at a small house near Juniata River, a rattlesnake crept into the room,
but was happily discovered and killed; and before the people could well
recover themselves, a snake of another kind was discovered among the
assembly, which was also killed without any other detriment than
disturbing the congregation, which surprised him very much, as it was a
matter of astonishment how these reptiles could crawl into the house
without being offended by some one, and which also excites them to bite.
The Indians say that when a woman is in labour, holding the tail of a
rattlesnake in her hand, and shaking the rattles, assists her delivery.
It is always observable that the Indians take out the bag which contains
{150} the poison of this venomous reptile, and carry it alive in their
medicine box when they go to war.
This unfortunate accident retarded our journey till the unhappy sufferer
relieved himself by cutting out the wounded part from the calf of his
leg, and applying salt and gunpowder, and binding it up with the leaves
of the red willow tree; he was soon able to proceed, bearing the pain
with that fortitude for which the Savages are so eminently
distinguished.
At the close of the next day we encamped near the river, and it rained
very hard: the Indians made some bark huts. One of them walking some
distance in the woods, discovered a small loghouse, in which he found a
white man, with his arms cut off, lying on his back. We conjectured he
had been settled at the spot, and killed by a bad Indian, which must
have happened very recently, as he was not putrid. Before our departure
we buried him.
The next day we arrived at the Forks of the Mississippi, where were two
hundred Indians of the nation of the Renards, or Foxes, on horseback,
armed with spears, bows and arrows. They did not seem pleased with our
appearance, which _Warbishar_, the chief of our band, told me.[96] Just
before we landed they dismounted, and surveyed us. The Sioux asked me if
I was afraid; I told them I had seen a greater number of Savages before,
and more wild than any of the Southern Indians. _Warbishar_ gave orders
to strike ashore. As soon as we landed, the Renards took our Indians by
the hand, and invited them into their camp. In the space of an hour they
prepared a feast, which consisted of five {151} Indian dogs, bear,
beaver, deer, mountain cat, and racoon, boiled in bear’s grease, and
mixed with huckleberries. After the repast, the Indians danced and sung.
A council was then held, when the chief of the Renards addressed
_Warbishar_ to this effect.
“Brothers, we are happy to see you; we have no bad heart against you;
although we are not the same nation by language, our hearts are the
same: we are all Indians, and are happy to hear our great Father has
pity on us, and sends us wherewithal to cover us, and enable us to
hunt.”
To which _Warbishar_ made answer.—“It is true, my children, our great
Father has sent me this way to take the skins and furs that are in the
Dog’s Field, under captain Longlad’s charge, least the Great Knives
(meaning the Americans)[97] should plunder them. I am come with the
white man (meaning me) to give you wherewithal to cover you, and
ammunition to hunt.”
When the speech was finished, we immediately distributed the presents,
got our canoes into the water, and left the Renards in the most friendly
manner.
After seven days journey we arrived at _La Prairie des Chiens_,[98]
where we found the merchants’ peltry, in packs, in a loghouse guarded by
captain Longlad and some Indians, who were rejoiced to see us. After
resting some time, we took out about three hundred packs of the best
skins, and filled the canoes. Sixty more which remained, we burnt, to
prevent the enemy from taking them, having ourselves no {152} room to
stow any more, and proceeded on our journey back to Michillimakinac.
About five days after our departure, we were informed that the Americans
came to attack us, but to their extreme mortification we were out of
their reach. Seventeen days after leaving _La Prairie des Chiens_, we
arrived at _Lac les Puans_, where we found a party of Indians encamped.
The next day we embarked, and arrived at Michillimakinac, after an
absence of eighty days. Soon after my return, I waited on the commanding
officer, expecting payment for my services; but was referred for
satisfaction to the Indian traders, from whom I never received any
compensation.
