a sort of jovial air, I could generally tell by the length and sweet- ness of the notes, how far, and to what extent, the parties had indulged in intemperance. The song of these high-flown gentry was, Ha-yaw- hi'yoW'WaiV'me^ Hi-haw-nit'ta-kdo-pee. The notes when properly sounded, were, I believe, plaintive and dirge-like, and called for consider- able variation in the time observed. If a little elated with liquor, the performance was marked merely by an execution rather more vociferous than requisite; while one very far gone, bent, of course, upon an exhibition of superior talent, introduces grace-notes and quavers, remarkably numerous and long, and often interrupted by indicating; a lurch to one side, or a stagger on the other. !i\:>:. O. M. SPENCER. 205 1, than which on and jrved is, [nflicted though )lame is ess and looked ; f it had is would js gene- was the r rather •vial air, d sweet- ; extent, !e. The la-yaw- e. The heliere, ionsider- ' a little marked )ciferous le, bent, \x talent, larkably pted by le, or a These are debasing yices; but consequences far worse in their nature and tendency remain to be described. To affirm that inebriety is the fatal cause of an almost infinite yariety of mis- chief, is to utter a truism, established by a thousand arguments and facts ; of which plenty may be obtained in the calendars of public crime. Among the Indians, one common effect of drunkenness is, to inflame in a very high degree his naturally savage disposition. If he arrive at home in that state of excitement, his wife and children, with other inmates, must consult their safety by keeping out of his pre- sence. This is the more necessary, if any offence, it matters not how long before, had been given. It not unfrequently happens that an opportunity is sought in moments of intoxi- cation to revenge an alleged insult, which in sober mood would be forgotten. It is pecu- liarly dangerous at such times for prisoners even to appear in the sight of these inflamed barba- rians. The circumstances of such inoffending but unprotected persons, so far from exciting sympathy, are a sufficient cause for ill treat- ment ; many of whom have been sacrificed for no other reason than that they were the weaker party, and unable to defend themselves. I once met with a melancholy instance of such cruelty. A youth of fourteen, together with his sister, a girl about two years older, had been seized and forcibly taken from their parents, who resided at a settlement near the Ohio. 106 NARRATIVE OF This occurred soon aflter my captiyiij. In consequence of some trivial affiront, or perhaps without any visible cause at all, the capricious scoundrel who had purloined the children, flew in a passion, and struck the youth dead by a blow with his tomahawk ; after which he tore off his scalp, and threw the mangled body on the bank of a river, exposed to wild animals. A short time after the occurrence of this aggra- vated murder, I was invited by White Loon and Moore, to join them on a fishing excursion, in the vicinity of Blue Jacket's village ; when, to my consternation and regret, I saw the remains of the unfortunate lad floating on the waters of the Maumee. >v v My own escape from violent death amounts to little less than a miracle. Often in the middle of winter, when the ground was covered with deep snow, my midnight sleep has been broken by the well-known and dreaded sound of Ki-^ow-watu-nie. As not an instant was to be lost after the utterance of this threat, for such it was, I sprang from my bed, and, seizing only a blanket, ran and hid myself behind the nearest log or tree, or threw myself on the deep snow, where I have remained for more than an hour, not daring to move till the drunkard had passed on. On one occasion there was hardly a step between me and death. I had unwittingly given offence to Black Loon. A few nights after, he got uproariously drunk, when, as usual, the idea of revenge entered his debased ij. In >erhaps >ricious m, flew Id bj a le tore [ody on Animals. aggra- Loon cursion, ; when, aw the on the unounts in the covered as been 1 sound ', was to eat, for seizing ind the le deep bhan an trd had lardly a ittingly nights len, as lebased O. M. 6PENCBB. 20? soul. He accordingly approached our cabin, and, not being aware of his condition and design, I had scarcely time to retreat. On entering the door, he inquired for me ; and, being told I was absent, drew his knife, and struck several times through the skins on my couch, thinking I might be concealed beneath. Unable to satiate his vengeance on the desired victim, the Loon was mean enough to snatch up a cat which lay quietly on the hearth, and throw it on the fire ; placing one of his feet upon the poor animal to prevent its escape. The piteous cries of the cat may easily be conceived. At length the dis- appointed assassin reeled away, when Cooh-coo- cheeh, who was the unwilling witness of this act of barbarity, jerked the cat from its place of torment, and threw it on the snow. Such recitals are discreditable to human nature ; and yet, what better or other things are we to expect from untaught, unenlightened man ? I have heard that when a celebrated English divine and writer once saw a drunken man floundering along the street, instead of pro- nouncing, as was expected, a heavy censure, he merely observed, " There goes Richard Baxter, but for the grace of God." The remark is pro- foundly just, and applies here. Black Loon was only what, perhaps, I should have been, if left to my own devices, as he was to his. May he be forgiven, inasmuch as, to a great extent, he knew not what he did ! I saw little of him after the transaction now recorded. The poor I 203 NARRATIVE OF fellow was eyentually killed in action, near Manary's block-house, a few miles from Belle- fontaine. One of our rangers took him for a spy employed by the British, and brought him down with a rifle bullet. 4 i CHAPTER X. Two months glided away after the celebration of the corn-feast, without the occurrence of any Tery particular event. My principal occupation as a servant was, to fetch water, and collect wood for fuel. Having some leisure, I employed it in hunting. My implements consisted of a bow and an'ow ; in the use of which I became tolerably expert, frequently shooting birds. At length my talents as a marksman enabled me to maim and capture a fine rabbit, which I carried to the cabin with some little pride. The game, if such it may be called, was serviceable not only on account of its intrinsic worth, but as a pass- port to the good opinion of my mistress. Never before had I seen the old squaw so delighted. The dinner was prepared, and eaten with more than usual gratification. Sotoneegoo was also present, and assisted to lessen it: and I was assured, both by herself and Cooh-coo-cheeh, that if I pursued the course of fame now opened, I might become a great man and a hunter. But, though immured in the central solitudes and fastnesses of a country naturally difficult - >i ■ n, near Belle- ■n for a 'bt him ebration e of any cupation collect mployed ted of a '. became ^ds. At ed me to I carried be game, not only 3 a pass- . Never elighted. itb more was also d I was o-cbeeh, opened, ;er. solitudes difficult O. M. SPENCER. 209 either of approach or retreat, and subject to the thraldom of a race of men who gloried in my humiliation, and hated even the colour of my skin, the all-seeing eye of Providence so ordered my steps, that, without design on my part, or of those who controlled my movements, I was introduced to a circle of persons, through whose influence and connexions, information was given to my friends that I still lived, together with directions to my place of residence ; the first and most important step which could be taken to effect my deliverance from the house of bondage. This desirable consummation of a hope in which I had scarcely presumed to indulge, was ren- dered possible by a visit I was allowed to make to the trader's station at the Point, where, at the house of Mr. Ironside, I was always treated w^ith tenderness and affection. It so happened that a person named Wells, then a prisoner at large among the Indians, was present ; who, on noticing my situation, very naturally made se- veral inquiries concerning the name, rank, and situation of the family to which I belonged, together with the particulars of my capture and detention. Answers to these questions were given. These he good-naturedly transmitted to the military officer commanding at Fort-Yin- cennes, by whom they were again forwarded to Colonel Wilkinson, at Fort- Washington, and once more by him to my father. Letters were then obtained, through the influence of General Washington, from the British minister at Phila- - -'^■j'-\"\ *- . s 3 2]0 NAftRATiVB OF \ II !!• del^ ** C(/lonol Simcoe, govemor of Upp^r r*itiu.aa, and an ag^rat was dispatched by my friends through the St'^.tas of New-Yoik to Niagara. Thus, by Al ligh ty direction, at the Jdoment in which hope itself had become almost citiV.i^t in my mind, mth reference to ever be- holding^ my beloved home, and the still more beloved friends who resided there, actual and efficient measures were in progress for my release. These exertions eventually procured my deliverance; but, as an interval of several months elapsed before the projected measures were fully available, I must not pass over this intervening period by an abrupt anticipation of ^he result. As the autumn of the year drew nigh, my mistress, by an unexpected incident, arose to im- portance hitherto unatliiaed. About the middle of October, the Indians discovered, through one of their numerous spies, that an expedition had been planned by the American government, for the purpose of strengthening their frontier towns, and furnishing a proper supply of provisions and other materiel for the subsistence of the troops. Two motives impelled the Indiana lo imme- diate activity. One was, to prevent t^.x^ pro- posed junction; and the other, to seize the provisions on the road. They therefore deter- mm . ^ to meet the enemy half-way, and secure the /, Yoy, For this purpose two hundred wairiort assembl-ul. They we^e principally Bhawnees and Miamies, and v/ere commanded Upp^r by my Toik to at thd almost; jver be- ill more ual and for my >rocured ' seyeral nea^ures ver this nation of igh, my ie to im- e middle >ugh one ition had nent, for er towns, ions and e troops. > 5r^.me- »». ;)ro- eize the re deter- d secure hundred incipally [imanded O. M. ePBNCEE* 211 by the celebrated Littir Turtle; a deiennined freebooter, and by no means scrupulous as to the appropriation of another's property. During the advance of this body to join some warriors who had encamped neiir the Toint, the two Loons, and about fifty Sha^vnees, undei the direction of Snake and Blue Jacket, halted near OUT oil bin, and sent to consult Cooh-coo* cheeh a > bc tl i result of the intended attack. As the rtrtter was one of grave national import, she had too much sagacity to dispose of it by an otf'-handed reply, or with unseemly haste ; and having retired to her inner apartment to prevent intrusion, she remained, wrapt in a pretended reverie, for more than an hour. During part of this time, I sat under a shed, and could partly observe the old duchess. I was not, however, able to elicit much. There was a low humming noise, of a voice or sound, as if she was mum- bling some incantation or other ; perhaps, merely talking to herself, and committing to memory some new piece of deception for future display. The entire farce was enacted with no ordinary skill; and, apart from the arrant hypocrisy which ran through the whole, would have done credit to an artist much more refined in strata- gem than my worthy governess. It was of course obvious to common sense, that a force of not less than three hundred well-armed men, falling suddenly on a weak and ill-defended convoy, was likely to make a serious impres- sion ; nor need she raise a shost to tell us, that 212 NARRATIVE OF I booty would be secured. The thing could hardly fall out otherwise. Aware of this, she stalked forth from her sanctuary, full of boldness and elation of manner, to announce that conquest awaited the operations of the army. Waxing confident, on observing the exc3llent appearance of the warriors, she stretched forth her arms ; and then, bringing together the tips of her fingers, as if grasping something, she sung out, in wild and nearly incoherent notes, Meeckee ! Meechee ! Meechee ! which, being interpreted, meant, '^ Many scalps : numerous prisoners : much plunder." This delightful augury was reported to the party at large, who were amaz- ingly flushed on the account ; and as confident of victory, as if the enemy were already in full retreat. :^^"'-— ^^ -?''v w-f-^^^y' •.>:,^vfv*-.>^^.:^^"■^. The entire force soon after passed in single file: nor could I help admiring this numerous and powerful body of men, as they marched in good order to the river. The review having closed, the entire force was presently afloat on the Maumee. For a few moments, every man stood erect in his canoe, with a rifle, which he well knew how to handle. The whole imme- diately took their seats, and were soon out of sight. Such is the gorgeousness, the outside pomp, and circumstance of war, wherever it is about to rage ; but we must not let the eye deceive our understanding. These very men, so seemly in appearance, were shortly after pouring vengeance on a comparatively defenceless cara- hardly italked iss and inquest Vaxing ^arance arms; of her g out, echee ! •preted, soners : ry was \ amaz- >nfident in full I single tmerous ched in having loat on try man bich he imme- out of outside er it is ;he eye men, so pouring is cara- O. M. SPENCER. 213 van ; so that in a few hours a host of widows and orphans were left to weep for their irrepa- rable loss. Being at that time not more than twelve years of age, the formal and sanctimo- nious proceedings of Cooh-coo-cheeh, on the prosecution of her speculations, had rather awed my mind, so that I could not approach her without a superstitious sort of fear. Not that I ever thought she was really gifted with the second-sightedness to which she pretended. The religious education I had received taught me, even then, to reject such a notion ; but I could not help thinking, she had some commerce with invisible and evil agencies. The truth was, and I afterwards knew it, that her art, from first to last, consisted of the knack of putting together and telling a plausible tale for the purpose of getting property. Such was the case here. She contrived to inspire confidence by a pretended prediction, delivered in oracular and enigmatical sentences ; and when it was believed, as agree- able prophecies generally are, she laughed heartily in her sleeve at the dupes, firom whom she hoped to receive a good share of plunder. As I expected, Cooh-coo-cheeh had it all her own way. During the succeeding month, the Indians returned, after a successful campaign. They had surprised and defeated the convoy, which consisted of a body of Kentuckians, or, as the Indians termed them, Somon-the, The action took place near the Fort St. Clair. Se- veral scalps were taken, besides a large number ('. li I !'' ^ $■ ■t- I? 214 NARRA^TIVE OF of valuable horses, and an unusually extensire assortment of baggage. Waw-paw-maw-quaw had a good horse, and several new blankets, as his share of the spoil. His brother was content with a similar quota. The other property, con- sisting of tents, camp-utensils, and various other articles, was distributed in the army, according to merit. On that ground, Oooh-coo-cheeh naturally stood high. It was moved and car- ried imanimoudy^ (hat the victory was all owing to her foretellings. In conformity with this irresistible claim, she was presented with six blankets, to which several pounds of tobacco were added ; and, lastly, though not least, was subjoined a keg- of whiskey. But when did the reward of hypocrisy do any good ? and how can the bread of deceit, though sweet to the palate, be other than bitterness in the end? That Cooh-coo-cheeh was not bettered by these ill- gotten luxuries, I know; indeed I had soon after feeling cause to notice and remember the wrath and rashness of her deteriorated temper and disposition. " At the approach of winter, the tight thin clothing I had hitherto worn, and which was much the worse for wear, was thrown aside, and, in lieu thereof, I was presented with an Indian dress of stouter materials, and adapted to the coming rigorous weather. This suit of clothes consisted of a white shirt, blanket, capot, blue gaiters, and the usual ample waistcloth: so that I was attired in the full Indian costume. \« ; O. M. SPENCER. 