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INDIAN STRATAGEM.

In one of the frequent wars among the different tribes of Indians, a Pequot was pursued by a Narraganset Indian. The Pequot skulked behind a rock, and raising his hat on his gun, held it up just above the rock, so that the hat alone was visible on the other side.

The Narraganset, who was at some distance, perceiving the hat, and supposing of course that the head of the Pequot was in it, crept softly up within a few feet and fired. But directly he had the mortification to find that he had thrown away his powder. The Pequot’s gun was still loaded, and he discharged it to effect upon the poor Narraganset.

RED JACKET.

It happened, during the Revolutionary war, that a treaty was held with the Indians, at which Lafayette was present. The object was to unite the various tribes in amity with America. The majority of the chiefs were friendly, but there was much opposition made to it, more especially by a young warrior, who declared that when an alliance was entered into with America, he should consider the sun of his country as set forever. In his travels through the Indian country, when lately in America, it happened at a large assemblage of chiefs that Lafayette referred to the treaty in question, and turning to Red Jacket, said, “Pray, tell me, if you can, what has become of that daring youth, who so decidedly opposed all our propositions for peace and amity? Does he still live–and what is his condition?” “I myself am the man,” replied Red Jacket, “the decided enemy of the Americans as long as the hope of opposing them with success remained, but now their true and faithful ally until death.”

INDIAN SHREWDNESS.

When General Lincoln went to make peace with the Creek Indians, one of the chiefs asked him to sit down on a log. He was then desired to move, and in a few minutes to move still further. The request was repeated until the general got to the end of the log. The Indian still said, “Move further,” to which the general replied, “I can move no further.” “Just so it is with us,” said the chief; “you have moved us back to the water, and then ask us to move further.”

AN INDIAN’S JOKE.

During the time of Indian troubles, a friendly Indian visited Governor Jenks, of Rhode Island, when the governor took occasion to request him to let him know if any strange Indian should come to his wigwam. This the Indian promised to do, and the governor agreed to give him a mug of flip if he should give such information. Some time after, the Indian came again, and said, “Well, Mr. Gubernor, strange Indian come to my house last night.” “Ah,” said the governor, “what did he say?” “He no speak,” replied the Indian. “What, not speak at all?” inquired the governor. “No, he no speak at all.” “That looks suspicious,” said his excellency, and inquired if he was there still. Being told that he was, the governor ordered the promised mug of flip. When this was disposed of, and the Indian was about to depart, he mildly said, “Mr. Gubernor, my squaw have child last night.” The governor, finding the strange Indian was a new-born pappoose, was glad to find there was no cause for alarm.

INDIAN CHARACTER.

The following striking display of Indian character occurred some years since in a town in Maine. An Indian of the Kennebec tribe, remarkable for his good conduct, received a grant of land from the state, and fixed himself in a township, where a number of families settled. Though not ill treated, yet the common prejudice against the Indians prevented any sympathy with him. This was shown at the death of his only child, when none of the people came near him. Shortly afterwards he went to some of the inhabitants, and said to them, “When white man’s child die, Indian man be sorry–he help bury him: when my child die, no one speak to me–I make his grave alone–I can’t live here.”