An Account of Sa-Go-Ye-Wat-Ha | Page 4

so the faculties of
his mind gained force by entering freely into conflicts of opinion.
Accustomed to canvass in private the questions which agitated the

councils of his nation, he began to ascertain the reality of his own
power, and by measuring his own with other minds, he gained the
confidence that flows from superior wisdom. [Footnote: Conversation
with Col. Wm. Jones.]
The tastes and regulations of his own people favored very much, the
promptings of his genius. They were lovers of eloquence, and their
form of government fostered its cultivation. This though differing but
little from the simplicity found in rude states of society, presented a
feature peculiar among a people not far advanced in civilization, which
served greatly to promote elevation of mind, and advance them far
above a condition of barbarism. They were in the habit of meeting in
public assemblies, to discuss those questions that pertained to the
interests, or destiny of their nation. Around their council fires their
chiefs and warriors gathered, and entered freely, so far as their dignity,
consideration, or power of debate admitted, into a deliberation on
public affairs. And here were manifested an ability and decorum which
civilized nations even, have viewed with admiration and surprise. For
though we might suppose their eloquence must have partaken of rant
and rhapsody, presenting a mass of incoherent ideas, depending for
their interest on the animation of gesture and voice, with which they
were uttered, yet we would do injustice to their memory, if we did not
give their orators the credit of speaking as much to the purpose, and of
exhibiting as great a force of intellect, as many who would claim a
higher place than they in the scale of intelligence and refinement.
Many of their orators were distinguished for strength of mind, and in
native power of genius, might compare favorably, with the men of any
age or clime. The names of Garangula, Adario, Hendrick, Skenandoah,
Logan and others, might be mentioned with pride by any people.
[Illustration: KING HENDRICK]
GARANGULA, has been styled the very Nestor of his nation, whose
powers of mind would not suffer in comparison with a Roman, or more
modern Senator. [Footnote: Drake.]
ADARIO is said to have been a man of "great mind, the bravest of the

brave," and possessing altogether the best qualities of any Indian
known to the French in Canada. [Footnote: Charlevoix.]
It has been remarked of HENDRICK, that for capacity, bravery, vigor
of mind, and immovable integrity united, he excelled all the aboriginal
inhabitants of the United States, of whom any knowledge has come
down to the present time. [Footnote: Dr. Dwight.]
SKENANDOAH in his youth was a brave and intrepid warrior, and in
his riper years one of the best of counsellors among the North
American tribes. He possessed a most vigorous mind, and was alike
active, sagacious, and persevering. He will long be remembered for a
saying of his to one who visited him toward the close of life; "I am,"
said he, "an aged hemlock, the winds of an hundred winters have
whistled through my branches. I am dead at the top. The generation to
which I belonged has run away and left me." He was a sincere believer
in the Christian religion, and added to the above "why I live the Great
and Good Spirit only knows. Pray to my Jesus, that I may have
patience to wait for my appointed time to die." [Footnote: Annals of
Tryon County.]
And Mr. Jefferson regarded the appeal of LOGAN to the white men,
after the extirpation of his family, as without a parallel in the history of
eloquence.
These were men who have been revered by the civilized world, as
worthy of a place with the distinguished and great among mankind.
"Oratory was not alone a natural gift, but an art among the Iroquois. It
enjoined painful study, unremitting practice, and sedulous observation
of the style, and methods of the best masters. Red Jacket did not rely
upon his native powers alone, but cultivated the art with the same
assiduity that characterized the great Athenian orator. The Iroquois, as
their earliest English historian observed, cultivated an Attic or classic
elegance of speech, which entranced every ear, among their red
auditory." [Footnote: Mr. Bryant's speech.]
Those public games, entertainments, religious ceremonies and dances,

common among the Indian tribes, added interest to their council
gatherings, and made them a scene of attraction for the entire nation.
Thither the young and old of both sexes were accustomed to resort, and,
assembled at their national forum, listened with profound attention and
silence to each word spoken by their orators. "The unvarying courtesy,
sobriety and dignity of their convocations led one of their learned Jesuit
historians to liken them to the Roman Senate." [Footnote: W. C.
Bryant's