CAPTAIN JOHN CONNOR. 5 



course his father's name was not Connor, for the Captain 

 was thoroughbred. What his father's name was I do not 

 know. Likely enough it was "Whistling Rattlesnake," 

 " Howling Washpot," or some other such poetic (?) and 

 descriptive Indian appellation. But, when John was a very 

 little savage, his father being converted to Methodism, 

 Johnnie was sent to the nearest missionary day-school, and 

 received, literally in his case, his Christian name ; to wit, 

 John Connor. There he obtained the foundation of a good 

 education, and in his leisure hours acquired the savage 

 accomplishments of his relatives. Young hopeful showing 

 talent and aptitude in his studies, the idea of his being 

 qualified to become a preacher was entertained with such 

 " acceptance " that he was sent to a leading Methodist 

 seminary to complete his studies. There he remained some 

 years, but when he approached manhood, "the devil having 

 strengthened himself in him," his Indian blood showed 

 itself, and he left college by invitation. The Seminole war 

 being then going on, our ex-missionary-apparent collected 

 around him some braves, went to Florida, and offered his 

 and their services to the United States Government against 

 the Seminoles. In that war Connor so distinguished him- 

 se]f, as to receive a commission, and with the quick imita- 

 tiveness of his race, soon acquired the manners and tone of 

 an officer and a gentleman. When, some years after, the 

 Texan War of Independence broke out, Captain Connor 

 raised a considerable body of Delawares, Lepans, and 

 renegade Comanches ; and, as commander of what was 

 known as the Indian Contingent, rendered such service that 

 at the successful termination of the war he was publicly 



