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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d12cad2 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #51864 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51864) diff --git a/old/51864-0.txt b/old/51864-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 3941bd5..0000000 --- a/old/51864-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12804 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Tales, Traditions and Romance of Border and -Revolutionary Times, by Various - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Tales, Traditions and Romance of Border and Revolutionary Times - -Author: Various - -Release Date: April 26, 2016 [EBook #51864] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES, TRADITIONS OF BORDER TIMES *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, David Edwards and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - TALES, - TRADITIONS AND ROMANCE - OF - BORDER - AND - REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. - - - BY EDWARD S. ELLIS. - - NEW YORK: - BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, - 118 WILLIAM STREET. - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1864, - by BEADLE AND COMPANY, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of - the United - States for the Southern District of New York. - - - - - PREFACE. - - -In this volume we offer the reader a combination of two of the most -fascinating qualities which a book can possess. It is almost strictly -historical, and yet as marvelous as the most romantic fiction. The -sketches and incidents here gathered are all authenticated; yet many of -them, in their wonderful interest and pathos, exceed the bounds of -fancy. They belong to two classes: those which are connected with the -Revolution, and those which chronicle the peculiar events of our -Frontier History. While they will absorb the attention of the most -intelligent reader, they are charmingly adapted to attract young people, -who will be both instructed and delighted. Boys will find examples -worthy of emulation, and will learn to appreciate those traits of -character which made the glory and the progress of our young republic; -while girls may gain dignity of mind by contemplating the devotion, -courage and endurance of the women of those days. - -An insight will be afforded into the customs of the Indians, and into -the manner of life of the early settlers, whose dangers and -difficulties, privations and calamities, are almost incredible. Many of -the most thrilling events in our national history are herein related, -along with the fearless adventures of our brave pioneers, and the perils -and catastrophes which befell the families of those whose protectors -were absent on the field of battle, or whose cabins failed to find -sufficient defense in the rifles of their owners. - -The reader will linger over these pages, thrilled by the consciousness -that the scenes so vividly brought before him are real—a living, abiding -part of our existence as a people. The "storied Rhine" and "classic -Italy" are laid and overlaid thickly with traditions which give a vague -interest to soil, ruin, mountain and sky. We, also, have our -traditions—different in kind, but of wild and marvelous interest—and the -day shall come when the banks of the fair Ohio, the blue Muskingum, the -picturesque Allegany, the noble Mississippi, shall be trodden by -reverent feet, while the thoughts of the traveler speed back to the days -of the lurking red-man and the bold ranger. It is no mean duty of the -chronicler to treasure up the threads of a thousand little facts, and -weave them into a web which shall perpetuate them for the future. - -The publishers believe that this volume will not only be a favorite in -the hands of men, young and old, but will have its appropriate place by -the fireside. - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - Abduction of General Wadsworth, 236 - Anecdotes of an early settler of Kentucky, 61 - Anecdotes of juvenile heroism, 202 - Anecdotes of Washington, 111 - A remarkable hunting excursion, 133 - Big Joe Logston's struggle with an Indian, 69 - Boquet's expedition into Indian territory, 277 - Brady's leap, 363 - Brant and the boy, 32 - Brave deeds of Logan, 245 - British atrocities during the Revolution, 340 - Captain Hubbell's adventure on the Ohio, 123 - Captain John Sevier, 313 - Captivity of Jonathan Alder, 270 - Close quarters with a rattlesnake, 141 - Colonel Horry, of Marion's brigade, 143 - Davy Crockett's adventure with a cougar, 56 - Deborah Sampson, the maiden warrior, 82 - Dick Moxon's fight with the deer, 137 - Downing's remarkable escape from an Indian, 120 - Elerson's twenty-five mile race, 160 - Ethan Allen, a prisoner of war, 229 - Execution of Colonel Isaac Hayne, 335 - Female characters of the Revolution, 175 - General Dale's adventure, 310 - Harrison's invasion of Canada and death of Tecumseh, 219 - Heroic death of Cornstalk, sachem of the Shawnees, 252 - Horrible atrocities by savages, 264 - Horrible cruelties by British troops, 297 - Horsewhipping a tyrant, 223 - Interesting anecdotes of Mrs. Fisher's courage, 352 - John Minter's bear fight, 53 - Joseph Bettys' bloody career, 291 - Major Robert Rogers' adventure, 303 - Marvelous escape of Weatherford, 309 - Miss Sherrill's flight to the fort, 314 - Molly Pitcher at Monmouth, 172 - Moody, the refugee, 286 - Morgan's prayer, 100 - Mrs. Austin and the bear, 48 - Mrs. Slocumb at Moore's Creek, 347 - Murphy saving the fort, 18 - Nathan Hale's arrest and execution, 341 - Proctor's massacre at River Basin, 212 - Sargeant Jasper's adventures in the British camp, 153 - Sargeant Jasper and the young Creole girl, 88 - Simon Girty's attack on Bryant Station, 317 - Simon Kenton and his Indian torture-ride, 5 - Spirited adventures of a young married couple, 350 - Tecumseh saving the prisoners, 309 - The Baroness de Reidesel, 183 - The chieftain's appeal, 325 - The Grand Tower massacre, 76 - The implacable governor, 332 - The Johnson boys killing their captors, 116 - The leap for life, 300 - The little sentinel, 197 - The mother's trial, 242 - The women defending the wagon, 261 - Thrilling anecdotes of women of the Revolution, 93 - William Kennan's flight from thirty Indians, 165 - - - - - ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - SIMON KENTON'S TORTURE-RIDE, 2 - MURPHY SAVING THE FORT, 25 - BRANT AND YOUNG M'KOWN, 33 - MRS. AUSTIN AND THE BEAR, 49 - JOE LOGSTON'S ENCOUNTER WITH AN INDIAN, 66 - DEBORAH, THE MAIDEN WARRIOR, 89 - GENERAL MORGAN'S PRAYER, 105 - JOHNSON BOYS KILLING THEIR CAPTORS, 121 - SWEATLAND'S HUNTING ADVENTURE, 130 - COLONEL HORRY'S EXPLOITS, 145 - ELERSON'S TWENTY-FIVE MILE RACE, 161 - MOLLY PITCHER AT MONMOUTH, 177 - THE LITTLE SENTINEL, 194 - TECUMSEH SAVING THE PRISONERS, 217 - HORSEWHIPPING A TYRANT, 233 - THE MOTHER'S TRIAL, 249 - WOMEN DEFENDING THE WAGON, 258 - CAPTIVITY OF JONATHAN ALDER, 273 - MOODY, THE REFUGEE, 289 - THE LEAP FOR LIFE, 305 - THE CHIEFTAIN'S APPEAL, 322 - THE IMPLACABLE GOVERNOR, 337 - MRS. SLOCUMB AT MOORE'S CREEK, 353 - BRADY'S LEAP, 361 - -[Illustration: - - Simon Kenton's Torture-Ride—_Page_ 9. -] - - - - - TALES, - - TRADITIONS AND ROMANCE - - OF - - BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. - - SIMON KENTON. - MURPHY SAVING THE FORT. - BRANT AND THE BOY. - MRS. AUSTIN AND THE BEAR. - - BEADLE AND COMPANY, - NEW YORK: 118 WILLIAM STREET. - LONDON: 44 PATERNOSTER ROW. - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by - BEADLE AND COMPANY, - In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for - the Southern District of New York. - - - - - SIMON KENTON, - AND HIS - INDIAN TORTURE-RIDE. - - -Foremost among the wild and terrific scenes which arise before our -startled eyes when we turn the pages of border warfare, is the ride of -Simon Kenton—not that the cruelty of its devisers was so atrocious, nor -the final results so dreadful, as in many other instances; but the -novelty, the unique savageness of the affair, strikes upon the -imagination, as if it were one of those thrilling stories related of -ages and people which never were, instead of an event that actually -occurred to one of our own countrymen in one of our own territories. - -In the early light of morning breaking through the trees which surround -them, a group of Indians are preparing to resume their march, after a -night of repose. They have with them a solitary prisoner. Corraled about -them are numbers of horses, the recovery of which has been the object of -the expedition. Before these are released and the day's march resumed, -the prisoner must be disposed of. While his captors are deciding this -important matter, we will discover who he is and what has brought him -into his present state. - -About the first of September, 1778, Simon Kenton—the friend and younger -coadjutor of Boone, who had been with the latter for some time at -Boonesborough Station, employed in protecting the surrounding country, -and engaging in occasional skirmishes with the Indians—becoming tired of -a temporary inactivity which his habits of life rendered insupportable, -determined to have another adventure with the Indians. For this purpose -he associated with Alex. Montgomery and George Clark, to go on an -expedition for stealing horses from the Shawnees. - -The three brave scouts reached old Chilicothe without meeting with any -thing exciting. There they fell in with a drove of Indian horses, -feeding on the rich prairie, and securing seven of the drove, started on -their return. Reaching the Ohio, they found the river lashed into fury -by a hurricane, and the horses refused to cross. Here was an -unlooked-for dilemma. It was evening; they felt sure of being pursued; -no time was to be lost. As the only resource, they rode back to the -hills, hobbled the animals, and then retraced their steps to see if they -were followed. Finding as yet no signs of pursuit, they took what rest -their anxiety would allow them. The next morning, the wind having -subsided, they sought their horses and again attempted to cross the -river, but with the same result; the horses, from fright, refused to -take to the water, and they were driven to the alternative of parting -with them. Selecting each one of the best, they turned the others loose, -and started for the Falls of the Ohio, (now just below Louisville); but -disliking thus to abandon the fruits of their expedition, they unwisely -returned again, to attempt to retake and lead the others. This was by no -means an easy task, and while engaged in the endeavor, they were -surprised by a party of mounted savages, who had followed their trail -with vengeful pertinacity. The whites were separated; and Kenton, -hearing a _whoop_ in the direction of his comrades, dismounted, creeping -cautiously in the direction of the sound, to discover, if possible, the -force of the enemy. Dragging himself forward on his hands and knees, he -came suddenly upon several Indians, who did not discover him at the -moment. Being surrounded, and thinking the boldest game the best, he -took aim at the foremost and pulled trigger, but his gun missed fire. -This, of course, discovered his position, and he was instantly pursued. -Taking advantage of some fallen timber, he endeavored to elude his -pursuers, by dodging them, and hiding in the underbrush, where their -horses could not follow; but they were too cunning, or rather too many -for him. Dividing their forces and riding along either side the timber, -they "beat it up," until, as he was emerging at the further end, he was -confronted by one of the savages, who, the moment he discovered his -white foe, threw himself from his horse and rushed upon Kenton with his -tomahawk. Kenton drew back his arm to defend himself with the butt end -of his gun; but as he was about to strike, another stalwart savage, whom -he had not observed, seized him in his powerful grasp, preventing the -descending blow. He was now a prisoner, compelled to yield, with such -grace as he could, to superior numbers. While they were binding him, his -companion, Montgomery, made his appearance, firing at one of the -savages, but missing his mark. He was immediately pursued; in a few -moments one of the pursuers returned, shaking the bloody scalp of his -friend in Kenton's face. Clark succeeded in making his escape, and -crossing the river, arrived in safety at Logan's Station. - -That night the Indians encamped on the banks of the river; in the -morning they prepared to return with their unfortunate prisoner, who had -passed an uneasy night, bound to the ground, and not knowing precisely -what vengeance his enemies might be pleased to visit upon him. Some of -them knew him well, and he realized that there were long scores to be -wiped off against him. However, the red-man had a keen appreciation of -bravery, and he did not anticipate any severer fate upon that account. -Some little time elapsed before they succeeded in catching all their -horses. The day had well advanced before they were ready to march, and -the annoyance consequent upon this delay so exasperated them, that they -determined to make their captive pay the full penalty of the trouble he -had caused them. They therefore selected the wildest and most restive -horse among their number, and proceeded to bind Kenton upon his back. -Their mode of proceeding was as follows: a rope was first passed round -the under jaw of the horse, either end of which was held by an Indian; -yet even with this advantage, it required the assistance of others to -control the vicious beast, which was determined not to receive its -burden. Kenton was first seated upon the horse with his face toward the -tail, and his feet tied together under the animal. Another rope confined -his arms, drawing the prisoner down upon his back. A third, secured -about his neck, was fastened to the horse's neck, thence extending -longitudinally down his person to the animal's tail, where it was -secured, and answered well for a crupper. In this way he was fastened to -the wild and frantic steed, beyond the possibility of escape. To make -the matter sure against contingencies, the now delighted savages passed -another rope about his thighs, securing it to the one which served as a -girth. They then fastened a pair of moccasins upon his hands to prevent -his defending his face. During the time they were thus preparing him for -his Mazeppa-like ride, they taunted him by asking if he wanted to steal -any more horses. They danced around him, yelped and screamed, and, in -every possible manner, expressed their infernal delight at the -anticipated sufferings of their victim. The heart of Simon Kenton seldom -quailed before any danger; but it must have been supernaturally -strengthened not to have sickened during those moments of preparation -and anticipation. To be bound to unspoken torture, which could end, at -the last, only in death—death long deferred, perhaps into hours and -days, whose every minute and second would be sharp with anguish—to be so -helpless to resist the evils which were sure to come, with the close -rope strangling the breath in his throat whenever he attempted to raise -his head to see the cruelties which he _felt_—to add all the mental -miseries of suspense to the horrible realities before him—this was -enough surely to shake even the sturdy spirit of the defiant pioneer. -For a moment he was inclined to beg of his tormentors to tomahawk him -then and there; but he knew that such an appeal would gratify their -malice while it would produce no other effect; and he closed his lips -tightly, resolved that they should enjoy no sign of fear or dismay to -enhance their inhuman delight. One glance at the blue sky smiling down -between the lightly-waving branches of the trees—one scornful look into -the demon-faces about him, and, for an instant, his eyes closed; he felt -like one falling from a precipice into terrific depths yawning to -receive him. - -With stripes and demoniac yells they at length turned loose the almost -savage horse, which was goaded to desperation by the tumult and the -blows. The infuriated beast at once bounded away on its aimless, erratic -course, anxious only to rid itself of its strange burden. - - "'Twas scarcely yet the break of day, - And on he foamed—away!—away!— - The last of human sounds which rose, - As he was darted from his foes, - Was the wild shout of savage laughter - Which on the wind came roaring after." - -Frantic with fright, the noble animal went careering through the woods, -rearing and plunging in his madness, inflicting upon his tortured rider -countless wounds and blows as he endeavored to dash him against the -trees, or rushed through the tangled brush, lacerating the flesh of both -with innumerable thorns and briers. In one of the mad dashes which the -horse gave through the unpitying forest, Kenton's arm came with such -force against a tree that it was broken—he knew it by its becoming so -limp and helpless, as well as from the knife-like pain which darted from -it. The wretched man could only hope that the horse would some time -tire; that, wearied out with its useless efforts to free itself from its -burden, it would subside into some quiet, which might give a moment's -ease to his aching and mangled limbs; but he hoped in vain! - - "Each motion which he made to free - His swollen limbs from their agony, - Increased its fury and affright; - He tried his voice—'twas faint and low, - But yet it swerved, as from a blow; - And, starting at each accent, sprang - As from a sudden trumpet's clang. - Meanwhile the cords were wet with gore, - Which, oozing from his wounds, ran o'er; - And on his tongue the thirst became - A something fiercer far than flame." - -Oh, that horrible _thirst_ which takes possession of the person -suffering exquisite pain, until the torture seems to exceed that of the -anguish which causes it. None but those who have experienced this -extremity of mortal suffering can picture it; none but those who have -suffered the horrible pangs of thirst can sympathize with the -unutterable pain which Simon Kenton endured for the next few hours. Yes, -for hours! The harassed steed, at length, with wasted strength and -trembling limbs, returned to the point from which he had started, with -his now almost inanimate rider, who must have sunk into insensibility -long before, had not the fever of his pain kept him from that blessed -relief. The hunter hoped that now he would either be killed outright, or -relieved of his present position; but such was not the intention of the -red devils who had him in their power. - -Worn out with fatigue, and satisfied of his inability to rid himself of -his unwelcome burden, the exhausted horse took his place in the -cavalcade, which had already started for its home. The only mercy they -vouchsafed the prisoner was to give him, twice or thrice, some water. -His sufferings had only commenced—death, in its worst form, would have -been preferred to the ordeal through which he had yet to pass. To feel -certain of death—to count the lingering hours as they pass—to know that -each is but a step toward a certain doom—to feel that doom impending day -by day, and yet to see it postponed through miserable stretches of -suffering—to endure continually all the anguish of which the human frame -is capable, and all this time to know that hope has fled beyond -recall—that all this protracted agony must end in inevitable death, is -too terrible to contemplate. - -All this Simon Kenton bore for three days and nights. It seems -incredible that life should have held out so long; but his previous -training in the schools of endurance seemed only to have fitted him now -to hold out through what no other man could have borne. Through three -nights he lay in his cradle of anguish; through three days he was racked -by the motion of the animal which bore him; and when the Indians reached -their village, he was still alive. - -It had been the intention of the savages to procure his death by means -of the wanton torture they had instituted; but when he reached his -destination alive, owing to some custom or superstition of their own, -they delivered him over to the care of their squaws. These took him from -the rack, bathed his disfigured body, set his broken arm, bandaged his -wounds, made soothing and healing washes from the herbs of the forest, -nourished him with drinks and food, and gradually restored him to -health. Not only was his life saved, but his iron constitution remained -unbroken by the fearful trial through which it had passed. As soon as -his renewed strength warranted the attempt, he set about planning the -mode of his escape, which he successfully accomplished, returning to the -friends who had long since given him up for lost, to relate to their -almost incredulous hearts the story of his sufferings. - -This remarkable episode is but one of countless adventures in which -Simon Kenton was engaged. Our readers may hear from him again in scenes -equally thrilling. He was, without doubt, one of the bravest and most -interesting of the western pioneers; he was excelled by none, and -scarcely equaled by his precursor, Daniel Boone. His biography, as far -as it has been preserved, will be read with interest by all; his name -will never be forgotten in the valley of the great West. He was the -coadjutor of Boone throughout the protracted struggle for the occupancy -of the rich forests and prairies on either side of the Ohio. The almost -incessant exposure and life of self-denial which these resolute -adventurers endured can scarcely be appreciated by us of this generation -who enjoy in peace the fruits of their sufferings. - -While the United States were British Colonies, and Kentucky and Ohio -still were primeval in their solitudes, filled with Indians, and wholly -destitute of white inhabitants, these two heroic men, Boone and Kenton, -as if moved by the finger of Providence, left the shades of -civilization, entire strangers to each other, and ventured into the -midst of a boundless wilderness, neither having any knowledge of the -purpose or movement of the other. Boone led the way from North Carolina, -crossed the mountains, and entered the valley of Kentucky in 1769; -Kenton followed from Virginia, in 1773. The former emigrated from -choice, to gratify his natural taste, after full deliberation, and after -having calculated the consequences. Not so with Kenton; he fled to the -wilderness to escape the penalty of a supposed crime. He had, -unfortunately, become involved in a quarrel with a young man of his -neighborhood, with whom he had lived in habits of great intimacy and -friendship, and, as he supposed, had killed him in a personal conflict. -To avoid the consequences of that imaginary homicide, and to escape, if -possible, from the distress of his own feelings, he left home and -friends, without waiting to ascertain the result. Unaccompanied by any -human being, he crossed the mountains and descended into the valley of -the Big Kanawha, under the assumed name of Simon Butler. He retained -that name several years, until he received information that the friend -whom he supposed had fallen under his hand, had recovered from the blow, -and was alive and in health. He then resumed his proper name, and -disclosed the reason which had led him to assume that of Butler; but a -love for the wild life to which he had exiled himself had now taken such -strong hold of him that he made no effort to return to the ties from -which he had so hastily fled. - -It is a matter of regret that so small a portion of the achievements of -this interesting man have been perpetuated. This may be accounted for by -the fact that so large a portion of his life was spent in the -wilderness, either in solitude, or associated with others of the same -adventurous cast with himself; and it explains the reason why we are not -only without a connected record of his life, but have so few of its -isolated transactions preserved. It is known, however, that, after he -joined the adventurers in the district of Kentucky, about two years -before the Declaration of American Independence, he engaged in most of -the battles and skirmishes between the white inhabitants and the savages -which followed, during 1774 to 1783. He became an enterprising leader in -most of the expeditions against the Indian towns north-west of the Ohio. -These conflicts, indeed, continued during the long period of twenty -years, intervening between their commencement and the decisive victory -of "Mad Anthony" Wayne at the rapids of the Maumee, in August, 1794, -which was followed by the celebrated treaty of Greenville, and peace to -the afflicted border. Kenton was always considered one of the boldest -and most active defenders of the western country, from the commencement -of its settlement until the close of Indian hostilities. In all their -battles and expeditions he took a conspicuous part. He was taken -prisoner several times and conveyed to the Shawnee towns, but in every -instance he made his escape and returned to his friends. - -On one occasion he was captured when on an expedition against the Wabash -(Miami) villages, and taken to one of the remote Indian towns, where a -council was held to decide on his fate. Again he was fated to endure one -of their cruel and peculiar modes of inflicting punishment. He was -painted black, tied to a stake, and suffered to remain in this painful -position for twenty-four hours, anticipating the horrors of a slow and -cruel death, by starvation or fire. He was next condemned to run the -gauntlet. The Indians, several hundred in number, of both sexes, and -every age and rank, armed with switches, sticks, bludgeons and other -implements of assault, were formed in two lines, between which the -unhappy prisoner was made to pass; being promised that, if he reached -the door of the council-house, at the further end of the lines, no -further punishment would be inflicted. He accordingly ran, with all the -speed of which his debilitated condition rendered him capable, -dreadfully beaten by the savages as he passed, and had nearly reached -the goal, when he was knocked down by a warrior with a club; and the -demoniac set, gathering around the prostrate body, continued to beat him -until life appeared to be nearly extinguished. - -In this wretched condition, naked, lacerated and exhausted, he was -marched from town to town, exhibited, tortured, often threatened to be -burned at the stake, and compelled frequently to run the gauntlet. On -one of these occasions he attempted to make his escape, broke through -the ranks of his torturers, and had outstripped those who pursued him, -when he was met by some warriors on horseback, who compelled him to -surrender. After running the gauntlet in thirteen towns, he was taken to -the Wyandot town of Lower Sandusky, in Ohio, to be burned. Here resided -the white miscreant, Simon Girty, who, having just returned from an -unsuccessful expedition against the frontiers of Pennsylvania, was in a -particularly bad humor. Hearing that there was a white prisoner in town, -the renegade rushed upon him, struck him, beat him to the ground, and -was proceeding to further atrocities, when Kenton had the presence of -mind to call him by name and claim his protection. They had known each -other in their youth; Kenton had once saved the life of Girty; and deaf -as was the latter, habitually, to every dictate of benevolence, he -admitted the claim of his former acquaintance. Actuated by one of those -unaccountable caprices common among savages, he interceded for him, -rescued him from the stake, and took him to his own house, where, in a -few days, the prisoner recovered his strength. Some of the chiefs, -however, became dissatisfied; another council was held, the former -decree was reversed, and Kenton was again doomed to the stake. - -From this extremity he was rescued by the intercession of Drewyer, a -British agent, who, having succeeded in obtaining his release, carried -him to Detroit, where he was received by the British commander as a -prisoner of war. From that place he made his escape, in company with two -other Americans; and, after a march of thirty days through the -wilderness, continually exposed to recapture, had the good fortune to -escape all perils, and to reach the settlements of Kentucky in safety. - -Hall, from whose sketches of the West we have gathered this account of -his running the gauntlet, states that all those horrors were endured -upon the occasion of his captivity following his Mazeppa-like ride, -although Burnet, in his "Notes," speaks of it as upon another and a -future occasion. - -After the fall of Kaskaskia, which took place in 1778, and in the -expedition against which Kenton took an active part, he was sent with a -small party to Kentucky with dispatches. On their way the rangers fell -in with a camp of Indians, in whose possession were a number of horses, -which the daring fellows took and sent back to the army, then in great -need of the animals. - -Pursuing their way by Vincennes, they entered that French-Indian town at -night, traversed several of the streets, and departed without being -discovered, taking from the inhabitants two horses to each man. When -they came to White river, a raft was made on which to cross, while the -horses were driven in to swim the river. On the opposite shore a party -of Indians was encamped, who caught the horses as they ascended the -bank. Such are the vicissitudes of border incident! The same horses -which had been audaciously taken only the night before from the interior -of a regularly garrisoned town, were lost by being accidentally driven -by their captors into a camp of the enemy! Kenton and his party, finding -themselves in the utmost danger, returned to the shore from which they -had pushed their raft, and concealed themselves until night, when they -crossed the river at a different place, reaching Kentucky in safety. - -The expedition against Kaskaskia was one of the earliest made by the -Americans beyond the Ohio. This place, as well as the posts upon the -Lakes, was then in possession of the British, with whom we were at war. -Being one of the points from which the Indians were supplied with -ammunition, and thus enabled to harass the settlements in Kentucky, its -capture was considered so important that the legislature of Virginia -were induced to raise a regiment for the purpose. The command was given -to Colonel George Rogers Clarke, the young military hero, to whom, more -than to any other one person, Kentucky owes her successful foundation as -a State. He was, as a military leader, what Kenton was as a scout and -skirmisher—one of those men who seemed raised up, providentially, to -master great difficulties. - -The story of the campaign by which he took Kaskaskia is one of the most -interesting of our border experiences. With two or three hundred men, -mostly raised in Virginia, he crossed the mountains to the Monongahela, -and descended by water to the Falls of the Ohio, where he was joined by -some volunteers from Kentucky, among whom was Simon Kenton. After a halt -of a few days to refresh his men, he proceeded down the Ohio to the -neighborhood of Fort Massac, a point about sixty miles above the mouth -of that river, where he landed and hid his boats, to prevent their -discovery by the Indians. He was now distant from Kaskaskia about one -hundred and thirty miles. The intervening country must have been, at -that time, almost impassable. His route led through a flat region, -overflowed by the backwater of the streams, and entirely covered with a -most luxuriant vegetation, which must have greatly impeded the march of -his troops. Through this dreary region, the intrepid young leader -marched on foot, at the head of his gallant band, with his rifle on his -shoulder and his provisions on his back. After wading through swamps, -crossing creeks by such methods as could be hastily adopted, and -sustaining two days' march after the provisions were exhausted, he -arrived in the night before the village of Kaskaskia. Having halted and -formed his men, he made them a speech, which contained only the brief -sentence: "The town must be taken at all events." Accordingly it was -taken, and that without striking a blow; for, although fortified, the -surprise was so complete that no resistance was attempted. This exploit -was followed up by a series of the same character; in all of which -Kenton played his part, being chosen, as we have seen, after this -expedition, to be the bearer of important dispatches through a hostile -country. In all emergencies like this, his aid was invaluable. - -Simon Kenton was a striking example of cool, deliberate bravery, united -with a tender, sympathizing heart. In times of danger and conflict, all -his energies were enlisted in the struggle. He fought for victory, -regardless of consequences; but the moment the contest was over, and his -feelings resumed their usual state, he could sit down and weep over the -misery he had assisted in producing. Doubtless this extreme sensibility -was the cause of his being driven into the wilds of the West—the -wretchedness he suffered on account of the blow he had dealt in a moment -of passion being such as permitted his mind no repose for a long period -after the deed was committed. Such tenderness of heart is not -incompatible with the sternest bravery—indeed, the most heroic are, -usually, also the most gentle and generous in times of repose. During a -large portion of his life, solitude, danger and want were his -attendants; necessity had so familiarized him to privation, that he -could endure abstinence from food, and subsist on as small a quantity of -it, without detriment to health or strength, as the savages themselves. - -During his residence in the wilderness, the land-warrants issued by the -commonwealth of Virginia were easily obtained. After the holders were -permitted to locate them west of the mountains, he found no difficulty -in possessing himself of as many of them as he desired; and having -traversed the wilderness in every direction, his topographical knowledge -enabled him to select for location the best and most valuable lands in -the country. Well, too, had he earned these estates, for his hand had -opened them not only to himself but for thousands of others to possess -and enjoy. Had he possessed the information necessary to enable him to -make his entries sufficiently special to stand the test of legal -scrutiny, his locations would have been the foundation of a princely -fortune for himself and his descendants. Unfortunately, however, he was -uneducated; and, although his locations were judicious, and his entries -were made in the expressive language suggested by a vigorous mind, yet -they were not sufficiently technical; in consequence of which the -greater part of them were lost, by subsequent entries more specifically -and technically made. He succeeded in retaining a few of them however, -and these were sufficient to make him entirely independent. - -The first authentic information we have of him, after he left the place -of his nativity, is that he was engaged in the great battle fought at -the mouth of the Big Kanawha, between the Indians and the troops of Lord -Dinsmore, while he was Governor of the Province of Virginia; in which -he, Kenton, was distinguished for his bravery. - -The next intelligence is, that in 1775, he was in the district of -Kentucky commanding a station, near the spot where the town of -Washington now stands. Not long after that work was done, the station -was discovered, attacked and destroyed by the Indians, and it does not -appear that he made any effort to reoccupy it until the year 1784, after -the treaty of peace with Great Britain. In that year he rebuilt his -block-house and cabins, and proceeded to raise a crop; and though -frequently disturbed by the Indians, he continued to occupy and improve -it, until he removed his family to Ohio, some eight or ten years after -the treaty of Greenville. - -At the commencement of the war of 1812, Kenton was a citizen of Ohio, -residing in the vicinity of Urbana. He then bore on his person the scars -of many a bloody conflict; yet he repaired to the American camp and -volunteered in the army of Harrison. His personal bravery was -proverbial; his skill and tact in Indian warfare were well known; and as -the frontier at that time abounded with Indians, most of whom had joined -the British standard, the services of such an experienced Indian-fighter -as Simon Kenton were highly appreciated by General Harrison and Governor -Meigs, each of whom had known him personally for many years. His offer -was promptly accepted, and the command of a regiment conferred upon him. -While a portion of the army was stationed at Urbana, a mutinous plan was -formed by some of the militia to attack an encampment of friendly -Indians, who, threatened by the hostile tribes, had been invited to -remove their families within our frontier settlements for protection. -Kenton remonstrated against the movement, as being not only mutinous, -but treacherous and cowardly. He appealed to their humanity, and their -honor as soldiers. He told them that he had endured suffering and -torture at the hands of these people again and again, but that was in -time of war; and now, when they had come to us under promise of safety, -he should permit no treachery toward them. Finding the mutineers still -bent on their purpose, he took a rifle and called on them to proceed, -declaring that he should accompany them to the encampment, and shoot -down the first man who attempted to molest it. Knowing that the veteran -would keep his promise, no one ventured to take the lead. Thus generous -was Kenton in times of peace; thus brave in times of war. - -We have said that he secured enough land—despite of the entries made -after and upon his—to render him independent for life; but there were -not wanting those, in his latter days, base enough to defraud the -confiding and noble old hero out of the remainder of his affluence. In -1828 Congress granted him a pension, dating back many years, which -afforded him an ample support the remainder of his life. - -The records of such lives as his should be carefully preserved, that the -luxurious and effeminate young men of to-day, and those of the future, -may know by what courage and hardships their ease has been secured to -them. - - - - - MURPHY SAVING THE FORT. - - -Suddenly, through the clear stillness of an autumn morning rung out the -three rapid reports of an alarm-gun, which had been agreed upon by the -three frontier forts defending the valley of the Schoharie, as a signal -of danger. The faint flush in the eastern sky was as yet not strong -enough to tinge the white frost glittering over leaf and grass; the deep -repose of earliest dawn rested over all things in that beautiful vale; -but as the thunder of that alarm-gun rolled sullenly along the air, -every eye unclosed, every heart awoke from the even pulse of sleep to -the hurried beat of fear and excitement. - -Not even the inhabitants of Gettysburg, nor the plundered, misused -people of East Tennessee, can imagine the appalling terrors which beset -our ancestors during those "days which tried men's souls," when they -fought for the liberties which now we are bound to defend in all their -sanctity against foes at home or abroad. When we recall the price paid -for our present position in the van of progress and free government, -well may our hearts burn with inextinguishable resolve never to give up -what was so nobly purchased. - -Pardon the reflection, which has nothing to do with the story we have to -tell of TIMOTHY MURPHY, THE CELEBRATED RIFLEMAN OF MORGAN'S CORPS. Only -this we _must_ say: our English neighbors, who are so much shocked at -the way we have managed our civil war, ought to turn back to that -disgraceful page of their history whereon is written the hideous record -of Indian barbarities which they employed against us—_against our women -and children, our firesides, our innocent babes_! - -The signal was fired by the upper fort; but when those of the middle -fort sprung to the ramparts to ascertain the cause of alarm, they found -their own walls completely invested. A combined force of British troops, -Hessian hirelings and tories, with a body of Indians of the Six Nations, -under their war-chief, Joseph Brant—the whole under the command of Sir -John Johnson—passing the first fort unobserved, had entered the valley. -After the usual manner of their warfare, the work of destruction upon -peaceable inhabitants immediately commenced. Farm-houses were in flames; -women and children, who ran from them, found refuge only in the tortures -of the savages waiting without; barns, filled with the plenty of autumn, -blazed up a few moments with the wild brightness of ruin, and then sunk -back, a smoldering heap, to tell of poverty and famine. While this cruel -work was progressing, a column of the enemy, with two small mortars and -a field-piece called a "grasshopper,"—from being mounted upon legs -instead of wheels—was sent to occupy a height which commanded the middle -fort. This, with its little garrison of about two hundred men, was -surrounded, and lay completely under the enemy's fire. - -Under these circumstances the men turned to their commander for -instructions. Unfortunately, Major Woolsey was a fallen star amid that -glorious galaxy to which we look back with such pride—he was that -pitiable object at which women blush—a _coward in epaulettes_! Where was -he in the emergency which ought to have called forth all his powers? -"Among the women and children in a house of the fort!" says the -historian, but the narrator does not inform us whether or not the Major -absolutely begged the shelter of their skirts! And, "when driven out by -the ridicule of his associates, he crawled around the intrenchments upon -his hands and knees." There was one way in which this incident was of -service to the troops who awaited the orders of their commander. The -Major's cowardice was so utterly ridiculous that the jeers and laughter -it called forth restored courage to the men, who had been so suddenly -surprised as to be at first disheartened. - -Among those who shook with mingled wrath and laughter at sight of the -impotence of their leader was Murphy. At the first note of danger he had -sprung to the ramparts, his unerring rifle in hand, his bright eye -flashing fire. _He_ should have been in the Major's place. It is men -like him who electrify their comrades with the thrilling enthusiasm and -reliance of their own courage—men who know not fear, who think nothing -of themselves and all of their cause—cool, prompt, ready for any -emergency. _He_ should have been the leader: but he was only a -militiaman, whose term of service had expired at that, and who was -"fighting on his own account." But he could not brook the disgrace of -such leadership; when the commander of the fort went creeping about on -his hands, the militiaman felt that it was time to take the reins in his -own grasp, and he did it. Implicit obedience from the soldier to the -officer is a necessity; but there are exceptions to all rules, and this -was one of them; to be mutinous then was to be true to duty and to -honor. Deeming the fort their own, the enemy sent out an officer with a -flag of truce. As soon as he came in sight, the relieved Major got off -his knees, commanding his men to cease all firing. Now it was that this -justifiable mutiny ensued. Murphy, from his position on the ramparts, -answered to the flag, warning it away, threatening in event of its -closer approach to _fire upon it_. This remarkable assumption of -authority confounded all within the fort. He was ordered by the officers -of the regular troops to forbear, but the militiamen, whose hero he was, -cheered him, and swore he should have his way. Thus supported, as soon -as the flag of truce came within range, he fired purposely missing the -messenger who bore it, when the flag quickly retired. This "outrage" at -once closed all avenues to a peaceful surrender. The enemy's artillery -opened upon the fort. A continual fusillade was kept up by the mortars, -the grasshopper, and the rifles of the Indians, fortunately with little -effect. Many an Indian, who considered himself at a prudent distance, -bit the dust, as the smoke cleared away from the busy rifle of Timothy -Murphy. Hour after hour the attack continued. A number of shells were -thrown, but only two of them fell inside the walls; one of these pierced -the house within the palisades, and descending to the first story, -smothered itself in a feather-bed, without doing any fatal injury. The -gallant Major commanding should have been ensconced for safety in those -feathers! The other shell set fire to the roof, which was saved from -destruction by a pail of water carried by the intrepid Philip Graft, the -sentinel who had first discovered the approach of the British troops. - -Many exciting events occurred during that long forenoon. A large barn, -filled with grain, and surrounded by several stacks of wheat, stood a -few hundred feet from the fort. It was several times set on fire. As it -was important to save its contents, Lieutenant Spencer, with his band of -forty men, sallied out on each occasion, and extinguished the flames. -This heroic party also made sorties, whenever the enemy approached too -near the fort, which could not be properly protected, owing to a short -supply of ammunition. - -Now it was, also, that the courage of women—which the annals of the -Revolution set forth in such noble luster—shone resplendent above the -craven fear of the commander. Some of the women armed themselves, -avowing their determination to aid in the defense, should the attack -reach the walls. The supply of water threatening to give out, a soldier -was ordered to bring some from a well outside the works. He turned pale -and stood trembling in his shoes, between the double danger of -disobedience and exposure to the enemy's fire. - -"Give the bucket to me!" cried a girl, not over nineteen years of age, -her red lip curling slightly with scorn, as she took the bucket from his -yielding hand, and went forth after the much-needed necessary of life. - -A shout of enthusiasm broke from the spectators. With a smile on her -face and a clear luster in her eyes, inspiriting to see, she went out on -her dangerous journey. Without the least appearance of trepidation, she -filled her bucket and returned, passing within range of the enemy's -fire. This errand she performed several times in safety. - -All this time the rifle of Murphy was doing its appointed work. In the -course of the forenoon he saw a second flag approaching to demand the -surrender of the fort. Seeing him preparing to salute it as he had the -former, Major Woolsey ordered the independent rifleman from the -ramparts. - -"I shan't come down," said the sturdy patriot. "I'm going to fire on -that white rag." - -"Then I shall be obliged to kill you on the spot," said the Major, -drawing his sword, and making a flourish. - -Murphy only took one eye from the advancing flag; his weapon was -sighted; he was not sufficiently alarmed by this threat to lose its -position. - -"Kill away, Major, if you think best. It won't better _your_ situation -much. I know you, and what you will do. _You will surrender this fort._ -Yes, sir; in the hopes of saving your miserable skin, you'll surrender! -But you won't even save your own carcass. You can believe what I tell -you. I know them troops out thar, and their way of fightin'. You won't -make nothing by surrendering to _them_, and Tim Murphy, for one, ain't -going to surrender. _No, sir!