18th century painting of Tomochichi and Oglethorpe visiting London
"Let us not forget the noble work of John Wesley, Benjamin Ingham, Peter Rose, The Salzburger community and the noble chief. They all worked together to establish the Indian school at Irene to help teach the Indians of our Lord, God and help them abandon their savage ways. I want to proclaim to all, Yamacraw and Creek: so honored is this great chief that Savannah will forever know his name and his grave will rest here, undeterred till the end of time. A pyramid will be erected with an inscription in brass, so all generations will know his name and deeds." Oglethorpe bowed to the tribe and sat in an honorary position next to Senauki and Toonahowi. As Oglethorpe sat down, a line of redcoats in full dress came up and presented arms. They raised their muskets into the air and fired an honorary volley of shot.
Heather whispered to her father asking, “Did they ever find out who killed that nice Indian named Skee?”
Archibald responded, “I know it had to be John Musgrove’s servant named Justice because his life was taken by Skee’s relative named Essteeche. The whole thing smells of scandal and whenever scandal is involved, I look no further than Commander Byron Kingsley.” The father then warned sternly, “You and your lasses stay far away from that commander, do you understand?”
“Aye, father,” she obediently responded
Patrick watched as the honored rituals and the sacred ceremony started. As Creek tradition insisted, only the friends of the family could dig the grave. Tomochichi’s own family sat and watched while the warriors of the tribe dug. During the digging, the squaws danced and chanted their last goodbyes. This part of the ritual of digging, chanting and dancing took over an hour. To pass the time, Patrick whispered to Archibald, “Why would this savage help the white man bring more white men here?”
Archibald explained quietly, “The Yamacraw have an enemy tribe in the south who have sided with the Spanish. For fear of extinction, Tomochichi befriended the English. When Oglethorpe needed help establishing Savannah, Tomochichi saw the opportunity to win favor for his tribe. It also didn't hurt that Oglethorpe and the trustees stuffed his mouth with gold.” He smiled as he continued, “As with most savages, he did not keep the gifts for himself but distributed it to his tribe to reward rank. I also think he was motivated by the fame and respect the white men gave him. He actually liked being referred to as a ‘noble savage’.”
A group of warriors then lifted the coffin that Oglethorpe had provided for the chief. They used ropes to lower the pine box into the hole dug in the ground. The chants and dancing continued as the casket was lowered.
The master blacksmith spoke sarcastically, “If that chief be ninety-seven years aged like they say he was, then I am the King of Scotland. No man would still be a warrior at his age. Look how young his skin is. I'd guess he was no older than sixty! Well let’s depart. We have done enough for king and country today and I need to be quenching my thirst.”
Most of the whites were departing but the natives continued to mourn at the tomb. As Patrick looked back, he saw the warriors starting to make a pyramid mound out of stones over the grave.
Pirates of Savannah Trilogy: Book One, Sold in Savannah - Young Adult Action Adventure Historical Fiction Page 27
