He perceived at a glance, that
his entire history in the future, would depend on the decision that would
then and there take place. He might be doomed, if his life were spared,
and this was not altogether certain, to be the victim of surmises and
superstitions, that would be annoying, if they did not prove to be utterly
destructive of his happiness. He accordingly summoned himself for an
effort as great, as his position was dangerous.
He conducted the trial in his own defense. In this he exhibited the
exceeding wariness, which was ever a prominent characteristic of his
nature. The slightest circumstance affecting the character, or bearing
suspiciously upon his adversary was not overlooked, and his history was
scanned with the searching scrutiny of a mind, that seemed to grasp
intuitively, the secret springs, which had influenced his conduct. One by
one the professions that had formed his garb of sanctity, were exposed to
the burning power of his keen satire, and step by step he advanced to a
point, where, from the full assurance he had established this conviction
in the minds of his people, he pronounced him AN IMPOSTER,--A CHEAT.
[Footnote: Conversation of the author with Wm. Jones, a chief among the
Senecas, and a son-in-law of Red Jacket.]
His speech riveted the attention of his hearers for nearly three hours. He
prevailed. "THE IRON BROW OF SUPERSTITION RELENTED UNDER THE MAGIC POWER
OF HIS ELOQUENCE."--The Indians divided and a majority appeared in his
favor.
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