215 itensire v-quaw kets, as content y, con- is other cording >-cheeh ad car- owing th this ith six tobacco ist, was did the blow can i palate, f That ^ese ill- ad soon iber the temper ht thin ich was 1 aside, lyith an adapted suit of t, capot, st^loth : ostume. Yery few days had gone by, when I had to assume the courage of an Indian, as well as his appearance. One afternoon in December, I had been sent by Cooh-coo-cheeh, to cut and bring home as much wood as I could carry. I accord- ingly took my axe, the pecawn,* and my faithful dog, who had become an inseparable companion, and proceeded about a quarter of a mile through an adjoining woody valley. Having procured the fuel, and tied it together in a faggot, I was just going to place it on my shoulder, when I observed that the dog, whose perception of sur- rounding objects was probably much nicer than mine, had discovered something unusual, and was moving off for a short distance with ex- treme caution. Having taken his position at the distance of a few paces, he squatted dose to the foot of a small tree, growling fiercely, and striking the ground with his tail. On watching him more narrowly, I found he looked intently towards the upper part of the sapling at whose foot he lay, as if to inform me there was game at hand, and to ask my assistance. I im- mediately took up the axe, walked slowly to the dog, and by following the direction of his eye, saw on the limb of a tree, about sixteen* feet from the ground, an animal of a dark grey colour, tinged with red, with a white belly, and round head. Its shape altogether resembled that of a cat, but it was four times as large as * A long strap for tying up wood, ''."f-'t",' -i'i^'^iUC !216 NARRATIVE OP ^hi ^1 n the largest known specimen of the domestic cat; and it was couched in the attitude of springing on its prey. Ignorant of the nature and strength of my newly-discovered compa- nion, and totally unapprehensive of danger, I threw several sticks at him ; and at length suc- ceeded in inflicting a smart blow on the head. The animal, vexed with the assault, instantly sprang to the ground, and alighted only a few feet from the place where I stood. The dog attacked him with great intrepidity, and a fierce combat ensued. Being strong, and well- kept, the dog maintained the contest for some time, about on equal terms. He several times caught the animal by the throat, but was as often compelled to let go his hold by the furious and powerful exertions of his antagonist, who drew up Ms hbd feet, and tore away with a fierceness of which I had till then no idea. The ardour of the dog, at last, began to abate, and he fought with much greater caution. Fearing lest he should be overmatched, I thought it high time to act in conjunction with my brave ally. Taking advantage, therefore, of an opening in the battle, at the moment in which the dog attempted to seize the throat of his adversary, I was fortunate enough to deal a blow with the axe, which struck and told heavily on his head. He was completely stunned : the dog finding him disabled, renewed his assault with new energy, and the work of death* was soon com- plete. The dog, though severely lacerated, was domestic itude of e nature compa- anger, I gth sue- ;Iie head. instantly ily a few The dog and a and well- for some )ral times it was as le furious nist, who ay with a dea. The ibate, and Fearing ^ht it high rare ally. L opening h the dog iversary, I ' with the his head. >g finding with new oon com- rated, was 0» M. SPENCER. 217 delighted beyond measure; now standing over his fallen enemy, as if exulting in his fate ; now jumping around me, and wagging his tail, with all but speaking pleasure and expressiveness. Having leisure to examine the animal, I found, from his dimensions, he had been much more formidable than his appearance on the tree seemed to warrant. From the nose to the tip of the tail, he measured four feet ; and, judging from the general form of the body and limbs, he was either a wild cat, or a young panther. It will be imagined, that my mind was gratefully affected at the deliverance thus wrought out ; and of which, in its full extent, I was not till that moment aware. I left my wood on the ground, and, throwing the prize over my shoulder, marched home with no small inward exultation. On arriving at the cabin, I threw my load before Cooh-coo-cheeh. The old lady was almost dumb vfith astonishment. She raised her hands^ and exclaimed, Waugh-haugh — h Pooshun ! The animal proved to be a large male wild cat, as dangerous as a panther in proportion to its strength, and to the full as savage. But for the presence and activity of my noble dog, who crippled the assailant, and my own ignorance of the real danger, by which my mind was kept cool and steady, I might, and probably should, have fallen a sacrifice to the hungry rover. But this conclusion is short-sighted and grovelling. Bather let me recognise the superintendence of that gracious Power, whose presence penetrates T a 218 NARRATIVE OF C the thickest gloom, and who saved me, as he did his servant David, from ^' out of the mouth of the lion, and from the paw of the hear." Among other results of this engagement, I found myself raised some fifty per cent, in the estimation of Cooh-coo-cheeh. She never, it appeared, till then thought me worth any thing. There perhaps she was wrong. Now she put me down at an incalculahle price. There she was wrong again. Thus it is, that weak minds run into extremes, and either sink heneath or soar ahove the golden medium of truth and sobriety. She was never tired of hearing the particidars of the fight. Her encomiums were so flattering, that I dare not name them. When she had arrived at the climax of her satisfaction, she generally hurst out with emotion, Enee^ wessah / ^' That is right ; that is good ! " She often declared I should make a mighty hunter : a proof, by the way, that her prognostications were good for notiiing, for I never made a hunter of any sort. At length, her admiration rose to such an elevation, that, placing her fore- fingers together, which among Indians is a sym- bol of matrimony, and: pointing to her daughter Sontonegoo, who stood by, she declared that when I became a man, I should have her for a wife. For a distinction so peculiarly flattering, what could I do less than express all due gratitude? ^^ . s r * |» I had by this time acquired so much of the Shawnee dialect, as to understand, and take a P, as he mouth M n ment, I in the ever, ifc y thing. she put ere she k minds leath or uth and ring the ms were . When isfaction, Eneey She hunter : itications made a [miration her fore- s a sjm- daughter red that ler for a attering, all due h of the L take a 9 O. M. SPENCER. 219 part in, general conversation. The long winter evenings were often heguiled hy listening to the tales of Cooh-coo-cheeh, of which she had almost an endless store. Love of fame, or what in worldly language is termed glory, might, I found, and actually did, predominate in the hosom of an old squaw, horn to live and die in the heart of a tangled wilderness. Her darling themes were, the long line and prowess of her ancestry, which she affected to trace and deli- neate, I know not how far hack, and question if she knew herself. On more modem topics, her palaver was interesting ; for her memoiy was tenacious and exact. She descrihed nume- rous hloody hattles hetween her countrymen and the Americans ; in all of which, the latter, as usual, came off second hest. Chivalrous exploits of certain Indian warriors were also narrated with Homeric minuteness and eulo- gium. Her own early life was then reviewed, with such prolixity, that, to a person less polite or ohliging than myself, it might have heen thought tedious. I had details of her courtship and marriage; the unheard-of strength and activity of her then young and handsome husband, Co-kun-di-aw-shah, then passed in review ; to which was appended a glowing rela- tion of her own personal charms. I observed, however, that whether the topic was social or political, tragic or mirthful ; whether of achieve- ments in the field, or at the chase ; whether humorous or pathetic, — ^for T 2 ell A could manacle 220 NAtlRATIVE 01? 1 *■■ Vl r both witH some effect ; the ruling passion wbM to be noticed through all. This was a love of the marvellous, mingled with many superstitious fancies. Nor did she hesitate to arow, that on several occasions she had obtained intercourse with departed spirits, and gloried in the super- natural agency which she described aS her exclusive privilege. She had, moreover, a singu- lar predilection for an amphibious animal, — the beaver ; and ascribed to him not only the faculty of reason, but of speech. To prove this, she one day assured me, in all the sobriety of serious apparent truth, that she once heard a beaver perform a musical air with great effect. On passing a streamlet, a poor weary traveller worn down by fatigue, and perishing with hunger, had thrown himself on the ground, expecting to perish; when a beaver, perceiving his forlorn condition, bade him take courage, for the waters, then out, would soon subside, and beyond the stream he would find plenty of game. But the communication was poetic ! Saw-wattee, saw-watty, > Saw-akee meechee noo Rahoo-honey ; Koo^quay nippee ta tsa, '■ ' Waugh waw waugh, waw waugh ! Such were the strains of the four-footed philan- thropist; or rather, so fertile was the imagi- nation of my mistress, to whose originality of genius the palm of invention must^ I believe, be awarded. ;:-^ '"].■, ':■'--:-( ■-^'^ ^:^:. r v.^- v^^^/ .;^•:'; ■• on wasl love of stitious that on rcourse super- ad her singu- 1,— the faculty she one serious bearer Jt. On er worn hunger, Acting to forlorn ! waters, md the But the O. M. SPENCER. 221 philan- imagi- ility of eye, be As a mark of special esteem, Cooh-ooo-cheeh took great pains to teach me the art of dancing in the Indian manner. This is an accomplish- ment not so easily acquired, as from the simpli- city of the steps might be supposed. Grace- fulness of appearance, in the opinion of the fashionables at Blue-Jacket village, consists principally in dexterous movements of the body ; skilfulness of step and lightness of tread being secondary and inferior considerations. Great practice was therefore needed to make much progress. Having seen my sister dance previously to leaving home, and having caught the steps of several movements, deemed clever, I exhibited one or two specimens, in order to convince Cooh-coo-cheeh of their superiority and elegance. The result discovered that I had reckoned without my host. She thought the whole beneath notice, and so ridiculous, that after enduring my capering, till endurance was no longer possible, she desired me to be still, and have no more of it. My pretensions in that line were therefore quickly reduced within humble dimensions. I have before intimated, that Cooh-coo-cheeh, though a somewhat worthy person in her way, was far from being a pattern of perfection, in any tolerable or decent sense of the term ; and, notwithstanding the efforts I made to please and secure her favour, it frequently happened, that, for the merest trifle, she would break out in sallies of ungovernable fury, which, beside .--■ J, 3 ■■■•-■■- / / 222 NARRATIVE OF being dangerous to the objects of her wrath, sadly contributed to lower her respectability, and showed that whatever was the improvement in her manners and habits, the original corrupt principles of unrenewed nature raged with una- bated vigour. Her reformation was all outside. The repair of her lapses extended no farther than the superficies. It was a mere coat of plaster, which, though it shone bright enough to deceive the unpractised eye, covered a thou- sand ugly flaws, and left the old buildire^ as rickety as ever. One very cold morning, in the month of January, Cooh-coo-cheeh had risen before day- light, and, intending to make some homminy,* was employed in boiling some com with ashes, for tae purpose of removing tho husky part. When this process had been continued the cus- tomary time, it was part of my duty to assist in the preparation. I was accordingly ordered to get up and attend to duty. This I was going to do ; but not rising with sufficient haste to please the old woman, I saw in an instant that a storm was at hand. Her temper never was of a dulcet order ; and when ruffled by opposition or disappointment, it converted her into a fury ; nor was she at all nice in the choice of instru- ments with which to execute her resentment. When the poker was not at hand, it was no- thing unusual to hurl a knife, an axe, a billet of * A species of light bre^id. O. M. 8PENCBR. r wrath, tabilitj, ovement corrupt ith una- outside, farther coat of enough a thou- Idicc* as '% onth of bre day- mminy,* th ashes, ky part, the cus- assist in iered to as going haste to mt that rwas of position a fury ; instru- ntment. Yas no- billet of wood, or any other dangerous weapon or missile, at the unfortunate subject of her ire. When she arrired within arms-length of my unhappy self, she uttered a deep and customary Oogh I which was followed by a blow from the poker. Then, without allowing me time to put on my gaiters, she hurried me away with the kettle of boiling com, and a large coarse sieve, to the river. The Maumee had for some time been frozen over. The ice was six inches thick, so that we had to cut through it, and keep the orifice open for the convenience of procuring water. I then placed the sieve by the river side, and proceeded with my work, by rubbing and cleansing the corn-grains. It will easily be imagined this was no luxury. I had stood on the ice without shoes or any other covering for my feet. The cold at length became so intense, that I could no longer endure it. For the sake, therefore, of temporary relief, I ventured to place my feet in the warm liquid. Just then, unfortunately, the old squaw espied me. She instantly opened her battery; uttered an im- mensity of Ooghs ; called me loudly by my Indian name, Mecheeway ; and then, as if recollection returned, ran furiously to the river, where the poker lay. This she hastily picked up, and threw it at me with her utmost strength. The blow felled me to the ice ; but as the old beldame was intent on mischief, that was no time for supineness : I therefore sprang up almost directly, and ran away. On returning to \ M 224 NARRATIVE OF the cabin some time aflter, the lion had become a lamb, and I escaped without further riolence. Had I been long exposed to treatment so harsh and oppressiyely cruel, my life would most likely have been forfeited. Proyidentially for myself, Cooh-coo-cheeh had very little more licence for exhibitions of that sort. The day of my deliverance was not distant; and, thanks to Almighty goodness, it arrived much more rapidly than I expected. Towards the close of February, a journey was proposed, as this season of the year is technically termed, ^' sugar wea- ther;" that is, frosty nights and sultry days succeed each other, during which time the pro- cess alluded to might be profitably followed. We commenced our travels under easy circum- stances, all things, and in particular our late quarrel, being considered. Our luggage, of which the weightiest article was a large brass kettle for boiling sugar, was placed on a stout pack-horse ; several other articles of clothing and bed-furni- ture were also added. We then closed our cabin door, and having placed against it the well-known stick, denoting the absence of the lawful tenantry, we crossed the Maumee, below the mouth of the Auglaize, and proceeded down the river to a range of beautiful woodland slopes, principally filled with sugar-trees, intermixed with blue ash, elms, and poplars : on this spot, Cooh-coo-cheeh was quite at home, and well acquainted with the localities of the place. She had, it appeared, made an annual quantity of O. M. SPENCER. 