_" - -Again the gallant militiamen applauded his sentiments, which were no -sooner uttered than the rifleman discharged his piece at the approaching -officer, missing him, as before, purposely. Of course, at this, -hostilities were renewed; but, as the rifleman said, he knew which of -two dangers was most to be dreaded; and, if he must perish, he preferred -to die in defense of what had been intrusted to them rather than to be -smote down after the humiliation of a surrender by murderers who -respected none of the laws of war. It is true, that, to fire upon a flag -of truce, was a breach of military usage, and, in almost any -circumstances, inexcusable; but not so now, when the garrison would only -meet with the most fatal treachery as the result of any interview. The -officers of the regulars, however, did not so regard the affair. Brought -up under the stern discipline of military rule, they took sides with the -Major, and expostulated with Murphy upon his unwarrantable violation of -the laws of war. - -"Don't talk," he cried, impatiently. "Jest come up here and take a look -at the smoke arising from the homes of defenseless citizens. Take a look -at the red-skins dancing around 'em, like devils around the fires of -hell. Hear the screams of them women and children they are murderin' in -cold blood. By the God above, if I could get at them fiends, I'd stop -that music!" His teeth were firmly set; his face hardened; his eyes -shone like two coals of fire; and, disdaining to argue his point at a -moment like that, he settled his weapon for the next victim who should -venture within range. - -The garrison could indeed hear, in the intervals of the cannon's -silence, the shrieks of helpless families smote down by the tomahawk. - -"Do you hear it?" he cried again, as the shrill cry of a female voice -pierced the air. "That's the kind of enemy you've got to deal with, and -there you stand, balancing yourselves on a _p'int of law_! If you open -your gates and lay down your arms, you, nor your wives and children, -won't meet any better fate. If you want to be tortured by red-skins, and -your families given up to their devilment, let 'em in, let 'em in! _I_ -shan't have a hand in it." - -The signs of a final charge about to be given allowed no time for -farther argument. Sir John, drawing up his regular troops in the rear of -a frame building standing near the fort, prepared for an assault, while -the garrison within made what readiness they could to repel it. The -women, knowing how little they had to expect if the place fell, grasped -the weapons they had solicited and took their stations near the men, -resolved to deal such blows as they could in self-defense. With pale -cheeks, but hearts that had outgrown their natural timidity, they -awaited the expected blow. - -At this moment of peril and suspense, for the third time a flag of truce -was seen approaching Fort Hunter. Again the undaunted Murphy prepared to -fire upon it; but this time, made desperate by his very cowardice, Major -Woolsey commanded his soldiers to arrest the disobedient rifleman. The -militia, however, gathered around their hero, threatening any and all -who should molest him; they had confidence that the judgment of one so -brave was superior to that of the officer who had shown himself so unfit -for his position. In the mean time, precious time was being lost. In a -moment more Murphy would enrage the foe by again insulting their flag. -The commander ordered a white flag to be shown. A handkerchief was -placed on a staff and a soldier ordered to display it. - -"The man who dares attempt it will be shot down by my own rifle," -thundered the inexorable militiaman, who thus braved the regular -authority. The men knew that he meant what he said, and not one was -found to attempt to execute the order of Woolsey. - -"Who commands here, you or I?" shouted the enraged Major. - -"I reckon _I_ do, as far as not givin' up goes," was the cool answer. - -At this crisis, Captain Reghtmeyer, of the militia, feeling that their -commander was about to betray them all, took up his station by the -rifleman and ordered him to fire. - -Exasperated by such contumacy, Woolsey drew his sword upon the Captain, -threatening to cut him down unless his orders were obeyed. It was a -strange time for persons associated in such imminent peril to fall out -among themselves; but the brave and unflinching were not disposed to -yield their fate into the hands of the weak and vacillating. Captain -Reghtmeyer, in answer to this threat, clubbed his gun, and awaited the -attack of the Major, resolved to dash out his brains if he assaulted -him; whereupon that officer, thinking in this, as in other cases, that -discretion was the better part of valor, subsided into silence. - -The flag-officer of the enemy, as soon as he came within range, seeing -Murphy bring his rifle to his shoulder, immediately turned and ran back; -he had no mind to encounter the sharp warning which had been given his -predecessors. - -Then followed a moment of suspense. The little garrison expected nothing -better than an angry and overwhelming assault; the men breathed heavily, -grasping their muskets sternly, while the women's faces grew like those -of their fathers and husbands, settling into the firm lines of resolve. -Moment after moment crept away; a half-hour sped, and yet the roar of -artillery and the nearer shouts of the expected assailants were not -heard. - -"You needn't give yourself no further oneasiness, Major," at length -spoke the gallant Murphy, contempt mingling with relief and joy in his -voice. He had kept his gaze fixed upon the movements of the enemy, and -now perceived that they were retiring. "The red-coats and red-skins are -takin' themselves off. It's jest as I told you—the spunk we've shown -makes 'em think us stronger than we are, and they've made up their minds -to back out." - -And so, indeed, it proved! "The spunk _we've_ shown" Murphy modestly -said; which was really the spunk _he_ had shown. His courage and -persistence saved Fort Hunter. The British officers naturally supposed -their flag of truce would not be three times fired upon unless that fort -was to be defended to the death. They therefore decided to withdraw, and -to abandon the attempt for its capture. - -[Illustration: - - Murphy Saving the Fort—_Page_ 22. -] - -Thus was the fort, with all its precious lives, preserved by the tact as -well as the determination of a single man. However chagrined the -"gallant" Major may have been at the flagrant disobedience of an -inferior, the results were such as to nullify the consequences of his -anger. The fact _that the fort was saved_ was the mutineer's -justification. - -This affair occurred in 1780. It was not the first gallant exploit of -our hero—nor the last. He had already made himself famous by deeds both -of daring, dashing boldness, and deliberate courage. - -Three years before the attack on Fort Hunter, at the battle of -Stillwater in 1777, he had killed the British General, Frazer, by a ball -from his unerring rifle. This is the first record we have of him; but -after that many instances were noted of his extraordinary prowess, and -many more, doubtless, of equal interest, never have received a -chronicle. He had a peculiar hatred of the Indians, called forth by the -many proofs of their treachery and cruelty. He was a valuable -acquisition to any party of scouts who might be out after the red-skins; -and many were the marvelous escapes he had. - -As an instance of that _obstinacy_ of his character exhibited in his -conduct at the attack upon Fort Hunter, we must give the reader an -account of another and quite different circumstance, in which he -displayed the same determination to _have his own way_—and in which he -had it! This little episode in the life of the celebrated rifleman is -not only interesting in itself, but also as showing under what -difficulties the little GOD OF LOVE will struggle and triumph. - - "Love rules the court, the camp, the grove:" - -and not the fiery sword of Mars himself can frighten him from his -universal throne. - -After the attack upon Fort Hunter, Murphy, although his period of -enlistment had expired, still remained with the garrison. It was not -long after this that something besides duty to his country began to bind -him to the valley of the Schoharie. The heart which had never quailed -before an Indian or red-coat, was brought low by a shaft from the bright -eyes of a maiden of sixteen! - -Not far from the fort dwelt a family by the name of Feeck, whose home -had escaped destruction from the advent of the enemy. Their daughter -Margaret was a spirited and handsome girl, in whose dark blue eyes -laughed mischief and tenderness combined; her auburn hair shaded cheeks -rosy with health; her form was just rounding into the fullness of -maidenhood, with a grace all its own, acquired from the fresh air and -bountiful exercise to which she was accustomed. The historian does not -tell us how the first meeting occurred, but certain it is that the -indomitable heart of the rifleman was conquered at last. Murphy was then -twenty-eight years of age and Margaret but sixteen. There is something -in the nature of a woman which does homage to bravery in a man. The man -who has the reputation of cowardice may be handsome and elegant, but -_she_ will despise him; he alone who is famous for courage commands -woman's full respect and _love_. When the invincible rifleman, whose -iron nerves shrunk from no exposure, and whose energy was daunted by no -difficulties, betrayed to the young girl, by his faltering manner in her -presence, that _she_ could do what armies could not—confuse and master -him—her breast thrilled with pride and delight. The disparity of their -ages was nothing to her; she felt honored at being the choice of a brave -man; her timid glance, usually so mischievous, encouraged him to speak, -and when he did he was not rejected. - -Whether it was that Margaret's parents thought her too young, or that -there was too great a discrepancy in their ages, or that they had some -prejudice against Murphy, we are not advised; but they strenuously -opposed the intimacy, forbidding the lover to enter their house. Then it -was that he again questioned the authority of the ruling powers. It was -not in his nature to submit to this arbitrary decree. As once before he -had "had his own way" in defiance of superiors, he was resolved to have -it now. He loved the maiden and she him; there was none who should keep -them apart. When he made a resolution it might be considered as carried -out. Margaret, drooping about the house, doing her work listlessly, -instead of with joyous singing, received a communication which brought -back the roses to her cheeks in fuller bloom than ever. A faithful -friend of Murphy, living not far from the Feeck family, on the Schoharie -creek, was the person who wrought this change in the young girl. During -a visit to the parents, he contrived to arrange a meeting at his own -house with her lover. Thither she went one day on a pretended errand, -and found her lover awaiting her. During the interview a plan was -arranged for eluding the vigilance of her parents and consummating their -happiness by marriage. - -There was some difficulty about this, for her father and mother had -instituted a close surveillance over all the "coming and going." -Margaret herself, though willing, was timid, shrinking from the danger -of detection and the anger of her parents. - -"Pshaw!" said Murphy, squeezing the hand he held in his own broad palm, -"it's likely I can't take care of _you_, Maggie! I've trailed too many -Injuns, and dodged too many bullets, to think much of carrying off my -girl when I want her. Jest you be on the spot, and leave the rest to -me." - -She promised, and they separated to wait impatiently for the appointed -evening. When it came, Margaret, under pretense of going to milk, some -distance from the house, stole away from home to meet her intended -husband. She dared not make the least change in her apparel, lest -suspicion should be excited; and when she made her appearance at the -appointed spot, she presented but little of the usual semblance of an -expectant _bride_. She was barefoot and bareheaded, and wore the short -gown and petticoat, so much the vogue among females of that day as a -morning or working-dress; but beneath the humble garb beat a true and -ingenuous heart, worth more than outward trappings to any man. The form, -arrayed in homespun, was of a blooming and substantial beauty, which -needed not the "foreign aid of ornament." - -She was first at the place of rendezvous, where she waited with fear and -impatience for her lover, but no lover came. Twilight was fast fading -into darkness, and yet he came not. From her little nook of concealment, -behind a clump of alders which grew on a bend of the stream, out of -sight of her home, she strained her eyes to look for the approaching -form, which still came not. The pink tinge which flushed the silver -water died off into the gray of evening; every moment she expected to -hear the stern voice of her father calling her. What should she do? It -would not answer to return home, for she already had been gone too long. -The cow had not been milked, and if she went back now, her unusual -absence must excite suspicions, which would prevent a future meeting -with her lover. This was her greatest dread. She had dwelt on their -union too fondly to endure the return now to a hopeless separation. - -Margaret was not long in making up her mind what course to pursue. Since -Murphy had not come to her she would go to him! She knew him brave and -honorable, and that some important matter must have kept him from the -tryst. In order to reach the fort she was obliged to ford the stream. -About this she had no squeamishness, as she had performed the feat one -hundred times before; the stream was shallow and not very wide. -Evidently she was fortunate in not being troubled with shoes and -stockings in the present emergency; it did not trouble her much to hold -up her short skirts from the water into which she waded; and, as her -little feet felt their cautious way across the creek, no doubt she -looked as pretty to her lover, in her attitudes of unconscious grace, as -other brides have done under more fortunate circumstances; for Murphy -saw the whole proceeding with a pleased eye, taking her advance as a -proof both of her love for, and faith in, himself. He had been detained -at the fort by some provoking duties, and had ridden up to the brook -just as Margaret began to cross. - -Although in her heart she felt inwardly relieved to find him there, the -maiden began to pout at his tardiness, and to regret that she had taken -a step beyond the trysting-place to meet a lover who would not take the -trouble to be punctual to an appointment like this. - -"I shall go home again, Tim," she cried, concealing her blushes under a -frown, which, though pretty, was not at all frightful. - -"Not to-night, Maggie," he said, as, lifting her up behind him, he sped -away to the fort. - -Murphy was a general favorite among the garrison; not an individual -there who would not willingly have aided and assisted him in his nuptial -enterprise. His plans were well known; and, as the happy couple rode in -at the gate, lighted by the last lingering gleam of sunset in the west, -they were received with three hearty cheers. The circumstances were such -as to call forth the warmest interest of the female part of the -population. The young maiden was taken in charge by them. As there was -no minister to perform the ceremony of marriage, the couple would be -obliged to take a trip to Schenectady, twenty-five miles distant. The -evening was spent in preparation. Various choice articles of apparel and -ornament, some of which, doubtless, had served a similar purpose on -former occasions, were brought forth; all went to work with a will to -fit out this impromptu bridal _trousseau_. By morning every thing was in -readiness except the proper dress. This, Murphy decided to procure in -Schenectady. - -As time was precious they started at dawn, and made the whole distance -in four hours. A handsome silk dress was here purchased and placed in -the hands of a dressmaker and some friends, who performed wonders which -would astonish a _modiste_ of to-day: they completed the dress in the -course of the afternoon! The couple stopped at the house of friends, who -did all they could to assist in the pleasant project. Before dark the -bride was arrayed in a manner becoming the important occasion. A gay -company, composed of some of their acquaintances, accompanied the happy -pair to the residence of the Rev. Mr. Johnson, where the solemn ceremony -which united their lives in one was performed; after which they returned -to the house of their friends to spend the wedding-night. - -We are afraid if some of the dainty belles of the present day had to -accomplish as much in one day as had been done by this bride, before -they could find themselves safely wedded to the object of their choice, -they would shrink away dismayed, and settle down into old maids. To run -away from home barefoot; to wade a creek; to ride into a fort behind her -lover; to ride twenty-five miles; to buy and make a wedding-dress, and -attire herself for the ceremony; to go to the minister and get married, -all in twenty-four hours, showed an energy worthy of the times. Such -kind of women were fit wives for the men who bore the perils of the -Revolution, and whose strength of mind and heart, whose unconquerable -love of liberty, secured to us our inheritance. - -On their return to Schoharie, the parents of the bride were exceedingly -wroth at the disobedience of their daughter, and at the presumption of -the daring rifleman. For a time they refused to be reconciled; but, -reflecting that no opposition could alter or recall the act, they at -length concluded to overlook all and receive the couple to their love. - -The brave rifleman made a true husband. Margaret, who lived with him -happily for nearly thirty years, had no reason to regret the hour when -she forded Schoharie creek in search of her tardy lover. - -Despite of the eventful perils into which he was always flinging -himself, Murphy lived to see years of peace, dying of cancer in the -throat, in 1818, at the age of sixty-eight. He was an uneducated man; -but, possessed of a strong will and an amiable disposition, he exerted -an unbounded influence over the minds of a certain class of men, who, -like himself, were schooled in trial. His power was that of originality, -independence and courage—qualities which will make any man a leader of -the people among whom he moves. Men of his stamp were a necessity of the -times in which they lived; they seemed to spring up in the hour of need, -having patience, perseverance, endurance and boldness to cope with the -stealthy and murderous foes who hung upon the path of our civilization. -They deserve to be embalmed in the annals of the country in whose guard -they fought. - - - - - BRANT AND THE BOY. - - -One bright summer morning, a lad by the name of M'Kown was engaged in -raking hay in a field some distance from any house, and—as was the -custom with all who labored abroad in those days of danger and sudden -surprise—was armed with a musket, which, however, he had stood against a -tree; but in the progress of his work had advanced beyond its immediate -proximity. While busily occupied, and intent upon his work, he heard a -slight jingling behind him, and turning suddenly around, he beheld an -Indian within three feet of him, who bore in his mien and costume the -appearance of a chief; and although his position indicated peaceful -intentions, the tomahawk in his right hand betokened his readiness for -hostilities if occasion required it. Startled at this sudden and -unexpected apparition, the youth, with a natural impulse, raised his -rake to defend himself, thoughtless of the insufficiency of his weapon. -His fears were dissipated by the Indian, who remarked: - -[Illustration: - - Brant and young M'Kown—_Page_ 35. -] - -"Do not be afraid, young man; I shall not hurt you." - -He then inquired of the lad if he could direct him to the residence of a -noted loyalist by the name of Foster. Young M'Kown gave him the -necessary directions to enable him to find that personage, and then, -emboldened by the apparent peaceable intentions of the other, asked him -if he knew Mr. Foster. - -"I am partially acquainted with him," was the reply, "having once met -him at the half-way creek." - -The Indian then entered into a familiar conversation with his -interrogator, in the course of which he asked him his name, and upon -being informed, he added: - -"You are a son, then, of Captain M'Kown, who lives in the north-east -part of the town, I suppose. I know your father very well; he lives -neighbor to Captain M'Kean. I know M'Kean very well, and a very fine -fellow he is, too." - -Thus the parties conversed together in a social manner for some time, -until the boy—emboldened by the familiarity which had been established -between them—ventured to ask the Indian his name in turn. This he did -not seem disposed to give him, hesitating for a moment, but at length -replied: - -"My name is Brant." - -"What! Captain Brant?" eagerly demanded the youth. - -"No; I am a cousin of his," replied the Indian, at the same time -accompanying his assertion with a smile and expression of countenance -which intimated his attempt to deceive his interlocutor. It was indeed -the terrible Thayendanega himself, who was associated, in the mind of -the youth, with every possible trait of a fiendlike character; and it is -not to be wondered at, that he trembled as he felt himself to be in the -presence of one whose delight, it had been represented to him, was to -revel in slaughter and bloodshed. He was somewhat reassured, however, by -the thought, that, if his intentions had been hostile toward him, he -could easily have executed them before; but he did not feel fully -assured of his safety until the Indian had taken his departure, and he -had reached his home with his life and scalp intact. - -This little incident is but one of many, told to prove that Brant was -not the bloodthirsty monster which, for many years after the Revolution, -he had the reputation of being. He was a Freemason: and on several -occasions, during the war, his fraternal feelings were called into play, -in behalf of prisoners who belonged to that order. Among others we are -told: - -Jonathan Maynard, Esq.—afterward a member of the Massachusetts -Senate—who was actively engaged in the Revolutionary war, was taken -prisoner at one time by a party of Indians under the command of Brant. -The younger warriors of the party seemed disposed to put him to death, -in accordance with their determination to exterminate the whites, as -agreed upon by the tories and Indians in that section of the country. -Preparations had been made to carry out their intentions, when, having -been partially stripped of his clothing, Brant observed the emblems of -Masonry indelibly marked upon the prisoner's arms, and feeling bound to -him by a tie which none but a _brother_ can appreciate, he interposed -his authority, saved his life, and sent him to Canada, to keep him out -of harm's way; and he remained in durance for several months, until -exchanged and allowed to return home. - -There is another incident, where Brant met one of his old schoolmates; -but where the circumstances of their early intimacy would not have -interfered between the white officer and death, had he not saved himself -by means of justifiable duplicity. - -In the month of April, in 1780, it was the intention of Captain Brant, -the Indian chieftain, to make a descent upon the upper fort of -Schoharie, but which was prevented by an unlooked-for circumstance. -Colonel Vrooman had sent out a party of scouts to pass over to the -head-waters of the Charlotte river, where resided certain suspected -persons, whose movements it was their duty to watch. It being the proper -season for the manufacture of maple sugar, the men were directed to make -a quantity of that article, of which the garrison were greatly in want. -On the 2d of April this party, under the command of Captain Harper, -commenced their labors, which they did cheerfully, and entirely -unapprehensive of danger, as a fall of snow, some three feet deep, would -prevent, they supposed, the moving of any considerable body of the -enemy, while in fact they were not aware of any body of the armed foe -short of Niagara. But on the 7th of April they were suddenly surrounded -by a party of about forty Indians and tories, the first knowledge of -whose presence was the death of three of their party. The leader was -instantly discovered in the person of the Mohawk chief, who rushed up to -Captain Harper, tomahawk in hand, and observed: "Harper, I am sorry to -find you here!" - -"Why are you sorry, Captain Brant?" replied the other. - -"Because," replied the chief, "I _must_ kill you, although we were -schoolmates in our youth"—at the same time raising his hatchet, and -suiting the action to the word. Suddenly his arm fell, and with a -piercing scrutiny, looking Harper full in the face, he inquired: "Are -there any regular troops in the fort in Schoharie?" Harper caught the -idea in an instant. To answer truly, and admit there were none, as was -the fact, would but hasten Brant and his warriors forward to fall upon -the settlements at once, and their destruction would have been swift and -sure. He therefore informed him that a reinforcement of three hundred -Continental troops had arrived to garrison the forts only two or three -days before. This information appeared very much to disconcert the -chieftain. He prevented the further shedding of blood, and held a -consultation with his subordinate chiefs. Night coming on, the prisoners -were shut up in a pen of logs, and guarded by the tories, while among -the Indians, controversy ran high whether the prisoners should be put to -death or carried to Niagara. The captives were bound hand and foot, and -were so near the council that Harper, who understood something of the -Indian tongue, could hear the dispute. The Indians were for putting them -to death, but Brant exercised his authority to effectually prevent the -massacre. - -On the following morning Harper was brought before the Indians for -examination. The chief commenced by saying that he was suspicious he had -not told him the truth. Harper, however, although Brant was eyeing him -like a basilisk, repeated his former statements, without the improper -movement of a muscle, or any betrayal that he was deceiving. Brant, -satisfied of the truth of the story, resolved to retrace his steps to -Niagara. But his warriors were disappointed in their hopes of spoils and -victory, and it was only with the greatest difficulty that they were -prevented from putting the captives to death. - -Their march was forthwith commenced, and was full of pain, peril and -adventure. They met on the succeeding day with two loyalists, who both -disproved Harper's story of troops being at Schoharie, and the Captain -was again subjected to a piercing scrutiny; but he succeeded so well in -maintaining the appearance of truth and sincerity as to arrest the -upraised and glittering tomahawk. On the same day an aged man, named -Brown, was accidentally fallen in with and taken prisoner, with two -youthful grandsons; the day following, being unable to travel with -sufficient speed, and sinking under the weight of the burden imposed -upon him, the old man was put out of the way with the hatchet. The -victim was dragging behind, and when he saw preparations making for his -doom, took an affectionate farewell of his little grandsons, and the -Indians moved on, leaving one of their number with his face painted -black—the mark of the executioner—behind with him. In a few moments -afterward, the Indian came up, with the old man's scalp dangling from -between the ramrod and the muzzle of his gun. - -They constructed floats, and sailed down the Susquehanna to the -confluence of the Chemung, at which place their land-traveling -commenced. Soon after this, a severe trial and narrow escape befell the -prisoners. During his march from Niagara on this expedition, Brant had -detached eleven of his warriors, to fall once more upon the Minisink -settlement for prisoners. This detachment, as it subsequently appeared, -had succeeded in taking captive five athletic men, whom they secured and -brought with them as far as Tioga Point. The Indians slept very soundly, -and the five prisoners had resolved, on the first opportunity, to make -their escape. While encamped at this place during the night, one of the -Minisink men succeeded in extricating his hands from the binding cords, -and with the utmost caution, unloosed his four companions. The Indians -were locked in the arms of deep sleep around them. Silently, without -causing a leaf to rustle, they each snatched a tomahawk from the girdles -of their unconscious enemies, and in a moment nine of them were -quivering in the agonies of death. The two others were awakened, and -springing upon their feet, attempted to escape. One of them was struck -with a hatchet between the shoulders, but the other fled. The prisoners -immediately made good their own retreat, and the only Indian who escaped -unhurt returned to take care of his wounded companion. As Brant and his -warriors approached this point of their journey, some of his Indians -having raised a whoop, it was returned by a single voice, with the -_death yell_! Startled at this unexpected signal, Brant's warriors -rushed forward to ascertain the cause. But they were not long in doubt. -The lone warrior met them, and soon related to his brethren the -melancholy fate of his companions. The effect upon the warriors, who -gathered in a group to hear the recital, was inexpressibly fearful. -Rage, and a desire of revenge, seemed to kindle every bosom, and light -every eye as with burning coals. They gathered around the prisoners in a -circle, and began to make unequivocal preparations for hacking them to -pieces. Harper and his men of course gave themselves up for lost. While -their knives were unsheathing, and their hatchets glittering, as they -were flourished in the sunbeams, the only survivor of the murdered party -rushed into the circle and interposed in their favor. With a wave of the -hand, as of a warrior entitled to be heard—for he was himself a -chief—silence was restored, and the prisoners were surprised by the -utterance of an earnest appeal in their behalf. He eloquently and -impressively declaimed in their favor, upon the ground that it was not -they who murdered their brothers; and to take the lives of the innocent -would not be right in the eyes of the Great Spirit. His appeal was -effective. The passions of the incensed warriors were hushed, their eyes -no longer shot forth the burning glances of revenge, and their -gesticulations ceased to menace immediate and bloody vengeance. - -True, it so happened, that this chief knew all the prisoners—he having -resided in the Schoharie canton of the Mohawks during the war. He -doubtless felt a deeper interest in their behalf on that account. Still, -it was a noble action, worthy of the proudest era of chivalry, and in -the palmy days of Greece and Rome, would have crowned him almost with -"an apotheosis and rights divine." The interposition of Pocahontas, in -favor of Captain Smith, before the rude court of Powhatan, was, perhaps, -more romantic; but when the motive which prompted the generous action of -the princess is considered, the transaction now under review exhibits -the most of genuine benevolence. Pocahontas was moved by the tender -passion—the Mohawk Sachem by the feelings of magnanimity, and the -eternal principles of justice. It is a matter of regret that the name of -this high-souled warrior is lost, as, alas! have been too many that -might serve to relieve the dark and vengeful portraiture of Indian -character, which it has so well pleased the white man to draw! The -prisoners themselves were so impressed with the manner of their signal -deliverance, that they justly attributed it to a direct interposition of -Providence. - -After the most acute sufferings from hunger and exhaustion, the party at -last arrived at Niagara. The last night of their journey, they encamped -a short distance from the fort. In the morning the prisoners were -informed that they were to run the gauntlet, and were brought out where -two parallel lines of Indians were drawn up, between which the prisoners -were to pass, exposed to the whips and blows of the savages. The course -to be run was toward the fort. Harper was the first one selected, and at -the signal, sprung from the mark with extraordinary swiftness. An Indian -near the end of the line, fearing he might escape without injury, sprung -before him, but a blow from Harper's fist felled him; the Indians, -enraged, broke their ranks and rushed after him, as he fled with the -utmost speed toward the fort. The garrison, when they saw Harper -approaching, opened the gates, and he rushed in, only affording -sufficient time for the garrison to close the gates, ere the Indians -rushed upon it, clamoring for the possession of their victim. The other -prisoners, taking advantage of the breaking up of the Indian ranks, took -different routes, and all succeeded in reaching the fort without passing -through the terrible ordeal which was intended for them. - -This was in the April preceding the final attack upon the fort in the -Schoharie valley, which took place in the fall, as described in the -second article of this number; and at which Murphy, the rifleman, so -distinguished himself. - -As further illustrating this magnanimity which—certainly at -times—distinguished Brant, it is said that at the horrible massacre of -Cherry Valley, Butler—the tory Captain, son of the Butler who fulfilled -his hideous part in the destruction of Wyoming—on entering a house, -ordered a woman and child to be killed who were found in bed. "What!" -exclaimed Brant; "kill a woman and child? No! that child is not an enemy -to the king, nor a friend to Congress. Long before he will be big enough -to do any mischief, the dispute will be settled." - -The life of Brant was, to say the least, peculiar. An Indian, but an -educated and traveled one, with much of the tact of civilization, and -all the cunning and wild freedom of the savage, he made a character for -himself which always will occupy a niche in history. Whether the -conflicting statements in regard to him ever will be so reconciled as to -decide whether he was a generous and humane enemy, or a most subtle and -ferocious one, we know not; but this is certain, he _was_ our enemy, and -a most efficient ally of the British in their attempts to put out the -rising fires of Liberty which were kindling in our valleys, over our -plains, and upon our hills. It was a most unfortunate thing for the -struggling colonists when Brant took up the hatchet in behalf of the -king, for his arm was more to be dreaded than that of King George. - -Joseph Brant was an Onondaga of the Mohawk tribe, whose Indian name was -Thayendanega—signifying, literally, a brant, or wild-goose. The story -that he was but a half-Indian, the son of a German, has been widely -spread, but is denied by his son, and is now believed to be false. There -are those, however, whose opinion is of weight, who assert that he was -the son of Sir William Johnson; and such, all circumstances considered, -is most likely to have been the fact. He was of a lighter complexion -than his countrymen in general, and there are other evidences of his -having been a half-breed. He received a very good English education at -Moore's charity-school, in Lebanon, Connecticut, where he was placed -_by_ Sir William Johnson, in July, 1761. This General Sir William -Johnson was British agent of Indian affairs, and had greatly ingratiated -himself into the esteem of the Six Nations. He lived at the place since -named for him, upon the north bank of the Mohawk, about forty miles from -Albany. Here he had an elegant country-seat, at which he often would -entertain several hundred of his red friends, sharing all things in -common with them. They so much respected him, that, although they had -the fullest liberty, they would take nothing which was not given to -them. The faster to rivet their esteem, he would, at certain seasons, -accommodate himself to their mode of dress. He also, being a widower, -took as a companion Molly Brant, (a sister of Brant,) who considered -herself his wife, according to Indian custom, and whom he finally -married, to legitimize her children. He had received honors and -emoluments from the British Government; and the Indians, through him, -obtained every thing conducive to their happiness. Hence, it is not -strange that they should hold in reverence the name of their "great -father," the king; and think the few rebels who opposed his authority, -when the Revolution began, to be inexcusable and unworthy of mercy. - -Brant, by this time a man in the first flush of his strength, and with -as good an education as the majority of his white friends, went to -England in 1775, in the beginning of the great Revolutionary rupture, -where he was received with attention. Doubtless his mind was there -prepared for the part he acted in the memorable struggle which ensued. -He had a Colonel's commission conferred upon him in the English army -upon the frontiers; which army consisted of such tories and Indians as -took part against the country. - -Upon his return from England—Sir William Johnson having died the -previous year—Brant attached himself to Johnson's son-in-law, Guy -Johnson, performing the part of secretary to him when transacting -business with the Indians. The Butlers, John and Walter—whose names, -with those of Brant, are associated with the horrid barbarities of -Wyoming and Cherry Valley—lived not far from the village of Johnstown, -and upon the same side of the Mohawk. - -After the battle of Bunker Hill, General Schuyler compelled Guy Johnson, -and his brother-in-law, Sir John Johnson, to give their word of honor -not to take up arms against America; but this did not prevent Guy from -withdrawing into Canada and taking with him Brant, with a large body of -his Mohawks. Sir John also fled to Canada, where he became a powerful -adversary. The Butlers were also in the train. - -Here, having had some disagreement with Johnson, Brant returned to the -frontiers with his band of warriors. Some of the peaceable Mohawks had -been confined to prevent their doing injury, as were some of the -Massachusetts Indians in King Philip's war. Brant was displeased at -this. He came with his band to Unadilla, where he was met by the -American General, Herkimer; and the two had an interview, in which Brant -said that "the king's belts were yet lodged with them, and they could -not falsify their pledge; that the Indians were in concert with the -king," etc. It has never been explained why Herkimer did not then and -there destroy the power of Brant, which he could have done, for his men -numbered eight hundred and eighty, while Brant had but one hundred and -thirty warriors. It is supposed the American General did not believe -that the Mohawks actually would take up arms against the country. It was -a fatal mistake, which deluged hundreds of homes in blood, or wrapped -them in fire. - -Thereafter followed a succession of bloody and terrible affairs, in -which Brant and the two Butlers were leaders. It has been said, and with -truth, that of those three, the white men were the most ferocious; that -they out-Heroded Herod; that Brant often spared where they refused. Out -of these isolated facts it is sought to build up a reputation for -generosity and magnanimity, to which Brant is not entitled. Some moments -of mercy he had; while those arch fiends, the Butlers, never relaxed -into the weakness of mercy; but the name of Brant, nevertheless, is -written too redly in the blood of our ancestors for us ever to regard -him with other feelings than those of horror and dread. His knowledge of -the detestation in which the whites regarded the Indian modes of -warfare, acted upon his pride; he did not wish to be classed with the -_untutored_ of his own race; so that his regard for appearances caused -him frequently to forbear the cruelties which his associates practiced. - -The first affair of importance in which we hear of him is the battle of -Oriskany. It was on the 6th of August, 1777. Brant was under the -direction of General St. Leger, who detached him, with a considerable -body of warriors, for the investment of Fort Stanwix. Colonel Butler was -commander-in-chief of the expedition, with a band of tories under his -immediate charge. The inhabitants in the valley of the Mohawk determined -to march to the assistance of the fort, which they did in two regiments, -with General Herkimer at their head. As is usual with militia, they -marched in great disorder, and through the inadvertence of General -Herkimer—who, influenced by sneers at his _cowardice_ in taking such a -precaution, failed to throw forward scouts as he should have done—were -surprised by the Indians as they were crossing an almost impassable -ravine, upon a single track of logs. The ambush selected by Brant could -not have been better fitted for his purpose. The ravine was -semicircular, and Brant and his forces occupied the surrounding heights. - -The first intimation of the presence of the enemy was the terrifying -yells of the Indians, and the still more lasting impressions of their -rifles. Running down from every direction, they prevented the two -regiments from forming a junction—one of them not having entered the -causeway. A part of the assailants fell upon those without, a part upon -those within. The former fared worse than the latter; for, in such a -case a flight almost always proves a dismal defeat, as was now the case. -The other regiment, hemmed in as it was, saw that - - "To fight, or not to fight, was death." - -They therefore, back to back, forming a front in every direction, fought -like men in despair. With such bravery did they resist, in this forlorn -condition, that the Indians began to give way, and but for a -reinforcement of tories, they would have been entirely dispersed. The -sight of this reinforcement increased the rage of the Americans. The -tory regiment was composed of the very men who had left that part of the -country at the beginning of the war, and were held in abhorrence for -their loyalty to the king. Dr. Gordon says that the tories and Indians -got into a most wretched confusion, and fought one another; and that the -latter, at last, thought it was a plot of the whites to get them into -that situation, that they might be cut off. General Herkimer got forward -an express to the fort, when he was reinforced as soon as possible, and -the remnant of his brave band saved. He beat the enemy from the ground, -and carried considerable plunder to the fort; but two hundred Americans -were lost, and among them the General himself, who died, soon after, -from the effects of a wound received at the time. - -In the early part of the contest, General Herkimer had been struck by a -ball, which shattered his leg and killed his horse. Undaunted by this -accident, and indifferent to the severity of the pain, the brave old -General continued on his saddle, which was placed on a little hillock, -near a tree, against which he leaned for support, while giving his -orders with the utmost coolness, though his men fell in scores about -him, and his exposed position made him a mark for the enemy. Amid the -clashing of weapons, the roar of artillery, and the yells of the -combatants, all mingled in wild confusion, General Herkimer deliberately -took his pipe from his pocket, lit it, and smoked with seeming -composure. On being advised to remove to a place of greater security, he -said, "_No; I will face the enemy_." It is said that Blucher, at the -battle of Leipsic, sat on a hillock, smoking, and issuing his orders; -but Blucher was not wounded. - -General Herkimer's leg was amputated after the battle, but it was done -so unskillfully that the flow of blood could not be stopped. During the -operation he smoked and chatted in excellent spirits; and when his -departure drew nigh, he called for a Bible, and read aloud, until his -failing strength compelled him to desist. Such is the stuff of which -heroes are made. - -The night which followed the battle was one of horror for the prisoners -taken by the enemy. As usual, the Indians slaked their thirst for blood -and torture, which the battle had awakened, in pitiless cruelties upon -their defenseless captives. It does not seem that Brant here exercised, -or caused to be exercised, any clemency. Some of the doomed creatures -begged of Butler, the British officer, to use his influence with the -Indians; and to their appeals were joined the entreaties of the -guard—the tories, in whose breasts some humanity remained; but this -fiend, more savage than the savages, only cursed them for their folly in -pleading for "infernal rebels." All manner of tortures, including -roasting, was practiced upon the captives, as was testified to by one of -their number, Dr. Younglove, who, after enduring every thing but death, -finally escaped from his tormentors. - -In June of the next year, 1778, Brant came upon Springfield, which he -burned, and carried off a number of prisoners. The women and children -were not maltreated, but were left in one house unmolested. About this -time great efforts were made to secure the wary chief, but none of them -were successful. - -The next event of importance in which Brant was engaged was the -destruction of Wyoming, that most heart-rending affair in all the annals -of the Revolutionary war. The events of that awful massacre, the -treachery of Butler, the ferocity of the savages, and the still more -hellish malignity of their white allies, are known to all. The wail -which then arose from innocent women and helpless babes, consumed in one -funeral pyre, together, will never die—its echoes yet ring upon the -shuddering senses of each successive generation. Of late years an effort -has been made to prove that Brant was not even present at that massacre; -but of this there is no _proof_. Campbell, the author of "Gertrude of -Wyoming," was so worked upon by the representations of a son of Brant, -who visited England in 1822, that he recalled all he said of - - "The foe—the monster Brant," - -and wished him, thereafter, to be regarded as a "purely fictitious -character." - -One thing is certain. Brant _was_ at the massacre of Cherry Valley, -which settlement, in the November following the destruction of Wyoming, -met a fate nearly similar. At this terrible affair was repeated the -atrocities of the former. A tory boasted that he killed a Mr. Wells -while at prayer. His daughter, a beautiful and estimable young lady, -fled from the house to a pile of wood for shelter, but an Indian pursued -her; and composedly wiping his bloody knife on his leggin, seized her, -and while she was begging for her life in the few words of Indian which -she knew, he ruthlessly killed her. But why speak of one, where hundreds -met a similar fate? It is said that Brant, on this occasion, did -exercise clemency; and that he was the only one who did. It was shortly -after this that Sullivan's army was organized to march upon the Indian -country and put a stop to such outrages. Brant met it and was repulsed -and fled. It has been made a matter of complaint that our forces -destroyed the Indian villages and crops. But with such wrongs burning in -their breasts, who could ask of them the practice of extraordinary -generosity toward monsters who would not respect nor return it? The same -complaint is made to-day against the exasperated Minnesotians, who claim -the fullest vengeance of the law against the stealthy panthers, and -worse than wild beasts, who have recently ravaged their State. They ask -it, and _should have it_. - -In the spring of 1780, Brant renewed his warfare against our -settlements. He seems, in almost all cases, to have been successful, -uniting, as he did, the means of civilized warfare with all the art and -duplicity of the savage. - -In later years Colonel Brant exerted himself to preserve peace between -the whites and Indians; and during the important treaties which were -made in 1793 he was in favor of settling matters amicably. He had won -from the British Government all the honors it was willing to bestow upon -a _savage_ ally, and what were they? A Colonel's commission, with -liberty to do work for the king which British soldiers did not care to -do—the slaughter of women and children, and the sacking of villages. It -is quite probable that, after Wayne's decisive castigation of the -Indians, and British insolence had thereby also received a blow, Brant -retired from a service which he knew must be worse than fruitless. - -Colonel Brant was married, in the winter of 1779, to the daughter of -Colonel Croghan by an Indian woman. He had lived with her some time, -according to the Indian manner; but being present at the wedding of Miss -Moore, (one of the Cherry Valley captives,) he took a fancy to have the -"civilized" ceremony performed between himself and his partner. King -George III. conferred valuable lands upon him, and he became quite -wealthy. He owned, at one time, thirty or forty negroes, to whom he was -a most brutal master. Brant professed to be a great admirer of Greek, -and intended to study that language so as to be able to make an original -translation of the New Testament into Mohawk. - -He died in November, 1807, and was said to have been sixty-five years -old at the time of his death. He left several children, some of whose -descendants are wealthy and respectable people. His wife, at his death, -returned to her wild Indian life. - - - - - MRS. AUSTIN AND THE BEAR. - - -One of the great and almost insurmountable difficulties attendant upon -the settlement of a new country, is that of rearing farm stock, and -preserving it from the attacks of wild beasts. The experience of the -pioneers of civilization in the valley of the Ohio, on this point, -taught them that, until the country became more fully settled, and the -increase of inhabitants so great as to drive back the denizens of the -forest to more distant lairs, they must depend upon their rifles alone -for a supply of animal food for the table. On the principle of -recompense, perhaps, it was not so hard as it might otherwise seem, for -when pork and beef were scarce, "b'ar meat" was plenty—and _vice versa_. -But then, it was hard when one took a notion to raise a pig or two to -furnish his table in time of need, to find it missing some bright -morning, and know that all that pork had gone to fill the greedy stomach -of a bear or "painter." Many and frequent were the encounters at the sty -between the settler and his dusky neighbor, the bear, in which the -contest for the possession of the pork was maintained with vigor and -determination on the one side, and on the other with a hungry energy, -which was deserving of commendation, if not of success. - -Except when he could accomplish his object by stealth, however, bruin -seldom came off the victor. The first note of alarm was sufficient to -call from his pallet the watchful hunter, and the deadly rifle generally -sent the intruder off a cripple, or stretched his carcass on the -greensward, a trophy to the skill of his opponent. The women, too, were -not backward in defense of their porcine friends when necessity called -for exertion on their part to save them from destruction, as is -evidenced by several anecdotes of their intrepidity on such occasions. - -[Illustration: - - Mrs. Austin and the Bear—_Page_ 51. -] - -A Mrs. John Austin, of Geneva Township, one day while her husband was -absent from home, was alarmed by the sound of an unusual commotion among -her pigs, and looking in the direction of the sty, which stood just back -of the cabin, she beheld a bear just in the act of climbing over the -inclosure among a group of three or four promising shotes, which she -fondly hoped would one day fill the pork barrel and serve to supply her -table with animal food during the long dreary months of the next winter. -For a period of many weeks had she nursed, watched and fed them, in -anticipation of their future usefulness, and she could not bear the -thought of parting with them. But how to save them?