Views at the close of life--Incident--His life work--Unfavorable
influences--Advance of the Christian party--Conversion of Red Jacket's
wife--He leaves her--His return--Red Jacket deposed--Journey to Washington
--His restoration--Rapid decline--Regards his end as near--Talks with his
people--Endeavors to unite them.
With the views entertained by Red Jacket, the objects that met him on
every side, as he drew near the close of life, were far from pleasant.
Yonder hillside, exposed to the gaze of the world, its huge rocks laid
bare; those fields, stretching further than eye could reach, bounded not
by woodland, lake, or river, but by the white man's fence; ten thousand
dwellings, smiling with the abundance and thrift of the husbandman, city
and village, bustling with tumult, and the noise of busy hammers, and
rattling wheels, and roaring engines; all of these however gratifying to
the white man, as marks of improvement, afforded him no pleasure. He saw
in them the sepulcher of his people's pride and glory.
The hillside opened to the sunlight, for the innocent lamb to sport upon,
or to make the stable ox a home, he would have loved better, as when
sheltered once by the sturdy oak or stately pine, its rocks jutting out
from behind the ivy, and its bosom threaded by the path of the deer. The
fields might have appeared inviting and green, but the white man's barrier
would have warned him away, the road he would have looked upon as a
prisoned path, and he would have taken to the woods, as a place more
congenial to his spirit.
It is said of him "that in the days of his youth he was wont to join the
hunters in the beautiful valley of the Genesee, with great enthusiasm.
Game was then plenty, and they were the finest hunting grounds, he could
traverse. Toward the close of his life he went thither to indulge once
more, in the pleasures of the chase, where a forest apparently of
considerable extent, yet remained. He entered it, recognizing some of his
ancient friends among the more venerable of the trees, and hoping yet to
find abundant game. But he had not proceeded far before he approached an
opening; and his course was presently impeded by a fence, within the
enclosure of which, one of the pale faces was guiding the plow. With a
heavy heart he turned in another direction, the forest seeming yet to be
deep, and where he hoped to find a deer, as in the days when he was young.
But he had not traveled long, before another opening broke upon his view,
another fence impeded his course, and another cultivated field appeared
within. He sat down and wept." [Footnote: Circumstances related to Col.
Stone by a Seneca chief.]
It has been well observed: "The whole life of the Seneca chief was spent
in vain endeavors to preserve the independence of his tribe, and in active
opposition as well to the plans of civilization proposed by the
benevolent, as to the attempts at encroachment on the part of the
mercenary.... He yielded nothing to persuasion, to bribery, or to menace,
and never to his last hour remitted his exertions, in what he regarded the
noblest purpose of his life." [Footnote: McKenney's Biography.]
But at the close of life, Red Jacket began to realize more than ever the
power of those forces bearing down upon him, to resist which he had
summoned all the energies he could command. His people, notwithstanding
his efforts, were constantly brought by the encroachments of the whites,
into a narrower compass, and the religion and customs of the whites
continued to gain ground, and threatened to supercede the time honored
usages of his fathers.
Intoxicating drinks also, the bane of the Indian race, wrought sad havoc
among his people, and had well nigh ruined himself. His influence was thus
effectually crippled, and his opposition to Christianity, and the efforts
of the whites to obtain their land, carried much less weight, than at an
earlier period of his life. He saw and felt this, and in view of it, was
much cast down.
His opposition to Christianity, is said to have been much encouraged by
wicked and designing men among the whites, who feared that the presence of
missionaries among the Indians, would interfere with their unworthy and
base designs.
But his decision when formed, as already intimated, was consistently and
perseveringly maintained. He narrowly watched every proceeding, gathered
around him such as would be controlled by his influence, or example, and
inculcated in them those sentiments of steadfastness, in the religion of
their fathers, so strikingly manifested in his own conduct.