225 become lence. ent BO would entially lie more day of thanks more close of i season ar wea- 7 days he pro- )llowed. Icircum- )nr late f which ettle for :-horse ; 1-fumi- ed our it the of the , below i down slopes, rmixed is spot, d well . She tity of sugar for more than twenty years past ; and had erected a comfortable bark shelter, ivith every convenience for sugar making, except the brass kettle, which we brought with us. This was a busy season, and I rendered myself as useful as possible. The tree from which this sweet liquid was extracted, is the sugar-maple, the acer saccharinum of Linnaeus. This tree grows rapidly in the western States of the American union ; and those that grow near the waters of the Ohio are most productive. They are usually found mingled with the beech, hemlock, white and water ash, the cucumber- tree, linden, aspen, butter-nut, and wild cherry trees. They some- times are found in groves, covering five or six acres in a body, but are more commonly inter- spersed with some or all of the forest trees just mentioned. It has been remarked, that springs of the purest water are generally found in their vicinity. When fully grown, they are as tall as the white and black oaks, and from two to three feet in diameter. They put forth a beautiful white blossom in the spring, before they show a single leaf. Another singularity in this unique tree is, that the wood is particularly inflammable, and is on that account greatly sought after by hunters and others for fire- wood. The smaller branches are so much impregnated with sugar, as to afibrd support to cattle, sheep, and horses, during the winter ; and its ashes yield a great quantity of potash, equal, if not superior, to that produced by any other tree found in the i' 226 NARRATIVE OF woods of the United States. The process of tapping the tree is yery simple. The hest method is, to introduce an auger, hy which a perforation in an ascending direction is made, about three quarters of an inch in length. This is afterwards gradually deepened to the extent of two inches. The sap flows from four to six weeks, according to the temperature of the wea- ther. Troughs, large enough to contain three or four gallons, made of white pine, or other suitable timber, are placed under a small spout, previously fixed, to contain and transmit the sap; which is carried at proper intervals to a large receiver ; from whence, after beiug strain- ed, it is passed to the boiler. ' My emplojrment was to dust and place the troughs in the proper position, so that when Cooh-coo-cheeh tapped the tree, the sap might be safely conveyed to the receiver. I had also a good deal to do as wood-cutter ; beside which I kindled and kept in the fires, and occasionally superintended the boiling of water during the night. Thus things went on with great sweet- ness and harmony. Several days had rapidly fled in the prosecution of our manufacture, and the collected sap falling to our share was said to be sufficient for the produce of a large quantity of sugar. One evening, just before simset, as we were quietly seated by the fire, I ob- served a stranger, who entered the cabin and requested to have some private, conversation with Cooh-coo-cheeh. This was granted. Who \^! ocess of e best which a is made, This le extent ur to six [the wea- three or other ill spout, smit the rals to a gstrain- >Iace the lat when ^p might had also le which asionally ling the t sweet- rapidly ure, and 8 said to quantity sunset, 5, I wb- bin and ersation . Who O. M. SPENCER. 227 or what he was, I knew not ; as my mistress made no commimication on the subject. That the visit was unexpected, I felt positive ; and was surprised to observe, that she listened to the conversation of her guest without the least interruption or rejoinder : an effort of taciturnity for one so talkative, that to myself was won- drous. She merely replied at the close of the interview, Hu-ennee I or, " Very well." ^ When the activities of the day had ceased, and quietude was restored to our cabin, I per- ceived that Cooh-coo-cheeh was more than ordi- narily disposed to converse with me, and re- peated her inquiries relative to my parents, their rank in society, how long they had lived on the Ohio, and particularly from whence they origin- ally came. I told her they once resided near the sea-shore, not far from New- York; and that my forefathers were English, and came from an island on the eastern side of the great lake, south and east of us. This information seemed to be painfril, as if it had caused an old wound to bleed afresh. Her brow was clouded, and the moumfril and tremulous tones of her voice betrayed the mingled emotions of grief and melancholy. She at once adverted to the wrongs which, in her judgment, had been in- flicted on her countrymen by these very English people, from whom, according to my own admission, I had descended. She spoke of the first landing of the disagreeable looking '^ pale faces," in huge canoes, with white wings, a h na 228 NARRATIVE OP ,)■' seen by her ancestors ; of the deceit thej prac- tised in obtaining leave to come ashore ; of the early settlements they contrived to make ; their continually increasing strength and power ; their enormous avarice, which was never satisfied, while more could be got; their continual encroachments on the red man, who, reduced by diseases, thinned by civil wars, artfully tor- mented by white thieves, and diminished by their long and various struggles, first with Met- a-coo-se-a-qua, (the British,) and then with Se-monthe, (the Americans, or Long Knives,) were no longer powerful. She expressed her conviction that these imited maurauders woidd never be quiet, till they had driven the Indians to the extreme north to perish on the great ice- lake, or to the far west, where those who had escaped the rifle, could be pushed into the great waters, and the whole race be lost. She then enlarged on the anger* of the Great Spirit against the red man, and especially those of her own nation, nearly all of whom had perished : and, melting into tenderness, she concluded that herself and children, the remnant of her race, would soon sleep in the ground; that there would be none to gather them at the feast of the dead, or celebrate their obsequies. The * It is rem "■'."■ id by these riably con- essentially 8 a truth of mournful theme was then changed, and with a countenance kindled into animation, and eyes sparkling with delight, she threw her views for- ward into the invisible world ; for in its reality she steadily believed. It is worth remark, tbat the immortality of the soul, and a future state, are doctrines taught not only by holy writ, but seen written by intuition and inherence in every human bosom. ^\ **Lo ! the poor Indian: his untutor'd mind Sees God in clouds, or hears him in the wind ; And thinks, admitted to that equal sky, His faithful dog shall bear him company." The elysiura or heaven of Cooh-coo-cheeh was a queer one ; but still it was the best she could imagine, unaided by truer light and corrector information. She described its beautiful hunt- ing-grounds, the ever-during abode of brave and good men. These, she said, lay far, very far, beyond the vast western waters, and were tenfold larger than the great continent of Ame- rica. There, she said, the changing seasons brought no extremes of heat or cold, wet or drought ; none were sick ; none became old or infirm. Pointing to some lofty poplars then within view, and which rose eighty feet in perpendicular height, she declared that in the country to which she hastened, the trees were twenty times that height, and spread their broad foliage among the stars. Com and beans grew there spontaneously; pumkins and melons u NARRATIVE 01^ were common ; the trees were loaded with fruit ; the ground was perpetually verdant. The flowers in the prairies were ever blooming, and of fragrance now unknown. The springs were abundant, and the waters clear : the rivers were broad and deep, and abounded, moreover, with fish of the finest and most varied qualities. The open woods were stocked with countless herds of buffaloes, deer, elk, and moose. Every spe- cies of game was there. In short, there was a paradise, containiug all that could delight the mind, or gratify the senses ; and, to crown the whole, the exclusive home of the Indian. The visiter already referred to, was present during this oi*ation, and had listened during its delivery with that attention which among Indians is inseparable from good manners. As he was destined to be a companion of mine, I may state that his name was Joseph Blanche ; that he was an active little Canadian Frenchman, partaking in no small degree of the national vivacity of ihat people. He had frequently expressed his admiration and wonder while the good lady was in possession of the house ; and at the close exclaimed, with a knowing smile, *' Ma foi ! dat is grand contry." Soon after he left us for the evening. Cooh-coo-cheeh informed me that he was a messenger dispatched by the British agent at Detroit, for the special purpose of negotiating for my redemption from captivity ; after which his orders were to superintend the safety of my xetum. I have never known why Cooh-coo- O. M. SPENCER. 231 Id with It. The Ing, and |gs were irs were ler, with k The ;s herds |ery spe- :e was a ight the ovvh the n. The ; during delivery dians is he was nay state it he was partaking vacity of issed his hidy was he close foi ! dat s for the 3 that he ish agent ^otiating 3r which y of my ooh-coo- cheeh delayed so long to divulge this agreeable intelligence. She might have thought that the sudden mental elation produced might be inju- rious ; or, having become, in spite of the occa- sional sallies of her anger, rather attached to me, she might have felt loth to part. Wings are of no use, unless we fly with them ; and it was not likely that I should be dilatory in grasping at the liberty so unexpect- edly vouchsafed. I was up early on the follow- ing morning : ray French guide was equally active, and we directly prepared to set out for the point. The ceremony of parting, in this instance, not an idle one, first exacted attention. Cooh-coo-cheeh placed my hands in hers, and kindly predicted the happiness of my family, especially the joy of my mother, at my safe return. On this point, at least, the liberty of prophesying was, I thought, perfectly innocent. She then alluded to her own regret at parting with me, having, as she said, begun to regard me as her child. She concluded by saying, that if I grew up to be a man, I must come and see her. She could have gone on, but tears pre- vented. Poor Sotonegoo, my betrothed, was also deeply afflicted, and sobbed loudly as I took her hand. She could only articulate, " Farewell." We now left the cabin. Blanche walked first, and I followed at a brisk pace. This was on the last day of February, 1793. Such is the force of habit and local attachments, that, anxious as I was to escape to a brighter I I 232 NARRATIVE OP region, I could not help looking back, every now and then, upon the scene of my protracted residence, and the inmates who still stood look- ing after me. At length intervening trees hid them for ever from my sight, or at least to see them no more until the morning of that expected day, Yfhen the cited population of the earth, from the beginning to the end of time, shall hear the seventh trumpet, and arise from their tombs of dust, to die no more. \ CHAPTER XI. I HAD seen many bright mornings during the brief and joyous season of youth ; but never in my mind's eye did the sun arise with splendour equal to that of this gay morn. Never before did the fair face of nature seem half so beau- teous and captivating. Every shrub and flower was arrayed, I thought, in its holiday garb. I wondered at every thing, and especially at myself. I could scarcely credit the testimony of my senses, in believing that I was no longer a prisoner, and free to walk away, without restraint or observation. So forcible were the impressions of former confinement, that we had gone a considerable distance before I could pre- vail upon myself to believe that I was reality free. When at length the i^tct'was obvious. ^ t» - . - , and I felt that the shackles of personal restraint O. M. SPENCER. 233 Vere removed, I scarcely knew what to do. Perhaps none hut a youth just entering his teens, and who has heen similarly situated, can conceive aright of my ecstasy on this occasion. I was like a hird who had escaped from the snare of the fowler, or a young colt broken loose from the stall. To suppress my exultation, or even to moderate it, was out of my power. I laughed; I wept; I shouted and sung alter- nately. Never oefore had I moved with a motion so elastic, and a step so light and agile. I skipped over every log I met with, merely for the delight it afforded. I jumped and danced, utterly regardless of persons, place, or thing, and for no other conceivable purpose, but that of proving I was no longer chained to a post, or confined in a hovel. At length, after indulging some time in this superfluity of joy, I happened to catch the eye of my guide, in which I thought there was something suspicious. In fact, he began to have serious doubts of my sanity. I concluded, therefore, it was high time to clear up that point, by instantly endeavouring to sober my exertions, lest I should get out of the frying- pan into the fire, and escape from confinement amorg strangers, merely to be consigned to the care of my pitying friends. Becoming more temperate, my expressions of joy were restrained to singing and whistling, which I kept up with- out intermission till we reached the Auglaize. I observed that even here Blanche was not quite concerning my rationality. He watched If An err :'«■->. 234 NARRATIVE OiP me narrowly ; and several times turned round and noticed my countenance. Having arrived at the place of embarkation, we got on board a canoe, and crossed the river. In a few minutes we landed at the house of my excellent friend Ironside. ..... This gentleman received me with more than usual kindness, and heartily congratulated me on my deliverance from Indian captivity. He then introduced me to Colonel Elliott, the Bri- tish Indian agent, and to a Mr. Sharp, merchant at Detroit, who had recently arrived at Aug- laize. Elliott received me with considerable hauteur, and that sort of civility which showed he thought himself amazingly condescending. Why he thus felt, I could not conceive. My famil}'^ was respectable ; and I afterwards found that this great man had been sent by Governor Simcoe for the express purpose of eflfecting my ransom and conveying me to Detroit. Now, when the crisis had arrived, as if he had no duty to perform, or thought the service degrad- ing, he pretended, that being at Auglaize on public business, he had accidentally heard of me, and, actuated solely by motives of human- ity, would try to procure my release. This he accordingly did by the payment of one hundred and twenty dollars, the price at which I was valued by Indian calculation. Having been truly told by Cooh-coo-cheeh, that I was to be escorted home forthwith, without more ado, this bargaining was not very agreeable. Ail that M^ ^M' 0. M. SPENCER. 