I WAS born in the city of Quebec ^*, on the seventh day of April, one thousand seven hundred and sixty one, of parents much respected. My father, whose name was Luois Rusoe D'Eres, in early life acquired the blacksmith's business; soon after his freedom from his master, he settled in the city, and by industry in a short time acquired much property. My mother was a descendant from a family of good reputation in Que­bec. My parents lived in the conjugal life upwards of twenty-five years, during this period, my mother bore sixteen children, of which number I was the youngest; twelve of my father's children died previous to my birth. My mother died soon after I was born. My being left by my mother, at so early a period of life, naturally drew my father's attention to me, I therefore soon engrossed his affections, and was caressed by him and his family; retiring from business he frequently dandled me on his knee, and with tears droping from [Page 8] his eyes, would, with a deep sigh, exclaim ah, my little son! thy mother, under whose watchful eye thy educa­tion would (under the smiles of Providence, have been conducted with the closest attention, and doubtless with happy success, is now no more; in you I behold traces of her countenance, & at times almost lose the keenness of my sorrows, occasioned by my loss in her. May you, my dear son, be continued for my comfort, through the future stages of my life, and a prop to thy fond father through his declining days. Such language as the foregoing, I was frequently entertained with, but alas! his joy and good wishes for future days of happy enjoyment were soon, too soon cut off, as by the subsequent Narrative will appear.

My father being frequently called from a private to a public life, had many opportunities in political science to improve his mind; about this time, that is, when I arrived at the fourteenth year of my age, 'twas frequently mentioned in private circles of friends in Quebec, that a rupture would soon take place between Great Britain, and some (at least) of her American Colonies. My father obtained the best information con­cerning the dispute, soon determined in favour of the Colonies, and being fully persuaded that their opposi­tion to the British ministry, would prove successful, he ardently wished for an opportunity of proving his faith by his works. In October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, General Montgomery, with [Page 9] a large number of troops from Newengland, entered the borders of Canada, with an intention of reducing it to the American standard. The troops made rapid pro­gress towards Quebec, without much opposition. The then commander in chief of Canada ^*, issued his proc­lamation, giving liberty to such of the Inhabitants of Quebec as chose to leave the city, to depart within a limited time, with such of their personal property as they should choose to carry, promising those persons a restoration of such real property as they should leave behind them (provided the rebellious army should not succeed in their proposed plan) my father availed him­self of this, and moved with his family, and such of his personal property, as were portable to St. Nicola, nine miles from Quebec. Leaving in the city, real property to a large amount, consisting of a spacious dwelling-house, built with stone and lime, and covered with tin, over which were layed several coats of paint, to preserve the tin from rust—a large blacksmith's shop with tools sufficient to employ many workmen: he then be­ing imployed in the King's works, with many other buildings for domestic use. My father soon became acquainted with General Montgomery, with whom he took an active part against the British government, and was honored with a Captain's commission, and with the army marched to Quebec, with a view to reduce it to the American faith. A general consultation among the officers, took place respecting the [Page 10] mode of procedure against the city; the result whereof, was, to storm it. An attempt accordingly took place on the last day of December, one thousand seven hun­dred and seventy five. In the attempt the valiant Montgomery fell, with some of his officers and men, the major part of his army were taken and imprisoned; some few only escaped, among those, were my father & only brother. My father, apprehensive of the evil con­sequence of his & their conduct, in taking up arms against the King, endeavoured not only to secret himself & son from the royal hunters; but also to secure as many of his followers, as was in his power. He owning a coal hut in the woods, not far from St. Nicola, concluded there to hide them; to this place they retired, intend­ing to tarry until the British wrath subsided; but even in this retreat they were discovered. My Father hav­ing learned this, immediately furnished as many of them as was in his power, with provision, a pocket compass, and other necessaries, bid them shift for themselves; while he and his son returned to St. Nicola, to provide themselves with necessaries, intending to flee to a more distant and more safe retreat: all which by secret intel­ligence, reached the ears of the Commander in Chief at Quebec, who immediately sent an officer, with a num­ber of men to St. Nicola, and made my father, brother, & myself, though young, prisoners; my two sisters made their escape, by jumping out of the chamber windows. The officer ordered his men to fire my father's house, and turn the cattle out of the barn, and to burn that [Page 11] also, which was soon done, and in a few moments both buildings were levelled with the ground. We were carried prisoners to the city, in the night, and confined in the guard house; next day at ten o'clock (the time of relieving the guard,) we were brought before the general officers, who, after a lengthy trial, pronounced the following sentence, viz. that my father and brother should be confined in the common goal, there to re­main until the then war should close; they then turn­ing to me, attentively viewing me, observing my slen­der & youthfull appearance, being then fourteen years and eight months old, said one to the other, what shall we do with this little yankee, this little rebel? it will not do to put him in goal, he will die there in 2 or 3 days, let us said one, give him to the Indians; let them take him, kill him, scalp him, or do what they will with him. My dear father, on hearing this sentence passed on me, faint­ed and fell to the ground. I in the utmost agony cried and begged to be released from the sentence, but all to no purpose. I sprang to my father, clasped my arms round his neck and kissed him. On his recovery, he pleaded earnestly that I might not be given to the In­dians; but all in vain, they violently pulled me from him and pushed me towards the Indians, saying, take that little Yankee, that little Rebel, and kill, or scalp him; do with him as you please; on which one In­dian took me by the hand and forced me from my dear­est [Page 12] connections: saying, go with us, we no kill you; we no hurt you; he French boy.

I soon learned that the Indians, to whom I was giv­en, were of the Scanyawtauraguohrooote tribe, and that they lived no less than fifteen hundred miles from Que­bec. Thus far, reader, I have led you on in my narra­tive without a realizing sense of my certain doom; now, nothing left me but a small glimmer of hope, that at some far distant period, if life remained I might once more realise my freedom and enjoy the tender em­braces of an affectionate and tender father, brother and sisters; but oh! how can I describe my situation! forced from my father, and forbid the tender embrace of a beloved brother and of near, dear and truly affec­tionate sisters, now under the controul of savages of the wilderness, whose tender mercies are cruelty. My at­tachment to the beloved city, was so great, that my dread of future evil, did not prevent my keeping my wishful eyes on it; particularly on that part in which my father dwelt.

The Indians retired from Quebec to the country, not forgetting to take me with them; I found that re­sistance was in vain, I therefore, with apparent cheer­fulness, trip'd along with them, frequently turning my glazed eyes towards them, and viewing, with horror, [Page 13] their Indian dress, and uncouth appearance; but, con­trary to my fears, they used me tenderly in their way; the Squaws appeared more mild and tender, than the men; fawned over and flattered me, and by this mean, I became more familiar with them, and frequently used to run to them for protection, when I thought myself in danger from the men; for several days, I scarce­ly eat or drank with them, their provision and mode of living, being so disagreeable to me, that I was much reduced for want of proper food. After being with them about fifteen days, I became in a measure, recon­ciled to them, and used much familiarity with them. One day an Indian Chief, took me by my hand, and with apparent good humour, told me I must be dressed like them, and bid me pull off my breeches, which I re­luctantly did; he then put on me a clout, and belt, In­dian-fashion, and threw my breeches into the fire, where they were soon consumed; he with a hearty laugh, or­dered me to strip off my other garments, which I read­ily obeyed, and they shared the same sate with my bree­ches; he then completely dressed me in an Indian uni­form, consisting of a blanket, feathers, giving me a stone pipe and tobacco pouch; then painted my face, according to their custom, and told me that was to make me look fine; then flattered me, saying, you be good boy me give you little tomahawk, fine cap and broaches; me no give you name now, me see how you behave, then give you name; you be bold like big man, [Page 14] me give you name like great King; you be coward, and be like Squaw, me give you little name like Squaw.

About three months after I was given to the In­dians, they received the thanks of the British govern­ment, (for their good behaviour,) and large presents, and were permitted to return to their own country. They di­rected their course to fort Michilimackinac, nine hundred miles northwest of Montreal; nothing very material, for or against me, turned up during this route; each day I attentively listened to their language, and by de­grees learned to speak to, and answer them tolerably well; in this, the Squaws were peculiarly helpful. At the above described place, we tarried two months, where the Indians built birch canoes, sufficient to carry five hundred persons with their implements for hunting, and fishing. There we drew provision from the king's store; but not allowed rum for daily use, with which the Indians appeared tolerably satisfied, having the promise of as much as they could drink the last day of their tarry. After completing their canoes, the day of departure arrived, and they received a large quantity of rum, of which they drank so freely, that they soon became intoxicated, almost to a man, so that but a few were able to take care of the presents, made them as a­bove related. This state of intoxication lasted until the next day, when, instead of departing, they begged for more rum, but being denied, they soon became tu­multuous, [Page 15] and attempted to break into the king's stores, which was soon effected. They turned out a number of hogsheads of rum, the garrison being unable to prevent it; of course, the Indians soon became drunk, and a general clamour succeeded, with fighting, Sanop a­gainst Squaw, and Squaw against Sanop, to that de­gree, that many were in danger of losing their limbs, if not life also. This fray continued until the rum was wholly exhausted. During this frolick, about sixty In­dians of the Shawanee tribe, came in birch canoes load­ed with fur, proposing to trade at the fort; the Indians, of whom I now was counted one, soon began to quar­rel with the Shawanee Indians, engaged them with hel­lish fury, and slaughtered the whole number in the most barbarous manner, cutting open their bodies, while a­live, tearing out their bowels, plucking their hearts from their bodies, and greedily eating them, even while palpitating in their hands; incessantly yelling and whooping during the carnage, which was followed by a total destruction of their canoes, and furs.

After spending five days in the manner above des­cribed, we took our departure from Michilimakinak down Lake Superior. Here it may not be amiss to des­cribe Michilimakinak, and Lake Superior.

Michilimackinac, is an island near the entrance of Lake Superior, and takes its name from the appearance [Page 16] of a certain island, lying about six, or seven miles northeast, within sight, which at a distance appears not unlike an animal, called a Tortoise; the word Michili­makinak, in the Indian language, signifying a Tor­tose. On this island of Michilimakinak, is a stockaded fort, usually defended with one hundred men; here are about thirty or forty dwelling-houses, one of which, belongs to the governor, and another to the commissary; several traders from different quarters also, dwell with­in its fortifications; here trade is carried on with In­dians, from almost all parts of America.

Lake Superior, is so called on account of its superi­ority in magnitude to any of the lakes on the continent of America, and is supposed to be the largest body of fresh water on the globe; in circumference, is said to be sixteen hundred miles. ^*

Having described, as I proposed, the island of Michilimakinak, and Lake Superior, according to the best information I am able to obtain, I now proceed in my narrative.

Steering in our canoes (as near as I could guess,) northwest, we were soon overtaken with a heavy gale of wind, which continued three days and nights; dur­ing which, we laboured hard to keep our canoes before the wind, to prevent upsetting, not being able to gain [Page 17] the shore on either side, by reason of huge rocks and banks, which in many places were nearly perpendicular. On the fourth day the wind abated, towards even­ing we discovered an island to which we paddled and landed thereon; where we tarried four or five days to refresh ourselves, and to catch some game and fish, to recruit our stores. Here we caught many fish of vari­ous kinds; the lake abounding in fish, such as Trout, Pike, Pickerel and Porch, with many others, for which I want names.

