Lesson 8
Captives of 1704: Arosen the Mohawk

There was great rejoicing when the Mohawks returned from their raid upon Deerfield. The squaws served them eagerly, and the youths and the old men sang their praises about the council fire.

Among these youths was a slender boy of thirteen named Arosen, or Squirrel. Already he was keen and swift in the hunt, and well-liked by his elders.

[illustration caption: ABOUT THE COUNCIL FIRE]

Arosen pitied little Eunice, the English captive. He was pleased with the Little Paleface, with her soft, brown eyes and her rich dark hair. When he brought her berries from the wild places she smiled. Then he gave her fresh stains for her face and hands, so that she might not feel strange among the other maidens. She had venison and game in plenty, for Arosen was quick and skillful with his bow. She knew well who brought the brilliant feathers and bits of blue and crimson wampum which she found from time to time under her tent-flap.

[illustration caption: TO THE PRIEST]

Later, on the day he was made chief, he wore a pouch of her embroidering.

“Marry me,” he said, “and I will take the name of Williams. Is not your father a great chief?”

So, when she was sixteen, they went to the priest and were married, and Arosen took Eunice, the white maiden, into his wigwam.

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