Anecdotes of the American Indians, illustrating their eccentricities of character — John Shaqi
Anecdotes of the American Indians, illustrating their eccentricities of character
History
Anecdotes of the American Indians, illustrating their eccentricities of character
Indians of North America -- Anecdotes
them all than forfeit his word, or deduct from his proud nation one
particle of its boasted honor. He was then set at liberty. He was
advised to flee to the wilderness, and make his escape. “But no,” said
he, “do you think I prize life above honor? or that I would betray a
confidence reposed in me, for the sake of saving my life?” He then
complacently remained until nine days of the ten which he had to live
had elapsed, and nothing heard from the nation with regard to the
apprehension of the murderers, his immediate death became apparent;
but no alteration could be seen in the countenance of the chief. It so
happened that on that day, Gen. Atkinson arrived with his troops from
Jefferson Barracks, and the order for execution was countermanded, and
the Indians permitted to repair to their homes.
INDIAN ELOQUENCE.
The Indian warrior Tecumseh, who fell in the late American war, was
not only an accomplished military commander, but also a great natural
statesman and orator. Among the many strange, and some strongly
characteristic events of his life, the council which the American
General Harrison held with the Indians at Vincennes, in 1811, affords
an admirable instance of the sublimity which sometimes distinguished
his eloquence. The chiefs of some tribes had come to complain of a
purchase of lands which had been made from the Kickafoos. The council
effected nothing, but broke up in confusion, in consequence of Tecumseh
having called General Harrison “a liar.” During the long talks which
took place in the conference, Tecumseh, having finished one of his
speeches, looked round, and seeing every one seated, while no seat
was prepared for him, a momentary frown passed over his countenance.
Instantly General Harrison ordered that a chair should be given him.
Some person presented one, and bowing, said to him, “Warrior, your
father, General Harrison, offers you a seat.” Tecumseh’s dark eye
flashed. “My father!” he exclaimed indignantly, extending his arms
towards heaven; “the sun is my father, and the earth is my mother; she
gives me nourishment, and I repose upon her bosom.” As he ended, he
suddenly seated himself on the ground.
INDIAN COQUETRY.
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