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IMPORTANT
INDIAN MANUSCRIPTS,
. R^eirience to the* . figures;
1. The, white men who have been trad- ingatthe four lakes, quarrelled.
2. The white man killed his comrade.
3. They will use deception and blind our eyes.
4. His wife has concealed him.
5. The long knives (or white men will take revenge upon
I the Indians &; strike us, to the earth.
6. On the sixth day of the moon or July ,2d. at ten o'clock,
this murder was done.
"Explanation of the above cut, See page 7."
Translated by Z,. S. BACKUS,
f Pbofessob op the Sign Language, Editor of the Canajoharie Radii, <fec.
, CANAJOHARIE, N. Y. : Phixted and Sold b\ the ArrnoK,
1840.
,vvl
e^iU^ 5"bl3
L
The principal events herein recorded are true.
The mnrder is yet remembered by many persons. One of the actors was put upon his trial for the murder of his partner at Prairie du Chien and was acquitted.
The violent, and we might almost say, in- sane attachment, which the Indian Woman has for the white man who has honored her with the title of ivife, is neither new, nor ia it unnatural as may be seen by the sequel.
P^
INTRODUCTION.
It may not occur to the reader at the first glance the im- portant interest of this manuscript to the public — even the small portion which we have transcribed. To the linguist it offers a wide field of speculation.
The efforts of the mind to communicate important events to distant friends is here developed. It shows how the sav- age when driven by necessity, can perpetuate a record of his actions, or those of his enemies in characteristic emb- lems. To the antiquarian, even this small scrap must provo a source of gratification. In this he will see the hieroglyph. ic3 of the Egyptians ; he will assimilate the wood engra- ving of the Chinese to the etching on the tree. The ima- gination will be carried back to the time when the nations of this country recorded the deeds of their chiefs and war- riors in a symbolical language.
A written language is one of the first signs of the prog- ress of a nation to civization ; and when a people are re- trogading to barbarity, it is their learning which first suffers revolutions— obscurity and final extinction.
We are informed that several specimens of pictorial Ian- guage are found with the Western Indians, and that the declaration of war between the United States and Great Britain in 1812, was etched on trees in such characters that the Indians from Lake Erie to the Falls of St. Antho- ny, not only knew the belligerent attitude of the two na- tions ; but a faithful record of the causes which were sup- posed to lead to the rupture, v/as communicated therewith. Those records were placed in the principal places and re- sorts where the Indians were known to eongi'egate ; thus the portage of the Wisconsin where this scrap we publish was taken, is a point eminently quaUficd for the deposite of important information — at that place, the Fox river ap-
4 INTRODUCTION.
proaches within less than a mile of the Wisconsin, and both diverging in different directions — one discharging its waters into the Gulf of Mexico, via. the Mississippi, and the other into the St. Lawrence by the lakes. It was a thoroughfare in which the nations were expected to pass daily going in every direction. How important was it then that each member of the tribe should be informed of the danger and the attendant circumstances which encom- passed them ! Had they no knowledge of symbolic com- munication, necessity would drive them into some similar measure.
To the admirers of romantic incidents, this story exem. plifies what has often been asserted, that " truth is stranger than fiction ;" and it may bring to view in faint outhnes the pecuhar characteristics of singular beings which pioneer the "great west." The traders and trappers are men of no ordinary capacity — -generally they compose a body of desperate characters, who have left the boon of civilization either to escape the penalty of the laws, or find the field of enterprize too circumscribed for their ambition. Some, too, are inveigled into the " Indian country" by the hopes of an enjoyment of independent indolence, which they soon find is imaginary — as the most tyranical of masters they carry with them — their stomachs ! Those persons find when it is too late, that more industry must be exert- ed to live in that primitive state, than in civilized society, and they turn out a set of misanthropic desperadoes, seek- ing by every means to cheat the natives or such unsop- histicated white men as come within their reach to assist them in dragging out a miserable existence. Those men, generally, demean themselves below the savages, and live near them, or become a kind of supernumerary intei-pret- ers — carriers, or servants to the trading establishments.
It is the Indian trader that is the lion of the forest. Among his semi-barbarian confederates and savage custom- ers, he is looked up to as the [dispenser of justice — the provider of their necessaries ; and as the Indians have now become degraded — an indispensible personage amongst them. — Without him they could neither feed nor clothe
INTRODUCTION. O
themselves ; and his profits are proportioned to the confi- dence which the natives place in him ; consequently, there is nothing to fear but competition from the white man.
As the profits are enormous, both on the goods which they sell, and the furs which they receive in payment, they afford a considerable credit to those Indians with whom they place confidence, and endure much inconvenience, not only from the isolated condition which they are placed, but the vexatious community, that forms their customers must be endured with a patience and forbearance, which would become a martyr. Consequently, a long acqain- tance is of great importance to know where confidence may be placed, and on whom his rigid authority and disci- pline is to ba exerted.
The first object which a trader has in view and one in- dispensibie, is toconcifiate, and if possible, to get the friend- ship of the chief men or leaders of the tribe. That act is paramount to the payments of custom-house duties, which, if neglected, he might, vv'hen he least expected it, find his goods all confiscated.
The next object with the politic Indian trader is a wife from among the most powerful of ^the Indian people. He gets by her influence in the tribe, and the most firm at- tachment known to the human breast.
The wife of an Indian is a slave under the most tyrani- cal of masters. When the Indian woman has the fortune to put herself under the protection of a white man, she feels her emancipation in every form. She witnesses the degradation of her kindred ; and her own exalted happiness. That those Indian women should prove true to the white Miait is no more than would be expected-™-that springs froni one of the noblest virtues implanted in the human jbreast-r— gratitude.
Hence, Indian traders have found their interest prompt- ed them to marry a woman as nearly connected with the chiefs or influential men as possible ; and when they ^^•ish. ed messages communicated to any of the different posts or stations if it was of great importance, they invariably fjesjmtched their wives on the mission — which thev sue-
<5' INTRODUCTION.
