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[Illustration:
"_FROM WHERE THE SUN NOW STANDS, I FIGHT NO MORE
AGAINST THE WHITE MAN._"]
OUTDOOR LIFE and
INDIAN STORIES
MAKING OPEN AIR LIFE
ATTRACTIVE TO YOUNG AMERICANS
BY TELLING THEM ALL ABOUT WOODCRAFT, SIGNS AND SIGNALING, THE
STARS, FISHING, CAMPING, CAMP COOKING, HOW TO TIE KNOTS AND HOW
TO MAKE FIRE WITHOUT MATCHES, AND MANY OTHER FASCINATING OPEN AIR
PURSUITS
----ALSO----
STORIES OF NOTED HUNTERS AND SCOUTS
GREAT INDIANS AND WARRIORS, INCLUDING DANIEL BOONE, KIT CARSON,
GENERAL CUSTER, PONTIAC, TECUMSEH, KING PHILIP, BLACK HAWK, BRANDT,
SITTING BULL, AND A HOST OF OTHERS WHOSE NAMES ARE FAMOUS
ALL OF THEM TRUE AND INTERESTING
BY EDWARD S. ELLIS
Author of the Celebrated "Ellis Books" of Adventure, "The Deerfoot
Series," "Youth's History of the United States," Etc., Etc.
PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED
WITH LITHOGRAPH COLOR PLATES, HALF-TONE
ENGRAVINGS AND LINE DRAWINGS
+Copyright 1912+
By L. T. MYERS
CONTENTS
+Outdoor Life for Young Americans+ 9
How to Live in the Woods
+Making a Camp+ 10
How to Build a Lean-To
+How to Make Fire Without Matches+ 11
Using the Fire-Drill
+How to Get Pure Water+ 13
The Indian Filter
+How to Cook in Camp+ 15
Utensils and Simple Recipes
+How to Make a Bow and Arrow+ 17
A Safe and Powerful Weapon
+How to Read Signs and Signals+ 19
Indian Signs and the Wig-Wag System
+How to Tie Knots+ 22
All the Best Knots Explained and Illustrated
+How to Find Your Way by the Stars+ 26
The Heavens at Night
+What to Do in Case of Accident+ 27
First Aid to the Injured
+The Original Americans+ 33
The Indian Tribes
+The Original Emperors of Virginia+ 40
Powhatan and Opecancanough
+The Great Conspiracy+ 54
A Wily Chieftain and His Secret
+Adventures in New England+ 61
The Indians and the Pilgrims
+The Uncrowning of a King+ 76
Philip's Adventures and Death
+A Man of Mark Among the Delawares+ 98
Story of Tammany, White Eyes, and Captain Pipe
+The Greatest of Indian Conspirators+ 106
Pontiac, Chief of the Ottawas
+A Besieged Garrison+ 121
The Attack on Detroit
+A Good Indian+ 129
Little Carpenter, the Cherokee
+A Mighty Mingo Chieftain+ 135
Logan, the Orator and Warrior
+An Indian Demosthenes+ 144
Red Jacket, the Seneca
+Little Turtle+ 149
First an Enemy, then a Friend
+Warrior and Knight+ 159
Buckongahelas, the Delaware Chief
+A Famous Mohawk Chief+ 169
Adventure of Brandt, the Half-Breed
+A Chieftain on the Warpath+ 176
Adventures of Tecumseh, the Shawanoe
+Adventures of Weatherford+ 192
Chief of the Creek Confederacy
+Fighting Against Fate+ 202
Black Hawk and His War
+The Hero of the Everglades+ 219
Osceola and the Seminole War
+Sitting Bull, the Medicine Man+ 233
The Last Great Indian Uprising
OUTDOOR LIFE FOR YOUNG AMERICANS
What boy can resist the call of the woods, the desire to know the
forest and its furred and feathered inhabitants, the fish, the insects,
the plants? But to gather this knowledge in safety the boy must first
learn the ways of the woods, the life of the camper, how to cook and
find his way by the stars, how to tie knots and what to do in case of
accident, the language of signs and the secrets of the trail.
[Illustration: THE CAMP]
There is no better way to do this than to study the methods of the
Indians, the most expert woodsmen the world has known. At their call
the forest produced food, drink, clothes, ornaments and all the
necessities of life. Let us see how they managed this.
Making a Camp
The first thing to be considered on going into the forest is the camp
where the night is to be spent. In choosing a place for this see that
there is fresh water, wood for the fire and brush-wood for building
a "lean-to," or hut, at hand. It is well to build on a dry, level
place, with just enough slope to the ground to insure the water running
away in case of rain. The Indians used to live in huts thatched with
brush-wood, and these are best made by building what is known as a
"lean-to."
[Illustration: METHOD OF THATCHING A LEAN-TO]
Look for two trees standing from eight to ten feet apart on your
camping place, with branches from six to eight feet above the ground.
By placing a pole from one tree to the other in the crotches and
leaning other poles against this one, brush-wood can be woven in to
form a very good roof. Branches of the balsam or hemlock are best for
this purpose, and the needles should point down. It is well to collect
as many soft, thick tips of trees of this character as possible,
both for the thatching and to make the beds. Cover the floor of the
"lean-to" with these tips thickly and lay the rubber blankets on top,
rubber side down. Be sure to make the head of your bed toward the
inside and away from the opening. You will find that this makes a very
comfortable bed.
[Illustration: HOW TO BUILD A LEAN-TO]
How to Make Fire Without Matches
In olden times, before the Indians had matches, and even before they
had the flint and steel that our grandfathers used for making fire,
they used rubbing-sticks. Many people have tried to make fire in this
manner, but few have succeeded. As a matter of fact, it is not a very
difficult thing to do if you know how, as the Indians did. In fact,
they grew so expert that they could make fire almost as quickly as we
can strike a match. The easiest and surest method of doing this is to
use the bow-drill. The tools necessary consist of a bow, or bent stick,
about two feet long, with a stout leather cord attached to each end.
The drill consists of a straight piece of wood pointed at each end.
One end of this rests in a drill-socket, which is simply a piece of
wood with a small notch in it for the top of the fire-drill. This piece
of wood is held in the hand, while the other end of the fire-drill is
placed in the fire-board. This consists of a thin piece of wood with
small pits cut about half an inch from the edge, and with a notch
extending from the edge into the middle of the pit. The leather thong
is given a single turn about the fire-drill and then by drawing the bow
backward and forward the drill is caused to rotate very rapidly in the
fire-board. After a short while the dust which comes out of the notch
grows hot and becomes a glowing coal, which can be easily ignited into
a blazing fire.