—that was the -question. There was no one near to aid in their salvation, and she must -depend upon herself, or lose her pork. The danger was imminent, and -decisive action necessary. Her mind was soon made up; she'd save her -pigs or perish in the attempt. Calling her children, she sent them up -into the loft and took away the ladder, that they might be safe in case -she was unsuccessful or should be overcome by the bear. Taking down her -husband's rifle, which hung on its pegs behind the door of the cabin, -she carefully examined it to see if it was loaded, but in her haste -overlooked the _priming_. The increasing confusion in the sty warned her -that delays were dangerous, and she sallied forth to encounter bruin, -who was already on his way to the forest with one of the pigs in his -arms. The latter was giving vent to his fears in the most piercing and -pitiful tones, while his captor, intent only on securing his prize, was -marching off at a rapid pace on his hind feet, holding the pig as a -mother holds her babe, and indifferent alike to his struggles and his -pathetic appeals for mercy and relief. A momentary tremor seized upon -the frame of the heroine, and the blood ran chill through her heart, as -her gaze revealed the figure of a bear of the largest size—an antagonist -whom many a stalwart hunter would have hesitated before attacking. No -time was given her, however, to deliberate, for the bear had discovered -her approach almost as soon as she turned the corner of the cabin. -Dropping his burden, he turned to face his enemy, and presented a front -which might have appalled a much stouter heart than that of our heroine; -while the pig—language fails me in the attempt to describe the emotions -which filled the breast of that now overjoyed pig, as he took his way -with hasty strides to his former quarters, and snuggled down by the side -of his companions, with many a grunt of satisfaction at his escape from -the jaws of impending death. I leave it to the imagination of my reader, -with the aid of the illustration, to supply a deficiency which my pen is -utterly incapable of doing. - -Standing thus at bay, in an attitude which threatened an attack on his -part, the bear awaited the coming of his adversary. Fortunately, between -her and him there was a Virginia worm fence, which formed a sort of -breastwork, and offered a very eligible rest for her rifle. Resting her -weapon upon the upper rail of the fence, she kneeled upon one knee, and -took deliberate aim at the heart of her savage enemy. For the space of a -minute the two remained in this position, until, assured of her aim, -Mrs. Austin pulled the trigger. To her horror and dismay, the steel -emitted sparks, but no report followed. The trusty rifle had missed -fire. How shall I describe the feelings which heaved her bosom, as her -eye glanced along the barrel until it rested upon the dark form of the -bear, fearing lest he should spring upon her and tear her limb from -limb. Her own life, and the lives of her children rested upon the -success of her shot, and should he change his position so as to present -a less vulnerable part to her aim, she felt that her hope was void and -her fate certain. The animal still remained in the same position, -however, and with as little movement as possible, she drew back the -hammer, and again aimed full at his breast. Again the piece missed fire, -and her heart sunk within her as she saw the bear move, as though he -disliked his ambiguous position, and desired to change it. Not daring to -lower her piece to examine it, and hoping that the third attempt might -be more effectual, she again essayed to discharge it; but when, for the -third time it failed to explode, she felt a sensation of horror creep -over her which seemed to curdle the life-blood in her veins, and her -limbs seemed palsied with terror as the bear—who had by this time become -disgusted with the idea of being made a target of—and that, too, by a -woman—dropped upon all fours, and as she thought, prepared to spring -upon her. Satisfied, however, with his own exhibition of prowess—or, -perhaps, fearful of attacking one who had shown herself so brave, he -turned on his heels, and started off on a sidelong trot for the woods, -the deep recesses of which soon hid him from sight. - -Perhaps it was fortunate for Mrs. Austin that her rifle failed to -explode. Had she wounded the animal instead of killing him, or failed to -hit a vital part, no power on earth could have saved her from his savage -vengeance. A wounded bear is one of the most terrific beasts to -encounter, and the hunter will seldom attack one of these dusky denizens -of the forest unless he has other arms to depend upon, should his rifle -fail to strike the seat of life. She did not stop to consider the -subject, however, but hastening back to her cabin, she threw herself -upon the floor, and gave vent to her overwrought feelings in a flood of -tears. The excitement which had gradually wrought her up to a fearful -pitch of feeling was gone, and the revulsion was so great as to -completely unnerve her. She soon rallied again, and her first act, on -becoming more calm, was to offer thanks to that Providence which had -watched over and protected her in her hour of need. - -One of the most terrible bear-fights on record, which throws the -exploits of Davy Crockett, and even of "old Grizzly Adams" into the -shade, was that which took place some thirty years ago, between a man by -the name of John Minter, and one of the largest and most ferocious of -the species of black bears. Captain Minter was one of the settlers of -Ohio, and, in his youth, had been a great hunter, spending most of his -time in the woods in pursuit of game; and such was his proficiency with -the rifle, that he seldom failed to bring down the fleetest-winged -denizen of the air, or the swiftest-footed deer. His last hunt, however, -was the crowning glory of his exploits, brilliant enough to satisfy his -ambition, and induce him to "retire upon his dignity;" in fact, his -passion for hunting was suddenly changed to disgust, and he gave up the -rifle for the plow. - -He had been out one day, as usual, with his rifle, in pursuit of a flock -of turkeys, but had been unsuccessful, and was returning home in a surly -mood, when he came, rather unexpectedly, upon a large black bear, who -seemed disposed to dispute his passage. Quick as thought his piece was -at his shoulder, and the bullet whizzed through the air, striking the -bear full in the breast, and he fell to the ground—as Minter -supposed—dead. Carefully reloading his rifle, not to throw away a -chance, he approached the bear, and poked his nose with the muzzle, to -see if any spark of life remained. Bruin was only "playing 'possum" as -it seems, for with far more agility than could be anticipated of a beast -who had a rifle-ball through his body, he reared upon his hind-feet and -made at the hunter. Minter fired again, but in his haste and -trepidation, arising from the sudden and unexpected attack, he failed to -hit a vital part, and a second wound only served to make the brute more -savage and desperate. Drawing his tomahawk, he threw that; and as the -bear dodged it and sprung upon him, he clubbed his rifle and struck him -a violent blow across the head with the butt, which resulted in -shivering the stock, and, if possible, increasing his rage. Springing -back to avoid the sweep of his terrible claws, Minter drew his long, -keen hunting-knife, and prepared for the fatal encounter which he knew -must ensue. For a moment the combatants stood gazing at each other, like -two experienced duelists, measuring each the other's strength. Minter -was a man of powerful frame, and possessed of extraordinary muscular -development, which, with his quick eye and ready hand, made him a very -athletic and dangerous enemy. He stood six feet high, and was -beautifully proportioned. The bear was a male of the largest size, and, -rendered desperate by his wounds, which were bleeding profusely, was a -fearful adversary to encounter under any circumstances; more -particularly so to Minter, who now had simply his knife to depend upon, -to decide the contest between them. As Bruin advanced to seize him, he -made a powerful blow at his heart, which, had it taken effect, would -have settled the matter at once; but the other was too quick for him, -and with a sweep of his tremendous paw, parried the blow, and sent the -weapon whirling through the air to a distance of twenty feet; the next -instant the stalwart hunter was enfolded in the embrace of those fearful -paws, and both were rolling on the ground in a death-like grapple. - -The woods were open, and free from underbrush to a considerable extent, -and in their struggles they rolled about in every direction. The object -of the bear was, of course, to hug his adversary to death, which the -other endeavored to avoid by presenting his body in such a position as -would best resist the vice-like squeeze, until he could loosen his -grasp; to accomplish which, he seized the bear by the throat with both -hands, and exerted all his energy and muscular power to throttle him. -This had the twofold effect of preventing him from using his teeth, and -compelling him to release the hug, to knock off the other's hands with -his paws; thus affording Minter an opportunity to catch his breath, and -change his position. Several times he thought he should be crushed under -the immense pressure to which he was subjected; but was buoyed up with -the hope of reaching his knife, which lay within sight, and toward which -he endeavored to fall every time they came to the ground. With the hot -breath of the ferocious brute steaming in his face, and the blood from -his own wounds mingling with that of the bear, and running to his heels, -his flesh terribly cut up and lacerated by his claws, he still continued -to maintain the struggle against the fearful odds, until he was enabled -to reach the weapon, which he grasped with joy, and clung to with the -tenacity of a death-grip. With his little remaining strength, and at -every opportunity between the tremendous hugs, he plied the knife until -the bear showed evident signs of weakness, and finally bled to death -from the numerous wounds from whence flowed, in copious streams, his -warm life's blood, staining the leaves and greensward of a crimson hue. - -Releasing himself from the embrace of the now inanimate brute, Minter -crawled to a decaying stump, against which he leaned, and surveyed the -scene. His heart sickened as he contemplated his own person. He had gone -into the battle with a stout, heavy hunting-shirt, and underclothing; -with buckskin leggins and moccasins; and had come out of it with -scarcely a rag upon him, except the belt around his waist, which still -held a few strips of tattered cloth, and a moccasin on one foot. His -body, from his neck to his heels, was covered with great gaping wounds, -many of which penetrated to the bone, and the blood was flowing in -torrents to the ground, covering him with gore from head to foot. For a -space of more than half an acre, the ground was torn up, and had the -appearance of a butcher's shambles. - -As soon as he had recovered his breath, he commenced to crawl toward his -home, where he arrived after nightfall, looking more like a slaughtered -beef than a human being. His wounds were dressed by his family and -friends, and after being confined to his bed for many weeks, thanks to -his healthy, rugged constitution, he entirely recovered; but he bore to -the grave the marks of his terrible contest, in numerous cicatrices and -welts which covered his back, arms and legs, where the bear's claws had -left ineffaceable marks of his strength and ferocity. - -Speaking of Davy Crockett, reminds us that there was one of his -adventures which deserves to be classed with the "highly exciting" -experiences of which Captain Minter's was so good in its way. It was -during the Colonel's travels through Texas; he had left his party, to -give chase to a drove of mustangs over a prairie; he had pursued them to -the banks of the Navasola river, where they had plunged into the stream, -and where his own tough little animal had fallen to the ground, -apparently in a state of exhaustion. But we must give Colonel Crockett's -story in his own words, unless we wish to rob it of its peculiar grace. -He says: - -"After toiling for more than an hour to get my mustang upon his feet -again, I gave it up as a bad job, as little Van did when he attempted to -raise himself to the moon by the waistband of his breeches. Night was -fast closing in, and as I began to think that I had just about sport -enough for one day, I might as well look around for a place of shelter -for the night, and take a fresh start in the morning, by which time I -was in hopes my horse would be recruited. Near the margin of the river a -large tree had been blown down, and I thought of making my lair in its -top, and approached it for that purpose. While beating among the -branches I heard a low growl, as much as to say, 'Stranger, the -apartments are already taken.' Looking about to see what sort of a -bedfellow I was likely to have, I discovered, not more than five or six -paces from me, an enormous Mexican cougar, eyeing me as an epicure -surveys the table before he selects his dish, for I have no doubt the -cougar looked upon me as the subject of a future supper. Rays of light -darted from his large eyes, he showed his teeth like a negro in -hysterics, and he was crouching on his haunches ready for a spring; all -of which convinced me that unless I was pretty quick upon the trigger, -posterity would know little of the termination of my eventful career, -and it would be far less glorious and useful than I intend to make it. - -"One glance satisfied me that there was no time to be lost, as Pat -thought when falling from a church steeple, and exclaimed, 'This would -be mighty pleasant now, if it would only last,' but there was no retreat -either for me or the cougar, so I leveled my Betsy and blazed away. The -report was followed by a furious growl, (which is sometimes the case in -Congress,) and the next moment, when I expected to find the tarnal -critter struggling with death, I beheld him shaking his head as if -nothing more than a bee had stung him. The ball had struck him on the -forehead and glanced off, doing no other injury than stunning him for an -instant, and tearing off the skin, which tended to infuriate him the -more. The cougar wasn't long in making up his mind what to do, nor was I -neither; but he would have it all his own way, and vetoed my motion to -back out. I had not retreated three steps before he sprung at me like a -steamboat; I stepped aside, and as he lit upon the ground, I struck him -violently with the barrel of my rifle, but he didn't mind that, but -wheeled around and made at me again. The gun was now of no use, so I -threw it away, and drew my hunting knife, for I knew we should come to -close quarters before the fight would be over. This time he succeeded in -fastening on my left arm, and was just beginning to amuse himself by -tearing the flesh off with his fangs, when I ripped my knife into his -side, and he let go his hold, much to my satisfaction. - -"He wheeled about and came at me with increased fury, occasioned by the -smarting of his wounds. I now tried to blind him, knowing that if I -succeeded he would become an easy prey; so as he approached me I watched -my opportunity, and aimed a blow at his eyes with my knife, but -unfortunately it struck him on the nose, and he paid no other attention -to it than by a shake of the head and a low growl. He pressed me close, -and as I was stepping backward my foot tripped in a vine, and I fell to -the ground. He was down upon me like a nighthawk upon a June bug. He -seized hold of the outer part of my right thigh, which afforded him -considerable amusement; the hinder part of his body was toward my face; -I grasped his tail with my left hand, and tickled his ribs with my -hunting-knife, which I held in my right. Still the critter wouldn't let -go his hold; and as I found that he would lacerate my leg dreadfully, -unless he was speedily shaken off, I tried to hurl him down the bank -into the river, for our scuffle had already brought us to the edge of -the bank. I stuck my knife into his side, and summoned all my strength -to throw him over. He resisted, was desperate heavy; but at last I got -him so far down the declivity that he lost his balance, and he rolled -over and over till he landed on the margin of the river; but in his fall -he dragged me along with him. Fortunately, I fell uppermost, and his -neck presented a fair mark for my hunting knife. Without allowing myself -time even to draw breath, I aimed one desperate blow at his neck, and -the knife entered his gullet up to the handle, and reached his heart. I -have had many fights with bears, but that was mere child's play; this -was the first fight ever I had with a cougar, and I hope it may be the -last. - -"I now returned to the tree-top to see if any one else would dispute my -lodging; but now I could take peaceable and quiet possession. I parted -some of the branches, and cut away others to make a bed in the opening; -I then gathered a quantity of moss, which hung in festoons from the -trees, which I spread on the litter, and over this I spread my -horse-blanket; and I had as comfortable a bed as a weary man need ask -for. I now took another look at my mustang, and from all appearances, he -would not live until morning. I ate some of the cakes that little Kate -of Nacogdoches had made for me, and then carried my saddle into my -tree-top, and threw myself down upon my bed with no very pleasant -reflections at the prospect before me. - -"I was weary, and soon fell asleep, and did not awake until daybreak the -next day. I felt somewhat stiff and sore from the wounds I had received -in the conflict with the cougar; but I considered myself as having made -a lucky escape. I looked over the bank, and as I saw the carcass of the -cougar lying there, I thought that it was an even chance that we had not -exchanged conditions; and I felt grateful that the fight had ended as it -did. I now went to look after my mustang, fully expecting to find him as -dead as the cougar; but what was my astonishment to find that he had -disappeared without leaving trace of hair or hide of him! I first -supposed that some beasts of prey had consumed the poor critter; but -then they wouldn't have eaten his bones, and he had vanished as -effectually as the deposits, without leaving any mark of the course they -had taken. This bothered me amazing; I couldn't figure it out by any -rule that I had ever heard of, so I concluded to think no more about it. - -"I felt a craving for something to eat, and looking around for some -game, I saw a flock of geese on the shore of the river. I shot a fine, -fat gander, and soon stripped him of his feathers; and gathering some -light wood, I kindled a fire, run a long stick through my goose for a -spit, and put it down to roast, supported by two sticks with prongs. I -had a desire for some coffee; and having a tin cup with me, I poured the -paper of ground coffee that I had received from the bee-hunter into it, -and made a strong cup, which was very refreshing. Off of my goose and -biscuit I made a hearty meal, and was preparing to depart without -clearing up the breakfast things, or knowing which direction to pursue, -when I was somewhat taken aback by another of the wild scenes of the -West. I heard a sound like the trampling of many horses, and I thought -to be sure the mustangs or buffaloes were coming upon me again; but on -raising my head, I beheld in the distance about fifty mounted Comanches, -with their spears glittering in the morning sun, dashing toward the spot -where I stood at full speed. As the column advanced, it divided, -according to their usual practice, into two semicircles, and in an -instant I was surrounded. Quicker than thought I sprung to my rifle, but -as my hand grasped it, I felt that resistance against so many would be -of as little use as pumping for thunder in dry weather. - -"The chief was for making love to my beautiful Betsy, but I clung fast -to her, and assuming an air of composure, I demanded whether their -nation was at war with the Americans. 'No,' was the reply. 'Do you like -the Americans?' 'Yes; they are our friends.' 'Where do you get your -spear-heads, your rifles, your blankets, and your knives from?' 'Get -them from our friends, the Americans.' 'Well, do you think, if you were -passing through their nation, as I am passing through yours, they would -attempt to rob you of your property?' 'No, they would feed me, and -protect me; and the Comanche will do the same by his white brother.' - -"I now asked him what it was had directed him to the spot where I was, -and he told me that they had seen the smoke from a great distance, and -had come to see the cause of it. He inquired what had brought me there -alone; and I told him that I had come to hunt, and that my mustang had -become exhausted and though I thought he was about to die, that he had -escaped from me; at which the chief gave a low, chuckling laugh, and -said it was all a trick of the mustang, which is the most wily and -cunning of all animals. But he said, that as I was a brave hunter, he -would furnish me with another; he gave orders, and a fine young horse -was immediately brought forward. - -"When the party approached there were three old squaws at their head, -who made a noise with their mouths, and served as trumpeters. - -"I now told the chief that, as I now had a horse, I would go for my -saddle, which was in the place where I had slept. As I approached the -spot, I discovered one of the squaws devouring the remains of my roasted -goose, but my saddle and bridle were nowhere to be found. Almost in -despair of seeing them again, I observed, in a thicket at a little -distance, one of the trumpeters kicking and belaboring her horse to make -him move off, while the sagacious beast would not move a step from the -troop. I followed her, and thanks to her restive mustang, secured my -property, which the chief made her restore to me. Some of the warriors -had by this time discovered the body of the cougar, and had already -commenced skinning it; and seeing how many stabs were about it, I -related to the chief the desperate struggle I had had; he said, 'Brave -hunter, brave man,' and wished me to be adopted into his tribe, but I -respectfully declined the honor. He then offered to see me on my way; -and I asked him to accompany me to the Colorado river, if he was going -in that direction, which he agreed to do. I put my saddle on my fresh -horse, mounted, and we darted off, at a rate not much slower than I had -rode the day previous with the wild herd, the old squaws at the head of -the troop braying like young jackasses the whole way." - -The more we study the history of frontier life, the more we are -surprised at the characters of such men as Simon Kenton in one way and -David Crockett in another. It would seem as if they were made to command -the circumstances in which they were placed—indigenous to the soil in -which they grew—with traits which sprung up to meet every emergency of -their times and places. They were of a new race, the like of which no -other sun nor age had looked upon—Americans, indeed, in the broadest -sense—men sent to prepare the soil of civilization for the rich fruit -and flowers which already cover the furrows turned by their brave and -vigorous arms. - -David Crockett's grandparents were murdered by Indians; and he was born -and reared in the midst of those privations which helped to make him -what he was. It is quite delightful, in reading his "life" to see with -what ease and _nonchalance_ he dispatches a few bears in the course of a -day, or does any other work which is thrown in his way. As in the -specimen we have quoted, he conquers his cougar, and ingratiates himself -with a roving band of Comanches, and "does up" enough adventures in a -chapter to satisfy any ordinary man, if stretched through a long -lifetime. Let us treasure up the records of "Davy Crockett," for we -shall never have another like him. - -To show the perfect isolation in which some of the pioneers lived, and -the manner of their lives, we will give an anecdote of a Mr. Muldrow, -one of the settlers of Kentucky, whose name is still attached to a range -of savage precipices in the central part of the State, called Muldrow's -hill. The individual referred to settled here at a time when there was -not a single white man but himself in this vicinity, and here he had -resided for a year with his wife, without having seen the face of any -other human being. Perhaps, as it was his choice to reside in a -wilderness, isolated from his own species, he might have thought it -prudent to conceal his place of abode from the Indians, by erecting his -cabin in an inhospitable waste, difficult of access, where there were no -pastures to invite the deer or buffalo, and no game to allure the savage -hunter, and where his family remained secure, while he roved with his -gun over some hunting-ground at a convenient distance. - -After passing a year in this mode of life, he was one day wandering -through the woods in search of game, when he heard the barking of a dog, -and supposing that an Indian was near, concealed himself. Presently a -small dog came running along his track, with his nose to the ground, as -if pursuing his footsteps, and had nearly reached his hiding-place, when -it stopped, snuffed the air, and uttered a low whine, as if to admonish -its master that the object of pursuit was near at hand. In a few minutes -the owner of the dog came stepping cautiously along, glancing his eyes -jealously around, and uttering low signals to the dog. But the dog stood -at fault, and the owner halted within a few yards of our hunter and -exposed to view. - -The new-comer was a tall, athletic man, completely armed with rifle, -tomahawk and knife; but whether he was a white man or an Indian, could -not be determined either by his complexion or dress. He wore a -hunting-shirt and leggins, of dressed deer-skin, and a hat from which -the rim was entirely worn away, and the crown elongated into the shape -of a sugar-loaf. The face, feet and hands, which were exposed, were of -the tawny hue of the savage; but whether the color was natural, or the -effect of exposure, could not be ascertained even by the keen eye of the -hunter; and the features were so disguised with dirt and gunpowder, that -their expression afforded no clue by which the question could be decided -whether the person was a friend or foe. There was but a moment for -scrutiny; the pioneer, inclining to the opinion that the stranger was an -Indian, cautiously drew up his rifle, and took deliberate aim; but the -bare possibility that he might be pointing his weapon at the bosom of a -countryman induced him to pause. - -Again he raised his gun, and again hesitated; while his opponent, with -his rifle half-raised toward his face, and his finger on the trigger, -looked eagerly around. Both stood motionless and silent—one searching -for the object of his pursuit, the other in readiness to fire. At length -the hunter, having resolved to delay no longer, cocked his rifle—the -_click_ reached the acute ear of the other, who instantly sprung behind -a tree; the hunter imitated his example, and they were now fairly -opposed, each covered by a tree, from behind which he endeavored to get -a shot at his adversary without exposing his own person. - -And now a series of stratagems ensued, each seeking to draw the fire of -the other, until the stranger, becoming weary of suspense, called out: - -"Why don't you shoot, you etarnal cowardly varmint?" - -"Shoot, yourself, you bloody red-skin!" retorted the other. - -"No more a red-skin than yourself!" - -"Are you a white man?" - -"To be sure I am. Are you?" - -"Yes; no mistake in me!" - -Whereupon, each being undeceived, they threw down their guns, rushed -together with open arms, and took a hearty hug. The hunter now learned -that the stranger had been settled, with his family, about ten miles -from him, for several months past, and that each had frequently roamed -over the same hunting-ground, supposing himself the sole inhabitant of -that region. On the following day the hunter saddled his horse, and -taking up his good wife behind him, carried her down to make a call upon -her new neighbor, who doubtless received the visit with far more sincere -joy than usually attends such ceremonies. - -There is a well-accredited bear-story which belongs to the early history -of Ohio, and which is of a little different type from most of the -adventures with these ugly animals. An old pilot of the Ohio was once -obliged to give a bruin a free ride—but he could hardly blame the bear, -after stopping so kindly to take him in. But we must let him tell his -own story. "Twenty odd year ago," said the pilot, "there warn't a great -many people along the Ohio, except Injins and b'ars, and we didn't like -to cultivate a clust acquaintance with either of 'em; fer the Injins -were cheatin', scalpin' critters, and the bears had an onpleasant way -with them. Ohio warn't any great shakes then, but it had a mighty big -pile of the tallest kind of land layin' about, waitin' to be opened to -the sunlight. 'Arly one mornin' when my companions was asleep, I got up -and paddled across the river after a deer, for we wanted venison for -breakfast. I got a buck and was returnin', when what should I see but a -b'ar swimmin' the Ohio, and I put out in chase right off. I soon -overhauled the critter and picked up my rifle to give him a settler, but -the primin' had got wet and the gun wouldn't go off. I didn't understand -b'ar as well then as I do now, and I thought I'd run him down and drown -him or knock him in the head. So I put the canoe right eend on toward -him, thinkin' to run him under, but when the bow teched him, what did he -do but reach his great paws up over the side of the canoe and begin to -climb in. I hadn't bargained for that. I felt mighty onpleasant, you may -believe, at the prospect of sech a passenger. I hadn't time to get at -him with the butt of my rifle, till he came tumbling into the dugout, -and, as he seated himself on his starn, showed as pretty a set of ivory -as you'd wish to see. Thar we sot, he in one end of the dugout, I in -t'other, eyein' one another in a mighty suspicious sort of way. He -didn't seem inclined to come near my eend of the canoe, and I was -principled agin goin' toward his. I made ready to take to the water, but -at the same time made up my mind I'd paddle him to shore, free gratis -for nothin' if he'd behave hisself. Wal, I paddled away, the b'ar every -now and then grinnin' at me, skinnin' his face till every tooth in his -head stood right out, and grumblin' to hisself in a way that seemed to -say, 'I wonder if that chap's good to eat.' I didn't offer any opinion -on the subject; I didn't say a word to him, treatin' him all the time -like a gentleman, but kept pullin' for the shore. When the canoe touched -ground, he clambered over the side, climbed up the bank, and givin' me -an extra grin, made off for the woods. I pushed the dugout back -suddenly, and give him, as I felt safe agin, a double war whoop, that -astonished him. I learned one thing that morning—never to try to _drown -a b'ar_—'specially by running him down with a dugout—it wont pay!" - -[Illustration: - - Big Joe Logston's Encounter with an Indian—_Page_ 7. -] - - - - - TALES, - - TRADITIONS AND ROMANCE - - OF - - BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. - - BIG JOE LOGSTON. - DEBORAH, THE MAIDEN WARRIOR. - GEN. MORGAN'S PRAYER. - BRAVERY OF THE JOHNSON BOYS. - - NEW YORK: - BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, - 118 WILLIAM STREET. - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by - BEADLE AND COMPANY, - In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for - the Southern District of New York. - - - - - BIG JOE LOGSTON'S - STRUGGLE WITH AN INDIAN. - - -We have plentiful stories of encounters between the white man and the -red, in which the fierce rivalry is contested with rifles, knives, or -the swift foot-race for life; but it is seldom we hear of a genuine -_fist-fight_ between the hardy men of the forest and their implacable -foe. Only two or three such novel incidents occur in the history of the -Western border. - -Joe Logston was one of the race of famous frontier men, the "Hunters of -Kentucky," whose exploits have been told in story and sung in song. He -could, to use his own words, "outrun, outhop, outjump, throw down, drag -out and whip any man in the country"—which was saying a good deal for -those days, when men like Brady, Wetzel, M'Clelland, Adam Poe and Kenton -sprung up to face the dangers of the hour. - -Joe was a powerful fellow of six foot three in his stockings, and -proportionately stout and muscular, with a handsome, good-natured face, -and a fist like a sledge-hammer. Fear was a word of which he knew not -the meaning, while to _fight_ was his pastime, particularly if his own -scalp was the prize he fought for. - -On one occasion he was mounted on his favorite pony, bound on an -expedition outside the fort. The pony was leisurely picking his way -along the trail, with his head down and half asleep, while his rider was -enjoying a feast on some wild grapes which he had gathered as he passed -along. Neither dreamed of danger, until the crack of two rifles on -either side the path killed the horse and wounded the rider. A ball -struck Joe, grazing the skin above the breast-bone, but without doing -any material damage. The other ball passed through his horse, just -behind the saddle. In an instant Joe found himself on his feet, grasping -his trusty rifle, which he had instinctively seized as he slipped to the -ground, ready for the foe. He might easily have escaped by running, as -the guns of the Indians were empty, and they could not begin to compete -with him in speed. But Joe was not one of that sort. He boasted that he -had never left a battle-field without making his "mark," and he was not -disposed to begin now. One of the savages sprung into the path and made -at him, but finding his antagonist prepared, he "treed" again. Joe, -knowing there were two of the varmints, looked earnestly about him for -the other, and soon discovered him between two saplings, engaged in -reloading his piece. The trees were scarcely large enough to shield his -person, and in pushing down the ball, he exposed his hips, when Joe, -quick as thought, drew a bead, and firing, struck him in the exposed -part. Now that his rifle was empty, the big Indian who had first made -his appearance, rushed forward, feeling sure of his prey, and rejoicing -in the anticipated possession of the white man's scalp. Joe was not -going to resign this necessary and becoming covering to his head without -a struggle, and stood, calmly awaiting the savage, with his rifle -clubbed and his feet braced for a powerful blow. Perceiving this, his -foe halted within ten paces, and with all the vengeful force of a -vigorous arm, threw his tomahawk full at Joe's face. With the rapidity -of lightning it whirled through the air; but Joe, equally quick in his -movements, dodged it, suffering only a slight cut on the left shoulder -as it passed, when he "went in." - -The Indian darted into the bushes, successfully dodging the blows made -at his head by the now enraged hunter, who, becoming excited to madness -at the failure of his previous efforts, gathered all his strength for a -final blow, which the cunning savage dodged as before, while the rifle, -which by this time had become reduced to the simple barrel, struck a -tree and flew out of Joe's hands at least ten feet into the bushes. - -The Indian sprung to his feet and confronted him. Both empty-handed, -they stood for a moment, measuring each the other's strength; it was but -a moment, for the blood was flowing freely from the wound in Joe's -breast, and the other thinking him more seriously wounded than he really -was, and expecting to take advantage of his weakness, closed with him, -intending to throw him. In this, however, he reckoned without his host. -In less time than it takes to recount it, he found himself at full -length on his back, with Joe on top. Slipping from under him with the -agility of an eel they were both on their feet again—and again closed. -This time the savage was more wary, but the same result followed—he was -again beneath his opponent. But having the advantage of Joe, in being -naked to his breech-cloth, and _oiled_ from head to foot, he could -easily slip from the grasp of the hunter and resume his perpendicular. -Six different times was he thrown with the same effect; but -victory—fickle jade—seemed disposed to perch on the banner of neither of -the combatants. There were no admiring thousands looking on at this -exciting "mill"—no seconds to insist upon fairness and preserve the -rules of the ring—only one poor wounded spectator, and two foes fighting -not for fame but life. - -By this time they had, in their struggles and contortions, returned to -the open path, and Joe resolved upon a change of tactics. He was -becoming sensibly weaker from loss of blood, while, on the other hand, -the savage seemed to lose none of his strength by the many falls he had -experienced. Closing again in a close hug, they fell as before; this -time, instead of endeavoring to keep his antagonist down, Joe sprung at -once to his feet, and, as his antagonist came up, dealt him a blow with -his fist between the eyes, which felled him like an ox, at the same time -falling with all his might upon his body. - -This was repeated every time he rose, and began to tell with fearful -effect upon the savage's body as well as his face, for Joe was no light -weight, and at every succeeding fall the Indian came up weaker, seeming -finally disposed to retreat; this his opponent decidedly objected to; -his "spunk was up;" he dealt his blows more rapidly, until the savage -lay apparently insensible at his feet. Falling upon him, he grasped the -Indian's throat with a grip like a vice, intending to strangle him. He -soon found that the savage was "playing possum," and that some movement -was going forward, the purport of which he could not immediately guess. -Following with his eye the direction of the movement, Joe found that he -was trying to disengage his knife which was in his belt, but the handle -of which was so short that it had slipped down beyond reach, and he was -working it up by pressing on the point. Joe watched the effort with deep -interest, and when it was worked up sufficient for his purpose, seized -it, and with one powerful blow drove it to the owner's heart, leaving -him quivering in the agonies of death. - -Springing to his feet the victor now bethought him of the other -red-skin, and looked around to discover him. He still lay, with his back -broken by Joe's ball, where he had fallen, and, having his piece loaded, -was trying to raise himself upright to fire it; but every time he -brought it to his shoulder he would tumble forward and have again to -renew the effort. Concluding that he had had enough fighting for -exercise, and knowing that the wounded Indian could not escape, Joe took -his way to the fort. - -Although he presented a frightful sight when he reached there—his -clothes being torn nearly from his person, which was covered with blood -and dirt from his head to his feet—yet his account was hardly believed -by some of his comrades, who thought it one of Joe's "big stories," -which had the reputation of being as big as himself, though not half so -well authenticated. "Go and satisfy yourselves," said he; and a party -started for the battle-ground, where their suppositions were confirmed, -as there were no Indians about, and no evidence of them, except Joe's -dead horse in the path. On looking carefully about, however, they -discovered a trail which led a little way into the bushes, where they -discovered the body of the big Indian buried under the dead leaves by -the side of a stump. Following on, they found the corpse of the second, -with his own knife thrust into his heart and his grasp still upon it, to -show that he died by his own hand. Nowhere could they discover the knife -with which Joe had killed the big Indian. They found it at last, thrust -into the ground, where it had been forced by the heel of his wounded -companion, who must have suffered the most intense agony while -endeavoring to hide all traces of the white man's victory. - -Joe got the credit for his story, while his comrades universally -lamented that they had not been spectators of this pugilistic encounter -between "big Indian" and "big Joe." - -Another one of the forest scenes which stand out so vividly in pictures -of American life, occurs to us. It is unique in its character, and will -excite a smile, as well as a feeling of admiration for the tact and -courage which enacted it. - -In the early part of the Revolutionary war, a sargeant and twelve armed -men undertook a journey through the wilderness, in the State of New -Hampshire. Their route was remote from any settlements, and they were -under the necessity of encamping over night in the woods. Nothing -material happened the first day of their excursion; but early in the -afternoon of the second, they, from an eminence, discovered a body of -armed Indians advancing toward them, whose number rather exceeded their -own. As soon as the whites were perceived by their red brethren, the -latter made signals, and the two parties approached each other in an -amicable manner. The Indians appeared to be much gratified with meeting -the sargeant and his men, whom they observed they considered as their -protectors; said they belonged to a tribe which had raised the hatchet -with zeal in the cause of liberty, and were determined to do all in -their power to repel the common enemy. They shook hands in friendship, -and it was, "How d'ye do, _pro_, how d'ye do, pro," that being their -pronunciation of the word brother. When they had conversed with each -other for some time, and exchanged mutual good wishes, they at length -separated, and each party traveled in a different direction. After -proceeding to the distance of a mile or more, the sargeant, who was -acquainted with all the different tribes, and knew on which side of the -contest they were respectively ranked, halted his men and addressed them -in the following words: - -"My brave companions, we must use the utmost caution, or this night may -be our last. Should we not make some extraordinary exertions to defend -ourselves, to-morrow's sun may find us sleeping never to wake. You are -surprised, comrades, at my words, and your anxiety will not be lessened, -when I inform you, that we have just passed our most inveterate foe, -who, under the mask of pretended friendship you have witnessed, would -lull us to security, and by such means, in the unguarded moments of our -midnight slumber, without resistance, seal our fate." - -The men with astonishment listened to this short harangue; and their -surprise was greater, as not one of them had entertained the suspicion -but they had just encountered friends. They all immediately resolved to -enter into some scheme for their mutual preservation and destruction of -their enemies. By the proposal of their leader, the following plan was -adopted and executed: - -The spot selected for their night's encampment was near a stream of -water, which served to cover their rear. They felled a large tree, -before which on the approach of night, a brilliant fire was lighted. -Each individual cut a log of wood about the size of his body, rolled it -nicely in his blanket, placed his hat upon the extremity, and laid it -before the fire, that the enemy might be deceived, and mistake it for a -man. After logs equal in number to the sargeant's party were thus fitted -out, and so artfully arranged that they might be easily mistaken for so -many soldiers, the men with loaded muskets placed themselves behind the -fallen tree, by which time the shades of evening began to close around. -The fire was supplied in fuel, and kept burning brilliantly until late -in the evening, when it was suffered to decline. The critical time was -now approaching, when an attack might be expected from the Indians; but -the sargeant's men rested in their place of concealment with great -anxiety till near midnight, without perceiving any movement of the -enemy. - -At length a tall Indian was discovered through the glimmering of the -fire, cautiously moving toward them, making no noise, and apparently -using every means in his power to conceal himself from any one about the -camp. For a time his actions showed him to be suspicious that a guard -might be stationed to watch any unusual appearance, who would give the -alarm in case of danger; but all appearing quiet, he ventured forward -more boldly, rested upon his toes, and was distinctly seen to move his -finger as he numbered each log of wood, or what he supposed to be a -human being quietly enjoying repose. To satisfy himself more fully as to -the number, he counted them over a second time, and cautiously retired. -He was succeeded by another Indian, who went through the same movements, -and retired in the same manner. Soon after the whole party, sixteen in -number, were discovered approaching, and greedily eyeing their supposed -victims. The feelings of the sargeant's men can better be imagined than -described, when they saw the base and cruel purpose of their enemies, -who were now so near that they could scarcely be restrained from firing -upon them. The plan, however, of the sargeant, was to have his men -remain silent in their places of concealment till the muskets of the -savages were discharged, that their own fire might be more effectual, -and opposition less formidable. - -Their suspense was not of long duration. The Indians, in a body, -cautiously approached, till within a short distance; they then halted, -took deliberate aim, discharged their pieces upon inanimate _logs_, gave -the dreadful war-whoop, and instantly rushed forward with tomahawk and -scalping-knife in hand, to dispatch the living, and obtain the scalps of -the dead. As soon as they had collected in close order, more effectually -to execute their horrid intentions, the party of the sargeant, with -unerring aim, discharged their pieces, not on logs of wood, but -perfidious savages, not one of whom escaped destruction by the snare -into which they led themselves. - -There must have been a touch of grim humor about that sargeant as well -as of cool courage. - -Many instances are on record of those days of danger—where either in -battle or in the settlement of new countries, the cruel and crafty -red-man had to be encountered—where the minds of men have been thrown -from their balance by the sight of barbarities, or the suffering of -afflictions, which overthrow their shuddering reasons. Some men have -been called monomaniacs, from the fact of their restless and rankling -hatred of the race who had inflicted some great misery upon them or -theirs. But it is hardly strange that when they saw those savages behave -worse than tigers, they decided to treat them like wild beasts, and that -they were justified in the attempt to exterminate them. There must be -men in Minnesota, at this day, who are monomaniacs on the subject of the -red-skins. One of the most noted of these Indian haters was John -Moredock, of Kentucky; and these are the circumstances which made him -so, as given in a fine paper on the early settlers, in Harper's Magazine -for 1861: - -Toward the end of the last century there lived at Vincennes a woman -whose whole life had been spent on the frontier. She had been widowed -four or five times by the Indians; her last husband, whose name was -Moredock, had been killed a few years before the time of which we speak. -But she had managed to bring up a large family in a respectable manner. -Now, when her sons were growing up, she resolved to better their -condition by moving "West." The whole of Illinois was a blooming waste -of prairie land, except in a few places where stood the trading-posts -built a hundred years before by the French. - -The lower peninsula of Illinois was not of a nature to attract emigrants -when so much finer lands were to be found on the banks of the Great -River and its tributaries; nor was a land journey over that marshy -region, infested as it was by roving bands of savages, to be lightly -undertaken, when the two rivers furnished a so much more easy though -circuitous way to the delightful region beyond. Hence it was usual for a -company of those intending to make the journey to purchase a sufficient -number of pirogues, or keel-boats, in them descend the Ohio, and then -ascend the Mississippi to the mouth of the Kaskaskia, or any other -destined point. By adopting this mode of traveling all serious danger of -Indian attacks was avoided, except at one or two points on the latter -stream, where it was necessary to land and draw the boats around certain -obstructions in the channel. - -To one of these companies the Moredock family joined itself—several of -the sons being sufficiently well-grown to take a part not only in the -ordinary labors of the voyage but in any conflict that might occur. All -went well with the expedition until they reached the rock known as the -"Grand Tower" on the Mississippi, almost within sight of their -destination. Here, supposing themselves to be out of danger, the men -carelessly leaped on shore to drag the boats up against the current, -which here rushed violently around the base of the cliff. The women and -children, fifteen or twenty in number, tired of being cooped in the -narrow cabins for three or four weeks, thoughtlessly followed. While the -whole party were thus making their way slowly along the narrow space -between the perpendicular precipice on one hand, the well-known yell of -savage onset rung in their ears, and a volley of rifles from above -stretched half a dozen of the number dead in their midst, while almost -at the same moment a band of the painted demons appeared at each end of -the fatal pass. The experienced border men, who saw at a glance that -their condition was hopeless, stood for one moment overwhelmed with -consternation; but in the next the spirit of the true Indian fighter -awoke within their hearts, and they faced their assailants with hopeless -but desperate valor. - -The conflict that ensued was only a repetition of the scene which the -rivers and woods of the West had witnessed a thousand times before, in -which all the boasted strength and intelligence of the whites had been -baffled by the superior cunning of the red-men. "Battle Rock," "Murder -Creek," "Bloody Run," and hundreds of similar names scattered throughout -our land, are but so many characters in that stern epitaph which the -aborigines, during their slow retreat across the continent toward the -Rocky Mountains, and annihilation, have written for themselves in the -blood of the destroying race. The history of Indian warfare contains no -passage more fearful than is to be found in the narrative of the -massacre at the Grand Tower of the Mississippi. Half armed, surprised, -encumbered with their women and children, and taken in so -disadvantageous a situation, being all huddled together on a narrow -sand-beach, with their enemies above and on either side, their most -desperate efforts availed not even to postpone their fate; and in the -space of ten minutes after the warning yell was heard, the mangled -bodies of forty men, women and children lay heaped upon the narrow strip -of sand. The conflict had ended in the complete destruction of the -emigrant company—so complete that the savages imagined not a single -survivor remained to carry the disastrous tidings to the settlements. - -But one such wretched survivor, however, there was. John Moredock, who, -having fought like a young tiger until all hope of saving even a part of -the unfortunate company was lost, and who then, favored by the smoke, -and the eagerness of the assailants for scalps, and the plunder of the -boats, glided through the midst of the savages and nestled himself in a -cleft of the rocks. Here he lay for hours, sole spectator of a scene of -Indian ferocity which transformed his young heart to flint, and awoke -that thirst for revenge which continued to form the ruling sentiment of -his future life, and which raged as insatiably on the day of his death, -forty years later, when he had become a man of mark, holding high -offices in his adopted State, as it did when crouching among the rocks -of the Grand Tower; and, beholding the bodies of his mother, sisters and -brothers mangled by the Indian tomahawk, he bound himself by a solemn -oath never from that moment to spare one of the accursed race who might -come within reach of his arm; and especially to track the footsteps of -the marauding band who had just swept away all that he loved on earth, -until the last one should have paid the penalty of life for life. - -How long he remained thus concealed he never knew; but at length, as the -sun was setting, the Indians departed, and John Moredock stepped forth -from his hiding-place, not what he had entered it, a brave, -light-hearted lad of nineteen, the pride of a large family circle and -the favorite of a whole little colony of borderers, but an orphan and an -utter stranger in a strange land, standing alone amidst the ghastly and -disfigured corpses of his family and friends. He had hoped to find some -life still lingering amidst the heaps of carnage; but all, all had -perished. Having satisfied himself of this fact, the lonely boy—now -transformed into that most fearful of all beings, a thoroughly desperate -man—quitted the place, and, guiding himself by the stars, struck across -the prairie toward the nearest settlement on the Kaskaskia, where he -arrived the next morning, bringing to the inhabitants the first news of -the massacre which had taken place so near their own village, and the -first warning of the near approach of the prowling band which had been -for several months depredating, at various points along that exposed -frontier, in spite of the treaties lately made by their nations with the -Federal Government. - -John Moredock was by nature formed for a leader in times of danger, and -his avowed determination to revenge the massacre of his friends and -kindred by the extirpation of the murderous band coincided so exactly -with the feelings of the frontiersmen, that, in spite of his lack of -previous acquaintance, he in a few days found himself at the head of a -company of twenty-five or thirty young men, whose lives had been spent -in the midst of all kinds of perils and hardships, and who now bound -themselves to their leader by an oath never to give up the pursuit until -the last one of the marauding band engaged in the attack at Grand Tower -should be slain. - -Stanch as a pack of blood-hounds this little company of avengers ranged -the frontier from the Des Moines to the Ohio, now almost within reach of -their victims, and now losing all trace of them on the boundless -prairies over which they roamed, unconscious of the doom by which they -were being so hotly but stealthily pursued. Once, indeed, the whites -came up with their game on the banks of a tributary of the Missouri, a -hundred and fifty miles beyond the utmost line of the settlements; but -as the Indians, though unsuspicious of any particular danger, had -pitched their camp in a spot at once easy to defend and to escape from, -and as Moredock wished to destroy and not to disperse them, he forbore -striking a partial blow, and resolved rather to postpone his revenge -than to enjoy it incompletely. - -Fortune, however, seemed to repay him for this act of self-restraint by -presenting the very opportunity he had sought, when, a few weeks -afterward, he discovered the whole gang of marauders encamped for the -night on a small island in the middle of the Mississippi. After a hasty -consultation with his companions, a course of procedure was determined -upon which strikingly displays both the monomaniacal tendency of the -leader and the desperate ascendancy he had acquired over his followers. -This was nothing less than to shut themselves up on that narrow sand-bar -and to engage the savages in a hand-to-hand conflict—a conflict from -which neither party could retreat, and which must necessarily end in the -total destruction of one or the other. A most desperate undertaking -truly, when we reflect that the numbers of the combatants were about -equal, and that to surprise an Indian encampment was next to impossible. -But John Moredock, and, probably, more than one of his companions, were -monomaniacs, and considerations of personal danger never entered into -their calculations. Revenge, not safety, was their object, and they took -little thought of the latter when the opportunity of compassing the -former was presented. - -Slowly and stealthily, therefore, the canoes approached the island when -all sounds there had ceased, and the flame of the camp-fire had sunk -into a pale-red glow, barely marking the position of the doomed party -among the undergrowth with which the central portion of the little isle -was covered. The Indians, confiding in their natural watchfulness, -seldom place sentinels around their camps; and thus Moredock and his -band reached the island without being discovered. A few moments sufficed -to set their own canoes as well as those of the Indians adrift, and -then, with gun in hand and tomahawk ready, they glided noiselessly, as -so many panthers, into the thicket, separating as they advanced so as to -approach the camp from different quarters. All remained still as death -for many minutes while the assailants were thus closing in around their -prey, and not a twig snapped, and scarcely a leaf stirred in the thick -jungle through which thirty armed men were making their way in as many -different directions, but all converging toward the same point, where a -pale glimmer indicated the position of the unsuspected savages. But -though an Indian camp may be easily approached within a certain -distance, it is almost impossible, if there be any considerable number -of them, to actually strike its occupants while asleep. As savages, -roaming at large over the face of the continent without fixed -habitations, and relying upon chance for the supply of their few wants, -they know nothing of that regularity of habit which devotes certain -fixed portions of time to the various purposes of life, but each one -eats, sleeps or watches, just as his own feelings may dictate at the -moment, without any regard to established usages of time or place. Hence -the probability of finding all the members of an Indian party asleep at -the same time is small indeed. - -On the