James Logan
James Logan was born,
Tachnechdorus, circa 1725, into the Mingo tribe in Pennsylvania. His father, was an
Iroquois leader, and his mother, a Cuyaga. Young Tachnechdorus grew up friendly with the
whites, in keeping with his tribe’s traditional alliance. He was befriended by a
Quaker named James Logan, who educated him and gave him his name, James Logan.
In 1770,
he moved his family to Ohio where in 1774, his wife and children were all murdered by
white settlers. His friendship with the English colonists was over and he joined Chief Cornstalk (Shawnee) in his fight against the British.
A peace meeting was held near Chillicothe, Ohio, between the whites and Cornstalk. James
Logan refused to attend, but he sent this message considered to be one of the finest
examples of Native American writing. It was read at the meeting and printed widely in the
colonial media. It is printed in its entirety at right.
Colonel Cresap was found innocent of the murders and Logan continued his attacks on
settlements across the frontier. He died in 1780, a bitter man who’s life had been so
tragically changed, at the hands of another Indian (possibly his nephew), near
Detroit.
'Indian' segment written in December, 1997 by David Lodge
[ Back to Indians Index ] |
James Logan |
| "I appeal to any white man to say if he ever entered Logan’s cabin
hungry and he gave him not meat; if he ever came cold and naked he clothed him not. During
the course of the last long and bloody war, Logan remained idle in his cabin, an advocate
for peace. Such was my love for the whites that my countrymen pointed as I passed and
said, "Logan is a friend of the white man." I had even thought to have lived
with you but for the injuries of one man, Colonel Cresap, the late spring, in cold blood
and unprovoked, murdered all the relatives of Logan, not even sparing his wives and
children. There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins of any living creature. This
calls on me for revenge, I have sought it; I have killed many; I have grown glutted in my
vengeance. For my country I rejoice at the beams of peace; but do not harbor any thought
that mine is the joy of fear. Logan never felt fear. He will not turn his heel to save his
life. Who is there to mourn for Logan? Not one." |