After various discouragements and reverses, the missionary was at length
established among his people, and the adherents of Red Jacket, which at
first were the most numerous, by degrees diminished, until finally those
friendly to Christianity, outnumbered the others. Red Jacket's people one
by one, became interested in the religion the missionary had come to
teach. The schools established began to be well attended, several chiefs
embraced the new religion; some of them were men of influence and carried
with them many others. Finally in 1826, Red Jacket's wife became
interested on the subject of religion, attended the meetings of the
Christians, was led to abandon the pagan worship, she formerly attended,
altogether, and giving evidences of piety, proposed to unite with the
mission church, under the care of the Rev. Mr. Harris.
Before uniting, she laid the subject before Red Jacket and desired his
consent. This he utterly refused, and threatened in case she did so, to
leave her and never visit her again. Her trial in view of this refusal,
she referred to Mr. Harris, who kindly endeavored to show her what the law
of Christianity demanded, that it required her to obey God, rather than
man; that though her course might subject her to trial, she had the
promise of the grace of Christ to help her, and that in the end it might
promote her good. Still he committed the matter wholly to her own
conscience, advising her to pursue the course that might thus be
indicated, and leave the event in the hands of God.
After deliberating for a time she united with the church, and Red Jacket,
true to his threat, left her and went to another reservation. She bore his
displeasure with a meek and Christian spirit, remained at home with her
family, and conducted discreetly, pursuing as before the duties of her
household.
Red Jacket after a few months' absence returned, desiring to be welcomed
again by his wife, who received him on condition of his not interfering
with her, in her religious views, or attendance on the meetings of the
mission. To this he gave his assent, and was ever afterward faithful in
observing his pledge; not opposing, but aiding her in performing,
according to her desire, her religious obligations.
A division was now apparent among the Senecas, in regard to religion.
There was a Christian, and a Pagan party. The former led by Young King,
Captain Pollard, and others; the latter recognized Red Jacket as its
ruling spirit.
The opposition he had so long exerted, began to be regarded with
impatience. As the Christian party advanced and became more numerous, they
were unwilling to submit to the dictation of the orator. They began to
feel that in his opposition to the education and improvement of his
people, he was acting the part of an enemy, and not a friend.
His habits of intemperance also, having greatly lessened their esteem,
they became unwilling he should longer hold the commanding position he had
enjoyed, and so well adorned, in the earlier part of his life. At a
council held in September, 1827, a paper was drawn up, containing charges
against the orator, which were assigned as a reason for the extraordinary
course they pursued, closing with the declaration, that they renounced him
as their chief, and forbade him to act as one, affirming that he should
thereafter be regarded as a private man.
This proceeding stung the orator to the quick, and aroused him to action,
He could not endure the thought of the humiliation thus brought upon him,
at the close of life. The thought too, that it had been effected by those
who differed from him, in their religious sentiments, and would be
regarded as a triumph over him, touching the views he had long
entertained, as to what would best promote the welfare of his people,
affected him in a point so near his heart, as to forbid his resting under
it.
"It shall not be said," thought he, "that Sa-go-ye-wat-ha, lived in
insignificance, and died in disgrace. Am I not yet strong? Have I not yet
power to withstand my enemies?"
He set out for Washington, to spread his griefs before his great Father.
On arriving there he visited Colonel McKenney, who had charge of Indian
affairs. That officer had been informed, through the Indian agent, of all
that had transpired among the Senecas, and of the cause of their
displeasing Red Jacket.
When the customary salutations were over, Red Jacket remarked through his
interpreter, "I have a talk for my Father." "Tell him," said Colonel
McKenney, "I have one for him. I will make it, and will then listen to
him." The colonel then proceeded to give a minute history of all that had
recently transpired, and dwelt upon the various causes that had operated
in producing the rupture, that had taken place. He pointed out to him the
course he ought to have pursued, that he should have manifested a spirit
of forbearance, and allowed the Christian party the same liberty in the
exercise of their sentiments, which he demanded for himself; and that this
course would have saved him the mortification he now experienced, in being
expelled from office and power.