present occasion two or three warriors, who were smoking over the -embers, caught the alarm before the assailants had quite closed in. -Still the surprise gave the white men a great advantage, and half a -dozen of the savages were shot down in their tracks before they -comprehended the meaning of the hideous uproar, which suddenly broke the -midnight stillness as Moredock and his company, finding their approach -discovered, rushed in upon them. This fatal effect of the first volley -was a lucky thing for the adventurers; for the Indians are less liable -to panics than almost any other people, and they closed with their -assailants with a fury that, combined with their superior skill in -nocturnal conflict, would have rendered the issue of the struggle a very -doubtful matter had the number of combatants been more nearly even. As -it was, the nimble warriors fought their way against all odds to the -point where their canoes had been moored. Here, finding their expected -means of flight removed, and exposed upon the naked sand-beach, the -survivors still made desperate battle until all were slain except three, -who plunged boldly into the stream, and, aided by the darkness, -succeeded in reaching the main land in safety. - -Twenty-seven of those engaged in the massacre at the Grand Tower had -been destroyed at a single blow. But three had escaped from the bloody -trap, and while these lived the vengeance of John Moredock was -unsatisfied. They must perish, and he determined that it should be by -his own hand. He therefore dismissed his faithful band, and thenceforth -continued the pursuit alone. Having learned the names of the three -survivors he easily tracked them from place to place, as they roamed -about in a circuit of three or four hundred miles. Had the wretches -known what avenger of blood was thus dogging their tracks, the whole -extent of the continent would not have afforded space enough for their -flight, or its most retired nook a sufficiently secure retreat. But -quite as relentless Moredock pursued his purpose, and but few even of -his acquaintances knew the motive of his ceaseless journey along the -frontiers from Green Bay to the mouth of the Ohio, and far into the -unsettled wastes beyond the Mississippi. - -At length, about two years after the massacre of his family at the -Tower, he returned to Kaskaskia, having completed his terrible task, and -bearing the scalp of the last of the murderers at his girdle. - -Moredock lived to be a popular and leading man in his State, an -office-holder, a kind neighbor and beloved head of a family, yet he -never relaxed in his hatred of the race who had poisoned the fountain of -youthful hope for him. - - - - - DEBORAH SAMPSON, THE MAIDEN WARRIOR. - - -There comes to us, from the days of chivalry, in song and story, legends -of ladies who followed their lords to the distant field of Palestine, -hiding their soft hearts under the disguise of the page's dress. Time, -the romancer, has thrown his enchanting vail over their adventures, -surrounding them with the grace of mystery and the glory of sentiment. - -Perhaps in the far-away future of our immortal republic, young men and -maidens will dream over the story of DEBORAH SAMPSON, the girl-soldier -of that Revolution which won us our liberties. It will not be said that -she donned the uniform and shouldered the musket for the sake of some -dear lover, that she might ever be near to watch over him in the hour of -danger, and to nurse him if wounded, with all the tender solicitude of -woman's love; but it will be told that she went into the service of her -country because men were few and her heart was in the cause. She had -health and courage, and that high patriotism which burned alike in manly -and feminine breasts. That she was brave, is proven by her being twice -wounded in battle. There is no need of putting any other construction -than that of pure patriotism upon her actions; the steadiness with which -she performed her duties show that it was no wild love of adventure -which possessed her. - -Deborah Sampson was born in the county of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Her -parents were poor and vicious, and their children were taken from them -by the hand of charity, to be placed with different families, where -there was a prospect of their being better cared for. Deborah found a -home with a respectable farmer, by whom she was treated as one of the -family, except in the matter of education. To overcome this deprivation -she used to borrow the books of school children, over which she pored -until she learned to read tolerably well. This simple fact reveals that -her mind was no ordinary one. She was a true child of New England, -ambitious to be the equal of those by whom she was surrounded, and -looking upon ignorance almost as degradation. Many of our now famous -minds began their culture in this humble way, by the side of the kitchen -fire, perhaps with a pine-torch, by the light of which to pursue their -eager groping after knowledge. - -As soon as the completion of her eighteenth year released her from -indenture, she hastened to seek a situation in which to improve herself, -and made arrangements with a family to work one-half her time for her -board and lodging, while, during the other half, she attended the -district-school. Her improvement was so rapid, that in a comparatively -short space of time she was thought competent to teach, and by doing so -for one term, the ambitious girl amassed the sum of _twelve dollars_! In -all this we see the remarkable energy and force of character which -enabled her to carry out the career she afterward chose. The young -bound-girl who so soon would raise herself to the position of teacher, -must have had in her elements, which, had she been a _man_, would have -urged her to the performance of deeds that would have given her -prominence in those stirring days. - -While Deborah was teaching her little summer school, the spirit of -resistance to tyranny which long had struggled toward the light, burst -forth over the whole country, never to be hid again. The first battle -had been fought at Lexington; the sound of the cannon had rolled from -Bunker Hill in echoes which would not die. They thrilled and trembled -along the air, in never-ending vibrations, smiting the ears of patriots, -and rousing their hearts to the duties and perils of the hour. Deborah, -in her little schoolroom, heard the sound. For her it had a peculiar -message; it called her—she could not resist! Something in her courageous -breast told her that she was as well fitted to serve her beloved country -as the young men, who, with kindling eyes and eager feet, were rushing -to its assistance. Walking slowly home from her school, along the lonely -road, looking out at night from the little window of her chamber at the -stars, she pondered the voice in her heart. The more she thought, the -more earnest she became in her desire. There was no reason why she -should silence the resolution which called her. She was accountable to -none; was friendless, without kindred or home. Why was she given this -vigorous and healthy frame, and this heroic heart, if not for the -service of her suffering country? Perhaps Providence had loosened her -from other ties, that she might attach herself solely to this holy -cause. With such arguments as these she quieted the timidity which arose -solely from maidenly fears that she might be detected in her plans, and -subjected to the embarrassment of being refused or ridiculed on account -of her sex. - -With that humble wealth of twelve dollars she purchased the materials -for a suit of men's clothing. Upon the cloth she worked secretly, as she -found the opportunity, each article, upon completion, being hidden in a -stack of hay. When her arrangements were completed she announced a -determination to seek better wages, and took her departure, without her -real purpose being suspected. When far enough away to feel secure, she -donned her male attire, and pursued her way to the American army, where -she presented herself in October, 1778, as a young man anxious to join -his efforts to those of his countrymen in their endeavors to oppose the -common enemy. She is described as being, at this time, of very -prepossessing features, and intelligent, animated expression, with a -fine, tall form, and such an air of modest courage and freshness as -inspired confidence and respect in those who had become associated with -her. She was gladly received, as a promising recruit, and enrolled in -the army under the name of Robert Shirtliffe, the period of her -enlistment being for the war. - -While the company was recruiting she was an inmate of the Captain's -family, and, by her exemplary conduct, won the esteem of all. A young -girl, visiting in the family, was much in the company of young "Robert;" -and, being of a coquettish disposition—priding herself, perhaps, on the -conquest of the young soldier—she suffered her partiality to be noticed. -"Robert," having no objections to see how easily a maiden's heart -_could_ be won, encouraged the feeling, until the Captain's wife, -becoming alarmed, took occasion to remonstrate with the youth upon the -subject. "Robert" took the matter in good part, and the affair ended in -the exchange of some few tokens of remembrance at parting. - -At the end of six or seven weeks, the company being full, was ordered to -join the main army, and Deborah's military life commenced in earnest. -The record does not give all the details of her career, though the -record of a life in camp and on the field, under such circumstances, -must be full of interest. She herself has said that volumes might be -filled with her adventures. She performed her duties to the entire -satisfaction of her officers; was a volunteer on several expeditions of -a hazardous nature, and was twice wounded severely; the first time by a -sword-cut on the side of her head, and the second by a bullet-wound -through the shoulder. She served three years, and, during all that time, -her sex never was suspected, though often in circumstances where -detection seemed unavoidable. The soldiers nicknamed her "Molly," in -playful allusion to her want of a beard; but little did they suspect -that their gallant comrade was, indeed, a woman. - -The last wound which she received, of a bullet through her shoulder, -gave her great uneasiness, for fear that the surgeon, upon dressing it, -would discover the deception which had been so long and so successfully -practiced. She always described the emotion, when the ball entered, to -be one of mental, not of physical anguish—a sickening terror at the -probability of her sex being revealed. She felt that death on the -battle-field would be preferable to the shame she would suffer in such a -case, and prayed rather to die than to be betrayed. Strange as it may -appear, she again escaped undetected. Recovering rapidly, she soon -resumed her place in the ranks, as brave and willing as ever. - -Sickness, however, was destined to bring about the catastrophe which the -perils of the battle-field had never precipitated. She was seized with -brain fever, then prevailing among the soldiers. For the few days that -reason struggled with the disease her sufferings were great; and these -were intensely aggravated by her mental anxiety—that ever-present fear, -lest, during her unconsciousness, her carefully-guarded secret should -become known. She was carried to the hospital, where the number of the -patients and the negligent manner in which they were attended still -secured her escape. Her case was considered hopeless, on which account -she received still less attention. She continued to sink, until -consciousness was gone, and life itself trembled on the faintest breath -which ever held it. - -One day, the surgeon of the hospital inquiring "how Robert was?" -received assurance from the nurse that "poor Bob was gone." Going to the -bed, and taking the wrist of the youth, he found the pulse still feebly -beating. Attempting to place his hand on the heart, he found a bandage -bound tightly over the breast. Then it was that the secret of the -girl-soldier became known to the physician; but if she had been his own -daughter he could not have guarded it more delicately. Deborah had -fallen into good hands, in this crisis of her affairs. - -It was Dr. Birney, of Philadelphia, who was then in attendance at the -hospital. Without communicating his discovery to any one, he gave his -patient such care that she was raised from the grave, as it were; and -when sufficiently recovered to be removed, he had her conveyed to his -own house, where she was the recipient of every kind attention from the -family as long as she remained an invalid. And now occurred another of -those romantic episodes which give an interest to the history of our -hero-heroine. If Deborah Sampson had indeed been the "Robert" she -professed to be, she would have been a favorite with the softer sex; -since, without her seeking it, twice the affections of fair maidens were -laid at her feet. We may conjecture, to the credit of the fair sex, that -the purity and modesty of "Robert"—_his_ unassuming excellence and -_womanly_ goodness, had much to do with success in this line. - -A niece of the doctor's, a young and wealthy lady, became interested in -the youth whom she had aided in restoring to health, by her attentions. -"Pity," which is "akin to love," gradually melted into that warmer -feeling. The modest and handsome young man, who shrunk from taking the -slightest advantage of her kindness, aroused all the compassion and -sensibility of her heart. Lovely and young, conscious that many, more -influential than he, would be honored to sue for her hand, she yet -allowed her affections to turn to the pale and unassuming, the humble -and poor, soldier. The uncle was warned of his imprudence in allowing -the young couple to be so much together, but he laughed in his sleeve at -such suggestions, tickling his fancy with the idea of how foolish the -censorious would feel when the truth should be made known. He had not -confided his knowledge even to the members of his own family. It is not -probable that he really believed his niece's feelings were becoming so -warmly interested, or he would have given her a sufficient caution; she -was allowed to be with the convalescent as much as she liked. - -At first the heart of "Robert" opened to this innocent and lovely girl, -whom she loved as a sister, and whose gentle kindness was so winning; -she showed the gratitude which she felt, and perhaps even confided to -her some of the lonely emotions which had so long remained unspoken in -her breast; but it was not long before the young soldier, warned by past -experience, felt apprehensive of the return of affection which she -received, and strove, delicately, to withdraw from the painful position -in which she was being placed. Taking this shrinking embarrassment for -the sensitive modesty of one who, friendless and poor, dared not aspire -to the hand of one so much above him in social position, the fair -heiress, trusting the evident goodness of his heart, and actuated alike -by love and the noblest generosity, made known her attachment to -"Robert," and signified her willingness to furnish him the means of -fitting himself for such a station, and then to marry him. - -When Deborah beheld this guileless young creature, with blushes and -tears, making this unexpected and unwelcome avowal, she felt, with -bitter pain, the position in which she was placed. Then she wished that -she indeed was the Robert Shirtliffe she had assumed to be, rather than -wound the feelings of one to whom she was so much indebted, by a refusal -of what had been so timidly offered. Yet to reveal her true character -would be still more awkward and painful. The wounded sensibility of the -young girl did not, in that hour, cause her so much suffering, as the -remorse and regret of the false "Robert" caused him. - -Saying that they should meet again, and that, though ardently desiring -an education, she could not accept her noble offer, Deborah endeavored -to hurt the sensitive girl as little as possible, while withdrawing from -the dilemma in which she was placed. Shortly after, she departed, taking -with her several articles of clothing, such as in those days were -frequent gifts to the soldiers from the hands of fair women, and which -were pressed upon her acceptance by the young lady. - -The _denouement_ rapidly followed her recovery. The physician had a -conference with the commanding officer of the company with which Robert -had served, which was followed by an order to the youth to carry a -letter to General Washington. She now became aware, for the first time, -that her secret was known, and that detection was no longer avoidable. -She had suspected that Dr. Birney knew more than he had given intimation -of, but her most anxious scrutiny of his words and countenance had never -assured her of the truth of her fears. Now that the worst was come, she -had no way but to meet it with that courage which was a part of her -nature. Yet she would rather have faced the fire of the British cannon -than to have confronted Washington with that letter in her hand. - -Trembling and confused, she presented herself before the -Commander-in-Chief, who, noticing her extreme agitation, with his usual -kindness endeavored to restore her confidence; but finding her still so -abashed, bade her retire with an attendant, who was ordered to procure -her some refreshment, while the General read the letter of which she had -been the bearer. - -When she was recalled to his presence, he silently put into her hand a -discharge from service, along with a brief note of advice, and a sum of -money sufficient to bear her to some place where she might find a home. -Very glad and grateful was she to escape thus unrebuked out of that -presence. - -After the war she married; and while Washington was President she paid a -visit to the seat of Government on his invitation. She was received with -every attention. Congress was then in session, and passed a bill -granting her a pension for life. She lived in comfortable circumstances, -passing from the stage of human life at an advanced age. - -It is probable that, after several generations of historians, poets and -romance writers have embellished the story of Deborah Sampson, she will -become invested, to the eyes of our descendants, with a glory like that -which encircles the memory of the Maid of Orleans. - -There is an incident of a most romantic and touching nature, connected -with the history of the brave Sergeant Jasper, of Marion's brigade. A -young girl, in this instance, followed the fortunes of war, not out of -patriotic motives, like those which inspired Deborah Sampson, but -impelled by a love which no wildest romance of the olden time can more -than match. The page who drew the poison from her lover's wound, on the -distant plains of the Holy Land, proved not so devoted as this young -American girl, throwing her tender bosom between Jasper's heart and -death. - -[Illustration: - - Deborah Sampson, the Maiden Warrior. -] - -Sergeant Jasper was one of the bravest of Marion's men, possessing -remarkable talents as a scout, and often chosen for such expeditions. He -was one of those of whom Bryant says: - - "Our band is few, but true and tried, - Our leader frank and bold; - The British soldier trembles - When Marion's name is told. - Our fortress is the good greenwood, - Our tent the cypress tree; - We know the forest 'round us, - As seamen know the sea. - We know its walls of thorny vines, - Its glades of reedy grass, - Its safe and silent islands - Within the dark morass." - -Sometime just before, or about the beginning of the war, Jasper had the -good fortune to save the life of a young, beautiful, and dark-eyed -Creole girl, called Sally St. Clair. Her susceptible nature was overcome -with gratitude to her preserver, and this soon ripened into a passion of -love, of the most deep and fervent kind. She lavished upon him the whole -wealth of her affections, and the whole depths of a passion nurtured by -a Southern sun. When he was called upon to join the ranks of his -country's defenders, the prospect of their separation almost maddened -her. Their parting came, but scarcely was she left alone, ere her -romantic nature prompted the means of a reunion. Once resolved, no -consideration of danger could dampen her spirit, and no thought of -consequences could move her purpose. She severed her long and jetty -ringlets, and provided herself with male attire. In these she robed -herself, and set forth to follow the fortunes of her lover. - -A smooth-faced, beautiful and delicate stripling appeared among the -hardy, rough and giant frames who composed the corps to which Jasper -belonged. The contrast between the stripling and these men, in their -uncouth garbs, their massive faces, embrowned and discolored by sun and -rain, was indeed striking. But none were more eager for the battle, or -so indifferent to fatigue, as the fair-faced boy. It was found that his -energy of character, resolution and courage amply supplied his lack of -physique. None ever suspected him to be a woman. Not even Jasper -himself, although she was often by his side, penetrated her disguise. - -The romance of her situation increased the fervor of her passion. It was -her delight to reflect that, unknown to him, she was by his side, -watching over him in the hour of danger. She fed her passion by gazing -upon him in the hour of slumber, hovering near him when stealing through -the swamp and thicket, and being always ready to avert danger from his -head. - -But gradually there stole a melancholy presentiment over the poor girl's -mind. She had been tortured with hopes deferred; the war was prolonged, -and the prospect of being restored to him grew more and more uncertain. -But now she felt that her dream of happiness could never be realized. -She became convinced that death was about to snatch her away from his -side, but she prayed that she might die, and he never know to what -length the violence of her passion led her. - -It was an eve before a battle. The camp had sunk into repose. The -watch-fires were burning low, and only the slow tread of sentinels fell -upon the profound silence of the night air, as they moved through the -dark shadows of the forest. Stretched upon the ground, with no other -couch than a blanket, reposed the warlike form of Jasper. Climbing vines -trailed themselves into a canopy above his head, through which the stars -shone down softly. The faint flicker from the expiring embers of a fire -fell athwart his countenance, and tinged the cheek of one who bent above -his couch. It was the smooth-faced stripling. She bent low down as if to -listen to his dreams, or to breathe into his soul pleasant visions of -love and happiness. But tears trace themselves down the fair one's -cheek, and fall silently but rapidly upon the brow of her lover. A -mysterious voice has told her that the hour of parting has come; that -to-morrow her destiny is consummated. There is one last, long, lingering -look, and then the unhappy maid is seen to tear herself away from the -spot, to weep out her sorrows in privacy. - -Fierce and terrible is the conflict that on the morrow rages on that -spot. Foremost in the battle is the intrepid Jasper, and ever by his -side fights the stripling warrior. Often during the heat and the smoke, -gleams suddenly upon the eyes of Jasper the melancholy face of the -maiden. In the thickest of the fight, surrounded by enemies, the lovers -fight side by side. Suddenly a lance is leveled at the breast of Jasper; -but swifter than the lance is Sally St. Clair. There is a wild cry, and -at the feet of Jasper sinks the maiden, with the life-blood gushing from -the white bosom, which had been thrown, as a shield, before his breast. -He heeds not now the din, nor the danger of the conflict, but down by -the side of the dying boy he kneels. Then for the first time does he -learn that the stripling is his love; that often by the camp-fire, and -in the swamp, she had been by his side; that the dim visions, in his -slumber, of an angel face hovering above him, had indeed been true. In -the midst of the battle, with her lover by her side, and the barb still -in her bosom, the heroic maiden dies! - -Her name, her sex, and her noble devotion soon became known through the -corps. There was a tearful group gathered around her grave; there was -not one of those hardy warriors who did not bedew her grave with tears. -They buried her near the river Santee, "in a green, shady nook, that -looked as if it had been stolen out of Paradise." - -The women of the Revolution won a noble name by the part they took in -the conflict which has secured for their descendants so glorious an -inheritance. Privations of all kinds they endured patiently, joyfully -sending their dearest ones to the field, while they remained in their -lonely homes, deprived of the care and society of fathers and sons; -finding their pleasantest relief from the heart-ache of grief and -suspense in labors at the loom or with the needle for the benefit of the -ill-provided soldiers. - -Many individual instances of female heroism are preserved, where the -bravery of naturally timid hearts was tested in exposure to the rudest -vicissitudes of war. They played the parts of spies, messengers, and -defenders. Among other anecdotes we have one of a young girl of North -Carolina. At the time General Greene retreated before Lord Rawdon from -Ninety-Six, when he had passed Broad River, he was very desirous to send -an order to General Sumter, who was on the Wateree, to join him, that -they might attack Rawdon, who had divided his force. But the General -could find no man in that portion of the State who was bold enough to -undertake so dangerous a mission. The country to be passed through for -many miles was full of bloodthirsty Tories, who, on every occasion that -offered, imbrued their hands in the blood of the Whigs. At length this -young girl, Emily Geiger, presented herself to General Greene, proposing -to act as his messenger, and he, both surprised and delighted, closed -with her proposal. He accordingly wrote a letter and delivered it, -while, at the same time, he communicated the contents of it verbally, to -be told to Sumter, in case of accident. - -She started off on horseback, and on the second day of her journey was -intercepted by Lord Rawdon's scouts. Coming from the direction of -Greene's army, and not being able to tell an untruth without blushing, -Emily was suspected and confined to a room; but as the officer in -command had the delicacy not to search her at the time, he sent for an -old Tory matron to perform the duty. Emily was not wanting in expedient; -as soon as the door was closed, and the bustle a little subsided, she -_ate up the letter_, piece by piece. After a while the matron arrived, -who found nothing of a suspicious nature about the prisoner, though she -made a careful search, and the young girl would disclose nothing. -Suspicion being thus allayed, the officer commanding the scouts suffered -Emily to depart whither she said she was bound; she took a circuitous -route to avoid further detection, soon after striking into the road -which led to Sumter's camp, where she arrived in safety. Here she told -her adventure and delivered Greene's verbal message to Sumter, who, in -consequence, soon after joined the main army at Orangeburg. This young -heroine afterward married a rich planter, named Therwits, who lived on -the Congaree. - -A similar adventure is related of Miss Moore, daughter of Captain Moore, -who was present at Braddock's defeat, and who died in 1770. This girl -was also a "daughter of the Carolinas." Alas, that the fair descendants -of women so brave as these, should aid in imperiling the country and the -cause for which their mothers sacrificed and suffered so much! - -Her youth was passed among the eventful scenes of our Revolution, and a -number of incidents are related, that go to prove her calm courage, and -her inflexibility of purpose. She was born in 1764, and, therefore, in -the earlier part of the contest was nothing more than a child. - -The terrors of the war were often enacted before the very door of her -step-father's residence. On one occasion, a most sanguinary skirmish -took place just before the house, between a body of Colonel Washington's -cavalry and some of Rawdon's men. Shortly after, a party of the British -in search of plunder broke into the house. But the family had been -forewarned, and concealed their treasures. In searching for plunder they -discovered a quantity of apples, and began to roll them down the stairs, -while the soldiers below picked them up. Miss Moore, nothing fearing, -commanded them to desist, with an air so determined and resolute, that -an officer standing by, admiring so courageous a spirit in a girl so -young, ordered the soldiers to obey her. - -On another occasion, a party of Tories, in pillaging the house, -commanded one of the servants to bring them the horses. Miss Moore -commanded him not to obey. The Tories repeated the order, accompanied -with a threat to beat him if he refused. The command of the young girl -was reiterated, and just as the Tory was about putting his threat into -execution, she threw herself between them, and preserved the slave from -the intended violence. - -At one time, great danger was threatening Captain Wallace, who commanded -a small force, a few miles distant. It was of the utmost importance that -this intelligence should be conveyed to him, but there was no male whose -services could be commanded, and, therefore, Miss Moore volunteered to -convey the message herself. This was when she was but fifteen. Midnight -was chosen as the hour, and accompanied by her little brother and a -female friend, she set out in a canoe up the river toward the encampment -of the Whigs. Silently and swiftly they propelled their frail vessel up -the dark current, through forests buried in darkness, and a profound -silence that awed them; with the calm stars above, and the deep river -gloomily rolling by, and no human sounds to relieve the oppressive -solemnity of the hour. It was the hour, too, when the enemy usually set -out on their marauding expeditions, and the young girls knew that -neither their sex nor their innocence would preserve them from ruthless -foes, who were more relentless and cruel than the swarthy savages of the -forest. But the fate of many of their countrymen depended on their -exertions, and, as it proved, the future destiny of our heroine was -involved in the successful issue of their enterprise. Undismayed by the -perils of the journey, the young girls bent their energies to the task -before them, and at last saw lights glimmering in the distance, that -pointed out their destination. They soon reached the encampment, a -picturesque scene, with the ruddy glow from the camp-fires casting the -surrounding scene in still greater shadow, and motley groups of figures -gathered around the fires, sleeping, talking, eating, etc. After -delivering the warning to Captain Wallace, the girls embarked in their -canoe to return, and soon left the encampment behind, winding their way -through dense forests, and reached their home in safety. - -The next morning, a handsome and gallant-looking American officer rode -up to the door of Captain Savage's residence, and requested to make a -few inquiries of the young lady by whose energy and zeal her countrymen -had been saved from an impending danger. Miss Moore appeared, and when -her youthful and blooming beauty greeted the eyes of the young officer, -an exclamation of pleasure burst from his lips. He almost forgot to make -his inquiries, until reminded by the blushing damsel, but her voice -rather increased than relieved his embarrassment. All his questions -having been at last answered, and having no excuse by which to prolong -the interview, he was reluctantly compelled to depart, but his eyes to -the last rested on the fair girl's form. It is said that the young lady -was no less struck with the handsome dragoon's figure, and that his face -came often to her in her dreams that night. - -It was not long before the young officer made an excuse for again -visiting the house where resided the beauty who had bound him captive to -her charms, and as these impressions were reciprocal, he soon discovered -welcome in her manner, and drew happy auguries therefrom. He became an -accepted suitor. But their love, in a measure, verified the old adage. -The step-father opposed the union; at first strenuously, but the -perseverance of the lover gradually broke down his opposition, and he -eventually yielded consent. - -This officer was Captain, afterward General, Butler. They were married -in 1784. Mrs. Butler filled a distinguished place in society, being -celebrated both for her virtues and graces. - -Even the meek spirit of the non-resisting Quakers was roused to -patriotic ardor by the noble stake for which the battles of the -Revolution were fought. In proof of what one of their women did in aid -of the good cause, we have the following account of a signal service -rendered by a Quakeress: - -When the British army held possession of Philadelphia, General Harris' -head-quarters were in Second street, the fourth door below Spruce, in a -house which was before occupied by General Cadwalader. Directly -opposite, resided William and Lydia Darrah, members of the Society of -Friends. A superior officer of the British army, believed to be the -Adjutant-General, fixed upon one of their chambers, a back room, for -private conference; and two of them frequently met there, with fire and -candles, in close consultation. About the second of December, the -Adjutant-General told Lydia that they would be in the room at seven -o'clock, and remain late, and that they wished the family to retire -early to bed; adding, that when they were going away, they would call -her to let them out, and extinguish their fire and candles. She -accordingly sent all the family to bed; but, as the officer had been so -particular, her curiosity was excited. She took off her shoes, and put -her ear to the keyhole of the conclave. She overheard an order read for -all the British troops to march out, late in the evening of the fourth, -and attack General Washington's army, then encamped at White Marsh. On -hearing this, she returned to her chamber and laid herself down. Soon -after, the officers knocked at her door, but she rose only at the third -summons, having feigned to be asleep. Her mind was so much agitated -that, from this moment, she could neither eat nor sleep, supposing it to -be in her power to save the lives of thousands of her countrymen, but -not knowing how she was to convey the necessary information to General -Washington, nor daring to confide it even to her husband. The time left -was, however, short; she quickly determined to make her way, as soon as -possible, to the American outposts. She informed her family, that, as -they were in want of flour, she would go to Frankfort for some; her -husband insisted that she should take with her the servant-maid, but, to -his surprise, she positively refused. She got access to General Howe, -and solicited—what he readily granted—a pass through the British troops -on the lines. Leaving her bag at the mill, she hastened toward the -American lines, and encountered on her way an American, -Lieutenant-Colonel Craig, of the light horse, who, with some of his men, -was on the look-out for information. He knew her, and inquired whither -she was going. She answered, in quest of her son, an officer in the -American army, and prayed the Colonel to alight and walk with her. He -did so, ordering his troops to keep in sight. To him she disclosed her -momentous secret, after having obtained from him the most solemn promise -never to betray her individually, since her life might be at stake with -the British. He conducted her to a house near at hand, directed a female -in it to give her something to eat, and he speeded for head-quarters, -where he brought General Washington acquainted with what he had heard. -Washington made, of course, all preparation for baffling the meditated -surprise. Lydia returned home with her flour; sat up alone to watch the -movement of the British troops; heard their footsteps; but when they -returned, in a few days after, did not dare to ask a question, though -solicitous to learn the event. The next evening, the Adjutant-General -came in, and requested her to walk up to his room, as he wished to put -some questions. She followed him in terror; and when he locked the door, -and begged her, with an air of mystery, to be seated, she was sure that -she was either suspected or had been betrayed. He inquired earnestly -whether any of her family were up the last night he and the other -officer met; she told him that they all retired at eight o'clock. He -observed: "I know you were asleep, for I knocked at your chamber door -three times before you heard me; I am entirely at a loss to imagine who -gave Washington information of our intended attack, unless the walls of -the house could speak. When we arrived near White Marsh, we found all -their cannon mounted, and the troop prepared to receive us; and we have -marched back like a parcel of fools." - -In contrast with these, and hundreds of similar instances of courage and -sagacity combined with ardent patriotism, the occasions upon which -American women played the part of traitors are few indeed. Efforts have -been made, of late years, to affix to the memory of the wife of Benedict -Arnold a still blacker ignominy than that which blasted the name of the -husband whom she is said to have persuaded into his treachery. In a -"Life of Aaron Burr," published three or four years ago, we have a story -whose truth we may well doubt, unsupported as it is by any corroborative -evidence: - -"It fell to Burr's lot to become acquainted with the repulsive truth. He -was sitting one evening with Mrs. Prevost (his future wife), when the -approach of a party of horse was heard, and soon after, a lady, vailed -and attired in a riding-habit, burst into the room, and hurrying toward -Mrs. Prevost, was on the point of addressing her. Seeing a gentleman -present, whom, in the dim light of the room, she did not recognize, she -paused, and asked, in an anxious tone: - -"'Am I safe? Is this gentleman a friend?' - -"'Oh, yes,' was Mrs. Prevost's reply; 'he is my most particular friend, -Colonel Burr.' - -"'Thank God!' exclaimed Mrs. Arnold, for she it was. 'I've been playing -the hypocrite, and I'm tired of it.' - -"She then gave an account of the way she had deceived General -Washington, Colonel Hamilton and the other American officers, who, she -said, believed her innocent of treason, and had given her an escort of -horse from West Point. She made no scruple of confessing the part she -had borne in the negotiations with the British General, and declared it -was she who had induced her husband to do what he had done. She passed -the night at Paramus, taking care to act the part of the outraged and -frantic woman whenever strangers were present. Colonel Burr's relations -with the Shippen family, of which Mrs. Arnold was a member, had been of -the most intimate character from boyhood. They had been his father's -friends; and the orphan boy had been taken from his mother's grave to -their home in Philadelphia. He stood toward this fascinating, -false-hearted woman almost in the light of a younger brother, and he -kept her secret until she was past being harmed by the telling of it." - -Now Colonel Burr was not present at that interview, but was told of it, -some time after, by Mrs. Prevost, then Mrs. Burr. We should hesitate -before we consigned Mrs. Arnold to infamy upon such testimony. It is -true that the authorities of Philadelphia were suspicious of her, as -they compelled her, against her will, to leave the city and go to her -husband. On the other side, it is said that she declared her abhorrence -of her husband's crime, and her desire for a separation from him, after -his treachery; that her father and brother, influential persons in -Philadelphia, begged for her not to be banished to one from whom her -heart recoiled, and that she promised never to write to her husband, or -to receive any letters from him except such as the authorities should -read, if permitted to remain with her family. Such, however, was the -feeling against her, that she was compelled to leave the State. If these -proceedings against her were just, swift was the punishment which -overtook the traitress, for she never realized the brilliant position -which she hoped to achieve by going over to the king's side, and has -left only infamy as a legacy to the future. But if she were, indeed, as -innocent as we have good reason for hoping was the case, it is -melancholy to think of her gentle soul being crushed beneath the weight -of retribution which fell upon her husband, and thus also upon her. - - - - - MORGAN'S PRAYER. - - -There never was a man so bold that his soul has not, at times, felt its -own powerlessness, and silently appealed to the mighty God for a -strength to sustain it in the hour of need. Daniel Morgan, as rough and -self-reliant as he was brave, did not hesitate to confess that more than -once in the hour of approaching trial, when the weight of responsibility -was more than he could bear, he threw off the burden of his cares and -fears at His feet who bears the destinies of the universe. - -"Ah," said he, on one occasion, "people thought that Morgan was never -afraid—people said that 'Dan Morgan never prayed.' I'll tell you what it -is, Daniel Morgan, as wicked as he was, has prayed as hard and as -earnestly as ever a man prayed in this world." - -We look back now with pride to the victory of the Cowpens, which was one -of Morgan's most glorious achievements. But before that battle was -fought, while it was being decided upon and prepared for, one of those -moments occurred to the intrepid leader, of inward dismay and trouble, -which it would never do to disclose to his men, looking to him for -direction and example. It is not strange that his soul was troubled. His -whole command consisted of not more than six hundred men—three hundred -infantry under Lieutenant-Colonel Howard, two hundred Virginia riflemen, -and about one hundred gallant dragoons under Colonel Washington. With -this little band he was retreating, with consummate prudence, before the -"haughty Tarleton," who had been sent by Cornwallis, to force him into -action, with eleven hundred veteran soldiers, besides two field-pieces -well served by artillerists. Tarleton had light and legion infantry, -fusileers, three hundred and fifty cavalry, and a fine battalion of the -Seventy-First regiment; he promised himself an easy victory over the -American "wagoner," as well he might, with the forces at his disposal. - -Boldly he pursued the retreating enemy, expecting to overtake only to -destroy him. But he had now to encounter a General who had braved the -snows of Camden, had scaled the walls of Quebec, and had faced the -legions of Burgoyne. With the greatest prudence, Morgan retreated until -he reached the memorable field of Cowpens, near one of the branches of -the Pacolet river. Here, in the face of superior numbers, as well as -superior arms and discipline, he resolved to make a stand. He -communicated his design to his inferior officers, who with ready spirit -prepared the minds of their men for the combat. These, hating the -British for their late oppressions, burning with the love of liberty and -the desire for revenge, and placing implicit confidence in the wisdom of -the General who ordered the battle, declared themselves ready for the -fray. - -Morgan's arrangement was simple but masterly, showing a perfect -knowledge of the character both of his own force and that of Tarleton. -In the open wood which formed the Cowpens, he established three lines. -The first consisted of the militia under Colonel Pickens, a brave -officer who had been recently relieved from captivity among the English. -The next line embraced all the regular infantry and the Virginia -riflemen, and was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Howard. The third was -formed by Washington's dragoons, and about fifty mounted militia armed -with pistols and swords. Knowing that the militia, though full of -courage, were liable to panics, Morgan directed that the first line, if -overpowered, should gradually retire and form on the right and left of -the second. - -Thus prepared, he awaited the attack of the foe, who had come up, and -was rapidly forming in the front. His face did not betray the -trepidation of his heart. He knew how much depended upon the result, and -when he looked upon his own small army, composed of such rude material, -wretchedly equipped and but poorly disciplined, and his gaze wandered -through the open forest and rested upon veteran troops with whom he was -about to contend, his heart failed him. Not daring to betray his -despondency to those who looked up to him for the courage so much -needed, in that solitary and friendless hour, when even the brave -officers by his side could give no comfort to his mental trouble, the -rough, heroic General made God his friend and adviser. In a quiet dell -just back of the spot where his reserve was posted, he found a large -tree which had been blown up by the roots. Hidden by the branches of -this giant of the forest, he threw himself upon his knees before the -Lord of battles, beseeching Him to wield the lance of delivery on the -side of those who were fighting for their homes, their families and -their liberties. With an impulsive force characteristic of his nature, -he wrestled with his Maker, with an energy of spirit and a power of -language scarcely to be expected in one so unused to the "melting mood." -Rising from his knees with feelings relieved, and an oppressive weight -taken from his soul, he returned to the lines, where he cheered his men -in his own blunt, impulsive manner, and was replied to by shouts and -huzzas which showed on their part a determination to do or die. - -When Tarleton found his foe drawn up in battle order, he rejoiced in the -hope of a speedy victory, and though his troops were somewhat fatigued -by a rapid march, he gave orders for a charge. Before his first line was -perfectly formed, he placed himself at its head, and in person rushed to -the onset. Colonel Pickens ordered his men not to fire until their -adversaries were within fifty yards, and their fire was delivered with -great steadiness and severe effect. But so impetuous was the British -charge, that the militia gave way, and attempted to form on the second -line. - -At the head of his fusileers and legion, Tarleton pressed upon the -regulars and riflemen, who, notwithstanding their stern resistance, were -borne down by numbers, and forced to yield their ground. The British -regarded their victory as secured, and for a moment the hearts of the -republicans failed. But Morgan was everywhere, encouraging his men by -his voice and presence. At this time, when their very success had caused -some confusion among the fusileers, Washington, at the head of his -dragoons, made a furious charge, and dashing in among them, overthrew -them in a moment. His horses passed over the British infantry like a -storm, and the swords of his men hewed them down with resistless fury. -In this happy crisis Howard succeeded in restoring the Continentals to -order, while Pickens rallied the militia, and brought them again into -line. - - "By the wind the smoke-cloud lifted lightly drifted to the nor'ward, - And displayed, in all their pride, the scarlet foe; - We beheld them, with a steady tramp and fearless moving forward, - With their banners proudly waving, and their bayonets leveled low. - - "Morgan gave his order clearly: 'Fall back nearly to the border - Of the hill, and let the enemy come nigher!' - Oh, they thought we had retreated, and they charged in fierce - disorder, - When out rang the voice of Howard: 'To the right, about face! fire!' - - "Then upon our very wheeling came the pealing of our volley, - And our balls made a red pathway down the hill; - Broke the foe, and shrunk and cowered; rang again the voice of Howard: - 'Give the hireling dogs the bayonet!' and we did it with a will." - -Struck with astonishment at finding themselves thus assaulted by men -they had just regarded as defeated, the English troops wavered and broke -in disorder. In vain their officers endeavored to rally them for a -renewed stand. The spirits of the patriots were roused, and pressing -forward with their bayonets, they carried every thing before them. -Nearly two hundred of Tarleton's horse, and among them the haughty -Tarleton himself, retreated in dismay from the field, riding over their -comrades and involving them in hopeless confusion. The Americans gained -the two field-pieces, and Colonel Howard, coming up with a large body of -infantry, and summoning them to surrender, they laid down their arms on -the field. The rout of the British was complete; a more signal victory -our forces had never obtained. Washington and his horse followed the -flying foe for several hours; Tarleton himself narrowly escaped falling -into the hands of his determined pursuer. - -May we not safely conjecture that after this brilliant success Morgan -returned thanks to the Lord of victories as ardently as he had implored -him for aid? - -On another occasion, previous to this, Morgan had knelt in the snows of -Canada, to beseech the blessing of God upon an undertaking as important -as it was arduous. It was in 1775. Montgomery was already in Canada, -where partial success had crowned his arms; but the capture of Quebec -was deemed all-important, and to insure it, Washington resolved to send -a detachment across the unexplored country between the province of Maine -and the St. Lawrence River. To form any idea of the difficulty of this -route it must be remembered that the whole of that region was then -covered by gloomy forests, in which even the red-man could hardly find -subsistence, and that in the winter season the country was bound in ice -and snow. To command the expedition, Colonel Benedict Arnold was -selected, and Morgan, then a Captain, eagerly sought a service so -congenial to his habits and character. - -The whole detachment consisted of eleven hundred men, who were formed -into three divisions. After ascending the Kennebec as far as it was -navigable, they were forced to take the forest roads. Morgan, at the -head of his riflemen, formed the vanguard, upon whom devolved the duty -of exploring the country, sounding the fords, pioneering for his -companions, and seeking out spots where the bateaux might again be -employed in the streams. They were then forced to pass through forests -where men had never dwelt, to scale rugged hills, to contend with -torrents swollen with the snow-storms of that region, to wade through -marshes which threatened to ingulf them. Not only the baggage of the -army, but often their boats were borne upon their shoulders at those -places where the river was frozen, or where rapids and cataracts impeded -their progress. The sufferings of this devoted band can not be -exaggerated. No subsistence could be obtained from the country, and to -their other trials was added that of famine. They were driven to feed -upon their dogs, and even upon the leather of their shoes, before they -reached the first settlement of Canadians, and astonished them by their -account of their achievements. - -[Illustration: - - General Morgan Praying—_Page_ 38. -] - -The spirit which endured such trials was the best surety of their -success. But reinforcements had been received in Quebec. The garrison -was prepared, and Arnold, after making some demonstrations, retired to -Point au Tremble, twenty miles distant, to await the coming of -Montgomery. When the two forces were joined, they were yet inadequate to -the attack of the strongest fortress in America; but the hero who now -commanded the Americans could not endure the thought of retreat. - -On the last day of the year 1775, in the midst of a furious snowstorm, -the memorable attack was made. On this occasion it was, as Morgan -confessed afterward, that he was "afraid"—but fear, to his nature, was -not a passion which weakened him, but which urged him on. It was not for -himself, personally, that he was afraid; no, he dreaded the effect of a -defeat upon his country; he could not see, without shrinking, his brave -friends and comrades rushing upon what seemed like death in the land of -the enemy. In his own words we have his thoughts: - -"The night we stormed Quebec, while I was waiting with my men, in the -cold, driving storm, for the word to advance, I felt unhappy; I looked -up at the frowning battlements above me, and then around upon my armful -of men, and felt that the enterprise was more than perilous; I felt that -nothing short of a miracle could prevent our