Creeks during the war in which the power of that nation was broken and
destroyed by General Jackson. In his character was found that union
of great virtues and vices which has made up the character of many
celebrated men among civilized nations. With avarice, treachery, lust,
gluttony, and a thirst for blood, nature gave Weatherford, genius,
eloquence, and courage. Seldom has an Indian appeared, more capable of
planning and executing great designs. His judgment and eloquence secured
him the respect of the old; his vices made him the idol of the young
and unprincipled. In his person, he was tall, straight, and well
proportioned; his eyes black, lively, and piercing; his nose aquiline
and thin; while all the features of his face, harmoniously arranged,
spoke an active and disciplined mind.
It was Weatherford’s talents and determined spirit which prolonged the
war against the whites, which began in August, 1813. When the power of
the Creeks had been broken, and great numbers of them had fallen, many
of their chiefs and warriors came to General Jackson, and surrendered
themselves prisoners. Weatherford, with a few followers, boldly
maintained his hostile attitude. General Jackson, to test the fidelity
of those chiefs who submitted, ordered them to deliver, without delay,
Weatherford, bound, into his hands, that he might be dealt with as he
deserved. The warriors made known to Weatherford what was required of
them. His noble spirit would not submit to such degradation; and he
resolved to yield himself without compulsion.
[Illustration: 0353]
Accordingly, Weatherford proceeded to the American camp, unknown, and
under some pretence, was admitted to the presence of the commanding
general. He then boldly said: “I am Weatherford, the chief who commanded
at Fort Mimms. I desire peace for my people, and have come to ask it.”
Jackson was surprised that he should venture to appear in his presence,
and told him, for his inhuman conduct at Fort Mimms, he well deserved to
die; that he had ordered him to be brought to the camp, bound, and had
he been so bound, he would have been treated as he deserved. To this
Weatherford replied:
“I am in your power--do with me as you please. I am a soldier. I have
done the white people all the harm I could. I have fought them and
fought them bravely. If I had an army, I would yet fight; I would
contend to the last. But I have none. My people are all gone. I can only
weep over the misfortunes of my nation.”
General Jackson was pleased with his boldness, and told him that, though
he was in his power, yet he would take no advantage; that he might yet
join the war party, and contend against the Americans, if he chose, but
to depend upon no quarter if taken afterward; and that unconditional
submission was his and his people’s only safety. Weatherford rejoined in
a tone as dignified as it was indignant,--“You can safely address me in
such terms now. There was a time when I could have answered you--there
was a time when I had a choice--I have none now. I have not even a hope.
I could once animate my warriors to battle--but I cannot animate the
dead. My warriors can no longer hear my voice. Their bones are at
Tallahega, Tallushatchee, Emuckfaw, and Tohopeka. I have not surrendered
myself without thought. While there was a single chance of success, I
never left my post, nor supplicated peace. But my people are gone, and I
now ask it for my nation, not for myself. I look back with deep sorrow,
and wish to avert still greater calamities. If I had been left to
contend with the Georgia army, I would have raised my corn on one
bank of the river, and fought them on the other. But your people have
destroyed my nation. You are a brave man. I rely upon your generosity.
You will exact no terms of a conquered people, but such as they should
accede to. Whatever they may be, it would now be madness and folly to
oppose them. If they are opposed, you shall find me amongst the
sternest enforcers of obedience. Those who would still hold out, can be
influenced only by a mean spirit of revenge. To this they must not, and
shall not sacrifice the last remnant of their country. You have told our
nation where we might go and be safe. This is good talk, and they ought
to listen to it. They shall listen to it.”
[Illustration: 0357]
The treaty concluded between the Creeks and the whites was faithfully
observed by the former, and Weatherford’s conduct proved, that he could
be a warm friend if conciliated, as well as a formidable and determined
foe in war. Passionately fond of wealth, he appropriated to himself
a fine tract of land, improved and settled it. To this he retired
occasionally, and relaxed from the cares of his government, indulging in
pleasures, censurable and often disgusting. The character of this chief
reminds us of some of the old Roman heroes and politicians. The same
genius, activity, ambition, and love of vicious pleasures belonged to
those Cæsars and Antonys who have received more historical encomiums
than is rightfully their due.
[Illustration: 0360]
[Illustration: 0362]
[Illustration: 0363]