*t>:;sfully execute, or psrisb in the attempt. Thus ! trader would despatch as a messenger from Mackinaw t^ Prairie du Chien — to St. Peters, or even the head water' of the Missouri or Columbia rivers — a lone Indian womac who had to pass among strange tribes — known enemier and invidious rival traders — desolate countries and wil- beasts, such as very few white m^n would dare encounter and they have been known to return after years' captivit;' among enemies, without once betraying (heir trust.
The following cut is a fac-simile of an etching on t^ bark of a tree, situated at the portage of the Wisconsi near where Fort Winnebago now stands. It v/as in a coi. spicuous place, and duplicates were afterv/ards found i several places throughout the Winnebago naticn.
The incidents to which this disclosure relates, v/eredetar ed to the author of this article by a person who vras pre cnt during the interview of the father with his daughte. when he demanded either she should discover where ho buslmnd was concealed, or suffer death 1
INDIAN MANUSCRIPT. 7
Translator's Note. — From the above translation we find the facts bear us out fully in the interpretation made, above. The question may be asked how we arrive at the deductions urged as an explanation of the hieroglyphics?
The exact time is designated by a stake stuck in the ground, as represented at the bottom of the plate, that '* POINTS directly" to the place the sun was in the heavens which gives the time of day, viz, : 10 o'clock, when the murder was perpetrated.
On that inclined stake is the figure of the moon with the marks which give her age. That definitely gives a date to the transaction viz. : July 2d.
At the top of the cut a houscj with four lakes are shown which gives the location ; consequently, the names of the occupants and the particular form of the hut shows it to belong to the whites.
The next figure as v.e proceed downward is the hat and swoRi), which readily conveys, the idea that white men arc in deadly strife and one has the victory.
The hand and the eye. By this figure we learn most forcibly that an attempt was made at deception, which supposition is fully warranted by subsequent discksurcs.
The next figure is the woman hiding the hat, v/hich in the simple language of the natives showed by her flowing hair that she was a wife and her posture ever the hat showed she v/as concealing her husband.
The next and last figure is the sword over the bow. By that wo learn that the Indians are about to be extermina- ted by the v/hitcs, as the bow represents the natives, and t.he sv/ord t:ie long knives or ichites.
This cut or figure which we have transcribed, and ofTer^ ed the above as a translation, was prominently etched on the smoothed surface of a small tree, near the Indian trail v.'hich the Indians were daily in the habit of passing.
At a short distance from this primitive telegraph, a fire was kindled in an old tree for an index or a beacon to at- tract the attention of the passing native.
The intense interest which this document excited, can
8 INDIAN MANUSCRIPT.
only be imagined by those acquainted with the condition oi' the Indians. They knew how this would affect them as a nation : they knew the people which surrounded them — and the object that would induce the whites to impute any crime to them for the purpose of exciting a spirit of re- venge for the pretext of wresting from the rightful owners of the soil — a possession which was so much coveted, yet had never been peaceably obtained.
All that section of country bordering on on the Wiscon- sin and extending from the Mississippi to the great lakes, had belonged to the Winnebagoes, and held peaceably by them until within a few years previous to this occurrence, when the whites had discovered that this section of coun- try contained the most valuable lead mines in the world, and were using every means to dispossess them.
The whites were composed of squatters, and men of des- perate character. What cared they for honor or integrity? They belonged to no country! Many of them if caught within the pale of the laws, would suffer its penalties. — What were the rights of the Indians to them? Their ob- ject was money ! The surest and readiest method of ob- taining their wishes was to create as much excitement as possible ; and could they confirm the story, (which had already gained considerable credence,) that the Indians
HAD KILLED BOTH OF THE TRADERS AT THE FoUR LaKES ;
THE WHOLE AMERICAN people would have asserted the quarrel and speedily revenge the outrage by a war which would end in a treaty and a concession of the land which these vagabond squatters were so anxious to obtain posses- sion.
Those that knew the truth, and were aware that one of the traders had murdered his partner, could gain nothing by circulating the report ; while if the guilt could be placed on the Indians ; it would add another item to the long ac- count, and furnish additional proof why the natives should be dispossessed.
The effect of this information upon the Indians, was to create the greatest consternation. They had come in pos- session of the truthi and not only knew who wa$ the mur*
INDIAN MANUSCRIPT. 9
derer, but the disastrous effects, which the slander would have, if suffered to be affixed on the nation. Although they might affirm their innocence ; yet it would not be noticed. The dead body of one of the traders was to be found in his cabin which was surrounded by Indians ; many of whom were in the daily habit of visiting the premises of the de- ceased and the story would soon gain credence, and their guilt fully established, when left to be judged by those who wished it might be so- Notwithstanding one alternative, and one only remained to be tried to convince the whites of their innocence, viz. : to produce the murderer, and prove him guilty who they knew was the partner of the deceased ; and as he had taken refuge in their nation, it was of vital importance that the fugitive should be taken, and their innocence established.
Those simple sons ofjh^ forest knew the important bear- ing which the slander imputed to them would have on their destiny — and trembled for the result. The vindictive cha- racter of the whites and their superior facilities in executing their designs ; yet they felt disposed to make every effort to place the guilt where it pro])erly belonged viz : upon Pkt- EK McNally, who had murdered his friend and partner, James Bawmen.
Yet one great obstacle remained :
The whites would not believe but a double murder had been committed, and McNally equally a victim with his partner, until his body was produced either dead or alive.
In the present condition this could not be easily effected. McNally had married and otherwise connected himself with the principal chiefs of the Winnebago tribe. He liad secured the friendsliip of numberless persons belongiiig to the nation, ^^bicahe now looked upon as his protectors : — > and, alcove all, he was secreted by his v.'ife ANP ri,ACj:»y \^ ith such oonlidants as sui? JvNkw would not betray thw triist imposed in them,
In tliis condition what was to be done }
A powerful nation encircled ihem who were brooding o. yer an awful tragedy which they were willing to believe Wlis committed bv the Indians ; and there was no other
10 AN INDIAN Wii\._^ ..
resort but to produce the real murderer to show their inno- cence* As they dreaded immediate vengeance, and to put all their countrymen in possession of the facts, not only was it important to place them on the defence, but to bring tha felon forward and place in its true light the nature of the transaction in the eyes of their vindictive neighbors ; and thus render their innocence manifest.