being destroyed in a -contest where we fought at such an immense disadvantage. With such -feelings I stepped aside, and kneeling down in the snow, alongside an -old gun, with the storm beating into my face, I poured out my soul in an -humble petition to God, beseeching him to be my shield and protection in -the coming struggle—for nothing but an Almighty arm could save us—and I -really and sincerely feel that I owed my safety to the interposition of -Providence, and I thought so at the time." - -In the attack which followed, and which was unsuccessful, Morgan did all -that a brave man could do. He scaled the walls of the fortress, and -sprung down alone amid the surprised garrison, though speedily followed -by numbers of his men. The enemy, appalled by such heroism, fell back to -the second barrier, and here, had he been properly supported, Morgan -might have been again successful; but the men had rendered their guns -useless; the riflemen who had followed him were unsupported; to face a -double row of bayonets and climb a wall was beyond the power of the most -desperately brave. After an obstinate resistance Morgan and his corps -were forced to surrender. - -So much did Morgan's bravery impress the English, that, when a prisoner -in their hands, he was offered the rank of Colonel in the English -service, and many persuasive reasons were given why he should accept it. -It need not be said that he rejected the temptation with scorn. - -General Daniel Morgan was born of Welch parentage, in New Jersey, in the -year 1736. Like so many of our most illustrious heroes, he was a -"self-made man." His family, which belonged to the "middle class," had -an interest in some Virginia lands, to attend to which he visited that -colony when about seventeen years old. Glowing with health, and full of -that love of adventure which always characterized him, he determined to -remain in Virginia, and begin the business of life for himself. He had -money enough for the purchase of a wagon and pair of horses. With these -he entered upon the employment which gave him the name of the "wagoner" -long after he had risen to military fame. He remained near Winchester -for about two years. When General Braddock's army commenced its march -against Fort Duquesne it was accompanied by several corps of provincial -troops. Morgan, the "ruling passion" thus early displaying itself, -joined one of these corps. He drove his own team in the baggage-train. -On the way occurred one of those instances, too frequent in military -experience, where the power of an officer is used with meanness and -tyranny against the soldier in his power. The ruggedness of the way -causing much trouble with the train, and Morgan's team becoming impeded, -along with many others, a British officer approached him, and, with much -impatience demanded why he did not move along. He replied that he would -move as soon as he was able. The officer, yielding to his irritable -temper, with unmerited harshness declared that if he did not move along -he would run him through with his sword. The high spirit of the -wagoner-boy could not brook this insult; he gave a fierce reply, when -the officer at once made a pass at him with his weapon. Morgan held in -his hand a heavy wagon-whip; parrying the stroke with the quickness of -thought, he closed with his superior; the sword was broken in the -struggle; then, using his whip with the skill which long practice had -given him, he inflicted upon the Englishman a severe castigation. Such a -breach of military law of course was not to be forgiven. Morgan was -tried by a court-martial, which sentenced him to receive _five hundred_ -lashes. The sentence was carried into effect. The young victim bore this -horrible punishment with mute heroism, silently fainting from torture -and exhaustion, while fifty lashes were yet in reserve, which were of -necessity remitted. Three days afterward, the officer who had been the -occasion of this barbarity became convinced of his injustice, and, -seeking Morgan in the camp hospital, implored his forgiveness. Through -this miserable occurrence, the brave young volunteer was disabled from -duty, and escaped the danger and disgrace of Braddock's defeat. - -Not long after his return from this unhappy campaign, he was appointed -an ensign in the colonial service. His merit had become apparent to the -Government of the colony; already he had won the friendship of -Washington, which afterward availed him on many trying occasions. His -known courage and activity caused him to be employed in the most -dangerous services. On one occasion, accompanied by two soldiers, he was -carrying dispatches to one of the frontiers of Virginia, infested by -cunning and ferocious savages. While in cautious progress through the -forest, unaware that any eye was upon them, or any stealthy step -tracking them fatally and silently, suddenly the discharge of rifles was -heard; his two companions fell dead by his side. Morgan himself received -the only severe wound he ever had during his military career; a rifle -ball entered the back of his neck, and, shattering his jaw, passed out -through his left cheek. Though he believed himself mortally wounded, his -presence of mind did not fail. Leaning forward on his saddle, he grasped -the mane of his horse, and pressing the spurs into his sides, darted -forward at full speed toward the fort. A single Indian followed him, -eager for his scalp. Morgan, in after years, often spoke of the -appearance of this savage, who ran with his mouth open, and his tomahawk -raised to strike the fatal blow. Finding his pursuit in vain, the Indian -finally threw the tomahawk with all his force, hoping it would hit the -soldier; but it fell short; the horse, with his bleeding rider, gained -the fort. Morgan was perfectly insensible when taken from the animal; -but proper treatment, and the vigor of his constitution, restored him to -health in six months. - -From this time until the commencement of the Revolutionary War, he -remained in Frederick, employed in his old business as a wagoner. At -this time, he was wild and reckless, proud of his immense strength, -inclining to rough society, fond of the most rollicking pastimes, and -even, it is said, frequenting the gaming-table. His nature was of that -active and superabundant kind, that he could not live without -_excitement_; that which in times of idleness became a fault, or almost -a crime, leading him into wild excesses, was the same energy which, as -soon as there was a noble object for its exercise, sprung to the labor -of defending liberty. - -It is said that pugilistic encounters were his daily _pastime_—such from -the fact that he was usually the victor. Few men of his time encountered -him without signal defeat. But though Morgan was generally successful, -we have an account of a reverse which he experienced, too salutary in -the lesson it inculcated to be lost. General Carson, of Frederick -county, Virginia, where the affair took place, tells the anecdote as one -entirely authentic: - -"Passing along a road with his wagon, Morgan met a gentleman of refined -manners and appearance, who, as he approached the wagoner, had his hat -struck off by a bough overhead. This stopped him for a moment, and -Morgan, thinking that the stranger felt undue pride in sustaining the -character of a gentleman, determined to humble him. Alighting from his -horse—which he rode, teamster-fashion, instead of driving—he addressed -the traveler: - -"'Well, sir, if you want a fight, I'm ready for you!' - -"The stranger, in amazement, assured him that he wanted no fight, and -had made no signals to such a purpose. But Morgan was not to be thus -repulsed, and urged a contest upon him, until the stranger, becoming -enraged, in short terms accepted the challenge. The battle commenced. In -brief space the well-dressed man planted such a series of rapid and -scientific blows upon Morgan's front, that he knocked him down, and -inflicted upon him a severe chastisement. Morgan never forgot this -reverse; he found that he was not the only man in the world—that 'might -did not make right.' He often spoke of it afterward as having had a -happy effect upon his character." - -In after years, he gained more dignity of character, these youthful -ebullitions merging into deeds of valor of which his country is proud. - -Immediately upon the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, he stood -ready to aid his country. Congress appointed him a Captain of -provincials, and so great was his reputation, that, in a short time -after his call for recruits, ninety-six riflemen were enrolled in his -company. This was the nucleus of that celebrated rifle corps which -rendered so much brilliant service during the war. It was composed of -men who had been trained in the forest, and who had each been accustomed -to the use of his own rifle with wonderful skill. They were hardy in -body and dauntless in heart. From this time on, his career was one of -glory, although the hardships which he suffered finally undermined his -splendid health, and forced him to retire, with the rank of -Major-General, to his estate near Winchester, called "Saratoga," after -one of the places where he had distinguished himself. - -It was here that he died in 1802, in the 67th year of his age. A -passer-by would hardly notice the humble slab, of little pretension, -which marks his grave in the Presbyterian church-yard, at Winchester; -yet on it is inscribed a name which Americans will ever delight to -honor: "The hero of Quebec, of Saratoga, and the Cowpens: the bravest -among the brave, and the Ney of the West." - -In Irving's Life of Washington we have read an amusing account of an -impromptu fray, one party to which was a corps of Virginia riflemen, -very likely to be those commanded by Morgan, in which it would appear as -if the early habits of their leader had infected his men, and in which -the immortal Washington himself appears in a new and picturesque -attitude. "A large party of Virginia riflemen," says the author, "who -had recently arrived in camp, were strolling about Cambridge, and -viewing the collegiate buildings, now turned into barracks. Their -half-Indian equipments, and fringed and ruffled hunting-garbs, provoked -the merriment of some troops from Marblehead, chiefly fishermen and -sailors, who thought nothing equal to the round-jacket and trowsers. A -bantering ensued between them. There was snow upon the ground, and -snow-balls began to fly when jokes were wanting. The parties waxed warm -with the contest. They closed and came to blows; both sides were -reinforced, and in a little while at least a thousand were at -fisticuffs, and there was a tumult in the camp worthy of the days of -Homer. 'At this juncture,' writes our informant, 'Washington made his -appearance, whether by accident or design, I never knew. I saw none of -his aids with him; his black servant just behind him, mounted. He threw -the bridle of his own horse into his servant's hands, sprung from his -saddle, rushed into the thickest of the _melée_, seized two tall, brawny -riflemen by the throat, keeping them at arm's length, talking to and -shaking them.' As they were from his own province, he may have felt -peculiarly responsible for their good conduct; they were engaged, too, -in one of those sectional brawls which were his especial abhorrence; his -reprimand must, therefore, have been a vehement one. He was commanding -in his serenest moments, but irresistible in his bursts of indignation. -On the present occasion, we are told, his appearance and rebuke put an -instant end to the tumult. The veteran who records this exercise of -military authority, seems at a loss which most to admire, the simplicity -of the process, or the vigor with which it was administered. 'Here,' -writes he, 'bloodshed, imprisonments, trials by court-martial, -revengeful feelings between the different corps of the army, were -happily prevented by the physical and mental energies of a single -person, and the only damaging result from the fierce encounter was a few -torn hunting-frocks and round-jackets.'" - -We may well believe that what was done by Washington was well done, even -to the stilling of this Homeric tumult. - -Occasions of great danger and trial were so frequent that the leaders of -the Revolution had recourse to prayer more frequently, we are led to -believe, than history mentions. One anecdote is told of Washington's -having been overheard supplicating at the throne of grace, but how can -we conceive the Father of his Country as other than the devout leader -who at all times felt and acknowledged the hand of Providence over him? -The anecdote specially referred to was related by Potts, the Quaker. -During the winter of 1777, the Continental army was encamped at Valley -Forge—a suffering, dispirited, yet still patriotic little host. Clothing -was scant, food was scarce, numbers were too few for opposing the -triumphant foe, and all things seemed to betoken a most inauspicious -future for the patriot cause. Washington, outwardly firm, resolved, and -apparently not dissatisfied, was, as his correspondence shows, deeply -concerned for the result of the early spring campaign; and that, in his -hour of trial, he prayed for aid from on high we can well believe. - -One day, Potts had occasion to go to a certain place, which led him -through a large grove, at no great distance from head-quarters. As he -was proceeding along, he thought he heard a noise. He stopped and -listened. He did hear the sound of a human voice at some distance, but -quite indistinctly. As it was in the direct course he was pursuing, he -went on, but with some caution. Occasionally he paused and listened, and -with increasing conviction that he heard some one. At length he came -within sight of a man, whose back was turned toward him, on his knees, -in the attitude of prayer. It was a secluded spot—a kind of natural -bower; but it was the house of prayer. Potts now stopped, partly leaned -forward, and watched till whoever it might be was through his devotions. -This was not long. And whom should he now see but Washington himself, -the commander of the American armies, returning from bending prostrate -before the God of armies above. - -Potts himself was a pious man. He knew the power of prayer; and no -sooner had he reached home, than in the fullness of his faith he broke -forth to his wife Sarah, in the language of a watchman: - -"Wife—Sarah, my dear, all's well—all's well! Yes, George Washington is -sure to beat the British—_sure_!" - -"What—what's the matter with thee, Isaac?" replied the startled Sarah. -"Thee seems to be much moved about something." - -"Well, and what if I am moved? Who would not be moved at such a sight as -I have seen to-day?" - -"And what has thee seen, Isaac?" - -"Seen! I've seen a man at prayer, in the woods—George Washington -himself! And now I say—just what I _have_ said—'All's well; George -Washington is sure to beat the British—sure!'" - -Whether Sarah's faith was as strong as Isaac's, we can not say; but -Potts' logic was sound—that in a _good_ cause, a man of prayer is sure -to succeed—SURE! - -That Washington was a constant attendant upon divine worship, and a man -of prayer, admits of no doubt. This was highly to his credit; for it too -often happens that men in important stations think that their pressure -of business will justly excuse them for neglecting all religious duties. - -It is related of Washington, that in the French and Indian war, when he -was a Colonel, he used himself, in the absence of the chaplain, on the -Sabbath, to read the Scriptures to the soldiers of his regiment, and to -pray with them; and that more than once he was found on his knees in his -marquee at secret prayer. - -While at home at Mount Vernon, he was always punctual to go to church. -Sometimes he had distinguished men to visit him, and who he knew had no -great regard for religion. This made no difference with his conduct. On -such occasions he regularly attended church, and invited them to -accompany him. - -During his residence in Philadelphia, as President of the United States, -he was a constant attendant at the house of God, on the Sabbath; thus -setting a becoming example to others in authority. And it has often been -remarked, that in all his public messages to Congress, he was particular -to allude in some appropriate manner to God's overruling providence, and -his sense of his own and the nation's dependence upon divine favor, for -individual and national prosperity. - -The greatness of Washington was conceded even more fully by the great -than by the "common herd" of mankind. Bonaparte paid a tribute to the -American's fame scarcely to be exceeded for its terms of admiration. - -"Ah, gentlemen," the French General exclaimed to some young Americans -happening at Toulon, and anxious to see the mighty Corsican, had -obtained the honor of an introduction to him, "how fares your -countryman, the great Washington?" - -"He was very well," replied the youths, brightening at the thought that -they were the countrymen of Washington, "he was very well, General, when -we left America." - -"Ah, gentlemen," rejoined he, "Washington can never be otherwise than -well. The measure of _his_ fame is full. Posterity will talk of him with -reverence as the founder of a great empire, when my name shall be lost -in the vortex of revolutions." - -This recalls the celebrated "toast scene" wherein Dr. Franklin "paid his -respects" to the English and French. It is thus recited: - -Long after Washington's victories over the French and English had made -his name familiar to all Europe, Dr. Franklin chanced to dine with the -English and French embassadors, when the following toasts were drunk. By -the British embassador: "England—the sun, whose bright beams enlighten -and fructify the remotest corners of the earth." The French embassador, -glowing with national pride, but too polite to dispute the previous -toast, drank: "France—the _moon_, whose mild, steady and cheering rays -are the delight of all nations, consoling them in darkness, and making -their dreariness beautiful." - -Dr. Franklin then rose, and with his usual dignified simplicity, said: -"_George Washington—the Joshua, who commanded the sun and moon to stand -still, and they obeyed him._" - -We could fill many pages with anecdotes of Washington, illustrative of -his goodness, his real, _heart_ piety, his reliance on an overruling -Providence; but will not, at this time, devote more space to the theme, -promising ourselves the pleasures of again recurring to the truly august -subject. - - - - - THE JOHNSON BOYS KILLING THEIR CAPTORS. - - -The father of the little heroes whose daring exploit is here -illustrated, removed from Pennsylvania in 1786, or thereabouts, and -settled on what was called Beech-bottom Flats, in the State of Ohio, -some two miles from the Ohio River, and three or four miles above the -mouth of Short Creek. In common with all the early settlers of that -State, Johnson was subject to the depredations of the Indians, who felt -that the white men were encroaching upon their hunting-grounds, and did -not hesitate to inflict upon them the fullest measure of vengeance. -Protected by the station, or fort, near which they resided, the family -enjoyed, however, a tolerable share of security. - -One Sunday morning, in the fall of 1793, two of his sons—John, aged -thirteen, and Henry, eleven—started for the woods to look for a hat -which the younger had lost the previous evening, while out after the -cows. Having found the hat, they started for home, but coming to the -foot of a hickory tree, whose tempting fruit lay in bounteous profusion -on the ground before them, they, boylike, and dreaming neither of -Indians nor of any other danger, sat down on a fallen log and amused -themselves cracking and eating nuts. While thus engaged, they observed -two men approaching from the direction of the station, who, from their -dress and appearance, they took to be neighbors, seeking for strayed -horses, one of them having a bridle in his hand. Satisfied of this fact, -they continued their employment, until the men had approached quite near -to them, when, upon looking up, they discovered, to their horror, that -they were Indians, dressed in the garb of white men. Their first impulse -was to fly; but upon rising to their feet, one of the intruders -presented his rifle, and told them to stop or he would shoot. Coming up -to them, the other presented his hand, and said: "How do, brodder?" The -oldest boy, John, immediately—instinctively, as it were—called into -requisition a tact perfectly astonishing in such a child. Accepting the -savage's hand, he shook it with a smile, asking with apparently pleased -curiosity if they were Indians. Their captors replied that they were, -telling the boys that they must go with them. Concealing their feelings -of fear and distress, the little fellows submitted, and took up their -line of march for the wilderness, not without the most poignant emotions -at thus being rudely torn from their home and parents. They had heard -enough, young as they were, of Indian captivity, to guess what was in -store for them—that, even at the very best, there would be years of -wild, uncivilized life before them, should they be spared to live at -all. But hiding the sinking of his heart, the oldest took the small -buckskin bag which was given him to carry, with outward cheerfulness, -and entered with spirit into the search of the Indians after the horses -of the white men. The bag, from its weight, he supposed to contain -money, the product of their depredations upon the white community. - -The Indians and their captives spent the afternoon in pursuit of horses, -taking a circuitous route through the bottom and over the Short Creek -hill; but evening approaching without their meeting with success, they -drew off some distance into the woods, in search of some place to camp. - -Coming to a spring in a hollow, which answered their purpose, they -halted; and while one of them scouted around the camp, the other -proceeded to build a fire, by flashing his gun into some dry "tinder" -wood. While the latter was gone to procure the wood from a decayed -stump, John took up the gun he had left behind, and cocked it, with the -intention of shooting him as he came back; but Henry stopped him, for -fear the other might be near, and able to overpower them, at the same -time promising to aid his brother if he would wait until the Indians -were asleep. - -After they had cooked their supper, and eaten it by the fire, the -savages began to converse apart in their own tongue. The result of their -council soon became painfully apparent to the boys. Drawing their -knives, they began to whet them, at the same time continuing their -discussion, with occasional sidelong glances at the boys. Seeing this, -with that remarkable discretion which had hitherto marked his conduct, -John entered into conversation with them, in the course of which he -remarked that he led a hard life with his parents, who were cross to -him, and made him work hard, giving him no chance for play. For his -part, he liked to hunt and fish, and when he got to their towns, he -meant to be a warrior and live with them. This pleased the Indians, and -led to further converse, during which one of them asked the boys which -way home was. John, who assumed to be spokesman, answered, always -pointing the wrong way, which led them to believe that their captives -had lost their reckoning. The business of sharpening the knives was -suspended, and John's bright eyes, smiling but anxious, were not sorry -to see them restored to the belts of the wearers. - -The Indians, although pleased and conciliated, were careful not to trust -their little prisoners too far, but pinioned their arms, and when they -laid down to sleep for the night, placed the boys between them, secured -by a large strap, which passed under their own bodies. Late in the -night, one of the savages, becoming cold, stirred in his sleep, caught -hold of John in his arms, and turned him over to the outside, soon -relapsing into sound slumber with the renewed warmth thus obtained. In -this situation the boy, awake and alert, found means to get his hands -loose; he then nudged his brother, made him get up, and untied his arms. -This done, Henry thought of nothing but of running off as fast as -possible; but when about to start, his brother caught hold of him, -whispering: "We must kill these Indians before we go." After some -hesitation, Henry agreed to make the attempt. John took one of the -rifles of their captors, and placed it on a log with the muzzle close to -the head of one of them. He then cocked the gun, and placed his little -brother at the breech with his finger on the trigger, with instructions -to pull it as soon as he should strike the other Indian. He then took -one of the tomahawks, and placed himself astride the second foe. All -this time the savages slumbered on in their fancied security. That -moment he gave the word to fire, while he brought the tomahawk down with -all the force of his young arm upon his sleeping enemy. The blow, -however, fell upon the back of the neck and to one side, so as not to be -fatal; the wounded savage attempted to spring up, but the little fellow, -urged to desperation, plied his blows with such force and rapidity upon -the Indian's skull, that, to use his own words in describing it, "the -Indian laid still and began to quiver." - -At the moment of the first stroke given by the elder brother, the -younger one pulled the trigger, as directed; but his shot was not more -fatal than the other's blow, for he only succeeded in blowing off a -large part of his antagonist's lower jaw. This Indian, an instant after -receiving the wound, began to flounce about and yell in the most -frightful manner. The boys were glad to abandon him to his fate. They -made the best of their way to the fort, reaching it a little before -daybreak. On getting near the station, they found the people all up, and -a great anxiety on their account. On hearing a woman exclaim: "Poor -little fellows, they are killed or taken prisoners!" the eldest one -answered: "No, mother, we are here yet!" - -Having brought away nothing from the Indian camp, their relation was not -credited, and a party was made up to go in search of its truth. On -arriving at the camp, they found the Indian whom John had tomahawked, -dead; the other had crawled away, leaving a heavy, bloody trail, by -which he was traced to the top of a fallen tree, where he had ensconced -himself, determined to sell his life dearly. At the approach of the -party he attempted to fire upon them; but his gun flashed in the pan; -and one of the men remarking that he "didn't care about being killed by -a dead Injin," they left him to die of his wounds. His skeleton and gun -were found, some time afterward, near the spot. It was conjectured that -the bag of specie which the Indians had, was appropriated by one of the -settlers, who had slipped off in advance upon hearing the story of the -boys. For some time after this person seemed better supplied with money -than he had ever been before. - -The story of the heroism of the little warriors got abroad, and even the -Indians themselves gave them credit for it. After the treaty with -General Wayne, an old Indian, who was a friend of the two who were -killed (and who, it seems, had been distinguished warriors), inquired of -a man from Short Creek what they had done with the two young braves who -had killed the Indians. Being answered that they lived at the same place -with their parents, he replied: "Then you have not done right; you -should have made kings of those boys." - -There are a good many stories told of those early days, far pleasanter -for the boys of this generation to read in safety, by the comfortable -winter fire, than it was for the hardy and sagacious little heroes to -enact them. - -In August, 1786, a lad by the name of Downing, who lived at a fort near -Slate Creek, in what is now Bath county, was requested by an older -companion to assist him in hunting for a horse which had strayed away -the preceding evening. Downing readily complied, and the two friends -searched in every direction, until at length they found themselves in a -wild valley, some six or seven miles from the fort. Here Downing became -alarmed, and repeatedly told his companion, Yates, that he heard sticks -cracking behind them, and was certain that Indians were dogging them. -Yates, an old backwoods-man, laughed at the fears of the boy, and -contemptuously asked him at what price be rated his scalp, offering to -insure it for sixpence. Downing, however, was not so easily satisfied. -He observed that in whatever direction they turned, the same ominous -sounds continued to haunt them, and as Yates continued to treat the -matter recklessly, he resolved to take measures for his own safety. -Gradually slackening his pace, he permitted Yates to advance twenty or -thirty steps ahead, and immediately afterward, as they descended the -slope of a gentle hill, Downing slipped aside and hid himself in a thick -cluster of whortleberry bushes. Yates proceeded on, singing carelessly -some rude song, and was soon out of sight. Scarcely had he disappeared, -when Downing beheld two savages put aside the stalks of a cane-brake, -and cautiously look out in the direction Yates had taken. Fearful that -they had seen him step aside, he determined to fire upon them, and trust -to his heels for safety; but so unsteady was his hand, that in raising -his gun to his shoulder, it went off before he had taken aim. He -immediately ran, and after proceeding about fifty yards, met Yates, who -had hastily retraced his steps. The enemy were then in full view, and -the woodsman, who might have outstripped the lad, graduated his steps to -those of his companion. The Indians, by taking a shorter path, gained -rapidly upon the fugitives, across whose way lay a deep gully. Yates -easily cleared it, but Downing dropped short, and fell at full length -upon the bottom. The savages, eager to capture Yates, continued the -pursuit, without appearing to notice Downing, who, quickly recovering -his strength, began to walk slowly up the ditch, fearing to leave it, -lest the enemy should see him. He had scarcely emerged into the open -ground before he saw one of the Indians returning, apparently in quest -of him. His gun being unloaded, Downing threw it away, and again took to -flight; but his pursuer gained on him so rapidly, that he lost all hope -of escape. Coming at length to a large poplar, which had been blown up -by the roots, he ran along the body of the tree on one side, while the -Indian ran along the other, expecting to intercept his game at the root. -But here fortune favored the latter in the most singular manner. A -she-bear which was suckling her cubs in a bed at the root of the tree, -suddenly sprung upon the Indian, and while the latter was yelling and -stabbing his hirsute antagonist with his knife, Downing succeeded in -reaching the fort, where he found Yates reposing after a hot chase, in -which he, also, had distanced his pursuers. - -[Illustration: - - The Johnson Boys Killing their Captors. -] - -Whether the bear or the Indian came off victor in the impromptu -engagement so suddenly entered into, the historian sayeth not. - -In the following narrative, the incidents of which are included in the -History of the State of Kentucky, will be noticed the fortitude of -another little hero, who, in the midst of appalling circumstances, -received two severe wounds, one of which must have been extremely -painful, yet who made no sign—would not even allow it to be known that -he was injured, until the conflict was over. - -In March, 1788, Captain William Hubbell, floating down the Ohio River in -his flat-boat, on his return from the east, after leaving Pittsburg, saw -traces of Indians along the banks of the stream, which excited his -suspicions and increased his watchfulness. On the boat, besides Captain -Hubbell, were Daniel Light, and William Plascut and his family. Before -reaching the mouth of the Great Kanawha, their number was increased to -twenty, among whom were Ray, Tucker and Kilpatrick, also two daughters -of the latter, a man by the name of Stoner, an Irishman, and a German. -Information at Gallipolis confirmed their previous expectation of a -conflict with a large body of Indians; Captain Hubbell therefore made -every preparation to resist the anticipated attack. The men, divided -into three watches for the night, were alternately on the look-out for -two hours at a time. The arms on board unfortunately consisted mainly of -old muskets much out of order. These were put in the best possible -condition for service. - -On the 23d, Hubbell's party overtook a fleet of six boats descending the -river in company, and, for mutual protection, at first concluded to join -them. Finding them, however, a careless, noisy set of people, more -intent on dancing than watching for Indians, Hubbell determined to push -forward alone. One of the six boats, desirous of keeping up with -Hubbell, pushed forward for a short time; but its crew at length dropped -asleep, and it was soon left in the rear. Early in the night, a canoe -was seen flying down the river, in which probably were Indians on the -watch. Fires and other signs also were observed, which indicated the -presence of a formidable body of the savages. - -At daybreak, before the men were at their posts, a voice some distance -below repeatedly solicited them, in a plaintive tone, to come on shore, -representing that some white persons wished to take a passage in their -boat. This the Captain naturally concluded to be an Indian artifice. He -accordingly placed every man upon his guard. The voice of entreaty soon -was changed into insult, and the sound of distant paddles announced the -approach of the savage foe. Three Indian canoes were seen through the -mist rapidly advancing. With the utmost coolness, the Captain and his -companions prepared to receive them. Every man was ordered not to fire -until the savages came nearly up to the boat; the men, also, were -directed to fire in succession, that there might be no intervals. - -The canoes were found to contain from twenty-five to thirty Indians -each. When within musket-shot, they poured in a general fire from one of -the canoes, by which Tucker and Light were wounded. The three canoes now -placed themselves on the bow, stern and side of the boat, opening a -raking fire upon the whites; but the steady firing from the boat had a -powerful effect in checking the confidence and the fury of the savages. -Hubbell, after firing his own gun, took up that of one of the wounded -men, and was in the act of discharging it when a ball tore away the -lock. He deliberately seized a brand of fire, and, applying it to the -pan, discharged it with effect. When in the act of raising his gun a -third time, a ball passed through his right arm, which for a moment -disabled him. Seeing this, the savages rushed for the boat, to board it. -Severely wounded as he was, Hubbell rushed to the bow, and assisted in -forcing the enemy off, by the discharge of a pair of horse pistols, and -by billets of wood. Meeting with so desperate a resistance, the Indians -at length discontinued the contest, for the moment. - -The boat which Hubbell had recently left behind now appearing in sight, -the canoes rushed toward it. They boarded it without opposition, killed -Captain Greathouse and a lad, placed the women in the center of their -canoes, and then manning them with a fresh reinforcement from the shore, -again pursued Hubbell and his party. The melancholy alternative now -presented itself to these brave but desponding men, either of falling a -prey to the savages, or to run the risk of shooting the white women in -the canoes, purposely placed there by the Indians, in the hope of -obtaining protection by their presence. Hubbell, well knowing how little -mercy was to be expected if the savages were victorious, did not -hesitate. He resolved to war to the last. - -There were now but four men left on board of the boat capable of -defending it. The Captain himself was severely wounded in two places. -Yet the second attack was resisted with incredible firmness. Whenever -the Indians would rise to fire, the whites would, commonly, give them -the first shot, which in almost every instance would prove fatal. -Notwithstanding the disparity of numbers and the exhausted condition of -Hubbell's party, the Indians, despairing of success, retired to the -shore. Just as the last canoe was departing, Hubbell called to the -Indian chief in the stern, and on his turning round, discharged his -piece at him. When the smoke was dissipated, the savage was seen lying -on his back, severely, perhaps mortally, wounded. - -Unfortunately, the boat had drifted near to shore, where the Indians -were collected, and a large concourse, probably between four and five -hundred, were seen rushing down on the bank. Ray and Plascut, the only -men remaining unhurt, took to the oars. As the boat was not more than -twenty yards from shore, it was deemed prudent for them to lie down, and -attempt to paddle out into the river with the utmost practicable -rapidity. While thus covered, nine balls were shot into one oar, and ten -into the other, without wounding the rowers, who were protected by the -side of the boat and the blankets in its stern. During this exposure to -the fire, which continued about twenty minutes, Kilpatrick observed a -particular Indian, whom he thought a favorable mark for his rifle, and, -despite the solemn warning of Captain Hubbell, rose to shoot the savage. -He immediately received a ball in his mouth, which passed out at the -back part of his head, and was, almost at the same moment, shot through -the heart. He fell among the horses that about the same time were -killed, presenting to his afflicted daughters and fellow travelers, who -were witnesses of the awful occurrence, a spectacle of horror which it -were impossible to describe. - -The boat, providentially, was then suddenly carried out into the stream, -beyond reach of the enemy's balls. The little band, reduced in numbers, -wounded, afflicted, and almost exhausted by fatigue, still were -unsubdued in spirit, and being assembled in all their strength, men, -women and children, with an appearance of triumph gave three hearty -cheers, calling to the Indians to come on again if they were fond of the -sport. - -Thus ended this stubborn conflict, in which only two out of nine men -escaped unhurt. Tucker and Kilpatrick were killed on the spot, Stoner -was mortally wounded, and died on his arrival at Limestone, and all the -rest, excepting Ray and Plascut, were severely wounded. The women and -children all were uninjured, excepting a little son of Mr. Plascut, who, -after the battle was over, came to the Captain, and with great coolness -requested him to take a ball out of his head. On examination, it -appeared that a bullet, which had passed through the side of the boat, -had penetrated the forehead of this little hero, and still remained -under the skin. The Captain took it out, when the youth, observing, -"That is not all," raised his arm, and exhibited a piece of bone at the -point of his elbow, which had been shot off, and hung only by the skin. -His mother exclaimed: - -"Why did you not tell me of this?" - -"Because," he coolly replied, "the Captain directed us to be silent -during the action, and I thought you would be likely to make a noise if -I told you." - -Here was true _pluck_. - -The boat made its way down the river as rapidly as possible, the object -being to reach Limestone that night. The Captain, tormented by -excruciating pain, and faint through loss of blood, was under the -necessity of steering the boat with his left arm, till about ten o'clock -that night, when he was relieved by William Brooks, who resided on the -bank of the river, and who was induced by the calls of the suffering -party to come out to their assistance. By his aid, and that of some -other persons, who were in the same manner brought to their relief, the -party was enabled to reach Limestone about twelve o'clock that night. On -the arrival of Brooks, Captain Hubbell, relieved from labor and -responsibility, sunk under the weight of pain and fatigue, and became -for a while totally insensible. When the boat reached Limestone, he -found himself unable to walk, and was carried up to the tavern. Here he -continued several days, until he acquired sufficient strength to proceed -homeward. - -On the arrival of Hubbell's party at Limestone, they found a -considerable force of armed men ready to march against the Indians. They -now learned that, on the Sunday preceding, these very same savages had -cut off a detachment of men ascending the Ohio from Fort Washington, at -the mouth of Licking River, and had killed with their tomahawks, without -firing a gun, twenty-one out of twenty-two men, of which the detachment -consisted! - -Crowds of people, as might be expected, came to examine the boat which -had been the scene of so much heroism and such horrid carnage, and to -visit the resolute little band by whom it had been so gallantly -defended. On examination, it was found that the sides of the boat were -literally filled with bullets and bullet-holes. There was scarcely a -space of two feet square in the part above water, which had not either a -ball remaining in it, or a hole through which a ball had passed. Some -persons who had the curiosity to count the number of holes in the -blankets which were hung up as curtains in the stern of the boat, -affirmed that in the space of five feet square there were one hundred -and twenty-two. Four horses out of five were killed. The escape of the -fifth, amidst such a shower of balls, appears almost miraculous. - -The day after the arrival of Captain Hubbell and his companions, the -five boats passed on the night preceding the battle reached Limestone. -The Indians, it would appear, had met with too formidable a resistance -from a single boat to attack a fleet, and suffered them to pass -unmolested. From that time, it is believed that no boat was assailed by -Indians on the Ohio. - -The force which marched out from Limestone to disperse this formidable -body of savages discovered several Indians dead on the shore, near the -scene of action. They also found the bodies of Captain Greathouse and -several others—men, women and children—who had been on board of his -boat. Most of them appeared to have been _whipped to death_, as they -were found stripped, tied to trees, and marked with the appearance of -lashes; and large rods, which seemed to have been worn with use, were -observed lying near them. - -It is wonderful, when we consider the perils which beset the early -settlers, that Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana did not remain untenanted by -white men. We can not open the history of the years, from 1787 to 1814, -that we do not find, upon almost every page, a story of suffering, of -miraculous escape, or of appalling death which everywhere seemed to be -in store for the daring pioneer. In the course of this series of tales -we shall have occasion to repeat many of those stirring episodes, which -will be perused with commingled feelings of pain and admiration. Every -youth, and particularly every one dwelling west of the Alleghanies, -should study these episodes, and learn from them through what trials -came their blessings. - -[Illustration: - - Sweatland's Thrilling Hunting Adventure—_Page_ 6. -] - - - - - TALES, - - TRADITIONS AND ROMANCE - - OF - - BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. - - A GREAT HUNTING ADVENTURE. - COLONEL HORRY'S EXPLOITS. - ELERSON'S FAMOUS RACE. - MOLLY PITCHER AT MONMOUTH. - - NEW YORK - BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, - 118 WILLIAM STREET. - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by - BEADLE AND COMPANY, - In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for - the Southern District of New York. - - - - - A REMARKABLE - HUNTING-EXCURSION. - - -On a September morning of the year 1817, Solomon Sweatland, of Conneaut, -on the Ohio shore of Lake Erie, had risen at earliest dawn to enjoy his -favorite amusement of hunting deer. Royal game was this, and hunted in -royal parks, which the dukes and princes of haughty old England might -envy, and, best of all, they were not barred from the poorest settler. -There was no punishment for "poaching" on the magnificent prairies, and -in the glorious forests of the West. The men who there slung their -rifles over their shoulders, and set out, careless whether they met a -fawn or a panther, would have sneered at an English hunting-ground as a -bit of a handkerchief which one of their favorite "per-raries" could -tuck away in her pocket and never feel it. Men who can "drive the nail" -and "snuff a candle," three shots out of six, and who kill such dainty -game as squirrels by blowing the breath out of them with the wind of -their bullets instead of lacerating their little bodies with the ball; -who have hand-to-hand, or hand-to-paw, tussles with ferocious grizzlies, -and make nothing of two or three deer before breakfast, may afford to -smile at their fox-hunting, partridge-shooting English cousins. Such -were the men who first settled our now populous Western States; and we -may well believe that the healthy and thrilling excitement of pursuits -like these compensated for the want of many luxuries, and that they -became so attached to their free and venturesome modes of life, as to -feel stifled at the idea of the constraints of society. - - "Their gaunt hounds yelled, their rifles flashed— - The grim bear hushed his savage growl; - In blood and foam the panther gnashed - His fangs, with dying howl; - The fleet deer ceased its flying bound, - Its snarling wolf-foe bit the ground, - And, with a moaning cry, - The beaver sunk beneath the wound, - Its pond-built Venice by." - -Fascinating, even in contemplation, is a life like this. It makes the -blood tingle in the veins, the sinews stretch, and the lungs expand, to -read of the scenes which cluster around it, and to breathe, in fancy, -the pure air, and sweep, with our vision, the wide horizon. - -But we must go back to our hunter, who stood, in the gray light of dawn, -without coat or waistcoat, outside his cabin, listening to the baying of -the dogs, as they drove the deer. In this part of the country, lying -along the lake, it was the custom for one party, aided by dogs, to drive -the deer into the water, when another would pursue them in boats, and -when the game was a little tired, shoot it without difficulty. Sweatland -had a neighbor who hunted with him in this manner, and he it was who had -already started a noble buck, which dashed into the lake, while -Sweatland stood listening for the direction of the dogs. - -In the enthusiasm of the moment, he threw his hat on the beach, jumped -into his canoe, and pulled out after the animal, every nerve thrilling -with intense interest in the pursuit. The wind, which had been blowing -steadily from the south during the night, had now increased to a gale, -but he was too intent upon securing the valuable prize which was -breasting the waves in advance, to heed the dictates of prudence. The -race promised to be a long one, for the buck was a powerful animal, and -was not easily to be beaten by a log canoe and a single paddle. - -A considerable distance from the land had been obtained, and the canoe -had already shipped a heavy sea, before he overtook the deer, which -turned and made for the opposite shore. Upon tacking to pursue him, -Sweatland was at once apprised of his danger by the fact that, with his -utmost exertions, he not only made no progress in the desired direction, -but was actually drifting out to sea. He had been observed, as he left -the shore, by his neighbor, and also by his family, and as he -disappeared from sight, great apprehension was felt for his safety. - -The alarm was soon given in the neighborhood, and it was decided by -those competent to judge, that his return would be impossible, and -unless aid was afforded him, that he was doomed to perish. - -Actuated by those generous impulses which often induce men to risk their -own lives for the salvation of others, three neighbors took a light boat -and started in search of the wanderer. They met the deer returning, but -saw nothing of their friend. They made stretches off shore in the -probable range of the hunter, until they reached a distance of five or -six miles from land, when, meeting with a heavy sea, in which they -thought it impossible for a canoe to live, and seeing no signs of it on -the vast expanse of waters, they reluctantly, and not without danger to -themselves, returned to shore, giving Sweatland up as lost. - -Meantime, the object of their search was laboring at his paddle, in the -vain hope that the wind might abate, or that aid might reach him from -the shore. - - "An antlered dweller of the wild - Had met his eager gaze, - And far his wandering steps beguiled - Within an unknown maze." - -Willingly would he now have resigned every lordly buck of the forest, to -warm himself by his cabin fire, hear the laugh of his little ones, and -breathe the odor of the welcome breakfast—ay, even for his coat and a -biscuit he would have given much. - -One or two schooners were in sight in the course of the day, but -although he made every effort to attract the notice of their crews, he -failed to do so. For a long time the shore continued in sight, and as he -traced its fast-receding outline, and recognized the spot where stood -his home, within whose precincts were the cherished objects of his -affection, now doubly dear from the prospect of losing them forever, he -felt that the last tie which united him in companionship with his -fellow-men was about to be dissolved—the world, with all its busy -interests, was floating far away. - -Sweatland possessed a cool head and a stout heart; these, united to -considerable physical strength and power of endurance, fitted him for -the emergency in which he found himself. He was a good sailor, and his -experience taught him that "while there was life there was hope." -Experience taught him also, as the outline of the far-off shore receded -from sight, that his only expedient was to endeavor to reach the Canada -shore, a distance of fifty miles. - -It was now blowing a gale, so that it required the most incredible -exertions to trim his uncouth vessel to the waves. He was obliged to -stand erect, and move cautiously from one end to the other, well aware -that one lost stroke of the paddle, or a tottering movement, would bring -his voyage to a sudden termination. Much of his attention was likewise -required in bailing out the canoe, which he managed to do with _one of -his shoes_, which were a substantial pair of stogas. Hitherto he had -been blessed by the light of day, but now, to add to his distress, night -approached, and he could only depend upon a kind Providence to guide him -over the watery waste. The sky, too, began to be overcast; an occasional -star, glistening through the scudding clouds, was all the light afforded -him through that long and fearful night. - -Wet to the skin by the dashing spray; part of the time in water half way -to his knees; so cold that his blood chilled in his veins, and almost -famished, he felt that death was preferable to such long-continued -suffering; and nothing but the thought of his family gave him courage to -keep up his exertions. - -When morning dawned, the outline of the Canada shore greeted his sight; -he soon made the land in the vicinity of Long Point. Here he met -additional difficulties in an adverse wind and heavy breakers, but the -same hand which had guided him thus far remained with him still; he -succeeded in safely landing. What his emotions were upon again treading -"the green and solid earth," we may faintly imagine; but his trials were -not ended. Faint with hunger and exhausted by fatigue, he was forty -miles from human habitation, while the country which intervened was a -desert, filled with marshes and tangled thickets, from which nothing -could be drawn to supply his wants. These difficulties, together with -his reduced state, made his progress toward the settlements very slow. - -On his way he found a quantity of goods which had been thrown ashore -from the wreck of some vessel, which, though they afforded no immediate -relief, were afterward of service to him. After a long and toilsome -march through the wilderness, he arrived at a settlement, where he was -treated with great kindness by the people. When his strength was -sufficiently recruited, he procured a boat, and went after the wrecked -goods, which he found and brought off. He then started overland for -Buffalo, where he disposed of part of his treasure, and with the -proceeds furnished himself with a complete outfit. Here, finding the -_Traveler_, Captain Brown, from Conneaut, in the harbor, he engaged -passage on board of her. The Captain and