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Book, page 171 / 199 A prominent characteristic of Red Jacket's mind, was self esteem, which led him to be quite tenacious of his own opinion. He probably did not underrate his own ability. He felt conscious of possessing talents, which would enable him to act with dignity and propriety, in any emergency calling for their exercise. He never appeared to be intimidated or embarrassed at the thought of meeting with great men, but seemed always to be at home in their society, and to feel and act as though he regarded himself on an equality with them. This was evident in his interview with General Lafayette, in 1825. On being presented to the general, the orator inquired if he recollected being present, at the treaty of peace with the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix, in 1784. Lafayette replied that he remembered that great council very well. "And what," said he, "has become of the young chief, who resisted so strenuously and eloquently on that occasion, the idea of the Indians' burying the hatchet?" "_He is before you_," was the instant reply. Upon which the general remarked, that time had wrought very great changes upon them both since that memorable period. "Ah!" said Red Jacket, "time has not been so severe on you, as it has on me. It has left you a fresh countenance, and hair to cover your head; while to me,--behold!"--And taking a handkerchief from his head, with an air of much feeling, he disclosed the fact that he was nearly bald. Several persons present could not refrain from smiling at the simplicity of the Indian, who appeared ignorant of the way the white man, was wont to repair the ravages of age in this respect. His simplicity was enlightened by the fact, that the general was indebted to a wig, for his generous supply of hair. Whereupon the orator playfully remarked, referring to the practice of his people in war, that it had not occurred to him before, that he might supply the deficiency by _scalping_ some of his neighbors. M. Lavasseur, the secretary of General Lafayette, remarks of the orator's appearance at that time. "This extraordinary man, although much worn down by time and intemperance, preserves yet in a surprising degree, the exercise of all his faculties. He obstinately refuses to speak any language, but that of his own people, and affects a great dislike to all others. Although it is easy to discern, that he perfectly understands the English. He refused nevertheless, to reply to the general before his interpreter had translated his questions into the Seneca language." [Footnote: See Drake, Col. Stone and others.]
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