nor prevent its depredations. After leaving Genesee they marched directly
to some of the head waters of the Susquehannah river, and Schoharie Creek,
went down that creek to the Mohawk river, thence up that river to Fort
Stanwix, and from thence came home. In their route they burnt a number of
places; destroyed all the cattle and other property that fell in their
way; killed a number of white people, and brought home a few prisoners.

In that expedition, when they came to Fort Plain, on the Mohawk river,
Corn Planter and a party of his Indians took old John O'Bail, a white man,
and made him a prisoner. Old John O'Bail, in his younger days had
frequently passed through the Indian settlements that lay between the
Hudson and Fort Niagara, and in some of his excursions had become enamored
with a squaw, by whom he had a son that was called Corn Planter.

Corn Planter, was a chief of considerable eminence; and having been
informed of his parentage and of the place of his father's residence, took
the old man at this time, in order that he might make an introduction
leisurely, and become acquainted with a man to whom, though a stranger, he
was satisfied that he owed his existence.

After he had taken the old man, his father, he led him as a prisoner ten
or twelve miles up the river, and then stepped before him, faced about,
and addressed him in the following terms:--

"My name is John O'Bail, commonly called Corn Planter. I am your son! you
are my father! You are now my prisoner, and subject to the customs of
Indian warfare: but you shall not be harmed; you need not fear. I am a
warrior! Many are the scalps which I have taken! Many prisoners I have
tortured to death! I am your son! I am a warrior! I was anxious to see
you, and to greet you in friendship. I went to your cabin and took you by