During this conversation Red Jacket never took his keen and searching eye
from the speaker, but at its close turned to the interpreter, and pointing
in the direction of his home and people, said, "_Our Father has got a
long eye._"
He then proceeded to vindicate himself and his cause, not forgetting to
pour upon the Black coats plentiful effusions of wrath. The colonel
advised him to return to his people, convene a council and come to a
better understanding with them, by allowing those among them who desired
to do so, to become Christians, while himself and those who thought like
him, might claim the privilege of following unmolested, the faith of their
fathers. [Footnote: Col. McKenney's Indian Biography.]
About one month had passed since Red Jacket's deposition. In the mean time
Red Jacket had been very active in going from one reservation to another,
and sparing no pains, in gathering a Great Council, from those belonging
to the Six Nations.
Another council was convened, much larger than the former, composed of
members from other reservations, belonging to the Iroquois confederacy. It
assembled at the upper council-house of the Seneca village near Buffalo.
At the opening of the council, the paper declaring the orator's deposition
was read. Half Town, a Seneca chief of the Cattaraugus reservation then
arose, and said there was but one voice in his nation, and that was of
general indignation at the contumely cast on so great a man as Red Jacket.
The council was then addressed by several other chiefs very much to the
same effect. After which the condemned orator arose slowly, as if grieved
and humiliated, but yet with his ancient air of command.
"My Brothers:" said he, after a solemn pause, "You have this day been
correctly informed of an attempt to make me sit down, and throw off the
authority of a chief, by twenty-six misguided chiefs of my nation. You
have heard the statements of my associates in council, and their
explanations of the foolish charges brought against me. I have taken the
legal and proper way to meet these charges. It is the only way in which I
could notice them. Charges which I despise, and which nothing would induce
me to notice, but the concern which many respected chiefs of my nation,
feel in the character of their aged comrade. Were it otherwise I should
not be before you. I would fold my arms, and sit quietly under these
ridiculous slanders.
"The Christian party have not even proceeded legally to put me down." He
then made some artful observations on the origin of the attack made upon
him. He laid open its history step by step. He dwelt upon the various
circumstances connected with the introduction of Christianity among them.
He alluded to the course taken by the Christians as ruinous and
disgraceful, especially in their abandonment of the religion of their
fathers, and their sacrifices, and of the lands given them by the Great
Spirit, for paltry considerations. As for the _Black coats_, Mr.
Calhoun had told him at Washington four years before, that the Indians
must treat with them as they thought proper; the government would not
interfere. "I will not consent," said he, sagaciously identifying his
disgrace with his opposition to the Christians, "I will not consent
silently to be trampled under foot. As long as I can raise my voice, I
will oppose such measures. As long as I can stand in my moccasins, I will
do all I can for my nation. Ah! it grieves my heart, when I look around me
and see the situation of my people, in old times united and powerful, now
divided and feeble. I feel sorry for my nation. Many years have I guided
my people. When I am gone to the other world, when the Great Spirit calls
me away, who among them can take my place?" [Footnote: Thatcher's Indian
Biography.]
No adequate account of this speech has been preserved. It is said he spoke
three hours in his own defense; that it was a masterly effort, and equal
to the speeches he used to make in his palmiest days. [Footnote:
Conversation of the author with Wm. Jones, Seneca chief.]
Though greatly dilapidated in his powers by intemperance, he was
thoroughly aroused on this occasion, and the eloquence, pathos, and fire
of a former day, shed around him the luster of a superior mind, and his
people for the time, forgot and forgave his delinquencies, and by
unanimous consent, reinstated him in office and power.
Thus by means of one more great exertion of this wonderful faculty, by
which he controlled the minds of his people, they were led to reverse the
decision that had been made against him, and though he stood among them
but the blasted trunk of that tree, which, in its full and luxuriant
prime, cast a deep and mellowing shade over their closing history, and
invested it still with the appearance of strength; they resolved he should
yet wear the title, that better befitted him in other days, though it
served but slightly to hide the deformity, wrought in his noble nature, by
the demon of intemperance.
With this speech the public career of Red Jacket is closed. The effort he
made on this occasion, added to his exertions previous to the gathering of
the council, was too great for his aged and enfeebled condition. After
this he declined very rapidly, and seemed to realize that his end was
drawing near. He often adverted to this event, but always in language of
philosophic calmness.
