This celebrated Indian chief, who had always been a zealous friend of
the English, and had often distinguished himself in their service, was
taken prisoner, and brought before the General Assembly of Virginia,
who hesitated whether he should be tried by court martial as a soldier,
or at the criminal bar for high treason. Logan stated that they had
no jurisdiction to try him; that he owed no allegiance to the King
of England, being an Indian Chief, independent of every nation. In
answer to their inquiries as to his motives for taking up arms against
the English, he thus addressed the Assembly. “I appeal to any white
man, to say if ever he entered Logan’s cabin hungry, and I gave him
not meat; if ever he came cold or naked, and I gave him not clothing.
During the last long and bloody war, Logan remained idle in his tent,
an advocate for peace; nay such was my love for the whites, that those
of my country pointed at me, as they passed by, and said, ‘Logan is the
friend of white men.’ I had ever thought to live with you but for the
injuries of one man. Colonel Cressap, the last spring, in cold blood,
and unprovoked, cut off all the relations of Logan, not sparing even my
women and children. There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins of
any human creature. This called on me for revenge. I have sought it. I
have killed many. I have fully glutted my vengeance. For my country, I
rejoice at the beams of peace. But do not harbor the thought that mine
is the joy of fear. Logan never felt fear. He will not turn his heel to
save his life. Who is there to mourn for Logan? Not one!”
This pathetic speech touched the sensibility of all who heard it. The
General Assembly applauded his noble sentiments, and immediately set
him at liberty. The inhabitants of Virginia vied with each other who
should entertain him the best, or show him the greatest respect; and he
returned to his native country loaded with presents and honors.