Narrative of the Captivity of William Biggs among the Kickapoo Indians in Illinois in 1788   By: William Biggs (1755-1827)

In "Narrative of the Captivity of William Biggs among the Kickapoo Indians in Illinois in 1788," William Biggs takes readers on a gripping journey into the heart of Native American culture during a tumultuous time in American history. With raw and unfiltered honesty, Biggs recounts his harrowing experiences of being captured by the Kickapoo tribe and the subsequent years spent living amongst them.

Written in a simple and straightforward style, the book offers a unique perspective on Native American customs, traditions, and way of life. Biggs navigates the complexities of intercultural interaction, shedding light on both the unfathomable brutality and surprising kindness that he encountered during his captivity. His vivid descriptions transport readers to the Illinois wilderness, where they witness firsthand the struggles and triumphs of survival in a completely foreign environment.

What sets this book apart is its authenticity. Biggs does not shy away from describing the harsh realities of his time in captivity. From his initial capture to the shocking initiation rituals, the rawness of the narrative draws readers in and makes them empathize with the author's profound ordeal. At the same time, he also reveals the bond that gradually forms between him and some members of the Kickapoo community, defying traditional notions of native–settler relationships.

One of the strengths of this book is its ability to challenge existing stereotypes surrounding Native Americans. Through his interactions and observations, Biggs exposes the intricacies of Native American society, highlighting their sophisticated social structures and demonstrating that they were not simply savages, but individuals with their own values, beliefs, and struggles. Additionally, by recounting his experiences with a more sympathetic lens, Biggs provides a nuanced understanding of both the captor and the captive, subverting the typical binary opposition between victim and perpetrator.

While the story itself is captivating, it is sometimes hampered by the author's occasionally detached and clinical writing style. At times, the emotion and intensity of the experiences are lost amidst the matter-of-fact descriptions. However, this detached perspective also adds a layer of authenticity, as it mirrors the coping mechanisms Biggs employed in order to survive during his captivity.

In conclusion, "Narrative of the Captivity of William Biggs among the Kickapoo Indians in Illinois in 1788" is a remarkable and enlightening account of one man's extraordinary journey into the heart of Native American culture. It serves not only as an important historical document but also as a humanizing portrayal of the intricate relationship between captor and captive, challenging preconceived notions of Native American identity. Despite some minor shortcomings in the writing style, this book remains a compelling and invaluable resource for understanding the complexities of American history through a personal lens.

First Page:

In the year 1788, March 28th, I was going from Bellfontain to Cahokia, in company with a young man named John Vallis, from the State of Maryland; he was born and raised near Baltimore. About 7 o'clock in the morning I heard two guns fired; by the report I thought they were to the right; I thought they were white men hunting; both shot at the same time. I looked but could not see any body; in a moment after I looked to the left and saw sixteen Indians, all upon their feet with their guns presented, about forty yards distant from me, just ready to draw trigger. I was riding between Vallis and the Indians in a slow trot, at the moment I saw them. I whipped my horse and leaned my breast on the horse's withers, and told Vallis to whip his horse, that they were Indians. That moment they all fired their guns in one platoon; you could scarcely distinguish the report of their guns one from another... Continue reading book >>