[Illustration: THE FIRE-DRILL]
There are many ways of building a camp fire, but the Indian's way is
the best. The Indians always used to laugh at the white men because
they said that they built such a big fire they could not get near it,
while the Indian built a little fire and could get close to it. The
fire must be built systematically. First, get dry, small dead branches,
twigs, fir branches and other inflammable material and place these
loosely on the ground, being sure that the air can draw under and
upward through the mass. Next place some heavier sticks in the form of
a pyramid with the tops of the sticks close together, and so on, until
you have built the camp fire to the required size. Take every care to
prevent the spreading of the fire, and do not build it too close to the
tent or to inflammable pine trees. There is always danger of starting a
disastrous forest fire by carelessness with a small camp fire. Remember
that it is criminal to leave a burning fire, and always to put the fire
out with water or earth. If the fire is to be used for cooking, it is
well to confine the heat between two large logs, or, if baking is to
be done on it, it is best to build an oven with large stones. But the
Indians were usually content with open fire.
[Illustration: HOW TO BUILD A FIRE]
How to Get Pure Water
A very necessary item for the camp is pure water. If this cannot be
obtained from a nearby spring which has good, clear water, or from a
clean stream, it is possible to filter it in the same way that the
Indians did. They had a way of purifying water from a pond or swamp by
digging a hole about one foot across and down about six inches below
the water level, a few feet from the pond. After it was filled with
water they baled it out quickly, repeating the baling process about
three times. After the third baling the hole would fill with filtered
water.
[Illustration: A STONE OVEN]
If there is a stream at hand large enough to swim in, it is well to
remember that if you work your hands and kick your feet you can stay
above water for some time, even with your clothes on. Do not make the
mistake of going into the water too soon after eating, for cramps are
apt to result, causing a serious accident. The Indians have a method
of protecting themselves from cramps. Coming to a bathing pool, the
Indian swimmer, before entering the water, vigorously rubs the pit of
his stomach with the dry palm of his hand. This rubbing probably takes
a minute; then he dashes cold water all over his stomach, and continues
the rubbing for another minute; and after that he is ready for his
plunge.
How to Cook in Camp
The problems of the camp cook are not nearly so great as they seem at
first glance. The essential thing is to select your cooking equipment
and supplies wisely and learn a few simple recipes in advance. An
excellent cooking kit for a long outing is composed of the following
utensils: One 12-inch frying pan, one coffee pot, one 6-quart pail,
one can opener, six air-tight canisters for coffee, tea, sugar, salt,
etc., a knife, fork, teaspoon, tablespoon, plate, bowl and cup for
each person in the party. All of these may be nested in a 12-quart
pail, which will be found useful in many ways about the camp. If only
a short hike is to be taken, however, a much smaller kit may be taken.
An ideal kit for this purpose is used by the United States Army and
may be obtained from outfitters or army stores anywhere. This consists
of a frying pan and plate which can be locked together by the handle
of the frying pan to form a baker. In this a knife, fork and spoon can
be carried. With the addition of a canteen and large tin cup, this kit
can be made to perform wonders in the cooking line on a trip of several
days' duration. For a longer trip the larger kit is recommended.
The supplies to be taken along depend upon the tastes of the campers,
the length of the trip and the convenience of transportation. Of
course, if the trip is to be made by water it is easier to manage a
greater weight than would be the case if it must be carried, a point to
be kept in mind in selecting the supplies.
For a trip of about one week the following supplies are advised in
quantities to suit the number of people in the party: Coffee, tea,
sugar, salt, pepper, condensed milk (unsweetened), lard, bacon, flour,
baking soda, bread and potatoes. This list can be enlarged to advantage
by the addition of a ham, butter (if it can be kept cool), pickles, jam
and additional vegetables, but it is well to keep the outfit down to
the lowest point consistent with comfort. Eggs should be taken if it
is possible to carry them safely. They are now sold in packages which
will stand moderately rough handling. Remember that a bed of hot coals
is best for cooking, and use dry wood if possible to avoid the smoke.
The following recipes will be found easy and practical. Others may be
added as the cook grows more expert.
COFFEE
Use 1 tablespoonful of ground coffee for each cup to be made. For five
people put 5 tablespoonfuls in pot, add ½ cup cold water and mix with
the coffee. Add 4 cups of boiling water and bring to a boil, letting it
boil one minute, then add ½ cup of cold water and set near fire where
it will keep hot but not boil.
TEA
Use 2 teaspoonfuls of tea to 4 cups of boiling water. Put tea in pot
and pour boiling water over it. Never boil tea, but stand in a warm
place for five minutes to draw before serving.
BACON
Very useful on account of its fat which can be used to fry fish,
potatoes, etc. Slice the bacon thin and put in frying pan. Fry over hot
fire until crisp, turning the slices over with a fork from time to time.
POTATOES (BOILED)
Fill pail with water, wash and peel potatoes, boil until tender, take
out of water and keep warm until served.
POTATOES (FRIED)
Put 1 teaspoonful of lard in hot frying pan or use fat left over from
frying bacon. Peel and slice potatoes. Fry over hot fire.
FRIED FISH
Split the fish down the belly, clean, scale and cut off head and tail.
Spread open and fry with lard or bacon fat in hot frying pan.
All of the above can be cooked easily and quickly in camp. It is
recommended that bread be taken along, but if it is desired to cook
this and other more complicated dishes, one of the many handy cook
books on the market should be carried.
How to Make a Bow and Arrow
[Illustration: HOW TO MAKE A BOW AND ARROW]
In early days the Indian did not have the modern hunting rifle, and
was compelled to use bow and arrow in the chase. It is well for the
modern boy to understand this weapon, for it can be made with ease and
much good fun can be had with it. The Indian bow was short, because,
though less efficient, it was easier to carry than a long one, yet
it did not lack power. We hear that many times Indians shot so hard
that their arrows appeared on the far side of the animal, but the long
bow, such as was used by the old English archers or bowmen, was much
the more powerful. To make the bow take a perfectly sound, straight,
well-seasoned stick of about your own height and mark off a space as
wide as your hand in the middle for a handle. This space should be
left round and about an inch thick. The balance of the stick should be
shaved down flat on one side for the front and rounded on the other for
the back until it is about one inch wide and three-fourths of an inch
thick near the handle, tapering to about half that at the ends, which
are then notched for the cord. Next put on the cord and bend it until
it is about five inches from the bow at the center. If one end bends
more than the other shave the other end until it becomes even. After it
is trimmed down to your strength finish it with sand-paper. The best
woods to use are apple, black walnut, slippery elm, mountain ash or
hickory.
[Illustration: HOW TO SHOOT A BOW AND ARROW]
More difficult to make than the bow is the arrow. The Indians made
arrows of reeds and of straight shoots of arrow-wood or of elder,
but we make better arrows out of hickory or ash. The arrow should be
twenty-five inches long, round, and three-eighths of an inch thick. It
should be notched at one end to take the bow-string, and just below
this notch it should have three feathers set around at equal intervals.