crew, having heard of his -disappearance, looked upon him almost as one risen from the dead. His -story was so astonishing as hardly to be credible; but as he was there, -in person, to verify it, they were obliged to believe the testimony. - -Within a day or two, he was on his way to rejoin his family, who, the -Captain informed him, had given him up, and were in great grief and -distress. When the packet arrived opposite the house, the crew gave -three loud, long and hearty cheers, and fired guns from the deck in -token of joy, which led the family to anticipate his return. - -On landing, he found that his funeral sermon had been preached, and had -the rare privilege of seeing his own _widow_ clothed in the habiliments -of mourning. - -Deer hunting, even down to a recent period, was a chosen amusement in -Ohio. At this time the animal is only found in the great forests of the -north-west counties of Paulding, Van Wart, Williams, etc., and in the -heavy woods of Wyandot and Hardin counties. Sandusky Bay, an estuary of -Lake Erie, and one of the most beautiful sheets of water in America, is -yet a great sportsman's resort, though now chiefly for wild water-fowl, -whose spring and fall season calls thither many a modern Nimrod. The -writer of this has spent many a season among the marshes and -overflow-lands at the head of the bay in pursuit of game which, with -proper care, will continue for years to afford good gunning. Only keep -out the murderous blunderbusses of certain Englishmen, which sweep away -a whole flock of green-heads and canvas-backs at a shot. We have often -been tempted to have arrested, as a common nuisance, these sneaking -prowlers after "a shot for twenty birds—not a whit less." But it was not -of birds we are to write. Sandusky Bay, in days gone by, used to afford -rare sport in deer-hunting _in the water_. To illustrate: - -The bay is bounded on the east by a narrow strip of sand and cedars, -which divides it from Lake Erie. On the north is the peninsula, another -strip of rich soil, once densely covered with forests, stretching far to -the west. The sport practiced in early times was to drive the deer with -dogs from Cedar Point and the peninsula into the water, when they would -make for the opposite shore, above the town of Sandusky. The heads of -the beautiful animals could be seen a great distance, as they glided -along the surface of the clear waters. Then boats would put out, in each -of which was a dog—no guns being allowed—the men being armed only with a -knife. The deer always would scent the danger from afar, and, with -extraordinary celerity, move off up the bay, followed by the boats. When -a comparatively near approach was at length made, after hard pulling for -two or three miles, the dogs were let loose. Being fresh, and the deer -somewhat exhausted from their long swim, the dogs would gain on their -prey rapidly, and soon the struggle in the water would commence—the -noble bucks always receiving their enemy, while the ewes and fawns were -kept out of harm's reach. The bucks were, if not too much exhausted, -quite a match for the dogs. Not unfrequently their antlers would crimson -the water with the blood of their canine foe. The boats, meanwhile, were -but spectators of the contest, and only came up when their dogs showed -signs of defeat. A good dog, however, generally succeeded in fastening -to the throat of his prey, and there clung with such tenacity as to sink -and rise with the buck, avoiding the terrific strokes of its hoofs by -laying close to the deer's body. One blow of a fore-hoof has been known -to smash the skull of a mastiff. The sport, to those in the boats, is -exciting in the extreme; but strict honor used to govern the combats. -The fawns and most of the ewes were permitted to escape, and the bucks -were only slaughtered with the knife when it became evident that the -dogs would be overpowered, or when some favorite mastiff brought his -game to the boat in a conquered condition. - -A startling adventure once occurred in the waters of the bay. A -well-known hunter, named Dick Moxon, somewhat addicted to drink, one day -saw a fine drove of deer coming in to land from the opposite shore. He -at once advanced, knife in hand, into the water to his waist. The bucks, -three of them, led the convoy, and made directly for their enemy to -cover the retreat of the females. The hunter found himself in a position -of imminent danger, and sought to retreat, but this the deer did not -permit, as one of them drove him down into the water by a terrible butt -with his ugly antlers. Moxon grappled the deer, but the animal trampled -the hunter and kept him down. With great presence of mind, Moxon -disappeared under water and swam for the shore, coming up a rod nearer -the land. This dodge did not save him, however, for the infuriated bucks -pursued, and soon the combat became terrible. Moxon cut right and left -with his knife, making shocking wounds in the glistening bodies of the -noble beasts; but the fight was not stayed, and the hunter's strength, -so severely overtaxed in the first encounter in deep water, began to -give way entirely. A few minutes more must have seen him down in the -water under the hoofs of the frenzied animals. At this moment a woman -appeared on the shore. It was Moxon's wife, whose cabin was not far -distant in the woods. Sally Moxon was as "coarse as a cow, but brave as -a catamount," as her husband always averred; and so she proved in this -moment of Dick's peril. Seizing his rifle, which lay on the bank, she -advanced to the rescue. One buck quickly fell from the well-aimed shot. -Then she "clubbed" her gun, and made at the nearest beast with great -caution. The buck made a furious dash at her, leaping at a bound out of -the water, almost upon her, but Sally was wide awake, and was not caught -by the ugly horns and hoofs. She struck the beast such a blow on its -neck as broke both the gunstock and the buck's spinal column. With the -rifle-barrel still in her hand, Sally then made for the last buck, a -very savage fellow, who still confronted Dick in a threatening manner. -The fight which followed was severe. Sally was knocked down into the -water, but Moxon's knife saved his spouse from being "trampled into a -pudding," as he afterward expressed it. With all his remaining strength, -he seized the deer by the horns, while with his left hand he buried his -knife to the hilt in the animal's shoulder. The deer fell in the water, -and Moxon went down under him; but Sally was, by this time, on her feet -again, and dragged Dick's almost inanimate form to the shore. The -victory was complete, though Dick was so terribly bruised that the meat -of the three bucks was long gone before the hunter could again go forth -to kill more. The moral of the story is that he learned not only never -to attack three bucks, single-handed, in four feet of water, but to let -the whisky bottle alone. - -The adventure which we are now about to chronicle is quite as marvelous -as those above related, although of another character. It is deeply -interesting, as illustrating _one_ of the many phases of danger which -constantly lurked on the steps of the pioneers. Startling as were the -_romantic realities_ of those early days, needing not the touch of -fiction to heighten their interest, it will be confessed that few -incidents can equal this for a novel combination of perils. - -The family of John Lewis were the first settlers of Augusta, in the -State of Virginia, and consisted of himself, his wife, and four sons, -Thomas, William, Andrew and Charles. Of these, the first three were born -in Ireland, from whence the family came, and the last was a native of -Virginia. - -Lewis was a man of wealth and station in the old country, and the cause -of his present emigration to America was an attempt, on the part of a -man of whom he hired some property, to eject him therefrom, which led to -an affray, in which the noble landlord lost his life. Fearing, from the -high standing of his antagonist, the desperate character of his -surviving assailants, and the want of evidence to substantiate his case, -that his life would be in danger if he stayed, Lewis fled the country, -accompanied by a party of his tenantry, and settled in the then western -wilds of Virginia. - -The father appears to have been a man of remarkable force and energy, -and all four of his sons rendered themselves conspicuous for deeds of -daring and determined bravery during the early history of Western -Virginia, and that of her infant sisters, Ohio and Kentucky, which would -require volumes to relate. - -Charles Lewis, the hero of this sketch, was, even in early youth, -distinguished for those qualifications which have rendered the class to -which he belonged—the Indian fighters—so remarkable among men. He was a -young man when the Indians commenced their attacks upon the settlement -of Western Virginia, but entered the contest with a zeal and courage -which outstripped many of his older and more boastful compeers. His -astonishing self-possession and presence of mind carried him safely -through many a gallant exploit, which has rendered his name as familiar, -and his fame as dear to the memories of the descendants of the early -settlers, as household words. Cool, calm and collected in the face of -danger, and quick-witted where others would be excited and tremulous, he -was able to grasp on the instant the propitious moment for action, and -render subservient to his own advantage the most trifling incident. - -He was so unfortunate, on one occasion, as to be taken prisoner by a -party of Indians while on a hunting excursion. Separated from his -companions, he was surprised and surrounded before he was aware of his -danger, and when he did become aware of his critical situation, he saw -how futile it was to contend, and how reckless and fatal it must be to -himself, should he kill one of his antagonists. He knew full well that -the blood of his enemy would be washed out in his own, and that, too, at -the stake; whereas, if he surrendered peaceably, he stood a chance of -being adopted by the Indians as one of themselves. Revolving these -things in his mind, he quietly delivered up his rifle to his captors, -who rejoiced exceedingly over their prisoner. Bareheaded, with his arms -bound tightly behind him, without a coat, and barefooted, he was driven -forward some two hundred miles toward the Indian towns, his inhuman -captors urging him on when he lagged, with their knives, and tauntingly -reminding him of the trials which awaited him at the end of his journey. -Nothing daunted, however, by their threats and menaces, he marched on in -the weary path which led him further and further from his friends, -perfectly tractable, so far as his body was concerned, but constantly -busy in his mind with schemes of escape. He bided his time, and at -length the wished-for moment came. - -As the distance from the white settlements increased, the vigilance of -the Indians relaxed, and his hopes strengthened. As the party passed -along the edge of a precipice, some twenty feet high, at the foot of -which ran a mountain torrent, he, by a powerful effort, broke the cords -which bound his arms, and made the leap. The Indians, whose aim was to -take him alive, followed him, and then commenced a race for life and -liberty, which was rendered the more exciting by the fact that his -pursuers were close upon him, and could at any moment have dispatched -him. But such was not their desire, and on, on he sped, now buoyed up by -hope as his recent captors were lost to sight, and anon despairing of -success as he crossed an open space which showed them almost at his -heels. At length, taking advantage of a thicket, through which he -passed, and which hid him from their sight for a moment, he darted aside -and essayed to leap a fallen tree which lay across his path. The tangled -underbrush and leaves which grew thickly around and almost covered the -decaying trunk, tripped him as he leaped, and he fell with considerable -force on the opposite side. For an instant he was so stunned by the fall -as to lose his consciousness, but soon recovered it to find that the -Indians were searching every nook in his immediate vicinity, and that he -had fallen almost directly upon a large rattlesnake which had thrown -itself into the deadly coil so near his face that his fangs were within -a few inches of his nose. Is it possible for the most vivid imagination -to conceive of a more horrible and terrifying situation? - -The pursuit of his now highly exasperated and savage enemies, who -thirsted for his recapture that they might wreak upon him an appalling -revenge, which of itself was a danger calculated to thrill the nerves of -the stoutest system, had now become a secondary fear, for death in one -of its most terrifying and soul-sickening forms was vibrating on the -tongue, and darting from the eye of the reptile before him, so near, -too, that the vibratory motion of his rattle as it waved to and fro, -caused it to strike his ear. The slightest movement of a muscle—a -convulsive shudder—almost the winking of an eyelid, would have been the -signal for his death. Yet, in the midst of this terrible danger, his -presence of mind did not leave him, but like a faithful friend did him -good service in his hour of trial. Knowing the awful nature of his -impending fate, and conscious that the slightest quivering of a nerve -would precipitate it, he scarcely breathed, and the blood flowed feebly -through his veins as he lay looking death in the eye. Surrounded thus by -double peril, he was conscious that three of the Indians had passed over -the log behind which he lay without observing him, and disappeared in -the dark recesses of the forest. Several minutes—which to him were as -many hours—passed in this terrifying situation, until the snake, -apparently satisfied that he was dead, loosed his threatening coil, and -passing _directly over his body_, was lost to sight in the luxuriant -growth of weeds which grew up around the fallen tree. Oh! what a -thrill—what a revulsion of feeling shook his frame as he was relieved -from this awful suspense. Tears—tears of joyous gratitude coursed down -his cheeks as he poured out his heart to God in thankfulness for his -escape. "I had eaten nothing," said he to his companions, after his -return, "for many days; I had no fire-arms, and I ran the risk of dying -with hunger before I could reach the settlements; but rather would I -have died than have made a meal of that generous beast."[1] He was still -in imminent danger from the Indians, who knew that he had hidden in some -secluded spot, and were searching with the utmost zeal every nook and -corner to find him. He was fortunate enough, however, to escape them, -and after a weary march through the wilderness, during which he suffered -intensely from hunger, he reached the settlements. - -Footnote 1: - - It was no unusual thing for hungry hunters, like the Indians, to dine - upon broiled rattlesnake! - - - - - COLONEL HORRY, OF "MARION'S BRIGADE." - - -It is much to be regretted that the chronicles of the war of the -Revolution in the South are so meager in personal incidents. There can -be but one reason for this: the want of a local historian to gather up -and preserve in print the details of the contest, ere the actors of -those stirring scenes had passed from the stage—for the wild and -stirring adventures of "Marion's Men," and of others in North and South -Carolina, must have been as full of romance as the heart of the -historian could desire. - -It is fortunate that one of Marion's officers did wield the pen a -little, as well as the sword. Colonel Horry served under General Marion. -His adventures were numerous and some of them amusing. He left a -manuscript memoir, giving the particulars of some of his exploits, among -others the one illustrated in our engraving. - -He was brave, and ambitious of distinction. This ambition led him to -desire a command of cavalry rather than of infantry. But he was no -rider—was several times unhorsed in combat, and was indebted to the -fidelity of his soldiers for his safety. On one occasion his escape was -more narrow from a different cause. Crossing the swamp at Lynch's Creek, -to join Marion, in the dark, and the horse swimming, he encountered the -bough of a tree, to which he clung while his horse passed from under -him. He was no swimmer, and but for timely assistance from his followers -would have been drowned. - -Another story is told of him which places him in a scarcely less -ludicrous attitude: - -He was ordered by Marion to await, in ambush, the approach of a British -detachment. The duty was executed with skill: the enemy was completely -in his power. But he labored under an impediment in his speech, which we -may readily suppose was greatly increased by anxiety and excitement. The -word "Fire!" stuck in his throat, as "amen" did in that of Macbeth. The -emergency was pressing, but this only increased the difficulty. In vain -did he make the attempt. He could say: "Fi—fi—fi!" but he could get no -further; the "er" was incorrigible. At length, irritated almost to -madness, he exclaimed: - -"_Shoot_, d—n you, _shoot!_ you know what I would say! Shoot, and be -d——d to you!" - -He was present, and acted bravely, in almost every affair of -consequence, in the brigade of Marion. At Quimly, Captain Baxter, a man -distinguished by his great strength and courage, as well as size, and by -equally great simplicity of character, cried out: - -"I am wounded, Colonel!" - -"Think no more of it, Baxter," was the answer of Horry, "but stand to -your post." - -"But I can't stand," says Baxter, "I am wounded a second time." - -"Lie down then, Baxter, but quit not your post." - -"They have shot me again, Colonel," said the wounded man, "and if I stay -any longer here, I shall be shot to pieces." - -"Be it so, Baxter, but stir not," was the order, which the brave fellow -obeyed, receiving a fourth wound ere the engagement was over. - -[Illustration: - - Colonel Horry and Captain Merritt's Conflict.—_Page_ 15. -] - -Another adventure is thus related by Horry himself: "I was sent," he -writes, "by General Marion to reconnoiter Georgetown. I proceeded with a -guide through the woods all night. At the dawn of day, I drew near the -town. I laid an ambuscade, with thirty men and three officers, near the -road. About sunrise a chair appeared with two ladies escorted by two -British officers. I was ready in advance with an officer to cut them -off, but reflecting that they might escape, and alarm the town, which -would prevent my taking greater numbers, I desisted. The officers and -chair halted very near me, but soon the chair went on, and the officers -galloped in retrograde into the town. Our party continued in ambush, -until ten o'clock, A. M. Nothing appearing, and men and horses having -eaten nothing for thirty-six hours, we were hungered, and retired to a -plantation of my quartermaster's, a Mr. White, not far distant. There a -curious scene took place. As soon as I entered the house, four ladies -appeared, two of whom were Mrs. White and her daughter. I was asked what -I wanted. I answered, food, refreshment. The other two ladies were those -whom I had seen escorted by the British officers. They seemed greatly -agitated, and begged most earnestly that I would go away, for the family -was very poor, had no provisions of any sort—that I knew that they were -Whigs, and surely would not add to their distress. So pressing were they -for my immediately leaving the plantation, that I thought they had more -in view than they pretended. I kept my eyes on Mrs. White, and saw she -had a smiling countenance, but said nothing. Soon she left the room, and -I left it also and went into the piazza, laid my cap, sword and pistols -on the long bench, and walked the piazza;—when I discovered Mrs. White -behind the house chimney beckoning me. I got to her, undiscovered by the -young ladies, when she said: 'Colonel Horry, be on your guard; these two -ladies, Miss F— and M—, are just from Georgetown; they are much -frightened, and I believe the British are leaving it and may soon attack -you. As to provisions, which they make such a rout about, I have plenty -for your men and horses in yonder barn, but you must affect to take them -by force. Hams, bacon, rice and fodder are there. You must insist on the -key of the barn, and threaten to split the door with an ax if not -immediately opened.' I begged her to say no more, for I was well -acquainted with all such matters—to leave the ladies and every thing -else to my management. She said 'Yes; but do not ruin us: be artful and -cunning, or Mr. White may be hanged and all our houses burned over our -heads.' We both secretly returned, she to the room where the young -ladies were, and I to the piazza I had just left." - -This little narrative will give some idea of the straits to which the -good whig matrons of Carolina were sometimes reduced in those days. But -no time was allowed Horry to extort the provisions as suggested. He had -scarcely got to the piazza when his videttes gave the alarm. Two shots -warned him of the approach of the foe, and forgetting that his cap, -saber and pistols lay on the long bench on the piazza, Horry mounted his -horse, left the inclosure, and rushed into the _melée_. The British were -seventeen in number, well mounted and commanded by a brave fellow named -Merritt. The dragoons, taken by surprise, turned in flight, and, smiting -at every step, the partisans pursued them with fatal earnestness. But -two men are reported to have escaped death or captivity, and they were -their Captain and a Sergeant. It was in approaching to encounter Merritt -that Horry discovered that he was weaponless. "My officers," says he, -"in succession, came up with Captain Merritt, who was in the rear of his -party, urging them forward. They engaged him. He was a brave fellow. -Baxter, with pistols, fired at his breast, and missing him, retired; -Postelle and Greene, with swords, engaged him; both were beaten off. -Greene nearly lost his head. His buckskin breeches were cut through -several inches. I almost blush to say that this one British officer beat -off three Americans." The honor of the day was decidedly with Merritt, -though he was beaten. He was no doubt a far better swordsman than our -self-taught cavalry, with broadswords wrought out of mill-saws. Merritt -abandoned his horse, and escaped to a neighboring swamp, from whence, at -midnight, he got into Georgetown. - -Colonel Horry, after the war, met Captain Merritt in New York, when the -latter recognized him, and in the interview which followed, confessed, -that although so desperate in his self-defense he was never more -frightened in his life. - -"Believe me, sir," said he, "when I assure you that I went out that -morning with my locks as bright an auburn as ever curled upon the -forehead of youth, but by the time I had crawled out of the swamp into -Georgetown that night, they were as gray as a badger!" - -If this is true, he must indeed have been wofully frightened, for the -records of such an effect of terror are few and far between. One of -Byron's heroes says that - - "His locks grew white, - In a single night." - -But that was with grief, and not with fear. - -Horry's award of praise to the British Captain for his courage in -beating off three of his own men, was both generous and ingenious, when -it is considered that the Englishman was a scientific swordsman, -possessing a superior weapon, while his antagonists were self-taught, -and their swords, if not beaten out of "plowshares," were veritably made -out of mill-saws. - -In one of his numerous encounters, while his men were individually -engaged and scattered through the woods around him, he suddenly found -himself alone, and assailed by a Tory Captain, named Lewis, at the head -of a small party. Lewis was armed with a musket, and in the act of -firing, when an unexpected shot from the woods tumbled him off his -horse, in the very moment when his own gun was discharged. The bullet of -Lewis took effect on Horry's horse. The shot which so seasonably slew -the Tory was sent by the hand of a boy named Given. - -Colonel Horry gives, in his memoirs, a good illustration of the mingled -firmness and forbearance with which Marion enforced discipline amidst -men and circumstances not any too easily governed. Marion had placed one -of his detachments at the plantation of George Crofts, on Tampit Creek. -This person had proved invariably true to the American cause; had -supplied the partisans frequently, though secretly, with munitions of -war, cattle and provisions. He was an invalid, however, suffering from a -mortal infirmity, which compelled his removal, for medical attendance, -to Georgetown, then in possession of the enemy. During the absence of -the family, Marion placed a Sergeant in the house for its protection. -This guard was expelled from the premises by two officers of the -brigade, who stripped the house of its contents. Colonel Horry disclosed -these facts to General Marion—the Colonel having received them from Mrs. -Crofts, who had pointed to the sword of her husband hanging by the side -of the principal offender. The indignation of Marion was not apt to -expend itself in words. Redress was promised to the complainant, and she -was dismissed. - -The offenders were men of some influence, and had a small faction in the -brigade, which had already proved troublesome, and which might easily -become dangerous. One of them was a Major, the other a Captain. They -were in command of a company of men known as the Georgia Refugees. Upon -the minds of these men the offenders had already sought to act, in -reference to the expected collision with their General. - -Marion dispatched Horry to the person who had possession of the sword of -Crofts, with a formal demand for the weapon. He refused to give it up, -alleging that it was his, and taken in war. - -"If the General wants it," he added, "let him come for it himself." - -When this reply was communicated to Marion, he instructed Horry to renew -the demand. His purpose seems to have been, discovering the temper of -the offender, to gain the necessary time. His officers, meanwhile, were -gathering around him. He was making his preparations for a struggle -which might be bloody—which might, indeed, involve, not only the safety -of the brigade, but his own future usefulness. Horry, with proper -spirit, entreated not to be sent again to the refractory officer, giving -as the reason for his reluctance, that, in consequence of the previous -rudeness of the other, he was not in the mood to tolerate a repetition -of the indignity, and might, if irritated, be provoked to violence. - -Marion then dispatched his orderly to the guilty Major, with a civil -request that he might see him at head-quarters. The Major appeared, -accompanied by the Captain who had joined him in the outrage, and under -whose influence he appeared to act. Marion renewed his demand, in -person, for the sword of Crofts. The Major again refused to deliver it, -asserting that Crofts was a Tory, even then with the enemy in -Georgetown. - -"Will you deliver me the sword, Major?" repeated the General. - -"I will not." - -"At these words," says Horry, in his memoirs, I could forbear no longer, -and said with great warmth, and a great oath: "Did I, sir, command this -brigade, as you do, I would hang them both in half an hour!" - -Marion sternly replied: - -"This is none of your business, sir; they are before me! Sergeant of the -guard, bring me a file of men with loaded arms and fixed bayonets." - -"I was silent," added Horry. "All our field-officers in camp were -present, and they had put their hands to their swords in readiness to -draw. My own sword was already drawn." - -In the regular service, with officers bred up to the severe sense of -authority considered necessary to proper discipline, the offender would -probably have been hewn down in the moment of disobedience. The effect -of such a measure, in this instance, might have been most unhappy. The -_esprit du corps_ might have prompted the Major's immediate followers to -have resisted, and, though annihilated, as Horry says they would have -been, yet several valuable lives would have been lost, which their -country could ill spare. The mutiny would have been put down, but at -what a price! - -The patience and prudence of Marion's character taught him forbearance. -His mildness, by putting the offender entirely in the wrong, so -justified his severity, as to disarm the followers of the criminals, who -were about sixty in number. - -Horry continues: "The purpose of the officers was, to call upon these -men for support—we well knew they meant, if possible, to intimidate -Marion, so as to compel him to come into their measures of plunder and -Tory killing. The affair, fortunately, terminated without any bloodshed. -The prudence of the General had its effect. The delay gave time to the -offender for reflection. Perhaps, looking around upon their followers, -they saw no consenting spirit of mutiny in their eyes; for, though many -of the refugees were present, none offered to back the mutinous -officers—and when the guard which was ordered appeared in sight, the -companion of the offender was seen to touch the arm of the other, who -then proffered the sword to Marion, saying: - -"'General, you need not have sent for the guard.'" - -Marion, refusing to receive it, referred him to the Sergeant of the -guard, and thus, doubly degraded, the dishonored Major of the -Continentals disappeared from sight, followed by his associate. - -Another one of Marion's bravest men was Sergeant Jasper, of whom the -readers of a former number have already heard in connection with the -melancholy and romantic story of the young Creole girl, who followed him -to camp, in the disguise of a soldier, and sacrificed her life to -preserve that of the man she loved, by rushing in between him and the -shot aimed at his breast. - -Sergeant William Jasper, at the time of the affair which we are about to -relate, belonged to the Second regiment of the South Carolina militia, -having enlisted under Marion, who was then a Captain. Jasper, from the -day of his entering the camp, had been proverbial for his bravery. His -coolness and valor in times of emergency, and more than all, his utter -disregard of danger, had won for him the golden opinions of his -comrades, with the esteem and confidence of his commander. Jasper -possessed remarkable talents and capacity for a scout. Bold, active and -shrewd, with a frame capable of every endurance—the result of a hardy, -backwoods life—and retaining those noble qualities of bravery and -generosity which were the shining points of his character, he was -admirably adapted for that dangerous but important branch of the -service. Combining, in happy harmony, so many virtues, it is not -surprising that he won the affections of his associates, and the entire -confidence of his commander, who was so assured of his fitness that he -granted him a roving commission, with full power to select from the -brigade such men and as many as he should think proper. But of these he -never, or seldom, selected more than six or eight, preferring, by this -small band, celerity and secrecy. He was almost universally successful, -often penetrating the enemy's camp, or cutting off his rear or advanced -guard, and then returning with his prisoners, or his information, -according to the circumstances of the case. So rapid were his movements, -that he has been known to disappear from the camp and return again with -his prisoners, ere his absence was noticed by the commandant. He would -often enter the enemy's camp as a deserter, and complaining of the ill -usage he had received from his countrymen, so gain upon their -confidence, that he would completely disarm them of his real intentions, -and after satisfying himself of their strength, position, intentions, -and the like, would return and report his knowledge to the commander. On -one of these occasions, he remained in the enemy's camp eight days, and -then returned, after first informing himself of every thing necessary -that could be of any use to his General. This game, however, could be -played but once. Never at a loss how to proceed, he, with his usual -promptness, devised other ways and means to gain his information. - -It was while he was in the employment of one of these roving -expeditions, that he prepared to again enter the camp of the British at -Ebenezer. It so happened that he had a brother at this post, who was in -the employ of the enemy—a melancholy instance among many other cases of -a like nature, which occurred during the war—who was a Tory, and who -held the same rank in the British army that he possessed in the -American. The brothers were equally dear to each other, though opposite -in political sentiment. - -William Jasper loved his brother in the natural warmth of his generous -heart, and wished to see him. He also wished to inform himself of the -enemy's movements. With this double object in his mind, he therefore -prepared for his departure, taking with him only one companion, a brave -young fellow, like himself, who had shared with him many a "happy hunt," -as he termed it, to the united honor of both. This young officer's name -was Newton, holding the same rank in the service as Jasper, namely, a -Sergeant. - -It was about sunset when the two young officers left the camp for their -destination. Passing the American lines, they proceeded on rapidly -toward the British camp, which lay some few miles from Abercorn. Taking -the direct road to the latter place, they traveled rapidly until they -arrived in sight of the encamped British force, at Abercorn. - -"We must now make a _detour_," said Jasper, halting, "in order to avoid -the British at this place, and not be discovered. Our route lies to the -south-east a little, and to shorten the journey, we must pass yonder -forest, the southern side of which borders upon a small lake or pond, a -very convenient place for a respite after the toils and fatigues of a -whole day's travel. I have often met straggling parties of Tories or -British in this forest, or around the margin of the lake, and it is -necessary, therefore, to proceed carefully while passing it. Just beyond -the lake is a small hill, from the summit of which the town of Ebenezer -can be seen some three or four miles distant. After we pass this forest -and hill, we must observe the utmost silence and scrutiny, for we are -then in the immediate vicinity of and between the two British posts, -which will necessarily place us in a double danger from the meeting of -scouts or Tories from either or both camps." - -With these directions the two now resumed their journey, taking a small -path leading to the left, and directly in line of the forest. A few -minutes of brisk walking brought them to the outskirts of the forest, -which was an extensive piece of woodland, stretching with occasional -intervals far to the south-east, interrupted by a few broken and uneven -ranges of hills, somewhat elevated, but scarcely sufficiently so to be -called mountains. On the left of our travelers, the forest broke off -abruptly, a short distance above them, while its width was about a -quarter of a mile. It was quite dark ere they reached the woods, which -seemed to them almost impenetrable, having nothing but the faint -glimmering of the stars to guide them. The day had been very clear, -however, which left the atmosphere perfectly free, with nothing to -interrupt the twinklings of the little suns in the distant spheres. - -As they entered the forest, they turned to the right, and struck into -the main road leading from Abercorn. They had proceeded some fifty -yards, when Jasper's accustomed ear caught the sound of horses' hoofs -upon the dry soil, moving somewhat rapidly toward them. Motioning his -comrade to halt, he remained an instant listening to the sound, and then -darted off into the thicket on his left, quickly followed by Newton. -Scarcely were they concealed behind a thick cluster of small cedars, ere -the horsemen, for such they proved to be, came up. Jasper instantly -recognized them as a party of British horse, bound on some scouting -expedition. Halting directly opposite to our travelers, two of them, who -appeared to be the leaders of the squad, dismounted and withdrew a short -distance. The road, at this place, was considerably wider than the usual -width, which caused a small opening in the wood, and which seemed a very -convenient situation for a halt. As the officers retired, they -fortunately came directly abreast of the cedars, behind which Jasper and -his comrade were ensconced, so that their conversation could easily be -distinguished by both of the latter. - -"Our prisoners are no doubt safely within the lines of Ebenezer, ere -this," began the first, "unless rescued by some of their rebel brethren, -which I think can hardly be the case, as we were close to the town when -we left them." - -"No fear of that, Lieutenant," replied the second, "for the rebel dogs -would not dare to be so audacious." - -"I am not so sure of that," exclaimed the other, doubtingly; "that -Jasper has the audacity of Satan himself, and if he should be in the -neighborhood, I should almost fear for our prisoners. However, if they -are once within the lines, no power will save them, as I am assured by -the commandant that they will be sent to Savannah for trial and -execution, which will have the effect of intimidating, at least, these -rebel curs from further marauding expeditions;" and he chuckled with an -air of self-satisfaction at the thought of their petty victory. - -"Well, be that as it may, Lieutenant," replied his comrade, "it is -another letter in our catalogue of victories, which serves to make us -more popular with the commandant. In either case, we get our thanks, you -know, and that is something toward elevating us toward our desired -height." - -"True," rejoined the Lieutenant. "But let us not waste more time and -words than is necessary. Let me see," he added, thoughtfully, "we will -pursue our course north to Abercorn, and deliver our message to the -commander, and then shape our proceedings as shall seem most fit." - -With these words, the two officers mounted their horses, and were soon -lost to view, with their party, on the road to the northern station. - -Jasper and his friend now emerged from their place of concealment, and -taking the road opposite to the direction of the royalists, resumed -their journey. - -"So, so," exclaimed Jasper, as they hurried along, "they have taken some -'rebel curs' prisoners, have they? And they will no doubt give them the -benefit of 'short shrift and sudden cord,' if they act in consonance -with their general character. But we must endeavor to rescue them, if -their guard is not too strong for us, which I hardly think will be the -case, as they will have no fear of such a thing in the immediate -vicinity of their own lines." - -"It is a hazardous undertaking, Jasper," replied Newton, "and must be -attended with a great deal of risk, as, you know, the enemy occupy every -point of note between this and Savannah; and besides, there is scarcely -an hour of the day that some of their scouting-parties do not prowl -between the posts." - -"So much the more glory if we succeed," said the noble Jasper; "and if -we fail, why then we share their fate. And we could not sacrifice -ourselves in a nobler cause. There is another reason why we should -endeavor to rescue them, and that is, they are prisoners, and will, no -doubt, be driven to their execution within the walls of Savannah without -even the right of a trial; for the British are notorious for their -bloody propensities, and seek to vent their hate upon poor captives in a -cruel and shameful manner." - -"I am certainly of your opinion," said Newton, "still we must not be -impetuous. Our country needs all the help she can command, and she does -not require us to sacrifice our lives in endeavoring to accomplish -impossibilities. However, we shall soon see." - -The officers had now nearly reached the limits of the forest, and taking -the right of two roads which here joined, they were presently in the -open country. Nothing of importance occurred to them during the rest of -the journey, which was accomplished in safety to the British lines. -Arriving at the advanced guard, and having left Newton concealed until -his return, Jasper promptly gave the password, and soon found himself -within the enemy's camp. Passing on hastily, he entered his brother's -quarters, whom he found just about issuing forth to detail a file of men -for special duty to guard the prisoners recently captured, having been -sent into Ebenezer on their way to Savannah for trial. - -These prisoners had taken up arms against their countrymen at the -beginning of the contest; but as the British had been in a measure -overthrown, they again joined the ranks of the patriots, and on being -taken, were to be executed. This was only one instance of hundreds of -others who had acted similarly. - -The brothers Jasper were mutually rejoiced to see each other; but the -Tory shook his head doubtfully as he beheld his brother again within the -British camp, after having so shrewdly deceived them on a former -occasion. But William Jasper quickly reassured his mind on this point, -and bade him be under no uneasiness. - -Having ascertained from his brother the number of men who were to -conduct the prisoners to Savannah, at what time they intended to leave, -and also making such other inquiries as he deemed proper, Jasper bade -him adieu, and soon sought his comrade, Newton, whom he found anxiously -waiting his return. - -"I have received information from my brother," he said, "that these -prisoners leave to-morrow morning at sunrise for Savannah, under a guard -of eight men, and accompanied by a Sergeant and a Corporal. The odds is -not so very great after all; and I think by a little stratagem and -boldness we can succeed in rescuing them. At all events, let us make the -trial." - -But Jasper's friend was not so sure of success. Ten to two, and those -two unarmed, seemed to him too great odds to contend with, as having any -chance of succeeding. But when Jasper related to him that one of these -prisoners was a woman who had a young child, and that she was the wife -of one of the captured men, his heart was touched at the melancholy -spectacle, and he instantly coincided with his friend that they should -attempt their rescue. This being their conclusion, they conferred as to -the best means of accomplishing the desired object. This was soon -decided upon. They determined to linger around the fortifications until -they should see the prisoners, with their guard, set out for the place -of destination, and then follow their footsteps until a convenient -opportunity offered to put into force the execution of their design. -Accordingly, selecting a secure concealment near the lines to await the -approach of dawn, they threw themselves upon the ground, and being -somewhat fatigued, soon fell asleep. The day was just beginning to -emerge ere Jasper awoke, so sound had been his rest, and springing up, -he aroused his friend. - -All was activity in the British camp. Men were hurrying to and fro, -preparing for the duties of the day. In fact, the whole camp seemed to -be astir to Jasper and his comrade, as they issued from their place of -concealment to watch the movements of the enemy. - -They had not proceeded far before their attention was arrested by a file -of soldiers marching out into the inclosure and then coming to a halt, -as though waiting further orders. Presently a body of men, with their -arms pinioned, was marched directly to their front. Dividing their -force, the prisoners were placed in the center, with a portion of their -guard in front and rear. Every thing being now in readiness, the whole -party started off toward their destined point, leaving the village at -the southern extremity. - -Jasper and his companion now made a circuit of the village, so as not to -be discovered, and in order to place themselves on the track of the -troop. Having secured a suitable distance from the guard, they followed -them silently, watching their opportunity when to make the endeavor. In -this way they continued to track their friends and their guards for some -time, without any prospect of accomplishing their design, until they -were within two miles of Savannah. They had become nearly discouraged, -when Jasper suddenly recollected that just ahead of them there was a -noted spring, at which place they conjectured the guard would halt, with -their prisoners, to refresh themselves. The spring was known to -travelers, who, when journeying that way, seldom or never passed it -without tasting its crystalline waters. Jasper and Newton were right in -their conjectures. Arriving opposite the spring, the guard halted their -prisoners in the road under the shade of a large oak-tree, which stood -just on the margin of the road, and between that and the spring. Our -heroes, however, had reached the spring before the British, having taken -an obscure path with which they were well acquainted, and placing -themselves in ambush, awaited the arrival of the enemy. - -The day was warm, and as the guard halted, the prisoners, glad to rest -their wearied limbs after so long a march, threw themselves upon the -earth under the shade of the tree, little dreaming of the succor so near -at hand. Very soon after, they were conducted to the spring by the -Corporal with four men. The remainder of the guard were under the charge -of the Sergeant, who halted them on the road a short distance from the -spring, and having ordered them to stack their arms, brought up the -rear. After having sufficiently quenched their thirst, the whole party -returned, leaving two men on guard of the arms which were all stacked -near the spring. These two men kept guard but indifferently. They had -nothing to fear within so short a distance of the fortress at Savannah, -conscious of being surrounded by none of their foes, and inclosed within -the very stronghold of the British lines. It is not surprising that they -should not maintain a very strict watch under such circumstances. - -The propitious moment for the daring and hazardous attempt was drawing -near, which was eagerly watched by Jasper and his comrade in their -adjoining ambush. - -The localities of the place, the position of the guard, the nearness of -the ambush—in short, every thing seemed most appropriate and -advantageous. - -The spring, as we have said, was situated on the left, within a few feet -of the road, between which and the water stood the arms of the guard in -charge of the two men, who were lazily employed in watching the -bubblings of the fountain, and then tracing its clear waters as they -flowed silently off in a small rivulet in a winding direction, until -lost in the thick foliage a few rods below. Beyond, and in full view, -were the walls and fortifications of Savannah, almost within hailing -distance of the spot which our heroes have rendered immortal by their -daring achievement. - -The remaining guard stood in a group on the opposite side of the road, -conversing freely and gayly, and utterly unconscious of the presence of -an enemy, while the prisoners were reclining under the stately oak, a -little on the left of the British. - -The two soldiers were conversing cheerfully, having seated themselves by -the side of the spring, little dreaming that this colloquy was destined -to be their last. - -Presently, the two arose, and leaning their muskets against a small -tree, close to where Jasper and his comrade lay concealed, they -proceeded to fill their canteens with the refreshing draught of the -spring. - -At this moment Jasper gave the signal. Springing out from their ambush, -he and his companion seized the loaded weapons, and instantly leveling -them, shot the two soldiers dead upon the ground. Then rushing upon the -guard, they clubbed their muskets, and assailing two of the remaining -soldiers, who were in advance of the rest, they felled them to the -earth, and before the astonished guard could recover from their -surprise, they rushed to the stack of arms, and with presented weapons, -instantly demanded the surrender of the whole troop. The British -officers seeing their perilous situation, and noticing the determined -looks of Jasper and Newton, and being withal deprived of their arms, -complied with their demand, and yielded themselves and their men as -prisoners of war. To set free the captives was but the work of an -instant, and placing the muskets of the captured British into their -hands, Jasper ordered the irons to be placed upon the new prisoners; and -then hurrying away from this spot, which they have immortalized with a -name not soon to be forgotten, they crossed the Savannah with both -friends and foes, and were soon rapidly marching toward the American -camp. - -Thus was this noble act achieved, of which history furnishes but few -parallels; and which strikingly illustrates the coolness, determination -and bravery, which ever characterized the noble-hearted Jasper. But, -unfortunately for his country, she was soon destined to lose his -valuable services, when, in the very hey-day of his youth, he sealed his -patriotism with his heart's blood before the walls of Savannah. - - - - - ELERSON'S TWENTY-FIVE MILE RACE. - - -[Illustration: - - Elerson's Twenty-Five Mile Race—_Page_ 32. -] - -Among the members of that celebrated rifle corps, commanded by Daniel -Morgan, to which we already have referred, was a man by the name of -Elerson, who, in deeds of daring and intrepidity, was almost a match for -Timothy Murphy, whose frequent companion he was when on an expedition -against their mutual enemies, the Tories, red-coats, and Indians. Quick -of perception, rapid in his conclusions and his actions, light of foot, -and brave as a lion, he was an enemy whom the Indians feared, and a -friend whom all reckoned as second only to the renowned Murphy himself. -The corps to which these celebrated marksmen belonged was attached to -the expedition of Generals Clinton and Sullivan against the Six Nations -in 1779. Elerson was with Clinton when that officer halted at Otsego -Lake, to await the coming up of his superior, from the direction of -Wyoming. While the army lay at this place, Elerson rambled off from the -main body, in search of adventure, and _pulse_ for the dinner of the -mess to which he belonged. Regardless of danger, he wandered about until -he had procured a quantity of the weed, when he prepared to return to -camp. It seems that he had been discovered and tracked by a party of -Indians, who determined upon his capture. As he was adjusting his -burden, he heard a rustling of the leaves near him. Looking in the -direction indicated, he discovered a band of six or eight Indians, -stationed between him and the camp, so as to cut off his retreat in that -direction, and who were in the act of springing upon him. Conscious of -their object—for he might have been shot down with ease—he determined to -foil them if in his power, knowing full well the fate of a prisoner in -their hands. Seizing his rifle, he dropped his bundle, and fled through -the only avenue left open for his escape, followed by the whole pack, -hooting and yelling at his heels. As he started to run, half a dozen -tomahawks were hurled at him, and came whizzing and flying through the -air. Fortunately but one reached its object, and that nearly cut the -middle finger from his left hand. With the agility of the hunted stag, -Elerson bounded over an old brushwood fence which stood in his path, and -darted into the shades of the forest, followed by his no less rapid -pursuers. Aware that the course he had taken was away from the camp—so -also were his enemies—he prepared himself for a mighty effort, trusting -that an opportunity would offer to "double" and find his way back. Vain -hope! The Indians, aware that such would naturally be his aim, took care -to prevent it by spreading themselves somewhat in the form of a -crescent; but, in so doing, they nearly lost sight of their prey. -Fearful that he might escape, they discharged their rifles—hoping to -wound or kill him—but with no effect. The brave fellow tried every nerve -to outstrip, and every stratagem and device to mislead his savage -pursuers; but they were too cunning to be deceived, and kept on his -track with the ardor of blood-hounds. Four long hours the chase -continued thus, until overtasked nature threatened to give way, and -yield him to the tomahawk and scalping-knives of his enemies. Like some -powerful engine, his heart was forcing the blood through his distended -and throbbing veins, which were swollen to bursting with the mighty -efforts of the chase. His breath came short and rapid, betokening a -speedy termination of the race, unless a breathing spell was afforded -him. An opportunity at last was offered, when, having, as he thought, -outstripped his pursuers