Having provided ourselves with provision, consisting of fish, and flesh, such as the island afforded, we took our departure from the isle, and continued our voyage notherly, and in about thirty days, catching fish as of­ten as occasion required, not quitting our canoes day nor night, we were obliged to eat our sweet morsels uncooked; realizing that barking stomacks strain no compliments. We arrived at the mouth of Maccatah River, which comes from stupendous mountains, lying far north from this river's mouth, which is about thirty feet wide, the waters whereof, are of an extraordinary quality, being very thick, of a greenish colour, and un­fit for use. This river runs from the mountains with great rapidity; at the bottom of which, at its entrance into the lake, are discovered large rocks of a redish cast, which our Indians called blood-stone, at a short distance north, from this river's mouth, a very singular opening [Page 18] appears on the side of a mountain, apparently cut through solid rock, which is very hard each side of the entrance, is of a black colour, and very smooth; the entrance is about thirty feet diameter, and continues of this magnitude some way into the mountain; many of the Indians repeatedly with lighted torches, have at­tempted to trace it to its utmost extent; but hitherto have failed, not being able to keep torches burning for any length of time, gave over searching further. The rock at the entrance is ornamented with curious carvings of various kinds, such as animals of different forms, some appear suspended from the rock, of different shapes, in a most curious manner, all which our Indians could not account for. The eldest of them observed, that such has been its appearance ever since they had any knowledge of the place. But what I have now to relate is still more marvellous.

During our tarry at this place were heard, at all times, voices, not unlike the crying of young children, as if in the utmost distress. In the morning are plainly seen on the smooth sand on the beach, at the mouth of this horrible cavern, marks like foot-steps of children; and, although smoothed down in the morning, the fol­lowing morning similar marks will appear, as nume­rous as the preceeding day. From this place we con­tinued our course north for two days and one night in our canoes, and arrived at the Red River, which takes [Page 19] its rise from Lake Superior, and runs a southwesterly course very rapidly; in which are many falls. We paddled down this river forty days, frequently shooting over falls with such force, that our canoes sometimes would skip out of the water; but such was their con­struction, that they would always fall on their bottoms, being properly balanced by their navigators falling flat on their backs within them. Many falls were so tremen­dous, that we were obliged to haul out our canoes and carry them on our backs by land, until passing the rap­ids, slide them into the river and pursue our course. We arrived at an island in this river, after forty days sail from its mouth. Here we tarried five or six days to furnish ourselves with a new recruit of provision. Soon after our landing, six Indians, belonging to the Annoowechen Tribe, made us a visit in their canoes, constructed something different from ours, both in form and ornament. Those Indians came, as they said, with an intention to inform us of something greatly to our advantage, and if we would make them some good presents, we should be let into the secret—whereupon, we gave each one a blanket, and they then informed us, that the Annoowechen Tribe had heard of our return from Canada, and of our possessing many valuable presents, made us, when there; and of their intention to surprise and rob us before the next morning. They soon departed, and we being fore-warned, put ourselves in the best posture for defence; knowing that our in­tended [Page 20] robbers were not prepared with fire arms—hav­ing nothing wherewith to make the assault, excepting axes made of flint stone, fixed in the end of a split stick; these axes were their principal weapons for war; we having fire arms, ammunition and tomahawks in plen­ty, did not fear them, be their number ever so large. However, we put ourselves in the best posture for de­fence, and kept a good look out through the night. Just before the dawn of day (it being very calm weather) we could hear their paddles strike the water; and they soon came in sight. I counted forty-two canoes— the smallest number in a canoe was fourteen, and in some were more than twenty. We permitted them to advance till they came near the shore, and then fired upon them, which made terrible havoc. They being unacquainted with fire arms, were put into the greatest confusion—some crawled to the shore, others jumped into the water, and attempted to save themselves by swiming—a small number escaped. Forty of them we took alive, and killed all except ten, who were reserved for future diversion. After the battle was over, we counted among the dead on shore, and in the water, two hundred and fifty, without any loss on our side. Soon after, the forenoon of that day, several of them were most inhumanly slaughtered by the toma­hawk and knife, cutting open their bodies, and with their hands scooping up the warm blood out of their bodies, while alive, and drinking it greedily, [Page 21] whooping and dancing merrily, as if partaking of the most agreeable repast. Some of our Indians observing my backwardness to join them, ordered me to do as they did—with which I was obliged to comply so far, as to scoop up blood into my hands, and daubed it over my mouth and face, to make them believe I drank it; they then said I was good man.

The prisoners who survived, were kept confined without any sustenance, and every day were whipt and tortured, by burning their fingers; forcing them into their pipes, when smoaking, and there confining them, until burnt to the bone; whooping and dancing round them—this was their practice day by day, until this scene changed, by a scene more horrible, which cannot be realized by my readers; nothing but occular dem­onstration can bring this to a proper point of view, to this day, (a recollection of the scene) it being transacted before my eyes, at a period of life, when the smallest im­pression must make a lasting continuance—even now, makes me to shudder. The manner of sacrifice, is as follows, viz.

The prisoner, destined for each day's diversion, was led from among his companions to the place of execu­tion, bound with strong cords, (prepared from sinews of wild animals,) to a post fixed in the ground, to which the victim is strongly tied, having his hands fas­tened behind him, his back towards the post, and in such [Page 22] a manner, that he could step round from side to side, keeping his back towards the fixed post. At a small distance, in a circular form round the unhappy sufferer, fire was then kindled, consisting of pitch pine splinters, with other combustible matter, so as to make a small, but constant fire. As soon as the man feels the heat, he moves with a view to fly from the fire; but alas▪ 'tis fruitless, for turn which way he will, he still feels the force of the increasing element—our Indians then shew their joy, by whooping, dancing, rattling their kettles, prepared for this purpose, by putting small stones and bullets into them. This diversion continues until the sufferer appears nearly exhausted. The pris­oner during his suffering never shews the least reluc­tance; but often would say, you no understand best way to torment—at the same time pointing out differ­ent modes of punishment; exultingly would whoop and say, me die like man, so died my father, my grand-father, and all good fighters die like men.

When the prisoner appears nearly expiring, which is known by his faultering voice, and declining head; the by-standers then, to increase his anguish, heat the bails of their kettles red hot, and throw them over the expiring prisoner's head, which causes him to revive and greatly enhances his torment, in his last moments. This awful scene was repeated day by day, until all the prisoners were executed. We tarri­ed [Page 23] here but a few days after this savage repast closed; but attempted to recruit our provisi [...] [...] was our inva­riable practice at every stage, when [...]. By this time I became more Indian-like, and tolerably content with my lot, endeavouring to mimic them in all their manners; finding it best to be a conformist—for by this, I found that they were pleased, and I soon became their favourite.

From this island we departed, and paddled half a day, steering south, till we struck the south shore of Red River; we hauled our canoes out of the river, and trav­elled fifteen miles, observing a southerly course, carrying our canoes, &c. over mountains, valleys and rocks, un­til we came to the river, called Rontooroo; we in our canoes following this river (which appear'd narrow on our first entrance) forty-five miles—here the river is nine miles from shore to shore. After sailing some con­siderable time, further down the widest part of this river, which kept a southerly course, I espied near the centre of this river, a very large island (on which I afterwards learned our tribe lived,) on a nearer approach to it, I could see a very large number of buildings in a form new to me, these were wigwams, constructed by the In­dians, and spread over a large extent. They appeared in the form of a Cone, circular, broad at the bottom, and gradually falling in at the top, which ended in a small point, with a hole in the centre, to carry off smoke, &c. The wigwams appeared nearly of equal height, which [Page 24] was about twenty feet. I was much startled at the sight, thinking that we should soon engage our ene­mies, and a horr [...] scene of war would ensue. I ask­ed an Indian what that appearance before us meant? A Squaw came to me and told me not to be frightened. On our nearer approach to the shore, I discovered a number of flags-hoisted; some appeared very broad, and long, and of various colours, whereon were drawn figures of animals of different kinds, and neatly execu­ted. The inhabitants, of all ages, and sexes, ran towards the shore, whooping and dancing with great vehemence, at which I was terrified to that degree, that I fainted, expecting soon to be devoured by them. A number of Squaws came to me, threw water in my face, and tick­led the bottoms of my feet, sides, and belly. I soon re­vived, and we landed. The people on shore hauled our canoes out of the water, and took care of our baggage, all which, they carried from the water's edge, to different wigwams, in a manner, before to me unknown, which was by placing them at arms length over their heads, whooping extravagantly as they passed along. On our coming to the centre of the wigwams, in an open space, large fires were kindled, over which were hung on poles, a number of large brass kettles, contain­ing indian corn, and meat of different kinds. At a small distance from the fire, a large number of wood­en dishes were piled up bottom upwards. At this place, preparation was made for a feast, prepared for [Page 25] their returning friends. The whole number who par­took of this feast, amounted to some hundreds. All were seated round the fire cross legg [...] ▪ About twenty Indians, who appeared as waiters, [...]ght forward the wooden dishes, and with ladles, made of wood, filled them with the prepared food from the kettles; of which no one must taste, until the whole number were served, and then all must begin at once, and every one must eat all contained in his dish, without breaking a bone, or hire some others to eat what the holder of his dish could not devour. A large bone falling to my share, I took it from my dish, and with a stone, tried to break it in order to suck the marrow out of it; at that time I did not fully comprehend the mode of regulating so important a feast; one of the chiefs attentively viewing me, saw my transgres­sion, immediately sprung from his seat, and with an open knife in his hand, made directly towards me; I was much alarmed, and starting from my seat on the ground, ran, the Indian soon overtook me, and with an apparent design to take my life, caught hold of my arm; I made all the resistance in my power, by scratching, biting, and kicking him, but all to no purpose; for he forced me back to my seat, and bid me eat all in my dish, and that I must not crack a bone; he then retired to his seat. This manoeuver so affrighted me, that I could not eat any more. At a small distance from the place of festivity, was prepared a large pile of dry wood, [Page 26] to which fire was put, which raged with such rapid­ity, that the whole pile, which was large, become a gen­eral conflagrat [...] ▪ To this place, the Indians having finished their brotherly feast, repaired about sun set, each person rising from his seat, all at once, every one carrying his dish in his hand, and advancing near the fire, threw the bones into it. Various instruments for music were also brought forward, consisting of small kettles, containing bullets and small stones, and a small piece of hard wood scooped out so large as to contain about two quarts; into these were thrown small pebbles, each one containing an equal quantity; this piece of wood was constructed in an orbicular form, into which was fixed a handle about six inches in length; with these instruments, adding the Indian whoop, commen­cing all at the same time, with dancing round the fire— all engaging without distinction of age or sex, struck me with an agreeable surprise. This continued without intermission, until the whole constructed pile of wood was consumed, to that degree, that the Indians could run over it, which they did, stamping and kicking it about, until the whole was extinguished. The nation­al pipe was then brought forward, of curious construc­tion, and made of stone; the bowl was so large as to contain several pounds of tobacco, with curious engrav­ings on the outside; the stems ^* consisted of many joints, equidistant one joint from the other, all of stone, artful­ly made, in a tubicular form, of a great length; under [Page 27] the bowl was placed a large block of wood, so as to keep it upright; directly under each joint of the stems, was placed blocks, continued to its extremity, at which another block was also fixed, upon which, each Indian was to sit and smoke in the following order.

As the stem consisted of seven joints, seven Indians were alternately called to those last fixed blocks; the great pipe being lighted, the first seven came forward, one after the other, sitting down, and drawing three whiffs a piece, withdrew. This continued seven at a time, coming on and going off, in the same manner, until the whole assembled multitude, went through this ceremony. This was their method of renewing and confirming their covenants on all great occasions, to strengthen and unite their nation in a strict adherence to their laws, thereby to regulate their proceedings in war, defensive or offensive, in peaceful covenants with other tribes, on the safe return of long absent friends, at marriages, &c. Those ceremonies were ever consider­ed, and kept as sacred and binding as a solemn oath. Any one refusing to smoke at this pipe, were ever con­sidered, and treated as enemies to our tribe, and not un­der the national law; therefore, liable to be killed with impunity, by any who had smoked the great pipe. Those various scenes continued through the greatest part of the night. At the close, our Indian Chief ascended a large block of wood, fixed at one end in the ground, [Page 28] so high as to contain seven steps; on the top of this block he sat down, cross legged; upon which, a profound silence [...] kept by the surrounding multitude; he then made a speech, directed principally to those, who had assisted their friends, the English, and had returned to their tribe in peace, to the following pur­pose, viz.

