The Captivity of Jonathan Alder (1773-1849)
and his life with the Indians
The excitement attending the military expeditions of 1782, began to subside about the close of the autumn months, and fighting ceased. The hunters were coming in, winter was approaching, and every preparation was made to meets its rigors. Young Alder was passing his time in acquiring a better knowledge of the Indian language. He found it slow work. The pronunciation was exceedingly difficult, and he frequently got the Delaware, Shawnee, and Mingo mixed. His Indian parents and sisters devoted a good deal of time to his instruction, in fact, he was an every day pupil, under one or the other, and sometimes altogether. However inclement the weather, he made it a rule to visit the walnut tree in the bottom, and take his dally refreshments by way of a hearty cry over his unfortunate captivity, and always returned to his master's wigwam much relieved. During the winter the Indian children were confined to the wigwams and fireside most of the time. He occasionally met some of the boys and girls, who tried to talk to him by words and sign, by which means they communicated their ideas so as to be understood by him. The Indians, young and old, were quite cheerful and seemed to enjoy themselves. They frequently assembled at the wigwam of Succopanus at night to talk over their hunting, fighting and other adventures, and young Alder was an attentive hearer, for by this time, he began to understand some portions of their narratives. The wigwam of Succopanus was quite comfortable. It was built of small logs well notched down, and all the cracks stopped with moss from decaying logs. The roof was of elm or hickory bark, peeled in the spring or early summer. A hole was left in the center of the roof for the smoke to go out at, for their fires were always built in the center of the house. The sides and overhead on inside of the wigwam, were covered with bear and deer skins. A door was cut in one side about the center, and a blanket or bear skin hung up for a shutter or door. In this wigwam, with a good fire of dry wood, for the Indians never used green wood, all were comfortably warm, though it was occasionally smoky. The fires were never very large, but always brisk and bright. In this manner the: winter wore away. The Indians passed the winter months in social amusements, dancing and feasting. They lived literally on the fat of the land, deer, bear and turkeys, all of which the hunters killed in abundance. Their mode of living did not agree with young Alder. He enjoyed their social gatherings in the wigwam, but so much meat without bread and salt, did not agree with his stomach. His Indian mother observing that he did not relish their style of cooking, prepared a special dish for him, after the manner of his own mother. In fact, she did everything in her power to make him cheerful and happy.
Spring began to make its appearance. The ice began to melt, and the snow to disappear. These changes were closely watched by the Indians as their season for trapping coon and otter was at hand. They generally began to set their traps about the last of February, and continued until May. Their traps were of the dead fall construction, and a good hunter could set about one hundred traps a day. These traps were expected to average about one coon each, sometimes more, owing to the location, the luck and experience of the hunter setting and attending them. The dead fall was placed on a log leading into a pond and supported by a figure four treadle, upon which a piece of frog or other meat was fastened as a bait, in such a manner that when the animal attempted to pass or remove it, the trap would fall upon, wound, kill or hold it until the hunter came up. Coon were very fond of frogs, and approach the center of ponds on fallen timber to capture them but by the wiles and inventions of the red man became the victims.
The first works required of young Alder was to skin and stretch the pelts of coon. That kind of work was always done by the squaws and boys. At first he was very slow and awkward, but soon became ardent at the business. He says, "I soon learned to skin and stretch a coon or other skin as quickly and as neatly as any boy or squaw in the village." Nevertheless he regarded the task, at first, as very unpleasant, but in a short time really enjoyed it, as it gave him something to occupy his attention, and prevented him from brooding over his troubles. In a few years he became very expert and concluded he could beat any Indian he ever saw skinning and dressing anything from a coon to a buffalo. By the end of the trapping season he could understand a good deal of the three languages spoken in the village and was allowed, by the young folks of his age, to take an active part in all the favorite games and sports. These games and sports furnished much diversion, and gave great relief to his mind. In truth, he became so much infatuated with their novelty and merriment, that he gradually neglected his old habit of going to the walnut tree in the bottom, to weep. So great had been the change, that he says, "I began to enjoy myself to a large extent."