Hence, the cause why they should have attempted the rude telegraph we have copied which was calculated to transmit the important information throughout the na- tion, and awaken them, to a sonss of their danger.
This " manuscript" document was otherwise important as an aJvertisemant or warrant to cause the arrest of tho homocide ; and had the fugitive no friends amongst the In- dians, they would have immediately surrendered him to justice, nnd exculpated themselves from suspicions, and thus explained the mystery.
The Indians had lenrnci before the danger of harboring felons ; and this man knew their character too well to trust himself in their power but for one which he knew could nei- ther be intimidated by fear, or purchased by wealth to be- tray him.
AN INDIAN WITNESS,
Upon the Ixinks of the Wisconsin there v^^as a small groupe of Indians, consisting of an aged man who Vvore tho habiliments of a chief ; two young Indians, an old squaw, and a young Indian woman, dressed, in the fashion of tho wiiitcS; who bore in her arms a child which appeared near the age of one year. The features of the child betrayed ti mixture of the European with the aboriginal blood ; and it seemed to exhibit a checrfuliness entirely at variance with the other part of the groupe, who shovred a gloomy cast of feature.:}, uncommon, even to native Americans. It was readily discovered that somo unpleasant ceremony was a- bout to take place.
Th'3 old man motioned to the young woman to com?? near him, who advanced within a a few yards — when a ri- iU v/aii produced and. thoroughly examiuod ;, tl\Q formalitieti
of cleansing the gun and adjusting the flint was performed, when a chai-ge of powder and ball was placed in it, while the greatest care was taken to show the woman that thcso preparations were perfect and properly arranged.
While these death-like indications were in progress, the stern eye and rigid features of the father, (for such the chief proved to be) appeared resolved upon some desperate act which called the attention of all the attendants except the woman and child : the former stood before him with u countenance resigned : she fixed her eye upon the child, and totally disdained to bestow the least notice on the prep- arations of the rifle, although it was readily discovered that it was to intimidate her that so much ceremony v.as observ- ed in charging the piece.
After a few moments spent in silent contemplation cf the woman, the chief advanced and mxOticned to take the child, when she bestowed a single kiss upon its forehead, and advanced to a small bush near by, placed*'it upon the ground, and plucked some branches which grev/ near — col- lected a fev/ flowers and such trifles as could readily be ob- tained, placed them in the hands of the child, resumc-d her place before her father, to all appearance, the least aflccted of the party. The rifle was at this juncture, resting against a tree ; but when the woman had dispcsed of the child, the father took it in hio hands, assured himself that it v>-as in good condition : he gave it to one of the attendants, who immediately pointed it tov/ards the v/oman's breast, only a few yardt^ distant ; and the sudden click of the Icck gave notice of the last act of preparation for the discharge cf the
Few cars can immoveably receive the sharp sound v;hich is made by fire-arms in the preparatrry snap of the lock when the range of its barrel is brought to bear upon the body ; but this vv'cman heeded it not, althcugh not a per- son present but f^huddered in expectation of the report and the writhing virtirr" : yet this woman showed no outward Rigns that ther:'^ [T'^r-rations implicated her existence, al- tbcugb, she hncv the knell for her earthly departure had ecunded ; and, in all probability, an instant mcro and her
12 AN INDIAN WITNESS.
fate would be irrevocably sealed. Yet she heeded not all this : her eyes were bent upon the child, showing with ma- ternal glances, a recognition of its innocent amusement and her scorn for their preparations.
At length, the old chief finding the young woman could not be intimidated by the rido being presented to her breast, he took it from the young Indian, and, advancing with a stern countenance, he addressed her in language, as fol- lows : —
" My daughter, I have now come to the determination, that only on one condition will you ever move from this place alive ! However unpleasant it may be, I feel duty calls upon me to seek your life, unless you point to me the place where McNally, your husband, is concealed ! He is a murderer ! He has arisen upon his brother — and taken his life ! and not content with slaying his comrade, he de- ceives his countrymen, and throws the disgrace up- on the innocent Indians ; and while our friends are hunted i» the prairies like the deer, as the assassin of Bamer, you liave concealed him — you connived at his crime, and are e- qualiy or more guilty, as you see by that infamous decep- tion no quarter is shown our people by the merciless intru- ders upon the lands of the red men ; but they rejoice at a pre- text to kill and destroy the friendless Indians that they may occupy the lands, and drive us from the face of the earth.
'' My child, it grieves me, but I am under the stern ne- -cessity of requiring this sacrifice. You must comply. You must show the lurking-pkice of your husband, or your life must pay the forfeit. Our people demand it, and justly too, iliat you shall show whore tlie murderer is concealed.
" What have the white men done since their first landing in this happy country ? Wliat has become of the towns and villages of the red men who once lived here? Where are the nations that once inhabited this country? WHio haii been tiie enemv of tlie red men, and have eome here and robbed us of our lands — made wars upon us, even to extermination : and brought vices Avhich wore unknown to us before ? Sought by di.ssentions to divide and destroy us^ who had never known or injured them — and are not yet
AN INDIAN WITNESS. IS
contented but commit crimes among themselves ; and strive with a fiendish cunning to throw the disgrace upon us that they may have some pretext for continuing their murders and robberies upon us. What chance have we for justice ? Under what disadvantages do we not labor. If an Indian kills or robs a white man, in a few days the sto- ry is printed in thousands of places, and is known to all their people : — revenge is in their power, and none durst raise an arm to avert their dreaded resistance ; but if the poor Indian is killed, would they believe or render justice to his friends or relatives ? Would they give up the murderer to be dealt with according to the usages of our nation ? No ! They would insult the emissaries of justice with,
"Go away, you are an Indian !"