By this means I was left destitute even of the necessaries of life; but
I did not remain long in this uncomfortable situation, for I soon found
protection and support among the Indians; but as their assistance would
not afford the means to appear in civil society, I was under the
necessity of soliciting friendship from the merchants, to enable me to
return to Montreal, which I fortunately obtained. I left Michillimakinac
in the beginning of September, and arrived at Montreal on the 27th of
the same month.
I embraced the first opportunity to call on my old master, expecting to
find him in good health, but alas! he had paid the debt of nature, and
was succeeded by his nephew, who had been cotemporary clerk with me. He
permitted me to lodge at his house for a fortnight, but a few days after
my abode with him, my situation being different from what I had
experienced during the life of my old master, I asked him to fit me out
with an assortment of goods for the Indian trade, and promised to remit
him payment in furs. He told me I was welcome to any {153} goods he had
in his store that would suit me, but on examining the stock, all the
merchandise proper for the Savages was disposed of, and nothing left
that would answer any profitable purpose.
I then left his house, returning him thanks for his civility; and having
procured pecuniary assistance from a friend, took lodgings in the town,
where I stayed some time. I then went to Quebec, where a gentleman
accidentally hearing that I was out of employ, and knowing that I could
speak the Indian languages, sent for me and engaged me in his service,
to go among the Indians at Lake Temiscaming,[99] or any other situation
I might think most eligible for commerce.
{154} _Leave Quebec—Description of the Loretto Indians; some Remarks
relative to an Assertion, that the American Indians have no
Beards.—Mistake the Mercury Packet of Quebec for an American
Privateer.—Proceed on our Journey, and arrive at our Winter
Residence.—Description of several Sorts of Snakes.—Meet with great
Success, and soon complete our Traffic.—Return to Quebec._
Being furnished with a proper assortment of merchandise, I left Quebec,
and proceeded to Tadousac,[100] which is at the end of the Saguenay
River, near the River St. Laurence. About nine miles from Quebec there
is a village inhabited by the Loretto Indians, who are properly of the
nation of the Hurons.[101] They embraced Christianity, through the means
of the Jesuits, and follow the Catholic religion. The women have
remarkable good voices, and sing hymns in their own language most
charmingly. They cultivate the ground, and bring the produce to market;
and in their manners they are the most innocent and harmless of all the
Savages in North America. Their houses are decent, and built after the
Canadian fashion; they are an exception to the generality of Indians,
seldom drinking any spirituous liquors; they are for the most part tall,
robust people, and well shaped; have short black hair, which is shaved
off the forehead from ear to ear, and wear neither caps nor hats. With
regard to their beards, though they are scarcely visible, they have them
in common with all the tribes of Savages; but having an aversion to
excrescences, they carefully pluck {155} out every hair from the upper
jaw and chin with brass wire, which they twist together in the form of
pincers; and it is well known that all traders carry out that article of
commerce for this express purpose.
Baron de la Hontan seems to have been much mistaken when, in speaking of
the Savages, he says that they have no beards. Lord Kaims was also in
the same error, when he asserted there is not a single hair on an
Indian’s body, excepting the eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair of the head,
and that there is no appearance of a beard.
This observation Mr. James Adair remarks is utterly void of foundation,
as can be attested by all who have had any communication with them; and
major Robert Rogers,[102] who certainly knew the Indians as well as any
man, says that they _totally destroy_ their beards; which proves beyond
a doubt that they are not naturally _imbarbes_.
I have been led into these observations from the perusal of Lord Kaims’s
Sketches of the History of Man,[103] who not only insists that the
Indians have no beards, but builds on the hypothesis to prove a local
creation.
Tadousac is on the sea side, north of the River St. Laurence, and
inhabited by a few Indians called mountaineers, who live chiefly on
fish;[104] and one trader, clerk to the gentleman in whose service I was
engaged.
