(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.”