These feathers are best made from either turkey or goose wings. With
a sharp knife cut a strip of the midrib on which is the vein of the
feather; make three pieces, each two to three inches long. The Indians
used to leave the midrib projecting at each end, and by these lash the
feathers to the arrow without gluing, but it is easier to glue them and
the arrows fly better. Indian arrow-heads were made of sharp flints
or pieces of stone lashed to the arrow-heads, but the best way to make
them now is like the ferrule of an umbrella, as this keeps the shaft
from splitting. After this the arrow should be painted, both to keep it
from warping and to make it easier to find in the forest by its bright
color.
After the bow and arrows are made one must learn to shoot with them. It
is well to begin with the target close at hand, and gradually increase
the distance as the archer becomes more expert. The Indians generally
used their bows at short range so that it was easy to hit the mark, and
considered rapid firing more important. In their competitions the prize
was given to him who should have the most arrows in the air at once,
and it has been said that their record was eight.
How to Read Signs and Signals
The Indians are very expert at using signs to give messages to one
another. These signs are made in many ways and vary with the different
tribes. Some of those best known are: Shaking a blanket, which means
"I want to talk to you." Holding up a knife or other weapon means
"war" or "I am ready to fight." Holding up a tree branch, "I want to
make peace." Holding up a pole horizontally with both hands on it, "I
have found something." Blazes or marks on trees are widely used to
communicate messages. A simple blaze or small section of bark cut from
a tree is often used to indicate a path through the forest, and if you
are going through dense woods and must come back the same way or others
are to follow you it is well to use this method of marking the way.
Other well-known Indian signs are the water signs. A circle cut in the
bark with an arrow-head pointing directly down and three waved lines
within the circle means "Good water here." A similar circle with the
arrow-head pointing to one side but below the center means "Good water
not far in this direction." If the arrow-head is above the center it
means "Good water a long way off in this direction." An arrow alone
indicates "Go in this direction." An arrow with a rectangular mark on
the end means "A letter is concealed three steps in this direction."
A cross means "Do not use this path." A circle with a small circle
inside, "I have gone home." In addition to the permanent signs the
Indians are very expert at "making smoke talk." A fire is built from
damp wood which will give off a thick smoke. By holding a blanket over
the fire the smoke is caused to rise in short and long puffs which can
be made to spell out a message. At night the light of the fire can be
made to serve the same purpose. As it is not always convenient to build
a fire and the "smoke talk" is not easy to handle it is much better
to use a flag and the wig-wag system. First of all it is necessary to
memorize the signal code which is given below. The numbers are made by
the signal man standing in one position with three motions. Let the
signal man stand facing the signal station with which it is desired
to communicate with the flag-staff carrying a small square flag held
vertically in his hands. A white flag about two and a half feet square
with a red square in the center is a good design, but the size depends
somewhat on the distance between stations. At night a lantern on a pole
or a torch can be used on the same system. To make the first motion
("one" or "1") move the flag as you stand facing the other station to
the right and down to the level of your waist, returning it immediately
to the vertical position. The second motion ("two" or "2") is the
same to the left of the sender. The third motion ("three" or "3") is
downward directly in front of the sender and immediately back to the
vertical position. Remember that numbers which occur in a message must
be spelled to avoid confusion. In sending a message make a slight pause
between each letter and if a mistake is made signal 3 followed by 12,
12, 3, and then begin the incorrect word again.
THE WIG-WAG CODE
ALPHABET
A 22
B 2112
C 121
D 222
E 12
F 2221
G 2211
H 122
I 1
J 1122
K 2121
L 221
M 1221
N 11
O 21
P 1212
Q 1211
R 211
S 212
T 2
U 112
V 1222
W 1121
X 2122
Y 111
Z 2222
tion 1112
NUMERALS
1 1111
2 2222
3 1112
4 2221
5 1122
6 2211
7 1222
8 2111
9 1221
0 2112
CONVENTIONAL SIGNALS
End of word 3
End of sentence 33
End of message 333
XX3 beginning or end of numerals.
I understand 22, 22, 3
Cease signalling, 22, 22, 22, 333
Signal faster 2212, 3
Repeat after (word), 121, 121, 3,
22, 3 (word)
Repeat last word, 121, 121, 33
Repeat last message, 121, 121, 121, 333
Move to right 211, 211, 3
Move to left 221, 221, 3
ABBREVIATIONS
a after
b before
c can
h have
n not
r are
t the
u you
ur your
w word
wi with
y yes
How to Tie Knots
Every boy is familiar with rope and its uses, but not every one is
able to handle it to the best advantage. In camping and fishing, and
particularly in any sport that has to do with the water, a knowledge
of how to tie knots is of the greatest value and interest. Often one's
very life depends on a knot holding.
A good knot has three qualities, it must be easy and quick to tie, it
must hold fast when pulled tight and must be easy to untie. There are
a number of knots which meet these requirements but are adapted to
different uses. To learn the various knots which follow take a section
of flexible rope about four feet long and three-eighths of an inch in
diameter. To keep the ends from fraying it is necessary to "whip" or
bind them with twine. To do this make a loop in the twine and lay on
the rope end so that the closed end of the loop projects just over the
end of the rope. Begin wrapping with the long end of the twine at a
point about an inch from the end of the rope, over the loop and toward
the end. When you reach the end of the rope pass the free end of the
twine through the loop and pull the other end of the twine. This will
pull the free end under the wrapping and secure it. Cut off both ends
close to the wrapping. To understand the directions remember that: 1.
_The Standing-part_ is the long unused portion of the rope upon which
the work is done. 2. _The Bight_ is the loop formed whenever the rope
is turned back upon itself; and 3. _The End_ is the part used in tying
the knots.
[Illustration]
The two primary knots are the "overhand" and the "figure-of-eight,"
which must be learned first of all as a basis.
THE OVERHAND KNOT
[Illustration]
Beginning with the position shown in the preceding diagram back the end
around the standing-part and up through the bight, drawing it tight.
THE FIGURE-OF-EIGHT KNOT
[Illustration]
Make a bight as before. Then lead the end around back of the
standing-part and down through the bight. The following knots are
chiefly based upon these and can be easily learned by careful study of
the diagrams. With practice considerable speed can be obtained, but it
is best to "make haste slowly."
THE SQUARE OR REEF KNOT
[Illustration]
This is the commonest knot for tying two ropes together. It will not
slip or jam if properly tied and is easy to untie.
THE FALSE REEF KNOT OR GRANNY.
[Illustration]
If the ends are not properly crossed in making the reef knot the
_granny_ results, a bad and insecure knot.
THE SHEET BEND OR WEAVER'S KNOT
[Illustration]
A knot much used by sailors in bending (tying) the sheet to the clew
of the sail and in tying two rope ends together. Make a bight with one
rope A, B, then pass the end C, of other rope up through and around the
entire bight and bend it under its own standing-part.
THE BOWLINE
[Illustration]
One of the most useful of all knots. It forms a loop that will neither
jam nor slip and is the only knot which will not cut itself under
heavy tension. It is much used on shipboard and in rigging when a loop
is desired. To tie the knot, form a small loop on the standing-part
leaving the end long enough for the size of the loop required. Pass
the end up through the bight around the standing-part and down through
the bight again. To tighten hold the loop in position and pull the
standing-part. It is important that the knot should be held firmly in
one position while tying for it is apt to slip before it is tightened.
