"We are told that the American armies have been cut to pieces, that General Washington has been killed, that there is no more Congress, and that those that have not already been hanged will be taken to England and hanged by the king, that all the country beyond the mountains is in possession of the English, and the few thousand Americans who have escaped are gathered on this side of the mountains to kill us and our women and children. Now, tell me the truth; are all or any of these things true?" With all the solemnity he could command, the visitor replied that there was not a word of truth in the rumors that had been brought to the Delawares. The Americans had not been defeated, Washington was unharmed, the cause of patriotism was making the best of progress, and he carried with him the proof that one of the greatest of the British armies had surrendered to the Americans only a few months before. Heckewelder then unfolded and displayed a newspaper which told of the capture of General Burgoyne and his troops. Then the visitor added that he had with him also the friendly messages which the Americans wished him to deliver to the Delawares as a sign of their good will. [Illustration: MASSACRE AT FORT MIMMS. This fort in Alabama was attacked by eight hundred Creek warriors, August 30, 1813, led by the noted half-breed and Chief Weathersford. The fort held five hundred soldiers, men, women and children, but being taken by surprise, over two hundred people were scalped.] [Illustration: DEATH OF TECUMSEH THE GREAT INDIAN CHIEF. Tecumseh was one of the most famous chiefs and Indian warriors of the eighteenth century. He organized many expeditions against the whites but lost his life at the Battle of the Thames, October 5, 1813. He was an ally of the British in the War of 1812.] Every warrior present knew that the visitor was a man of truth, and his words caused a sensation. White Eyes seized the "psychological moment," and, turning to the assemblage, asked whether they should listen to the words of those who had always been their friends. The warriors replied as one voice that they would. Accordingly, the drum was beaten and the whole body moved to the council house, where friendly addresses were spoken. When they were finished, White Eyes stepped forward and offered his hand to Heckewelder, saying: "You are welcome, my brother," and the others did likewise. It was a triumph. Captain Pipe was silent, and soon after, his spies brought him word that everything told by the white men was true. White Eyes sent his runners to the Shawnees, where the Tories had already gone to stir up enmity against the Americans, and the messengers did their work well. Never was a more complete victory gained by diplomat, statesman, or military leader.