In view of it he visited successively all of his most intimate friends, at
their cabins, and talked with them in the most impressive and affecting
manner. He told them that he was passing away, and his counsels would soon
be heard no more. He ran over the history of his people, from the most
remote period to which his knowledge extended, and pointed out as few
could, the wrongs, the privations, and the loss of character, which almost
of themselves constituted that history. "I am about to leave you," said
he, "and when I am gone, and my warnings shall be no longer heard, or
regarded, the craft and avarice of the white man will prevail. Many
winters have I breasted the storm, but I am an aged tree, I can stand no
longer. My leaves are fallen, my branches are withered, and I am shaken by
every breeze. Soon my aged trunk will be prostrate, and the foot of the
exulting foe of the Indian, may be placed upon it in safety; for I leave
none who will be able to avenge such an indignity. Think not I mourn for
myself. I go to join the spirits of my fathers, where age cannot come; but
my heart fails, when I think of my people, who are soon to be scattered
and forgotten."
Many noticed that his feelings at this time were greatly modified and
mellowed, with respect to the stand he had taken against Christianity. His
wife's example, who was a woman of humble, consistent piety, exerted a
salutary, and happy influence upon him. It led him to regard Christianity
more favorably, and to recede very much from the hostile position he had
previously maintained. He talked of peace, and sought to bring about a
reconciliation between the two parties. He convened a council with this in
view. He made special preparations to attend it, dressing himself with
more than ordinary care, with all his gay apparel and ornaments. He went
with the intention of making what would have been his farewell speech, and
giving them his last counsel.
He was taken suddenly ill at the Council-house, of cholera morbus and
returned home, saying to his wife, "I am sick; I could not stay at the
council, I shall never recover."
He then took off his rich costume, and laid it carefully away, reclined
upon his couch, and did not rise again till morning. His wife prepared him
medicine, which he took, but said, "it will do no good. I shall die."
The next day he called his wife and the little girl he loved so much,
requested them to sit beside him and listen to his parting words.
Addressing his wife, he said: "I am going to die, I shall never again
leave this house alive. I wish to thank you for your kindness to me. You
have loved me. You have always prepared my food, and taken care of my
clothes, and been patient with me. I am sorry I ever treated you unkindly.
I am sorry I left you, because of your new religion. I am convinced it is
a good religion, and has made you a better woman, and wish you to
persevere in it. I should like to live longer for your sake. I meant to
build you a new house, and make you more comfortable, but it is now too
late."
Addressing his daughter, he said; "I hope my daughter will remember what I
have so often told her, not to go in the streets with strangers, or
associate with improper persons. She must stay with her mother, and grow
up a respectable woman."
He said again: "When I am dead, it will be noised abroad through all the
world, they will hear of it across the great waters, and say, Red Jacket
the great orator is dead. And white men will come and ask you for my body.
They will wish to bury me. But do not let them take me. Clothe me in my
simplest dress, put on my leggins and my moccasins, and hang the cross I
have worn so long, around my neck, and let it lie upon my bosom. Then bury
me among my people. Neither do I wish to be buried with Pagan rites. I
wish the ceremonies to be as you like, according to the customs of your
new religion, if you choose. Your minister says the dead will rise.
Perhaps they will. If they do, I wish to rise with my old comrades. I do
not wish to rise among pale faces. I wish to be surrounded by red men. Do
not make a feast according to the customs of the Indians. Whenever my
friends chose, they could come and feast with me, when I was well, and I
do not wish those who have never eaten with me in my cabin, to surfeit at
my funeral feast."
When he had finished he laid down on his couch and did not rise again. He
lived several days but was most of the time in a stupor, or else
delirious. He often asked for Mr. Harris, the missionary, and would
afterward unconsciously mutter: "I do not hate him. He thinks I hate him,
but I do not, I would not hurt him." The missionary was sent for
repeatedly, but was from home at the time, and did not return till after
the chief's death.
