came to pay us a visit at Sunyendeand, and he asked me to take a hunt
with him on Cayahoga. As they always used me as a free man, and gave me
the liberty of choosing, I told him that I was attached to Tontileaugo,
had never seen him before, and therefore asked some time to consider of
this. He told me that the party he was going with would not be along,
or at the mouth of this little lake, in less than six days, and I could
in this time be acquainted with him, and judge for myself. I consulted
with Tontileaugo on this occasion, and he told me that our old brother
Tecaughretanego (which was his name) was a chief, and a better man than
he was, and if I went with him I might expect to be well used; but he
said I might do as I pleased, and if I staid he would use me as he had
done. I told him that he had acted in every respect as a brother to me;
yet I was much pleased with my old brother's conduct and conversation;
and as he was going to a part of the country I had never been in, I
wished to go with him. He said that he was perfectly willing.
I then went with Tecaughretanego to the mouth of the little lake, where
he met with the company he intended going with, which was composed of
Caughnewagas and Ottawas. As the wind was high and we could not proceed
on our voyage, we remained here several days, and killed abundance of
wild fowl, and a number of raccoons.
When a company of Indians are moving together on the lake, as it is at
this time of the year often dangerous sailing, the old men hold a
council; and when they agree to embark, every one is engaged
immediately in making ready, without offering one word against the
measure, though the lake may be boisterous and horrid. One morning,
though the wind appeared to me to be as high as in days past, and the
billows raging, yet the call was given "_yohoh-yohoh_," which was
quickly answered by all--"_ooh-ooh_," which signifies agreed. We were
all instantly engaged in preparing to start, and had considerable
difficulties in embarking.
As soon as we got into our canoes we fell to paddling with all our
might, making out from the shore. Though these sort of canoes ride
waves beyond what could be expected, yet the water several times dashed
into them. When we got out about half a mile from shore we hoisted
sail, and as it was nearly a west wind, we then seemed to ride the
waves with ease, and went on at a rapid rate. We then all laid down our
paddles, excepting one that steered, and there was no water dashed into
our canoes until we came near the shore again. We sailed about sixty
miles that day, and encamped some time before night.
The next day we again embarked, and went on very well for some time;
but the lake being boisterous, and the wind not fair, we were obliged
to make to shore, which we accomplished with hard work and some
difficulty in landing. The next morning a council was held by the old
men.
As we had this day to pass by a long precipice of rocks on the shore,
about nine miles, which rendered it impossible for us to land, though
the wind was high and the lake rough, yet, as it was fair, we were all
ordered to embark. We wrought ourselves out from the shore and hoisted
sail (what we used in place of sail-cloth were our tent-mats, which
answered the purpose very well), and went on for some time with a fair
wind, until we were opposite to the precipice, and then it turned
towards the shore, and we began to fear we should be cast upon the
rocks. Two of the canoes were considerably farther out from the rocks
than the canoe I was in. Those who were farthest out in the lake did
not let down their sails until they had passed the precipice; but as we
were nearer the rock, we were obliged to lower our sails, and paddle
with all our might. With much difficulty we cleared ourselves of the
rock, and landed. As the other canoes had landed before us, there were
immediately runners sent off to see if we were all safely landed.
About the first of December, 1756, we were preparing for leaving the
river: we buried our canoes, and as usual hung up our skins, and every
one had a pack to carry. The squaws also packed up their tents, which
they carried in large rolls that extended up above their heads, and
though a great bulk, yet not heavy. We steered about a southeast
course, and could not march over ten miles per day. At night we lodged
in our flag tents, which, when erected, were nearly in the shape of a
sugar-loaf, and about fifteen feet diameter at the ground.
In this manner we proceeded about forty miles, and wintered in these
tents, on the waters of Beaver Creek, near a little lake or large pond,
which is about two miles long and one broad, and a remarkable place for
beaver.
