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December 14, 1736, Issue 506, Page 2
[New England Weekly Journal, Boston, Mass.]Extract of a Letter from Mississipi(sic), dated April 30, 1736
M. De Bienville, Governor of this Province, being determined to destroy the Savages called Chekasaws (sic), by way of by way of Revenge for the Injuries which they did last year to the French, began his March toward them some time ago from New Orleans, and passed through Mouille with the Inhabitants of the low Lands: He dispatched Orders in the mean while to M. d'Artaguette, the commanding Officer amongst the Illinese, to join the French the first of April, and to muster together as many Savages as he could get. M. d'Artaguettee accordingly made such Haste, that he arrived at the Rendezvous appointed before the Time prescribed; and instead of waiting the coming of M. Beinville, he went to attack the Chekcsaws, trusting very much to the Bravery of the Illinese, who nevertheless abandoned him at the first Fire of the People of Checkasaws, insomuch that he had no more than 150 Men left, both French and Savages, to withstand 800; Therefore the Battle did not last long; he was quickly defeated and killed, with all the other Officers & 48 French. M. Bienville being informed of this Misfortune , did not, however, stop his Career; but notwithstanding all his Efforts, and after a March of 500 Leagues, he had not the good Fortune to force the Savages, who fight like Lions, & are powerfully and odly (sic) intrenched (sic). Their Cottages are disposed in such a Manner as to defend each other; and as the People are excellent Marksmen, and fire Crosswise very dexterously, they seldom miss killing or wounding; Therefore the best way to force them for the future is, to lay Siege to them in Form; but the Difficulty is, to carry Artillery so far. We have, indeed, invented a Store Cabbins; but that does not discourage them. Four Officers, with several Soldiers, were killed; and Numbers of Officers & Soldiers, both Swiss & French, and of the Militia, were wounded in this Expedition. Father Senal, a Jesiut, who was our Chaplain was taken by the Savages; and without doubt will suffer a cruel and lingering death; it being the Custom of the Savages to torment their Prisoners in Days, or above.
(this article has many typos in it)
Subject: General Jackson
Messrs. Editors – In a journey through the Choctaw nation in the summer of 1815, an incident occurred which I am induced to relate to you, because it shows the character of a distinguished individual, in a point of view which will give pleasure to every one possessed of generous feelings.
I was in company with two western traders, and we halted on the road for refreshment at the house of a half breed Indian, who kept a little Inn. On the opposite side of the road there was a small log hut, as is usual at these Indian establishments, which they designate “white man’s house".
While our repast was preparing, my attention was drawn to a little girl who was playing in the road, between the two houses, and who, from her appearance, seemed to be the child of respectable parents. I made some inquiries of her, and found that her mother was confined in a hut with a fever: the lady was much agitated upon my entering the door, but being satisfied that my intrusion was with a view to assist her, she stated that she had lost her husband on the Mississippi, was returning to her friends, and that, a night or two before, her wagoner had run off with one of the horses, and stolen all her money, and that her son a lad of 17 years, had gone in pursuit of him. She was very much distressed, and said her desire was to get on to Nashville, from whence she could reach her friends.
After some difficulty I contracted with the Indian to give him an order on Gen. Jackson, for ___ dollars, if he would furnish another horse for the wagon, and deliver the lady and her children to the General at Nashville, one of the traders, in whom the man had confidence, becoming my security. This interesting but unfortunate family, were safely conducted there, a journey of 200 miles, and delivered to the General, who forwarded them to their friends.
In the winter of 1816, I met the General here, whom I have seen but once since. I tendered him the money he had paid. “No, no!” said this brave man, (whose countenance I had been accustomed to view marked with the care of an army of heterogeneous materials under his command, and with the aspect of the avenger of his invaded country, now lighted up with the feelings of a charitable heart,) “you did a good act, and afforded me a happiness in partaking of it: I can’t receive the money; that is my part.” Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) October 20 1824 - From the National Intelligencer - Submitted by Nancy Piper
Subject: Choctaw Deputation
A deputation of Choctaws, nine in number, arrived in this city a few days past, on business with the Government.
On their way, and when at Maysville, Kentucky, Puck-shee-nubbee, a principal Chief, and aged about 85 years, stepped from a precipice, in a fag which hid the chasm from his view and fractured his skull, which killed him.
Page 2, Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) November 10, 1824 Submitted by Nancy Piper
