USA > Ohio > The history of the state of Ohio; from the discovery of the great valley, to the present time > Part 14
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little spirit of conciliation, that they were not at all reluctant to take up arms with the prospect of gratifying their revenge.
It would seem that the intelligent Indian chiefs had a pretty clear comprehension of the nature of the conflict in which they were solicited to engage. At a council held about this time by the chiefs on the Miami River, one of them, a very renowned warrior, by the name of Buckongahelas, addressed his brethren in the following eloquent and logical strain :
" Friends, listen ! a great and powerful nation is divided. The father is fighting against the son; the son against the father. The father has called on his Indian children to help him punish his children the Americans. I took time to consider whether I should receive the hatchet of my father to assist him. At first I thought it a family quarrel, in which I was not interested. At length it appeared to me that the father was right, and that the children deserved to be punished a little. I so thought from the many cruel acts his children have committed on the Indians.
"They have encroached on our lands, stolen our property, murdered, without provocation, men, women and children. Yes! they have murdered those who were friendly to them, who were placed for protection under the roof of their father's house, the father himself standing sentry at the door at the time."
Here the orator described a very atrocious case, in which a number of Indians were massacred in a jail in Pennsylvania. They were not known to be guilty of any crime, but that of being Indians. In a time of popular excitement, they were in danger of being put to death by the mob. The government, for their protection, gave them shelter in the jail. The mob broke in and killed them all. He then continued :
" Often has the father been compelled to make amends for the crimes of his children. But they do not grow better. They will continue the same they have been, so long as any land remains to us. Look at the murders committed by them upon our friends who were living peaceably on the banks of the Ohio. Did they not kill them without any provocation ? Are they any better now ? No !"
The colonists were much alarmed by the many indications that the savages in a body would become the allies of the British gov- ernment. The emissaries of England were visiting nearly all the
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tribes from Canada to the Gulf, and westward even to the shores of the Pacific, to combine them in the most dreadful of conceiva- ble warfares, against the long line of frontier settlements. To use the language of the Indian, "the indignant father hoped by this severe punishment to bring back his refractory children to obedi- ence." To thwart these plans, the colonial government promptly organized three Indian departments. Over each of these com- missioners were appointed, who were to make constant and earn- est endeavors to win over to the colonists those tribes who had not yet joined the English, or, at least, to induce them to remain neutral.
At one of the conferences, one of the American commissioners made use of the following illustration to explain to the Indians the origin of the quarrel between the colonists and the British government.
" A cruel father placed upon the back of his son a pack heavier than he could bear. The boy complained, and said the burden was too heavy. The father paid no heed to his complaint. The boy totters along, staggering beneath his pack, when he again told his father that the load was heavier than he could possibly bear. The father, instead of lightening it, added to the burden. The boy toiled along a little farther, until crushed by the weight, and with his back almost broken, he threw the load to the ground. The angry father came with a whip to compel his son again to lift the burden and carry it."
Still it was very manifest that the sympathies of the Indians were with the British government, and against the colonists, from whom they had received so many wrongs. Among the colonists there was a Colonel Morgan, who had been a trader among the Indians, and, from his upright dealings, was respected and beloved. He was, very judiciously, appointed as commissioner for the mid- dle departments. He took up his residence at Pittsburgh, and devoted his energies to conciliate the tribes in Ohio. But. though they respected Morgan as a man, they were not friendly to his cause. With great difficulty he succeeded in convening a small council of the chiefs of a few of the tribes at Pittsburgh.
While arduously engaged in the endeavor to win these tribes whose villages were upon the banks of the Muskingum, the Scioto, and the Miami, his efforts were frustrated by a very untoward event. These tribes were then smarting from the blows which
WM.HENRY HARRISON. Prosidont U.S. March. 11841
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they had received in the Dunmore war, and in those preceding outrages which had goaded them into the conflict.