"Ye sons of warriors, you have played the man, you have honored your nation, by your heroic actions, in surmounting difficulties, which cannot be performed by any, except by the Scanyawtauragahrooote Tribe. Welcome my sons, to your native soil, and may your good conduct on this, as on many other occasions, be had in remembrance by you and your friends of this nation. Ever keep yourselves in readiness, to defend yourselves, and dearest connections, from the assaults of your inveterate foes; which, if you uniformly observe in unity with your brethren of this Tribe, we have noth­ing to fear. The assaults of our enemies, however formidable, and fierce, must in the end prove ineffectual. I now dismiss you with my sincere wishes, that you may ever prove successful in war, with our national enemies, and when called to war with our friendly allies; in hunting the Buffalo, Bear, Beaver, and all other great and good game—in catching the big fish, and in all your domestic concerns. Each of you now retire to his respective, peaceable wigwam."

[Page 29]The Chief having finished his great speech, the at­tentive multitude shew their approbation by a general whoop, with dancing round the great man, which last­ed a few moments, and each one peaceably retired to his home.

My reader will naturally consider me as now about to encounter many new, and apparently insurmountable trials. Being far removed, not less (as I conceive) than 15 or 16 hundred miles from my native country, nev­er more to enjoy domestic peace, which is and has been the happy lot of many, among their friends; no more to enjoy the fraternal embrace of the kindest and ten­derest of fathers; deprived of sweet interviews with the best of brothers, and two most desirable sisters; add to all this, a total deprivation of even the most distant pros­pect of a tolerable education in my own country, and native language. My education at the time of my be­ing given to the Indians, was, as it were, but in embrio. Now inexpressible ideas would alternately fill my youth­ful mind; deprived of the comforts and convenience of life; not fully understanding the Indian language, thereby unable to communicate my ideas of want, and sorrow, that I might meet with some mitigation at least though from savages. My being a stranger to all except those with whom I had journeyed, being constantly ex­posed to their insults, and every day liable to be killed by them, and all perhaps by my unavoidably commit­ting [Page 30] blunders, merely for want of a thorough knowl­edge of their language; add to this the disagreeable manner of preparing and eating their food; their man­ner of sleeping; their frequent Indian yellings, all con­tributed more or less to inhance my lonely feelings. However, I soon found that my lamentations would be [...]o no purpose; I put on as manly a countenance, and ac­tions as possible, trying to recommend myself to their fa­vourable notice. In this, I was successful, being often called to mingle with them in their diversions; such as [...]hooting with bow and arrow, hunting, &c. This Island [...] considered as my future home. Soon after my arrival, an Indian Squaw observing my disconsolate state, and youthful appearance, made me a visit, fawned over me, and claimed me as her son, and told me I should live with her. I gladly accepted the invitation, went with her and soon became her favourite; strictly observing such of her orders as I could understand; constantly following her wherever she went. Here I cannot but notice the interposition of providence to­wards me, in raising up this old Squaw, at once, to be­come not only my friend, but what is still much greater, my mother also. With this Squaw, I enjoyed myself tolerably well. My following her about, and frequent visits, made with her among our neighbors, was partic­ularly noticed by our young Indians, insomuch, that they would frequently retort upon me, and say, you no leave your mother, you great pappoose; this netled me, [Page 31] and I soon became acquainted with, and followed them for awhile in their diversions. One day in my walk with my comrades, I observed a building of a different form, from any I had seen on this island. I was informed that this building was some years before, built by a Spaniard to carry on the gun-smith's business, who had accumulated great wealth, consisting of furs, &c—our Indians envying him—killed him. I with my friends, entered this house, which was built with square tim­ber, confined at each end, in the same manner as log houses are built in this country; here we found vari­ous tools, sufficient to carry on the black-smith's, gun-smith's, and silver-smith's business; a thought struck my mind, that an opportunity now presented for me to advance myself in property and friendship with my new friends. I learnt that the Indians did not make any use of this building nor tools; I soon obtained liberty to improve them as my own. My father having in Canada carried on the black-smith's work before I left him, as well as after my return, gave me frequent op­portunities to handle his tools in some little measure, in my earliest life—I now commenced black-smith. The first work I attempted, was to make a scalping knife in imitation of their's, which I soon effected, much to their liking; I then mended some kettles, made several tom­ahawks, steel-traps, mended gun-locks, &c. I now be­came a favourite among them, and of no small con­sequence with them; still boarding with my old mother, [Page 32] the Squaw, whose name was Chawwensee. Many of my comrades importuned me to live with them, court­ing my company, and favours, but my mother I count­ed my best friend, therefore kept with her. My shop was frequently crouded with them, admiring my workmanship; saying, I could work as well as the Span­iard;—they soon became clamorous, frequently saying, you must go eat with us; to prevent any further dis­pute, I often gratified them, by eating with them. I ob­served, that broaches were a favourite ornament among them began to make some but poorly executed, a number coming inone day, I bid them throw all their broaches into one crucible, which they did telling them he that threw in the greatest number should have the largest number of new ones, and the prettiest. The crucible being filled I soon melted them all together, turning the silver thus melted into a brass kettle, it soon became one solid body, after it cooled I took it into my tongs and began to heat it, as I heat my iron, and began to hammer it, telling one of them to strike with me, the silver broke in pieces, I said stop, stop, we must take a welding heat. I then put it into the fire, and blew it briskly, then attempt­ing to take it out, sound nothing in my tongs; the In­dians then began to whoop & laugh, jumping about the shop, clapping their hands with many contemptuous sneers, this I could not well relish, however it passed off tolerably well, they then said you must go with us to Tartarrac ^* where lived many gold smith's, who [Page 33] would learn me to make broaches. I asked them how far it was to that place? they said, little way, nine hun­dred miles. I had now lived with them about two years, and learnt their language, and habituated my­self to their mode of living. I consented, it being near autum, the usual time of their going to Tartarrac to trade.

We set out in our canoes, consisting of forty-five, with a small quantity of provision. The number who embarked with me, were seven hundred, men, squaws and children—carrying with us fur and ginsang, fit for a Spanish market. I was then posses­sed of the largest share of any one. This river on which we embarked is very wide and deep, and by our Indians called Tartarrac River.

Our voyage, which was nearly of forty days contin­uance, and without any impediment by rapids, not having occasion to travel by land any part of this great distance, sometimes stoping to catch fish, as occa­sion required, we arrived safe at the city above men­tioned, with our furs, &c. On our entering the city, we were kindly received, and began our trade—our Indians prefered rum and other spirits, in preference to any other articles, in exchange for theirs—and now a most horrible scene commenced, the Indians partaking too freely of the good creature, were generally drunk, [Page 34] and with tomahawks and scalping knives, fell on with­out discrimination, father against son, and son against father, sanops and squaws, all endeavoring to kill the first person they met with. The city being in an uproar, we were all turned without the walls, and prevented entering until the tumult should subside, which was not until the next morning. During the night the noise and confusion was kept up—I was much distressed least I should be killed among them, but esca­ped unhurt. Early in the morning, upon examina­tion we found four of our number killed, and many others badly wounded. The inhabitants learning our peaceful state, fired a cannon in token of their readiness to renew our trade with them—we all marched in and began to trade, which went on for a time well; but the just described scene soon was discovered, and began to take place, occasioned by rum—we were all turned out as before related. This receiving into, and turn­ing out of the city, lasted four days. Such was my situation, that I had no opportunity to learn the method to make broaches. In this confusion, the fifth day we left the city without knowing how our accounts with the Spaniards stood; we took to our canoes, paddling up the river for thirty-nine days and nights, until we ar­rived at our island; supplying ourselves with fish, by catching them in the river, and eating them without cooking.

[Page 35]On our return, we found that nothing material had happened (to our friends we left behind) during our absence. I continued my business at my forge for some time, but the hunting season coming on, our young men prepared to hunt the Buffalo, and by general invi­tation I joined them.

We took our departure from our island early in the morning, and from the opposite shore, westerly we trav­elled through the woods about fifteen or twenty miles— here, in a convenient place we halted, in the wilderness, to reconnoitre our party, consisting of fifteen hundred, and to arrange our matters, so as to make a secure and successful hunt. Our first work was, to form a hedge fence, beginning at a notherly point, thence extending southerly, forming two sides of a triangle, to some miles extent; the fence was built sufficiently strong, to re­tard the flight of the Buffalo on that quarter, then from the southermost point of the fence extending to a proper length easterly, a living fence was built in the fol­lowing manner: about a hundred men were formed thus, the first with his left hand clasping the first stake in the fence, at its southermost extent, thence standing in an eastern direction, the length of his arm, thence extend­ing his right arm its whole length, one other man stands fimly fixt, with arms extending as the former, and so on in the same manner until the whole number are in this manner, consisting of a hundred men, com­pletely [Page 36] formed. This fence serves but to frighten the Buf­falos to that quarter, guarded by the impenetrable hedge; the men forming their part of the fence after extending to a proper length easterly, are continued then in a circular form, towards the northern point of the hedge, leaving a space of about one mile between the two ex­tremes. Having thus completed our fence, a number of men sufficient for the purpose, scoure the woods, collecting a large number of Buffalos, (for this is a Buffalo hunt,) not regarding animals of an inferior bulk or value. The animals roused and put in motion from different quarters, are by their drivers collected into one general company, which is done without much trouble, as they naturally herd together—the hunters scatter as much as they can, but not so far as to pre­vent the game from retreat in the rear; thus drove on, they enter the opening, as above described. The ani­mals now enclosed, the men forming the northern part of the line join, the hunters close up towards the south­ern part of the inclosure—the herd finding no escape on the quarter forming the hedge fence, fly to the o­ther quarter, from which they are soon driven by the living fence, formed as above described; all things now prepared, a number of the most expert hunters en­ter among the animals, which generally consist of a ve­ry large number of old and young, fat and lean. The fatest and best are prefered, leaving the poor and young­est for future supplies. Having killed as many as we [Page 37] chose, the remainder we set at liberty. This hunt is performed in as secret a manner as possible, to prevent the neighboring tribes from entering our borders, and sharing with us, in our diversion and profits. The Buffalos killed at this time, are brought together and dressed, by skinning and taking out their entrails—the meat is preserved by smoke, as is practiced by the In­dians, when desirous of preserving their meat any length of time, which when smoked, is fit for use. The manner of smoking meat is thus, a long and narrow building, built by setting up poles in the ground at equal distance one from the other, in two strait lines, interwoven with slim, pliable poles, covering over from side to side of the thus fixed poles with bark, they are completed, fit to receive the meat—this receiver is ea­sily and soon completed, as they are temporarily set up wherever we meet a sufficient quantity of meat worth smoking. The skins taken from those animals are dres­sed immediately, with the brains and marrow of the original owners, which when dressed, leaving the hair on, are fit for trade with the northern tribes; with whom they are exchanged for mogasons, &c. The In­dians are careful to carry each man a small quantity of salt, not to use with their meat, but as an antidote against the bite of rattle snakes, which often happens, and to extract any other poison. Having smoked our meat, dressed our skins, &c. we returned with our boo­ty to our dwellings, each one receiving his equal share.

