Page:History of the Ojibway Nation.djvu/217

Rh which, Wa-wa-tam pronounced a speech, every word of which, to me, was of extraordinary interest:—

Friends and relations,' he began, 'what is it that I shall say? You know what I feel. You all have friends and brothers and children, whom as yourselves you love, and you, what would you experience, did you, like me, behold your dearest friend, your brother, in the condition of a slave—a slave exposed every moment to insult, and to the menaces of death! This case, as you all know, is mine. See there,' pointing to myself, 'my friend and brother among slaves, himself a slave!

You all well know, long before the war began, I adopted him as my brother. From this moment he became one of my family, so that no change of circumstances could break the cord which fastened us together. He is my brother—and because I am your relation, he is therefore your relation too; and how, being your relation, can he be your slave?

On the day on which the war began, you were fearful, lest, on this very account, I should reveal your secret. You requested, therefore, that I should leave the fort, and even cross the lake. I did so, but did it with reluctance. I did it with reluctance, notwithstanding that you, Mih-neh-weh-na, who had the command in this enterprise, gave me your promise that you would protect my friend, delivering him from all danger, and giving him safely to me.

The performance of this promise I now claim. I come not with empty hands to ask. You, Mih-neh-weh-na, best know whether or not, as it respects yourself, you have kept your word. But I bring these goods, to buy off every claim, which any man among you all may have on my brother, as his prisoner.'

"Wa-wa-tam having ceased, the pipes were again filled, and after they were finished, a further period of silence followed. At the end of this, Mih-neh-weh-na arose and gave his reply:—