It is a received opinion among Indians that the geese turn to beavers,
and the snakes to raccoons; and though Tecaughretanego, who was a wise
man, was not fully persuaded that this was true, yet he seemed in some
measure to be carried away with this whimsical notion. He said that
this pond had been always a great place for beaver. Though he said he
knew them to be frequently all killed (as he thought), yet the next
winter they would be as plenty as ever. And as the beaver was an animal
that did not travel by land, and there being no water communication to
or from this pond, how could such a number of beavers get there year
after year? But as this pond was also a considerable place for geese,
when they came in the fall from the north, and alighted in this pond,
they turned beavers, all but the feet, which remained nearly the same.
In conversation with Tecaughretanego I happened to be talking of the
beavers catching fish. He asked me why I thought that the beaver caught
fish. I told him that I had read of the beaver making dams for the
conveniency of fishing. He laughed, and made game of me and my book. He
said the man that wrote that book knew nothing about the beaver. The
beaver never did eat flesh of any kind, but lived on the bark of trees,
roots, and other vegetables.
In order to know certainly how this was, when we killed a beaver I
carefully examined the intestines, but found no appearance of fish; I
afterwards made an experiment on a pet beaver which we had, and found
that it would neither eat fish nor flesh; therefore I acknowledged that
the book I had read was wrong.
Near this pond beaver was the principal game. Before the water froze up
we caught a great many with wooden and steel traps; but after that we
hunted the beaver on the ice. Some places here the beavers build large
houses to live in; and in other places they have subterraneous lodgings
in the banks. Where they lodge in the ground we have no chance of
hunting them on the ice; but where they have houses, we go with mauls
and handspikes, and break all the hollow ice, to prevent them from
getting their heads above the water under it. Then we break a hole in
the house, and they make their escape into the water; but as they
cannot live long under water, they are obliged to go to some of those
broken places to breathe, and the Indians commonly put in their hands,
catch them by the hind-leg, haul them on the ice, and tomahawk them.
Sometimes they shoot them in the head when they raise it above the
water. I asked the Indians if they were not afraid to catch the beavers
with their hands. They said no: they were not much of a biting
creature; yet if they would catch them by the fore-foot they would
bite.
I went out with Tecaughretanego and some others a beaver hunting; but
we did not succeed, and on our return we saw where several raccoons had
passed while the snow was soft, though there was now a crust upon it;
we all made a halt, looking at the raccoon tracks. As they saw a tree
with a hole in it, they told me to go and see if they had gone in
thereat; and if they had to halloo, and they would come and take them
out. When I went to that tree, I found they had gone past; but I saw
another the way they had gone, and proceeded to examine that, and found
they had gone up it. I then began to halloo, but could have no answer.
As it began to snow and blow most violently, I returned and proceeded
after my company, and for some time could see their tracks; but the old
snow being only about three inches deep, and a crust upon it, the
present driving snow soon filled up the tracks. As I had only a bow,
arrows, and tomahawk with me, and no way to strike fire, I appeared to
be in a dismal situation; and as the air was dark with snow, I had
little more prospect of steering my course than I would in the night.
At length I came to a hollow tree, with a hole at one side that I could
go in at. I went in, and found that it was a dry place, and the hollow
about three feet diameter, and high enough for me to stand in. I found
that there was also a considerable quantity of soft, dry rotten wood
around this hollow; I therefore concluded that I would lodge here, and
that I would go to work, and stop up the door of my house. I stripped
off my blanket (which was all the clothes that I had, excepting a
breech-clout, leggings, and moccasons), and with my tomahawk fell to
chopping at the top of a fallen tree that lay near, and carried wood,
and set it up on end against the door, until I had it three or four
feet thick all around, excepting a hole I had left to creep in at. I
had a block prepared that I could haul after me to stop this hole; and
before I went in I put in a number of small sticks that I might more
effectually stop it on the inside. When I went in, I took my tomahawk
and cut down all the dry rotten wood I could get, and beat it small.