There is a French clergyman and a church for the Indians, who are all
Catholics. At this village I remained a fortnight, during which {156}
time the American privateers were continually cruizing about. One
morning there was a great fog, but we could just discern at a small
distance a vessel: this alarmed the priest and the Indians. My brother
Englishman (the trader who was settled here) joined with me in
soliciting the Indians to stand their ground, which the priest strongly
opposed, though paid by the British government. This incensed me, and I
insisted on taking some of his flock with me to reconnoitre, and
endeavour to discover what vessel she was, though I had strong
suspicions she was an American privateer. We went towards the shore, but
could not discover the number of guns she mounted; we returned to our
camp, and all the Indians at my request accompanied me to attack her. We
embarked in canoes, dressed alike, and as we approached perceived she
lay at anchor, and was a vessel of inconsiderable force, mounting only
eight small swivels. I immediately went on one side of her, and directed
the Indians to the other, to inclose her as much as we could. Having
reached the vessel, I took hold of a rope and went on board; the captain
was alarmed, and his fears were increased when he saw himself surrounded
with canoes, filled with Savages armed with guns and tomahawks; however,
he advanced towards me, and clapping me on the shoulder, asked what I
wanted? I was too politic to make any reply at that time. He then asked
me, if I would have some biscuit? I replied, _caween_, or no. He shook
his head, as much as to say, I wish I could know what you want. The
Indians then came on board, and the captain having only seven men; and
our number being upwards of forty, well armed, did not know how to act,
but, probably willing to please me, ordered his men to get some biscuit
and rum. Whilst the sailors were gone, I perceived she was an English
vessel, and then asked the captain in English to whom she belonged; he
was very agreeably surprised, {157} told me his name was Allcrow, and
that he commanded the Mercury Packet of Quebec. This information gave me
occasion to rejoice we did not take rough means; and when I communicated
the intelligence to the Indians they were highly pleased, and shook
hands with the captain.
The captain then accompanied us to shore in our canoes, and we landed at
our encampment. We afterwards went to the priest’s house, where we
dined. Mr. Martin, the priest, and myself were invited on board the next
day, when we had an excellent repast, with plenty of wine and other
liquors. Unfortunately we drank too freely, and returning in the
evening, the priest began to be very angry with me for encouraging the
Savages; this reprehension, with his former conduct, incensed me
exceedingly, and in the heat of passion I threw him overboard, but by
the assistance of the sailors he was saved. On our landing, our contest
led us to blows, but we were soon parted. When we were recovered from
intoxication, we shook hands, and afterwards remained good friends.
The next day the Indians were seized with an epidemic fever, which
deprived them of the use of their limbs, and occasioned a delirium. The
disorder attacked me very severely, but by the friendly assistance of
Mr. Martin, who had a medicine chest, in about three weeks I recovered.
The winter now advancing very rapidly, and the unavoidable delay at this
post, obliged me to proceed on my journey on snow shoes, carrying all my
goods on Indian slays, through the woods, and over {158} high mountains.
We travelled twenty-one days, on a deep snow, about one hundred leagues
through the Saguenay country, which was very fatiguing, till we arrived
at a place called Checootimy;[105] about half way up the river on which
it stands the salt water ebbs and flows. Only a few Indians reside here,
and one Indian trader, with whom I wintered, and hunted, killing a great
many animals. Early in the spring I took my leave of him, and being
furnished with canoes, pursued my journey to St. John’s Lake; from
thence to Panebacash River, to Lake Shaboomoochoine, which lies
northeast of Lake Arbitibis about the distance of seven days Indian
march.[106]
Near the Falls of Panebacash River I landed, and ascended a high
mountain, to survey a large cave, about two hundred yards deep, and
three yards wide at the mouth. Here I picked up a piece of ore, about
three inches square; the exterior crust was black and very thin, and
when broke, appeared yellow. I brought it to Quebec, but by some
accident lost it, which I lamented exceedingly, as some of my friends to
whom I shewed it were of opinion that it was very valuable.
This journey was farther inland, by near eighty leagues, than any trader
had ever been, the only settlement in that part of Canada being at St.
Peter’s Lake, where a French house was formerly established, and where
an English trader, who was employed by the merchants in whose service I
was engaged, resided.
