The following striking display of Indian character occurred some years
since in a town in Maine. An Indian of the Kennebec tribe, remarkable
for his good conduct, received a grant of land from the state, and
fixed himself in a township, where a number of families settled.
Though not ill treated, yet the common prejudice against the Indians
prevented any sympathy with him. This was shown at the death of his
only child, when none of the people came near him. Shortly afterwards
he went to some of the inhabitants, and said to them, "When white
man's child die, Indian man be sorry--he help bury him: when my child
die, no one speak to me--I make his grave alone--I can't live here."
He gave up his farm, dug up the body of his child, and carried it with
him two hundred miles through the forest, to join the Canada Indians.
What energy and depth of feeling does this specimen of Indian
character exhibit!
[Illustration: Indian with his Tomahawk.]
INDIAN INTEGRITY.
A Spanish traveller met an Indian in the desert; they were both on
horseback. The Spaniard, fearing that his horse, which was none of the
best, would not hold out till the end of his journey, asked the
Indian, whose horse was young, strong, and spirited, to exchange with
him. This the Indian refused. The Spaniard therefore began a quarrel
with him. From words they proceeded to blows. The aggressor being well
armed, proved too powerful for the native. He seized his horse,
mounted him, and pursued his journey.
* * * * *
He was closely followed to the nearest town by the Indian, who
immediately complained to a judge. The Spaniard was obliged to appear,
and bring the horse with him. He treated the Indian as an impostor,
affirming that the horse was his property, that he had always had him
in his possession, and that he had raised him from a colt.
There being no proof to the contrary, the judge was about dismissing
the parties, when the Indian cried out,--"The horse is mine, and I'll
prove it!" He immediately took off his mantle, and with it instantly
covered the head of the animal; then addressing the judge,--"Since
this man," said he, "affirms that he has raised the horse from a colt,
command him to tell of which eye he is blind." The Spaniard, who would
not seem to hesitate, instantly answered, "Of the right eye." "He is
neither blind of the right eye," replied the Indian, "nor of the left."
The judge decreed him the horse, and the Spaniard to be punished as a
robber.
INDIAN POLITENESS.
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