USA > Kentucky > A history of the commonwealth of Kentucky > Part 8
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"The Big Knife is very much like the Red people, they don't know how to make blankets, and powder, and cloth; they buy these things from the English, from whom they are sprung.
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They live by making corn, hunting and trade, as you and your neighbors, the French, do. But the Big Knife daily getting more numerous, like the trees in the woods, the land became poor, and hunting scarce; and having but little to trade with, the women began to cry at secing their children naked, and tried to learn how to make clothes for themselves; soon made blankets for their husbands and children; and the men learned to make guns and powder. In this way we did not want to buy so much from the English; they then got mad with us, and sent strong garrisons through our country (as you see they have done among you on the lakes, and among the French;) they would not let our women spin, nor our men make powder, nor let us trade with any body else. The English said, we should buy every thing from them, and since we had got saucy, we should give two bucks for a blanket, which we used to get for one; we should do as they pleased, and they killed some of our people, to make the rest fear them. This is the truth, and the real cause of the war between the English and us; which did not take place for some time after this treatment. But our women became cold and hungry, and continued to cry; our young men got lost for want of counsel to put them in the right path. The whole land was dark, the old men held down their heads for shame, because they could not see the sun, and thus there was mourning for many years over the land. At last the Great Spirit took pity on us, and kindled a great council fire, that never goes out, at a place called Philadelphia ; he then stuck down a post, and put a war tomahawk by it, and went away. The sun immediately broke out, the sky was blue again, and the old men held up their heads, and assembled at the fire; they took up the hatchet, sharpened it, and put it into the hands of our young men, ordering them to strike the English as long as they could find one on this side of the great waters. The young men imme- diately struck the war post, and blood was shed: in this way the war began, and the English were driven from one place to another, until they got weak, and then they hired you Red people to fight for them. The Great Spirit got angry at this, and caused your old Father, the French king, and other great
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nations to join the Big Knife, and fight with them against all their enemies. So the English have become like a deer in the woods; and you may see that it is the great Spirit, that has caused your waters to be troubled; because you have fought for the people he was mad with. If your women and chil- dren should now cry, you must blame yourselves for it, and not the Big knife. You can now judge who is in the right; I have already told you who I am; here is a bloody belt, and a white one, take which you please. Behave like men, and don't let your being surrounded by the Big Knife, cause you to take up the one belt with your hands, while your hearts take up the other. If you take the bloody path, you shall leave the town in safety, and may go and join your friends, the English; we will then try like warriors, who can put the most stumbling blocks in each other's way, and keep our clothes longest stained with blood. If, on the other hand, you should take the path of peace, and be received as brothers to the Big Knife, with their friends, the French, should you then listen to bad birds, that may be flying through the land. you will no longer deserve to be coun- ted as men; but as creatures with two tongues, that ought to be destroyed without listening to any thing you might say. As I am convinced you never heard the truth before, I do not wish you to answer before you have taken time to counsel. We will, therefore, part this evening, and when the Great Spirit shall bring us together again, let us speak and think like men with but one heart and one tongue." The next day after this speech, a new fire was kindled with more than usual cere- mony, and the Indian speaker came forward, and said, "They ought to be thankful that the Great Spirit had taken pity on them. and opened their ears and hearts to receive the truth. He had paid great attention to what the Great Spirit had put into my heart to say to them. They believed the whole to be the truth, as the Big Knife did not speak like any other people they had ever heard. They now saw they had been deceived, and that the English had told them lies, and that I had told them the truth; just as some of their old men had always told them. They now believed, that we were in the right, and as the Eng-
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lish had forts in their country they might, if they got strong enough, want to serve the Red people, as they had treated the Big Knife.
"The Red people ought, therefore, to help us, and they had with a cheerful heart taken up the belt of peace, and spurned that of war; they were determined to hold the former fast, and would have no doubt of our friendship from the manner of our speaking, so different from that of the English. They would now call in their warriors, and throw the tomahawk into the river, where it could never be found; they would suffer no more bad birds to fly through the land disquieting the women and children. They would be careful to smooth the roads for their brothers, the Big Knife, whenever they might wish to come and see them.
"Their friends should hear of the good talk I had given them, and they hoped I would send chiefs among them with my eyes, to see myself that they were men, and strictly adhered to all they had said at this great fire, which the Great Spirit had kindled at Cahokia, for the good of all people who would attend it."
The pipe was again kindled, and presented to all the spirits, as witnesses of the transactions; it was smoked, and the council con- cluded by shaking hands among all the parties, White and Red. In this manner, with very little variety, treaties were concluded with many tribes, and in all with a dignity and importance in their eyes, little inferior, to that of the alliance between the Uni- ted States and France, in ours.