[Page 38]On my return, I went on with my business in my shop as heretofore; such was the demand for toma­hawks, traps, &c. that I now began to fix prices for my work, and told them I would not work any longer without pay, they said what must we give you? I said, I want better clothes and more broaches; they then brought me the best blanket that could be found, ad­ding a large number of broaches of the best workman­ship; also a very handsome gun, with the accoutre­ments fit for hunting, &c. Thus encouraged, I strove to please them, which I happily effected in a short time; they frequently visited me at my shop, loading me with presents of fur, ginsang, and many other smaller matters.

This pleasing scene continued but for a short time, being interrupted by news, that a tribe not far distant, had encroached on our hunting ground. On this, a council of war was held, consisting of the whole tribe, myself included, not one man missing. A solemn con­sultation was held, every man without distinction was allowed freely to give his opinion of the important question. Shall we make war, and drive off the intru­ders? or shall we allow them to enter our borders and hunt with impunity? they all appeared ready and wil­ling to make war with and drive from our lands the insulting foe.

I attentively listened to the debate, but was so un­fortunate as to dissent from them in opinion. I well [Page 39] knew that my advice would be listened to, and be by them counted of much weight. I therefore with the importance of a councellor, demanded silence and at­tention to what I was about to say on the subject— they all, with silence, listening sat. This making war, said I, upon a slender cause like unto the present, is not justifiable, 'tis bad policy, we have no certain informa­tion, nothing but report, no one will say he saw this in­trusion, and destruction made on our hunting ground, 'tis but hearsay report; my advice, therefore is, that some one trusty, mild (if any one can be found) mem­ber of our tribe be appointed, and properly authorised to go from this nation, to the Rahatoree Tribe, the supposed intruders, and there make proper enquiry in­to facts touching their conduct towards us; if they have intruded, and it is properly substantiated, let him immediately return, then we will adopt, and pursue the best measures in our power for retalliation; if the report should prove groundless, let him go prepared further to strengthen our friendship.

My advice was approved of by the whole council, and was immediately put in practice in the following manner. One of the number was chosen and made ready agreeably to the prescribed method. The mes­senger was dressed in our usual mode—to make him respectable, he was ornamented with wampum, consist­ing of beeds, belts, becoming one of so much con­sequence; [Page 40] he hastily proceeded on his journey—on his arrival made known his message. By enquiring into their conduct, whether they had made any intru­sion on the Scanyawtauragahrooote Tribe; the an­swer was, that they had hunted on their lands, and that they would whenever they saw fit; if our tribe disliked it, they might take what measures they thought best, to prevent it. Upon this our envoy soon return­ed, and reported to proper persons of our nation, ap­pointed therefor. This report having been made pub­lic, the general cry was War! War! the whole tribe assembled, the national pipe, already described, was by special order brought forward, and all who were inclin­ed to go on this expedition, were to smoke three whiffs a piece. The number who smoked on this occasion consist­ed of five thousand. Here an important question arose, whether we should be successful or not—to determine this 'twas necessary to consult—the Powow ^* must be called; who living at some distance, was sent for, and soon made his appearance. The place into which the Powow was placed, was prepared by fixing a number of flexible poles in the ground, thus, one end drove down, bending over, the other end fixed into the ground, forming an arch, and so on, as to form a space suffi­cient to contain one person only—the spaces between these poles were filled up with interweavings of bark, rine and twigs, so closely as not to admit light; each [Page 41] end was also secured, so close as to exclude the least ray. In this dismal place the juggler was placed, confined on his back with ligatures, crossways and lengthways of his body, in such a manner, as to pre­vent motion in any one member, except his head. He being thus confined, a number of Indians came for­ward, and formed a circle round him, setting on the ground cross legged, with blankets covered over their heads, observing a profound silence—in a short time the Powow begins to mutter in a low voice, which rises in a language new and strange, for a long time, then a noise is heard like a rushing wind, ringing of bells, in about fifteen minutes, the prisoner is in­vincibly released, and runs violently to the water, fol­lowed by his cross legged brethren, and there contin­ues so long as to dive three times, thence rushing from the water ran to his former retreat, there lay without speaking, not eating or drinking for twenty-four hours, then eats and drinks plentifully; after which, informs the gaping multitude that the expedition should prove successful, that but nine hundred men would oppose them. Upon this agreeable information, our island rang with whooping and dancing, rejoicing and boasting at the advantage they had of five thousand opposing nine hundred. Orders were then given, that all those who had smoked the great pipe, should immediately prepare to march, which began by painting their faces in the following manner: the right [Page 42] side red with half the nose, the left side of the face and nose black, the top of the head, which is without hair, of different colours chequer-wise, all which denote courage without fear. Each man fixed on his warlike weapons, and were ready—the preparation took up but two days.

With twenty canoes we left our island, cautiously paddled to the main. On striking the shore, we hauled up our canoes, and carried them on our backs, crept through the bushes some miles, until we came to a great lake; on an island in this lake, our enemies dwelt. We, without noise, put our canoes into the wa­ter, and paddled within a few rods of the island; here we made a halt, and dispatched a small number to re­connoitre the island—of this party I was one—(here it must be observed, that our canoes were of various sizes, some would carry twenty-six or thirty men; the largest six men could carry with ease.) On our near approach, we saw a number paddling round the island, as if to keep a good look out, for they expected us; we soon returned to our party, and informed what we had seen; upon this, our whole body cautiously moved on, it being dark, as we came near, keeping a profound silence—our ene­mies' arrows whistled about our ears; we could per­ceive them in quick motion, and silent—they had much the advantage among the bushes, and we in open sight, and before we recovered the shore, they killed 25 of [Page 43] our number, three of their arrows stuck into my cap, I being in one of the foremost canoes. The night being calm, we soon went on shore, and pursued the enemy in all directions—the island being small, we soon found their lurking places, and destroyed many. As soon as day light appeared, here a dreadful carnage ensued, accompanied with savage yelling, which served but to increase savage fury. Our enemies finding our number much exceeded theirs they endeavoured to make off; some by swimming from the island, some took to their canoes, but we prevented them, by closely pursuing and knocking them in head, some we shot in the water; some who had reached their canoes, we also shot. This carnage went on with increasing fury, until nearly all of them were killed, or taken alive; a small number however, reached the opposite shore;—their canoes al­so fell chiefly into our hands; many we stove in pieces, others we kept for our own use. Among the prisoners, we culled fifty of the tallest and best men, to carry our spoils, &c. to our island, we also reserved one boy, the others we took, were directly killed in a most savage and brutal manner. Thus in about twenty-four hours after landing, we killed and took the whole number of the enemy, consisting of five hundred. Upon examining our party, we missed ninety-two of our number, includ­ing those killed on our landing.

This island being now in peace, with our prisoners and spoil, we left it, and without any material hind­rance [Page 44] we arrived at our island. On our safe return, we were received with the usual ceremonies, performed on similar occasions of conquest, as has been already related. After a short refreshment, a council was held, to determine in what mode to execute the prisoners; the result was, to bring them out the next morning, and in the most public manner proceed as follows: sixteen stakes fixed into the ground, at about fifty feet one from the other; at each stake one prisoner was tied his face towards the stake, his hind parts ex­posed to the persecutors; then a large number of squaws appeared, every one armed with a club of three feet in length, and four inches in circumference. Round each unhappy sufferer, a strong guard is placed, to pre­vent any squaw from liberating a prisoner, which some­times happen without this precaution;— this done, the squaws march in a single file, giving every prisoner one blow on his naked back; when they came to the boy, the squaws unitedly begged his life, which by the Indian Chiefs was granted, and given to me, who afterwards became singularly useful, and tarried with me during my stay with the Indians; after the squaws had per­formed their part, then an equal number of boys, each one with his pipe filled with tobacco and fire, went up, thrusting the sufferers' fingers into the pipe, when hot, confining them until the finger was blistered; then a number of other boys came on, and with blunt arrows, shot at them, never missing the mark—this continued [Page 45] for three days. The prisoners were kept in the same position, without any sustenance during the whole transaction, all which they bore without any seeming reluctance, although irritated with reflections on their past conduct, as cowards, and of unequal strength to oppose our tribe, and by bringing food before them, and frequently put to their mouths, of which they were forbid to taste. At the expiration of the third day, their bodies appeared one general wound; then dry wood was brought and piled around each vic­tim, and set on fire at each corner; when ensued dan­cing, &c. round the consuming pile, in the same man­ner as hath already been related on similar occasions.

This more than brutal scene being finished, which took up some days, the tormentors and other spectators went each one to his wigwam, I to my shop, with my boy, whom I considered as my apprentice. My business daily increasing, and customers punctual in payment, gave me peculiar pleasure, so that I almost forgot my former mode of living, and sweets of a relative life; frequently diverting myself by fishing, and hunt­ing near home.

The disadvantage I had laboured under, during my peregrination, rendered it almost impossible to keep a true Kalendar; my reader, therefore, must not expect an exact account of the times, in which the several trans­actions [Page 46] took place, as mentioned in this detail, although perfectly true.

And now about this time, another tramp to Tartar­rac was planned, and preparation was accordingly made, by collecting together our fur, ginsang, &c. Thus prepared, we set off in our canoes, and frequent­ly put on shore on either side of the river, to catch Wild Turkeys, and other small game. One day as I was travelling through some woods near the river, I es­pied a Monkey, and soon caught him, and carried him in my canoe to Tartarrac here we arrived in the usu­al time spent in paddling do [...]n to the city—on our being admitted, we began ou [...] [...]. I took my Monkey ^* under my arm, travelled through several streets trying to sell him; at length I saw a boy standng near an ele­gant house, I asked him in Indian language, if he would buy my Monkey? he answered, his master was gone from home, but if I would stop he would go up stairs and ask his mistress—he then took a key from his pocket, ran up stairs, soon returned and asked my price? I said, three dollars—he took my Monkey, car­ried it to his mistress—returned, and in lieu of my Pug, gave me my price; I was then invited to eat, which I gladly accepted. While I was eating, the master re­turned, [Page 47] and immediately went up stairs to his lady, see­ing a Monkey in her lap, enquired how she procured him? she answered, a young Indian left it with her—he asked if it might be bought? she answered, the owner is below. He immediately came down to me, and ask­ed if I owned the Monkey? if I would sell him? I re­plied yes, will take what you please to give, (for I found he knew nothing of my trade with his wife.) After I had eat and drank sufficiently, he asked me to go with him to his store? I followed him, and he gave me two dollars in money, and [...]ree dollars in ar­ticles I wanted, and found there. Now the Monkey is his, the money and such a [...]les [...] he gave are mine.

In staring round the store, I saw a number of odly form'd things, appearing something like cross belts, locked together with padlocks; the boy being present, the merchant left the store—I having an itching desire to know the exact form, and use of them, I took up one in my hand, viewing it attentively, I found some part lined and stuffed with wool; I asked the boy, (who could converse in our language) what it was? and of what use? he told me that the Spaniards were jeal­ous of their wives, and to prevent an unlawful inter­course with other men, this instrument was contrived, and always by the husband put on and locked round his wife, in such a manner, as to prevent any immodest connections between different sexes—this the husband [Page 48] never neglected, when about to leave his wife, even but for a short time. That was the invariable practice, as the boy told me with his master, which accounts for the boy's taking a key from his pocket, and going up stairs, when I offered to sell him my Monkey; for the husband never leaves his house, until his wife is prop­erly equiped, and locked up in her chamber, the key of which, and of the padlock, is delivered to the maid or boy of the family, who keeps them until the re­turn of the husband, and to him only, are the keys de­livered. ^*

I left the store and joined my brethren, to whom I communicated my good luck. We went on with our trade tolerably well, in purchasing some iron, steel, led and powder, with many other necessary articles, all which I carefully stowed in our canoes—the manage­ment of our trade, &c. devolving principally on me. Having now brought the Indians into such subjection, that I could say to one come, and he came, to another go, and he went.