To join two sections together by this knot, tie a bowline in one end,
then with the other end form the small loop, then pass the end through
the loop of the first bowline and complete the knot. This method should
always be used in joining kite cord to prevent cutting.
THE HALTER, SLIP OR RUNNING KNOT
[Illustration]
First form a bight and then tie an overhand knot around the
standing-part. An improvement in this knot for a halter knot is made
by forming the overhand knot with a loop in the end which is pulled
through. By pulling the end the knot is readily released.
THE SHEEPSHANK
[Illustration]
This knot is used to shorten a rope. Take up the amount of rope to be
shortened and make a half hitch around each bend as shown. If the knot
is to be permanent the ends above each half hitch should be lashed.
THE CLOVE HITCH
[Illustration]
A useful knot for quick tying and easy release. It is used in making
fast the bow line of a boat in coming into a wharf, in lashing poles
together, etc. Hold the standing-part in the left hand and pass the
rope around the pole or stake; cross the standing-part, making a second
turn around the pole, and pass the end under the last turn. In making a
boat fast, form a bight with the end beneath, throw this over the top
of the pile or mooring stake. Form another bight with the end on top,
turn this over and throw over pile, pulling end together. This is a
very secure knot which can be tied with the greatest rapidity.
THE FISHERMAN'S BEND
[Illustration]
A useful knot for use on board a yacht. Take two turns around a spar or
ring, then a half hitch around the standing-part and through the turns
on the rings and another half hitch above it around the standing-part.
THE TIMBER HITCH
[Illustration]
Much used in logging operations in hauling logs. Pass the end of the
rope around the timber. Then lead it around its standing-part and bring
it back to make several turns on its own part. The strain will make it
hold securely.
THE DOUBLE HALF HITCH
[Illustration]
A knot which is easy to tie and will not slip. A neat job may be had by
lashing the end to the standing-part after the knot is drawn tight.
THE BECKET HITCH
[Illustration]
Useful in fishing to bend a cord or line to a heavier cord or rope. The
method is shown.
THE FISHERMAN'S KNOT
[Illustration]
Used chiefly in tying gut. It is easy to tie and can be readily untied
by pulling the two short ends. The ropes are laid alongside each other
and with each end an overhand knot is made around the standing-part of
the other. Pull the standing-parts to tighten.
CARRICK BEND
[Illustration]
A knot which is used principally in joining hawsers for towing or heavy
duty hoisting. Turn the end of one rope A over its standing-part B
to form a loop. Pass the end of the other rope across the bight thus
formed back of the standing-part B, over the end A, then under the
bight at C, passing it over its own standing-part and under the bight
again at D.
BLACKWALL HITCH
[Illustration]
Used to secure a rope to a hook. The standing part when hauled tight
holds the end firmly.
How to Find Your Way by the Stars
It is very important that those who frequent the forest should be
sufficiently familiar with the stars to be able to tell their way by
them. Often a compass is lost or damaged or there is not enough light
to see the landmarks. At such a time a knowledge of how to find the
Pole star is invaluable for, to the experienced woodsman, a glimpse of
this star is equivalent to consulting a compass. It is really the most
important of the stars we see, although not a very bright one, because
it marks the North at all times and is fixed in its place, while all
the other stars seem to swing around it once in each twenty-four hours,
which makes it impracticable to use them for guidance. The Dipper or
Great Bear is well known to all American boys on account of the size,
peculiar shape and brilliancy of this group, and the fact that it never
sets in this latitude. This group always points out the Pole star or
Polaris, which is about in a line with the stars (Alpha and Beta)
which form the outside of the Dipper at a distance about three and a
half times as great as the space separating these two stars. This star
always points out the North. If the imaginary line between Alpha and
Beta and Polaris is continued about the same distance beyond Polaris it
will meet Cassiopeia, five stars in the shape of a W, which, like the
Great Bear, is always seen in our latitude. With these directions it
should be always easy to locate Polaris.
[Illustration: THE CIRCUMPOLAR CIRCLE]
What to Do in Case of Accident
DROWNING
1. Loosen clothing, if any. 2. Empty lungs of water by laying body on
its stomach and lifting it by the middle so that the head hangs down.
Jerk the body a few times. 3. Pull tongue forward, using handkerchief,
or pin with string, if necessary. 4. Imitate motion of respiration by
alternately compressing and expanding the lower ribs, about twenty
times a minute. Alternately raising and lowering the arms from the
sides up above the head will stimulate the action of the lungs. Let
it be done gently but persistently. 5. Apply warmth and friction to
extremities. 6. By holding tongue forward, closing the nostrils, and
pressing the "Adam's apple" back (so as to close entrance to stomach),
direct inflation may be tried. Take a deep breath and breathe it
forcibly into the mouth of patient, compress the chest to expel the
air, and repeat the operation. 7. _Don't give up!_ People have been
saved after _hours_ of patient, vigorous effort. 8. When breathing
begins, get patient into a warm bed, give _warm_ drinks, or spirits in
teaspoonfuls, fresh air, and quiet.
[Illustration: ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION--FIRST MOVEMENT]
[Illustration: ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION--SECOND MOVEMENT]
BURNS AND SCALDS
Cover with cooking soda, and lay wet cloths over it. Whites of eggs
and olive oil. Olive oil or linseed oil, plain or mixed with chalk or
whiting. Sweet or olive oil and limewater.
LIGHTNING
Dash cold water over a person struck.
SUNSTROKE
Loosen clothing. Get patient into shade and apply ice-cold water to
head. Keep head in elevated position.
MAD DOG OR SNAKE BITE
Tie cord tight above wound. Suck the wound and cauterize with caustic
or white-hot iron at once, or cut out adjoining parts with a sharp
knife. Give stimulants, as whiskey, brandy, etc.
STINGS OF VENOMOUS INSECTS, ETC.
Apply weak ammonia, oil, salt water, or iodine.
FAINTING
Place flat on back; allow fresh air, and sprinkle with water. Place
head lower than rest of body.
TESTS OF DEATH
Hold mirror to mouth. If living, moisture will gather. Push pin into
flesh. If dead the hole will remain, if alive it will close up. Place
fingers in front of a strong light. If alive, they will appear red; if
dead, black or dark. If a person is dead decomposition is almost sure
to set in after 72 hours have elapsed. If it does not, then there is
room for investigation by the physician. Do not permit burial of dead
until certain indication of death is apparent.
CINDERS IN THE EYE
Roll soft paper up like a lamplighter, and wet the tip to remove, or
use a medicine dropper to draw out. Rub the _other_ eye.
FIRE IN ONE'S CLOTHING
_Don't run_--especially not downstairs or out-of-doors. Roll on carpet
or wrap in woolen rug or blanket. Keep the head down, so as not to
inhale flame.
