There is no class of human beings on earth, who hold a pledge more sacred
and binding, than do the North American Indians. A sample of this was
witnessed during the Winnebago war of 1827, in the person of Dekker-re,
a celebrated chief of that nation, who, among four other Indians of his
tribe, was taken prisoner at Prairie du Chien. Colonel Snelling, of the
5th regiment of infantry, who then commanded that garrison, despatched
a young Indian into the nation, with orders to inform the other chiefs
of Dekker-re’s band, that unless those Indians who were perpetrators of
the horrid murders of some of our citizens, were brought to the fort
and given up within ten days, Dekker-re and the other four Indians who
were retained as hostages, would be shot at the end of that time. The
awful sentence was pronounced in the presence of Dekker-re, who, though
proclaiming his own innocence of the outrages which had been committed
by others of his nation, exclaimed that he feared not death, though it
would be attended with serious consequences, inasmuch as he had two
affectionate wives and a large family of small children who were entirely
dependent on him for their support; but if necessary, he was willing
to die for the honour of his nation. The young Indian had been gone
several days, and no intelligence was yet received from the murderers.
The dreadful day being near at hand, and Dekker-re being in a bad state
of health, asked permission of the Colonel to go to the river to indulge
in his long accustomed habit of bathing; in order to improve his health.
Upon which, Col. S. told him that, if he would promise, on the honor of
a chief, that he would not leave the town, he might have his liberty,
and enjoy all his privileges, until the day of the appointed execution.
Accordingly he first gave his hand to the Colonel, thanked him for his
friendly offer, then raised both his hands aloft, and in the most solemn
adjuration, promised that he would not leave the bounds prescribed, and
said, if he had a hundred lives, he would sooner lose them all than
forfeit his word, or deduct from his proud nation one particle of its
boasted honor. He was then set at liberty. He was advised to flee to
the wilderness, and make his escape. “But no,” said he, “do you think I
prize life above honor? or that I would betray a confidence reposed in
me, for the sake of saving my life?” He then complacently remained until
nine days of the ten which he had to live had elapsed, and nothing heard
from the nation with regard to the apprehension of the murderers, his
immediate death became apparent; but no alteration could be seen in the
countenance of the chief. It so happened that on that day, Gen. Atkinson
arrived with his troops from Jefferson Barracks, and the order for
execution was countermanded, and the Indians permitted to repair to their
homes.