" My daughter the wrongs which we sustain from the whites are many. They force us from our hunting grounds, from our mines, our corn fields, and our fisheries. Is that done because they have none? Have they not posses- sion of all the country from the sea to the Mississippi ? and yet they wish for more — and they want all — that the Indians may have none. They have succeeded in debasing us below the brutes of the forest, and now they wish to exter- minate us. They are not satisfied with the effect of the vices which are introduced amongst us — that mode of des- truction is too tardy — wars, famine and persecution must be added, and those destroyers of your people, your friends and relatives you strive to befriend and exculpate from crimes which, you hwzo thej^ are guilty of committing.
Your husband brought whiskey in our nation — when the Indian drank of it he became addicted to its use, and then became a vagabond on the earth ; yet you wish to preserve his life, that he may bring more misery upon our nation.
" Why do you wish to conceal the man that would mur- der his partner ? Are you not in danger of falling beneath his vengeance ? The man that would kill his friend and partner, only waits for an opportunity to destroy his wife. Such persons have no love nor affection for their kindred — even the meanest reptile that crawls upon the earth, has more fellow-feehng — for they burrow together in harmony.
14 AN INDIAN WITNESS.
If you have no regard for yourself, you owe some respect to our nation : and, so long as he is concealed amongst us, the whites will ascribe the murder of both to the Indians — and will they 1)3 idle ? Will they not take vengeance on every one they can find ? How m.any have already fallen before their hunters, we know not. The time is precious: we know not what plans they arc forming to destroy us ; yet, by disclosing where he is, we shall avert the calamity. By concealing him, you show contempt for your nation and relatives ; as the white men will believe we have mur- dered both the traders, and will punish the innocent for protecting the guilty.
"I S3ek not your life ; — our people do not demand it ; but, with justice, they ask you to deliver them from the ig- nominy and danger which the enraged whites will visit up- on them; if you persist in concealing the murderer.
" My daughter, there is no alternative : our chiefs in council demand the murderer, not your life but your father thinks if you prefer the society of a villain to your kin- dred, you are unworthy of his protection.
" Therefore prepare and decide immediately ; and do not delay until too late, as you may rely upon the truth of -our assertions."
The old chief called upon her in the most afioctionato terms to comply, and surrender her husband ; but she reject- ed with scorn all such overtures. Stepping out before them, «hc spoke in real native eloquence, to the following effect.
My father, even the hunted deer will spurn the pursuer of her fawn ! She presents her impotent brov/ to the hunt- er in protection of her offspring ; but me, your child, you would deprive of life — and for what ? Is it for any crime • of my own ? Is it for want of affection for you ? Or am I unkind to our people ? No ! It is for nothing I have done ! But you wish mo to commit a crime the most revolting! You wish m3 to debase and render myself unworthy of life — to purchase a few years of miserable existence ! I scorn such unworthy artifices ! I would hate myself and be hated 'by our people ! My life has ever been at your disposal ; Smt you approach not my husband so long as I havo tho
AN INDIAN WITNB33. 13
power to conceal him ! This is the proudest hour of my existence ; and happy am I, that ibrtuue has placed me in a situation to render assistance and protection to one that I am bound by so many ties to love, honor and cherish.
You may say my husband has faults — it is not for his wife to see them. I am his partner, and, as such, am bound to conceal his imperfections as my own ; and I feel honored that I can^ in this manner, testify my regard for him, and show the confidence placed in me, is merited.
If he has committed the crimes you speak of, there is a power above which can find and punish him. When God Becks the guilty, he docs not place a deadly weapon to tho breast cf a wcman, and say,
" Go find me a man, for I would kill him !"
If you seek the life of my husband, do not ask me to par- take with you in the crime. Let these whom he has injur- ed, seek redress. I have received nought but kindness from him, and why should I seek his destruction ? But, supposing he had ever used me unkindly — now is the time it should be forgotten.
No human being is perfect — -God alone is faultless ! Neither you nor the enemies of my husband know the cau- ses which led him to the act you impute to him* God knov.'s, and vengeance is his ; and we should be content for him to do justice, without usurping his authority.
You tell me of the degradation of our people — wherein is my husband in fiiult for that?
You impute, as a crime to him, that the whites have wronged us. Were we never wronged by any but the whites ? Have no other nations made war upon us ; des- troyed our cornfields ; our fisheries, and our hunting ? and have we not done the same ? Have not the Winnebagoes oppressed the Sacs and Foxes, the Otowas, or any nation whom we thought our inferiors.
How often has my father gone to the wars for the pur- pose of exterminating some neighboring people ! as well may you consider that a fault of mine. I am as much ac- countable for those depredations, as my husband is for those of the whites.
16 AN INDIAN WITNESS.
If the white men have wronged us, those who have done the injustice, are to blame for the offence. If our nation has become degraded, it is the fault of our people. Deliv- ering my husband into hands of those who will take his life, will neither redress the wrongs which the Indians have suffered from the whites, nor retrieve our condition.
The man whom I have selected for my partner and pro- tector, is dearer than life. You may execute vengeance on me, for I shall not reveal the place of his concealment. Had I a thousand lives to sacrifice, they would be cheer- fully given rather than betray him.
I fear death less than dishonor.
The time*may come, when you, while passing my grave, will remember the great crime you are about to commit.
As I ask no mercy for myself, let me ask one favor. It is all I ask, and I shall die contented. You are welcome to my life, if you will spare that child ! I beseech you by all the affections you have ever borne towards me — by the dy- ing breath of its mother to protect that child ! I implore you by the affinity which it bears to you,- and the innocent smiles with which it regards you, to remember the off- spring of your daughter.* I have nothing more to say. — My life is at your disposal."
By a sign from the old chief, the young Indian took up the rifle and presented the muzzle to her breast, while she, turning towards him, opened the bosom of her dress, when one more appeal was made ; but she persisted in her former determination.
The old chief becomingfuUy satisfied that she would not disclose the hiding-place of her husband, was too true to his promise — he gave the word — the short sharp report of the rifle — she fell and expired without a groan — a martyr of constancy to a murderer.
Notwithstanding the solicitude of the Indian woman to conceal her liusband, he was afterwards taken by the In- dians, and surrendered to the whites for trial — ^but acquit- ted, probably, for the want of proper management in ob- taining competent witnesses.