When the messenger told him Mr. Harris had not come, he replied: "Very
well, the Great Spirit will order it as he sees best, whether I shall
speak with him or not." [Footnote: Conversation of the author with Wm.
Jones, Seneca chief, and sketch of Red Jacket in "The Iroquois." The
account of the orator's closing hours given in this work, is more full,
but in perfect accord with the statements made to the author by Mr.
Jones.] Again he would murmur: "He accused me of being a snake, and trying
to bite somebody. This was true, and I wish to make satisfaction."
The cross he wore was a very rich one of stones set in gold, and large; by
whom it was given, his friends never knew. This is all the ornament he
requested to have buried with him.
It was customary among the Indians to make funeral feasts. No family was
so poor as not thus to honor the dead. If all they possessed was a cow, it
was slaughtered for the occasion. Red Jacket desired nothing of this kind.
A pagan funeral for a distinguished person is a pompous affair, and lasts
for ten days. Every night a fire is kindled at the grave, and around it
the mourners gather, and utter piteous wails.
The wife and daughter were the only ones to whom he spoke parting words,
or gave a parting blessing. As his last hour drew nigh, his family all
gathered around him, but the children were not his own, they were step-
children, his own were all sleeping in the churchyard, where he was soon
to be laid.
His step-children he always loved and cherished, their mother had taught
them to love and honor him. The wife sat by his pillow and rested her hand
on his head. At his feet stood the two sons, now aged and Christian men,
and by his side the little girl, whose hand rested on his withered and
trembling palm. His last words were still, "Where is the missionary?" He
then clasped the child to his bosom, while she was sobbing in anguish, her
ears caught his hurried breathing, his arms relaxed their hold, she looked
up, he was gone.
There was mourning in the household, there was great mourning among the
people. The orator, the man of matchless gifts, of surpassing eloquence
was no more; and there were none to fill his place.
Red Jacket desired after his death, a vial of cold water might be placed
in his hand. His reason for this his friends did not understand. Red
Jacket felt that intemperance had been the bane of his life. Possibly from
this conviction he may have desired to be accompanied in his journey to
the spirit-land, by the beverage of which his better judgment most
approved.
The arrangements of his funeral Red Jacket committed to his wife's son-in-
law Wm. Jones. His friends, who belonged mostly to the Christian party,
chose to have at his funeral the simple and appropriate services of that
religion. It was largely attended by his own race, and by the whites
living in that vicinity. He was buried in the mission burying ground,
where were reposing many of his race, the aged and young, warrior, sachem,
child.
His death was at his residence near the church and mission-house at Seneca
village on the 20th of January, 1830.
INDEX.
Adano
Albany
Alden, Pres.
Alien's Hist.
Angelica, N. Y.
Atotarho
Au Glaize
Avon Springs
Bayard, Wm.
Beaver Creek
Beekman, John J.
Berry, Major
Big Tree
Bloomfield
Boyd, Capt. John
Braddock, Gen.
Brant
Breckenridge, Rev. John
Bryant, W. C.
Buffalo
Buffalo Creek
Burbeck, Maj.
Butler, Col.
Calhoun, M.
Cameron, Charles
Canandaigua
Canandaigua Lake
Canaseraga
Canawangus
Caneadea
Canoga
Carlton, Sir Benj.
Catlin, Mr.
Cayugas
Chapin, Maj.
Chapman, Mrs.
Charlevoix
Chemung
Cherokees
Chippewas
Cincinnati
Clark, Major
Claus, Col.
Clinton, Gov.
Codding, Mr.
Colquhoun
Con-neh-sauty
Cornplanter
Crane, Mr.
Cummings, Maj.
Cunadesaga
Cusick, David
Cuyler, Abraham
Cuylerville
Dansville
Darke, Col.
Dearborn, Gen.
Delafield, Maj. Joseph
Dionderoga
Delaware
Detroit
Detroit River
Dorchester, Lord
Drake
Drummond, Gen.
Durham Conn.
Dwight, Dr.
Elk Hunter
Ellicott, Mr.
Farmer's Brother
Ferguson, Major
Fish Carrier
Fleming, Col.
