3929. INDIANS, Outacite.—
Before the
Revolution, the Indians were in the habit of
coming often and in great numbers to the seat
of government[in Virginia], where I was very
much with them. I knew much the great
Outacité, the warrior and orator of the Cherokees;
he was always the guest of my father,
on his journeys to and from Williamsburg. I
was in his camp when he made his great farewell
oration to his people the evening before
his departure for England. The moon was
in full splendor, and to her he seemed to address
himself in his prayers for his own safety
on the voyage, and that of his people during
his absence; his sounding voice, distinct articulation,
animated action, and the solemn silence
of his people at their several fires, filled me
with awe and veneration, although I did not
understand a word he uttered.—
To John Adams. Washington ed. vi, 61.
Ford ed., ix, 358.
(M.
1812)