IMPORTAIXT
INDIAN manuscripts;
■If
PART SECOND,
Translated by I.. S. BACKUS,
Professor of the Sign Language, Editor of the Canajoharie Radii, 6cc,
The principal events herein recorded cuy) true.
The murder is yet remembered by many persons. One ojf the actors was put upon his trial for the murder of his partner at Prairie du Chien and was acquitted.
The violent, and we might almost say, in- sane attachment, which the Indian Woman has for the white man who has honored her with the title of wife, is neither new, nor . is it unnatural as may be seen by the sequel
CANAJOHARIE, N, Y. :
Printed and Sold by the Author.
1840.
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INTRODUCTION.
In the first part we informed the reader, we should pub- lish an engraving of the original documents which form these disclosures, and after this lapse of tjfeie we have re- deemed the pledge. ^ ^
It may not occur to the reader at the first glance the im- portant interest of this manuscript to the public — eyen the small portion v^^hich we have transcribed. To the linguist it offers a wide field of speculation.
The efforts of the mind to communicate important events to distant friends is here developed. It shows how the sav- age v/hen driven by necessity, can perpetuate a record ol" his actions, or those of his enemies in characteristic emb- lems. To the antiquarian, even this small scrap must prove a source of gratification. In this he will see the hieroglyph- ics of the Egyptians; he will assimilate the wood engra- ving of the Chinese to the etching on the tree. The ima- gination will be carried back to the time when the nations of this country recorded the deeds of their chiefs and war- riors in a symbolical language.
A written language is one of the first signs of the prog- ress of a nation to civization ; and when a people are re- trogading to barbarity, it is their learning which first suffers revolutions — obscurity and final extinction.
We are informed that several specimens of pictorial lan- guage are found with the Western Indians^ and that the declaration of v/ar between the United States and Great Britain in 1S12, was etched en trees in such characters that the Indians from Lake Erie to the Falls of St. Antho- ny, not only knew the belligerent attitude of the two na- tions ; but a faithful record of the causes which were sup- posed to lead to the rupture, was communicated therewith. Those records v/ere placed in the principal places and re- sorts where the Indians were known to congregate ; thus the portage of the Wisconsin where this scrap we publish was taken, is a point eminently qualified for the deposite of important information — at that place, the Fox river ap-
IXTEODUCTIOIS. 3
proachcs Mithin less than a mile of the Wisconsin, and both diverging in different directions—one discharging its waters into the Gulf of Mexico, via. the .Mississippi, and the otiier into the St. Lawrence by the lakes. It was a tlioroiighfarc in which the nations were expected to pass daily going in every direction. How important w^as it then that each member of the tribe should be informed of tiie danger and the attendant circumstances which encom- passed them ! Had they no knov.ledge of symbolic com- munication, necessity would drive them into some similar nieasure.
To the admirers of romantic incidents, this story exem, plifies what has often been asserted, that " truth is stranger than fiction ;" and it may bring to viev/ in faint outlines the peculiar characteristics of singular beings which pioneer the "great west." The traders and trappers are men of no ordinary capacity — generally they compose a body of desperate characters, who have left the boon of civilization cither to escape the penalty of the law's, or find the field of enterprize too circumscribed for their ambition. Some, too, are inveigled into the " Indian country" by the hopes of an enjoyment of independent indolence, which thev soon find is imaginary — as the most tyranical of masters they carry wdth them — their stomachs ! Those persons find when it is too late, that more industry must be exert- ed to live in that primitive state, than in civilized society, and they turn out a set of misanthropic desperadoes, seek- ing by every means to cheat the natives or such unsop^ histicated white men as come within their reach to assist them in dragging out a miserable existence. Those men, generally, demean themselves below the savages, and live near them, or become a kind of supernumerary interpret- ers— carriers, or servants«to the trading establishments.
It is the Indian trader that is the lion of the forest. Among his semi-barbarian confederates and savage custom- ers, he is looked up to as the .dispenser of justice — the. provider of their necessaries ; and as the Indians have no\\ become degraded — an indispensible personage amongst them. — Without him thov could neither feed nor clothe
4 INTRODUCTION.
themselves ; and his profits arc proportioned to the confi- dence which the natives place in him ; consequently, there is nothing to fear but competition from the white man.
As the profits are enormous, both on the goods which they sell, and the furs which they receive in payment, they afford a considerable credit to those Indians with whom they place confidence, and endure much inconvenience, not only from the isolated condition which they are placed, but the vexatious community, that forms their customers must be endured with a patience and forbearance, which would become a martyr. Consequently, a long acqain- tance is of great importance to know where confidence may be placed, and on whom his rigid authority and disci- phne is to be exerted.
The first object which a trader has in view and one in- dispensible, is to conciliate, and if possible, to get the friend- ship of the chief men or leaders of the tribe. That act is paramount to the payments of custom-house duties, which, if neglected, he might, when he least expected it, find his goods all confiscated.
The next object with the politic Indian trader is a wife from among the most powerful of Jthe Indian people. He gets by her influence in the tribe, and the most firm at- tachment known to the human breast.
The wife of an Indian is a slave under the most tyrani- cal of masters. When the Indian woman has the fortune to put herself under the protection of a white man, she feels her emancipation in every form. She witnesses the degradation of her kindred ; and her own exalted happiness. That those Indian women should prove true to the white man is no more than would be expected — that springs from one of the noblest virtues implanted in the human breast — gratitude.
Hence, Indian traders have found their interest prompt- ed them to marry a woman as nearly connected with the chiefs or influential men as possible ; and when they wish- ed messages communicated to any of the different posts or stations if it was of great importance, they invariably despatched their wives on the mission — which they sue-
INTRODUCTION. 5
cessfully execute, or perish in the attempt. Thus a trader would despatch as a messenger from Mackinaw to Prairie du Chien — to St. Peters, or even the head waters of the Missouri or Columbia rivers — a lone Indian woman, who had to pass among strange tribes — known enemies and invidious rival traders — desolate countries and wild beasts, such as very few white men would dare encounter ; and they have been known to return after years' captivity among enemies, without once betraying their trust.