With it I made a bed like a goose-nest or hog-bed, and with the small
sticks stopped every hole, until my house was almost dark. I stripped
off my moccasons, and danced in the centre of my bed, for half an hour,
in order to warm myself. In this time my feet and whole body were
agreeably warmed. The snow, in the meanwhile, had stopped all the
holes, so that my house was as dark as a dungeon, though I knew it
could not yet be dark out of doors. I then coiled myself up in my
blanket, lay down in my little round bed, and had a tolerable night's
lodging. When I awoke all was dark--not the least glimmering of light
was to be seen. Immediately I recollected that I was not to expect
light in this new habitation, as there was neither door nor window in
it. As I could hear the storm raging, and did not suffer much cold as I
was then situated, I concluded I would stay in my nest until I was
certain it was day. When I had reason to conclude that it surely was
day, I arose and put on my moccasons, which I had laid under my head to
keep from freezing. I then endeavored to find the door, and had to do
all by the sense of feeling, which took me some time. At length I found
the block, but it being heavy, and a large quantity of snow having
fallen on it, at the first attempt I did not move it. I then felt
terrified--among all the hardships I had sustained, I never knew before
what it was to be thus deprived of light. This, with the other
circumstances attending it, appeared grievous. I went straightway to
bed again, wrapped my blanket round me, and lay and mused awhile, and
then prayed to Almighty God to direct and protect me as he had done
heretofore. I once again attempted to move away the block, which proved
successful; it moved about nine inches. With this a considerable
quantity of snow fell in from above, and I immediately received light;
so that I found a very great snow had fallen, above what I had ever
seen in one night. I then knew why I could not easily move the block,
and I was so rejoiced at obtaining the light that all my other
difficulties seemed to vanish. I then turned into my cell, and returned
God thanks for having once more received the light of heaven. At length
I belted my blanket about me, got my tomahawk, bow and arrows, and went
out of my den.
I was now in tolerable high spirits, though the snow had fallen above
three feet deep, in addition to what was on the ground before; and the
only imperfect guide I had in order to steer my course to camp was the
trees, as the moss generally grows on the northwest side of them, if
they are straight. I proceeded on, wading through the snow, and about
twelve o'clock (as it appeared afterwards, from that time to night, for
it was yet cloudy) I came upon the creek that our camp was on, about
half a mile below the camp; and when I came in sight of the camp I
found that there was great joy, by the shouts and yelling of the boys,
etc.
When I arrived they all came round me, and received me gladly; but at
this time no questions were asked, and I was taken into a tent, where
they gave me plenty of fat beaver meat, and then asked me to smoke.
When I had done, Tecaughretanego desired me to walk out to a fire they
had made. I went out, and they all collected round me, both men, women,
and boys. Tecaughretanego asked me to give them a particular account of
what had happened from the time they left me yesterday until now. I
told them the whole of the story, and they never interrupted me; but
when I made a stop, the intervals were filled with loud exclamations of
joy. As I could not at this time talk Ottawa or Jibewa well (which is
nearly the same), I delivered my story in Caughnewaga. As my sister
Molly's husband was a Jibewa, and could understand Caughnewaga, he
acted as interpreter, and delivered my story to the Jibewas and
Ottawas, which they received with pleasure.
One day, as I was looking after my traps, I got benighted, by beaver
ponds intercepting my way to camp; and as I had neglected to take
fireworks with me, and the weather very cold, I could find no suitable
lodging-place; therefore the only expedient I could think of to keep
myself from freezing was exercise. I danced and hallooed the whole
night with all my might, and the next day came to camp. Though I
suffered much more this time than the other night I lay out, yet the
Indians were not so much concerned, as they thought I had fireworks
with me; but when they knew how it was, they did not blame me. They
said that old hunters were frequently involved in this place, as the
beaver dams were one above another on every creek and run, so that it
is hard to find a fording-place. They applauded me for my fortitude,
and said, as they had now plenty of beaver skins, they would purchase
me a new gun at Detroit, as we were to go there the next spring; and
then if I should chance to be lost in dark weather, I could make a
fire, kill provision, and return to camp when the sun shone. By being
bewildered on the waters of Muskingum, I lost repute, and was reduced
to the bow and arrow, and by lying out two nights here I regained my
credit.
After some time the waters all froze again, and then, as formerly, we
hunted beavers on the ice. Though beaver meat, without salt or bread,
was the chief of our food this winter, yet we had always plenty, and I
was well contented with my diet, as it appeared delicious fare after
the way we had lived the winter before.
