Captives among the Indians : $b first-hand narratives of Indian wars, customs, tortures, and habits of life in colonial timesRowlandson, Mary White
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Captives among the Indians : $b first-hand narratives of Indian wars, customs, tortures, and habits of life in colonial times
Rowlandson, Mary White
Indian captivities -- Northeastern States
I then proceeded on as fast as I could walk, and when I got about ten
or twelve miles from our hut I came upon fresh buffalo tracks; I
pursued after, and in a short time came in sight of them as they were
passing through a small glade. I ran with all my might and headed them,
where I lay in ambush, and killed a very large cow. I immediately
kindled a fire and began to roast meat, but could not wait till it was
done; I ate it almost raw. When hunger was abated I began to be
tenderly concerned for my old Indian brother and the little boy I had
left in a perishing condition. I made haste and packed up what meat I
could carry, secured what I left from the wolves, and returned
homewards.
I scarcely thought on the old man's speech while I was almost
distracted with hunger, but on my return was much affected with it,
reflected on myself for my hard-heartedness and ingratitude, in
attempting to run off and leave the venerable old man and little boy to
perish with hunger. I also considered how remarkably the old man's
speech had been verified in our providentially obtaining a supply. I
thought also of that part of his speech which treated of the fractious
dispositions of hungry people, which was the only excuse I had for my
base inhumanity, in attempting to leave them in the most deplorable
situation.
As it was moonlight, I got home to our hut, and found the old man in
his usual good-humor. He thanked me for my exertion, and bid me sit
down, as I must certainly be fatigued, and he commanded Nunganey to
make haste and cook. I told him I would cook for him, and let the boy
lay some meat on the coals for himself; which he did, but ate it almost
raw, as I had done. I immediately hung on the kettle with some water,
and cut the beef in thin slices, and put them in. When it had boiled
awhile, I proposed taking it off the fire, but the old man replied,
"Let it be done enough." This he said in as patient and unconcerned a
manner as if he had not wanted one single meal. He commanded Nunganey
to eat no more beef at that time, lest he might hurt himself, but told
him to sit down, and after some time he might sup some broth; this
command he reluctantly obeyed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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