We tarried four days only, at this time in Tartar­rac. The fourth and last day, our Indians began to [Page 49] break over the orders, and drank too freely—the suc­ceeding night became a scene of horror and bloodshed. I had as much as I could do, to keep them from des­troying one another—by my exertion, the greater part of their weapons were kept from them; however, one young Indian found means to procure a tomahawk, and did much mischief, before I had knowledge of it. An old squaw came running to me, and inform'd that two of them, father and son, had engaged. I sprung for­ward, catched a club, ran to them, ordered the son im­mediately to give up his weapon; which he, knowing my voice, gave to me—turning myself from them, they made a most hideous yell—I turned, and found the son had got his father by his head, which he sudden­ly pulled down, and against his up-lifted knee, broke his father's neck. The son immediately absconded, and has never been seen with us since. No other death happened through the night. The force of the liquor having abated, a new scene [...]ow took place as follows: The whole number seated themselves in companies on the ground, crosslegged; each one throwing his blan­ket over his head—all seated in a circular form, a hid­eous yelling commenced; each one lamenting his own misfortunes, the loss of his grand father, his father, and other friends. This continued for some hours, after which, we prepared to return.

My visits to Tartarrac, to me were very agreeable, having an opportunity of conversing with people who [Page 50] conducted much as the people of Canada. Their bread I was much pleased with.

Our business being conducted much as heretofore, we took to our canoes, and in the usual time returned to our friends. On my return, I and my boy went on with our business—our Indians employed in their seve­ral diversions, for the men never perform any manual labour, except making instruments for war. The squaws always perform the harvest work, such as to plant and dress the corn, bring from the woods such game as the hunters from time to time recover.

In about six months after our return, some of our warriors formed a plan to rob a distant nation of their furs, &c. (for they continue peaceable but for a short time together.) This nation was called the White In­dian, and lived about three hundred miles north. Five hundred of the spriest and most enterprising of our Indians, of whom I was counted one, went through the ceremonies usually practised on like occasions, set out on the proposed robbery, without any provision, de­pending wholly on hunting for a supply.

We marched with proper guides for three weeks. Coming near to the place of destination, we made a halt, and consulted the best method to fall upon them. 'Twas agreed that a number sufficient for the purpose, [Page 51] (for they were a harmless, defenceless people) should divide themselves into small companies of two each— every company take a different rout in a circuitous march round the mountain. ^* My companion, with whom I travelled, took orders and departed, both car­rying fire arms and ammunition, with a strict charge to return at a certain time, as had been agreed on, whether successful or not.

We travelled five days, without making any discov­ery; at length, on the sixth day, as we were chatting together, my friend espied a man standing naked, with a bow in his hand, at the entrance of a cave—I ran to him, and with my tomahawk dispatched him—he did not shoot, although armed with bow and arrow. The way being prepared for our entrance into the cavern in search for plunder, a dispute arose between us, who should enter first; we at length determined by casting lots, and the lot fell on me. I with a lighted torch en­tered, my friend followed with his tomahawk close to my heels—here we met with many difficulties; I with my torch in my left hand, my tomahawk in my right; he with his loaded gun in one hand and tomahawk in the other; we crawled on our hands and knees, scarce­ly daring to breathe, much less to whisper. After [Page 52] moving on for some considerable length, we were stopt by a short turn to the right; from thence creeping forward with as much silence as possible, I found ano­ther turn to the left; in this course we steered for some time, at length I discovered by the light of my torch, a large opening, apparently of about fifteen or twenty feet square. In this opening we discovered a number moving about. I then began to realise my situation, to be more critical than ever before or since—no re­treat, for we could not turn to get out, our enemies before us, and we knew not in what manner they were prepared to receive us. ^* On our nearer approach, we raised our voices into yelling and whooping, in order to intimidate them, and prevent their making any de­fence—this succeeded, and prevented their making the least defence. They all, consisting of four women, five men and three children, huddled together in one corner —here as was previously agreed on, I waved my torch to keep it burning, and to give my companion every assistance in my power to execute his part, which was [Page 53] to kill all we should find within. The executioner per­formed his part, by killing the whole with his toma­hawk. Those persons appeared quite different from any I had ever before seen.

The adults appeared about five feet high, very large, round heads, flat noses, wide mouths, very large and white teeth, very long, strait and very white hair, pale countenance, having no occasion to ramble abroad, ex­cept to hunt for food and bedding; a small portion of each serving them—they are strangers to fire and cloth­ing, living a most indolent life. We found no kind of tool with them, excepting one made something like a hatchet, having a stone made flat at one end, and fas­tened into a stick split at one end. The bottom of the cavern was covered over with skins, piled up one on a­nother, to a considerable height, consisting of Buffalo, Bear, Fox and of almost every species of animals, common to that part of the country. ^* In one corner of this room, we found a quantity of meat, stinking horribly; this appeared to be their only food; howev­er, we were obliged to feed on some through necessity. We carried out some of the best fur, as Beaver and [Page 54] Raccoon, and at the mouth of the cave, loaded our­selves with as much spoil as we could stand under, and as expeditious as possible, travelled on to our head quarters, where we found our several companions, who had as before described, performed their several routs; they were successful, and joined the main body, loaded with like plunder. Hereupon a general shout took place with claping of hands, &c. being much pleased with our good luck. The whole company freely par­took of such fare, as our friends had in our absence (which was nine days from the time of our departure) prepared—the whole body, each one taking his propor­tional share of baggage, began our retreat homewards.

During our march from a neighbouring pond, we heard noises, as of many water fowls, which we conclu­ded had collected in the pond. We were much elated at this, having a keen appetite for fowl; a number were sent off to search the pond, myself mak­ing one, we soon reached it; but to our surprize found the fowl had (confiding in their trusty wings) left the water—casting our eyes over the pond, we discovered a very large white Bear diving frequently, as if for fish— he at length fixed himself on a large flat rock on one side, looking into the water, striking his fore paw, as though catching fish, at every stroke lifting up his paw, as if to see its contents—I being eager, fired from the shore at the Bear, but without effect; my ball as I [Page 55] could plainly see struck his side, his hair being very thick and long, prevented my killing him; on which, an experienced gunner steped up, observing his raised paw, aimed at the space between the under side of the paw and body, shot and killed him instantly. This was a lucky event; we soon drew him from the water— which in some measure made up for our disappoint­ment in the water fowls. We dressed our game, and with it joined our brethren, the main body, and soon renewed our march homewards, which we in three weeks performed.

After making an equal distribution of plunder, each one retired to his home and employment. Our great men now began to think it high time to honor me with the Insignia of their tribe, and to give me a new and ma­jestic name, having in many excursions witnessed my valor. I dreaded the operation; however, was obli­ged to submit.

The mark by which the Tribe I belonged to was distinguished from all others, was that of the sun on the inside of the right leg, and of the moon and seven stars on the outside of the same leg. This was performed on me by pricking with a sharp needle into my right leg, the various prescribed forms, in red and blue colours. Having marked my leg, they proceeded to mark my face, which I much opposed, determined not to con­sent [Page 56] —I therefore struggled, and endeavoured to escape by biting, kicking, they however went on and slightly marked my face—they proceeded to pluck my hair from my head, excepting a small part on the back the bigness of my hand—they proceeded to dress me; at this I made no further opposition, not willing to lose the good opinion my friends had formed of me, which by this time, became of no small consequence to me. They painted my head in chequers of different colours; then fixed a gold ring in my nose, silver drops to my ears; then fastened a strap to my lock of hair behind, which reached to the ground, filled with broach­es from top to bottom; then tied a string of beads of various colours round my neck, interspersed with differ­ent coloured feathers, all fixed into a leather collar of curious workmanship; a leather strap ornamented as above was thrown over my shoulders, at each end were fixed two silver plates with engravings; on one, the form of a Buffalo, on the other, that of a Panther; to this they added the best blanket the Tribe possessed, ornamented with five hundred broaches; my shirt a gay calico; my buskins red, moggasons yellow, orna­mented with beads and feathers of many colours, tied together with party coloured ribbands, two Peacock feathers stuck into my lock of hair, completed my dress —then proceeded the formality of giving me some great name; the greatest and most learned were con­sulted on this occasion. After a long consultation, [Page 57] 'twas agreed on, and a Chief whose office it was, step­ped up to me, and in a loud voice proclaimed my name, Rooostontee Cowawoo. ^*

After this ceremony closed, I retired to my shop, and with my apprentice, carried on my business; the Indians frequenting it as usual; at all times coming in, and with deference and respect, approached me, knowing my important station. Thus invested with the highest honor, they could confer on me, I realised my importance and power, and soon began a reform among them—all my instructions were attentively o­beyed. In this way I went on for some length of time; receiving and making congratulatory visits from, and to my neighbours.

Some time after, one of my familiar acquaintance proposed a short hunt for small game. I readily con­sented, and we two set off, prepared with traps, guns and ammunition.

After travelling five days, we came to an extensive plain, totally divested of any kind of vegetable, and nothing but sand, dry and light; which on a gentle breeze of wind is put in motion—sometimes the wind when raised to a high degree, and blowing one way for [Page 58] any considerable time, puts the sand into a quick and violent motion, and rolls it up into the appearance of waves, forming deep troughs between each roll or wave; whenever this happens, no one can pass over this track­less waste. Soon after our coming to this place, sud­denly a strong wind from the north arose, and formed the surface of this plain, into the appearance as just re­lated. Near by we were obliged to camp, and tarried four days, until the storm abated. Our tarry here, was attended with difficulty, not having a sufficiency of food, and no opportunity of supply presented, we were reduced to the last morsel. In our feeble state, (a calm season,) we attempted to cross over this, apparently, im­passable heath. On our way we found two human bo­dies almost petrified by the heat of the sun, and warm sand, which through the whole, retained such a degree of heat as to blister our feet.

During our, encampment and travel over the sand, our guides (which were the sun by day, and moon and stars by night) forsook us, being cloudy the whole time. On examining our stores, we found but one pound of smoaked Buffalo for us both. We marched on northerly, towards our village; having the sun for our guide, (it now pleasantly appearing.)

After four days travel from the sand, we came to a spacious meadow; here I failed for want of food, sat [Page 59] down, and expected here to end my days; but my companion kept up his courage, and travelling a small distance from me, espied a Deer laying down behind a windfall—he ran back to me, and told me he had found good meat. He soon killed the Deer, and opening his body, devoured in a naked state the entrails; this I could not partake of. My friend chopped up some meat and made broth, which I greedily swallowed, which was the most delicious morsel I ever tasted, hav­ing for some days before received no kind of nourish­ment, except our leather belts cut up and soaked in water.

One night, soon after laying down to sleep, we were roused with a heavy shower of rain, attended with tre­mendous thunder and sharp lightning—this further en­feebled me, having nothing to screen me from the wea­ther. In this feeble state I continued some days— my companion fixed his traps in different parts of the mea­dow, baited with flesh we had cut and prepared from the dead bodies we found in the sand—he caught many Beaver, &c. During our tarry here, the weather pro­ved rainy and the sun beclouded, so that we could not leave the swamp, not knowing which way to steer.

One day just before sun set, we happily discovered our retreat from this dismal swamp, by the sun. We immediately improved this opportunity for escape by [Page 60] bundling up our furs, and by the help of the moon decamped, steering a north course, and by morning hap­pily found ourselves quite out of the meadow ^*—we then lay down and slept soundly until noon—eat hear­tily of the venison my friend killed in the swamp, some part we smoaked; here we tarried until the next day, in order to recruit and rest our weary limbs. On our way home, each night we prepared and set traps for Fox, Sable, Beaver and Mink; each morning we found that our traps caught more or less, so that before we came to our homes we collected a very large quantity, inso­much, that our bundles were too heavy for us to carry. We travelled on, and in a few days after came safely to our friends; from whom we met a hearty welcome, which was shown by claping of hands, whooping and dancing round us.

