It happened, during the Revolutionary war, that a treaty was held with
the Indians, at which Lafayette was present. The object was to unite the
various tribes in amity with America. The majority of the chiefs were
friendly, but there was much opposition made to it, more especially by a
young warrior, who declared that when an alliance was entered into with
America, he should consider the sun of his country as set forever. In
his travels through the Indian country, when lately in America, it
happened at a large assemblage of chiefs that Lafayette referred to the
treaty in question, and turning to Red Jacket, said, "Pray, tell me, if
you can, what has become of that daring youth, who so decidedly opposed
all our propositions for peace and amity? Does he still live--and what
is his condition?" "I myself am the man," replied Red Jacket, "the
decided enemy of the Americans as long as the hope of opposing them with
success remained, but now their true and faithful ally until death."
[Illustration: Red Jacket Chief.]
INDIAN SHREWDNESS.
When General Lincoln went to make peace with the Creek Indians, one of
the chiefs asked him to sit down on a log. He was then desired to
move, and in a few minutes to move still further. The request was
repeated until the general got to the end of the log. The Indian still
said, "Move further," to which the general replied, "I can move no
further." "Just so it is with us," said the chief; "you have moved us
back to the water, and then ask us to move further."
[Illustration: Indian Council, with white men, making a treaty.]
AN INDIAN'S JOKE.
During the time of Indian troubles, a friendly Indian visited Governor
Jenks, of Rhode Island, when the governor took occasion to request him
to let him know if any strange Indian should come to his wigwam. This
the Indian promised to do, and the governor agreed to give him a mug
of flip if he should give such information. Some time after, the
Indian came again, and said, "Well, Mr. Gubernor, strange Indian come
to my house last night." "Ah," said the governor, "what did he say?"
"He no speak," replied the Indian. "What, not speak at all?" inquired
the governor. "No, he no speak at all." "That looks suspicious," said
his excellency, and inquired if he was there still. Being told that he
was, the governor ordered the promised mug of flip. When this was
disposed of, and the Indian was about to depart, he mildly said, "Mr.
Gubernor, my squaw have child last night." The governor, finding the
strange Indian was a new-born pappoose, was glad to find there was no
cause for alarm.
[Illustration: Indian with his Bow and Arrow.]
INDIAN CHARACTER.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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