Some time in February we scaffolded up our fur and skins, and moved
about ten miles in quest of a sugar-camp, or a suitable place to make
sugar, and encamped in a large bottom on the head-waters of Big Beaver
Creek. We had some difficulty in moving, as we had a blind Caughnewaga
boy, about fifteen years of age, to lead; and as this country is very
brushy, we frequently had him to carry. We had also my Jibewa
brother-in-law's father with us, who was thought by the Indians to be a
great conjuror; his name was Manetohcoa. This old man was so decrepit
that we had to carry him this route upon a bier, and all our baggage to
pack on our backs.
Some time in March, 1757, we began to move back to the forks of
Cayahoga, which was about forty or fifty miles. And as we had no
horses, we had all our baggage and several hundred weight of beaver
skins, and some deer and bear skins, all to pack on our backs. The
method we took to accomplish this was by making short days' journeys.
In the morning we would move on with as much as we were able to carry,
about five miles, and encamp, and then run back for more. We commonly
made three such trips in the day. When we came to the great pond, we
staid there one day to rest ourselves, and to kill ducks and geese.
When we came to the forks, we found that the skins we had scaffolded
were all safe. Though this was a public place, and Indians frequently
passing, and our skins hanging up in view, yet there were none stolen.
And it is seldom that Indians do steal anything from one another. And
they say they never did, until the white people came among them, and
taught some of them to lie, cheat, and steal; but be that as it may,
they never did curse or swear until the whites taught them. Some think
their language will not admit of it, but I am not of that opinion. If I
was so disposed, I could find language to curse or swear in the Indian
tongue.
We took up our birch-bark canoes which we had buried, and found that
they were not damaged by the winter; but they not being sufficient to
carry all that we now had, we made a large chestnut-bark canoe, as
elm-bark was not to be found at this place.
We all embarked, and had a very agreeable passage down the Cayahoga,
and along the south side of Lake Erie, until we passed the mouth of
Sandusky; then the wind arose, and we put in at the mouth of the Miami
of the Lake, at Cedar Point, where we remained several days, and killed
a number of turkeys, geese, ducks, and swans. The wind being fair, and
the lake not extremely rough, we again embarked, hoisted up sails, and
arrived safe at the Wyandot town, nearly opposite to Fort Detroit, on
the north side of the river. Here we found a number of French traders,
every one very willing to deal with us for our beaver.
We bought ourselves fine clothes, ammunition, paint, tobacco, etc.,
and, according to promise, they purchased me a new gun; yet we had
parted with only about one third of our beaver. At length a trader came
to town with French brandy; we purchased a keg of it, and held a
council about who was to get drunk and who was to keep sober. I was
invited to get drunk, but I refused the proposal; then they told me
that I must be one of those who were to take care of the drunken
people. I did not like this; but of two evils I chose that which I
thought was the least--and fell in with those who were to conceal the
arms, and keep every dangerous weapon we could out of their way, and
endeavor, if possible, to keep the drinking-club from killing each
other, which was a very hard task. Several times we hazarded our own
lives, and got ourselves hurt in preventing them from slaying each
other. Before they had finished this keg, near one third of the town
was introduced to this drinking-club; they could not pay their part, as
they had already disposed of all their skins; but that made no
odds--all were welcome to drink. When they were done with this keg,
they applied to the traders, and procured a kettle full of brandy at a
time, which they divided out with a large wooden spoon; and so they
went on, and never quit while they had a single beaver skin. When the
trader had got all our beaver, he moved off to the Ottawa town, about a
mile above the Wyandot town.
When the brandy was gone, and the drinking-club sober, they appeared
much dejected. Some of them were crippled, others badly wounded, a
number of their fine new shirts torn, and several blankets were burned.
A number of squaws were also in this club, and neglected their
corn-planting. We could now hear the effects of the brandy in the
Ottawa town. They were singing and yelling in the most hideous manner,
both night and day; but their frolic ended worse than ours: five
Ottawas were killed and a great many wounded.
