Red Jacket, among others, was called upon the stand, and examined
with reference to the laws, and usages of his people.
The counsel who conducted the prosecution, wishing to exclude his
testimony, inquired whether he believed in the existence of a God? "_More
truly than one who could ask me such a question_;" was his instant and
indignant reply.
On cross examination the inquiry was made, as to the rank he held among
his own people? "Look at the papers, which the white men keep the most
carefully," meaning the treaties ceding their lands, "and they will tell
you."
The orator's testimony, as did also that of other witnesses, who testified
in the case, went to show that this woman, according to the judgment of
the Indians, was a witch. That she had been regularly tried, and condemned
by their laws; and her death was in conformity with usages, that had been
in existence among them, from time immemorial.
During the course of this examination, Red Jacket perceived that the
belief of the Indians in witchcraft, was made a subject of ridicule among
the bystanders, as well as legal gentlemen present, and he took occasion
when an opportunity offered, to break forth in the following language:
"What! Do you denounce us as fools and bigots, because we still believe
that which you yourselves believed two centuries ago? Your black coats
thundered this doctrine from the pulpit, your judges pronounced it from
the bench, and sanctioned it with the formalities of law; and you would
now punish our unfortunate brother, for adhering to the faith of _his_
fathers and of _yours_! Go to Salem! Look at the records of your own
government, and you will find that hundreds have been executed for the
very crime, which has called forth the sentence of condemnation against
this woman, and drawn down upon her the arms of vengeance.
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