“Then,” said Tecumseh, “let a moon pass away, and we will again meet;” and rising, they sought their respective wigwams.
How inadequate sometimes are circumstances to their results? Is there one of us whose life has not been influenced by a circumstance deemed at the time trivial in its nature, or is there one of us who cannot trace many of the most material events in our own lives to circumstances apparently so trifling, that at the time of their happening, we would not have changed them, if we could, by a wish. Not only have individuals felt the force of the above remark, but even empires. It is said, with how much truth I know not, that Buonaparte, when leaving the military school at Brienne, applied for employment in the Turkish army, and contemplated entering into the service of the Grand Seignor. If it be true, what a source for speculation! What a multitude of events hung suspended upon that application! How many lives were numbered upon its refusal? What if the blood which Napoleon caused to flow, had at that moment rushed by in a torrent? What a startling vision for the Mussulman, could he have seen in the future, that his employment of Napoleon would change his destiny, and reserve for a different fate the countless thousands whom his mad ambition sacrificed? What a source of speculation in the conduct of the Pasha! was he an instrument in the hands of high Heaven, settling the fate of the thousands whose destiny depended thereon, or was his refusal but the result of blind chance?
It is but comparing small things with great, to advert to the meeting of the Indian brothers in connexion with the alleged application of Napoleon. Though less in its consequences, it was not to some extent, less fatal in its results; and served to produce events darker than which none are to be found on the page of history.
How sad were the effects of that conversation! How many, while it was going on, were in the possession of health and happiness, who afterward, on account of it were made to writhe at the stake; and how many, both red men and white, did it hurry on to an untimely grave!
The consequences are remarkable, because the character was assumed by one aware of its weakness, not by a fanatic believing what he preached, and led on by a bigoted zeal; but by one who knew that it must be founded in deception, and supported by trick, cunning, and treachery. Aware of this, it will be a source of interest to trace the petty devices which were used by the new made Prophet, in order to enable him to obtain a mastery over the uncultivated minds of the aborigines; and it will be the more interesting, when we reflect, that he so far succeeded, as to establish for himself a power, which not only spread terror and dismay along our frontiers, but which enabled him to order to the stake those of his own race who opposed his schemes, even though they were the chiefs of their tribes.
CHAPTER XI.
“'Tis said thou holdest converse with the things
Which are forbidden to the search of man;
And that with evil and unheavenly spirits
Thou communest. I know that with mankind,
Thy fellows in creation, thou dost rarely
Exchange thy thoughts, and that thy solitude
Is as an anchorite's.”
BYRON.
In accordance with the resolution adopted by the brothers, as mentioned in our last chapter, Elkswatawa suddenly appeared as a Prophet among the Shawanees. Meek and humble in his manner, he was not characterized by the frivolities of dress, which, among the Indians, always distinguished those who have attempted to play similar parts, nor was there indeed any thing about his apparel at all calculated to render him conspicuous. A blanket thrown loosely over his shoulders, formed his upper garment, and when removed, disclosed a frock or kirtle, of blue cotton cloth, closely fitting his person, and extending down nearly to his knees. From his ears were suspended large silver medals. These were the only ornaments worn by him. His countenance was unpainted, and, although it was the invariable custom of his countrymen never to move without the implements of war, or those of the chase, yet he had neither, but went forth apparently as incapable of doing mischief as when first he came into the world.
His appearance as Prophet for a time produced no excitement, and he was regarded only as one of the many impostors who often sprung up among the various tribes, and assumed the character either for the purpose of gratifying private feelings of revenge, or else for the sake of personal aggrandisement. But not at all discouraged by the manner in which he was received, he kept steadily in view the object for which he had set out. Regardless of the reproaches and taunting speeches which often met his ears, he pursued the even tenor of his way, content to tell to every circle, however small, that he was the chosen agent of the Great Spirit, sent to warn the red men of their evil deeds, and beg them to do better. An example of all that was patient and meek, he was found wandering from village to village, preaching as long as he had a hearer, and satisfied when his task was finished;—he then seemed to have performed his duty, and again continued his journey, apparently careless whether his words were heeded or not. He asked nothing at the hands of any one, and refused to accept when any thing was offered. Conduct so singular in an Indian, gave rise to conversation, then to surprise, and finally to excitement. His words were now eagerly listened to, but to what they tended, or what was their ultimate object, no human being could foresee. He was enigmatical in his expressions, and to all his followers, seemed shrouded in mystery. He had been playing his part for about two months, when leaving the scene of action for a time, he was again seen in secret conference with Tecumseh. They were now less gloomy than when first they met, and a gleam of satisfaction already shone in their countenances.
“Welcome, brother,” said Tecumseh. “Have the winds of night sung to you the words of the Great Spirit, and have you put them into the ears of the red men?”