236 d round arrived board a minutes Qt friend ore than ated me ity. He the Bri- merchant at Aug- siderable 1 showed scending. ive. My ^ds found Governor cting my t. Now, 3 had no 5 degrad- glaize on heard of P human- This he J hundred ch I was ing been was to be ado, this AH that Elliott had to do was to put down the sum on account of my parents, which the Indians demanded for my release ; instead of which he thrusts himself forwa.v. to make merchandise, and drive a traffic in the person of one of his fellow-creatures, who, for any thing he could show to the contrary, was in every respect, age perhaps excepted, his own equal. I felt this operation as an outrage on my feelings. It seemed to me that I had been sold to Elliott ; and that instead of gaining my liberty, I had only exchanged one owner for another. After- thought, however, convinced me that the tyranny could only be of temporary duration ; and that on nearing home, my rights would be vindicated. Re -assured, therefore, that this event was in progress, I became more satisfied ; though I could not but be sensible of present injustice. Elliott, I perceived, had conveyed to Mr. Ironside the same deceptive impression of his own bastard humanity ; and that my ransom was an affair of his own, and altogether a pri- vate speculation. The latter gentleman, scorn- ing such pitiful deceit, would, had he known the truth, at once have eased my mind by stating it. * The ill-treatment from this same person was continued. The wife of Ironside invited me to breakfast. To this Elliott impertinently ob- jected, alleging that it would give too much trouble. What was that to him, if the good woman chose to take it ? The provision made 236 KARRATIVE OK / for him cost at least an equal degree of trouble, and yet his modesty did not induce him to decline giving it. Elliott then ordered my guide, Blanche, to take me to the house of Girty, where refreshment would be provided. To this I was obliged to submit. On arriving there, I found that Girty's wife had prepared a capital breakfast. There were on the table some excellent wheaten brcid and coffee, toge- ther with stewed pork and venison. Not having sat down to such articles for a long season, I ate with uncommon relish, and did ample justice to the food provided. When breakfast was nearly over, Girty came in, and, seating himself just opposite to where I was placed, insolently observed, "So, my young Yankee, you are about to start for home." I answered, " Yes, Sir, I hope so." " That," said he, "will depend on your master. Colonel Elliott," in whose kitchen he had no doubt I should serve a few years* apprenticeship as scullion. Then taking his knife, and sharpen- ing it on a whetstone, he went on, " I see your ears are whole yet ; but I am greatly mistaken if you leave this, without the Indian ear-mark, that we may know you again next time you are catched." As the ruffian was bent on insult, I did not wait to see whether this was jest, or uttered in earnest, but, leaving my meal unfi- nished, quickly rose from the table, leaped out at the door, and in a few seconds took refuge in the house of Ironside. On learning the cause 0. M. SPENCER. 237 of my fliglit, Elliott indulged in a broad laugh, deriding my unfounded childish fears, as he was pleased to term them. Ironside was evidently vexed. He looked serious, and shook his head, convinced no doubt, as I was myself, that had I remained, Girty, who was a big poltroon, would hare executed his threat, by mutilating some part of my person. * > The arrangements for the prosecution of my journey being complete, we again proposed to move. I took leave of Mr. Ironside and his wife with sensations of gratitude, which will not easily be obliterated. To several other per- sons on the Point, I also felt deeply indebted. Of these many came down to bid me farewell. They wished us a good voyage, and a happy reception at home. We then launched away in a stout-built, open-decked vessel. Blanche acted as steersman ; and a stout Canadian, named Baptiste, took the oars. We soon cleared the Point, and rapidly descended the Maumee. I had an xmexpected glimpse of the cabin of Cooh-coo-cheeh, though at some dis- tance : the view affected me greatly ; — no great wonder, when it is recollected, that, cooped within that narrow circle, and its immediate locality, I spent seven months of wearisome bondage and disappointed hope. And yet, mingled with this retrospect, gratitude to God was uppermost in my heart. I could not help reflecting, (and it would have been disgracefid if I had not,) that eight months ago I t \ ) 238 NARRATIVE OP 1'. arrived at the door of Cooh-coo-cheeh, weary, exhausted, half-famished, self-desponding, a pri- soner, and, if there ever were such a thing, an object of compassion. Now, although far from being a gentleman at large, my condition was incomparably amended. True it is, I was still dirty, ragged, bareheaded, and much tanned by exposure to the suns rays; but, though my exterior was not over inviting, I enjoyed excel- lent health, nor did I lack food convenient for sustenance ; beside which, (and this appeared to be the salt of life, without which all else was insipid and without relish,) I was on the verge of entire liberty, and had already, so to speak, dipped my feet within the margin of the healing stream. Having advanced a little, I looked back once more to catch a view of my old habitation; but my eyes were sufiFused with tears: the current wafted us along, aided by the welcome stroke of the oar, which to me was music, and I felt a pleasure which no words can adequately convey. It will be easy to perceive from what I have said, that I had no great predilection either for Elliott, or his companion. Sharp. The former of these, the agent, was in person a dark-com- plexioned, ordinary- sized man. His features were small, with a short turned-up nose, and a countenance at once imperious and repulsive. Sharp, on the contrary, had light flaxen hair; generally wore an unmeaning smile, and a face the obvious index of a weak and sh^ow niind. O. M. SPENCER. 239 Af^er half an hour had passed in the hoat, spent in trifling conversotion, Sharp requested ine to furnish some particulars of my late captivity. I thought it politic to ohey the summons ; hut I soon saw that the hearers cared not a straw either for me or my narrative. I was inter- rupted hy coarse conversation on the most trifling occurrence that happened to elicit notice. I was selected as a tool for amusement, as poor Samson was in days of old for the Phi> listines. Sharp afterwards expanded his in- quiries ahout my family, the Miami settlements, Fort "Washington, and other places. These topics drew Elliott into discussion, who thought fit to make many ungentlemanly and disparag- ing remarks relative to America and her citi- zens. Sharp then ohserved, addressing his fellow-traveller, that having notions so full of liberty and eqn^Vity, the Yankees would make stubborn serviiDts, and that none of them would be a bargum at any price. " However," he continued, looking at me, " I suppose you will not have much employment for him." "Not much," replied Elliott, " besides cleaning knives and forks, blacking shoes, running of errands, and waiting at table." As the design of this barbarous colloquy was to insult a youth, whose interest and comfort he was bound in honour and duty to secure, it will not be surprising that I surveyed such conduct with disgust. I after- wards thought myself justified in manifesting a little reserve, with regard to the worthy pair. I h 7 240 NARRATIVE OP (] therefore asked few questions, and answered those put to me with all possible brevity. Our voyage was subsequently pursued with safety and pleasure. The surrounding scenery was quite superb enough to engage my observation. Numerous shoals of fishes, large and small, some very fine, and not a few odd-looking arti- cles, were sporting around in every quarter. Here and there, an Indian village, perched on the bank, or quietly resting in some sequestered vale, courted notice. Numerous boats, with their cheerful crews, passed and re-passed on different errands. Many of these men plied their oars to the notes of a musical air ; while those who used a paddle tried to chime in, and kept excellent time, just as a soldier marks with his left foot the measured beat of drum, or the performers in a band the nod of a leader aloft. ,--.^^r -..-.,,.._. . ..■,.,.- ,-...-::. V_;- ,,. .^ .;i.r:fO. Having arrived at Auglaize, we slept at a village of Wyandot Indians, and, on the next morning, passed the rapids, and landed about the middle of the afternoon on the northern banks of the Maumee, a few miles above its entrance into Lake Erie, at a small Wyandot encampment. Here the two boatmen, with their vessels, left us, and proceeded to their homes at Frenchtown. Elliott then placed me in charge of the Wyandots, with whom he had contracted, probably for a gallon of rum, or some such trifle, to convey me to Detroit. The value at which he rated the preservation of my O. M. 8FENCEB. 241 inswered ty. Our ;h safety lery was jervation. id small, ing arti- quarter. relied on questered •ats, with )as8ed on aen plied lir; while ne in, and ier marks F drum, or f a leader slept at a L the next ded about I northern above its Wyandot men, with i to their placed me >m. he had f rum, or ;roit. me tion of my life may therefore be computed with ease. He then coolly mounted hia horse, and, in company with Sharp, rode off, leaving me once more to the mercy of savages. Injury and insult soon followed this base desertion. Scarcely were my faithless guardians out of sight, when the Indi- ans, eight or ten in number, began to drink pretty freely; and, soon becoming half drunk, they attempted to sing and dance, then to shout and wrestle, and finally to quarrel. Among them was a youth of fourteen, who, while I was sitting quietly, as a spectator, on one side of the tent, came and pulled me up, insisting that I should wrestle with him. This I declined, alleging, as an excuse, his superiority in years and strength. I was not afraid of him, in fair rencontre; but I foresaw that a contest with him would be injurious to myself, whether I was victor or not. If I were beaten, the morti- fication of defeat would be mine, without a friend to console me ; and if the reverse, I might excite the jealousy of a revengeful though subdued enemy. But no refusal on my part would suffice. I was therefore compelled to enter the lists. My adversary, who was full of confidence, had the advantage in muscular show ; but, being myself well formed, and much more active than he, in a few seconds I laid him handsomely prostrate. In a second effort, he was more successful, and threw me. Giving myself a sudden spring, I threw myself over him ; and as he struggled by force to get up, I 242 NARRATIVE OF held him down till he asked permission to ris^* His passions were now up, as well as his per- son ; and on recovering his feet, he seized me by the hair, and with a volley of dirty abuse, in broken Shawnese, declared he would scalp me. In return, I gave him a smart blow on the pit of the stomach, which, while it made him relax his hold upon my hair, nearly knocked him down. I then placed myself in an attitude of defence, determined to resist any further insult or violence. On observing this, he did not venture to approach. I concluded, therefore, that his anger was appcEised, and felt pleased that the contest had closed. I then turned round, and walked slowly to the seat, whence I had so reluctantly been taken. But the great booby still sought revenge ; and, observing that my attention was diverted by another object, he stole cautiously behind, drew his knife, and stabbed me in the back. He, no doubt, in- tended to inflict a mortal wound, but, provi- dentially, the knife struck the lower part of my shoulder 'blade, and glanced obliquely near the ribs, without entering a vital part. The inci- sion was an inch in width, and, when after- wards probed by the British surgeon, at Detroit, was found to be three inches deep. An old Indian, noticing the circumstance, then inter- fered, and, discovering, from the blood that flowed, that I was badly wounded, stripped oif my capot, and pressed the wound firmly. He then procured and applied a piece of tobacco, n to ris^* his per- eized me abuse, in scalp me. m the pit him relax ;ked him ttitude of ler insult did not therefore, It pleased m turned whence I the great rving that object, he cnife, and doubt, in- ►ut, proyi- )art of my r near the The inci* hen after- at Detroit, An old ben inter- )lood that ripped off •mly. He f tobacco, 0. M. SPENCEir. 243: large enough to cover the orifice, and covered it with a compress, secured by a bandage over my shoulder and round my chest. This effectually stanched the blood. Early next morning I experienced another proof of the kind of care provided for me by Colonel Elliott. I was con- fided to the custody of two old squaws, who placed me in the middle of their canoe, and set out for Detroit, a distance of forty-five miles. In this magnificent plight, we paddled along the edge of the lake, and up the strait. At last, by the good hand of God upon us, rather than any dexterity of ours, we arrived at the desired hu'^^ on the evening of the 3d of March, when I Tvji^ delivered into the hands of Colonel Eng- land, the officer in command of the garrison. I now found myself, for the first time, restored to the enjoyments of civil society. Colonel England had, not only the dress and appearance, but that practical politeness which, though it may begin with professions, ends in real acts of friendship and good-will. He had been in- structed by Governor Simcoe, to provide me with clothing and other necessaries, and to send me on to Fort Niagara, as soon as the naviga- tion of Lake Erie was practicable. Information had also been given him respecting my family and relations ; and I was not a little pleased to find that he was personally acquainted with sereral friends of my mother. A sense of public duty, therefore, joined to his naturally excellent disposition, insured me a favourabk X 2 1 1 244 NABRATIYB OP 1/ 1 reception. At my first interview, the Colonel, noticing my wretched appearance, was greatly moved, and surveyed me for some time in silence. I saw alsr in him the soul of Christian sympathy : this Wi»d soon after exemplified hy directions issued for my comfort and relief. After asking me several questions, in a tone and manner very different from those to which I had lately heen used, he kindly assured me, that my hest interests should he carefully con- sulted. He then turned to Lieutenant Andre, an officer in his regiment, and committed me to his charge, observing, he was sure Mrs. Andre would feel pleasure in making the needful pro- vision for my welfare. Here I found another warm friend. He had expected me for some days, and, having heard of my arrival, he hastened to head quarters : he took me by the hand, and led me to his apartments in the bar- racks, only a few doors distant, and requested Lo to sit down. In a few minutes a servant entered, and set before me some tea, with bread and butter ; on which having made a suitable inroad, I rose, and was retiring from the table, when two women, who through mere curiosity, as I imagined, had been standing at one end of the room, watching the uncouth and half Indian stranger, unceremoniously advanced, and taking each a hand, led me to an adjoining chamber. They had, I found, been instructed to supervise my person and clothing, and efibdt such changes and reformation as cleanliness and respectability ti, M. SPENCER. 245 Colonel, i greatly time in Christian lified by d relief. a tone to which iired me, iilly con- t Andre, ed me to s. Andre dful pro- another per some rival, he ae by the L the bar- requested a servant ith bread k suitable the table, curiosity, le end of ilf Indian id taking chamber, supervise 1 f* changes )ectability rer:-.!r*id. That such a step was necessary, is undoubted; only there are two ways of doing most things, — a right and a wrong ; and if these bustling personages had asked me a question or two, and proceeded with a little more modera- tion, their work would have been much better performed, and some pain saved. That my clothing was none of the nicest, is likely ; but that it was positively dangerous even to the touch, is more than I can affirm. At all events, the rough but dainty-fingered damsels were resolved to take care of themselves. On taking off my outer garments, they at once threw them out of the window, taking care to send them beyond the palisades of the town, as though the very effluvia might generate infection. They then placed me in a large tub, half filled with water, and without so far consulting their under- standing as to ask m 3 a single question, tore off my shirt, to which the bandages adhered around my shoulder. The process was so quick, that before I had time to tell them of the wound I had received, great mischief was done. Acute pain was inflicted, which extorted from me a loud scream. The surprise of the women at first was great. I then told them that an Indian had stabbed me in the shoulder ; and when they saw the blood issue from the re-opened wound, one of them ran to inform Mr. Andre, while the other, with a rag, tried to stop the effusion. Even then, such were the propensities of this genuine daughter of the wash-tub and its con- X 3 246 NARRATIVE OP '\ comitants, she continued '\e process of ablation as if nothing more had discovered itself than an incidental scratch, or the exercise of her calling was more valuable than the preservation of my life. ■.