A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary JemisonSeaver, James E. (James Everett)
History
A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison
Seaver, James E. (James Everett)
Jemison, Mary, 1743-1833; Seneca Indians
Doctor heard the proposition, and after a moment's pause, made the
following reply:--"I am as sensible as you can be of the unhappy
situation in which we have placed ourselves. We are bad Indians. We have
forfeited our lives, and must expect in some way to atone for our crime:
but, because we are bad and miserable, shall we make ourselves worse?
If we were now innocent, and in a calm reflecting moment should kill
ourselves, that act would make us bad, and deprive us of our share of
the good hunting in the land where our fathers have gone! What would
Little Beard [Footnote: Little Bears was a Chief who died in 1806.] say
to us on our arrival at his cabin? He would say, 'Bad Indians! Cowards!
You were afraid to wait till we wanted your help! Go (Jogo) to where
snakes will lie in your path; where the panthers will starve you, by
devouring the venison; and where you will be naked and suffer with the
cold! Jogo, (go,) none but the brave and good Indians live here!' I
cannot think of performing an act that will add to my wretchedness.
It is hard enough for me to suffer here, and have good hunting
hereafter--worse to lose the whole."
Upon this, Jack withdrew his proposal. They went on about two miles, and
then turned about and came home. Guilty and uneasy, they lurked about
Squawky Hill near a fortnight, and then went to Cattaraugus, and were
gone six weeks. When they came back, Jack's wife earnestly requested
him to remove his family to Tonnewonta; but he remonstrated against her
project, and utterly declined going. His wife and family, however, tired
of the tumult by which they were surrounded, packed up their effects in
spite of what he could say, and went off.
Jack deliberated a short time upon the proper course for himself to
pursue, and finally, rather than leave his old home, he ate a large
quantity of muskrat root, and died in 10 or 12 hours. His family being
immediately notified of his death, returned to attend the burial, and is
yet living at Squawky Hill.
Nothing was ever done with Doctor, who continued to live quietly
at Squawky Hill till sometime in the year 1819, when he died of
Consumption.
CHAPTER XV.
Micah Brooks, Esq. volunteers to get the Title to her Land confirmed
to herself.--She is Naturalized.--Great Council of Chiefs, &c. in Sept.
1823.--She Disposes of her Reservation.--Reserves a Tract 2 miles long,
and 1 mile wide, &c.--The Consideration how Paid, &c.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account