FIRE FROM KEROSENE
_Don't use water_, it will spread the flames. Dirt, sand, or flour is
the best extinguisher, or smother with woolen rug, table-cloth, or
carpet.
SUFFOCATION FROM INHALING ILLUMINATING GAS
Get into the fresh air as soon as possible and lie down. Keep warm.
Take ammonia--twenty drops to a tumbler of water, at frequent
intervals; also, two to four drops tincture of nux vomica every hour or
two for five or six hours.
ANTIDOTES FOR POISONS
First. Send for a physician.
Second. _Induce vomiting_, by tickling throat with feather or finger.
Drink hot water or strong mustard and water. Swallow sweet oil or
whites of eggs.
_Acids are antidotes for alkalies, and vice versa._
RULES IN CASE OF FIRE
Crawl on the floor. The clearest air is the lowest in the room. Cover
head with woolen wrap, wet if possible. Cut holes for the eyes. _Don't
get excited._
Familiarize yourself with the location of hall windows and natural
escapes. Learn the location of exits to roofs of adjoining buildings.
Learn the position of all stairways, particularly the top landing and
scuttle to the roof. Should you hear cry of "fire," and columns of
smoke fill the rooms, above all _keep cool_. Keep the doors of rooms
shut. Open windows from the top. Wet a towel, stuff it in the mouth,
breathe through it instead of nose, so as not to inhale smoke. Stand
at windows and get benefit of outside air. If room fills with smoke
keep close to floor and crawl along by the wall to the window.
Do not jump unless the blaze behind is scorching you. Do not even then
if the firemen with scaling ladders are coming up the building or are
near. Never go to the roof, unless as a last resort and you know there
is escape from it to adjoining buildings. In big buildings fire always
goes to the top. Do not jump through flame within a building without
first covering the head with a blanket or heavy clothing and gauging
the distance. Don't get excited; try to recall the means of exit, and
if any firemen are in sight, _don't jump_.
If the doors of each apartment, especially in the lower part of the
house, were closed every night before the occupants retired there would
not be such a rapid spread of flames.
[Illustration: A SETTLER FLEEING FROM THE INDIANS]
[Illustration]
THE ORIGINAL AMERICANS
[Illustration]
An Indian always attracts attention. I have no doubt that all the boys
and girls who read these pages have seen one or more Indians. You do
not have to go to the mountains and prairies of the West to meet these
"original Americans," for they live among us; many of them attend
schools of their own in different parts of the country, and some of
them are engaged in business. For years past the football club of the
Indian School at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, has ranked among the best, as
more than one of our colleges have found to their cost. A full-blooded
Indian was a member of General Grant's staff, and was present at the
surrender of General Lee at Appomattox.
Where did these red people come from? Nobody knows any more than he
knows where or when the first human being appeared on this earth. There
have been a good many guesses--for they are little more--to tell how
the Indians came to be on this continent. Some have thought they are
descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel, who passed across Bering
Strait from Asia, and, in the course of centuries, spread over and
peopled both North and South America. Why their color changed to the
well-known copper tint must have been due to the climate, though it is
hard to understand why other persons should become yellow, brown or
black. Then, too, a learned man once said there was no reason why the
Indians might not have crossed Bering Strait from the other way, and
peopled the Eastern Hemisphere. No doubt we shall have to wait a long
time before learning all about the origin of man.
You hardly need be told how these red people got their name.
Christopher Columbus, when he caught sight of land, after sailing so
many weeks to the westward over the Atlantic, thought it was a part of
the Indies. So, quite naturally, he called the natives _Indians_, and
the name will never be changed.
You have heard of the Mound Builders, and many of you have seen some
of the vast piles of earth which they heaped up hundreds of years ago.
Ohio has ten thousand such mounds, and one near St. Louis covers eight
acres. For a long while, it was believed that the Mound Builders were
a race different from the Indians, who in the course of time gave
place to them. This is a mistake. They belonged to the same race, and
when Columbus discovered America, the Mound Builders were working like
beavers in many parts of the country.
I am quite sure that you boys and girls, when reading or thinking about
the Indians, have believed they were dying off, and the day would come
when there would not be one of them left in America. No doubt you have
felt sad over the thought (I remember when I was a little fellow how
I shed a tear, and sniffed and hoped a few of them wouldn't die till
I had become a man and gained a chance of seeing them.) This mistake
is one of the most curious of which I know. There are to-day as many
Indians in this country as there were four hundred years ago. The last
census of the tribes in Canada shows a slight increase. True, some
tribes have been destroyed, but others have grown in number. There are
more Iroquois or "Six Nation" Indians now than during the Revolution.
When the end of all things comes, and the white men of this country are
called to be judged, plenty of red men will be among them. They are in
the United States to stay, and stay they will as long as the white man
remains.
[Illustration: AN OLD INDIAN FARM-HOUSE]
At the opening of the twentieth century, the Indian population of the
United States was more than 270,000. This did not include Alaska, and
is a clear increase during the preceding ten years. More than a third
of the Indians wear civilized dress, and a half of this third know
how to read. Nearly a half of all the Indians are on "reservations"
or at schools. The five civilized tribes, and their members in round
numbers are: Cherokees, 30,000; Chickasaws, 7,000; Choctaws, 15,000;
Creeks, 15,000; Seminoles, 2,500. They have fine schools, churches,
banks, newspapers, factories and all the luxuries of modern life, with
a system of government copied after our own.
More than a million dollars is spent every year by our government for
the support of the various schools formed for the education of the
Indians. These schools are at Albuquerque, N. M.; Chamberlin, So.
Dakota; Cherokee, N. C.; Carlisle, Pa.; Carson City, Nev.; Chilocco,
Oklahoma; Genoa, Neb.; Hampton, Va.; Lawrence, Kansas; and twenty-four
other places.
You know that while the color of the Indians shows different shades,
it is so similar that, leaving out the Eskimos, it is certain all of
them had the same origin. The "pure-bloods" have coarse black hair,
black eyes, high cheek bones, and not much muscular development, but
they can stand a wonderful amount of fatigue. They are generally of a
melancholy disposition, brooding and sullen by nature--though there are
many exceptions--revengeful, unforgiving, treacherous, and yet they
do not forget favors or kindnesses shown to them. The fact that from
the day the first white man set foot on this continent he has abused
the Indians, had much to do with the hatred shown by them toward these
invaders from across the ocean.
Now, when you bear in mind that a good many tribes number only a few
hundreds; that four hundred languages and two thousand dialects are
used by the natives of North and South America, you will see how hard
it is to classify them. Yet it is said the members of each tribe can
be recognized. A good many systems have been used in classifying the
Indians, but the best is that which divides them as follows:
The Panis-Arapahoe family, including the Panis or Pawnees, the
Arapahoes and the Jetans, called Comanches by the Spanish.
[Illustration: COURTSHIP AMONG THE INDIANS]
The Columbian family, including the tribes in the North-west, of which
the principal are the Snake or Flatheads, and the Shoshones.