Colonel Clark adhered resolutely to a determination of not appearing to carress them; and he even apologized for making the few presents he did confer, by attributing them to the great way they had traveled, having expended their ammunition, and worn out their moccasons and leggins. The Indian tribes were generally so much alarmed, that the conclusion of peace, not- withstanding Clark's reserve and disdain, gave them perfect satisfaction. This state of mind was confirmed by the report of the spies whom Colonel Clark kept among all his new allies; as well as the less doubtful nations. So well consolidated was his influence, that a single soldier could be sent in safety among
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the Indians, through any part of the Wabash and Illinois country, to the heads of the waters discharging themselves into the lakes, and into the Mississippi. Here the British still maintained their influence; indeed many tribes were divided between them and the Americans. Such a sudden and extensive change among the Indians in our favor, is to be mainly attributed to the friendly dispositions of the French traders and agents, supported however, by the stern and commanding influence of Colonel Clark. It required all his tact, united with the control and co-operation of the French, to preserve that impression, which he had made at first, while at the head of so inadequate a force.
Accordingly, the prospect of reinforcements from the Falls was constantly held out, and every means adopted to attach our new fellow-citizens to the American government. No fees were exacted by the commanding officers, or in the weekly courts which were occupied by the business and disputes of the peo- ple; a contrast most favorable to American influence. The friendly correspondence with the Spanish government, and the permission of some trade with agents, even from Canada, all contributed to maintain a controling influence over the savages.
An incident occured during the Indian negotiations of no little romantic character. A party of Indians, composed of strag- glers from various tribes, by the name of Meadow Indians, who had accompanied the other tribes, had been promised a great reward if they would kill Colonel Clark. For this purpose, they had pitched their camp about a hundred yards from Clark's quarters; and about the same distance in front of the fort, on the same side of Cahokia creek. with the one occupied by the Americans, This creek was about knee deep at the time of the transaction, and a plot was formed for some of these Indians to pass the creek after night, tire their guns in the direction of the Indians on the other side of the creek, and then fly to Colo- nel Clark's quarters; where they were to seek admission, on pretence of fleeing from their enemies, and put Colonel Clark and the garrison to death. About one o'clock in the morning, while Colonel Clark was still awake with the multiplied cares of his extraordinary situation, the attempt was made; and the
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flying party having discharged their guns, so as to throw suspi- cion on the other Indians; came running to the American camp for protection, as they said, from their enemies who had attacked them from across the creek. This, the guard which proved to be in greater force than was anticipated, prevented by present- ing their peices at the fugitives; who were compelled to return to their own camp. The whole town and garrison were now im- mediately under arms, and these Indians, whom the guard had recognized by the moonlight, were sent for, and on being ex- amined, they declared it was their enemies, who had fired upon them from across the creek; and that they had sought shelter among the Americans. Some of the French gentlemen who knew these Indians better than the new conquerors, called for a light, and discovered their moccasons and leggins to be quite wet and muddy, from having passed the creek, over to the friendly camps. This discovery quite confounded the assas- sins; and as there were a great many Indians of other tribes in town, Clark thought the opportunity favorable to convince them of the strictest union between the Americans and the French; he, therefore, surrendered the culprits to the French, to do what they pleased with them. Secret intimations were, however, given, that the chiefs ought to be sent to the guard house in irons; which were immediately executed. In this manacled condition, they were brought every day into the council; but not suffered to speak until all the other business was transacted; when Colonel Clark ordered their irons to be taken off, and told them, "every body said they ought to die for their treacher- ous attempt upon his life, amidst the sacred deliberations of a council. He had determined to inflict death upon them, for their base attempt, and they themselves must be sensible that they had justly forfeited their lives; but on considering the mean- ness of watching a bear and catching him asleep, he had found out that they were not warriors, only old women, and too mean to be killed by the Big Knife. But as you ought to be punished for putting on a breech cloth like men, they shall be taken away from you, plenty of provisions shall be given you for your journey home, as women don't know how to hunt, and during your stay G
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you shall be treated in every respect as squaws." Then, with- out taking any further notice of these offenders, Colonel Clark turned off and began to converse with other persons: this treat- ment appeared to agitate the offending Indians to their very hearts. In a short time one of their chiefs arose with a pipe and belt of peace, which he offered to Clark, and made a speech; but at that time he would not suffer it to be interpreted, and a sword lying on the table, he took it up and indignantly broke the pipe, which had been laid before him, declaring, the Big Knife never treated with women. Several chiefs of other tribes now interfered to procure the pardon of the Meadow Indians, and to solicit Colonel Clark to pity the families of these men, and grant them peace. Still the American officer profoundly alive to the vulnerable features of the Indian character, told them, "the Big Knife had never made war upon these Indians; and that whenever Americans came across such people in the woods, they commonly shot them, as they did