The following cut is a fac-simile of an etching on the bark of a tree, situated at the portage of the Wisconsin, near where Fort Winnebago now stands. It was in a con- spicuous place, and duplicates were afterwards found in several places throughout the Winnebago nation.
The incidents to which this disclosure relates, were detail, ed to the author of this article by a person who was pres. ent during the interview of the father with his daughter, when he demanded either she should discover where her iiusband was concealed, or suffer death !
Indian Manuiscript
TKARISLrATIOM.
1. On the sixth day of the moon or July 'id.
2. At ten o'clock.
o. The white men who have been trading at the Fen Lakes, quarrelled.
4. The white man killed his brollicr.
5. The white man will use deception and bhnd our exes. G. His wife has concealed him.
7. The white men are executing vengeance uf>on us, and mean to exterminate \is from the land — or strike tlie In- dians to the earth.
INDIAN MANUSCRIPT. 7
Translator's Note. — From the above translation wo find the facts bear us out fully in the interpretation made above. The question may be asked how we arrive at the deductions urged as an explanation of the hieroglyphics ?
The exact time is designated by a stake stuck in the ground, as represented at the bottom of the plate, that "points directly" to the place the sun v/as in the heavens which gives the time of day, viz. : 10 o'clock, when the murder was perpetrated.
On that inclined stake is the figure of the moon with the marks which give her age. That definitely gives a date to the transaction viz. : July 2d.
At the top of the cut a house with four lakes are shown which gives the location ; consequently, the names of the occupants and the particular form of the hut shows it to belong to the whites.
The next figure as we proceed downward is the hat and SWORD, which readily conveys the idea that white men are in deadly strife and one has the victory.
The hand and the eye. By this figure we learn most forcibly that an attempt was made at deception, which supposition is fully warranted by subsequent disclosures.
i'he next figure is the woman hiding the hat, which in the simple language of the natives showed by her flowing hair that she was a wife and her posture over the hat showed she was concealing her husband.
The next and last figure is the sword over the bow. By that we learn that the Indians are about to be extermina- ted by the whites, as the bow represents the natives, and the sword the long knives or whites.
This cut or figure which we have transcribed, and ofier- ed the above as a translation, was prominently etched on the smoothed surface of a small tree, near the Indian trail which the Indians were daily in the habit of passing.
At a short distance from this primitive telegraph, a fire was kindled in an old tree for an index or a beacon to at- tract the attention of the passing native.
The intense interest which this document excited, can
8 INDtAN MAlS'USCRtPT.
only be imagined by those acquainted with the conditiou of the Indians. They knew how this would affect them as a nation : they knew the people which surrounded them — and the object that would induce the whites to impute any crime to them for the purpose of exciting a spirit of re- venge for the pretext of wresting from the rightful owners of the soil — 'a possession which was so much coveted, yet had never been peaceably obtained.
All that section of country bordering on on the Wiscon- sin and extending from the Mississippi to the great lakes, had belonged to the Winnebagoes, and held peaceably by them until within a few years previous to this occurrence, when the whites had discovered that this section of coun- try contained the most valuable lead mines in the world, and were using every means to dispossess them.
The whites were composed of squatters, and men of des- perate character. What cared they for honor or integrity? They belonged to no country! Many of them if caught within the pale of the laws, would suffer its penalties. — What were the rights of the Indians to them? Their ob- ject was money ! The surest and readiest method of ob- taining their wishes was to create as much excitement as possible ; and could they confirm the story, (which had already gained considerable credence,) that the Indians Had killed both of the traders at the Four Lakes ; THE WHOLE AMERICAN pcoplc would havc asserted the quarrel and speedily revenge the outrage by a war which w^ould end in a treaty and a concession of the land whirl i these vagabond squatters were so anxious to obtain posses- sion.
Those that knew the truth, and were aware that one of the traders had murdered his partner, could gain nothinrr by circulating the report ; while if the guilt could be placed on the Indians ; it would add another item to the long ac- count, and furnish additional proof why the natives should be dispossessed.
The effect of this information upon the Indians, Mas lo create the greatest consternation. They had come in pos^ session of the truthj and not only knew who was the mur-
INDIAN MANUSCRIPT. ^^
•vit'i-ei, but tlic disastrous effects, wliich tlie slander would liave, if sufiered to be affixed on the nation. Although they might affirm their innocence ; yet it would not be noticed, "^^riie dead body of one of the traders was to be found in his cabin which was surrounded by Indians ; many of whom were in the daily habit of visiting the premises of the de- ceased and the story would soon gain credence, and their guilt I'ully established, when left to be judged by those who Avished it might be so- Notwithstanding one alternative, and one only remained to be tried to convince the whites of their innocence, viz. : to produce the murderer, and prove him guilty who they knew was the partner of the deceased ; and as he had taken refuge in their nation, it was of vital importance that the fugitive should be taken, and their innocence established.
Those simple sons of the forest knew the important bear- ing which the slander imputed to them would have on their destiny — and trembled for tlie result. The vindictive cha- racter of the whites and their superior facilities in executing their designs ; yet they felt disposed to make every eflbrt to place the guilt where it properly belonged viz : upon Pet- vAi McNally, wlio had murdered his IViend and partner, James Bawnu^n.
Yet one great olxstacle remained :
Tlie whites would not believe but a double murder liad been committed, and McNally equally a victim with liis partner, until his body was produced either dead or alive.
In the present condition this could not be easily effected. MciNaliy had married and otherwise connected liimself with the princi{»al cliiefs of the Winnebago tribe. He had secured the friendsbip of nund)erless persons bokaiging to tlie nation, which he nov/ looked upon as his protectors : — and, above all, he was secreted by his wiie and vlxcvAk With such confidants as she liNEW vvould Eot betray the trust imposed in them.
In this condition what was to be done ?
A powerful nation encircled them who were brrioding o- ver an awful tragedy which they wei-c willing to believe was committed by the Indians ; and there was no ctlicr
10 AN INDIAN WITNESS.
resort but to produce the real murderer to shew their inno- cence. As they dreaded immediate vengeance, and to put all their countrymen in possession of the facts, not only was it important to place them on the defence, but to bring the felon forward and place in its true light the nature of the transaction in the eyes of their vindictive neighbors ; and thus render their, innocence manifest.