Soon after my return, I was seized with a violent fever, of the pleuretic kind, which continued for a long time, and ended in a long intermitting fever. Here I realised the comforts of the close attention of a friend, who stuck by me closer than a brother; I mean the aid of my adopted mother, the Indian squaw before mentioned. She never left me, day nor night, during [Page 61] my illness, which continued five months—her friendly hand administered suitable anodynes, prepared from suitable herbs and roots, spontaneously growing in that country. She frequently would call in the neigh­bouring aged, and most experienced squaws, ^* and with them, consult the best means of application, and how­ever difficult to recover, spared no cost nor pains to obtain and prepare them for my use. In this sickness, I was reduced very low, laying in bed ^† so long as to rob my back and sides of their natural covering, my skin; all which, my faithful nurse replaced by exter­nal applications.

After my long and tedious confinement, I too soon went abroad—my business urged me to work; I being the only blacksmith in our Tribe, too resolutely began to work, and thereby brought on a relapse, which a­gain confined me to my wigwam, and a long, feeble state of health ensued—I again had recourse to my nurse and doctor, my mother; she attentively considered my case, pronounced it desperate, past recovery, unless prevented by my steady adherence to her prescriptions; I promised strictly to obey, and cheerfully gave myself into her hands—she undertook my cure, and soon check­ed [Page 62] my disorder, by giving me Buffalo's blood to drink lukewarm—I drank more or less every day, until my complaints were no more.

My strength gradually increasing with my return­ing health, I soon recovered; but before I entered on shop business, I visited our chiefs, with a view to carry on my proposed plan of reform among them; setting forth the advantage, that the more civilized part of mankind enjoyed than they in their rude and uncul­tivated state. I began by informing them of the man­ner of my father's particular mode of family govern­ment, of conducting his domestic business, &c. to all which, they gave attention, and answered, by first shaking their heads in disapprobation of my plan, then sneeringly would say, you tell a pretty good story, but ours is much better than yours, our nation greater and more ancient than yours—we live great while in the world, and know much more than your nation; our ways are preferable to yours, we will be Indian. I found my attempts were fruitless, therefore for the present dropt my plan, intending at some future time to pursue it, if a convenient opportunity should offer.

In a few days I went on with my business in my shop, my boy continuing with me, who by this time became very helpful, having acquired a considerable insight into the business, which daily increasing, afford­ed [Page 63] me much comfort and profit—our Indians constantly employing me in making their tomahawks, scalping knives, and traps; mending guns, and sometimes mak­ing new gun-locks; all which, they were obliged to go to Tartarrac for, previous to my coming among them.

On delivering my work, I received my price in furs, ginsang, carefully storing them until an opportunity presented to traffick at Tartarrac. My employers would frequently make me large presents in addition to the stipulated price for my work—the squaws in particular, would make me many and val­uable ones, consisting of sap-sugar, annually made in February. Of this sugar, I could collect on any sud­den emergency, large quantities. The squaws would enter my shop with the sugar wrapped up in the fore part of their blankets; on their coming near, they would drop a low courtesy, saying, Rooostontee, me give you good sugar; I with a nod of my head, thanked them, pointing to a large cabin in one corner of my shop, bid them throw it up there, which they cheerful­ly did; turning to go out, they would drop a courtesy and go off.

I steadily pursued my work, not without frequent visits from young Indians, my intimates. One day a number gathered, and began to banter one another, [Page 64] and braging of their superior abilities in jumping, wrest­ling, one in particular offered to bet fifty broaches against an equal number that he could jump higher than any one present—upon this an intimate of mine took him up and proposed that I should jump with him; we jumped one after the other; all agreed to decide the wager in my favour. Upon examining my antago­nist, I found that he had no broaches with him; I re­sented his conduct and told him he was a rogue in bantering the company, without having it in his power to pay his bet; he promised to pay me soon, but neglected.

One day he came into my shop with a good blan­ket loaded with broaches, I catched his blanket from his back and tore off fifty broaches, and threw his blan­ket under my bellows; he crawled under them for his blanket, exposing his posteriors; I snatched my rod from the fire, and whipped him so as to blister his back sides, he yelled heartily, ran to the river and plunged in; this brought a number round me, hastily enquiring the cause of so much noise; I told them my story, they all justified me, and so the matter blew over.

Some time after an Indian came to my shop, and asked me to go with him to a neighbour's wigwam? I asked for what purpose? he informed me that an In­dian lately returned from Tartarrac had brought rum, [Page 65] and kept drunk for some time; that his squaw could not find his rum. I went with my friend to the tipler's wigwam, and we found him almost in a lifeless state. We searched every place, likely for him to secreet his rum, but to no purpose; but as we came from the wig­wam, we found two sturgeon fish, which my friend attentively viewing, supposed the rum might be con­cealed within them—he ripped open the fish, and in each he found a bottle of rum, artfully concealed; this we soon destroyed, and left the wigwam and the drunkard—returned to my shop and went on as usual▪ I and my boy turning off work to advantage.

Soon after, as I and my boy lay in sound sleep at midnight, I was roused by a heavy voice from without, calling me by name, demanding entrance? I knew his voice, ^* and refused to let him in; he persisted, and said he would come in, saying, I want to speak with you very much; I bid him go home and come in the morning; he made every effort to force open my door, but not succeeding, he came to the window, and forced the shutter open, discharged his gun upon me—the ball entered the side of my shop about six inches from my head, as I lay on my bed. This roused me, and springing up, I caught my gun which stood near me loaded with ball, (as was my practice always to keep my gun near [Page 66] me at night, to defend myself against every intruder,) stepped up to the window and shot him, who dropt and died instantly.

The firing of two guns in the dead of night, caused a general alarm through the village. A large number soon collected, and understanding the cause, took and put me under keepers, to be brought forth in the morning for trial. I contentedly submitted, knowing my cause to be good, having acted on the defensive only.

In the morning I was conducted to the place of trial, which was in the open air, and at a small distance from my shop. On my coming near to the council of trial, a thought struck my mind, that if the trial should go against me, I should be tortured in a savage-like manner; determining to die on the spot, rather than submit to their tortures, which I had frequently before seen on their enemies. I asked liberty to return to my dwelling, to adjust some affairs there—I gave my word soon to return, which they (knowing my exalted sta­tion and importance with them,) without hesitation granted. I returned to my shop, and armed myself with two pistols and a trusty knife; concealing them under my blanket. Thus prepared for every event, I returned to the court, who were formed in the follow­ing manner; on a block of wood fixed one end in the [Page 67] ground, about six feet from its surface, sat the chief justice; and at his feet on a small block, sat the crimin­al; on the right and left from the chief justice, sat a number of the chiefs of the Tribe, in a circular form; all sitting crosslegged. The court being thus seated, a profound silence ensued, which continued for two hours —they all sat staring on one another, as if at a loss in what manner to proceed—at length the cause came on, the accuser ^* stept forward, and affirmed that I had wantonly killed his friend by shooting him, who was in the lawful pursuit of his business. That I killed him, I did not pretend to deny; but affirmed that I killed him in my own defence; that he came to my shop at an unseasonable time of the night, and that with an in­tention to kill me, as I could plentifully prove—upon this, I begged leave to call forward the deceased's squaw, and the person present at finding the rum as be­fore related—this was granted; the witnesses came for­ward. The squaw affirmed that her sanop, on coming out of his drunken fit, sought for his rum, but could not find it; that on this he appeared much incensed, enquired of her, who had got his rum; she informed him that Rooostontee and his friend had destroyed it; he raved round the wigwam and swore revenge, by killing Rooostontee; and that he on the night in which he was killed, left his home, having loaded his gun [Page 68] for the purpose of killing me. My friend asserted that he with me destroyed the deceased's rum; ^* and that the slain had frequently, after the rum frolick, swore revenge on me; which he (the witness) sooner or la­ter, expected would be put in practice, as the indians never pass over an affront with impunity.

The judge listened to the charge against me, and the evidence produced to substantiate my defence, ap­peared ripe to pronounce for or against me.

It is impossible for the reader to realise my feelings, at this most critical and important moment—before the tribunal of a savage, assisted by savage council only, whose friendship at best is but momentary. Oh! thought I; if my tender and affectionate father could but view me in my present condition; how would his parental bowels move for me? on his knees, with up lifted hands, would he plead, Oh! spare my darling son once more; set him at liberty—I know his inno­cence—let me once more embrace him, who was torn from my arms, doomed to bondage, and unjustly suf­fered already too much, but for savage nature to in­dure—come ye who are fathers, liberate him, and view the parental embrace, not to be realised, but by parents [Page 69] on similar occasions. All this, and much more might have been uttered, had my father been present; but alas! he is at too great a distance even to hear my cry.

Such thoughts as I have just related, struck me with solemn awe; with trembling heart I wished for, but dreaded to hear the sentence pronounced from the jud­ge's lips. The judge held in his left hand a long stick, his right hand grasped the dreaded knife. He with majestic look, turned to the circled chiefs, and ordered them, one at a time, to give their opinions for, or a­gainst the prisoner as he should direct. Those in fa­vour, and willing to acquit him, should declare by lift­ing up their right hands—the dreaded moment came, and they one at a time raised their right hands; the judge carefully cut a notch on the right side of his stick, for every one in favour; on the left side he cut one notch for every up lifted hand against me. This hav­ing been attended to, the judge counted the favourable notches, and the unfavourable ones, and found the whole number (excepting two) were for setting me at liberty, and strongly recommended me to the good will of my fellow villagers.

This joyful event was publicly notified, and the na­tional pipe brought forward and placed on the block, on which I sat when on trial; to which the whole vil­lage assembled and smoked in token of approbating the [Page 70] conduct of the judge in setting me at liberty; and in token of receiving me to their former favour and good will; no one (excepting those two who had voted a­gainst me) refused to smoke at the great pipe. Thus the matter ended, and I went much pleased to my usual employment.

I worked in my shop daily, but not without fear from those who appeared against me on trial, knowing an Indian's temper—they never forget a seeming inju­ry; and knowing that those two were nearly related to the deceased—I therefore, always went armed, ex­pecting some secret revenge would soon take place. However, my having gained the good will of our chiefs, by my heroic deeds on many former occasions; and my conduct in defending myself, when assaulted by my adversary, and manfully killing him, served to keep up my spirits tolerably well. But time, that great de­vourer of past evils, however strongly impressed on the mind, concurred in lulling me into too great a degree of security, expecting my enemies would forget, and pass over the supposed injuries done them; but in this I was mistaken, as by the sequel will appear.

Some time after having occasion to set and burn a kiln of char-coal, at some distance from my home; one night as I was tending my coal without any per­son with me, (having sent my boy home to take his [Page 71] rest) never leaving it myself day nor night, until fully burnt—some one from the neighbouring bushes, fired upon me, the ball entered my left thigh just below my hip bone; I fell immediately, and lay bleeding on the ground, unable to help myself—I made several attempts to rise, but in vain—hallowed for help for a long time; at length a friend hearing my voice, came to me, and by his friendly aid, supporting me in his arms, I safely returned to my dwelling. ^*

On my return, my old doctor searched the wound, found that the ball was in my thigh, but could not ex­tract it; she applied some mollient plasters, which in some measure eased my pain. After laying four days, she delivered me of the ball, by squeezing the wound, which by this time had festered.

I was under the doctor's hands twenty days before I was able to walk with crutches. My lameness con­tinued five months. The fear made by this shot, is vi­sible to this day.

Having in a good measure recovered, I resumed my former business; my customers calling every day for [Page 72] my work, having been for some time in want, occasion­ed by my long confinement.