It will be remembered that the illustrious Shawanese chief, Cornstalk, who led the warriors at the battle of Point Pleasant, was opposed to the war. He did not deem it unjust, on the part of the Indians, but his intelligence convinced him that they were not sufficiently strong to contend with so powerful a foe. It will be remembered that after the battle, which he conducted with so much ability and bravery, it was his influence which led to pro- posals for peace. Neither will it be forgotten that Lord Dunmore, in anticipation of the conflict which had now arisen, did, as was supposed, everything in his power, to win the Indians to the British arms. And the Indians perfectly understood that when the colo- nial army, under General Lewis, were inflamed by the intense desire utterly to annihilate their tribes, Lord Dunmore stood be- tween them and destruction.
And now the time had come when there was a fair opportunity for these Indians to satiate that spirit of revenge, which is so dear to the savage heart. Notwithstanding all this, Cornstalk, a man of great native strength of mind, and of unusual intelligence, was opposed to taking any part in the war between the Americans and the English, as we shall designate the two parties. He knew that war could bring to his tribe only disaster and suffering ; that the paths of prosperity could lead only through fields of peace. But the masses of the Indian people, like those of more enlightened communities, in those hours of excitement were deaf to the voice of reason. With great unanimity they clamored for vengeance and war Cornstalk found it almost impossible to stem the tor- rent. Still, desirous of peace, he repaired to the American Fort Randolph, at Point Pleasant, which was then under the command of Captain Arbuckle.
Another Shawanee chief, Red Hawk by name, with a private Indian, accompanied him. Cornstalk held an interview with Arbuckle, and informed him of his earnest desire to avoid the war, and of his wish to confer with him, to see if anything could be done to prevent hostilities. He said that so far as he knew, he was the only man in his tribe who was not eager to enter upon the war-path, and that the war feeling was so unanimous and strong that he was afraid that he himself would be swept along by the resistless current.
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In response to this communication, Arbuckle infamously or- dered the two Shawanese chieftains, and their attendant, to be arrested and held in close confinement in the fort. He then sent word to the Shawanese tribe that should they manifest any hostil- ity against the Americans, he should retaliate upon his prisoners. Soon after the son of Cornstalk, Ellenipsico, came to the fort to visit his father, probably not aware that he was held a prisoner. He also was arrested. Thus Arbuckle had four Shawanese cap- tives, whom he detained as hostages.
The morning after the arrival of Ellenipsico, two soldiers, by the names of Hamilton and Gillmore, crossed the Kanawha and followed down the southern banks of the Ohio for several miles in the pursuit of game. In the meantime a small party of Indi- ans came stealthily through the forest, and from lurking places on the western side of the river, were carefully examining the condi- tion of the fort, its assailable points, and its means of defense While thus employed the two hunters commenced their return. Passing very near one of these scouts, the Indian fired upon them, and Gillmore was instantly killed. It so happened that Captain Arbuckle, with Colonel Stuart, were standing on the bank of the river at that time looking across to the opposite shore. The stream was about two hundred yards wide. Surprised that a gun should be fired so near the fort, which was contrary to orders, they suddenly saw Hamilton rushing down the bank shouting for help, and saying that Gillmore was killed.
Several soldiers immediately leaped into a canoe, shot across the river, and rescued Hamilton. The Indians had disappeared. They brought back with them the bloody corpse of Gillmore, his head being scalped. The canoe had scarcely reached the shore, when the soldiers, exasperated by the sight of the gory body of their slain comrade, cried out with one accord :
" Let us kill the Indians in the fort."
Pale with rage, and with their loaded muskets in their hands, they ascended the river's bank, and rushed towards the cabin where the captives were confined. Captain Arbuckle and Colo- nel Stuart did every thing in their power to dissuade the men from the atrocious deed. But, mad with rage, and reckless of conse- quences, they cocked their guns and threatened their comman- ders with instant death, if they made any opposition to their vengeance.
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There was in the camp an Indian woman, the wife of the inter- preter. She ran to the cabin, and informed the captives of the doom which awaited them. The clamor of the approaching sol- diers was now distinctly heard by the prisoners. The young son of Cornstalk was greatly agitated. His noble father, apparently as calm as if no danger threatened, said to him :
"My son, do not give place to fear. If the Great Spirit has sent you here to be killed, submit to his will. Die like a man."
