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Indian captain

Fur Trade, Hist.

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

the leader and spokesman of a band of Indians trading at a fur post, often appointed by the factor and rewarded with a captain's coat.

See: captain(def. 2)

Quotations

1686

The design of sending Englishmen up to the heads of rivers should be dropped as impracticable and instead the Indian captains who lived at a great distance off should be employed to persuade the Indians to come to the factories.

1738

I must further acquaint your honours that the Indian Captain of this river, as the Indians calls him . . . has been too familiar . . . he having of two wives and a great sway amongst all the Indian women. . . .

1774

The Indian captain who brought me from the Fort . . . was so affected with the smell of the Canadians New England rum that he and his crew embark'd and followe'd after them. . . .