John D. Hunter (–1827)

This is an amazing memoir of growing up from captured child to participating adult among the Kickapoos, Kansas, and Osage Indians. The biography of that time is enough, yet this is augments with a the notes of a naturalist. However, Hunter was no naturalist and thus the flora and fauna overview is so cursory it could have been left out. Later, the books picks up with this encyclopedic "Materia Medica" on the plants and minerals employed medicinally. It would be interesting to see someone show more track these to the proper plant identifications and speak to the basis of any ascribed efficacy. Unlike several other such accounts, this author adapted to civilization with no yearning to returning to the tribes. There is some sad addenda here as Hunter tries to advise on a path forward for Native Americans to find peace and stability. He advises that they do embrace Western civilization and settlement.

Among general praise of the Indian orators, there is a singular report here of Hunter being present for a speech by Tecumseh. show less