for a moment, he halted in a little lonely dell -to recover his waning strength. His hope was destined to disappointment, -however, for the circle closed in upon him, and the bust of an Indian -presented itself at a slight opening in front. He raised his rifle to -fire, but at that moment a shot from his rear admonished him that danger -was all around; another took effect in his side, and warned him of the -danger of delay. The Indian in front had disappeared, and he hastened -forward, with the love of life still strong in his breast. The wound in -his side bled freely, although only a flesh-wound, and therefore not -dangerous nor painful. It served, however, to track him by, and, -conscious of the fact, he managed to tear a strip from his hunting-shirt -and staunch the blood. On, on went pursuer and pursued—over hill and -dale, brook, stream-let and running stream—through brier and bramble, -through field and wood—until the parched and burning tongue of the -fugitive protruded from his mouth swelled to such distention as almost -to stop his breathing. Exhausted nature could do no more; he threw -himself prostrate on the bank of a tiny brook, resolved to yield the -contest for the sake of a hearty draught of its clear, sparkling waters. -He bathed his brow in the cool element, and drank deeply of its reviving -virtues. Raising his head, he discovered the foremost of the now -scattered and equally exhausted enemy, crossing the brow of a ridge over -which he had just passed. The instinct of preservation was awakened -afresh in his bosom at the sight; he started to his feet and raised his -rifle, but failing strength would not allow of a certain aim, and an -empty weapon would insure his death. Another moment, and he would be at -the mercy of his enemy, without hope or chance of life. Again he raised -his trusty rifle, and, steadying its barrel against a sapling, he -secured his aim, fired, and the Indian fell headlong in death. Before -the echoes of the report had died away in the neighboring hills, he -beheld the remainder of the band of eager, hungry pursuers coming over -the ridge; he then felt that his minutes indeed were numbered. Hidden -partially by the tree behind which he stood, they did not discover him, -however; and while they paused over the body of their fallen comrade, he -made another attempt to fly. He staggered forward—fell—and, exerting his -failing powers to the utmost, he managed to reach a thicket of young -trees, overgrown with wild vines, into which he threw himself with the -energy of desperation. Fortune favored him; he discovered the rotten -trunk of a fallen tree, whose hollow butt, hidden and screened by the -deep shadow of the surrounding foliage, offered an asylum from the -impending death which seemed so near. The approaching steps of the -savages quickened his movements, as he crawled head first into the -recess, which was barely large enough to admit his person. Here he lay -within hearing of the efforts made to discover his hiding-place, until -they died away in the distance. Conscious, however, that the Indians -would search long and anxiously for him, he lay in this situation for -two days and nights. When he ventured out he knew not which way to turn, -but striking off at random, he soon emerged upon a clearing near -Cobbleskill—a distance of twenty-five miles from his place of starting. -The brave fellow had earned his liberty; and the Indians never ceased to -recur to the race, with grunts of approbation at the white man's power -of endurance. - -Another race for life, not so lengthy, but equally exciting while it -lasted, is related in the historical records of Kentucky—that State -whose infancy was "baptized in blood." William Kennan, a brother spirit -of Kenton, Hunt, and Boone, a ranger renowned for strength and courage, -had joined the expedition of St. Clair against the Indians. In the -course of the march from Fort Washington he had repeated opportunities -of testing his surprising powers, and was admitted to be the swiftest -runner of the light corps. This expedition of St. Clair was organized -after the disastrous defeat of Harmar by the Indians, in 1779. -Washington, who was at this time President, determined to employ a force -sufficient to crush out the savages. This force was to have been two -thousand regular troops, composed of cavalry, infantry and artillery, -and a large number of militia which were ordered to move from the -several States in which they had been enlisted, toward Fort Washington, -now Cincinnati, where the men rendezvoused in September. The object of -the campaign was to establish a line of posts, stretching from the Ohio -to the Maumee, to build a strong post on the latter river, and by -leaving in it a garrison of a thousand men, to enable the commander of -the fort to send out detachments to keep the Indians in awe. But there -was difficulty about organizing the army, St. Clair being very unpopular -in Kentucky; the season was far advanced before he took the field, and -when he did, he had only about two thousand men all told, and from -these, desertions were continually taking place. The Kentucky levies -were reckless and ungovernable, the conscripts from the other States -were dissatisfied, and to make matters worse, the mountain leader, a -Chickasaw chief, whose knowledge of Indian tactics would have been -invaluable, losing faith in the success of the whites, abandoned the -enterprise with his band of warriors. - -St. Clair, however, continued his march; and on the evening of the third -of November, halted on one of the tributaries of the Wabash. A few -Indians were seen, who fled with precipitation. The troops encamped; the -regulars and levies in two lines, covered by the stream; the militia on -the opposite shore, and about a quarter of a mile in advance. Still -further in advance was posted Captain Hough with a company of regulars. -His orders were to intercept small parties of the enemy, should they -venture to approach the camp, and to give intelligence of any -occurrences which might transpire. - -Colonel Oldham, who commanded the Kentucky levies, such as had not -deserted, was cautioned to remain on the alert during the night, and to -send out patrols of twenty-five or thirty men each, in different -directions, before daylight, to scour the adjoining woods. - -Kennan was with one of these patrols. Just as day was dawning he -perceived about thirty Indians within one hundred yards of the guard -fire, cautiously approaching the spot where he, with about twenty other -rangers, stood, the rest of his company being considerably in the rear. -Supposing it to be a mere scouting party, not superior in numbers to the -rangers, he sprung forward a few paces to shelter himself in a spot of -tall grass, where, after firing with quick aim upon the foremost savage, -he fell flat upon his face, rapidly reloading his gun, not doubting but -what his companions would maintain their position. - -However, as the battle afterward proved, this, instead of being a -scouting-party of savages, was the front rank of their whole body, who -had chosen their favorite hour of daybreak for a fierce assault upon the -whites, and who now marched forward in such overwhelming masses, that -the rangers were compelled to fly, leaving Kennan in total ignorance of -his danger. Fortunately, the Captain of his company, observing him throw -himself in the grass, suddenly exclaimed: - -"Run, Kennan! or you are a dead man!" - -Instantly springing to his feet, he beheld the Indians within ten feet -of him, while his company was more than a hundred yards in front. He had -no time for thought; but the instinct of self-preservation prompted him -to dart away, while the yells of his pursuers seemed absolutely close in -his ears. He fancied he could feel their hot breath. At first, he -pressed straight toward the usual fording-place in the creek, which was -between the savages and the main army. Ten feet behind him! ay, they -were before, and all about him! Several savages had passed him, as he -lay in the grass, without discovering him; and these now turned, heading -him off from the ford. - -There was but one way possible for him to reach the camp, which was to -dart aside, between his pursuers, and make a long circuit. He had not -succeeded in reloading his rifle; with a pang of regret, he threw it -down, for it encumbered him, in the exertions he was making, and putting -every nerve to its utmost strain, he bounded aside and onward. Running -like a deer, he soon had the relief of outstripping all his pursuers but -one, a young chief, perhaps Messhawa, who displayed a swiftness and -perseverance equal to his own. - -Here was a race worth seeing! With long, panther-like bounds, the agile -Indian chased the fugitive, who scarcely knew whether he fled on air or -earth. The distance between them on the start was about eighteen feet; -the herculean efforts of Kennan could not make it one inch more, nor the -equally powerful leaps of the savage make it one inch less. Kennan was -at a great disadvantage. He had to watch the pending blow of his -adversary, whose tomahawk was poised in the air, ready for the first -favorable opportunity to be discharged at him. This gave him small -chance to pick his footsteps with prudence. - -Growing tired of this contest of skill, in which neither gained, the -ranger, seeing that no other Indian was near enough to interfere, -resolved to end the matter by a hand-to-hand conflict. Feeling in his -belt for his knife, he found that it was gone. - -"I'm tellin' the straight out-and-out truth, my friends," Kennan used to -remark, when he related this adventure, "when I felt for sartin that -knife was lost, my ha'r just lifted my cap off my head—it stood straight -up—that's a fact!" - -But if fear lifted his hair up, it lifted his body up, likewise. The -thought of his unarmed condition gave him wings, which, verily, he -needed, for he had slackened his pace as he felt for his knife, and the -tomahawk of his enemy was now almost at his shoulder. - -For the first time he gained ground a trifle. He had watched the motions -of his pursuer so closely, however, as not to pay attention to the -nature of the ground, so that he suddenly found himself in front of a -large tree, which had been torn up by the winds, and whose dry branches -and trunk made an obstacle eight or nine feet high. As he paused before -this hindrance, the young chief gave a whoop of triumph. - -"Yell yer throat open, yer blasted red blood-hound!" thought the -invincible Kentucky ranger. - -Putting his soul into the effort, he bounded into the air with a power -which astonished himself as much as his pursuers; trunk, limbs, brush, -were cleared—he alighted in perfect safety on the other side. A loud -yell of amazement burst from the band of savages who witnessed the feat, -which not even the young chief, Messhawa, had the hardihood to repeat. - -Kennan, however, had no leisure to enjoy his triumph. Dashing into the -creek, where its high banks protected him from the fire of the Indians, -he ran up the edge of the stream until he came to a convenient -crossing-place, when he rejoined the encampment, where he threw himself -on the ground, exhausted by his exertions. - -He had little time for rest. The Indians had begun a furious attack, -which raged for three hours, and which resulted in a defeat of the -whites still more disastrous than that of Harmar's. - -In the retreat which followed, Kennan was attached to the battalion -which had the dangerous service of protecting the rear. This corps -quickly lost its commander, Major Clarke, and was completely -demoralized. Kennan was among the hindmost when the retreat commenced; -but the same powers which had saved him in the morning enabled him to -gain the front, passing several horsemen in his flight. The retreat of -the whole army was in the utmost disorder. The camp, artillery, baggage -and wounded were left in the hands of the enemy. Most of the officers, -who had fought bravely, were already fallen. - -St. Clair himself, who had been confined to his tent with the gout, made -his escape on a pack-horse, which he could neither mount nor dismount -without assistance. The flying troops made their way back to Fort -Jefferson. Under such circumstances, it may be imagined that the line of -flight was a scene of fearful disorder. The Indians, making matters more -appalling by their yells of triumph, pursued the routed foe. Giving up -all efforts to protect the rear, the battalion to which Kennan belonged -fled as it could, every man for himself. - -It was here, as he was making good his own retreat, that our hero came -across a private in his own company, an intimate friend, lying upon the -ground with his thigh broken, who, in tones of piercing distress, -implored each horseman to take him up. When he beheld Kennan coming up -on foot he stretched out his hands entreatingly. Notwithstanding the -imminent peril, his friend could not withstand this passionate appeal; -he lifted him upon his back, and ran in that manner several hundred -yards. - -The enemy gained upon them so fast that Kennan saw the death of both was -certain unless he relinquished his burden. He told his friend that he -had done all he could for him, but that it was in vain. He could not -save him, and unless he wished both to perish, to let go his clasp about -his neck. The unhappy man only clung the more tenaciously; Kennan -staggered on under his burden, until the foremost of the enemy were -within twenty yards of him—then, yielding to a cruel necessity, he drew -his knife from its sheath and severed the fingers of the wounded man, -who fell to the ground, and was tomahawked three minutes after. - -But if unsuccessful in the attempt to save this fated fellow-soldier, he -had the pleasure, before the race was over, of saving the life of one -who afterward became his warm and helpful friend. - -Darting forward with renewed swiftness, after cutting his burden from -him, he was again out of immediate danger, when he came across a young -man, sitting upon a log, calmly awaiting the approach of his enemies. He -was deadly pale, but his refined and handsome face wore not the least -expression of fear. - -"Don't you know the red-skins are upon us?" called out the ranger. - -"I know it; but I can not help it. I have never been strong, and now I -am wounded. I could not take another step to save my life. Go on—don't -stop to pity me." - -Kennan was too brave himself not to admire the calm courage of this -young man. He looked about. A short distance off he saw an exhausted -horse, refreshing himself upon the luxuriant grass. Running after the -animal, he caught him without difficulty, brought him up, assisted the -wounded stranger to mount, and ran by his side until they were out of -danger. Fortunately the pursuit ceased about that time, the spoils of -the camp offering attractions to the savages more irresistible even than -the blood of the remaining whites. The stranger thus saved by Kennan was -Madison, afterward Governor of Kentucky, who continued through life the -friendship formed that day. - -Kennan never entirely recovered from the superhuman exertions he was -compelled to make on that disastrous day. - -Of this melancholy campaign of St. Clair's, Hall, in his sketches of the -West, says: "The fault was not in the leader, but in the plan of the -expedition, and the kind of troops employed. All that an old commander -could effect with such a force, under the circumstances by which he was -surrounded and overruled, was accomplished by General St. Clair. The -brilliant talents of this brave soldier and veteran patriot were exerted -in vain in the wilderness. The wariness and perseverance of Indian -warfare created every day new obstacles and unforeseen dangers; the -skill of the experienced leader was baffled, and undisciplined force -prevailed over military science. The art of the tactician proved -insufficient when opposed to a countless multitude of wily savages, -protected by the labyrinths of the forest and aided by the terrors of -the climate. At a moment of fancied security his troops were assailed -upon all sides by a numerous and well-organized foe, who had long been -hanging on his flanks, and had become acquainted with his strength, his -order of encampment, and the distribution of his force—who knew when to -attack and where to strike." - -The loss on this occasion was mournfully great; thirty-eight officers -and eight hundred men were slain. - -Hall further says: "In reference to all these (Indian) wars, it has -never been sufficiently urged, that they were but a continuation, and a -protracted sequel to the War of Independence. For years after the United -States had been acknowledged as a nation, Great Britain continued to -hold a number of military posts within her Northwestern limits, and _to -urge a destructive warfare through her savage allies_. It was against -_Britain_ that St. Clair, Harmar, Wayne and Harrison fought; and they, -with others, who bled in those Western wilds, contributed as much to the -purchase of our independence, as those who fought for our birthright at -an earlier period." - -Oh, _mother_-country; how very like the worst personification of a -stepmother thou hast ever been, and still art, to this fairest of thy -children. - -The Indians are remarkable for fleetness of foot and endurance. Trained -from childhood to the forest and chase, to run without tiring is one of -their most esteemed virtues. They have been known frequently to run down -the deer. We have seen them, on the western plains, exhaust the horse in -the contest for strength of "wind." One savage of the Osages used to run -from one village to another, a distance of fifteen miles, in one hundred -minutes, for a swallow of "fire-water," and his squaw once performed the -feat in the space of two hours, for the price of three yards of red -ribbon. The stories now related of Ellerson and Kennan prove that, in -speed and endurance, the white man sometimes excels even the savages. We -shall, in the course of these pages, have occasion to mention other -instances of running for life. - - - - - MOLLY PITCHER AT MONMOUTH. - - -The battle of Monmouth was one of the most severely contested -engagements of the Revolution. From the rising to the setting sun, on -that sultry Sabbath in June, two armies strove for the mastery of that -ensanguined field, until heaps of dead and dying strewed the plain, -marking the path of the serried ranks as the ebb and flow of battle -changed their relative positions. Both armies fought with a desperate -determination to conquer, and instances of personal bravery and daring -were innumerable; yet, when night drew her sable mantle over the earth, -shrouding from sight the soul-sickening scene, neither party could claim -the meed of victory. Of the many thrilling incidents of that eventful -day, that which brought into conspicuous notice the heroine of our story -was not the least interesting. - -Molly Pitcher, or, as she was afterward more familiarly known, Captain -Molly, was a sturdy young Irish woman of some twenty-two or twenty-three -years of age, short, thick-set, with red hair, a freckled face, and a -keen, piercing eye, which gave token of a spirit of mischief ever ready -for a frolic or a fight. She was the wife of a Sergeant in an artillery -corps, which had seen service since the commencement of the war, and was -attached to him with all the warmth of the Irish disposition. She had -followed him through all his campaigns, and was with him at Fort -Clinton, in the Hudson highlands, when that post was attacked and -captured by Sir Henry Clinton. Here, too, she gave a specimen of that -reckless courage which distinguished her at Monmouth some nine months -after. Her husband, who was in the act of touching off his piece, seeing -the British scaling the walls, and getting in his rear, dropped his -match, and calling to Molly to follow, fled as fast as his legs would -carry him. She, determined not to waste powder and ball, and knowing -that her "petticoats" would protect her retreat in a measure, picked up -the linstock, fired the piece, and then scampered off. She escaped -scot-free, and when the scattered fugitives from the forts were -collected, and the artillery was attached to the main army, she -accompanied her husband as a sutler, and was with him through that -bitter winter at Valley Forge. - -When Sir Henry Clinton evacuated Philadelphia, and took up his march -across the Jerseys, Washington left his winter camp and prepared to -follow, hoping to get an opportunity to strike a blow which should -animate his own troops and effectually cripple, perhaps capture, the -British army. On the plains of Monmouth the hostile armies met in battle -array. Of the details of the action it is not our province to speak. It -will suffice our purpose to say that Lee had been ordered to attack the -British on their first movement, and engage them until the main army of -the Americans could be brought into action by Washington in person. The -first part of his orders he had obeyed; the latter, for reasons never -fully explained, he did not conform to, but retreated unexpectedly -toward the main body, which movement was timely checked by Washington, -who ordered the whole army into action. It became necessary, however, -for a portion to fall back a second time; and to check the pursuit, the -artillery, to which Molly's husband was attached, was stationed on an -eminence, in the rear of a hedge-row, for that purpose. Molly herself -was engaged in bringing water from a spring to assuage the thirst of the -men at the guns, when she saw her husband struck down by a cannon-shot -from the enemy, which cut him nearly in two, killing him instantly; at -the same time she heard the commandant order the piece withdrawn, as he -had no one to fill the place now vacant. Molly heard the order, and -maddened by her loss, rushed forward, exclaiming as she did so: "No! you -shan't remove the gun, neither. Shure, can't I ram it as well as Tom, -there? Ah! it's kilt entirely he is, bad luck to the bloody vagabond -that p'inted the gun that shot him. Sorra a day was it when ye 'listed, -darlint, to leave me a lone widdy now, with nary a soul to care whether -I live or die. But I'll pay the dirty vagabonds for this day's work, -cuss 'em." And thus alternately apostrophizing her husband and -anathematizing the British, she continued to ram the gun until it was -withdrawn. The activity and courage which she exhibited attracted the -attention of all who witnessed it, and on the morning after the battle -the circumstance was reported to General Greene, who was so much pleased -at her bravery and spirit that he sent for her and determined to present -her to the Commander-in-Chief. This he did, covered with dirt and blood -as she was, and Washington, after questioning her, conferred on her a -warrant as Sergeant, and subsequently, by his influence, her name was -placed on the list of half-pay officers for life. She went ever after by -the name of "_Captain Molly_," and the French officers, particularly, -took a great deal of notice of her, and made her many presents. She -dressed in a mongrel suit, composed of a cocked hat, soldier's coat with -an epaulette on one shoulder, and petticoats. In this rig she would pass -along the French lines any day and get her hat filled with crowns. - -Molly Pitcher's bravery was not, perhaps, of the highest order, being a -part of the natural recklessness of her character; but there were women, -plenty of them, in the time of our country's peril, and during the still -more dreadful dangers of the new country, who proved their heroism to be -of the noblest sort. Not only the heroism of endurance, in which women -always excel—the endurance of fear, privation, loneliness and grief—but -the heroism of _action_. Of such metal was the deed of prowess which has -immortalized the name of Elizabeth Zane. In 1777, Fort Henry, in Ohio -county, Virginia, was attacked by Indians. The defence was made with -vigor, until the ammunition became exhausted, when surrender seemed the -only alternative—a fearful alternative, in view of the treacherous -character of their enemies. There was a keg of powder in a house about -twelve rods distant, to obtain which would prolong the defense, and -perhaps preserve the lives of the whole garrison. It was resolved that -one person should venture out, and, if possible, secure and bear into -the fort the valued prize. The Indians having retired a little distance, -a favorable opportunity was afforded; but it became difficult to decide -who should undertake the service, as many soldiers were emulous for the -honor of executing the perilous enterprise. - -Their contention was cut short by Miss Zane, who claimed to be chosen -for performing the duty, upon the ground that the life of a soldier was -more valuable to be employed in defending the fort, and also that her -sex might save her errand from suspicion and thus secure its success. It -was the latter plea, which was somewhat plausible, united to her -resolution, which overcame the scruples of the officer in command, far -enough to permit her to make the attempt. - -Her sex _might_ protect her! Ah! no one better than the girl herself -knew how very slender was that "might"—for an instant her heart stood -still in her bosom, as the gate of the fort opened a little and closed -behind her, shutting her out in the very shadow of the valley of death! -For one instant her eyes grew dark and her ears rung, and in her bosom -she felt, by apprehension, the piercing anguish of a dozen bullets; but, -as quickly, she rallied, and with a light, fleet foot passed on to the -house, not running, for fear of calling down the suspicions of the -murderous eyes which watched her every movement. The Indians observed -her leave the fort, but, as she had hoped, did not at first comprehend -her actions, allowing her to pass on to the building, without molesting -her, probably absorbed in a momentary wonder at her sex and her -audacity. - -She reached the house, seized the powder, and hastened to return. By -this time the savages had recovered from the spell which the first sight -of the young heroine had thrown upon them; they saw the keg of powder in -her arms, and with yells of anger, fired a volley after her as she ran -rapidly toward the fort. Fortunately, not a bullet touched her. As they -rattled about her, singing past her ears, they only gave activity to her -movements. In another moment she was safe within the gate, to the -unbounded joy of the garrison. Animated by so noble an example, the men -fought with a vigor which the enemy could not overcome, who were -compelled to raise the siege. - -The following anecdote, which is too well authenticated to be disputed, -furnishes one instance, among thousands, of that heroic spirit which -animated the American women during the struggle for Independence. - -In 1775, a good lady lived on the seaboard, about a day's march from -Boston, where the British then were. By some unaccountable mistake, a -rumor was spread, in town and country, in and about her residence, that -the regulars were on a march for that place, where they would arrive in -about three hours. This was after the battle of Lexington, and all, as -might be supposed, was in sad confusion; some were boiling with rage and -full of fight; some in fear and tribulation were hiding their treasures; -others flying for life. In this wild moment, when most people, in one -way or another, were frightened from propriety, our heroine, who had two -sons, aged respectively nineteen and sixteen, was seen preparing them to -discharge their duty in the emergency. The eldest she was enabled to -equip in fine style; she took her husband's fowling-piece, "made for -duck or plover," (the good man being absent on a coasting voyage to -Virginia,) and with it, the powder-horn and shot-bag. But the lad, -thinking the duck and geese-shot not quite the size to kill regulars, -his mother, with the chisel, cut up her pewter spoons, hammered them -into slugs, put them into his bag, and he set off in great earnest, -calling a moment, on the way, to see the parson, who said: - -"Well done, my brave boy. God preserve you!" - -The youngest was importunate for his equipments, but his mother could -find nothing to arm him with but an old rusty sword. The boy seemed -unwilling to risk himself with this alone, lingering in the street until -his mother thus upbraided him: - -"You, John H——, what will your father say, if he hears that a child of -his is afraid to meet the British? Go along; beg or borrow a gun, or -you'll find one, child; some coward, I dare say, will be running away; -then take his gun and march forward! If you come back, and I hear you -have not behaved like a man, I shall carry the blush of shame on my face -to the grave." - -She then shut the door, wiped the tear from her eye, and abided the -issue. - -There were not wanting American ladies whose wit and courage could bring -the blush of shame or anger to the haughty faces of the British -officers. There is scarcely a more stinging retort on record than that -which was given to the insolent Tarleton by a lady at Washington, before -whom he was boasting his feats of gallantry. Said he: - -"I have a very earnest desire to see your far-famed hero, Colonel -Washington." - -"Your wish, Colonel, might have been fully gratified," she promptly -replied, "had you ventured to look behind you at the battle of the -Cowpens." - -[Illustration: - - Molly Pitcher at Monmouth.—_Page_ 44. -] - -It was in that battle that Washington had wounded Tarleton, which gave -rise to an equally pointed remark from Mrs. Wiley Jones, to whom -Tarleton had observed: - -"You appear to think very highly of Colonel Washington; yet I have been -told that he is so ignorant a fellow that he can hardly write his own -name." - -"It may be the case," she readily replied, "but no one knows better than -yourself that he knows how to make his _mark_." - -We should think that he would have been ready to drop the subject in the -presence of ladies so well able to defend their country's gallant -officers. - -Mrs. Thomas Heyward, in two instances, with the utmost firmness refused -to illuminate for British victories. An officer forced his way into her -presence, sternly demanding: - -"How dare you disobey the order which has been issued? Why, madam, is -not your house illuminated?" - -"Is it possible for me, sir," replied the lady, with perfect calmness, -"to feel a spark of joy? Can I celebrate the victory of your army while -my husband remains a prisoner at St. Augustine?" - -"That is of little consequence," rejoined the officer; "the last hopes -of the rebellion are crushed by the defeat of Greene at Guilford. You -shall illuminate." - -"Not a single light," replied the lady, "shall be placed on such an -occasion, with my consent, in any window of my house." - -"Then, madam, I will return with a party, and before midnight, level it -with the ground." - -"You have power to destroy, sir, and seem well disposed to use it; but -over my opinions you possess no control. I disregard your menaces, and -resolutely declare—I will not illuminate!" - -Mrs. Rebecca Motte was another lady who proved, in a signal manner, that -her patriotism was equal to the severest test. After the abandonment of -Camden to the Americans, Lord Rawdon, anxious to maintain his posts, -directed his first efforts to relieve Fort Mott, at the time invested by -Marion and Lee. This fort, which commanded the river, was the principal -depot of the convoys from Charleston to Camden, and the upper districts. -It was occupied by a garrison, under the command of Captain McPherson, -of one hundred and sixty-five men, having been increased by a small -detachment of dragoons from Charleston, a few hours before the -appearance of the Americans. - -The large new mansion-house belonging to Mrs. Motte, which had been -selected for the establishment of the post, was surrounded by a deep -trench, along the interior margin of which was raised a strong and lofty -parapet. Opposite, and northward, upon another hill, was an old -farm-house to which Mrs. Motte had removed when dismissed from her -mansion. On this height Lieutenant-Colonel Lee took position with his -force, while Marion occupied the eastern declivity of the ridge on which -the fort stood, the valley running between the two hills permitting the -Americans to approach within four hundred yards. - -McPherson was unprovided with artillery, but hoped to be relieved by the -arrival of Lord Rawdon to dislodge the assailants before they could push -their preparations to maturity. He therefore replied to the summons to -surrender—which came on May twentieth, about a year after the victorious -British had taken possession of Charleston—that he should hold out to -the last moment in his power. - -The besiegers had carried on their approaches rapidly, by relays of -working-parties, and, aware of the advance of Rawdon with all his force, -had every motive for perseverance. In the night a courier arrived from -General Greene, to advise them of Rawdon's retreat from Camden, and to -urge redoubled activity; and Marion persevered through the hours of -darkness in pressing the completion of the works. The following night -Lord Rawdon encamped on the highest ground in the country opposite Fort -Motte, where the despairing garrison saw with joy the illumination of -his fires, while the Americans were convinced that no time was to be -lost. - -The large house in the center of the encircling trench left but a few -yards of ground within the British works uncovered; burning the mansion, -therefore, must compel the surrender of the garrison. This expedient was -reluctantly resolved upon by Marion and Lee, who, always unwilling to -destroy private property, felt the duty to be unusually painful in the -present case. It was the summer residence of the owner, whose deceased -husband had been a firm friend to his country, and whose daughter (Mrs. -Pinckney) was the wife of a gallant officer then a prisoner in the hands -of the British. Lee had made Mrs. Motte's dwelling his quarters, at her -pressing invitation, and with his officers had shared her liberal -hospitality. Not satisfied with polite attentions to the officers while -they were entertained at her luxurious table, she had attended, with -active benevolence, to the sick and wounded, soothed the infirm with -kind sympathy, and animated the desponding to hope. - -It was thus not without deep regret that the commanders determined upon -the sacrifice, and the Lieutenant-Colonel found himself compelled to -inform Mrs. Motte of the unavoidable necessity of destroying her -property. The smile with which the communication was received gave -instant relief to the embarrassed officer. Mrs. Motte not only assented, -but declared that she was "gratified with the opportunity of -contributing to the good of her country, and should view the approaching -scene with delight." Shortly after, seeing by accident the bows and -arrows which had been prepared for to carry combustible matter, she sent -for Lee, and, presenting him with a bow and its apparatus, which had -been imported from India, requested his substitution of them, as better -adapted for the object than those provided. - -An interesting incident, illustrative of female patriotism and activity, -is given by Mr. Headley as occurring in the church at Litchfield, -Connecticut. The pastor, Judah Champion, was an ardent patriot, and on a -certain Sabbath was earnestly preaching and praying for the success of -the American arms. During the service a messenger arrived, announcing -that St. John's—which had been besieged six weeks, and was regarded as -the key to Canada—was taken. "Thank God for the victory!" exclaimed the -patriot preacher, and the chorister, clapping his hands vigorously, -shouted: "Amen, and amen!" - -The communication of the messenger announced that our army was in a -suffering condition, destitute of clothing, without stockings or shoes. -"Sorrows and pity took the place of exultation, and generous sympathetic -eyes filled with tears on every side. There was scarcely a dry eye among -the females of the congregation. As soon as the audience was dismissed, -they were soon gathered together in excited groups, and it was evident -that some scheme was on foot that would not admit of delay. The result -was, that when the congregation assembled in the afternoon, _not a woman -was to be seen_. The men had come to church, but their earnest, noble -wives and daughters had taken down their hand-cards, drawn forth their -spinning wheels, set in motion their looms, while the knitting and -sewing needles were plied as they never were before. It was a strange -spectacle to see that Puritan Sabbath turned into a day of secular work. -The pastor was at the meeting-house, performing those duties belonging -to the house of God, and the voice of prayer and hymns of praise -ascended as usual from devout and solemn hearts; but all through the -usually quiet streets of Litchfield the humming of the spinning-wheel, -the clash of the shuttle flying to and fro, were heard, making strange -harmony with the worship of the sanctuary. But let it not be supposed -that these noble women had gone to work without the knowledge of their -pastor. They had consulted with him, and he had given them his sanction -and blessing. - -"Swimming eyes and heaving bosoms were over their work, and lips moved -in prayer for the destitute and suffering soldier. The pastor's wife -contributed eleven blankets from her own stores to the collection." - -The women of the Revolution were active in their service of relief and -comfort to the armies of the country. "The supply of domestic cloth -designed for families was in a short time, by the labor of the females, -converted into coats for the soldiers; sheets and blankets were -fashioned into shirts; and even the flannels already made up were -altered into men's habiliments. Such aid was rendered by many whose -deeds of disinterested generosity were never known beyond their own -immediate neighborhood." - -Weights of clocks, pans, dishes, pewter services of plate, then common, -were melted by the women and given to the army to be used in defense of -freedom. - -In 1776, Lafayette passed through Baltimore, and was honored with a -public reception. In the gayeties of the scene he was seen to be sad. -"Why so sad?" said a gay belle. "I can not enjoy these festivities," -said Lafayette, "while so many of the poor soldiers are without shirts -and other necessaries." "They shall be supplied," responded the fair -ladies; and the scenes of the festive hall were exchanged for the -service of their needles. They immediately made up clothing for the -suffering soldiers—one of the ladies cutting out five hundred pairs of -pantaloons with her own hands, and superintending the making. - -In 1780, a cold and dreary winter, when the soldiers greatly suffered, -the ladies of Philadelphia formed an Industrial Association for the -relief of the American army. They solicited money, sacrificed their -jewelry, and labored with their own hands. Mrs. Bache, daughter of Dr. -Franklin, was a leading spirit in these patriotic efforts. "She -conducted us," said a French nobleman, in describing the scene, "into a -room filled with work lately finished by the ladies of Philadelphia. It -was shirts for the soldiers of Pennsylvania. The ladies bought the cloth -from their own private purses, and took a pleasure in cutting them out -and sewing them together. On each shirt was the name of the married or -unmarried lady who made it; and they amounted to twenty-two hundred. -During the cold winter that followed, thousands of poor soldiers in -Washington's camp had occasion to bless the women of Philadelphia for -these labors of love." - - - - - THE BARONESS DE REIDESEL. - - -One of the most interesting papers of personal reminiscences, which has -come down to us from Revolutionary times, is the narrative by the -Baroness de Reidesel, wife of the distinguished German, the Baron de -Reidesel, a Major-General in Burgoyne's army of invasion. With all the -truth of a high-minded lady, and the devotion of a true wife and mother, -she accompanied her husband to America, and was present at the -disastrous defeat of Burgoyne at Saratoga. Her story gives us an inside -view of the British camp, and reveals the hardships to which she was -exposed. After the battle of Saratoga she witnessed the British retreat, -and never after could refer to it without weeping—the terrible scene so -affected her. In his rather pretentious "memoirs," General Wilkinson has -engrafted her entire narrative. We give our readers so much of the -interesting document as our space permits. The "women of America" will -peruse it with intense interest. After detailing her experiences up to -the day of battle, (October 7th, 1779,) she proceeds: - -"I was at breakfast with my husband and heard that something was -intended. On the same day I expected Generals Burgoyne, Phillips and -Frazer to dine with us. I saw a great movement among the troops; my -husband told me it was merely a reconnoissance, which gave me no -concern, as it often happened. I walked out of the house and met several -Indians in their war-dresses, with guns in their hands. When I asked -them where they were going, they cried out: 'War! war!' meaning that -they were going to battle. This filled me with apprehension, and I had -scarcely got home before I heard reports of cannon and musketry, which -grew louder by degrees, till at last the noise became excessive. - -"About four o'clock in the afternoon, instead of the guests whom I -expected, General Frazer was brought on a litter, mortally wounded. The -table, which was already set, was instantly removed, and a bed placed in -its stead for the wounded General. I sat trembling in a corner; the -noise grew louder, and the alarm increased; the thought that my husband -might be brought in, wounded in the same manner, was terrible to me, and -distressed me exceedingly. General Frazer said to the surgeon, '_Tell me -if my wound is mortal; do not flatter me._' The ball had passed through, -his body, and, unhappily for the General, he had eaten a very hearty -breakfast, by which his stomach was distended, and the ball, as the -surgeon said, had passed through it. I heard him often exclaim, with a -sigh, '_Oh fatal ambition! Poor General Burgoyne! Oh! my poor wife!_' He -was asked if he had any request to make, to which he replied, that, '_If -General Burgoyne would permit it, he would like to be buried, at six -o'clock in the evening, on the top of a mountain, in a redoubt which had -been built there._' - -"I did not know which way to turn; all the other rooms were full of -sick. Toward evening I saw my husband coming; then I forgot all my -sorrows, and thanked God that he was spared to me. He ate in great -haste, with me and his aid-de-camp, behind the house. We had been told -that we had the advantage over the enemy, but the sorrowful faces I -beheld told a different tale; and before my husband went away he took me -aside, and said every thing was going very badly, and that I must keep -myself in readiness to leave the place, but not to mention it to any -one. I made the pretense that I would move the next morning into my new -house, and had every thing packed up ready. - -"Lady Ackland had a tent not far from our house; in this she slept, and -the rest of the day she was in the camp. All of a sudden a man came in -to tell her that her husband was mortally wounded, and taken prisoner. -On hearing this she became very miserable. We comforted her by telling -her that the wound was very slight, and advised her to go over to her -husband, to do which she would certainly obtain permission, and then she -could attend him herself. She was a charming woman, and very fond of -him. I spent much of the night in comforting her, and then went again to -my children, whom I had put to bed. - -"I could not go to sleep, as I had General Frazer and all the other -wounded gentlemen in my room, and I was sadly afraid my children would -wake, and by their crying disturb the dying man in his last moments, who -often addressed me and apologized '_for the trouble he gave me_.' About -three o'clock in the morning, I was told that he could not hold out much -longer; I had desired to be informed of the near approach of this sad -crisis, and I then wrapped up my children in their clothes, and went -with them into the room below. About eight o'clock in the morning _he -died_. - -"After he was laid out, and his corpse wrapped up in a sheet, we came -again into the room, and had this sorrowful sight before us the whole -day; and, to add to the melancholy scene, almost every moment some -officer of my acquaintance was brought in wounded. The cannonade -commenced again; a retreat was spoken of, but not the smallest motion -was made toward it. About four o'clock in the afternoon, I saw the -house, which had just been built for me, in flames, and the enemy was -now not far off. We knew that General Burgoyne would not refuse the last -request of General Frazer, though, by his acceding to it, an unnecessary -delay was occasioned, by which the inconvenience of the army was much -increased. At six o'clock the corpse was brought out, and we saw all the -Generals attend it to the mountain. The Chaplain, Mr. Brudenell, -performed the funeral service, rendered unusually solemn and awful from -its being accompanied by constant peals of the enemy's artillery. Many -cannon-balls flew close by me, but I had my eyes directed toward the -mountain, where my husband was standing, amidst the fire of the enemy; -and, of course, I could not think of my own danger. - -"General Gates afterward said, that, if he had known it had been a -funeral, he would not have permitted it to be fired on. - -"As soon as the funeral service was finished, and the grave of General -Frazer closed, an order was issued that the army should retreat. My -calash was prepared, but I would not consent to go before the troops. -Major Harnage, though suffering from his wounds, crept from his bed, as -he did not wish to remain in the hospital, which was left with a flag of -truce. When General Reidesel saw me in the midst of danger, he ordered -my women and children to be brought into the calash, and intimated to me -to depart without delay. I still prayed to remain, but my husband, -knowing my weak side, said, 'Well, then, your children must go, that at -least they may be safe from danger.' I _then_ agreed to enter the calash -with them, and we set off at eight o'clock. - -"The retreat was ordered to be conducted with the greatest silence, many -fires were lighted, and several tents left standing; we traveled -continually through the night. At six o'clock in the morning we halted, -which excited the surprise of all; this delay seemed to displease -everybody, for if we could only have made another good march we should -have been in safety. My husband, quite exhausted with fatigue, came into -my calash, and slept for three hours. During that time, Captain Willoe -brought me a bag full of bank notes, and Captain Grismar his elegant -gold watch, a ring, and a purse full of money, which they requested me -to take care of, and which I promised to do, to the utmost of my power. -We again marched, but had scarcely proceeded an hour, before we halted, -as the enemy was in sight; it proved to be only a reconnoitering party -of two hundred men, who might easily have been made prisoners, if -General Burgoyne had given proper orders for the occasion. - -"The Indians had now lost their courage, and were departing for their -homes; these people appeared to droop much under adversity, and -especially when they had no prospect of plunder. One of my waiting-women -was in a state of despair, which approached to madness; she cursed and -tore her hair, and when I attempted to reason with her, and to pacify -her, she asked me if I was not grieved at our situation, and on my -saying I was, she tore her hat off her head and let her hair fall over -her face, saying to me, 'It is very easy for you to be composed and -talk; you have your husband with you; I have none, and what remains to -me but the prospect of perishing or losing all I have?' I again bade her -take comfort, and assured her I would make good whatever she might -happen to lose; and I made the same promise to Ellen, my other -waiting-woman, who, though filled with apprehension, made no complaints. - -"About evening we arrived at Saratoga; my dress was wet through and -through with rain, and in this state I had to remain the whole night, -having no place to change it; I however got close to a large fire, and -at last lay down on some straw. At this moment General Phillips came up -to me, and I asked him why he had not continued our retreat, as my -husband had promised to cover it, and bring the army through? 