■.-.v;-^- ^:. ,- ,.:,■ The surgeon soon arrived, and put things into something like order. Having probed the wound, he stated, th'^t had the weapon entered either f^n inch lower or nearer the spine, the consequences might have been fatal. Soon after this exercise, which, whether I refer to my out- ward or inward man, surely deserved the name, I retired to rest, and arose next morning much refreshed. New clothes had been ordered for my accommodation, but were not yet ready, so that I was compelled to avail myself of a tempo- rary supply. This was civilly granted. Ensign ^^cO^Brian contributed his part by the loan of a pair of trousers, rather too big, but more conve- jnient than the opposite extreme. One of the women furnished stockings and slippers ; and with some additional help I was fitted for the breakfast-room, where I made my entrance, and was introduced to Mrp. Andre, wife of the Lieu- tenant. This lady received me with great deli- cacy and kindness, and congratulated me on my deliverance from the Indians. I saw, however, she had some difficulty in preserving her gra- . vity ; and no great wonder. I was a thing of shreds and patches; no two articles I had on seemed to coalesce for though the clothing I wore had been borrowed from the smallest O. M. 8PENCER. 247 ablation ' than an ir calling on of my it things obed the L entered spine, the Soon after ) my ont- the name, ling much rdered for ; ready, so f a tempo- L Ensign loan of a ore conve- )ne of the »pers ; and ted for the Tance, and r the Lieu- great deli- me on my ^, however, r her gra- a thing of I had on clothing I e smallest officer in the regiment, it enclosed me like a sack, and set at defiance all advances to shape or proportion. Mrs. Andie magnanimously overlooked these and all other discrepancies; and after numerous inquiries concerning my friends, she gratified my self-complacency by observing that she herself was a distant relative, on my mothers side. It came out that Mrs. Andre was a third cousin ; bit if it had been a five-and-twentieth only, or a five hundredth, the recognition of relationship from a respectable person, under circumstances like those in which I was placed, was an aifair not to be slighted or undervalued. After-intercourse showed.^ that Mrs. Andre possessed none of that fictitious consequence, which, while yielding respect and homage to the .man with "the gold ring and costly apparel," passes by the unfortunate, and says to the poor, " Stand thou there." Of this, her conduct to a poor deserted boy is proof enough. This agree- able lady was in person exceedingly prepossess- ing, and was apparently not more than twenty years of age. To me she supplied the place of a sister or mother; and to that admission, what more can be added? It will not lessen the interest of this little family episode, if I state that her husband was brother to the unfortunate Major Andr€*, whose untimely fate once extracted sympathy and tears from the wise and good on , both borders of the Atlantic. I was subsequently introduced to the families of Mr. Erskine and ^48 NARRATIVE Ot* Commodore Grant, wLere I found several lads and lasses of about my own age. Such company proved a source of entertainment, to which I had been long unused, and was highly relished. They obligingly showed me such curiosities as the town afforded, which, together with the shipping and fort, were peculiarly interesting. In this situation my mind wp'^ all gratitude and joy. CHAPTER XII. \ Ji r •i^- ' The situation of Detroit is on the western bank of the strait which connects Lake Huron with Lake Erie, and about ten miles south of St. Clair. Most persons are familiar with this geographical notice ; but few are aware of what the town itself was forty years ago. The whole place contained at that time only wooden build- ings, few of which were well finished. This confined locality was surrounded with high pickets, enclosing an area of perhaps half a square mile, about one-third of which along the bank of the river, as the strait is called, was covered with buildings. Three narrow streets ran parallel with the river, and these were inter- sected by four or five others at right angles. At the south end of the town the entrance to the interior, or city, was placed. This was secured by a pair of heavy gates, constructed of ■£.1, 0. M. SPENCER. 249 reral iads company which I relished, osities as with the teresting. gratitude i western ce Huron south of with this I of what he whole in huild- i. This th high 8 half a ilong the led, was y streets re inter- ; angles, rance to 'his was ucted of timber : close to this ayenue, which abutted on Second and Fourth streets, a space of about two hundred square jards had been cleared, enclosed on two sides with low palisades. Within this space was erected a row of handsome three- storied barracks, for the accommodation of officers. Buildings of the same height and of correJ?ponding architecture had been built for the soldiers on the north and west sides of the square. The open central space was occupied as a military parade, -^here the troops were exercised daily by the adjutant. The fort was placed on the north-east angle of the large area, on groimd a little elevated above the adjacent land. It was separated from the surrounding buildings by an esplanade, and protected by several defences. First, an abattis of tree-tops had been constructed, having the ends of the stout limbs sharpened, and projecting outward about four feet from the ground. Then, outside of this, a ravine or ditch, well filled with water, had been formed, in the deepest part of which strong stakes or pickets had been driven. Around the whole was placed a row of light palisades, seven or eight feet long, projecting horizontally from the glacis. The fort, which covered about half an acre, was square, with a bastion at each angle. Each parapet was high enough to shelter the quarters within, the whole of which were bomb-proof. The entrance was on the western side, over a draw-bridge, facing the river, and through a covered way, over and 1 1 ;»• 250 NARRATIVE OF on each side of which hatteries of cannon were mounted, chiefly twenty-four pounders. The bastions and lines were mounted with guns, varying in calibre, being from six to twelve pounders. The fort was garrisoned by a com- pany of artillery-men, under the command of Captain Spear ; while two companies of infant- ry, and one of grenadiers of the twenty-fourth, were quartered at the barracks. The remainder of the regiment was at Michilimacinach, and other northern parts. The gate near the end of the officers' barracks was defended by a twenty-four pounder ; and for the protection of the east-side of the town, two small batteries frowned over the bank of the river. In the spring of 1793 several brigs were at anchor in the river, fronting the town. Two of these, the Chippewa and Ottawa, were new vessels, carry- ing eight or ten guns each, belonging to His Britannic Majesty. The little squadron, in- cluding a well-built sloop, was commanded by Commodore Grant. There were also, lying comfortably in the roadstead, several merchant- men, sloops, and schooners, the property of private individuals. Having spent nearly a month at Detroit, and in a great measure recruited my health, it was proposed to place me in travelling condition, for the prosecution of my journey home. At the close of March the lakes were nearly clear of ice ; and though we were not entirely free from 0. M. SPENCElt. 251 ion were s. The ;h guns, ) twelve Y a com- nand of f infant- y-fourth, ^mainder ich, and the end ed by a lection of batteries In the nchor in :hese, the lis, carry- g to His Iron, in- inded hy so, lying lerchant- >perty of ;roit, and h, it was ition, for At the clear of [ree from rly storm sfiould arise, it was thought that by pursuing a straight course to Fort Erie the passage would be safe. Orders were therefore issued for the sailing of the sloop Felicity, already named. Though my residence in this hospitable place had been brief, it was a matter of no small diffi- culty to tear myself away. The heart must indeed have been callous, which could have experienced kindness like that shown me, and be insensible of the obligation. But duty was paramount; added to which, the picture of home, and its endeaiing recollections, urged me forward. Every thing being in readiness, the sloop weighed anchor : I took an affectionate leave of my acquaintance; especially Mr. and I»irs. Andre, whom I thanked with a tearful eye for their parental kindness. I tried to bid them farewell, but could not. Colonel England was also good enough to come alongside, and wish me a prosperous voyage. To him I also ten- dered my best acknowledgments. Then taking up a small bundle, containing linen and other necessaries, I accompanied the sailor who was waiting for me to the ship's boat, and in a few minutes found myself on the deck of the good ship. We set sail with a light breeze from the south-west, but, being obliged frequently to tack, our progress was inconsiderable. Night coming on, we anchored at the mouth of the river, and next morning the wind having freshenedj and veered a point, we crowded all 252 NARRATIVE OP sail, and made considerable way. Towards afternoon, we again came to an anchor: this was at Put-in Bay, a fine harbour on the north- western part of Lake Erie, formed by the North, Middle, and South Bass, Strentian, and some other islands. Here 'he wind became light and variable ; and, as Captain Fleming thought it more prudent to remain here till morning, we again brought up. By way of improving time, the captain took me into the boat, with two oarsmen, and a couple of hooks and lines, to see what we could catch by trailing our tackle from the stem of the boat. After rowing along the north side of Strentian Island, which is of convex form, and very steep and rocky, we caught several fine fish; one of which I had the pleasure of drawing into the boat. Our sport was sufficiently successful to furnish a delicious and plentiful meal. Another treat awaited me. On a high rocky promontory of the island, a tall majestic tree rose conspicuously, towering above the adjacent wood; on the top of which we observed an eyry. Presently its inhabitant, a noble eagle, rose in fine style, and without seeming exertion, though with amazing velocity, swept along on an extended circle, embracing the breadth and length of the entire bay. He then gradually rose, contracting his sphere at each revolution ; when suddenly mounting to an incredible height, he appeared a mere speck in his ele- vated abode* Then descending almost with the O. M. SPENCER. 253 Towards or : this le north- by the tian, and became Fleming here till way of into the of hooks y trailing t. After m Island, 3teep and one of [ into the cessful to ilgh rocky jestic tree i adjacent ;erved an ble eagle, exertion, along on }adth and gradually I volution ; incredible I his ele- t with the quickness of thought to mid air, he again wheeled round, doubling his sphere each time, till he at length alighted on some tree, or pounced upon the prey ; which, though unno- ticed by his victim, he had seen afar off. There are in Scripture some striking allusions to the swiftness of the eagle's flight. " My days are passed away as the eagle that hasteth to her prey." So Job thought; and another eminent man declared, that "riches certainly make themselves wings : they fly away as an eagle towards heaven." Her rapacity is also noticed : " Where the slain are, there is she." On the following morning, which was the 1st day of April, a light breeze from the south sprang up, when we weighed anchor, an i » liled easterly at an easy rate. We passed in a few hours between Point -Pelee and Middle Island. At four in the afternoon our sloop, being a good sailer, had run fifty miles, when the wind sud- denly shifted and blew fresh from the east. We continued onward, however, regularly tack- ing from south to north-east, as near the wind as possible, till after sunset, t! f' wind still in- creasing. We now lost sight of land, and, as it blew a gale, matters were rather serious. I had retired to my berth about ten o'clock, and, notwithstanding the war of contending elements without, had fallen into a sound sleep. Mean time the storm had so increased, that the cap- tain found himself unable to proceed. Feaiing lest the heavy swell of the sea should unship r I ^54 NARRATIVE OP II our mast, he gave orders to put the sloop about On coining round on the starboard, we were nearly upset. I was awakened by the shock, which threw me from my berth to the opposite side of the cabin. The next moment a heavy sea struck the stem, and forced in the cabin windows, by which we shipped several hogs- heads of water. This being tossed from side to side, several minutes elapsed before I could gain my feet with sufficient steadiness to crawl on deck. But that must be a very high wind that makes a sailor despair. Our men were all coolness and activity. Precautions were di- Tectly taken to guard against the recurrence of accident. The dead-lights were closed, and the ship cleared of water. I was advised to return to my berth; but having been literally floated out of it, I preferred remaining above ; thinking that if the sloop should be wrecked, I should stand a better chance of escape : beside which, there is, in actual danger, something satisfactory in observing the progress of events, and calcu- lating from ocular inspection the probable result. Such was the fury of the wind at this period, that, although scudding under poles, with scarcely a stitch of canvass set, we were going at the rate of twelve knots an hour, pitching and rolling most fearfully. We thought frequently that the mast must go, or that the seams of the vessel would be torn open, and use us at once to founder : or. as some parts vt*-- pf the lake were shallow, that we should touch 0. M. SPENCER. 