(1696.) On one occasion, when Count Frontignac succeeded in capturing a
Mohawk fort, it was found deserted of all its inhabitants except a sachem
in extreme old age, who sat with the composure of an ancient Roman in
his capitol, and saluted his civilized compeer in age and infirmity, with
dignified courtesy and venerable address. Every hand was instantly raised
to wound and deface his time-stricken frame and while French and Indian
knives were plunged into his body, he recommended to his Indian enemies
rather to burn him with fire, that he might teach their French allies how
to suffer like men. “Never, perhaps,” says Charlevoix, “was a man treated
with more cruelty; nor ever did any endure it with superior magnanimity
and resolution.”