As a mob rushed in at the door, Cornstalk advanced with dig- nity to meet them. He instantly fell dead, pierced by eight bul- lets. His companion, Red Hawk, endeavored to escape by climb- ing the chimney. He was immediately shot down. "The other Indian," writes Colonel Stewart, indignantly, "was shamefully mangled. I grieved to see him so long dying."
The tidings of the atrocious murders reached the chiefs in coun- cil at Pittsburgh. They dispersed angrily. There was no longer hope that they could be induced to side with the colonists.
There was, at this time, a distinguished chief of the Delaware Indians, by the name of White Eyes. Though his tribe was infu- riated against the Americans, he espoused their cause. His ene- mies accused him of having been bribed by the colonists to act. the part of a traitor to the Indians. A large council of the Dela- wares was called. Some Tories, as the American partisans of England were called, escaping from Pittsburgh, appeared at this. council, and urged the Indians to immediate hostilities. They represented that the colonists were marching upon them in great strength, to annihilate them, if possible, before the British could come to their aid. They assured the Indians that their only sal- vation was to be found in assailing the Americans all along their frontiers before they had time to organize their armies for the invasion of the Indian territory.
White Eyes found it impossible to stem the torrent of popular feeling. He, however, ventured to urge that they should delay hostilities for ten days, till they could ascertain the truth of these rumors. A rival chief, who was eager for the war, rose and said, knowing that his words would meet with the sympathy of nearly every one present :
"I declare that every man should be called an enemy to his nation who throws any obstacle whatever in the way of instantly taking up arms against the American people."
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This blow, which White Eyes knew was aimed at himself, called forth from him the following strain of impassioned elo- quence : " If you will go out in this war, you shall not go without me. I have been for peace that I might save my tribe from des- truction. If you think me wrong, if you give more credit to run- away vagabonds than to your friends -to me, a man, a warrior and a Delaware -if you insist upon fighting the Americans, go ! and I will go with you. And I will not go like the bear-hunter, who sets his dogs upon the animal, to be beaten about by his paws, while he keeps himself at a safe distance. No! I will lead you. I will be in the front. I will fall with the first of you. I will not survive. I will not live to bewail the destruction of a brave people who deserved, as you do, a better fate."
This very spirited address produced such an impression upon the Indians, that, with much unanimity, they voted to wait ten days before committing themselves to hostilities. The nature of the representations made to the Delawares by the renegade Tories may be inferred from the following incident.
A few days before the appointed time had expired, a clergyman, Rev. Mr. Heckewelder, who had been a missionary among the Indians, and who was highly respected by them, came to the Delawares to endeavor to influence them not to join the British. White Eyes immediately convened a large council, which Mr. Heckewelder was invited to attend. Then addressing the mis- sionary, he said, with emphatic words .
" You will tell us the truth with regard to the questions I now put to you. Are the American warriors all cut to pieces by the British troops ? Is General Washington killed? Is there no longer a Congress ? Have the British hung some of the members, and taken the rest to England to be hung? Is the whole country, beyond the mountains, in the possession of the British ? Are all . of the Americans, who have escaped the vengeance of the British, now huddled together on this side of the mountains, preparing to seize our country by killing all our men, women and children ? Is this true ? "
Such were the reports which had been brought to them by the Tories to stimulate them to war. Mr. Heckewelder replied :
" There is not one word of truth in these statements. The Americans were never more determined in their opposition to the British than now. They were never more sure of finally con-
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quering them. Instead of wishing to destroy your villages, or to kill your people, they earnestly desire to live with you as brothers. They have sent me to offer to you the right hand of friendship."
These influences held back the Delawares for a few months. But nearly all the tribes in Ohio joined the British. Not long after this White Eyes took the small pox, and died. Through his whole life he had proved the warm friend of the colonists. To the honor of the American Congress, it should be stated, that they took his son under their protection to be educated. The. following entry is to be found in the journal of that body in the year 1785 :
" Resolved, That Mr. Morgan be empowered to continue the care and direction of George White Eyes for one year; and that the Board of Treasury take orders for the payment of the expenses necessary to carry into execution the views of Congress in this respect."
