The boys' book of Indian battles and adventures, with anecdotes about them
History
The boys' book of Indian battles and adventures, with anecdotes about them
Indians of North America -- Anecdotes
“A fine-looking, tall, dignified savage, then approached the surveyor’s
camp—rather young in appearance than otherwise. He very gracefully
stepped up to Captain Bryan (who was now reposing in his camp, on account
of rheumatism, occasioned by his recent exposure), and informed him, that
the old man in his camp was a Chief; that he felt under great obligations
to the Great and Good Spirit for so signal an interposition in their
favour; that he was about to make a prayer, and address the Good Spirit,
and thank him: that it was the custom, on such occasions, for the Indians
to stand up in their camp; and that his Chief requested the captain and
his men, to conform, in like manner, by standing up in _their_ camp. The
captain replied, that his men would all conform, and order should be
preserved; but, as for himself, his affliction would compel him to keep
his seat—but this must not be construed into disrespect. The captain
remarked to me, that he was not himself a religious character, though a
man of feeling.
“The old Chief raised himself upon his feet, as did those around him;
and, lifting up his hands, commenced his prayer and thanksgiving with
an audible voice. And such an address to Deity, on such an occasion—as
far as I could understand him—I never before heard flow from mortal lips!
The tone—the modulation of his voice—the gestures—all corresponded to
make a very deep impression upon us. In the course of his thanksgiving—as
I gathered from the Indians—he recapitulated the doleful situation in
which they were so recently placed—the awful horrors of starvation,
with which they were threatened—the vain attempts they had made to
procure food, until He, the Great and Good Spirit, had sent that good
White man, and had crowned his exertions with success; and so directed
him and them to meet, and to find plenty.” Who can fully describe the
abundant overflowings of a grateful heart? He continued in this vehement
strain for about half an hour, “when,” remarked Captain B., “my own men
reflecting on their own recent situation, retrospecting what had taken
place, and beholding the pious gratitude of a ‘Child of the Forest,’
feeling the same sensations, they were melted into tenderness—if not into
tears.”
The person who so gracefully addressed Captain Bryan, in behalf of his
Chief, was TECUMSEH.
INDIAN LOGIC.[6]
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