wolves, to pre- vent their eating the deer." This mediation having failed, the offending tribe appeared busy in conversation among them- selves; when suddenly two of their young men advanced into the middle of the floor, sat down, and flung their blankets over their heads, to the astonishment of the whole assembly. When two chiefs arose, and with a pipe of peace, stood by the side of these victims. and offered their lives to Colonel Clark, as an atone- ment for the offence of their tribe; this sacrifice they hoped would appease the Big Knife, and they again offered the pipe. Clark would not yet admit a reconciliation with them; but directed them in a milder tone than before to be seated; for he would have nothing to say to them. "The alarm of these people appeared." said Clark, "wrought up to so high a degree. that they appeared to think the tomahawk was suspended over the heads of every one of their tribe; and that nothing but peace could save them." They thought that by putting these two young men to death, or keeping them as slaves, our countrymen might be reconciled. The offered victims kept their position, only now and then putting out their heads, as if impatient to know their fate. This affecting and romantic incident embarrassed the
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ready mind even of Clark; he had always, he says, intended to be persuaded to grant these Indians peace, but with a reluc- tance, that should enhance its value. The assembly was all silence and suspense with anxiety, to know the fate of the vic- tims; while Colonel Clark, deeply affected with the magnanimity of these rude children of the forest, declares "he never felt so powerful a gush of emotion over his mind, or ever so capable of speaking from the impulse of that feeling." He ordered the young men to arise and uncover themselves; he then said, "He rejoiced to find, that there were men in all nations; that these two young warriors, (pointing to the victims,) had been offered by their tribe, were at least a proof for their own countrymen.
"Such characters were alone fit to be chiefs, and with such he liked to treat; through them the Big Knife granted peace to their tribe, and he took them by the hand, as the chiefs of their tribes." They were immediately introduced (with no slight change of countenance, which they could not with all their efforts entirely suppress,) to the American officers, as well as to the French and Spanish gentlemen, who were present; and lastly to the other Indian chiefs. They were saluted by all, as chief's of their tribe, and Clark immediately held, with great ceremony, a council, in which peace was settled with their people, and presents granted to distribute among their friends. Colonel Clark was afterwards informed, that these young men ware held in high esteem by their people; and that the Ameri- cans were much talked of. on account of this incident.
Colonel Clark now turned his attention to Saguina, or Black Bird, and Nakioun, two chiefs of the Sofairs and Ottoway tribes, bordering on Lake Michigan. The former of these chiet's had been in St. Louis, when Clark first invaded the country, and not trusting to Spanish protection, had returned to his tribe; though he had sent a letter to Clark, apologizing for his absence. He was found on inquiry to possess so much influence over considerable bands about the St. Joseph's, of Lake Michigan, that Colonel Clark departed from his usual distant policy, and invited him by a special messenger, to come to Kaskaskia. The invitation was immediately complied with, and Black Bird visited
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Colonel Clark with only eight attendants. After the party had recovered from their fatigue, preparations were made as usual for a council, with the ceremonies generally practiced. These were no sooner noticed by this sagacious chief, than he informed Colonel Clark, that he came on business of importance - to both, and desired that no time might be lost on ceremonies. This chief declared he wanted much conversation with Colonel Clark, and would prefer sitting at the same table with him to all the parade and formality which could be used. Accordingly a room was prepared for this straight forward and direct chief, and his American cotemporary: they both took their seats at the same table, having interpreters seated to their right and left. Black Bird opened the conference by saying, "he had long wished to enjoy a conversation with a chief of our nation : he had conversed with prisoners, but he could not confide in them; for they seemed to be afraid to speak the truth. That he had engaged in the war against us, was true; although doubts of its justice always crossed his mind, owing to our ap- pearing to be the same nation with the British. Some mystery hung over the matter, which he wanted removed: his anxiety was to hear both sides, while he had hitherto, only been able to hear one." Clark readily undertook to satisfy this inquisi- tive chief, and compelled as he was to employ similies for so many ideas, foreign to barbarous society, it took him nearly half a day to answer the inquiries of the Indian. This was accom- plished to his entire satisfaction, and he expressed himself con- vinced that the Americans were perfectly right; he was glad that their old friends the French, had united their arms with ours, and the Indians ought to do the same. But as we did not wish this, his countrymen, he thought, ought at least to be neu- tral. He was convinced the English must be afraid, because they gave the Indians so many goods to fight for them; his sen- timents, he said, were fixed in our favor; and he would no longer listen to the offers of the English. He would put an end to the war, and would call his young men in, as soon as he could get home and have an opportunity of explaining the nature of the war to them.
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This display of the chief's sentiments, may well be conceived, to have given Clark the utmost satisfaction; and he promised to write to the Governor of Virginia respecting his friendly conduct. and to have him registered among the friends of the Big Knife. In a few days the chief set off for his native forests, accompanied at his desire, by an agent of Clark. A couple of pack-horses were loaded with provisions and presents for this sagacious and sensible Indian, who continued a faithful friend to American interests.