White Eyes was, in all respects, a very remarkable man. He had listened reverently to the teachings of the missionaries. The Moravian Christians had established a mission among the Dela- wares. Many of the pagan Indians were for driving the mission- aries away. Loskiel, in his history of these missions, says that " God raised up for their protection White Eyes, the ablest chief among the Delawares." He at length succeeded in inducing the tribe to vote that the Christian missionaries should be taken under" their special protection. The good old chief was so overjoyed at. this that he said in the council :
"I am an old man, and know not how long I may live. I, therefore, rejoice, that I have been able to induce you to this decision. Our children and grandchildren will reap the benefit of it. Now I am ready to die whenever God pleases."
Not long before his death he took the Bible in his hands and. said to the assembled council of the nation: "My friends, it is. my dying wish that the Delawares should hear the word of God. I will, therefore, gather together my young men and their children. I will kneel down before that Great Spirit who created them and me, and I will pray unto Him that He may have mercy upon us, and reveal His will to us. And as we can not declare that will to those who are yet unborn, we will pray unto the Lord our God to make it known unto our children and our children's children."
Mr. B. B. Thatcher, in his Indian Biography, writing of White. 1
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Eyes, says : "He was a man of enlarged political views, and no less a patriot than a statesman. The ends he aimed at were far more his country's than his own. He observed the superiority of the white man to the red; and, nearer home, the prosperity and happiness of the Christian Delawares ; and he convinced himself thoroughly of the true causes of both. He therefore earnestly desired that his whole nation might be civilized, to which result he considered Christianity, as he had seen it taught by the good Moravians, the best possible promotive."
Mr. Loskiel writes : "The chieftain, White Eyes, who had often advised other Indians, with great earnestness, to believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but had always postponed joining the believers himself, on account of being yet entangled in political concerns, was unexpectedly called into eternity. The Indian church, to whom he had rendered very essential services, was much affected at the news of his death. And they could not but hope that God our Saviour had received his soul in mercy."
The death of White Eyes left the Delawares under almost the. exclusive influence of the Chieftain Pipe. He was a very differ- ent man - a confirmed pagan, immoral in his habits, and a reviler of Christianity. Still he was a man of much intelligence, of remarkable abilities. He had heard of negro slavery, and loved to tell stories of the unmerciful beating of negroes. "These are the benefits," he would add mockingly, " of what you call Christian civilization."
Chieftain Pipe frankly confessed that he deemed it for the interest of the nation to join the English against the Americans, though he declared that he hated both parties alike. "The Americans," said he, " are so poor that they cannot give a blanket or a shirt in exchange for our peltries. But the English are rich. They will give us all we need. Unless we make them our friends we shall perish of want."
A few months after the death of White Eyes, and after the Delawares had joined the English in many bloody forays against the settlers on the frontiers, there was a large council of the Indian allies convened by the British authorities, at Detroit. Chieftain Pipe was present. Fixing his eyes sternly upon the commandant he made the following extraordinary speech :
"Father !" then pausing for a moment, and turning to the Indian chiefs around him, he pointed his finger co the command-
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ant and said, scornfully : " I do not know why I should call him Father. I have never known any father but the French. Still as this name is imposed upon us, I will use it.
" Father! sometime ago you put a war hatchet into my hands. You said, ' Take this, and try it on the heads of my enemies, the Long Knives. Then let me know if it is sharp and good.' When you gave me the hatchet, I had no wish to go to war against a foe who had done me no harm. But you say that you are my father ; that I am your child. I obeyed. I knew that if I did not, you would withhold from my tribe the necessaries of life. We could obtain them nowhere else.
"Father! perhaps you think me a fool for risking my life at your bidding, and in a cause where I could gain nothing. It is your cause, not mine. You Long-Knives raised a quarrel among yourselves, and you ought to fight it out. You should not compel your children, the Indians, to expose themselves to danger for your sake.
"Father! many lives have already been lost on your account. The tribes have suffered, and have been weakened. Children have lost parents and brothers. Wives have lost husbands. It is not known how many more will perish before your war will end.