After this a number of young Indians were getting their ears cut, and
they urged me to have mine cut likewise, but they did not attempt to
compel me, though they endeavored to persuade me. The principal
arguments they used were, its being a very great ornament, and also the
common fashion. The former I did not believe, and the latter I could
not deny. The way they performed this operation was by cutting the
fleshy part of the circle of the ear, close to the gristle, quite
through. When this was done they wrapped rags round this fleshy part
until it was entirely healed; they then hung lead to it, and stretched
it to a wonderful length: when it was sufficiently stretched, they
wrapped the fleshy part round with brass wire, which formed it into a
semicircle about four inches in diameter.
Many of the young men were now exercising themselves in a game
resembling football, though they commonly struck the ball with a
crooked stick made for that purpose; also a game something like this,
wherein they used a wooden ball, about three inches in diameter, and
the instrument they moved it with was a strong staff, about five feet
long, with a hoop net on the end of it large enough to contain the
ball. Before they begin the play, they lay off about half a mile
distance in a clear plain, and the opposite parties all attend at the
centre, where a disinterested person casts up the ball, then the
opposite parties all contend for it. If any one gets it into his net,
he runs with it the way he wishes it to go, and they all pursue him. If
one of the opposite party overtakes the person with the ball, he gives
the staff a stroke, which causes the ball to fly out of the net; then
they have another debate for it, and if the one that gets it can outrun
all the opposite party, and can carry it quite out, or over the line at
the end, the game is won; but this seldom happens. When any one is
running away with the ball, and is likely to be overtaken, he commonly
throws it, and with this instrument can cast it fifty or sixty yards.
Sometimes when the ball is almost at the one end, matters will take a
sudden turn, and the opposite party may quickly carry it out at the
other end. Oftentimes they will work a long while back and forward
before they can get the ball over the line, or win the game.
About the 1st of June, 1757, the warriors were preparing to go to war,
in the Wyandot, Pottowatomy, and Ottawa towns; also a great many
Jibewas came down from the upper lakes; and after singing their
war-songs and going through their common ceremonies, they marched off
against the frontiers of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, in their
usual manner, singing the travelling song, slow firing, etc.
About the middle of June the Indians were almost all gone to war, from
sixteen to sixty; yet Tecaughretanego remained in town with me. Though
he had formerly, when they were at war with the southern nations, been
a great warrior and an eminent counsellor, and I think as clear and
able a reasoner upon any subject that he had an opportunity of being
acquainted with as I ever knew, yet he had all along been against this
war, and had strenuously opposed it in council. He said, if the English
and French had a quarrel, let them fight their own battles themselves;
it is not our business to intermeddle therewith.
Before the warriors returned we were very scarce of provision; and
though we did not commonly steal from one another, yet we stole during
this time anything that we could eat from the French, under the notion
that it was just for us to do so, because they supported their
soldiers; and our squaws, old men, and children were suffering on
account of the war, as our hunters were all gone.
Some time in August the warriors returned, and brought in with them a
great many scalps, prisoners, horses, and plunder; and the common
report among the young warriors was that they would entirely subdue
Tulhasaga, that is the English, or it might be literally rendered the
Morning Light Inhabitants.
About the first of November a number of families were preparing to go
on their winter hunt, and all agreed to cross the lake together. We
encamped at the mouth of the river the first night, and a council was
held, whether we should cross through by the three islands, or coast it
round the lake. These islands lie in a line across the lake, and are
just in sight of each other. Some of the Wyandots, or Ottawas,
frequently make their winter hunt on these islands; though, excepting
wild fowl and fish, there is scarcely any game here but raccoons, which
are amazingly plenty, and exceedingly large and fat, as they feed upon
the wild rice, which grows in abundance in wet places round these
islands. It is said that each hunter, in one winter, will catch one
thousand raccoons.
It is a received opinion among the Indians that the snakes and raccoons
are transmigratory, and that a great many of the snakes turn into
raccoons every fall, and raccoons into snakes every spring. This notion
is founded on observations made on the snakes and raccoons in this
island.