Nothing material turned up for, or against me for one year after. At length, wanting coal, I erected a new kiln, and in scraping up the leaves and dry dust with my hands to cover it over, I roused a Rattle Snake; who in his anger bit my hand; at this I was much troubled, supposing the bite would prove fatal, but in this was pleasingly disappointed by an effectual cure wrought by a skilful surgeon, who soon came to my help, several of my neighbours accompanied her, who immediately wound a strong cord ^* round my arm be­low my elbow, binding it so tight as to prevent the cir­culation of blood below the cord; this done, she with a flint scarified my hand, crossing the wound in different angles; she then with salt in her mouth sucked the poi­son from the wound, on which she strewed some salt; this was repeated several times without loosening the cord until the next day; when the cord is taken off, the swel­ling subsides, a cure is effected, and my arm, which during the operation was numb and useless, immedi­ately recovered its wonted vigor. Several times after I was bitten by Rattle Snakes; like applications were made, which effected like cures.

[Page 73]Notwithstanding I had got rid of one of my mor­tal enemies, one still remained equally revengeful. This brought me to a disagreeable situation, being al­ways obliged to carry defensive weapons about me wherever I went, and never wishing to mingle with my comrades in their diversions—before this, I ever was one of the foremost in all our amusements.

In this troubled state I remained for some time, un­willing to unburden myself to any one; at length one of my most intimate friends being in my shop, having for some time observed my dejected countenance and reser­ved behaviour, anxiously enquired the cause; I taking him to be one of my most confidential friends, told him the real cause. He was much touched with my rela­tion, but bid me to keep up a good heart; that I was among my friends, who would defend me at all haz­ards. I told him I did not doubt of the good will of my neighbours, and added that if ever I should fall by my enemie's arm, it would be in a sly, secret manner— he would take the advantage of me by way laying my walks in the night, or when detained from home, as was the case when wounded by my former foe—to this my friend observed that this might happen, but he hoped not. He proposed, that if the hatred continued, I should leave this Tribe for two or three years, join some other Tribe, and there carry on my business, by that time he hoped my adversary would be dead, or forget the injury.

[Page 74]I thought much of this advice, and con'd it over frequently in my mind, not knowing how to commu­nicate it to others; for to put the plan into practice, I must consult all our chiefs, or not obtain their consent; without it I could not depart, nor pass any Tribe to a more distant one, without first procuring my pass and recommendation from the Tribe to whom I belonged, and so on from Tribe to Tribe, until I should find some one Tribe who would give me proper encouragement to tarry with them.

A ray of hope now flushed my mind, that I might once more visit and enjoy my friends in my native country; I therefore determined to ask leave of absence for three years to visit my friends, expecting that the chiefs would as readily grant me liberty to return to my friends, as to join some other distant Tribe of In­dians. Flushe [...] with this idea, I communicated my wishes to some chosen friends, they in my name went to the respective chiefs, who summoned a general coun­cil on the occasion. After a lengthy debate, I obtained free liberty to be absent for three years to visit my friends, on my promise to return to them at the expira­tion of the term, (extraordinaries excepted) allowing me four young men to attend me to the next Tribe.

Having prepared myself by dressing in my best at­tire, equiped with the best gun I should choose, and [Page 75] every other necessary, I took my leave of my friends, not without great regret, apparent on both sides—ma­ny of my friends collected to bid the friendly adieu; here I could not refrain shedding tears, especially on leaving my trusty boy, who clung around me, begging that he might go with me; but our chiefs would not consent, expecting he might be of service to them in my absence, as he had now become a considerable workman.

With my waiters I departed in my canoe, steering for the main, which I soon recovered, and with our canoe, &c. we directed our course through the woods to the nearest water, as there is no travelling a great way through this country without canoes, by reason of the many lakes and rivers.

After thus travelling fifteen days, we arrived on the borders of the next Tribe; here I made a halt, and sent two of my waiters into their wigwams, with my pass and recommendation from our Tribe, as was my constant practice to every Tribe through which I passed on my way to Canada. My waiters were kindly received, and obtained liberty to pass through their na­tion. ^* The Tribe received me with peculiar satisfac­tion, knowing my Tribe, and my rank among them.

[Page 76]My tarry among them was but short, pushing for­ward towards home with all speed. Here I dismissed my waiters, who returned back to their homes; four others of the Scarreosaw Tribe were allowed to accom­pany me to the next Tribe, which was invariably prac­ticed by every Tribe through which I passed.

Having procured some provision, with my new companions I took my leave and departed, observing a northern course. This Tribe at their own expence provided for me a canoe and provision. We travelled on for thirty-three days before we came to the next Tribe; each day on our encampment, at evening, we took care to cook (except when on the water) a suf­ficiency for twenty-four hours, frequently killing fowl and other game as came in our way. I was received by this Tribe with every mark of friendship. Here I tarried a short time. ^*

During my stay among them, after dismissing my former servants, this Tribe made the necessary prepa­ration for my journey, in waiters, canoe and provision. In this people I observed a sensible difference between their language and ours, insomuch that I could under­stand but very little of theirs, I must therefore be put to much difficulty in my travel, but the waiters who al­ternately [Page 77] waited on me, sufficiently understood the dif­ferent language to transact the necessary business, so that I found no great difficulty of being introduced to the several chiefs with whom I had occasion to transact my necessary business—one Tribe sufficiently under­standing the language of the next Tribe, and so on from Tribe to Tribe until my arrival within the limits of Canada. With my promises of future friendship with them, and not hesitating to mention my making them some valuable presents on my return, (for they were informed by my waiters of the object of my jour­ney) if ever put in practice, with the usual ceremonies and necessaries I departed.

On my way I crossed a river very wide, the water appeared remarkably white, which I understood was caused by a bed of silver ore. Having travelled on in this manner for about nine months I came in sight of a large pond, on the opposite side was a village, the resi­dence of another Tribe. After crossing this pond I sent two of my men to the Tribe as I had practiced heretofore, my messengers after about an hour's absence returned with the following story, that on their arrival they enquired for the chief or head Indian of that Tribe, they were informed that the Tribe was under the com­mand of a very old squaw, to her they delivered their message, who replied that she would receive me provi­ded I could stand her trial of my courage as a good [Page 78] warrior, saying that she had a method whereby she could distinguish a man of courage from a coward, that if I would consent to stand the trial, she was wil­ling so far to receive me. On hearing this I entered the village, determining to stand trial, eagerly intent on my journey, determining to surmount every impedi­ment; by the direction of my guides I soon found my lady's wigwam; on coming near, saw her standing at the door with a pistol in one hand, with the other hand she caught hold of my right hand and discharged the pistol, pointing it to my breast; at this I neither winked nor started back; she saw my firmness, pulled me into her wigwam, entertained me and my attendance in the best manner according to their method of treating strangers of the first rank. ^* The next morning the old squaw informed me that she would provide all the necessaries for my journey, I then dismised the young men who attended me to this Tribe. The old Queen and I soon became acquainted, and in my broken way I communicated to her the motives for my undertaking this journey, and some sketches of my former sufferings, to all which she paid particular attention, and observing my sprightly actions and warlike appearance, made me an offer of being one of her first officers and [Page 79] favourites, and that I should marry her favourite daughter if I would tarry with her, with many other persuasive arguments. She endeavoured to prevent my pursuing my plan of returning to my friends, but all to no purpose—she found that I would not tarry, made the necessary preparation for my departure, and in six days after my first acquaintance with her, I took my leave and departed, with four men, canoe and provi­sion. My joy increasing on my nearer approach to my own country served as wings to waft me on.

I continued my journey from Tribe to Tribe in the same manner as before described. Some villages, the residence of each particular Tribe were distant one from the other, some forty, some fifty miles. On my way I crossed a very large and rapid river, supplied by three remarkable large springs on the side of a large moun­tain, not far distant from the place of the river where I passed over. I cheerfully went on with my young men, canoe, &c. for about one month after passing o­ver this river, I travelled on, and on the 19th day of June 1787, I arrived at Detroit after eleven years absence.

Although now among my countrymen, I but poor­ly enjoyed myself for several days, having been so long absent I had almost forgot my French language, and the inhabitants took me for an Indian; however, [Page 80] one day I entered the store belonging to a Mr. Baibie, his clerk attentively viewed me, saw something in my countenance different from the countenances of my In­dian companions, asked me in French, if I was all In­dian? I answered him in the negative; on his question­ing me further, I informed him, though in a broken manner, of my misfortunes among the Indians, and that my father lived near Quebec, on my leaving him in the first of the year 1776; the clerk immediately called Mr. Baibie and informed him who I was, of my sufferings, whether bound, &c. This worthy man mov­ed with the account I had given of myself, took partic­ular notice of me, and gave me provision during my tarry at Detroit. Here I dismissed my friendly com­panions, the Indians who came with me to Detroit; they bid me an affectionate farewel and departed for their homes. Mr. Baibie furnished me with money to pay my passage over the Lakes St. Clair and Erie, I heartily thanked my benefactor, took my leave of him after I had spent ten days at Detroit, and departed, homewards bound, and arrived at Lake Erie in a few days Here I tarried but one day, from thence I went on by the way of Niagara Falls to Lake Ontario; here I tarried a few days, waiting for a passage over this Lake. I was much reduced, having sold what trifles I could spare, at length hearing of a small ves­sel arriving from Cataraque, I immediately went on board, and to my great joy, found the commander to [Page 81] be my cousin from Quebec—we had not seen each oth­er for eleven years; the joy felt by us both on this joy­ful meeting, is better felt than expressed—with this friend I crossed the Lake and came to Montreal.

While at Cataraque, being in a lonely, disconsolate state, destitute of money and friends, I met with a gen­tlemen ^* to whom I communicated my wants; he, touch­ed with my distress, at once became my friend, and be­ing a man of compassion and large property, he took off my uncouth dress (Indian fashion) and gave me one agreeably to the dress of the people with whom I now resided—here I tarried for one month under the eye and assistance of my invaluable friend and benefac­tor—after which, as above related, I (my new dress giving me some uneasiness) aukwardly strolled about for some time; at length finding a vessel bound to Quebec, I engaged my passage thither, and after four days arrived at the city, the sight of which gave me inexpressible joy. On my landing, my eyes were struck with a most agreeable satisfaction, viewing now an ob­ject which heretofore, in my juvenile state, filled me with singula [...] pleasure; anon an edifice of public resort struck me with inexpressible joy—walking from street to street, I saw many of my former acqaintance, to me [Page 82] fully known, but to them I was as a stranger—my joy on seeing them, many of whom being my former inti­mates at school and juvenile excursions, overflowed to that degree, that I could not restrain, but in a flood of voluntary tears of joy I stopped them, and caught them by the arm, with a sobing heart, in broken French cried out, do you not know me? I am Charley, your once beloved and faithful companion in sorrow and joy; I am he who you saw wontonly torn from your affec­tions, and from the embraces of an indulgent, tender father, and by the command of a tyrannical ruler, un­reservedly given to the Savages of the wilderness, with them I have encountered many dangers, surmounted unheard of (by you) trials; I have sought you with wearisome steps, and here in this beloved, peaceful city I have found you. On their recognising me, they with open arms received and embraced me, and with un­feigned friendship, one and all invited me to their res­pective dwellings.

With my quondam, bosom companions, I tarried but a few days, enjoying their sincere congratulations on my safe return to the city, wherein my first young pulse began to beat; my anxiety of seeing my dear father ^* and family, urged my departure.