" I have said that you may think me a fool for rushing thought- lessly on your enemy. Do not believe this. Do not think that I am ignorant that soon you may make peace with the Long-Knives. You say that you love the Indians. It is for your interest to say so, that you may have them at your service.
"Father! listen, while you are setting us on your enemy as the hunter sets his dog upon the game ; while we are rushing on that enemy of yours, with the bloody hatchet you have given us, we may chance to look back to the place from which you started us. And what shall we see? Perhaps we shall see our Father shak- ing hands with the Long-Knives, with those he now calls his enemies. I may then see him laugh at my folly for obeying his orders. And yet am I not risking my life at his command? Father remember this."
Then handing the commandant a stick, upon which there was strung a large number of scalps of Americans, he continued :
" This is what has been done with the hatchet you gave me. I have obeyed your commands. The hatchet I found sharp. And yet I did not do all that I might have done. No! I did not. My
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heart failed me. I felt compassion for your enemy. Innocent women and children had no part in your quarrels. Therefore I spared them. I took some prisoners. As I was bringing them to you, I spied one of your large canoes, upon which I placed them. In a few days you will receive these prisoners. If you examine their skin you will find that it is of the same color as your own.
"Father! I hope you will not destroy what I have spared. You have the means of preserving that which would perish with us from want. The Indian warrior is poor. His cabin is always empty. Your house is always full."
This remarkable and well authenticated speech certainly indi- cates anything but a strong attachment for the English on the part of their Indian allies.
The State of Virginia had quite an important fort on the south banks of the Ohio, about a quarter of a mile above the creek at Wheeling. This fort contained a square enclosure of nearly an acre. The pickets which enclosed it were eight feet high, with a strong block-house at each of the corners. It was called Fort Henry, in honor of Patrick Henry, Virginia's renowned orator and patriotic governor. Within the enclosure was a magazine for provisions and ammunition, an unfailing well, barracks for the soldiers, and a number of small log cabins for the use of fami- lies. Its location was admirable, in beauty as well as in utility. The fertile land around was cleared and cultivated, so as to afford pleasant accommodations for thirty cabins. This happy and thriving little village was the commencement of what is now the City of Wheeling. The works were considered sufficiently strong to repel any assaults which savages could make. As the requisi- tion of the war called for the services in the field of all the vig- orous men, the works were feebly garrisoned with but forty soldiers. Half of those were enfeebled old men, and the remainder were mere boys.
It is remarkable that the savages themselves were often more merciful in their treatment of the colonists, than the renegade white men who joined them. One of the most notorious of these renegades, who proclaimed himself a Tory, and who fought under the banners of Great Britain, was a man named Simon .Girty. He had become an adopted member of the Wyandot tribe. He stood high among them as hunter, orator and warrior. In all the councils of the Indians, the most ferocious sentiments came from
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his lips. The cause of the peculiar venom of this man has prob- ably the following explanation.
In Lord Dunmore's war, he, Girty, was attached to the division of General Lewis. It would appear that this general was an arro- gant, opinionated, passionate man. Girty was merely a private in the ranks. He had, however, performed some very important services as a scout, and was an exceedingly bold and self-reliant man. In some altercation with the General, Lewis struck him over the head with his cane, cutting a deep gash in his forehead, and causing the blood to stream profusely down his cheek and upon the floor.
Girty turned to leave the apartment. Upon reaching the door, he stopped for a minute, fixed his eyes sternly upon the General, and said, with an oath : "Your quarters, sir, shall swim in blood for this." He immediately escaped from the fort, and joined the army of Wyandots, under Cornstalk, then advancing upon Point Pleasant. He fought fiercely by the side of his new Indian friends during all that bloody day. Maddened almost to frenzy, it is probable not a few of his former comrades fell by the bullets from his rifle. When the Wyandots, after their repulse, retired to their distant homes on the Sandusky, he declared that he had fore- sworn his white blood, and hereafter leagued himself with the red man forever. Dressed in the garb of the Indian, with his plumed head-dress, his painted flesh, his features bronzed by long expo- sure, no ordinary observer could distinguish him from the rest of the tribe.
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