I arrived at Lake Shaboomoochoine on the 26th of May, 1781, where I
intended only to stay a few days; but some Indians arrived who assured
me that it would answer my purpose to winter, and promised {159} to
supply me with fish, furs, and skins. This induced me to remain here;
and I built a house suitable for my business, and kept two Indians with
their wives to hunt for me.
On the 29th we set our nets, and in about four hours caught abundance of
large trout, pike, maskenonjey, pickerill, and white fish, and as the
country abounded with wild fowl, we were never without two courses at
table, with roots for garden stuff.
On the 17th of June a band of Indians arrived, who were agreeably
surprised to see a trader at a place where no one had settled before,
and they were particularly delighted when they heard me speak their own
language.
During my residence here I saw a great many snakes; and one day in
particular as I was walking in the woods, I discovered one of those
reptiles in the grass; the instant I perceived it, I cut a long stick
and dropt it gently on the snake’s head; it immediately moved, and I
could hear the rattles very distinctly. Whilst I was surveying the
brightness of its colours, which were inexpressibly beautiful, it was
coiling itself round like a rope to dart at me; this warned me of my
danger, and I took the taper end of the stick, and let the heavy end
fall on its head; the weight of the blow stunned it, and seizing this
opportunity, I struck it again, which killed it. I measured it, and
judged the length to be at least five feet and an half, and the thickest
part about four inches in circumference, with nine rattles on the tail,
which agreeable to the general observation, made his age nine years; but
I believe this is not an established fact, as it is uncertain at what
time the rattle begins to appear.
{160} The flesh of this reptile is delicious, and I have frequently
eaten of it with great goût. I have seen the Indians poison it with the
juice of tobacco.
Whilst I am on the subject, though not quite connected with it, I shall
make some observations on the turkey and black water snake.
The turkey snake is longer than the rattle snake, with stripes on the
back, and a spear at the end of its tail like an anchor, and a double
row of teeth in each jaw. It takes its name from its voice, which
resembles the note of a wild turkey. In the Mississippi it feeds on wild
rice, which grows among long grass, bearing its head frequently erect,
and makes a noise like a turkey to decoy it; as the bird approaches, the
snake darts its tail into it, and makes it an easy prey.
The black water snake is used by the Indians when they go to war; they
pull out the teeth, tie the head and tail together, and fasten it round
their bodies, which soon kills it. They take it off every night, and put
it on every morning.
In travelling from Toniata Creek, on the River St. Laurence to
Pimetiscotyan Landing, on Lake Ontario, I saw one of these snakes
swimming with a flat fish in its mouth, which I had the good fortune to
shoot, and released the prisoner from the jaws of death.[107]
I kept a flag constantly flying at my little fort, which the Indians
paid respect to by a salute from their guns. The band who were at this
time with me held a council, and made me a present of two very large
{161} beaver robes, and several valuable skins, with plenty of
provisions, for which I supplied them with tobacco, rum, trinkets, and
ammunition. Two days after they left me, and desired me to wait their
return, which I promised, provided they would bring me furs and skins to
load the canoes, and they should be repaid with Indian goods. As I
depended on their punctuality, I remained perfectly satisfied.
I was then left with two white men, and two Indians and their wives. We
passed our time in hunting and fishing; and as there were a great many
small islands near us, we made frequent trips to shoot wild fowl, which
enabled us to keep a good table. On one of the islands we discovered two
Indian huts, but from their appearance no person had visited them for a
length of time. About half a mile from the place we saw a high pole,
daubed over with vermilion paint; on the top were placed three human
skulls, and the bones hung round: the Indians supposed it had been
erected many years. About an hour before sun set we returned to our
wigwam. The next morning, in the absence of the Indians, the Canadians
assisted me in mixing the rum, and assorting the goods, to be prepared
against the arrival of the Savages, and to fill up the time, which hung
heavy on our hands.
