General Jackson was pleased with his boldness, and told him that, though he was in his power, yet he would take no advantage; that he might yet join the war party, and contend against the Americans, if he chose, but to depend upon no quarter if taken afterward; and that unconditional submission was his and his people’s only safety. Weatherford rejoined in a tone as dignified as it was indignant,--“You can safely address me in such terms now. There was a time when I could have answered you--there was a time when I had a choice--I have none now. I have not even a hope. I could once animate my warriors to battle--but I cannot animate the dead. My warriors can no longer hear my voice. Their bones are at Tallahega, Tallushatchee, Emuckfaw, and Tohopeka. I have not surrendered myself without thought. While there was a single chance of success, I never left my post, nor supplicated peace. But my people are gone, and I now ask it for my nation, not for myself. I look back with deep sorrow, and wish to avert still greater calamities. If I had been left to contend with the Georgia army, I would have raised my corn on one bank of the river, and fought them on the other. But your people have destroyed my nation. You are a brave man. I rely upon your generosity. You will exact no terms of a conquered people, but such as they should accede to. Whatever they may be, it would now be madness and folly to oppose them. If they are opposed, you shall find me amongst the sternest enforcers of obedience. Those who would still hold out, can be influenced only by a mean spirit of revenge. To this they must not, and shall not sacrifice the last remnant of their country. You have told our nation where we might go and be safe. This is good talk, and they ought to listen to it. They shall listen to it.” [Illustration: 0357] The treaty concluded between the Creeks and the whites was faithfully observed by the former, and Weatherford’s conduct proved, that he could be a warm friend if conciliated, as well as a formidable and determined foe in war. Passionately fond of wealth, he appropriated to himself a fine tract of land, improved and settled it. To this he retired occasionally, and relaxed from the cares of his government, indulging in pleasures, censurable and often disgusting. The character of this chief reminds us of some of the old Roman heroes and politicians. The same genius, activity, ambition, and love of vicious pleasures belonged to those Cæsars and Antonys who have received more historical encomiums than is rightfully their due. [Illustration: 0360] [Illustration: 0362] [Illustration: 0363] THE BATTLE OF SACO POND. [Illustration: 9363]