The Sioux-Osage family, in which are found the powerful and numerous
Sioux or Dakotas, the Assiniboines, who live in alliance with the
Chippewas, the Mandans and the Osages.
The Mobile-Natchez, or Floridian family. This is composed of six
independent branches, each divided into several tribes, including the
five civilized ones already referred to.
The Algonquin, Huron (Wyandot) and Iroquois family. The first two named
are residents of Canada, while many of the Iroquois live in Central New
York.
The Lenape family include the Shawanoes, Kickapoos, Sacs, Foxes,
Illinois, Pottawatomies, Winnebagoes, Delawares or Lenni-Lenape,
Mohicans, Chippewas, and several others. The Apaches forming the most
terrible of all Indian tribes, belong to the Mexican family.
The Indians knew nothing of firearms until they saw them in the hands
of the white men. Like the ancient barbarians of other countries,
they made use of the primitive bow and arrow, spear, tomahawk, knife
and club. Swine, sheep, cows and horses were unknown until brought
across the ocean by white men. America, in turn, gave tobacco to the
Old World. The warrior lolled in his wigwam or tepee, smoking his
pipe, while his squaw scratched the earth and raised maize and a few
vegetables. Now and then the head of the household wandered into
the woods to hunt for game, or to fish in the streams. His delight,
however, was in going on the "war-path," and in slaying those of his
own race, who belonged to another tribe. Through the gloomy depths of
the forest, where only his trained eye could trace the prints of the
moccasin, he tracked his enemy, braving storm, heat, cold, fatigue,
starvation, and every kind of hardship, for the chance of stealing upon
the sleeper, or catching him off his guard. Burying his knife in his
breast, or driving his deadly arrow into the heart of his enemy, he
wrenched the scalp from his crown, and with a shout of triumph, hurried
back to his own people, with the shocking proof of his bravery. The
members of the tribe who thus lost one of their number did not rest,
so long as there was hope of revenge. Thus the fierce warfare went on,
just as if these dusky people were civilized, or belonged to some of
the "feudists" in certain parts of our country.
Among the many thousands of Indians there have appeared from time to
time, numerous men of striking mental ability. They have had some of
the most eloquent of orators, while others have shown marked military
skill. Brought into contact with the white people, they have sometimes
surpassed the Caucasian in real genius. In tracing the history and
development of our country, we meet proofs of such skill and ability
on the part of the Indians, and in the pages that follow we shall give
attention to the most interesting instances, whose truth cannot be
questioned.
CHAPTER I
THE ORIGINAL EMPERORS OF VIRGINIA
POWHATAN AND OPECANCANOUGH
[Illustration: Indian Chief]
The first permanent settlement made in the original thirteen States
was at Jamestown, Virginia, by the English in the spring of 1607. The
settlers were at once brought in contact with two famous Indians, to
whom we must now give attention.
The London Company, formed for the planting of colonies in the New
World, sent three ships across the ocean in the month of December,
1606. They carried one hundred and five men, but no women, and were in
charge of Captain Christopher Newport. They sailed up the Chesapeake
Bay, and were charmed by the soft breezes, the fragrant wild flowers
and the beautiful scenery. They halted at a peninsula (now an island),
about fifty miles from the mouth of the James, so named in honor of
their king, and began putting up cabins. Thus Jamestown was founded on
the 13th of May, 1607.
At that time the country from the Allegheny to the ocean, and from the
southern James to the Patuxent River, was inhabited by three families
of Indians, each composed of a number of tribes. With two of them we
have nothing to do.
[Illustration: THE INDIANS DEFEATED AT FALLEN TIMBERS.
This was one of the most memorable battles ever fought with the
Indians. It broke their power and gave supremacy to the whites. August
20, 1794.]
[Illustration: SURPRISING AN INDIAN CAMP.]
[Illustration: THE FAITHFUL INDIAN GUARD.]
The Powhatans lived in the lowland region, reaching from the Carolinas
on the south to the Patuxent on the north, and between the sea to the
falls of the rivers. They had more tribes than either of the other
families, ten being between the Potomac and the Rappahannock; five
between the Rappahannock and the York; eight between the York and
James; and five between the James and the Carolinas.
The Powhatan League was one of the most powerful on the continent and
occupied what is now Henrico county, on the shores of the James, and
about two days' journey from Jamestown.
You will see that the head of this league or confederacy ruled over
thousands of warriors, most of whom he had conquered and compelled
to accept him as sovereign, whose will the bravest under-chief dared
not dispute. In order to give him his proper importance, historians
generally refer to him as "Emperor," a title which it would seem was
proper. He is known as Powhatan, which is the same as his special
tribe, or rather as his chief seat or capital. This old town had a
dozen houses which stood a short distance below the present city of
Richmond, on the banks of the river. Fronting it were three islets.
At the time of the settlement of Jamestown, Powhatan was about sixty
years old. He was gaunt and tall, and as vigorous in body and mind
as a man of half his years, and the gray hair, which was plentifully
sprinkled through the black locks, gave a majesty to his looks. His
head-dress was made of a mass of feathers, and his robe of state was of
raccoon skins. The wooden bench or form upon which he was accustomed
to sit, might be taken as a throne, and his reign over many tribes,
most of whom he had conquered, gave a certain fitness to the name of
emperor. It should be noted that never did his son follow to the
throne, but instead his brothers, then his sisters, and then the heirs
of the oldest sister, all in turn were to inherit power.
Powhatan usually kept two-score of his bravest warriors as a body-guard
about him, but when he learned of the coming of the pale faces to the
mouth of the river, he made the number two hundred. He had favorite
places where he passed the different seasons, a fashion that was often
followed by the Indian chiefs in New England.
The settlement of Jamestown brings forward the name of the most
remarkable pioneer connected with our early history, Captain John
Smith, the "Father of Virginia." Could we believe one-half that this
man told about himself, we should have to admit that he was one of
the greatest heroes in history. He was a great boaster, and many of
the things he told were simple invention. More than one of the most
daring exploits that he claimed to have performed in the Old World have
been proved impossible. None the less, Captain John Smith was brave,
enterprising, unselfish, tactful, industrious and far-seeing, and but
for him Jamestown would have perished from the earth within a few
months after building the first cabins. Enough of him is known to prove
that he was not only the founder, but the saviour of Jamestown.
Smith was a native of Lincolnshire, England, and when he reached
Virginia, was not thirty years old. He had a powerful physique, and did
not hide his disgust with the "gentlemen" of the colony, who thought
themselves too good to work. He gave them the choice of working or
starving, and he set the good example of toiling as hard as any of
them. The settlers with whom he came did not reach Virginia until the
planting season was over, and, before long, all were suffering for
food. The only thing left to do was to get it from the Indians, and
Smith set out to do so. But the red men knew of the needs of the pale
faces, and despised them therefor Smith tried to get them to sell, but
they refused, or at the most would give but a handful of corn for a gun
or a sword. Seeing no other means left, Smith and his men opened fire
on the churlish fellows, drove them into the woods, and marching into
their village, carried a good supply of corn back to Jamestown.
