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Jacob Lindley's Account, 1793

SW_JL1793_Page_112

gone, had sold lands for knives, broaches, and rum, tillthey were now driven almost to the sun-setting, wherethey were determined to make a stand. He com-plained of the ruinous consequences of the introduc-tion of spirituous liquors amongst their fathers, say-ing, at first, they called it bitter water, and some,fiery water. But by repeated offers of it to them,they at length fell in with it, to their hurt in gene-ral. He also informed, that four days before he leftthe Rapids, a deputation of two chiefs of each nationhad embarked to meet the commissioners at Niaga-ra, to let them know the outlines of their conclusions,and that if the white people would settle to the banksof Ohio, on the east side, and agree that the rivershould be the line, they would be glad, and take themby the hand, and call them brothers. All which intel-ligence, he said, might be depended on as true. Ourapprehensions that the commissioners were vested with no such powers, and that the government hadno such intentions, tended to thicken the cloud whichseems impending over this land; as the seeds of de-struction are sowing in a soil, prepared to produceshocking scenes. This same Indian, getting raised with strong drinkin the afternoon, made a stroke with his tomahawkat one Sylvester Ash, an interpreter, who had longresided with the Shawnese; Ash’s exertions pre-vented his killing him; he then knocked off ourlandlord's hat, who struck him several hard blows,and turned him out of the house. Capt. Munsey,being present, sent for two soldiers, who put himout of the garrison. He was much enraged. Uponthe whole, all things conspire to increase the gloom,