Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Relation Of A Captivity Among The Indians Of North America.*
with this difference , that I had nothing to reproach myself with—no offence committed against my God or the laws of my country . This treatment gave me good reason to suspect treachery on the part of the Indian boy ; and I afterwards found that in order to get his own freedom ( which he did ) he had discovered my intentions of escaping . Next morning my master loosed my leg , and by . means of another Indian who lishinformed that
spoke Eng , me he had discovered my intention of making off , and that had' I attempted to do so , death would have been the inevitable consequence , for that Fort Detroit was completely surrounded with four Indian Nations , the Chipwas ( to whom I belonged ) , the Ottawas , Poutewattimies , and Wianclows , who so blockaded the place , that nobody could go in or come out ; adding , that in a few days there would not be an Englishman left in it alive . Whereupon I found that it was absolutely necessary for my safety to affect a relish for their savage life , and to put on an air of perfect contentment , which I had often heard was the way to gain their affections ; whereas
a gloomy , discontented conduct irritates them , and excites to worse treatment , and even draws down death itself upon the captive who is so unfortunate as not to be able to accommodate himself to his situation . I therefore assured my master that I should no more think of leaving him ; which so pleased him , that he took me out to walk , and pointed out to me the place where Sir Robert Davers was buried , and what remained of the bodof CaptaiRobsonshowing likewise how im
y n ; me - possible it was that we could have escaped with our boats . He then led me to where the corpses of the poor soldiers lay who fell in the attack of the Indians , ancl which were become food for the dogs , that were then devouring them . Here he loosened my hands , and with the string bound up a heavy burden of sticks , which he placed upon my back , telling me , I was always to do that , or whatever work his wife might desire me .
When delivered of my burden , he again tied my hands , and fastened the rope to the rafters of the hut , but did not put my leg in the stocks as the night before . Yet it was equally impossible for me to effect an escape , and indeed by this time I had given up all hope of it , unless a more favourable opportunity should offer . _ Next morning my master and his family went off in their canoe to join the rest of the warriors encamped at Detroit , leaving me to the care of his fatherwho seemed fond of
, me , and wished that I should become a savage as soon as possible . Soon after my master ' s departure , he stripped me of all my clothes , and told me I should wear them no more , but dress like an Indian . He accordingly gave me a blanket and breech-clout , which is a piece of blue cloth , about a yard and a half long , and a foot broad , and which they pass through between their legs , bringing each end under a belt that round the middle for that
goes purpose . He then shaved my head , leaving only a small tuft of hair upon the crown , and two small locks , which he plaited , with silver brooches interwoven , making them to hang over my face , which was also painted with a variety of colours . I was also tattooed on both arms , with a turkey ' s foot on one , and a flower on the other—the emblems of the tribe . He likewise presented T-T ' ! , a tobacco-pouch and pipe , telling me that I should smoke , which I did , and became very fond of it .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Relation Of A Captivity Among The Indians Of North America.*
with this difference , that I had nothing to reproach myself with—no offence committed against my God or the laws of my country . This treatment gave me good reason to suspect treachery on the part of the Indian boy ; and I afterwards found that in order to get his own freedom ( which he did ) he had discovered my intentions of escaping . Next morning my master loosed my leg , and by . means of another Indian who lishinformed that
spoke Eng , me he had discovered my intention of making off , and that had' I attempted to do so , death would have been the inevitable consequence , for that Fort Detroit was completely surrounded with four Indian Nations , the Chipwas ( to whom I belonged ) , the Ottawas , Poutewattimies , and Wianclows , who so blockaded the place , that nobody could go in or come out ; adding , that in a few days there would not be an Englishman left in it alive . Whereupon I found that it was absolutely necessary for my safety to affect a relish for their savage life , and to put on an air of perfect contentment , which I had often heard was the way to gain their affections ; whereas
a gloomy , discontented conduct irritates them , and excites to worse treatment , and even draws down death itself upon the captive who is so unfortunate as not to be able to accommodate himself to his situation . I therefore assured my master that I should no more think of leaving him ; which so pleased him , that he took me out to walk , and pointed out to me the place where Sir Robert Davers was buried , and what remained of the bodof CaptaiRobsonshowing likewise how im
y n ; me - possible it was that we could have escaped with our boats . He then led me to where the corpses of the poor soldiers lay who fell in the attack of the Indians , ancl which were become food for the dogs , that were then devouring them . Here he loosened my hands , and with the string bound up a heavy burden of sticks , which he placed upon my back , telling me , I was always to do that , or whatever work his wife might desire me .
When delivered of my burden , he again tied my hands , and fastened the rope to the rafters of the hut , but did not put my leg in the stocks as the night before . Yet it was equally impossible for me to effect an escape , and indeed by this time I had given up all hope of it , unless a more favourable opportunity should offer . _ Next morning my master and his family went off in their canoe to join the rest of the warriors encamped at Detroit , leaving me to the care of his fatherwho seemed fond of
, me , and wished that I should become a savage as soon as possible . Soon after my master ' s departure , he stripped me of all my clothes , and told me I should wear them no more , but dress like an Indian . He accordingly gave me a blanket and breech-clout , which is a piece of blue cloth , about a yard and a half long , and a foot broad , and which they pass through between their legs , bringing each end under a belt that round the middle for that
goes purpose . He then shaved my head , leaving only a small tuft of hair upon the crown , and two small locks , which he plaited , with silver brooches interwoven , making them to hang over my face , which was also painted with a variety of colours . I was also tattooed on both arms , with a turkey ' s foot on one , and a flower on the other—the emblems of the tribe . He likewise presented T-T ' ! , a tobacco-pouch and pipe , telling me that I should smoke , which I did , and became very fond of it .