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An account of Sa-Go-Ye-Wat-Ha by John Niles Hubbard
Book, page 160 / 199


the prisoner was liberated, and the case dismissed.

Not far from the time we are now considering, a remarkable conversation
took place between Red Jacket and a young candidate for the clerical
office, who afterward became an eminent divine. [Footnote: Rev. John
Breckenridge, D. D.] It serves very much to illustrate the orator's
character and views, and as we have permission, we give it entire, as
follows:

"The first-opportunity I ever enjoyed of seeing that deservedly celebrated
Indian chief, Red Jacket, was in the year 1821, at the residence of
General Peter B. Porter, Black Rock, New York. Being on a visit to the
general and his family, it seemed a peculiarly fit occasion to become
acquainted with the great Seneca orator, whose tribe resided within a few
miles of Black Rock. General Porter embraced in his command, the Indian
warriors who fought with us on that line, during the late war, with Great
Britain. From this cause; from his high character; his intimate
acquaintance with the chiefs; and his known attachment to these
interesting people, he had great influence over them; and his lamented
lady, who it is not indelicate for me to say, was my sister, had by her
kindness won the rugged hearts of all their leading men. So that their
united influence, and my near relationship to them, secured to me at once
access to the chiefs, and their entire confidence.

"I had not only a great desire to see Red Jacket, but also to use this
important opportunity to correct some of his false impressions, in regard
to Christianity, and the missionaries established in his tribe. To this
end it was agreed to invite Red Jacket and the other chiefs of the
Senecas, to visit Co-na-shus-ta, [Footnote: Name given by Red Jacket to
General Porter.] and meet his brother at his house. The invitation was
accordingly given, and very promptly and respectfully accepted.

"On the appointed day they made their appearance in due form headed by Red
Jacket, to the number of perhaps eight or ten, besides himself. Red Jacket
was dressed with much taste, in the Indian costume throughout. He wore a
blue dress, the upper garment cut after the fashion of a hunting shirt,
with blue leggings, very neat moccasins, a red jacket, and a girdle of red
about his waist. I have seldom seen a more dignified or noble looking body
of men than the entire group. It seems, though no such impression was
designed to be made by the terms of the invitation, that some indefinite

 
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