One of the amusements of the Indian boys, consisted in learning to swim, an exercise to which they were much attached, and in which they were very proficient. The waters of the Mad River were near the village, and as soon as the stream became sufficiently tempered by spring weather, the Indian boys visited it to bathe. One day a number of boys went down to the river to have a little sport bathing, jumping and racing. Young Alder had not yet learned to swim, and of course kept near shore. The river was full and somewhat rolling. The boys selected a place just above a riffle. The water near the center of the stream was from four to ten feet deep. The Indian boys, large and small, could swim like ducks, in shallow or deep water, dive and come up some distance from where they went down. They moved like corks in deep water, popping up here and there, and were as full of merriment as any set of children could be. One of the boys proposed to young Alder to get on his back and he would swim out into the deep water and bring him back all safe. To convince him that he could do so, took a boy much larger, swam out and brought him back safely. Young Alder finally agreed to make the trial, but felt a little timid. He says, "I got on the back of one of the large boys and locked my arms tightly around his neck. He then struck out and swam around for some time, instructing me in the art of swimming. After swimming, in this manner, for some time, he swam up above the riffle where the water was deepest. All at once, without giving notice, he dived in the deepest part, taking me with him. Not being aware of his intentions, I was of course strangled, and let all holds go. He had to raise to get breath, and supposed he would find me at the top of the water, but he was mistaken - I sank to the bottom! As soon as he found I did not rise he became scared and commenced diving here and there all over the river, hunting for me. All the other boys came to his assistance, and searched for me, under the water, for a long time, (so they told me afterwards), but all was of no use, the water being deep and muddy. I could not be seen, so after awhile they gave up the hunt, came out and commenced putting on their clothes, for they were all badly frightened, and scarcely knew what to do. Just then, one of the boys observed something white in the riffle. They all swam out to see what it was, and found me. They thought I was dead but applied the usual remedy in such cases. The first I remembered, after I began to rally was that I was lying on my face with my head down hill and the water running out of my mouth. The boys were rolling me back and forth on the river bank. To die by drowning is an easy death, but it is very severe to come to again. When the boy first dove with me I was strangled, but that was soon over. I became very sleepy and drew my breath easily. As I lay in the river, I looked at the sun as it shone in my face and that is about all I remembered. The next, was they were rolling me on the bank, with my head down hill, and the water ran out of my mouth. The boys frequently pressed on my stomach; my breath was very short, it seemed as if I was smothering. Between the times of rolling, they stopped for a moment, and spoke to me to see whether I could answer them but it was sometime before I could, I was in great pain and vomited several times. Sometimes they put me on my feet and held me up, but I was unable to stand, so they laid me down on my face and rolled me again and again. I noticed I was improving, but it was very slowly. I could breathe easier and the pain was less severe. About the middle of the afternoon they made preparations to take me home. I had by this time so improved that I could walk around. The next difficulty, was, to so manage that the folks at home, would know nothing about the occurrence for the boys very well knew, if it were found out, it would be the last time I would be permitted to go with them. The boys who had done the mischief gave me a large silver brooch, and the other boys gave me other things by way of presents. They all begged me not to tell the story to any one, saying, 'they would always be my friends, that they were only in fun when diving with me on their backs', as that was the way the Indians were taught to swim! It was the custom of the larger boys to take the smaller ones on their backs and teach them how to make the proper motions with their arms and feet, and then take them into deep water, cut loose and let them help themselves. But the larger boys always remained near the smaller ones to render any assistance that might be necessary, but I had sunk immediately and did not rise. The Indians always rise to the top again They declared no trick should ever be played on me again, if I would only agree not to tell any one about it. I took all the presents and made all the promises they desired. after which we all ventured to return home. All our care did not do, for the watchful eye of my mother perceived something wrong. She questioned me very closely. "Was I sick? Had I got hurt?' I told her no, but that I did not feel as well as usual. She then inquired how I became possessed of the valuable brooch, beads and other presents. For fear she would think I had stolen them, I told her the boys gave them to me. It seemed to please her very much to know I had got all these fine things honestly, and that the boys thought so much of me, as to make a present of their most valuable ornaments. These statements seemed to elevate me in her estimation over one hundred per cent, though she could hardly believe the truth, until I told her what boy gave me the large brooch, and who gave me the other things. She then asked them if it was true - they told her it was. Then she was really happy."
During the early summer and fall he amused himself in playing ball, running races and the like, with the Indian boys and girls. These exercises constituted their principal recreations. He became very expert, and quite a favorite, but was not exempt from the tricks and jokes of the youths of both sexes. They never really treated him rudely or in a way to intentionally wound his feelings. Their jokes and tricks were all intended as pleasantries. No bitterness or strife was engendered. In all their sports and tricks, no matter what would happen, neither ill will nor malice was manifested. They were always cheerful good natured and happy, and this added much relief to his despondency.
Jonathan took great pleasure in learning to fish and trap small animals. This was a kind of pastime which the Indian boys learned when very young. Neither fishing nor trapping was done from necessity, nevertheless the boys were always proud of taking game, and were warmly praised by the Indians when they evinced skill and success. As among white boys, gathering wild fruits and nuts was a favorite amusement, because it furnished an agreeable and profitable employment. The pleasure of cracking nuts around the fires of the wigwams, during the long winter evenings while the elder Indians were relating their wonderful adventures, either in war or hunting, was eagerly seized by the young folks. They listened to these stories, as well as to some ancient oracle relating the history of his tribe, and other marvelous stories that had been handed down from generation to generation. To the young and the uneducated Indian, one of the greatest sources of pleasure, next to telling his own exploits, is to hear some old sage of the tribe, relate its history. It was in the midst of such scenes as these the summer, fall and winter months were passed. Sometimes the Indian camps were enlivened by a white trader coming in, but this was a rare occurrence during the fall and winter. Their principal period of trade was in the spring.
