In March, 1790 a boat, containing four men and two women, passing down the
Ohio, was induced by some renegade whites to approach the shore, near the
mouth of the Sciota, and then attacked by a large party of Indians. A Mr.
John May and one of the women were shot dead, and the others then
surrendered. The chief of the band was an old warrior, named Chickatommo,
and under his command were a number of renowned red men. When the
prisoners were distributed, a young man named Charles Johnson, was given
to a young Shawnee chief who is represented to have been a noble
character. His name was Messhawa, and he had just reached the age of
manhood. His person was tall and seemingly rather fitted for action than
strength. His bearing was stately, and his countenance expressive of a
noble disposition. He possessed great influence among those of his own
tribe, which he exerted on the side of humanity. On the march, Messhawa
repeatedly saved Johnson from the tortures which the other savages
delighted to inflict, and the young captive saw some displays of generous
exertion on the part of the chief which are worthy of a place in border
history.
[Illustration: MESSHAWA.]
The warriors painted themselves in the most frightful colors, and
performed a war dance, with the usual accompaniments. A stake, painted in
alternate stripes of black and vermilion, was fixed in the ground, and the
dancers moved in rapid but measured evolutions around it. They recounted,
with great energy, the wrongs they had received from the whites.--Their
lands had been taken from them--their corn cut up--their villages
burnt--their friends slaughtered--every injury which they had received was
dwelt upon, until their passions had become inflamed beyond control.
Suddenly, Chickatommo darted from the circle of dancers, and with eyes
flashing fire, ran up to the spot where Johnston was sitting, calmly
contemplating the spectacle before him. When within reach he struck him a
furious blow with his fist, and was preparing to repeat it, when Johnston
seized him by the arms, and hastily demanded the cause of such unprovoked
violence. Chickatommo, grinding his teeth with rage, shouted "Sit down,
sit down!" Johnston obeyed, and the Indian, perceiving the two children
within ten steps of him, snatched up a tomahawk, and advanced upon them
with a quick step, and a determined look. The terrified little creatures
instantly arose from the log on which they were sitting, and fled into the
woods, uttering the most piercing screams, while their pursuer rapidly
gained upon them with uplifted tomahawk. The girl, being the youngest, was
soon overtaken, and would have been tomahawked, had not Messhawa bounded
like a deer to her relief. He arrived barely in time to arrest the
uplifted tomahawk of Chickatommo, after which, he seized him by the collar
and hurled him violently backward to the distance of several paces.
Snatching up the child in his arms, he then ran after the brother,
intending to secure him likewise from the fury of his companion, but the
boy, misconstruing his intention, continued his flight with such rapidity,
and doubled several times with such address, that the chase was prolonged
to the distance of several hundred yards. At length Messhawa succeeded in
taking him. The boy, thinking himself lost, uttered a wild cry, which was
echoed by his sister, but both were instantly calmed. Messhawa took them
in his arms, spoke to them kindly, and soon convinced them that they had
nothing to fear from him. He quickly reappeared, leading them gently by
the hand, and soothing them in the Indian language, until they both clung
to him closely for protection.
No other incident disturbed the progress of the ceremonies, nor did
Chickatommo appear to resent the violent interference of Messhawa.
[Illustration: CHICKATOMMO.]
After undergoing many hardships, Johnston was taken to Sandusky, where he
was ransomed by a French trader. Messhawa took leave of his young captive
with many expressions of esteem and friendship. This noble chief was in
the battle of the Fallen Timber and afterwards became a devoted follower
of the great Tecumseh--thus proving that while he was as humane as a
civilized man, he was patriotic and high-spirited enough to resent the
wrongs of his people. He was killed at the battle of the Thames, where the
power of the Shawnees was for ever crushed.