For many years after the discovery of America, it was thought that
it was only a narrow strip of land, and that a short journey to the
westward would take one to the South Sea on the other side. As late as
1609, when Henry Hudson sailed up the stream named for him, it was in
the belief that he had not far to go to reach that vast body of water.
Captain Smith was ordered to explore the streams in the neighborhood
of Jamestown. In obedience to this command, he set out to learn the
sources of the Chickahominy. He went up that stream until the waters
became too shallow to allow the barge to go farther, when he stepped
with two of his men and two friendly Indians into a canoe and paddled
away. He told those left in the boat to stay in the middle of the
stream, and forbade them to approach either bank until he came back.
But he had not been gone long, when those that remained became tired of
sitting motionless in the barge, knowing that their leader could not
join them for many hours, and mayhap not for two or three days. Peering
into the woods and listening, they saw and heard nothing to cause
fear. So after talking for a little time, they paddled to shore and
stepped out on land. They had hardly done so, when they were attacked
by Indians and one killed, the others escaping with great difficulty.
The news they took back to Jamestown made every one believe they would
never again see Smith or his companions.
Meanwhile, the pioneer was pushing his way into the wilderness, with
no thought of what had befallen the men left behind in the barge. The
light canoe was just buoyant enough to float himself and friends, and
they paddled up the narrowing stream with all possible care. The day
was wearing away, and, since they had no food, Smith decided to hunt
for wild fowl. Landing, he went forward alone, never dreaming that
Opecancanough with a large body of warriors was tracking him through
the woods. This chief came upon the two Englishmen while they were
asleep and killed both. Then they hurried after Smith, who they knew
could not be far away.
When the pioneer caught sight of the dusky figures flitting among
the trees, firing their arrows and pressing towards him, he tried to
retreat to his canoe, but soon saw that he would be cut off. He seized
one of his Indian companions and swung him round in front, as a shield.
The pursuers did not wish to harm a member of their own race, and Smith
found for a time that the novel armor served him well. As fast as he
could load his gun he fired into the swarm of warriors, who were so
close together that he did not miss. He wounded a number and said he
killed three, which may be true.
The doughty pioneer could give no attention to his feet, since he dared
not take his eyes off his pursuers. He was slowly falling back, and
hopeful of getting away, when he stepped into a marshy place into which
he immediately sank above his knees. Even when in this plight, the
Indians were afraid to lay hands on him. They would steal forward and
then scramble in a panic for the shelter of the tree trunks, afraid he
was about to fire his terrible gun at them.
Smith struggled hard to free himself from the mire, but with every
effort only sank deeper. The weather was cold, and, seeing that he must
perish if he staid where he was, he set free his human shield and flung
away his weapons. He expected to be killed at once, but the captors
drew him out of the mud and led him back to the place where the two
Englishmen had been slain, and where a fire was kindled. The warmth of
this brought back his vigor and hopefulness, and seeing no disposition
to do him immediate harm, he asked for their chief. The famous
Opecancanough came forward. The captive handed him a small compass.
The chief took it in his hand while his warriors gathered around and
all studied the odd-looking instrument with deep interest. The darting
about of the tiny needle filled them with wonder, and for the moment no
one thought of doing the white man any harm.
Smith says that through the compass he made clear to the Indians the
roundness of the globe, the spheres of the sun, moon and stars, the
revolution of the earth on its axis, the immensity of the land and sea,
the diversity of the nations, the antipodes, "and many other such like
matters, so that all stood amazed with admiration!" And yet how are we
to believe that, unable as he was to speak the Indian language, Smith
"explained" these strange things to the Indians, or that they could
have gained any idea of his meaning! Such a feat was surely beyond his
power.
The compass, however, was to serve a good purpose, for when the
warriors had tied Smith to a tree and were about to fire their arrows
at him, Opecancanough held up the curious instrument and they stopped.
The captive was taken to the home of Powhatan, on York River, and well
treated. Indeed, he was fed so much that he began to suspect they were
fattening him in order that he might make a fine meal for them.
The capture of the leader of the colony sharpened the appetites of the
Indians for greater deeds, and they got ready to destroy Jamestown.
They tried by every means they could think of to get Smith to help
them, promising him much land and the finest of their women as wives.
Nothing could lead Smith to turn against his own countrymen, and he
tried to show his captors that their plan was hopeless. Smith then did
a slight thing of itself, which filled the Indians with wonder. Taking
a blank leaf from his pocket book, he wrote upon it a brief account of
the plot, and asked his friends to send him a number of articles which
he named, and which he promised the Indians they could get by taking
the slip of paper to Jamestown. The messengers made the journey in the
face of severe weather, and brought back the things which Smith had
promised. How he managed thus to talk with his friends many miles away,
was a mystery which the native mind could not grasp.
Since the red men had to give up their plan of capturing Jamestown,
they tried to impress him with their own greatness. He was taken from
place to place, among the different tribes, and finally brought back to
Opecancanough. He was feasted again, the Indians looking upon him as a
sort of god. He was next led into the presence of the mighty Powhatan,
where, after a time, it was decided to put him to death.
This brings us to the incident which is the most famous in the history
of Captain John Smith. He says his head was laid upon two large stones
and the warriors were about to beat out his brains, when Pocahontas,
the favorite daughter of Powhatan, and not more than ten or twelve
years old, threw her arms around the prisoner's neck, and prayed her
father to spare him. He could not refuse the pleadings of his loved
child.
Whether such an incident ever took place will never be known. While
it is not impossible, many doubt its truth. It seems to have been an
afterthought of the grim boaster, for years passed without anyone
hearing a reference of it, and it was not until the death of Pocahontas
that Captain Smith told how he had passed through such a strange
experience.
[Illustration: POCAHONTAS SAVING THE LIFE OF JOHN SMITH]
Powhatan seemed to think that since he had spared the life of the
Englishman, the latter should be turned to account. He made him help in
forming bows and arrows, moccasins, robes and copper trinkets. A son
of the chieftain became friendly to Smith, and did him many kindnesses
during his captivity. The Englishman rapidly learned the tongue of his
captors, and this knowledge afterwards proved of great help to him.
Finally he was sent back to Jamestown. The guard who went with him
were treated with great kindness, and a number of presents were sent
through them to Powhatan. This seems to have won the friendship of
the old chief, who sent his daughter Pocahontas every few days to the
settlement with food, where it was sorely needed. Everything would have
gone well but for the foolish course of Captain Newport, who soon after
arrived from a voyage to England. He gave Powhatan so many presents,
that the emperor was puffed up with his own importance, and refused to
part with any of his goods without being paid five or six times their
value. When Newport had offered about all he had to offer, Powhatan
sneeringly gave only two or three bushels of corn in return. Then it
was that Smith proved himself as shrewd as the chieftain. He managed,
as if by accident, to let Powhatan see a number of shining beads of
blue glass. The chief's eye was caught, and he asked for them. Smith
said they were of great value, and only worn by great kings. This fired
the envy of the chief, who was determined to own them, for who had a
better right than he to wear the jewels of a mighty monarch? With much
seeming unwillingness, Smith parted with the beads for more than two
hundred bushels of corn.