In the spring of 1783, after the peltry trade opened, an Indian trader appeared among the Shawnee Indians. He was a Kentuckian and had an Indian wife - a very common thing for traders. By marrying g squaw they were safer among the Indians. At this time, arrangements had been made between the whites and Indians, through this trader, for an exchange of prisoners. The Indian parents of young Alder notified him of the mission of the trader, and we will let him relate the substance of the interview concerning so important a matter. He says: "My father, who had been always honest and true in his dealings with me, called me to him one day and asked me if I would- like to see my mother and little brothers. I was very much astonished at first as I supposed my mother and brothers had been taken prisoners, consequently I hardly knew what answer to make, so I merely replied, 'Why do you ask me that?' He then told me that there had been a treaty made with the whites by the Indians for an exchange of prisoners, and all that wished to go back to their people could do so now, and if you want to go back to see your mother, and live with her and your brothers, I will make the arrangements so you can do so. You can consider the matter and make up your mind, as it will be some time before you will have to start. We would like very much to have you stay with us, but if you wish to go you shall do so, and your (Indian) mother and I will see that you have all that is necessary for you to take along to make you comfortable. Make up your mind so that you will be satisfied, one way or the other. It will be very hard for your (Indian) mother to part with you, yet, she must do so, if you think best. Now go and think about it and let me know when you have made up your mind.' The old man took my hand and turned his head away from me, and I thought I saw a tear in his eye - a very rare thing to see in an Indian warrior. This news from my father almost set me crazy. I was really wild with excitement and the very thought of getting home made me nervous and sleepless. It was, however, a hope that had never entirely left me from the moment I was taken, up to that time. I very soon made up my mind to see my mother. I was so overjoyed with the idea I could not prevent tears from coming to my eyes whenever they spoke to me about it. Even when by myself the thought of once more having the pleasure of seeing my mother and little brothers so over came me, I would burst out crying for joy. But very soon an undercurrent was set in motion to destroy my hopes and expectations. As I have said, I had become a great favorite with the boys and girls, and as soon as they heard I was going to leave, they told me all manner of stories and bugaboos about the trader. The story that most influenced me was, that the Kentuckian was no agent and had no intention of taking me home to my mother, but would take me to Kentucky and sell me for a slave, as he had done with several others. 'You will be a slave all your life and never see your mother or brothers in the world,' they said. They would take me by the hands, both boys and girls, look me squarely in the face and talk to me in this manner, until their eyes would be full of tears, begging me not to leave them to be a slave. 'Oh, they never could live to see me so badly treated.' Thus, for hours, they would talk to me and cry and beg me not to go. To such an extent was this carried, that I scarcely knew what to think or do. I frequently told my father what the young folks had said to me, but he assured me there was no truth in it , all was false, that the man was a duly accredited agent and would take me home and deliver me safely to my mother and for me not to believe any of their stories. My Indian mother had but very little to say on the subject, but that which she said satisfied me that it would be a hard matter for her to part with me. Indeed, I knew the hour of separation would be a trying one for both of us. Not a day passed that the young folks did not coax or attempt to frighten me to stay. However, I placed full confidence in all my father said concerning the agent and felt easy in my mind. My father frequently visited the agent, and when he came back, told me all he said concerning his preparations, and about the time he would be ready to start. Thus. time passed, but with a great deal of anxiety on my part. I was anxious to see the day come and equally anxious to see my mother and brothers, but sorry to leave my Indian parents and the young people, and of course, there was a lingering doubt in my mind about the final result for notwithstanding all my father had said, there was still some fear in my mind, that at least, some of the many stories the boys and girls had told me, might be true. If any of them were true it would be a bad thing for me, yet my resolution was to go or make the effort, let what would be the result. Finally, my mother began to fix my clothes and get things ready for me to start. She told me that in about ten days I would be taken by the agent that was making the exchange, so that I would be ready. When this came to be known among the young people they doubled their efforts to frighten me into staying with them. I did not fully understand the Indian character in such matters. In many respects they are the most honorable and truthful people I ever knew, yet, when they have anything to accomplish that may add to their interest or pleasure, they do not hesitate to carry their purposes, by false or deceptive means. At last the day came, and I was told the agent would be ready to start in about ten days, and that he wanted me about eight days before hand, in order that we might become acquainted with each other. My father told me we would start the next morning, and he would take me to the man, and for me to bid good-bye to all my young friends, for I would perhaps never see them again, as I was going on a long journey and not to return. That farewell was by no means a pleasant one for me. Such weeping, crying and begging I never heard before or since. I felt very sorry to leave them, for they had all treated me so kindly, yet I had made up my mind to see my mother, and when they found their efforts were of no avail, each one came and gave me some token of remembrance and so we parted late in the evening, I with a resolute but sorrowful heart, they sorrowful and hopeless."
On to Chapter 5 "The Departure and Return - New Stratagems - Mrs. Martin - Indian Work - Squaw Work"
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