[Page 83]I arrived at Quebec on Saturday, August the 10th, 1787, and on Monday following, I took my leave of my Quebec friends, and at three o'clock in the afternoon of the same day, arrived at my father's house at St. Nicola, ^* without much difficulty I found his dwelling, and eagerly entered; here I found a beloved sister, who intent on her domestic affairs, on my entering took but little notice of me, however she complimented me with a seat near her; I attentively viewed her, and easily discovered in her countenance a family likeness. I was eager to inform her of the cause of my visit; I therefore began to converse with her, as who is the master and owner of this house? is he within? or gone some distance from home? to which she answered, this house is owned and occupied by Mr. Louis Rusoe D'Eres, who is now in his shop hard by; I then question­ed her about the owner's family? she informed me that his family was but small, having heretofore had a large one; that but three children were left, she being one; that the family had been unfortunate, having parted with two sons much beloved, one was gone to France to perfect his trade, being a [...]ner, the other, a beloved brother, the youngest of the family, was by a more than brutal decree given to Indians, and by them carried to their far distant dwellings, this by my aged and tender [Page 84] father was severely felt, for many days and lonely nights he lamented the loss of his much beloved son, would often in the extremity of grief cry out, Oh my son! my son! how wast thou torn from thy fond fa­ther's embrace? and that at a period most engaging, and what adds to my infelt sorrow, given to the uncul­tivated Savages of the trackless wilderness, where noth­ing but brutal roar, increased by the more brutal man­ners of case-hardened wretches, strangers to every feel­ing of humanity; all this and much more was the dai­ly effusions of my father's parental breast. I too, said my sister, mingled my tears and cries with the best of fathers, but alas! alas! our sighings were lost in air, my once beloved brother is gone, no more to be seen and caressed by his fond father and dearest connec­tions.

This moving account given by my sister, entered my inmost soul, and roused all my passions to the high­est key, for some time I was unable to utter even one word, at length my tender passions but a little subsided, I began by informing her, that I had travelled among Indians of various Tribes, that in my travels I heard much of a person who had been wontonly delivered to them, that I had often heard his lementations echo through the uncultivated desert; at this she attentively eyed me, and burst into tears, here a scene opened im­possible for me to describe; here sat a long absent and [Page 85] almost forgotten brother, there a beloved sister, eager­ly catching every falling word from the lips of a friendly stranger—I could no longer refrain, but sprang from my seat, caught her in my willing arms, and with a stam­mering voice, exclaimed, I am your brother! I am he who was torn from my friends and suffered, was dead to them, now alive to declare to you what I have expe­rienced in the various turns of Providence during my long absence—does my father live? is his life still con­tinued to receive the filial embrace? and to give the parental welcome? my sister was much overcome and for awhile could not realise my safe return, she at length recovered, saying, stay my brother, I will has­ten to my father. My sister ran to my father, found him in the shop directing his workmen, she immedi­ately informed him of what she had seen and heard, he listened with indifference, saying all this cannot be true, your brother is long since dead, your informer is some impostor, who on hearing the particulars of our loss in your brother, now to curry favour with us, has contrived this plausible story to impose on us. Her tar­rying so long increased my desire to see him, I ran to the shop, on entering I at once knew him, he turned to­wards me and caught me in his arms; now thought I, my joy is compleat, my toils are at an end, once more I realise the embrace of a long absent father; begone ye delusive fantoms, keep back ye visionary dreams, [Page 86] let me bathe, securely bathe in the joyful tears, ^* and embrace the tenderest of fathers; to this the specta­tors could but utter, how tender the embrace of long absent friends?

After many expressions of unfeigned joy, we retired to my father's house, where he gave me a minute ac­cou [...] of his trials after I left him, of my brother and other sister. He told me that he and my brother were [...]fined in the guard house during the American war, [...]d at the commencement of peace were liberated; that he had suffered much in his property, having lost his real property in Quebec, in consequence of his tak­ing an active part with General Montgomery, as has been related; that my brother was gone to France; that my other sister was now in a family state, having been married about two years.

My father being (previous to my return) left with­out a son, he proposed that I should tarry with him and go on with his black-smith' [...] business—to this I readily consented, and went on in that line four years, enjoy­ing myself with my friends, with as much ease and sat­isfaction as if I had been with them from my youth, forgetting all things behind, looking for better things [Page 87] to come. Thus I went on until an unexpected letter from Montreal marr'd all my comforts.

Two Indian chiefs arrived at my father's with a letter from Colonel Campbell ^* at Montreal. On their coming I was much alarmed, knowing them to belong to a Tribe through which I passed, when on my return to Canada. I communicated this to my father, who was much troubled and advised me to take no notice of his letter, which was to invite me to repair to Mon­treal, there to undertake to go as interpreter among the Indians to negociate the business for the English a­mong them. My father anxiously enquired of the chiefs what Mr. Campbell wanted of me? why he had sent for me? they replied, they knew nothing of the busi­ness. I hearing of Colonel Campbell's gentleman-like character did not hesitate, but with the chiefs set off for Montreal.

On my arrival Mr. Campbell informed me, that he was in want of an interpreter to go with the In­dians, the Indians recognising my person, claimed me as having received many favours from them, when among them. On this I began to fear some trap was layed to carry me back to the Indians.

[Page 88]The very idea of returning among them was sufficient to forbid my undertaking, I therefore discovered a backwardness; on which Mr. Campbell used many persuasive arguments to gain my consent; as that I should be allowed captain's pay with rations, and other priviledges annexed to that office; that those Indians came for this purpose three hundred miles, and could not be denied; that the trade with them was of the greatest consequence to the British nation. ^* All this Mr. Campbell supposed was a sufficient inducement for me to engage in this important mission, and proposed that I should take the oath of office and of allegiance to the British King, &c. &c. This sensibly touched me, at once realising my former treatment from that King's officers. I was so much irritated that I shew my resentment in words, (perhaps too severe) this the Colonel resented as pointed at him and his King; he called a guard to take me into custody—this incensed me but the more; I was so far from being intimidated, that I even damned him, and defied his guard. The Indians being now absent, I turned my back, ran to the river, jumped into a boat, which fortunately pre­sented for my escape. In this boat I crossed the St. Lawrence and with all speed made towards St. Nicol [...].

[Page 89]Colonel Campbell immediately dispatched a mes­senger with a letter to governor Carlton at Quebec, containing an account ^* of my escape, and the necessity of apprehending me. This messenger arrived at Que­bec nearly as soon as I arrived at St. Nicola, and with­in two days after my arrival, a serjeant with his guard properly equiped, came to my father's house in quest of their prey—on hearing this I armed myself, went out to them, and informed them that I was determin­ed not to be taken alive, that I would kill the first per­son who should touch me—this brought on a parley, they informed me that they did not wish to injure me, that they had no orders for this; on this they retired to a neighbouring house, which gave me an opportun­ity to reflect on my situation and mode of my future conduct.

On a mature deliberation of my present situation I thought it best to decamp, ^† and push for the United States, hoping there to find a secure asylum from the British. This plan I communicated to my father, and to some few of my best friends—this they consented to reluctantly, in hopes of my safe return to them at [Page 90] some future period. Having their consent and appro­bation, I prepared myself as well as my time and cir­cumstances would allow.

I left my father's family, directed my course to St. Johns, where I safely arrived; here I procured a pass to Onion Rriver, Vermont State, and arrived without much difficulty, and let myself to General Allen, with whom I wrought one month; he not having any further employ for me, I then engaged with a Mr. Boynton an innkeeper for two months, to work at the blacksmith's and farmer's business; I also wrought at my trade with a Mr. Collins.

One Evening at Mr. Boynton's, I found two men ^* who came from Montreal, bound to Hatfield and Northampton—I supposing myself to be at too short a distance from Mr. Campbell, and that he might by some means find out my place of abode; I therefore engaged a passage with the travellers in their carriage, intending to push further on towards Boston or New-York.

On our arrival at Northampton, they generously gave me half the sum agreed on for my passage, having paid an equal proportion of our expence on the jour­ney. I endeavoured to enter on some employment in [Page 91] this town, but found none—parted with my two friends and left the town, having Boston in view—travelled on the road leading thither; at length coming into Brook­field, I again offered my service, but finding none at my trade—at length I entered the house of a G—m M—e, and enquired if they wanted to hire a good hand to assist them in their domestic business? on my putting my question, a rough looking, hard fac'd old man, ^* setting by the fire place, turned to me, ques­tioned me of my good qualities and skill in work? I answered that I was acquainted with the blacksmith's business, that I also had some knowledge of farming, and of other domestic employments, that I had sought employment at my trade, but of late found none, that I was willing on proper encouragement to engage in farming, to which he listened, and replied that he was not a mechanic, but that he was a farmer and want­ed help; I said I should be glad to engage with him if a­greeable: he made me an offer, which although small wages I accepted, and covenanted to tarry with him seven months. Here opened a new scene, being unac­customed to this new employ; however, I made the best of a bad bargain, and exerted every nerve to please my employer, but my attempts were fruitless. He treated me with rigor; turning me out early, and keep­ing [Page 92] me late in the meanest and most arduous labour; turning me from his table into the kitching among his negroes, and other menial servants, with whom I drew an equal share of coarse and rough food—at night I was obliged to turn in with a boy who invariably stuck to his rule of wetting his couch every night, not with tears only, but with a liquid, the English name of which being so disagreeable I forbear to pronounce, although a monosyllable. In this disagreeable state I wrought with him through the seven months, for which I enga­ged. My employer treated me thus roughly thinking to oblige me ^* to quit his service before my time of en­gagement expired, thereby to clip me of my wages; but in this he was mistaken—in many other respects he treated me with more than savage brutality (executions only excepted) insomuch that I frequently wished my­self with my Indian friends, at Scanyawtauragahrooote Island. With much difficulty I recovered my wages of this churl; who answered to every [...]d quality both in mind and person. After this I let myself out to work at my trade for fifteen months with a Mr. Abbot, ^† who carried on the smith's business with dispatch, and to good advantage. My tarry with this man was most agreeable, he and his family treated me in every respect with humanity, and on all occasions with tenderness. Here I became acquainted not only with the inhabi­tants [Page 93] of this, but of the neighbouring towns also. Be­fore the expiration of my term I engaged for with Mr. Abbot, I found an opening at Spencer, a neighbouring town suitable for my business—thither, on the expira­tion of the term I engaged for, after receiving my wa­ges, I removed, and with suitable encouragement set up for myself; soon became acquainted with the inhabi­tants, and gained much custom.

Thus seated, I began to turn my mind upon the comforts of a conjugal life, having previously gone through my portion of sorrow and fatigue. I became acquainted with a female ^* of this town, to whom I made my addresses, and in a proper time, agreeably to the custom of this country, made her my wife—this took place August 19th, 1794. In this town of Spen­cer I tarried thirteen months after marriage, enjoying all the comforts of a domestic life, surrounded with many friends, formed by my new conjugal connection.

This town is an inland situation, made up principal­ly of farmers—my unaccustomedness to work suitably for them, led me to consider this town not as a suitable place for my future residence and employ; I therefore fought for a town better situated for such business, as I was most acquainted with and best calculated to pursue. [Page 94] I made all the enquiry in my power for such a town; at length, hearing much said of a northern State, ^* that business was carried on there to great advantage, I resolved to try my luck in that quarter: with this view I left Spencer—travelled until I came to a town which on my first entrance agreeably struck my mind— here I sought employ, and luckily found a man ^† who wanted my work; with him I engaged, and from him and his family received much kindness. I be­came intimate and made him my confidential friend: he having learnt the history of my past life, and future wishes, encouraged me to set up my business in the town, by whose friendly advice and assistance I made an attempt, and found it successful in gaining custom and credit.

Soon after my settlement in my new and last sta­tion, I sent for my yokefellow, with whom I now re­side in a [...] agreeable situation, where I hope to con­tinue so long as my strength, skill and integrity shall aid me in gaining custom and reputation, as becomes all good citizens.