Hence, the cause why they sliould have attempted the rude telegraph we have copied which was calculated to transmit the important information throughout the na- tion, and awaken them to a sense of their danger.
This " manuscript" document was otherwise important as an advertisement or warrant to cause the arrest of the liomocide ; and had the fugitive no friends amongst the In- dians, tlicy would have immediately surrendered him to justice, and exculpated themselves fron suspicions, and thus explained the mystery.
The Indians had learned before the danger of harboring felons ; and this man knew their character too well to trust himself in their power but for one which he kneic could nei- ther be intimidated by fear, or purchased by v/ealth to be- tray him.
AX INDIAN WITNESS.
Upon ihe banlis of the Wisconsin there was a small groupe of Indians, consisting of an aged man who wore the hahihmonts of a chief; two young Imuans, an old squa^A", and a y'oung Lidian woman, dressed in the fashion of the whites, who bore in her arms a child which appeared near tho age of one year. The featin-os of the child betrayed a. mixture of the European wish the aborigiaal blood ; and it seemed to exhibit a chcerruilness entirely at variance with liic other part of the groupe, who showed a gloomy cast of tV'atures, uncommon, even to native Americans. It was n^adily discovered that soma unpleasant ceremony was a- boiit to take place.
The old man motioned to the young woman to com*^ near him, who advanced within a a few yards — when a ri- de was produced and thoroughly cxamiiKjd ; the formalities
AN INDIAN WITNESS. 11
of cieansing the gun and adjusting the flint was performed, when a charge of powder and ball was placed in it, wliilc the greatest care w^is taken to show the woman that those preparations were perfect and properly arranged.
While these death-like indications were in progress, the stern eye and rigid features of the father, (tcr sucli the chief proved to be) appeared resolved upon some desperate act which called the attention of all the attendants except the woman and child : the former stood before him with a ocuntenance resigned : she fixed her eye upon the child, and totally disdained to bestow the least notice on the prep- arations of the rifle, althougji it was readily discovered that it was to intimidate her that so much ceremonv was observ- ed ii charging the piece.
After a few moments spent in silent conicmplation of the Woman, the chief advanced and motioned to take the child, when she bestowed a single kiss upon its forehead, and advanced to a small bush near by, placedfit upon the ground, and plucked seme branches which grew near — col- lected a few flowers and such trifles as could readily be ob- taincd, placed them in the hands of the child, resumed her place before her father, to all appearance, the least aifected of the party. The rifle was at this juncture, resting against a tree ; but when the woman had disposed of the child, the fdtlier took it in his liands, assured himself that it v»as in good condition ; he ga\'e it to one of the attendants, v.ho mimediately pointed it towards the woman's breast, only a few yards distant ; and the sudden click of the lock gave notice of the last act of preparaiioa f n* the c'ii^charge of ih;^ gvm.
Few ears can iujmoveably receive the sharp sc-.md Avhicli IS made by lire-arms in the preparatory snap of the lock when the range of its barrel is brought" to bear upon the ixxly ; but this woman heeded it not, although not a per- son present but shuddered in expectation of the report and the writhing victim : yet this woman showed no outward signs that those preparations implicated her existence, al- though, she hieic tlie knell for her earthly departure had sounded ; and, in nil probabilify, an instant niore and her
12 AN INDIAIV WITNESS.
fate would be irrevocably sealed. Yet she heeded not all this : her eyes were bent upon the child, showing with ma- ternal glances, a recognition of its innocent amusement and her scorn for their preparations.
At length, the old chief finding the young woman could not be intimidated by the rifle being presented to her breast, he took it from the young Indian, and, advancing with a stern countenance, he addressed her in language, as fol- lows : —
•' My daughter, I have now come to the determination, that only on one condition will you ever move from this place alive ! However unpleasant it may be, I feel duty calls upon me to seek your life, unless you point to me the place where McNally, your husband, is concealed ! He is a murderer ! He hns arisen upon his brother — and taken his life ! and not content with slaying his comrade, he de- ceives his countrymen, and throws the disgrace ut). on the innocent Indians ; and while our friends are hunted in the prairies like the deer, as the assassin of Bamer, you liave concealed him — you connived at his crime, and are e- qually cr more guilty, as you see by that infamous decep- tion no quarter is shown our people by the merciless intru- ders upon the lands of the red men ; but they rejoice at a pre- text to kill and destroy the friendless Indians that tiiey may occupy the lands, and drive us from the mce of the earth.
" My child, it grieves mo, but I am under the stern ne- cassity of requiring this sacrifice. You.must comply. You must show the lurking-})lace of your husband, or your life rnusl pay tlie forfeit. Oiu- people demand it, and justly too, that you shall show ^^here the nnn-derer is concealed.
" Wliat have the white men done since their first landing in this happy country ? What has become of the towns and villages of the red men who once lived here ? Where arc the nations that once inhabited this country ? Wlio' has been the enemy of the red men, nnd have come here and robbed us of our lands — made wars upon us, even to (extermination ; and brought vices which were unknown to us before ? Sought by dissentions to divide and destroy us, who had never known or injured them — and arc not yet
AN INDIAN WITNESS, 13
contented but commit crimes among themselves ; and strive with a fiendish cunning to throw the disgrace upon us that they may have some pretext for continuing their murders and robberies upon us. What chance have we for justice ? Under what disadvantages do we not labor. If an Indian kills or robs a white man, in a few days the sto- ry is printed in thousands of places, and is known to all their people : — revenge is in their power, and none durst raise an arm to avert their dreaded resistance ; but if the poor Indian is killed, would they believe or render justice to his friends or relatives ? Would they give up the murderer to be dealt with according to the usages of our nation ? No ! They would insult the emissaries of justice with,
" Go away, you are an Indian !"