255 le op al)out we were shock, opposite a heavy he cabin ral hogs- m side to I could to crawl igh wind nen were 3 were di- irrence of I, and the to return ily floated ; thinking I should ide which, atisfactory md calcu- probable nd at this 3er poles, we were an hour, 'e thought ' that the )pen, and ame narts JL uld touch the ground, and be shivered to fragments. Pro- tidence, so often mj preserver, again appeared to help us. Just after daylight, favoured with correct and judicious steerage, or, more properly speaking, aided by the all-skilful hand of '^ the Pilot of Galilee," we weathered a dreadful line of breakers on the north point of Port-Pelee, and once more anchored in Put-in Bay. Sailors are proverbially superstitious, and many of them are so much wiiiier than their betters, they can discover or invent a reason for every thing. We had a learned gentleman of this sort on board. This was Tom the cook; who, on all knotty and mysterious affairs, was the oracle of the sloop. He decided at once, that he foresaw all our difficulties, and that the cause of our adverse winds, and consequent disasters, was, that we sailed from port on Friday, which at the best of times is an unlucky day, but was now rendered more so, by being the 1st of April. Indeed, under these impres- sions, the crew seemed astonished that we were allowed even to put back, and take refuge any where. I was glad to perceive that these absurdities, long since exploded, had no other effect upon our captain than to ' provoke an occasional smile, ^w , i^^ Once more thrown on our resources, by our wind-bound situation, we sought employment. For the sake of variety, we resolved on an inland excursion; and on the afternoon of a fine Saturday, proceeded to ei^plore the island y 2 f I 256 NARRATIVE OP called Middle Bass. Here we met with and killed several large rattle-snakes. I narrowly / escaped being bitten by one, over which I ' stepped as it crossed the path. The captain had gone to a small pond, perhaps the eighth of a mile in advance, to shoot ducks, but returned in a short time, running at a desperate rate, and quite exhausted. On inquiring the cause of so precipitate a retreat, he stated that the moment after he had let fly at the ducks, a monster — to wit, an immense snake, at least fifteen or sixteen feet in length — issued from the long grass at the water s edge, and pursued him for somie dis- tance. Fear has been said to magnify danger : not that our gallant captain was of the timid class of persons. The snake, perhaps, was not quite so long and large as he imagined. At • any rate, no damage ensued, except the loss of the wounded ducks, which our nautical sports- man could not recover. For this privation we were afterwards amply compensated, by a good haul of fish on returning to the Felicity. Re- freshed by our resting-place and change of employ, we were anxious to prosecute our voy- age, and CI the following morning, which was the Sabbath, we again weighed and stood out of the bay. Now, were one day more inauspicious than another, for the commencement of worldly operations, I should say, it is the Lord's day. Our friend Tom was of another opinion* He prosperity, and nothing else. For the first day his foresight was verified ; so ith and Inarrowly which I captain jeighth of returned rate, and |use of so moment Jnster — to >r sixteen iss at the omiB dis- '' danger : the timid , was not ned. At lie loss of al sports- i^ation we >y a good ity. Re- hange of our voy- hich was od out of uspicious r worldly rd's day. on* He ag else, ified; so 0. M. SIPENCEH. 257 that he was exalted ahove measure, and enter- tained us with a variety of tales relating to his own extraordinary adventures hy land and sea. Many of these hordered on the marvellous ; hut as the company were not very exact in requir- ing proofs for every assertion, he passed for an uncommonly clever fellow. To the accomplish- ments already divulged, he added that of vocal music. We had " All in the Downs ; " heside several other naval ditties, which, in theatrical phrase, were sung with unhounded applause. Tom's prophecies, like many others of the sort, failed at the very crisis of accomplishment. The wind, which had heen favourahle through- out Sunday, veered round the following morn- ing, blowing hard directly a-head. Soon after daylight, when in sight of Long or Puttshank's Point, and not much more than an hundred miles from Fort Erie, to our great disappoint- ment, a storm arose, even more severe than the preceding; which compelled us to change our course, and eventually drove us to our former anchorage, at Put-in Bay. On Wednesday morning, determined if possible to proceed, we again sailed; and after twenty- four hours of hard labour, were once more sent back with the loss of our top-gallant mast. On this occasion, ; I was extremely ill, induced by the heavy roU- ' ing and pitching of the sloop, and began to fear * we should never succeed in crossing the lake. ^ We are not, however, to conclude that these 'misfortunes, complicated, discouraging, and oft- 1 1 258 NARRATIVE OP repeated as they were, put Tom the cook out of countenance, though they occurred in open defi- ance of his prophecy. He had another shot in his locker; or, in other words, other resources in reserve. He luckily recollected that we had in the hold of the ship an ill-looking man, said to he an American, whom the British had taken up at Detroit, on the supposition of his being a spy, and on whose person certain papers, said to contain plans of the town and fortifications, were found. Tom now confidently stated that this man was a Jonah, on whose account the ye&sel had not been permitted to cross th^ lake. This he said was evident, because the man had been tried before Colonel England, and found guilty; by whom also he was heavily ironed, and put on board the sloop for conveyance to Niagara. It was clear, he said, therefore, that the outcast, this fugitive, this guilty person, was a man whom^ though he had so far escaped the reward of his deeds, the Almighty would not suffer to reach the shore alive. So deeply did the crew enter into this hair-brained scheme, that had it not been for a well-planned pro- posal, originating with the captain, the poor confined fellow would probably Liive been thrown overboard. On Friday morning, when the wind was still in the vexatious quarter, and impatience at boiling heat, the captain, having let go the anchor, proposed that all spare hands should ensrasre in a fishinsr excm*sion. This tempting project was highly relished, and in- O, M, SPENCER. 259 k out of pen defi- r shot in 'esources t we had nan, said ad taken being a s, said to fications, ^ted that ount the the lake, [nan had id found (T ironed, jyance to fore, that rson, was aped the ould not eeply did scheme, ned pro- the poor ve been ig, when xter, and 1, having re hands 1. This and in- stantly adopted. So intently did every one engage in the needful preparation, that the deadly purpose of taking away an innocent man s life was thoroughly diverted. The boat being manned, we proceeded off and on, round great part of the North-Bass Island, where, beside catching a sturgeon, we secured a num- ber of fine white fish, and several of the kind termed bass. The return to the Felicity was marked with an overflow of good humour and conviviality. Soon after this agreeable and well-timed digression from the monotony of service afloat, we landed on. the north side of the Bass Island, where our curiosity was attracted to a spot, on one side of the path, by a prodigious number of buzzards : * some were on the wing, others on the ground, and many had perched themselves on the boughs of trees. On approaching the place, we saw a light batteau-fashioned canoe, split and shattered, lying on the top of a bank, and just on the margin of a forest. Advancing a few steps further, we met with the body of a man, who had been drowned not ^ess than a week previously, probably in attempting to pass from Point-au-Plait to the bay. The clothes of the deceased were r^ entire, and consisted cf a drab-coloured coat, overalls, md mocassons, with a calico shirt. By opening the brei; :- buttons, we were convinced, from the colour of • A species of hawk, when fully grown^ about twenty- one inches in length. 1 1 m-.- , 't^f^. 260 <:, ;< "•\:>'. i • NARRATIVE OF the Fkm, that the sufferer was a Canadian IV.-vichman. The hody was in a state of rapid deocmposition, and the head and face nearly destroyed hy the buzzards, the flockB of which had called us to the place. To oiirse;v(is, tJiis melancholy spectacle was a mournful and f;oTi<»h- ing sight. Nor did it, I trust, fail to inspire gratitude for our own mociful preservation to Him who rules on high, and calms the roarin:^ his pocket ■i ■ Canadian of rapid tee nearly of wLich sIvciS, tills nd toTi<*h- to inspire fvation to hi roarinfr lis powor liav€ bin cook was a moral, ding this ler cogent the exact he rites of wanderer, him from 3 thought, ming, the diately to Tom was "inder his s paddle, y another 1 stick, in in opening nd of the ' was then "was 0» M. gfENOBR. 261 lis pocket a Prayer-Book, and, opening it at the Burial Service, handed it to the captain, who read the appointed lessons with great solemnity. The grave was then filled up : the paddle, with the hlade upward, was placed at the head, as the only memorial we could exhibit. We then collected, and threw over the place of interment, a quantity of brushwood, with several logs, for protection. Having so far met the demands of our common nature, we returned to our boat, and soon rejoined the ship in safety. Tom, in his o£Sicial capacity, soon set about preparations for dinner; and, in less than an hour, put before us an excellent repast of fish and pota- toes, rendered doubly good by keenness of appetite, created by our long fast, and morning's exercise on shore. On Wednesday, the 13th of April, the long- desired alteration in the weather took place. Until then the wind was " dead on end," and outside the bay there was a heavy sea. The wind now chopped round to the southward, when we bent our sails, and had a run for ;^everal hours. On Friday evening we arrived safely opposite Fort Erie. On the following morning I took leave of the ship's company, and went on shore with the captain, who introduced n»f lo the officer commanding the fort ; and, at tne same time, delivered a letter written by Colonel England. ^ was detained here only a few huurs, and being placed on board a small baige, protected by a corporal and four soldiers, •M 263 NARRATIVE OF I was conveyed to Fort Chippewa, a block- Louse, garrisoned by a lieutenant and thirty men, on the north side, near the mouth of the Chippewa creek, and about two miles above the Falls of Niagara. I passed the night at the fort, and next day, accompanied by a guide, provided by the lieutenant, I walked down to the Falls. We spent two hours in viewing that stupendous cataract, which it is difficult to sur- vey with composure. The impetuous motion of a body of water so vast, makes the senses reel. Combined with the deafening noise produced, the effect is awfully sublime : when once be- held, the impression on the mind is indelible. I was afterwards conducted to Queenstown, where we discovered a wood-boat just setting off for Fort Niagara. I availed myself of that conveyance, and in little more than an hour arrived there. On delivering my papers to th^ officer in command, he conducted me to Lieu- tenant Hill, who received me with gieat kind-^ ness. ''■ " " ■■ • ^ ' " ■'''^" '■"" ' Forty years since, the south-western districts of the State of New- York were an almost unbroken wilderness. With the exception of a log-ferry -house on the top of the bank opposite Queenstown, not at all remarkable either for extent or magnificence, there was only one house on the footpath, complimentarily termed a road, between Niagara and Canandaigua, a dis- tance of an hundred miles. That solitary dwell- ing was a tavern, near the western bank of the O. M. SPENCER. 263 Genessce, and ten long miles from the spot where the town of Rochester has since heen built. The best mode of travelling in those days was on horseback ; but being unable to encounter such a journey alone, I was obliged to wait till some suitable opportunity offered for procedure, for which I depended on the civility of Governor Simcoe. Not that my time passed heavily. Placed in the family of Lieutenant Hill, my sojourn of a single week was an agree- able halt. This gentleman was an adjutant of the fiftieth regiment of infantry, part of which, , with a company of artillery, was garrisoned at Fort Niagara, while another division was sta- tioned at York, in Upper Canada, on the west side of the lake. By the invitation of Lieu- tenant Hill, I went with him several times, when the troops not on duty went through the usual field- evolutions, and was greatly struck with the precision and regularity with whiw, origi- whereas, ire is left ;er which, onde, she 'orm with ►n several ny thing excellent H Common sense, which, fter all that may be said of other attainmeii s, is not only the most valuable in itself, but the best of any in the performance of life's never-ceasing duties. He proved a kind and able advisor, and rendered himself agreeable as a companion, when friends and companionship were scarce, and doubly serviceable. I was also led to admire the almost excessive punctuality with which ho discharged his duties as a military man. Whe- ther he had been perfectly happy in that most important election, the choice of a wife, is a matter on which it light be rash to offer a con- jecture. My hostess was a very intelligent per- son, and of a disposition truly amiable. It would be unjust, forsooth, were I to charge her with undue taciturnity, or the least want of flu- ency in conversation and debate. I found she had the advantage of her husband, in regard to age and experience, beini^ his senior by about ^ft( ^n years and a trifle. This, of course, ientiiled her opinions to consideration and defer- ence. She was tall in person, rather gaunt and large-featured; but I know not why any one should object to strength and expressiveness of countenance : and she had too much sense to attempt the concealment of a little homeliness of form and figure, by the follies of fashion and extrinsic ornament. Her dress was neat and plain ; and if her manners were not remarkably refined, they were regular and precise, and ^'^ 'mmfinsurable decrees from coarse- reiuo""'-'^ CVt Ml i i><«akvi»i5« 26G NARRATIVE OF ness and vulgarity. I had reason to sun rrue fhat fortune, rank, or some other consideration, added to real attachment, had influenced the gallant officer in his matrimonial advances. This, how- ever, is a mere speculation, or little more, just to be named and forgotten. To me the lady manifested tlie kindness of a mother. She carefully repaired my clothes and linen. As a specimen of her thoughtful thriftiness, when I le^t, slie presented me with a calico necdle-and- thread case ; very properly observing, that as no one could foresee future exigencies, it was well to prepare for whatever might happen ; that a stitch in time saved nine ; and that I should learn to mend my own clothes, — one method, among many others, of procuring independence. This piece of advice I have often reduced to practice. Her identical gift was preserved many years ; and when the consuming touch oC time had corroded and spoiled my original needle, so used had I become to the advantage it conferred, that I immediately provided myself with another, enclosed in a suitable thread-case. This I have carried between the leases of ray pocket-book ; and though I can never think it quite so good as that genuine article furnished by my friend, it has often rendered me sound and valuable service in time of need. Xl^y n\i'e fhat 11, added gallant is, how- ore, just the lady r. She As a when I dle-and- tiat as no Avas well ; that a I should method, )endence. duced to preserved touch 0? original idyantage id myself ead-case. 2s of my think it Furnished le sound ^' -■v O. M. fiPENCEn. 2n7 .7 -. ^. i / '. '^1u. CHAPTER XIII. ■' M. The situation of Fort Niagara is a command- ing and well-chosen one. ' It is erected on an elevated ridge, at the mouth of the strait con«. necting Lakes Eric and Ontario. The scenery around is at cnce romantic and sublime. Ascending the margin of the lakes, a lofty and precipitous range of mountains bounds the hori- zon. These are covered to the waters edge with trees and herbage, except that, here and there, huge masses of rock project, as if origin- ally heaved into their present resting-places by some subterranean convulsion. On the Can£^ dian side of the lakes, the view is not impress- ive. Here we could perceive, hariging, as it were, on the shaggy summit of a bold tongue of land, the large white building, used by the British as a mess-house and quarters for the Queen's Rangers, at that time stationed there. Queenstown was also within view. On a small plain, between the base of a hill and the sea- shore, the neat village of Newark had arisen, containing, among other interesting buildings, the residence of Governor Simcoe. But the great and all-absorbing features of this extra- ordinary vicinity remain to be noticed,--.not described, at least by me ; for I am unequal to the task. The dark, deep waters of Ontario present a vast expanse, extending as far as the z 2 268 JiARBATIVE OP eye can reach, and inspiring the beholder, unless incurably insensible, with wonder and awe. Then, if it be not rash to attempt any thing like description, I might revert to the far-famed Falls of Niagara ; the mighty roar of whose congregated waters may be distinctly heard, on a still night, on Lake Erie, a distance of twenty miles. The mind is. affectingly sub- dued in approaching this wonderful locality. On nearing it, though at a distance sufficiently great to ensure safety from the suction of the rapids, I felt myself instinctively leaning to that j^ide of the boat nearest the shore, as if safety depended on instant retreat. One of the most striking views is from the first small break of water, close to the British shore, just above the long island extending from the mouth of the Chippewa to the Falls. From this point, the eye of a spectator glances in the direction of Goat-Island, embracing, in that view, the entire mid-stream. The second break, as it is some- times termed, is here visible ; and if the observer can retain his collectedness, he may here survey the unrivalled scene with advantage. Part of the river sweeps, with incalculable fury, down a steep ledge of rock ; from whence, having struck the bottom, it rises, and rolls in fearful swells, with an impetuosity inconceivable to all but an actual beholder. How others are affected, I am not exactly positive ; but in my own case, the front view of the cataract is the most overpower- ing. In that position, the Tolume of vipproaching O. M. SPENCER. 