There was a point of no little policy observed by Clark, in his conferences with the Indians at this time; it was not to blame the Indians for taking British presents, which in their poverty and our inability to supply their wants, was unavoidable. The influence of commerce has spread to the remotest wilds of the earth, and bound alike in her golden chains, the citizen of refined society, and the barbarian of the woods. The rifle and its ammu- nition have long banished the bow and other ruder instruments of war, among the Indians contiguous to the whites; and the beaver trap, the camp-kettle, and the blanket, in addition to a thousand wants of his fancy, have rendered trade and arts, as necessary to the Indian, as to the civilized man. Illustrations of this truth are presented in the story of all uncivilized people .* But Clark exerted his utmost influence to impress the Indians with the degradation of fighting for hire; that it was beneath the dignity of a warrior. "The Big Knife," he said, "looked upon the scalps of warriors fighting their own battles, as the greatest tro- phies of war; but those of men fighting for hire, were given to children to play with, or flung to the dogs." This language, stern as it may seem, had the best effect upon these barbarous tribes; who were never under more effectual influence, than under Colonel Clark.
About this time he received a letter from a celebrated chief by the name of Lages, or Loges; also known by the appellation of Big Gate. This chief, who being a boy when the great Pon-
. See this subject beautifully traced in the "Rights of Industry," one of the inestimable volumes of popular instruction, which have emanated from a British society, adorning, and adorned by their great modern Chancellor.
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tiac besieged Detroit, had shot a British soldier standing in the fort; from this circumstance, his title had been given to him. Several parties had been very successfully commanded by this warrior against our frontiers; but happening to fall in with a party of Pyankeshaws coming to Kaskaskia, he determined to . come and see what our countrymen had to say for themselves. With no little assurance, he appeared every day in council, seated in the front of the room, dressed in a full war dress; and the bloody belt, which he had received from the British, hang- ing about his neck. In this condition, he attended the council for several days, without saying a word to our countrymen, or they saying any thing to him; at length, at the close of the de- ยท liberations with the tribes, who were in attendence, Clark addressed this silent chief, by apologizing for not noticing him, until the public business was dispatched. "That although they were enemies," said the American officer, "still it was cus- tomary among the whites, when they met in this way to treat each other in proportion to the exploits in war, which they had performed against cach other." On this account, as he was a great warrior, Colonel Clark invited him to dinner. This the chief, taken by the utmost surprise, endeavored to decline; Colo- nel Clark would not, however, regard his excuses; but as soon as he would begin thom, Clark would renew his solicitations, and express his determination to take no refusal, until he worked up the Indian to the utmost pitch of excitement. Roused in this mannner, he stepped into the middle of the room, threw down his war belt, and a little British flag that he had in his bosom, and tore off all his clothes, but his breech cloth. When thus despoiled of the presents of his late favorites, he struck himself on the breast, and told the audience, "They knew he had been a warrior from his youth, that he had delighted in bat- tle, he had been three times against the Big Knife, for the Bri- tish had told him lies; he had been preparing for another war party, when he had heard of Colonel Clark's arrival, and he determined to rest himself, and hear what the Americans could say in their defence. He was satisfied the Big Knife was in the right; and as a man and a warrior, he ought not to fight
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any longer in a bad cause; he was henceforth a Big Knife, and he shook hands with Colonel Clark and his officers, and saluted them as brothers." The drollery of the matter was, that the new brother was naked, and he must be clothed; ac- cordingly a fine laced suit was procured for him, and he was dressed in all the finery of military parade. Shortly after this entertainment, Lages desired a private interview with Colonel Clark; in this, he detailed a full account of the situation of De- troit, and he offered his services to the Colonel, to obtain a scalp or a prisoner. The former Clark declined, upon the general principle of discouraging the barbarities of the Indians, and our desire to keep them still; a course of conduct which has ever proved most fruitful to our countrymen, and in many instances has united the Indians with our less scrupulous enemies. Clark assured him of his readiness to receive a prisoner; but charged him by no means to use such a one ill. On the chief's taking leave, Clark presented him with a Captain's commission and a medal, to secure the agency of this new political mis- sionary.
CHAPTER V.
Recapture of St. Vincents by the British-Plans against Americans-French volunteers- March to St. Vincents-Capture-Return to Kaskaskia.
After all this success with the Indians, Colonel Clark began to entertain great apprehensions for St. Vincents; no news had been received for a considerable length of time from that place, till on the 20th of January, 1779, Colonel Vigo, then a merchant in partnership with the Governor of St. Louis, now a venerable and highly respected citizen of Vincennes, brought intelligence, that Governor Hamilton had marched an expedi- tion from Detroit, which had, in December, captured St. Vin- cents, and again reduced it under the power of the British .*
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