Powhatan began to fear that the continual coming of new emigrants
meant danger to himself and people. He began plotting to massacre
the settlers, but the prompt vigor of Smith scared him, and he sent
Pocahontas to Jamestown with a message that the evil plot was due to
some of his fiery chiefs. Smith, who had taken several prisoners,
thereupon released them, and all remained tranquil for a time.
Captain Newport's silly course with Powhatan came to a head in the
autumn of 1608, when he arrived again from England, just after Smith
had been elected governor of the colony. Newport brought a gilded crown
for Powhatan, and had the whole programme arranged for his coronation.
[Illustration: A GROUP OF INDIAN CHIEFS AND THEIR WIVES VISITING THE
PRESIDENT AT WASHINGTON.]
[Illustration: GENERAL CUSTER'S LAST CHARGE.
The Battle of the Little Big Horn Run, fought in 1876, by General
Custer, in command of United States troops against the Sioux Indians,
resulted in the entire destruction of the troops and their brave
commander. It was the last great battle with the Indians in America.]
At the same time settlers were to offer to aid Powhatan against a tribe
with which he was at war. When this message was sent to him, the
haughty old leader told the English that since he was a king he would
not go to Jamestown, and as for the offered help, he did not wish it,
as he knew how to manage his own affairs.
[Illustration: OPECANCANOUGH IN CAPTIVITY]
Among the emigrants who came over with Newport were three Germans,
who believed because of the woful state of the colony that it could
not last much longer. They gave their views to Powhatan, and were
base enough to offer to help him in putting all the English to death.
The old chief fell in with the plan, and agreed that the first step
necessary was to "remove" Captain Smith. Powhatan tried many tricks to
get him in his power, but that wise man outwitted him every time. The
chief warned his warriors that if they failed to kill Smith he would
have them slain. About this time a strange accident brought safety to
the sturdy governor. One of Powhatan's men had by some means got hold
of a quantity of gunpowder, which he told his friends he could handle
as well as the whites themselves. Several gathered round to watch him,
when the stuff suddenly blew up and killed the Indian and two of his
companions. Powhatan and the others were terrified, and filled with a
desire for peace. They brought back many stolen articles, and, in 1609,
sent half their crop of corn to the settlers. About this time, Captain
Smith was so shockingly burned by the burning of his powder bags, that
he went to England for surgical aid and never returned to Virginia. It
should be added that of the three wicked Germans, one died miserably,
and the others were slain by order of Powhatan, because of their
deception.
The colonists told the chief that Smith was dead, but he would not
believe it, and some time later sent one of his chiefs, Tomocomo, to
England, to learn what had become of him. Tomocomo was also ordered to
find out all he could about the country, and to learn how many white
people were there. The faithful servant began his duty by carrying a
long stick into which he cut a notch every time he met a stranger.
Needless to say that this means of taking the census proved a failure.
When he came back to Virginia and Powhatan asked as to the population
on the other side of the deep water, Tomocomo made his famous answer:
"Count the stars in the sky, the leaves on the trees, and the sand upon
the seashore, for such is the number of people in England."
Powhatan had many broils with the English, but it is only just to
say the fault lay more often with the latter than with him. The most
shameful of all outrages was that of Captain Argall, who while cruising
up the James, invited Pocahontas to visit his ship under the escort of
a squaw that had been bribed to betray her. Argall made Pocahontas a
prisoner, and took her to Jamestown. He believed Powhatan would hasten
to ransom her for a large amount of corn which the settlement needed,
but the enraged parent hastily prepared to go to war. During these evil
days, John Rolfe and the dusky maiden fell in love with each other,
and were married in the quaint old chapel at Jamestown in the month of
April, 1613. This pleasing event made Powhatan the friend of the white
man and as such he died five years later.
We recall that Pocahontas and her husband visited England in 1616. She
received much attention from the court and the leading people of the
kingdom, but when about to sail for her native land fell ill and died.
She left an infant son Thomas, who was educated in London by his uncle
Henry Rolfe. He settled in Virginia after reaching manhood, became
wealthy, and was one of the foremost members of the colony. His only
daughter married Colonel Robert Bolling; their son, Major John Bolling,
was the father of a number of children. One of the daughters married
Colonel Richard Randolph, who was the ancestor of the famous John
Randolph of Roanoke,--a fact of which he was always very proud. Thus
the blood of Pocahontas flows to-day in some of the leading families of
the Old Dominion.
[Illustration: AN INDIAN EMPEROR'S DECLARATION OF WAR]
Now, no one would think the life of Captain John Smith complete without
the story of Pocahontas. Its romance lends it a pleasing interest,
despite the doubt that must always linger as to its truth. But have you
ever heard that his life was saved by another Indian maiden, and that a
different section of the country produced its Pocahontas to serve her
merciful purpose? The story is a sad one, because the beautiful and
heroic girl was killed as you shall hear.
[Illustration: AN OLD PRINT OF CAPTAIN SMITH]
In the month of March, 1905, Robert H. Gardiner, of Bangor, Maine, in
rummaging through some old papers bearing upon the early history of
Kennebec River, found proof that in the summer of 1614 Smith sailed
up the river to the chief village of the Cabassas tribe of Indians,
which stood on the present site of Gardiner. The daughter of the chief,
Saboois by name, so liked the manner and looks of Smith, that she
formed a strong attachment for him. He was so interested with important
matters, however, that he gave no encouragement to her. The visit to
the chief was very friendly, but when Smith was about to leave, one of
his lieutenants, named Hunt, headed a mutiny, and, with several others,
set out on a new expedition, taking several of the Cabassas tribe with
him as captives. Not knowing of the division of the party, the chief
called his warriors together, and started in pursuit of Smith, with the
resolve to destroy the white men for the outrage of which he believed
all were equally guilty.
Knowing the danger of Captain Smith and his friends, Saboois ran ahead
and warned them. She overtook the party just as they had encamped for
the night a few miles down the river. The chief and his warriors were
close behind, and, at the moment the Cabassas maiden flung her arms
around Captain Smith, a shower of arrows poured into the camp. One of
these pierced the girl's breast, while shielding the captain, who was
thereby saved at the cost of the life of his devoted friend.
The horrified chief stopped hostilities. This gave Smith the chance
to explain that it was the mutineers who had kidnapped his people.
The Indians carried the body of Saboois back to their village, and
sorrowfully laid it away near what is now Randolph churchyard, and then
started in pursuit of Hunt and his party. They were overtaken and all
slain near Norridgewock, after which the rescued captives returned home
with their countrymen.