On the 24th of June, a band of Indians arrived from Lake Arbitibis, who
brought a considerable quantity of excellent furs and skins, with dried
meat, which I bartered for. When the bargain was made, I gave them some
rum, as usual upon such occasions, which, after their long march, highly
delighted them. They drank very plentifully, as I had exceeded the
common donation, but their cargo deserved it; and I always found it my
interest to be generous to them upon a barter.
{162} On their departure, taking an Indian for my guide, I made a visit
to a brother trader, one hundred and fifty miles from my settlement. I
stayed with him about a fortnight, and was on the point of returning,
when two Indians came to inform me, by the desire of my Canadians, that
a band of Savages waited for me. In about five days we returned, and I
bartered for all their furs.
On the 16th of July, about fifty Savages came with their spring hunt,
which I also bartered for, though the peltry was very inferior to what
is collected in winter; but as I was determined to make as good a season
as possible, I was eager to avail myself of every opportunity to
increase my stock.
The latter end of the month, the band who had promised to return came
in, and fulfilled their promise, bringing a large quantity of furs,
which, with the stock I had collected during their absence, was as much
as my canoes would hold. They also brought intelligence that the
Hudson’s Bay Company had been pillaged of their furs by the French.[108]
Early in the month of August I made up my packs, and embarked for
Quebec, where I arrived in about six weeks, to the great joy of my
employers, who, from my long absence, were very uneasy; however, the
cargo fully satisfied them, and convinced them of my industry and
integrity in their service. Being persuaded I had undergone great
fatigue, they made me a handsome present above my salary, and I quitted
their service, and the Indian life, with a resolution to endeavour to
procure an employ less hazardous, and where I could partake {163} of the
pleasures of society with less fatigue both of body and mind.
I remained some time at Quebec, and intended to pass my winter there,
but my money being nearly exhausted, and my mind not reconciled to
another Indian voyage, I returned to Montreal, where I found friends to
supply my wants till the spring following.
{164} _Visit Fort George.—Remarkable Instance of Courage in a Mohawk
Indian.—Return to England.—Enter into a new Engagement, and return
to Canada, with Merchandise for the Indian Commerce._
In May I took a trip to Fort George, situated on a lake of the same
name, called by the French, _Saint Sacrement_, where I stayed with some
of the Mohawks, who were encamped there.[109] In the beginning of the
French and Indian war in 1757, there was a remarkable instance of
resolution and cool deliberate courage in one of these Savages,
occasioned by a sentence being passed upon a soldier to receive five
hundred lashes for intoxication.
An Indian known by the name of _Silver Heels_, from his superior
agility, as well as his admirable finesse in the art of war, and who had
killed more of the enemy than any one of the tribes in alliance with
Great Britain, accidentally came into the fort just before the soldier
was to receive his punishment, and expressed his displeasure that a man
should be so shamefully disgraced. He went up to the commanding officer,
and asked him what crime the soldier had committed: the officer not
chusing to be questioned, ordered one of his men to send Silver Heels
away, and to inform him that the company of Indians was not agreeable on
such occasions; _Wa! wa!_ or, Oh! oh! replied the Savage, but what is
the warrior tied up for? For getting drunk, answered {165} the
soldier:—Is that all? said Silver Heels, then provide another set of
halberts, and tie up your chief, for he gets drunk twice a day. Having
said so, he instantly left the fort, telling the soldier he should
quickly return, to endeavour to prevent the punishment being inflicted.
Soon after the delinquent was tied up, and the drummers in waiting to
obey orders, Silver Heels returned; and going up to the officer, with a
tomahawk and scalping knife, said to him, Father, are you a warrior, or
do you only think yourself so? If you are brave, you will not suffer
your men to strike this soldier whilst I am in this fort. Let me advise
you not to spill the good English blood which to-morrow may be wanted to
oppose an enemy.—The officer, turning upon his heel, answered with an
indignant look, that the soldier had transgressed, and must be
flogged.—Well! replied Silver Heels, then flog him, and we shall soon
see whether you are as brave a warrior as an Indian.