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
Moved by these words, a noble woman came to join herself to the
favourite wife, of her own accord, being engaged, she said, by the
friendship she bore the Stung Serpent, to follow him into the other
world. The Europeans called her the Haughty Lady, on account of her
majestic deportment, and proud and beautiful features: on this account
the French officers regretted very much her resolve, and strove to
dissuade her from it, but in vain: the moving sight filled them all
with grief and horror.
[Illustration]
PONTIAC.
Great as were many of the western Indian warriors, none was greater
than Pontiac, a chief whose fame was not only spread throughout
America, but widely diffused in Europe. He was the chief of all the
Indians on the chain of lakes: the Ottawas, to which he belonged, the
Miamis, Chippewas, Wyandots, Pottawatomies, Winnebagoes, Shawanese,
Ottagamies, and Mississagas, all of which tribes afterwards were led
by Tecumseh. Pontiac is said to have possessed a majestic and princely
appearance, so pleasing to the Indians, and this in part accounts for
his popularity among them.
In 1760, after the capture of Quebec, Major Rogers was sent into the
country of Pontiac to drive the French from it. Being informed of
his approach, Pontiac sent word to him to wait until he came to him.
The major waited, and when Pontiac came, that chief asked him why he
entered his dominions without permission. The major answered that he
came not against the natives but the French; and at the same time gave
the chief several belts of wampum; whereupon Pontiac replied, “I stand
in the path you travel until to-morrow morning.” By this was meant
that he must not proceed until the next morning. Upon an offer of the
Indian, Major Rogers bought a large quantity of parched corn, and other
provisions. The next day Pontiac offered him every facility for the
undertaking. Messengers were sent to the different tribes to assure
them that the English had his permission to pass through the country,
and he even accompanied the major and troops as far as Detroit. He was
noted for the desire of knowledge, and while the English were in his
country, he was very curious in examining their arms, clothes, &c., and
expressed a wish to go to England. He said that he would allow white
settlements within his domains; and was willing to call the king of
England _uncle_ but not master. He further told the soldiers that they
must behave themselves peaceably while in his country, or he would stop
the way.
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.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account