What have our
brothers done, more than the rulers of your own people have done? And what
crime has this man committed, by executing in a summary way, the laws of
his country, and the command of the Great Spirit?" [Footnote: Col. Stone,
and also Drake's Book of the Indians.]
It has been observed of Red Jacket's appearance on this occasion: "there
is not, perhaps in nature, a more expressive eye than that of Red Jacket;
when fired by indignation or revenge, it is terrible; and when he chooses
to display his unrivalled talent for irony, his keen sarcastic glance, is
irresistible." [Footnote: Drake.]
This trial resulted in finding the allegations in the prisoner's plea to
be true; yet the judgment being suspended, it was referred finally to the
Supreme Court. A thorough examination of the laws, treaties and history
relating to our correspondence with the Indian tribes, gave evidence of a
sort of sovereignty among them, but as it was thought inexpedient to
render a decision, that would recognize their independent jurisdiction,
the prisoner was liberated, and the case dismissed.
Not far from the time we are now considering, a remarkable conversation
took place between Red Jacket and a young candidate for the clerical
office, who afterward became an eminent divine. [Footnote: Rev. John
Breckenridge, D. D.] It serves very much to illustrate the orator's
character and views, and as we have permission, we give it entire, as
follows:
"The first-opportunity I ever enjoyed of seeing that deservedly celebrated
Indian chief, Red Jacket, was in the year 1821, at the residence of
General Peter B.
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