260 •eholder, er and ipt any to the roar of istinctly distance Igly sub- locality, fficiently •n of the g to that if safety the most break of bore the h of the oint, the action of be entire is some- observer 8 survey Part of down a g struck I swells, 1 but an ^d, I am !ase, the rpower- oaching water is seen coming rapidly on, till, on reach- ing the edge of a precipice of awful altitude, the deluge comes thundering down into the abyss beneath. By altering the point of observation, another interesting view may be secured. Such is the force with which the mass of water descends, that the rebound produces a boiling torrent, tumultuously rolling in troubled eddies, till it gradually lessens in the far-distant wind- ings and depths in the lake below. If the sun shines, an effect the most pleasing and unique is produced. A brilliant rainbow instantly appears, whose ample arch spans the entire width of the river. While gazing at the im- mensity of the objects composing this astonish- ing sight, I seemed to shrink into insignificance and nothingness. And yet, I shall not be for- gotten by Him whose plastic hand once formed this globous earth, and bade it move in its allotted path. He remains the same, although the flood of ages pass away. The deep chasms of Niagara have probably thrown out the burst- ing flood, ever since the time when the foun- tains of the great deep were broken up ; and will probably continue to pour it forth, till the time shall come when the warring elements must sleep, and the universe give way. But there is a spirit in man : the redeemed of the Lord shall return to Zion : and when nature, and her works, shall yield to the fiat of Omni- potence, we may :*. z 3 %. - 279 NARRATIVE OF '' Smile at the all-destroying shock ; For, lo, the everlasting Rock Is cleft to take us in." After haviDg spent an agreeable season at Fort Niagara, I was informed that an oppor- tunity now offered for tlie prosecution of my journey homewards. The notice was rather sudden; but as my wardrobe and travelling equipage could be easily compressed within the four comers of a handkerchief, I was in a few minutes prepared for the journey. I took a hasty leave of Mr. and Mrs. Hill, and proceeded to the house of Governor Simcoe, who received me with great kindness, and introduced me to Thomas Morris, Esq., of Canandaigua, who had arrived at Newark the preceding day, and who, I found, was to be my guide and fellow-travel- ler. Some conversation arose between Governor Simcoe and myself, relative to the conduct of Colonel Elliott, whose name has already appear- ed on these pages ; and the result proved, that my opinion of that valorous person was correct.* The Governor listened to my tale with indigna- tion and regret, particularly when informed of the unjustifiable manner in which I had been left among the Indians at the mouth of the Maumee ; of the injury I had suffered, and the dangers subsequently encountered, in conse- quence. He stated that his explicit instructions • With a little allowance, perhaps^ on the ground of national prejudices. v son at oppor- of my rather ■veiling lin the a few took a ceeded >ceived me to 10 had i who, travel- remor not of Jpear- I9 that rect.* [igna- ed of been f the 1 the )nse- tions nd of O. M. SPENCER. 271 to Elliott were, to convey me in safety to Detroit ; and I well recollect that Mr. Morris, though a disinterested party, declared that such neglect deserved the inquiry of a court-martial. At the same time, it must be admitted that the irregularities of agents in reference to the Indians could not always be noticed, as the influence of these self-important persons was occasionally required for the maintenance of a good understanding between the British autho- rities and their respective red allies. My friend Morris left us in the afternoon, observing that he proposed setting off from the ferry-house early next morning, and that he would wait for me till evening at Queenstown. I have now but an indistinct recollection of Governor Simcoe. The lapse of twice twenty years creates a veil almost opaque, and too dim for penetration. I remember, however, that the figure of this eminent person was commanding ; that he had an open, manly countenance ; and that his manners, though dignified, were affable, and evinced the usual frankness of a soldier. I had the honour of taking tea with his lady ; a very handsome and intelligent woman, but, unfortunately, afflicted with an impediment in her speech, so seriously inconvenient, as to ren- der conversation painful and irksome. After tea a servant appeared at the gate with two fine bay horses, on one of which, after taking leave of Governor Simcoe and his lady, I mounted. The servant then received orders to " spin him 272 NARRATIVE OV VTe along," and we started at a rapid canter, arrived at Queenstown within an hoar ; and having crossed the Niagara about dusk, we entered the ferry-house, where we met Mr. Nathaniel Gorham, one of tlie proprietors of Canandaigua, and a coloured servant, who had travelled with him to the frontier. Here we spent the night; and on the next morning, after partaking of an early breakfast, we each mounted a good horse, and proceeded. We travelled with great ease and rapidity, stopping only one hour at noon to bait our horses, and share a luncheon of biscuit and cheese. At night we found tolerable accommodation, both for man and beast, in an Indian village. On the following day we dined at a tavern, near the west bank of the Genessee; and a little after dark, on tbe same evening, found ourselves at the desired destination. We thus performed a journey of nearly a hundred miles, through the wilderness, and along a poorly-contrived foot- path, in two days. Mr. Morris, being at that time a single man, had apartments in the tavern of a noted Boniface: I was placed under the same roof, and certainly had no cause of com- plaint, either of my landlord or my domicile. He was generous ; I was happy, and I hope not ungrateful. Some little notice of the then town of Canan- daigua may not be unacceptable. It was, in fact, nothing more than a neat village, contain- ing, I think, about forty houses, scattered along O. M. SPENCER. 273 We and k, we Mr. ors of 10 Lad re we >riiing, each We opping is. and At I, both . On ar the i after [ves at med a gh the '. foot- t that tavern er the com- nicile. pe not anan- as, in italn- along the principal street, about a mile in length, in a westerly direction, and commencing at the nar- row lake, from which its name is derived. At the head or upper end of this street stood the hotel in which I lodged, a large two-storied wooden building, painted white, and making a respectable appearance. Mr. Morris was also just putting the finishing hand to an elegant house at the West-end of the ioym, A school- room had also been erected, where a good man, named Upham, followed his vocation by in- structing about forty children. Near the site of this academy was the residence of Mr. Chapon, agent for the Senecas, the eldest of whose sons was engaged in extensive trade with the Indians, chiefly in the fur and skin department ; while a younger son, something of a linguist, acted as interpreter between the parties, taking care, no doubt, to translate all intercourse as far as possi- ble in favour of themselves. I remained in this pleasant place until about the middle of June, waiting for a safe and convenient transit to New- York. Providentially for myself, the fur merchant just named, wishing to reduce his accumulated stock, resolved upon a journey to the very place. Of this opening I gladly availed myself. Having loaded a large batteau with an assortment of goods, certain terms for my pas- sage were negotiated between my friend Morris and the worthy factor, so that arrangements for my departure were made without the least trou- ble on my part. H' ■>■ 274 NAUR ATI VE OP My time had, on the whole, been spent at Canandaigua with pleasure and profit. I had been instructed in several branches of useful information by Mr. Upham, and at seasonable leisure hours had amused myself by fishing on the lake; nor were bandford and his wife vrant- ing in marks of esteem and good feeling ; but it is to Mr. Morris, that the chief debt of my gratitude is due* I had met with plenty of well-wishers, and with some real friends ; but never did I receive such benevolent and gene- rous treatment as that shown by this gentleman. I was to him an entire stranger, and had there- fore no claim on his goodness. I was his infe- rior in age, in information, and apparently in those other outward circumstances in which human respectability is supposed to rest : and yet he incurred the expense of providing a horse for my use in travelling to his home ; he de- frayed the charges of my board and instruction ; he furnished me with suitable summer clothing ; and now, when able to proceed to New- York, he supplied me with money to meet forthcoming expenses. It may perhaps be surmised that he, of course, as was just and natural, expected future compensation. Not a doit. Singular as it may appear, and, in a world so selfish as ours, singu- lar as it undoubtedly is, he never would, and never did, accept the least remuneration, either in meal or malt, so to speak, for favours so seasonable and important. He was a legitimate descendant of the good Samaritan, whose well- spent at I had f useful asonable shing on fe want- ng; but t of my lenty of ids; but id gene- utleman. id there- his infe- rently in n which rest : and Lg a horse J ; he de^ itruction ; clothing ; 3W-York, thcoming I that he, :ed future as it may rs, singu- ould, and >n, either Lvours so egitimate ose well- O. M. SPENCER. 275 principled beneficence was once so conspicuously shown on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho. May he, at the last great day, receive mercy at the hand of Samaria's God, and ours. A sense of the obligation conferred on me by the individual referred to, will not be erased from my heart, till its pulsations are over. »,» My journeying in the batteau partook of no- velty, to which until now I had been unused. It lay in an outlet about three miles north of the Canandaigua, to which point the depth of water was sufl&cient for our craft. When the lading was completed, we proceeded slowly along the narrow winding stream. Sometimes we were obliged to stop and cut away the trees that had fallen athwart. Occasionally we had to land, and drag our flat-bottomed boat over the ripples and shallows. In this amphibious employ we spent nearly four days. During that period we passed several branch outlets, par^ ticularly those of Seneca, Cayuga, and Owasco. The stream on which we floated, or desired to float, then increased both in depth and width, and obstructions of every other sort proportion- ably diminished. Just after the close of our fourth day's exertion we arrived at the mouth of the Oneida, here called Three-River Points ; distant from Canandaigua about sixty miles by land, and not less than a hundred by water. AVe then ascended the outlet, and crossed Oneida lake, about thirty miles in length ; and on arriving at Wood-creek, a small crooked 276 NAttRATlVE OP "^ ■ stream, foiced our batteau through with great difficulty and labour, to within a mile of the Mohawk. Here we landed ^ removed our goods, and transported our frail bark across a piece of land, on which the town of Rome now stands ; but which at that time contained only one solitary house. Once more re-embarked, we proceeded to Schenectady, where our boating excursion concluded. The skins and furs were now transferred to the hold of a Dutch sloop that happened to be in the harbour : I embarked on board the same vessel, which was bound for New- York, where we arrived without accident on the 2d of July. Here I took my leave of Mr. Chapon, the furrier, and next day engaged a passage in an open ferry-boat across the bay. To cross such an expanse, in such a nut-shell, savoured of temerity ; but there was in those days nothing better, and indeed nothing else, to be hired. I had here another escape little less than miracu- lous. A sudden squall came on, and nearly upset our boat. But the messenger of mercy was nigh, and my life was once more preserved. Having arrived at Elizabethtown, New-Jersey, I was received by my sister and relations with affectionate transport, too great for expression. The happiness I felt when, on the evening of that day, I retired to rest, is known to none, and never will or can be known by any, but myself. It seemed as if I had once more found firm footing on the reeling earth, where I might 0. M. SPENCER. 2^7 venture to place my feet without fear of falling. I then determined to give myself to God, and observe his laws. that the covenant I made in that hour may he observed in this world, and ratified in the . .xt ! Our usual national festivitv was held on the 4th of July, with great spirit and animation, I had the honour on the occasion to be presented to my distant relative, the late Governor Bloomfield, who was highly gratified by a brief recital of my captivity, including several notices of Indian customs and manners. The next day, the love of privacy, which I desired to cultivate, was terminated, or rather invaded, by a notice which Governor Bloomfield inserted in Kol- lock's " New- Jersey Journal," in which the pub- lic were informed that " on the 3d instant, there had arrived at this place, by way of Detroit, Niagara, and New- York, the only son of Colonel Oliver Spencer, late a captive rmong the Indians, with whom he remained about eight months, acquiring considerable knowledge of their language and general habits." In addi- tion to these particulars, something, if I cor- rectly remember, was said in allusion to my look and behaviour, both of which, it was alleged, were of decidedly Indian cast. ' ^ There are, I believe, persons to be found in every part of the world, anJ in modern as well as ancient time, whose restless curiosity ever prompts them to inauire for something new. That the good town ^< Elizabeth had its due 27B NAUR AT I VE OF sliare of tli ial I'olk, is tlierefore not at it )i [3 mercurif all wonderful. I had, as a new and rather nondescripl arrival, visiters of all sorts, and of every age, from six to sixty. Sotvu> of these calls were no doubt founded on real regard for the son of an old friend ; but by far the greater part consisted of persons excited solely by the love of novelty, and who crowded around me as if some rare animal had just been entrapped. Wishing to be ci'^il, I at first received their visits with all possible attention, and answered for the thousandth time the frivolous questions in which every new-comer thought it his privi- lege to indulge. For the pleasure of these peo- ple, I performed Indian dances, I gave them Indian songs, I uttered Indian yells; and all this to;? done (or, at least, so my flatterers decid^il) rjo naturally, and exhibited such wild- ness of manner, that I often heard it remarked in an under-tone, " How much he looks like an Indian ! '* This melo-drama, in w^hich I was actor of all work, was bad enough even for one representation ; but I found my engagement was to last during an entire season. No sooner was the house cleared, but it filled again. This was too much for my fortitude. One extreme often leads to another ; and so it was with me. I became so disgusted with the manner in which I had been transformed into a puppet for public amusement, that I became irresistibly taciturn and incommunicative. Yes, or no, on the subject of Indian mysteries, was all I could .f.