Fort Du Quesne
Fort Hamilton
Fort Harmar
Fort Hunter
Fort Jefferson
Fort Niagara
Fort Put
Fort Plain
Fort Recovery
Fort Schlosser
Fort Stanwix
Fort Washington
Francis, John W.
Franklin, Doctor
Franklin, W. T.
Fraser, Donald
Ga-kwa-dia
Gansevoort, Gen.
Garangula
Gardeau
Genesee County
Genesee Falls
Genesee
Geneva
German Flats
Gibson, H. B.
Glen, Henry
Gorham, Nath.
Granger, Erastus
Greenville
Greig, John
Grey, John
Half Town
Harding, Col.
Harmar, Gen.
Harris, Rev. M.
Harrison, Gov.
Hartford, Conn.
Hendrick, King
Herkimer, Gen.
Hickox, J. H.
Hill, Capt. David
Honandaganius
Hornby, John
Hosmer, Geo.
Hosmer, W. H. C.
Howell, T. M.
Hubbard, Nehemiah
Hudson, John
Hull, Gen.
Hurons
Iroquois
Ivison, J. C.
Jackson, Gen.
Jennison, Mary
Jessup, Major
Johnson, Henry
Johnson, Sir Wm.
Johnson, Sir John
Johnson, Col. Guy
Johnstone, John
Jones, Capt. Horatio, II
Jones, J. H.
Jones, Col. W.
Ken de-wah
Kickapoos
Knox, Gen.
Lafayette, Gen.
Lake Erie
Lake Ontario
Lavasseur, M.
Lee, Arthur
Legionville
Lewis, Gen.
Lincoln, Gen. Benj.
Little Billy
Logan
Mackinaw
Matthews, Col.
McKee, Col.
McKenney
Miamis
Miami Rapids
Middletown, Conn.
Miller, M. S.
Mills, Samuel
Morris, Robert
Morris, Thomas
Moultan, J. W.
Mount Morris
Muskingum
Nellis
New Connecticut
New York Genesee Land Co.
Nevada, Iowa
Newtown, N. Y.
Niagara
Niagara Genesee Co.
Nunda
O'Bail, Henry
Ogden, Col. Aaron
Oldham, Col.
Oneidas
Onondagas
Oriskany
Oswegatchie
Oswego
Oswego Falls
Otitiana
Ottawas
Painted Post
Parker, Jim
Parks, Mrs.
Parrish, Joseph
Parrish, John
Parrish, O.
Penn
Perry, Com.
Phelps, O.
Pickering, Col.
Pittsburg
Pollard, Gen.
Porter, Augustus
Porter, Gen.
Porter, Peter B.
Potawatamies
Presque Isle
Proctor, Col.
Pultney, Sir Wm.
Pyrlaus
Quebec
Randolph, Beverly
Ripley, Gen.
Rochester
Sacs
Sanborne, Mrs.
Savary, William
Schoolcraft, II
Scott, Gen.
Schuyler, Peter
Schuyler, Gen.
Senecas
Seneca Castle
Seneca Lake
Shawanese
Shepard, Wm.
Shikellemus
Simcoe, Gov.
Skenandoah
Smith, Joseph
Sperry, Mr.
Sprague, Ashhael
Squaky Hill
St. Clair, Gen.
St. Joseph's River
St. Leger, Col.
St. Mary's River
Stone, Col.
Street, A. B.
Sullivan, Gen.
Ten Broeck, Abraham
Tioga Point
Tompkins, Gov.
Towson, Major
Tracy, Albert
Turner
Van Buren, Mr.
Vischer, Matthew
Wabash
Wadsworth, James
Wadsworth, Jeremiah
Wadsworth, Wm.
Walden, Judge
Warren, Sir Peter
Washington, Gen.
Wayne, Gen. Anthony
Weir, Robert W.
West, Avon
Western Reserve
Wilkinson, Jemima
Williamson
Wolcott, Oliver
Wood, Major
Worth, Col.
Wyandots
Yates, A.
Yates, P. W.
Yates, Robert
Young King