" My daughter the wrongs which we sustain from the whites are many. They force us from our hunting grounds, from our mines, our corn fields, and our fisheries. Is that done because they have none ? Have they not posses- sion of all the country from the sea to the Mississippi ? and yet they wish for more — and they want all — that the Indians may have none. They have succeeded in debasing us below the brutes of the forest, and now they wish to exter- minate us. They are not satisfied with the effect of the vices which are introduced amongst us — that mode of des- truction is too tardy — wars, famine and persecution must be added, and those destroyers of your people, your friends and relatives you strive to befriend and exculpate from crimes which, you know they are guilty of committing.
Your husband brought whiskey in our nation — when the Indian drank of it he became addicted to its use, and then became a vagabond on the earth ; yet you wish to preserve his life, that he may bring more misery upon our nation.
" Why do you wish to conceal the man that would mur- der his partner ? Are you not in danger of falling beneath his vengeance ? The man that would kill his friend and partner, only waits for an opportunity to destroy his wife. Such persons have no love nor affection for their kindred — even the meanest reptile that crawls upon the earth, has more fellow-feeling — for they burrow together in harmony.
14 AN INDIAN WITNESS.
If you have no regard for yourself, you owe some respect to our nation : and, so long as he is concealed amongst us, the whites will ascribe the murder of both to the Indians — and will they be idle ? Will they not take vengeance on every one they can find ? Hov/ many have already fallen before their hunters, we know not. The time is precious: we know not what plans they are forming to destroy us ; yet, by disclosing where he is^ we shall avert the calamity. By concealing him, you show contempt for your nation and relatives ; as the white men will believe we have mur- dered both th.Q traders, and will punish the innocent for protecting the guilty.
"I seek not your life ; — our people do not demand it ; but, w^iih justice, they ask you to deliver them from the ig- nomlDy and danger which the enraged w^iites will visit up- on them, if you persist in concealing the murderer.
'' My daughter, there is no alternative : our chiefs in council demand the murderer, not your life but your father thinks if you prefer the society of a villain to your kin- dred, you are unworthy of his protection.
" Therefore prepare and decide immediately : and do not delay until too late, as you may rely upon the truth of our assertions."
The old chief called upon her in the most affeciionato terms to comply, and surrender her husband ; but she reject- ed with scorn ail such overtures. Stepping out before them, she spoke in real native eloquence, to the following cfiect.
My father, even the hunted deer will spurn the pursuer of her fawn ! She presents her impotent brow to the hunt- er in protection of her offspring ; but me, your child, you would deprive of life — and for what ? Is it for any crime of my own ? Is it for want of affection for you ? Or am I unkind to our people ? No ! It is for nothing / have done ! I5ut you wish me to commit a crime the most revolting! You wish me to debase and render myself unworthy of life — to purchase a few years of miserable existence ! I scorn such unworthy artifices ! I would hate myself and be hated by our people ! My life has ever been at your dispotial ; ))ut you approach not my husband so long as I have the
AN INDIAN WITNESS. 15
I'ower to conceal him! This is the proudest hour of uiy existence ; and happy am I5 that fortune has placed me in ;i situation to render assistance and protection to one that 1 am bound by so many ties to love, honor and cherish.
You may say my husband has faults — it is not for iiis Vvifc to see them. I am his partner, and, as such, am bound to conceal his imperfections as my own ; and 1 feci honored that I can, in this manner, testify my regard for !iim, and show the confidence placed in me, is merited.
If he has committed the crimes you sneak of, there is a power above which can find and punish him. When God seeks the guilty, he does not pla,ce a deadly weapon to the breast cf a woman, and say,
" Go find me a man, for I would kill him !"
If you seek the life of my husband, do not ask me to par- take with you in the crime. Let those whom he has injur- ed, seek redress. I have received nought but kindness' from him, and why should I seek his destruction ? But, supposing he had ever used me unkindly — noio is the time it should be forgotten.
No human being is perfect — God alone is faultless ! Neither you nor the enemies of my husband know the cau- ses which led him to the act you impute to him* God knows^ and vengeance is his ; and we should be content for him to do justice, without usurping his authority.
You tell me of the degradation of our people — wherein is my husband in fault for that ?
You impute, as a crime to him, that the whites have wronged us. Were we never wronged by any but the whites ? Have no other nations made war upon us ; des- troyed our cornfields ; our fisheries, and our hunting ? and have we not done the same ? Have not the Wlnnebagocs oppressed the Sacs and Foxes, the Otovras, or any nation whom we thought our inferiors.
How often has my father gone to the wars for the pur- [)ose of exterminating some neighboring people ! as well may you consider that a fault of mine. I am as much ac- countable for those depredations, as my husband is for those of the whites.
16 AN INDIAN' WITNESS.
It* the white men have wronged us, those who have done the injustice, arc to blame for the ofTence. It' our nation has become degraded, it is the fault of our people. Deliv- ering my husband into hands of those who will take his life, will neither redress the wrongs which the Indians ha\'e suffered from the whites, nor retrieve our condition.
The man whom I have selected for my partner and pro- tector, is dearer than life. You may execute vengeance on me, for I shall not reveal the place of his concealment. Had I a thousand lives to sacrifice, they would be cheer- fully given rather than betray him.
I fear death less than dishonor.
The time may come, when yoUf while passing my grave, will remember the great crime you are about to commit.
As I ask no mercy for myself, let me ask one favor. It i{? all I ask, and I shall die contented. You are welcome to my life, if you will spare that child ! I beseech you by all the affections you have ever borne towards me — by the dy- ing breath of its mother to protect that child ! I implore you by the affinity which it bears to you^ and the innocent smiles with which it regards you, to remember the ofl^- spring of your daughter. I have nothing more to say. — My life is at your disposal."
By a sign from the old chief, the young Indian took up the riffe and presented the muzzle to her breast, while she, turning towards him, opened the bosom of her dress, when one more appeal was made ; but she persisted in her former determination.
The old chief becomingfully satisfied that she would not disclose the hiding-place of her husband, was too true to his promise — he gave the word — the short sharp report of the riffe — she fell and expired without a groan — a martyr of constancy to a murderer.
Notwithstanding the solicitude of the Indian woman to conceal her husband, he was afterwards taken by the In^ dians, and surroidered to the whites for trial — but acquit- ted, probably, for the want of proper management in ob- taining competent witnesses.
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