^£'- ur. ler the pro- vboat eighteen 'h.ch time was >uits of which O. M. Sl'KNCKM. 270 prevail upon myself to yield. I liuve since regretted that such wns the case, m in some instances I possibly offended persons who were entitled to more respectful notice. At the siinie time, some excuse may be found for my error, in the unfeeling and injudi lous treatment I had previously experienced. ^ I remained at Elizabc th' ^ tection of my brother-i -Ir fnonths ; a regular porti* devoted to my education, the had been so lamentably suspended by the events already recorded. On the Hth of September, 1794, having completed my fourteenth year, it was judged advisable that I should return to my parents. I accordingly set out on horseback, in company with a gentleman named Crane, and the late General Schenck, then on his first tour to the western States. We performed the jour- ney to Pittsburgh in ten days : our horses were then placed in flat boats, in which we descended the Ohio, and arrived at Columbia about the middle of October. The exultation of my parents, and my own delight, at the never-to- be-forgotten interview which took place, can only be conceived by those who have been in circumstances somewhat similar ; the number of whom, I trust, is small. I was welcomed with open arms. With what propriety might the language of Scripture be adopted : " This my son was dead, and is alive again ; and he that \yas lost is found ! " The day was spent in busy 2 A 2 N^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 1.25 u Hi 12.2 I' ^ us, II 2.0 6" V] /2 i? v: ^ W 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STRICT W»STER,N.V. MS80 (716) 872-4503 ^ 280 NARRATIVE OF and . afiPectionate inquiries concerning the past; Every event, as with some talismanic touch, tonisKed materials for comfort. All were won- der, love, and praise; and in the evening we knelt round the family altar, while my pious father offered up . supplications and thanks- givings to the Father of mercies, for all his past goodness, and especially for the preservation and return of his son. Since these events took place, upwards of forty years have fled. The rivers which once flowed in silence, now teem with the frequent sail and ready oar. The keel of com^merce enlivens every port, and presents us ydth the produce of every clime. Agriculture has spread her verdant carpet over many an acre of former sterility. Our com, and wine, and oil ahound. The habitations of our citizens have spread far and wide. Busy towns and densely-populated cities now exist, where once timid and ill- omened birds sought their safety in retreat. The tabernacles of the Most High have dis- placed the paltry wigwam and the hideous idol- temples of the poor Indian ; and the praises of Jehovah often resound where formerly the panther's howl, or the yell of the scarcely less dreaded savage, arose to alarm the weak and defenceless passenger. How appropriate is part of the prophecy of Balaam ! " God brought them out of Egypt ; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn. Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any O. If. SPENCER. 281 past; DUChy won- g we pious Euaks- I past ration ds of once quent merce li the spread !bnner }ound. ad far ulated d iU- etreat. e dis- IS idol- ises of ly tlie ily less ik and is part wrought jre the is no ere any divination a[^ainst Israel : according to this time it shall he 3aid of Jacoh and of Israel, What hath God wrought ! " But where are the friends and companions of our youth ? or, in the words of the venerable English moralist and grammarian, "Where is the world on which we entered ? " Our parents, where are they? Mine have long since slept with their fathers. Waw-paw-maw-quaw, who for many years ceased not to pay me an annual visit, has gone to the land whence he shall not return. Few of the persons whose names occur in the preceding narrative are now sojourners on earth. We also shall shortly put off the earthly house in which we now reside. Let us he thankful, " there remaineth a rest for the people of God.** Our great High Priest oflFered his blood, and died. Where he now is, we may he also. May we aspire to that better inherit- ance, the heavenly country, to which, by divine grace, we are entitled and invited; where no lurking foe can invade our liberty, or destroy our peace ; to which the entrance of evil is impos- sible ; " Where all is assurance and peace, And sorrow and sin are no more/' THE KND. ti 2 A 3 LONDON : VRINTEO BY JAMES NICHOLS, HOXTON-SqVARB. ■- V- i .1 \ ♦■ ♦ ¥ .X,;s WORKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN MASON, 14, CITY-ROAD, AMD SOLD AT 66, PATERNOSTER-ROW. RECENTLY PUBLISHED, DELINEATION OF ROMAN CATHOLICISM, Drawn firom the authentic and aekiiglrledged Standards of the Church of Rome : in which her peculiar JDoetnnei, ^orals, Government, and Usages are stated, treated at large, and confuted. By the Rev. Charles Elliott, D.D., A new Edition, corrected and revised throughout, with numerous important Additions, by the Rev. John S. Stamp. Imperial 8vo., cambric. Price I5«. INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT HEART-WORK, And A COMPANION FOB PRAYER. By the Rev. Richard Alleine. The wliole revised and corrected, with an historical and characteristic Sketch of the Life and Writings of the Author,' by the Rev. John S. Stamp. Crown 8vo. Price 4«., cambric. HOLY LIVING: EXEMPLIFIED IN THB LIFE OF MRS. MARY CRYER, Wife of the Rev. Thomas Cryer, Wesleyan Missioilary in India- With Xitracts from her Papers and Correspondence. ' By the Rev. Alf&eo Barrett. With two fine Engr{iyings. 12mo. Fxice is., cambric, gilt-lettered. PASTORAL ADDRESSES. By the Rrv. Alpred Barrett. ^^ ToLVMS I., containing Nos. I. to XII , — ^Volume II., containing Nos. XIII. to XXIV., Cambric, gilt-lettered, Price l.«. 6d. each ; or, with gilt-edges. Price 2s. each. ♦ 4 «?! 2 ♦ WORKS PUBLISHED ANNALS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. In familiar Conversations for Young People. By Mrs. Pabkkb, Author of "Decision and Indecision," fic, . 12ino., cambric. Price 5*. THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER. To vhich is prefixed, An Expository Essay on the Lutheran ](«fonnation, by the Rev. Geobgk Cubitt. With an Appendix, containing a Chronological Table of the Principal Events occurring during the Period of Luther's Life. 12mo., cambric. Price is. 6d. THE PRINCIPLES AND DOCTRINES OP CHRISTIANITY EXAMINED, In reference to their Tendency and Influence. In a Series of ^says. By the Rbv. W. P. Bvbgbu. 18mo., cambric. Price 2k, MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH BURGESS, Formerly an Officer in the Army, afterwards a Wesleyan Minister. By the Rev. W. P. Burobm. 18mo., cambric. Price U. 6d. A MISSIONARY NARRATIVE Of the Triumphs of Grace, as seen in the Conversion of Kafirs, Hottentots, Fingoes, and other Natives of South Africa By the Ret. SamveXi Youmg, late Missionary in Southern A(Hca. 18mo., cambric. Price U. 9d, THE SUNDAY-SCHOLAR'S GUIDE, AND YOUNG PERSONS MANUAL. By the Rev. J. T. Barr. ISmo. Price 84. A LETTER TO THE REV. EDWARD B. PUSEY, D.D., BBOIUS PROFESSOR OF HEBREW IV THE 1TKIVERSITT OF OXFORD : Bdng a Vindication of the Tenets and Character of the Wesleyan Methodists, against his Misrepresentations and Censures. By Thomas JAnxsoK. ^ 8vo. Price 6(1.— Cheap Edition. Price 3., cambric^^ Price 8«. 4 t ibric. dth I MON state. [: perfec- ed. [HE DUMN. EW . 18«. I Jabbx BY JOHN MASON. A UNIFORM AND ELEGANT EDITION OF THE WORKS OF THE REV. RICHARD WATSON. INCLUDING THE MEMOIRS BY JACKSON. Twelve Volumes, 8vo., Turkey cambric, gilt-letteredt Price £5. 3j. 6d. *«* This Edition contains the whole of Mr. Watbom*! Works, except his Dictionary and Exposition. BY THE SAME AUTHOR, A BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY. Royal 8vo., cambric. Price 18«. AN EXPOSITION OP THE GOSPELS OF ST. MATTHEW AND ST. MARK, With Notes on other Parts of Scripture. Royal 8vo., cambric. Price 10«. THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTES: Or, a View of the Evidences, Doctrines, Morals, and Institutions of Christianitv. 8 Vols., 8vo., cambric. Pnce £1. 5«. 6(1.; 4 Vols., royal 18mo., cambric. Price iSl. 2», CONVERSATIONS FOR THE YOUNG: lote the f rofltable reading of the Royal Ibraa., cambric. Price 6«. Designed to promote the rrofitable reading of the Holy Scriptures. _ - - - ». Pi* - LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN WESLEY, A.M. With a Portrait. Royal I8mo., cambric. Price 5$, UNIVERSAL REDEMPTION OF MANKIND THE DOCTRINE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 12mo., cambric. Price 2«.6(f. 1 SERMONS AND SKETCHES OF SERMONS. 3 Vols., 8vo., cambric. Price £1. 5*. 6cf. 4 BY THE REV. JONATHAN EDMONDSON, A.M. SHORT SERMONS ON IMPORTANT SUBJECTS. 2 Voli., 8vo., cambric. Price 19«. A CONCISE SYSTEM OP SELF-GOVERNMENT In th« gnat AflUrs of Life and Godliness. 12ino., cambric. Price i». SERMONS ON THE NATURE AND OFFICES OF THE HOLY GHOST. Bjr the Rbv. J. Edmokoion, and the Rbt. U. TRBVirmT. 12mo., cambric. Price S«.6<{. SCRIPTURE VIEWS OF THE HEAVENLY WORLD. 12mo., ovnbric. Price it. 1 ELEMENTS OF REVEALED RELIGION. \ 12mo., cambric. Price 5«. AN ESSAY ON THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: Including a General Outline of Ministerial and Pastoral Duties; for tlie Use of Young Preachers. I2mo., cambric. Price St. M, BY THE REV. RICHARD TREFFRY. MEMOIRS OF THE REV. RICHARD TREFFRY, JUN.; WITH SELECT REMAINS, Consisting of Sketches of Sermons, Essays, and Poetry. Including Extracts firom his Correspondence. With a Portrait. 12mo., cambric. Price 5«. 6d. A TREATISE ON SECRET AND SOCIAL PRAYER. 12ino., cfunbric. Price St, A TREATISE ON THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. 12mo., cambric. Price S«. A TREATISE ON CHRISTIAN PERFECTION. 18mo., cambric. Price 2«. 6d. A PARENTAL PORTRAITURE OF THOMAS H. TREFFRY. 18mo., cambric. Price 1«. 6d» MEMOIRS OF MR. RICHARD TREWAVAS, SEN., Of Mousehole, Cornwall. To which is prefixed. An Account of Methodism |n Mousehole. ISmo., cambric. Price It. 6d. * BY THE REV. THOMAS JACKSON. CENTENARY OF WESLEYAN METHODISM. A brief Sk»tch of the Riie, Proffrets, and Present State of the Weslcynii-Mcthodiat Societlei throughout the World. Post 8vo , cambric. Price ««.— Demy 12mo., cambric. Price 8s. An Abridged Edition, for the Use of Schools. 18mo., cambric. Price Is. 6d. THE LIFE OF THE REV. CHARLES WESLEY, M.A., Comprising a Review of his Poetry; Slcetches of the Rise and Pro- gress of Methodism ; with Notices of contemporary Events and Characters. 2 Vols., 8vo., cambric. Price iBl. Is. A LETTER TO THE REV. EDWARD B. PUSEY, D.D.. RXOIVS PKOVKSSOll OW HKBAXW IN THK VMIVERSITY OV OXVOHO: Being a Vindication of the Tenets and Character of the Wesleyaa Methodists, against his Misrepresentations and Censures. 8vo. Price fid.— Chkap Edition. Price 8J. MEMOIRS OF THE REV. RICHARD WATSON. Royal 18mo., cambric. Price 6«. JOHN GOODWINS EXPpSITION OF THE NINTH CHAPTER OF THE ROMANS; Banvsr or J usTiFiCATioN oisPLATSD, kc 8vo., cambric. Price 8«. EXPOSITORY DISCOURSES ON VARIOUS SCRIP- TURE FACTS AND CHARACTERS. Post 8vo., cambric. Price 7«. BY THE REV. RICHARD TREFFRY, JUN. AN INQUIRY INTO THE DOCTRINE OF THE ETERNAL SONSHIP OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 12mo., cambric. Price 7«. LETTERS ON THE ATONEMENT. 18mo., cambric. Price it.Qd. LECTURES ON THE EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. 18mo., cambric. Price U. 6d, MEMOIRS OF MR. JOHN EDWARDS TREZISE; With some Account of Methodism ir. St. Just. 18mo., cambric. Price 2a. THE INFIDEL'S OWN BOOK. A Statement of some of the Absurdities resulting firom the Rejectl< FOUR SERMONS ON THE PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST. By the Rxv. Thsophilus Lesset. 12mo., cambric. Price 2s, 6d. A TREATISE ON JUSTIFICATION. By John Gooowiir. 12mo., cambric. Pricu 2$. THE SCRIPTURAL DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION. By the Rev. Edwaeo Hare. With a Preface by the Rxv. Thomas Jacksox. 12mo., cambric. Price 2t. 6d. THE DOCTRINE OF UNIVERSAL RESTORATION EXAMINED AND REFUTED. By the Rev. Daniel Isaac. 12mo., cambric. Price 2». DIALOGUES ON SANCTIFICATION. By the Rev. J. S. Pipe. 18mo., cambric. Price It, id. THE LIFE OF DAVID BRAINERD. < * Missionary to the Indians. By the Rev. J. Wesley. 18mo., cambric.^ Price 3a, ■^ I D I for DE: tice, r. F u.ed. ' :ioN. rioN r. BY JOHN MASON. 11 A LIBRARY OF CHRISTIAN BIOGRAPHY. Edited by the Rkv. Thomas Jackboh. Complete in 12 Vols. 18mo., cambric. Price 2«. 6tf. each. Vol. I. Dr. Watt», Mr. T. Halibv&tom. II. Rev. Pbarb Dickinson, Mr. John Jankwat. III. Sir Matth£W Halk, Rev. Joseph Alleine, Mr. Nathanasl Hetwood. IV. Rev. Samuel Pearce, Rev. John Shower, Mrs. Aomeh Beaumont, Rev. Samuel Newell. V. Archbishop Cranmer, Bishop Latimer. VI. Colonel Gardiner, Monsieur se Renxt. VII. Rev. Freeborn Garrettson. VIII. Rev. Frebboiin Garrettson concluded, Bishop Bedell, Rev. Anthony William Boehm. IX. Dr. Henry Hammond, Earl op Rochester, Dr. Thomas Manton. X. Monsieur Claude, Dr. Robert Sanderson, Mrs. Elisabeth Rowb, Rnv. John M'Lavrin. XI. Rev. John Howe, Lady Elizabeth Hastings. XII. IlEv. Vavasor Powell, Howell Harris, Esq., Arch- bishop UsBBR, Dr. Anthony HornBck, Bishop Ken. LIVES OF EARLY METHODIST PREACHERS. Chiefly written by themselves. Edited by the Rbv. Thomas Jackson. 3 Vols. ]2mo., cambric. Price 154. MigMOIRS OP THE REV. DAVID STONER. By the Rev. Dr. Hannah, and Mr. William Dawson. ■f. 12mo., cambric. Price 4«. MEMOIRS OF W. CARVOSSO. Written by himself, and edited by his Son. 1 8mo., cambric. Price S*\ MEMOIRS OF THE REV. ROWLAND PECK, Late Missionary in Sierra-Leone. By his Father. 18mo., cambric. Price la. 6d. THE LIFE OF LADY MAXWELL. By the Rev. J. Lancaster. Edited by the Rev. William Athbrtow. I2mo., cambric. Price 6«. MEMOIRS OF MISS HANNAH BALL: Willi Extracts from her Diary and Correspondence. With a Preface by the Rev. Thomas Jackson, 12mo., cambric. Price 2s. 6d. MEMOIRS OF MRS. MARY COOPER. Extracted f^om her Diary and Epistolary Correspondence. By Adam Clarke, LL.D. 18mo., cambric. Price 2s.6d. 4- i ♦ *>!. £ MEMOIRS OF MRS. ELIZABETH MORTIMEft. By Mrs. Aovbi Bulmxb. 12mo., oambrio. , Price it, JOURNAL AND CORRESPONDENCE OP MRS. M. CLOUGH. Wife of the Rev. B. Clough, Misisionary in Ceylon. With an Introduction by Dr. Adah Clabkv. 18mo., cambric. Price 2«. THE YOUNG CHRISTlAl^. By Jacob Abbott. Revised and corrected by the Rev. D. Waitoh. 18mo., cambilc. Price 2|.6d. - YOUTHFUL PIETY; Being brief Memorials of Children of Wesleyan Ministers. 18m«., cambric. Price 2«« 1 NARRATIVE OF O. M. SPEN^R.^ Comprising an Account of his Captivity among the'Mohawk Indians in North America. 18mo.» cambric. Price 2$. SCRIPTURE HISTORIES : Cqntaiaing^the Histories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseplr, Moces, h, Elisha, and Jeremiah. ByMRS. Ao 3 Volumes, 18mo., cambrio. Price 6*. ing i,E Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, and Jeremiah. By Mrs. Agnes Bulusr. DIALOGUES, MORAL AND SCIENTIFIC. 2 Vols., royal 18mo., cambric. Price 6». SKETCHES OF POPULAR ANTIQUITIES. ' Designed for the Use of Young Persons. By the Rbt. A. i^» FAiui^m. 18mo., cambric. Price Is, 6d. DR. YOUNG'b NIGHT THOUGHTS. With short Notes by tho iR,BV. Jonii Wxsi.et. To which is added. Dr. Youn|:'t Poem oH the Last Day. With a Preface by the Rev. Thomas Jacxsoh. ISttio., cambric. Price is. DR. WATTS'S DEATH AND HEAVEN, With a Preface by the Rev. TudMAs Jacksom*^ ", 18mo., cambric. Price 2#. SCRIPTURE CONVERSATIONS : Between George and his Minister. I8mo., canlMc Price U. id. CONVERSATIONS ON THE PARABLES OF CHRIST. By the Rev. G. Cvbitt. 18mo., camb]|io. Price If. Gd. BOCHE, PRINTER, 25, HOXTOK-R^ITARE, LONDUK. OF on. ). "WxiTOir. aiRtera. \ Mohawk fie 2t, eph; Moses, 8 BULUSR. IFIC. TIES. • S. [.ET. It 0ay. OH. EN, Price 1«. S(f. ^ CHRIST. Is. Get. DOK. > 11 • .■.■...( > 0( ^\*^- '■'f, :% ,**( n