Owing to slanderous reports that had been circulated, he at one time began
to suspect that his friend Captain Jones, was actuated by motives of self-
interest, and did not property regard the interest of the Indians.
Jones soon after met Red Jacket with his usual cordiality of manner, but
was received with evident marks of coldness and distrust. "After the lapse
of a few minutes, during which time the questions of Jones were answered
in monosylables, the captain asked an explanation of the orator's conduct.
Fixing his searching glance upon him, as if reading the secrets of his
soul, Red Jacket told him of the rumor circulated, in reference to his
fidelity to the Indians, and concluded by saying with a saddened
expression, 'And have _you_ at last deserted us?' The look, the tone, the
attitude of the orator, were so touching, so despairing, that Jones,
though made of stern materials, wept like a child; at the same time
refuting the calumny in the most energetic terms. Convinced that Jones was
still true, the chief, forgetful of the stoicism of his race, mingled his
tears with those of Jones, and embracing him with the cordiality of old,
the reconciled parties renewed old friendship over a social glass."
[Footnote: W. H. C. Hosmer to Col. Stone.]
CHAPTER XXI
Views at the close of life--Incident--His life work--Unfavorable
influences--Advance of the Christian party--Conversion of Red Jacket's
wife--He leaves her--His return--Red Jacket deposed--Journey to Washington
--His restoration--Rapid decline--Regards his end as near--Talks with his
people--Endeavors to unite them.
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