'Poor, -dear woman,' said he, 'I wonder how, drenched as you are, you have the -courage still to persevere, and venture further in this kind of weather; -I wish,' continued he, 'you was our commanding General; General Burgoyne -is tired, and means to halt here to-night and give us our supper.' - -"On the morning of the 17th, at ten o'clock, General Burgoyne ordered -the retreat to be continued, and caused the handsome houses and mills of -General Schuyler to be burnt; we marched, however, but a short distance, -and then halted. The greatest misery at this time prevailed in the army, -and more than thirty officers came to me, for whom tea and coffee was -prepared, and with whom I shared all my provisions, with which my calash -was in general well supplied, for I had a cook who was an excellent -caterer, and who often in the night crossed small rivers, and foraged on -the inhabitants, bringing in with him sheep, small pigs, and poultry, -for which he very often forgot to pay, though he received good pay from -me so long as I had any, and was ultimately handsomely rewarded. Our -provisions now failed us, for want of proper conduct in the commissary's -department, and I began to despair. - -"About two o'clock in the afternoon, we again heard a firing of cannon -and small-arms; instantly all was alarm, and every thing in motion. My -husband told me to go to a house not far off. I immediately seated -myself in my calash, with my children, and drove off; but scarcely had -we reached it before I discovered five or six armed men on the other -side of the Hudson. Instinctively I threw my children down in the -calash, and then concealed myself with them. At this moment the fellows -fired, and wounded an already wounded English soldier, who was behind -me. Poor fellow! I pitied him exceedingly, but at this moment had no -means or power to relieve him. - -"A terrible cannonade was commenced by the enemy, against the house in -which I sought to obtain shelter for myself and children, under the -mistaken idea that all the Generals were in it. Alas! it contained none -but wounded and women. We were at last obliged to resort to the cellar -for refuge, and in one corner of this I remained the whole day, my -children sleeping on the earth with their heads in my lap; and in the -same situation I passed a sleepless night. Eleven cannon-balls passed -through the house, and we could distinctly hear them roll away. One poor -soldier who was lying on a table, for the purpose of having his leg -amputated, was struck by a shot, which carried away his other; his -comrades had left him, and when we went to his assistance, we found him -in the corner of a room, into which he had crept, more dead than alive, -scarcely breathing. My reflections on the danger to which my husband was -exposed now agonized me exceedingly, and thoughts of my children, and -the necessity of struggling for their preservation, alone sustained me. - -"The ladies of the army who were with me, were Mrs. Harnage, a Mrs. -Kennels, the widow of a Lieutenant who was killed, and the lady of the -commissary. Major Harnage, his wife, and Mrs. Kennels, made a little -room in a corner with curtains to it, and wished to do the same for me, -but I preferred being near the door, in case of fire. Not far off my -women slept, and opposite to us three English officers, who, though -wounded, were determined not to be left behind; one of them was Captain -Green, an aid-de-camp to Major-General Phillips, a very valuable officer -and most agreeable man. They each made me a most sacred promise not to -leave me behind, and, in case of sudden retreat, that they would each of -them take one of my children on his horse; and for myself, one of my -husband's was in constant readiness. - -"Our cook, whom I have before mentioned, procured us our meals, but we -were in want of water, and I was often obliged to drink wine, and to -give it to my children. It was the only thing my husband took, which -made our faithful hunter, Rockel, express one day his apprehensions, -that 'the General was weary of his life, or fearful of being taken, as -he drank so much wine.' The constant danger which my husband was in, -kept me in a state of wretchedness; and I asked myself if it was -possible I should be the only happy one, and have my husband spared to -me unhurt, exposed as he was to so many perils. He never entered his -tent, but lay down whole nights by the watch-fires; this alone was -enough to have killed him, the cold was so intense. - -"The want of water distressed us much; at length we found a soldier's -wife, who had courage enough to fetch us some from the river, an office -nobody else would undertake, as the Americans shot at every person who -approached it; but out of respect for her sex, they never molested -_her_. - -"I now occupied myself through the day in attending to the wounded; I -made them tea and coffee, and often shared my dinner with them, for -which they offered me a thousand expressions of gratitude. One day a -Canadian officer came to our cellar, who had scarcely the power to hold -himself upright, and we concluded he was dying for want of nourishment; -I was happy in offering him my dinner, which strengthened him, and -procured me his friendship. I now undertook the care of Major -Bloomfield, another aid-de-camp of General Phillips; he had received a -musket-ball through both cheeks, which in its course had knocked out -several of his teeth, and cut his tongue; he could hold nothing in his -mouth, the matter which ran from his wound almost choked him, and he was -not able to take any nourishment except a little soup, and something -liquid. We had some Rhenish wine, and in the hope that the acidity of it -would cleanse his wound, I gave him a bottle of it. He took a little now -and then, and with such effect that his cure soon followed: thus I added -another to my stock of friends, and derived a satisfaction which, in the -midst of suffering, served to tranquilize me. - -"One day, General Phillips accompanied my husband, at the risk of their -lives, on a visit to us. The General, after having witnessed our -situation, said to him, 'I would not for ten thousand guineas come again -to this place, my heart is almost broken.' - -"In this horrid situation we remained six days; a cessation of -hostilities was now spoken of, and eventually took place. A convention -was afterward agreed on; but one day a message was sent to my husband -who had visited me, and was reposing in my bed, to attend a council of -war, where it was proposed to break the convention; but, to my great -joy, the majority were for adhering to it. On the sixteenth, however, my -husband had to repair to his post, and I to my cellar. This day fresh -beef was served out to the officers, who till now had only had salt -provisions, which was very bad for their wounds. The good woman who -brought us water made us an excellent soup of the meat, but I had lost -my appetite, and took nothing but crusts of bread dipped in wine. The -wounded officers, my unfortunate companions, cut off the best bit, and -presented it to me on a plate. I declined eating any thing, but they -contended that it was necessary for me to take nourishment, and declared -they would not touch a morsel till I afforded them the pleasure of -seeing me partake. I could no longer withstand their pressing -invitations, accompanied as they were by assurances of the happiness -they had in offering me the first good thing they had in their power, -and I partook of a repast rendered palatable by the kindness and -good-will of my fellow-sufferers, forgetting for a moment the misery of -our apartment, and the absence of almost every comfort. - -"On the 17th of October, the convention was completed. General Burgoyne -and the other Generals waited on the American General Gates; the troops -laid down their arms, and gave themselves up prisoners of war! And now -the good woman who had supplied us with water at the hazard of her life -received the reward of her services; each of us threw a handful of money -into her apron, and she got altogether about twenty guineas. At such a -moment as this how susceptible is the heart of feelings of gratitude! - -"My husband sent a message to me, to come over to him with my two -children. I seated myself once more in my dear calash, and then rode -through the American camp. As I passed on, I observed, and this was a -great consolation to me, that no one eyed me with looks of resentment, -but that they all greeted us, and even showed compassion in their -countenances at the sight of a woman with small children. I was, I -confess, afraid to go over to the enemy, as it was quite a new situation -to me. When I drew near the tents, a handsome man approached and met me, -_took my children from the calash, and hugged and kissed them, which -almost affected me to tears_. 'You tremble,' said he, addressing himself -to me; 'be not afraid.' 'No,' I answered, 'you seem so kind and tender -to my children, it inspires me with courage.' He now led me to the tent -of General Gates, where I found Generals Burgoyne and Phillips, who were -on a friendly footing with the former. Burgoyne said to me, 'Never mind; -your sorrows have an end.' I answered him, 'that I should be -reprehensible to have any cares, as he had none; and I was pleased to -see him on such friendly footing with General Gates.' All the Generals -remained to dine with General Gates. - -"The same gentleman who received me so kindly, now came and said to me, -'You will be very much embarrassed to eat with all these gentlemen; -_come with your children to my tent, where I will prepare for you a -frugal dinner, and give it with a free will_.' I said, '_You are -certainly a husband and a father, you have showed me so much kindness._' -I now found that he was GENERAL SCHUYLER. He treated me with excellent -smoked tongue, beefsteak, potatoes, and good bread and butter! Never -could I have wished to eat a better dinner; I was content; I saw all -around me were so likewise; and what was better than all, my husband was -out of danger. - -"When we had dined, he told me his residence was at Albany, and that -General Burgoyne intended to honor him as his guest, and invited myself -and children to do so likewise. I asked my husband how I should act; he -told me to accept the invitation. As it was two days' journey there, he -advised me to go to a place which was about three hours' ride distant. -General Schuyler had the politeness to send with me a French officer, a -very agreeable man, who commanded the reconnoitering party of which I -have before spoken; and when he had escorted me to the house where I was -to remain, he turned back again. - -"Some days after this we arrived at Albany, where we so often wished -ourselves; but we did not enter it as we expected we should—victors! We -were received by the good General Schuyler, his wife and daughters, not -as enemies, but as kind friends; and they treated us with the most -marked attention and politeness, as they did General Burgoyne, who had -caused General Schuyler's beautifully finished house to be burnt. In -fact, they behaved like persons of exalted minds, who determined to bury -all recollections of their own injuries in the contemplation of our -misfortunes. General Burgoyne was struck with General Schuyler's -generosity, and said to him, 'You show me great kindness, though I have -done you much injury.' 'That was the fate of war,' replied the brave -man, 'let us say no more about it.'" - -This presents a picture of those trying times upon which it is both -pleasurable and painful to dwell. It outlines General Schuyler as a -noble nature, which is true to history. He was a brave among the -brave—chivalrous as the Cid, gentle as a woman, wise as Solomon. Next to -Greene, he is regarded by those most conversant with the men of the -Revolution, as the column which most sustained Washington in his -gigantic labors; while, as one of those who, after our independence was -won, contributed most toward the reorganization of government and -society. It is agreeable to contemplate such a character, for it -heightens the worship which this generation feels for those who won the -priceless boon of a nation's freedom! - -[Illustration: - - The Little Sentinel.—_Page_ 7 -] - - - - - TALES, - - TRADITIONS AND ROMANCE - - OF - - BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. - - THE LITTLE SENTINEL. - TECUMSEH AND THE PRISONERS. - HORSEWHIPPING A TYRANT. - THE MOTHER'S TRIAL. - - NEW YORK: - BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, - 118 WILLIAM STREET. - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by - BEADLE AND COMPANY, - In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for - the Southern District of New York. - - - - - THE - LITTLE SENTINEL. - - -A tall, portly-looking man stood on a table in the midst of a crowd of -farmer-like individuals, haranguing them in an energetic manner -regarding the crisis in affairs of the country. He was dressed in the -scarlet and buff regimentals of a British officer, although, like the -most of his audience, he was a resident of the neighborhood. The time -was that important period in the history of our country just succeeding -the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill, when every man felt called -upon to decide the part he should take in the contest which all saw was -impending. The place was the vicinity of Scoharie Kill, a branch of the -Mohawk river, in the State of New York. The persons, George Mann, a -loyalist of great wealth, three of the king's Commissioners, and the -yeomanry of the neighborhood, from the gray-haired man of sixty winters, -to the youth of sixteen and eighteen summers: in fact, all the male -population of the Scoharie valley capable of bearing arms. The king had -"honored" Mann with a Captain's commission, and the Commissioners had -called the people together for the purpose of administering the oath of -allegiance and recruiting from their number a company, to the command of -which Mann was to be assigned. They had been ordered to bring their arms -with them, and a large majority had done so. Their equipments were as -varied as their opinions—and these were of many shades—from the -determined and bitter Tory, through the various degrees of loyalty to -the wavering and undecided; and thence to the lukewarm, warm, devoted, -and ardent Whig. Such as had taken the oath were adorned with a piece of -scarlet cloth stuck in their hats; while some, more enthusiastic than -others, wore scarlet caps. All these were enrolled and mustered under -arms, preparatory to receiving the drill from their new Captain. Many of -the lukewarm and undecided took the oath of allegiance from fear of -consequences. There were but a limited few bold and determined enough to -abjure the oath and all allegiance to the king. Of this number were -Nicholas Stemberg and William Dietz, who had been so earnest in their -denunciations of the tyranny and injustice of the mother country, that, -when they left for home on the evening of the first day, they were -assailed with denunciations of vengeance. They were proclaimed as -traitors, and threatened with a nocturnal visit by the bitterest among -those whom the occasion had shown to be their enemies. Fearing these -threats would be put into execution, Stemberg spent the night in the -woods, while his family were trembling with fear at home. On his return -to that home in the morning, he was agreeably disappointed to find it -undisturbed, and, with his neighbor Dietz, again repaired to the parade, -with an unaltered determination, however, to take no obligation of -allegiance. They found, on arriving at Mann's house, that upward of one -hundred were enrolled and scattered about the grounds; while others, who -had not made up their minds upon which side they should range -themselves, were listening to an ardent harangue from the Captain. -Mounted on a table, and dressed in all the paraphernalia of war, he was -alternately coaxing, wheedling, and urging them to take part in the raid -against rebellion, commanding those who had already enrolled themselves, -and threatening dire vengeance, confiscation of property, imprisonment -and death, against those who dared to side with the rebels. The hour -seemed propitious, and the loyal Captain was carrying every thing before -his storm of eloquence and denunciations, when, in the twinkling of an -eye, a storm of a different kind burst upon his head, which scattered to -the winds the results of all his efforts. News of the Captain's labors -had been conveyed to Albany, and while he was in the midst of one of his -most earnest appeals, two hundred horsemen, under command of Captain -Woodbake, made their appearance, tearing up the road, with sabers drawn -and determination flashing from their eyes. One glance was -all-sufficient for the doughty Captain, and the next moment—his -coat-skirts flying in the wind, his queue sticking straight out behind -him—he was on his way to the shelter of the neighboring woods as fast as -his legs could carry him. His followers were immediately transformed -into firm and devoted patriots, except a certain few who had been such -enthusiastic Tories that they could not hope to escape merited -punishment, and these pursued their flying commander. The scarlet badges -disappeared in the most sudden and unaccountable manner, and when -Captain Woodbake and his party reached the spot where the loyal Captain -had stood, he found none but Whigs to receive him. His object, -therefore—the dispersion of the meeting without bloodshed—was -accomplished, and he proceeded to proclaim the rule of Congress. Before -doing so, however, he gave orders that Mann should be taken, either dead -or alive. There were plenty willing to undertake this task, and patrols -were soon stationed in every direction, so that it was nearly impossible -for him to escape. - -Among others who volunteered for this duty, was Lambert, the eldest son -of Nicholas Stemberg, a lad of fifteen or sixteen years. He was -stationed by the side of one of those structures called _barracks_, so -often seen in a new country, consisting of a thatch supported on four -posts over a stack of wheat or hay. The youth was proud of his trust, -desiring nothing more earnestly than to meet with the Captain and take -him prisoner. During the afternoon, a violent thunder-storm arose, and -to shelter himself from its inclemencies, the young sentry climbed to -the top of the stack, where, to his astonishment, he found the loyal -fugitive snugly ensconced. Presenting his musket to his breast, he -informed him that his orders were to take him, dead or alive—and he must -surrender or be shot. The Captain, whose courage and lofty bearing had -left him simultaneously with the appearance of Woodbake, begged hard for -his life, and besought the young patriot to allow him to escape; for, if -taken prisoner, he would be hung by the militia men to the first tree, -without shrift or absolution. Stemberg replied that his orders were -imperative, and he dared not disobey them. But Mann implored for mercy -in such piteous tones—reminding him that he was a neighbor, had never -done him harm, had ever been kind to him, &c., &c.—that a violent -struggle took place in the breast of the young soldier between his duty -and his sympathy. He could not shoot him in cold blood, and he would not -surrender; so, to compromise the matter with himself, he proposed to -fire his musket in token of alarm, that others might come and take his -prisoner. This was earnestly objected to by the Captain, who saw the -struggle going on in his captor's breast, and determined to take -advantage of it. Watching his opportunity, therefore, when his attention -was removed from him, and a violent clap of thunder covered his -movement, he slipped off the stack, and sliding down one of the posts, -made a rapid retreat for the mountains. Stemberg, as in duty bound, -fired his musket at him, but was not sorry that his shot was fruitless. -The report soon brought others to the spot, and after hearing the story -of the tender-hearted sentinel, they immediately started in pursuit of -the fugitive, who had many narrow escapes, but finally eluded their -vigilance and hid himself in the fastnesses of the hills, where he -remained for two weeks. He was induced, at the end of that time, to -surrender, upon the condition that he should not suffer personal injury. -He was taken to Albany, where he was kept a close prisoner until the end -of the war, when he again returned to his estate, and, becoming a firm -Republican, ended his days there. - -Those who think young Stemberg's neighborly feelings made him too -lenient toward the humiliated loyalist, will be better pleased with the -following record of the resolute manner in which another lad captured -and controlled a couple of desperadoes. - -On a fine May morning, 1780, as the family of Sheriff Firman, of -Freehold county, New Jersey, was at breakfast, a breathless soldier -burst into the room, stating that as he and another were conducting to -the court-house two men, taken up on suspicion at Colt's Neck, they had -knocked down his comrade, seized his musket, and escaped. The Sheriff, -on hearing this relation, mounted his horse and galloped to the -court-house to alarm the guard. His son, Tunis, a lad of about -seventeen, small of his age, seized a musket, loaded only with small -shot to kill blackbirds in the cornfields, and, putting on a -cartridge-box, sent his little brother up stairs for the bayonet, and -then, forgetting to wait for it, hurried off alone in pursuit. - -After running in a westerly direction about a mile, he discovered the -men sitting on a fence, who, perceiving him, ran into a swamp. As the -morning was warm, he hastily pulled off his shoes and coat, and darted -in after them, keeping close after them for over a mile, when they got -out of the swamp, and climbed into separate trees. As he came up one of -them discharged at him the musket taken from the guard. The ball -whistled over his head. Feeling for his bayonet, he discovered that it -was still with his little brother. He then pointed his gun at the man -with the musket, but deemed it imprudent to fire, reflecting that, even -if he killed him, his comrade could easily match such a stripling as -himself. He compelled the man to throw down the musket by threatening -him with instant death if he did not comply. Then, loading the fusee -from his cartridge-box, he forced his prisoners down from the trees, -and, armed with his two loaded muskets, drove them toward the -court-house, careful, however, to keep them far apart, to prevent -conversation. Passing by a spring, they requested permission to drink. - -"No!" replied the courageous boy, understanding their design, "you can -do without it as well as myself; you shall have some by-and-by." - -Soon after, his father, at the head of a party of soldiers, galloped -past in the road within a short distance. Tunis hallooed, but the -clattering of their horses' hoofs drowned his voice. At length he -reached the village, and lodged his prisoners in the county prison. - -It was subsequently discovered that these men were brothers, from near -Philadelphia; that they had robbed and murdered a Mr. Boyd, a collector -of taxes in Chester county, and, when taken, were on their way to join -the British. As they had been apprehended on suspicion merely of being -refugees, no definite charge could be brought against them. A few days -later, Sheriff Firman saw an advertisement in a Philadelphia paper, -describing them, with the facts above mentioned, and a reward of twenty -thousand dollars (_Continental_ money,) offered for their apprehension. -He, accompanied by his son, took them on there, where they were tried -and executed. On entering Philadelphia, young Tunis was carried through -the streets in triumph upon the shoulders of the military. In the latter -part of the war this young man became very active, and was the special -favorite of General David Firman. - -Not solitary are the incidents of boyish heroism on record; and yet how -far the larger number must have passed unnoticed, in the midst of the -trials and excitements of those troublous Revolutionary times. Children -catch the fire which burns in the parent heart; and where the father -rushes eagerly to the salvation of his country, and the -mother—concealing her sadness and fears, puts on a hopeful countenance, -speaking the ennobling sentiments of patriotism—it may well be credited -that the boys were not cowards. We have some very interesting -recollections of that period preserved in the private Diary of the wife -of a Revolutionary officer, who, while her husband served his country on -the battle-field, remained with her father, who was a clergyman of the -Church of England, at their little parsonage on Long Island, and whose -daily jottings down of events and emotions, just as they were seen and -felt, make her simple pictures full of the power of reality. When we -read them we feel as if that time were before us, and those actors still -lived. Long Island, after the memorable retreat of Gen. Washington, on -the morning of the 30th of August, 1776, remained in the hands of the -enemy, and was the scene of many distressing outrages and calamities of -all kinds—pillage, insult, robbery, the destruction of farm implements, -the impressment of men and horses, with the horrors of a prowling hired -soldiery, and frequent murders, being among the dark list. Speaking of -the spirit of the boys of those days, leads us to quote from the lady's -Diary: - -"_Wednesday, Nov. 24th, 1776._—Yesterday my indignation was aroused to a -high degree. I was sitting in the end of the porch, my father at my -side, and little Mary, with your letter in her hands, pretending to read -it, when a loud cry startled us. It seemed to come from Pattison's, our -nearest neighbor. Charles went over, returned, and gave us this account -of the affair. It appears that Edmund Pattison was enjoying his noon -rest quietly in the barn (he is a noble-looking lad of eighteen, tall, -athletic, and of a high spirit,) when a light-horseman rode up to the -door. - -"'Youngster,' said he, 'make haste and bestir yourself. Go and assist -that driver of the two yoke of oxen there to unload his cart of timber -into the road.' - -"Now, Edmund had been hard at work with his own hired man, loading the -wagon, to take the timber to a farmer three miles off, to whom it was -sold by his father; the wagon and teams both belonged to the Pattisons. - -"'Hurry, sir,' said the light-horseman. - -"Edmund firmly replied: 'I shall not do it.' - -"'What, sirrah! we shall see who will do it,' and drawing his sword, he -held it over Edmund's head, cursing, swearing, and threatening to cut -him down unless he instantly unloaded his team and helped to carry in it -provisions to the British army. - -"With unblanched cheek, Edmund Pattison reiterated his denial, telling -him to do it for himself. Enraged beyond measure at such a contempt of -orders, it seemed as if the man _must_ strike and kill the stubborn boy, -who, firm and undaunted, said not a word. - -"At this time our Charles, who was on the spot, ran to the house and -told Mrs. Pattison that 'the Britisher was going to kill her Edmund.' - -"_Her_ cry it was that we heard from the porch. She ran to the barn and -begged the soldier to desist. He was more furious than ever, supposing -the fears of the mother would induce compliance. She, too, expostulated -with her son, imploring him to assist in unloading the wagon, and save -himself from death. - -"'No fear of death, mother; he dare not touch a hair of my head.' - -"The boy grew more determined, the soldier more enraged—flourishing his -saber and swearing that he would be the death of him. - -"'You dare not. I will report you to your master for this,' said Edmund, -boldly. Upon this the light-horseman mounted, telling the boy once more -that if he did not instantly begin the work he would cut him into inch -pieces. Edmund coolly walked across the barn floor, armed himself with a -pitchfork, and took his station in the doorway. - -"'You cowardly rascal,' said he, 'clear out, or I'll stab you with my -pitchfork!' - -"His mother could endure the scene no longer; she ran to the house, -where she met her husband, and sent him to rescue Edmund. Friend -Pattison, a sensible, clear-headed man, rode up, and seeing matters at -this high pass, said to the Britisher: 'You know your duty; you have no -right to lay a finger on him, a non-combatant on neutral ground.' Seeing -no signs of relenting, farmer Pattison turned his horse toward the road, -saying he would soon see Colonel Wurms, and know _who_ had the power to -threaten and abuse the farmers of the country in that style. The -light-horseman was now alarmed. Thinking it best to get there first, he -put spurs to his horse, riding off with awful imprecations. - -"Thus Edmund escaped for this time; though I much fear his defying, -fearless spirit may yet cost him dear." - -On another page she relates an anecdote of her own son. - -"_Tuesday._—A press for horses yesterday. I will relate how Charley -saved our young horse. He and James Pattison were idly sitting on the -fence, the other side of the pond, talking indignantly of the insults of -the British, to whom the former shows no mercy, when they espied a -light-horsemen at a farm-house door. They knew the next place would be -Isaac Willett's, which, though only across the pond, is completely hid -from our view by a stately row of poplars, forming a leafy screen; and -they knew his errand, too—that he would be here in an instant, for when -'pressing' they galloped from house to house with violent speed. - -"'Fleetfoot shall not go,' said Charles, 'without an effort to save -him,' and, running with all his might to the barn, he jumped on his back -and rode for the woods. - -"On the instant he was seen by the red-coat, who put spurs to his horse, -and came on a full run toward the woods, where Charles had disappeared. -My heart beat quick when the red-coat, too, was lost to sight. My dear, -brave child might fall from his horse, and be dashed against the trees -in the hot pursuit of the light-horseman. - -"My father and I sat gazing intently toward the woods, awaiting the -result in breathless anxiety, astonished at the boy's daring, and ready -to reprove his rash spirit, in attempting to save the young horse at the -risk of his own neck. In about an hour's time we saw the red-coat come -out of the woods below. He stopped a man in the road and made inquiries, -but getting no satisfaction, rode off. - -"At nightfall, peeping his way through the wood, Charles made his -appearance, still mounted on his favorite Fleetfoot. By signs we made -known to him that the danger was past, and he rode up to the house. - -"Overjoyed to see him, he told us his story, which Grace and Marcia -drank in with greedy ears. Indeed, the scene on the porch was worthy of -Hogarth's pencil. On one side was his poor affrighted mother, and the -little girls, with eyes wide open, full of wonder; near by, the -venerable grandfather, with silver locks parted on a peaceful brow; and -Charley, standing close by his steed, as he recounted his hair-breadth -''scape,' leaning his head occasionally against his proud neck, so that -my boy's curls of gold mingle with the ebon mane of Fleetfoot. - -"He said that he struck deeper and deeper into the woods, going from one -place to another, until the forest became very dense and dark. He rode -into a tangled, marshy place, where he stood five hours without moving! -At one time he heard his pursuer close by, heard his fearful oaths, -heard him lashing the sides of his own jaded steed. Charley's heart beat -violently. But the bog was wet and gloomy, and the soldier's ardor was -dampened—he durst not venture. So Charley and Fleetfoot were left to -themselves in the deep wood. A brave feat for a boy of only fourteen." - -One more extract from this lively diary we will give to show the -influence of the maidens on the hard hearts of the enemy—that the girls -as well as the boys had their parts to play in the drama. - -"_Wednesday._—Charles accompanied John Harris home from school, with my -permission, last night. He returned this morning, with a story of the -night, which he related to me in breathless excitement. - -"A family living a mile from us were quietly sitting together in the -evening, when a noise was heard at the door like that of a sharp -instrument thrust into it. On opening the door there stood a red-coat -with his saber in his hand, which he had stuck into the wood an inch or -two. He was backed by a dozen men. They pushed their way in, and were -very unruly, rummaging and ransacking every drawer and closet; but the -family had long before taken the precaution to place all their money and -valuables in a small room, which opened out of the common sitting-room, -putting a large cupboard before the door, which covered it entirely; so -that the Hessians quartered there last winter never discovered the -device. - -"The red-coats, highly incensed at finding nothing, began to threaten -terrible things if they did not divulge the hiding-place. Mr. M. told -them that if they dared do any violence, he would report them to the -commanding officer. Whereupon, they actually went into the kitchen, -kindled some light wood, came out, and set a burning brand at each -corner of the house. The family were exceedingly alarmed. In great -terror, Sarah, the youngest daughter, rushed out. She is famed through -all the north-side for her comeliness. I can well imagine that she must -have appeared to them like a lovely apparition with her glowing cheek -and flashing eye. The ringleader, astonished, stood with his torch in -his hand, gazing at her. At length he said: - -"'Angel!' - -"'Stop, I entreat you!' said Sarah. - -"His looks were riveted upon her with an ardent admiration which -embarrassed her. - -"'I will, on one condition,' said he. - -"'What is it?' - -"'Will you give it?' - -"'If I can,' replied Sarah. - -"'It is, that you will allow me to kiss you.' - -"'Oh, if that is all,' said her father, 'comply, my daughter.' - -"So, as she made no resistance, the rough soldier planted a fervent kiss -on her lips, expressed himself satisfied, and departed. They found, -before her baby-house, that the soldiers had stuck the dolls on their -bayonets, and railed among themselves and laughed. - -"It is seldom that a man's house is attacked more than once. Mr. Harris -had his turn some time ago; therefore, although he saw some -suspicious-looking persons lurking about, he feared nothing, and arose -at daylight, with the intention of going to the south of the island for -salt hay. Mrs. Harris, however, began to feel uneasy and timid, from the -reports she heard during the following day, and the recollection of her -never-to-be-forgotten injuries, and persuaded her husband to stay at -home. That night passed without disturbance. About nine o'clock the next -evening, a neighbor stopped at the gate in his wagon, and he and Mr. -Harris were talking over the exciting times and scenes enacting around -the country, when they saw a man moving about the fields, and passing -now and then in and out of the edge of the woods. One of the -serving-women, too, had seen some one about dark standing close by the -wood-pile, who had vanished on her appearance at the door of the -kitchen. In consequence of these signs Mr. Harris concluded to sit up, -and keep lights and fires burning about the house. Charles, and the -older children, were sent to bed, but not to sleep—that was impossible -with their perturbed and excited imaginations. About twelve o'clock, Mr. -Harris being on the look-out, saw a man at a short distance from the -house, reconnoitering; he now held a consultation with his wife and the -two hired men. They came to the conclusion that an attack was meditated, -and that it was time to act; they determined to leave the house in a -body, taking the two loaded guns, the money, silver, and small -valuables. Though the next house was full two miles off, there seemed no -other alternative. The poor little frightened children were hurried up -and dressed; their fears and cries were hushed, and they were carried -down stairs. As quietly as possible, all left the house by the back -door. It was a moment of intense anxiety; their hearts beat with dread; -with trembling limbs, which almost refused to bear them, they moved on. -'Faint, though pursuing,' they endeavored to stay their minds above. At -length, arrived at Mr. S.'s, another difficulty presented itself. The -family would inevitably take them for robbers, and be liable to fire -upon them. In this dilemma Mr. Harris thought it best to go close to the -door and call out his name, trusting that his voice would be recognized, -which was the case. The poor wanderers were kindly received, and after -they had talked over their fright, were provided with comfortable beds. -The house of Mr. S. has never been attacked, it is so well secured, the -doors and windows being lined and bound with iron, a fact well known to -the marauders." - -Thus the little diary goes on. Sometimes the brutal bands murdered those -who opposed them in their own houses, upon their own hearthstones. -Reared in the midst of such excitement, it would be but natural that the -youth of the struggling country should become quick-witted and -self-reliant. - -And since we have shown how brave the boys could be, let us repeat an -incident of the heroism of a little girl in these same days of trial: - -"Robert Gibbs, a gentleman earnestly devoted to the patriotic cause, was -the owner of a plantation on the Stono, a few miles from Charleston, on -which, on a certain occasion, a Hessian battalion encamped, compelling -the family to surrender to their use the lower part of the mansion, and -to confine themselves in the upper story. While here on one dark and -stormy evening, two galleys appeared, ascending the river, which -forthwith began a most destructive fire upon the Hessian encampment. The -house appeared particularly exposed, although the vessels had been -commanded to avoid firing upon it, and to confine their attack to the -enemy's encampment. Of this Mr. Gibbs was not aware, and with the -permission of the English commander, he set out, although suffering -acutely from an infirmity, and with his numerous family, hastened to the -protection of a neighboring plantation. The balls were falling thick and -fast, sometimes scattering dirt and sand over the party, while their -loud whizzing, mingled with the fury of the distant affray, rendered the -scene one of danger and terror. But scarcely had they proceeded so far -as to be out of danger from the balls, when to their unutterable agony -they discovered, that in the confusion and hurry of departure, an infant -had been left behind. To leave the child alone in his danger was -impossible, and to return for him was an attempt of imminent peril. Mr. -Gibbs was suffering under an infirmity that made his movements -exceedingly slow and painful, and therefore it was impracticable for him -to return. The frightened and chattering servants stood trembling -around, looking from one to the other in bewildering despair. Of all the -rest of the party, saving Mrs. Gibbs, who was severely indisposed, none -were above the age of childhood. While thus undecided, Miss Mary Ann -Gibbs, but thirteen years of age, sprung forward and heroically offered -to go for the lad, who was a son of Mrs. Fenwick, Mrs. Gibbs' -sister-in-law. The night was dark and stormy, the distance considerable, -and the whole space swept by the cannon of the assailants. But without -fear she retraced her way, and reached the house without injury, where -the scene was one of unmingled terror. Undismayed by the thundering of -the cannon, the crashing of the balls, the shrieks, shouts and -imprecations of the combatants, she sprung to the door with the -intention of entering, when she was brutally refused by the sentinel. -But tears, entreaties, and the natural eloquence prompted by her heroism -and the high purpose on which she was bent, overcame his opposition, and -she was permitted to enter. With rapid steps she ascended to the third -story, and finding the child there in safety, she clasped it to her -bosom, and hastened to overtake her retreating family, her course, as -before, full of danger, and often the plowing balls would scatter clouds -of dust over her person. Uninjured, her perilous journey was performed, -and when she reached her friends, she was welcomed by shouts of -enthusiasm and admiration. The intrepid action, worthy of an adult, and -all glorious in a child, borrows a fair share of romance by the -reflection that the child thus saved afterward became Lieutenant-Colonel -Fenwick, so highly distinguished by his services in the last war with -Great Britain." - - - - - TECUMSEH SAVING THE PRISONERS. - - -The siege of Fort Meigs during the war of 1812, by a combined British -and Indian force, under command of General Proctor, was attended by one -of those thrilling incidents which chill the blood with horror, and -which have stained the escutcheon of Great Britain with indelible -infamy. It is with no desire, however, to harrow up the feelings of our -readers at a tale of soul-sickening massacre, nor yet with a wish to -undertake the invidious task of reprobating the course of the English -Government in connection with the war, that we have introduced the -following narrative; but simply with a view of presenting the character -of that brave and patriotic chieftain, Tecumseh, in its true light as -regarding his magnanimity, and freedom from those brutal propensities -and inclinations which have conduced so strongly to stigmatize the -Indians as savages. - -The fort was invested on the 26th of April, and from that period up to -the 5th of May, a constant fire had been kept up by the British -batteries on the opposite side of the river, without serious injury to -the works. General Clay, with a reinforcement of twelve hundred Kentucky -militia, arrived in the neighborhood on the 4th, and received orders to -detach eight hundred men to attack the British batteries while the -remainder was to aid a sortie against the Indians, who had established -themselves in the immediate vicinity of the fort, and who were a source -of great annoyance to its garrison. Colonel Dudley was placed in command -of the larger party, and, agreeably to his instructions, landed on the -right bank, and completely succeeded in driving the enemy from his -works, and in spiking the cannon. His orders were peremptory to return -immediately to his boats on the accomplishment of this object, and -repair to the fort; but his men had tasted the sweets of victory, and -the rashness which follows success on the part of militia, proved their -ruin. They allowed themselves to be amused by some faint attempt at -resistance on the part of a small body of Indians in the woods, until -the main body of the British, which was some distance in the rear, could -be brought up, and a severe and bloody action soon followed. It can -hardly be called an action, for the militia were in detached parties, -pursuing the scattering troops, when they suddenly found themselves -confronted and surrounded by a force double their number, and after a -manly effort to retain the victory they had won, they attempted to -retreat but found themselves cut off from the river by a force which had -got into their rear, to whom they were obliged to surrender themselves -prisoners of war. Out of the eight hundred who landed in the morning, -only one hundred and fifty escaped massacre or captivity. Colonel Dudley -was severely wounded, and afterward tomahawked and scalped. A large -portion of the prisoners were marched to the British fort lower down the -river, where they immediately became the sport and prey of the Indians, -who commenced an indiscriminate slaughter of the unarmed men, until the -entreaties of some of the more humane British officers checked it for a -time. Another party were placed in charge of a Sergeant and fifty men -for the purpose of being embarked in the gunboats, where it was supposed -they would be safe from the attacks of the infuriated savages. Upon -reaching the encampment, which at that time happened to be deserted by -the troops, they were met by a band of Indians who had not been engaged -in the contest at all, but, actuated by a brutal thirst for blood, and -disappointed at not having a share of the plunder, to which they thought -themselves entitled, they determined to satisfy their desires by -murdering and stripping the prisoners before them. Perhaps they were -actuated by a spirit of revenge for the loss which had been sustained by -their friends in the action. Be this as it may, they each selected a -victim from the ranks, and with fearful yells commenced the work of -slaughter. With a magnanimity scarcely to be expected of men who had -witnessed the cold-blooded murders at the river Raisin, the British -guard threw themselves between the savages and their intended victims, -and endeavored to dissuade, and then to coerce them from their horrid -butchery. But in vain. Excited to the highest pitch of ferocity by the -blood they had already shed, they were not to be deterred from their -purpose; and the soldiers—after witnessing the death of one of their -number, who was stabbed to the heart by a savage from whom he had -snatched a prisoner—finding their interposition to be fruitless, -withdrew and left the unfortunate men to their fate. Surrounded upon all -sides by the savages, with no chance of escape, with none to interfere, -the prisoners were huddled together; those in front striving to screen -themselves behind their comrades; while those in the rear, with the love -of life urging them with an equal force, endeavored to keep them from -doing so, they surged to and fro, the tomahawk and scalping-knife doing -its work, until forty of their number lay stiff in the embrace of death. -The Sergeant in command of the guard, who had been forced to leave their -charge to the tender mercies of the savages, sought for Tecumseh, and -informed him of the horrid butchery which was being enacted. The eyes of -the chieftain lit up with a consuming blaze, and his nostrils dilated -and contracted as his breast heaved with the mighty passion which the -soldier's story had roused within him. He stopped but a moment to hear -the end, and then dashing his heels against his horse's sides, he darted -off in the direction of the scene. Raising his voice as he approached, -in thunder-tones he commanded the Indians to desist from their brutal -work. A few, startled at the unexpected interference, drew back; but the -majority, regardless of his authority, and drunk with passion, refused -to obey. Precipitating himself between these and their prey, he forced -them back, and, drawing his tomahawk, he whirled it over his head, while -his face was wrought into an expression of the most fearful and -scorching rage, as he threatened to cleave to the earth the first one -who offered to disobey him. This was effectual with some, but there were -still a few who continued their bloody work, and one after another the -miserable prisoners were falling, like sheep in the shambles, before the -unrelenting knives and hatchets of their executioners. None but a man -destitute of fear would have dared to rush between these and their -victims. It was tearing the carcass of his prey from the jaws of the -lion to interfere between these ferocious fiends and their feast of -blood. But, the chief knew no fear: he was wrought to such a fearful -state of excitement as not to heed the dictates of prudence. Leaping -from his horse and drawing his knife, he threw himself upon them with -all the fury of a tigress divested of her young. Seizing one by the -throat, and another by the breast, he hurled them to the ground, and -thus, one after another, he beat them back with a strength which nothing -could withstand. Taking his station in front of the remnant of the band -which still remained alive, and raising his tomahawk high above his -head, while his whole figure dilated to a greater height by the passions -which raged within his bosom, he dared them, in tones which thrilled -through them like electricity, to strike another blow. None were found -so bold as to tempt his arm or disobey his command, and the prisoners -were saved. Looking around for Proctor, he espied him as he approached, -and demanded why he had not stopped the massacre. "Sir," said he, "your -Indians are not to be commanded." "Begone!" replied Tecumseh, as a look -of the greatest disdain and contempt swept over his swarthy visage, "you -are unfit to command; go and _put on petticoats_!" - -This Proctor, the British commander, had already branded himself with -indelible infamy at the battle of the River Raisin, in January of the -same year. In reference to this battle, we will briefly state the object -of General Harrison's campaign was to take Detroit, and expel the -British from the territory of the United States—and to protect the -extensive frontier; also to furnish such protection as was possible to -the settlers in Ohio, Indiana, etc., from the savages in the pay of the -British. The points to be defended were scattered over a vast region of -country; and though the care of it fell upon General Harrison, officers -in the different sections were frequently obliged to act for themselves. -It was thus that General Winchester, failing to receive counter-orders -sent after him by Harrison, and unaware of the full force of the enemy, -was induced to make an imprudent, though brave, movement against a body -of English and Indians who were coming from Malden and the Raisin to -attack his camp at the rapids. - -He pressed forward and found the enemy prepared to meet him at -Frenchtown; they were posted among the houses, but were soon dislodged -and driven to the woods. Here a short, desperate engagement took place, -and the English were driven two miles before the continual charge of the -brave Kentuckians, though the latter had made that day a forced march of -over eighteen miles over ice. In reporting the action, afterward, -General Harrison said: "The troops amply sustained the double character -of Americans and Kentuckians." - -Thus far our heroes were successful; instead of retiring after this -brilliant affair, they determined to maintain their position; they -remained in Frenchtown two or three days, part of their forces being -exposed in an open field, and a part sheltered by the garden pickets of -the town. During the night of the 21st of January, the British came up, -unobserved, and at daylight fired bombs, balls and grape-shot from heavy -pieces of artillery, at a distance of only three hundred yards. The -troops in the open field were sadly injured by this fire, and soon fled -across the river in the utmost confusion. The Indians gained our flank -and rear, butchering our soldiers shockingly. General Winchester was -taken prisoner and marched to the British camp. Colonel Lewis still -maintained his position in the town, frequently repulsing the enemy, -until the Indians gained his flank, when a general and indiscriminate -massacre ensued. Colonel Lewis was made a prisoner, had his coat -stripped off, and was conducted to the enemy's camp. Colonel Allen, -being badly wounded, surrendered to an Indian. Another assailed him, -whom Allen struck dead at his feet, and was in turn shot down by a third -savage. Garrett, with fifteen or twenty men, surrendered, and all but -himself were butchered on the spot. - -Two other officers, Graves and Madison, still maintained their position -within the picketing, and with their troops, behaved most gallantly. The -former being severely wounded, and as he sat down, wiping the blood from -his wounds, cried: "Never mind me, my boys, fight on!" Proctor, with all -his British regulars and savage allies, could not subdue this band—they -gave not an inch to the foe. - -A flag was at last sent to Madison, with an order from Winchester to -surrender. Proctor accompanied the flag, and made the demand, but Major -Madison replied that he would not surrender unless the safety of his men -could be guaranteed. Proctor demanded: - -"Sir, do you mean to dictate to _me_?" - -"No," returned the intrepid Major, "I intend to dictate for myself; and -we prefer selling our lives as dearly as possible, rather than be -massacred in cold blood." - -The surrender was made on express conditions, that the officers should -retain their side arms, the sick and wounded to be carefully removed, -private property to be respected, and the prisoners protected by a -guard. Proctor disregarded all stipulations, and handed over the -prisoners to the Indians, who butchered them without mercy. Some of -their bodies were thrown into the flames of the burning village, while -others, shockingly mangled, were left exposed in the streets. These -awful deeds were continued for several days. - -For the massacre of the River Raisin, in return for which any other -civilized government would have dismissed, if not gibbeted, the -commander, Colonel Proctor received the rank of Major-General in the -British army. This infamous officer it was who shortly after commenced -the siege of Fort Meigs, his mind filled with visions of conquest, -personal glory and official promotion. He was assisted by Tecumseh, with -fifteen hundred of his warriors; but even the Indian nature revolted at -the more savage deeds of the English General. From this siege of Fort -Meigs Proctor was obliged to retreat toward Malden in disgrace and -confusion. - -In the May following, however, Proctor, thinking to surprise Fort Meigs, -made a second attack upon it with a large force of British regulars and -Canadians, and several thousand Indians under Tecumseh, but was again -obliged to retreat in disgrace. - -On the first day of August, General Proctor appeared with five hundred -regulars, and about eight hundred Indians of the most ferocious kind, -before fort Stephenson, twenty miles above the mouth of the river -Sandusky. There were not more than one hundred and thirty-three -effective men in the garrison, and the works covered one acre of ground; -it was a mere outpost of little importance; and General Harrison, acting -with the unanimous advice of his council of war, had sent orders to -Major Croghan, who commanded the garrison, to evacuate the fort, and -make good his retreat to head-quarters, provided the enemy should -approach the place with artillery, and a retreat be practicable. But the -first step taken by Proctor was to isolate the fort by a cordon of -Indians, thus leaving to Major Croghan no choice but between resistance -and submission. A messenger was sent to demand the surrender of the -fort. He was met by Ensign Shipp, to whom the messenger observed that -General Proctor had a considerable body of regular troops, and a great -many Indians, whom it was impossible to control, and if the fort was -taken by force, he must expect that the mildest instruments made use of -would be the tomahawk and scalping-knife! Shipp replied, that it was the -commander's intention to defend the garrison or be buried in it, and -that they might do their worst. The messenger, startled at the reply of -Shipp, again addressed him: "You are a fine young man. I pity your -situation. For God's sake surrender, and prevent the dreadful slaughter -which must inevitably follow resistance." The gallant Shipp turned from -him with indignation, and was immediately seized by a frightful-looking -savage, who attempted to wrest his sword from him, but the Ensign was -fortunately too quick for him, and buried the blade to the hilt in his -body, and succeeded in reaching the fort in safety. The attack now -commenced. About four P. M., all the enemy's guns were concentrated -against the northwestern angle of the fort, for the purpose of making a -breach. To counteract the effect of their fire, the commander caused -that point to be strengthened by means of bags of flour, sand and other -materials, in such a manner that the balls of the enemy did but little -injury. But the enemy, supposing that their fire had sufficiently -shattered the pickets, advanced, to the number of six hundred, to storm -the place, the Indians shouting in their usual manner. As soon as the -ditch was pretty well filled with the copper-colored assailants, the -commander of the fort ordered a six-pounder, which had been masked in -the block-house, to be discharged. It had been loaded with a double -charge of musket-balls and slugs. The piece completely raked the ditch -from end to end. The yell of the savages was at this instant horrible. -The first fire leveled the one half in death; the second and third -either killed or wounded all except eleven, who were covered by the dead -bodies. The Americans had but one killed, and seven slightly wounded. -Early the ensuing morning the few regulars and Indians that survived -retreated down the river, abandoning all their baggage. - -The time was now at hand when General Harrison and his army were to -reach the full completion of all the contemplated objects of the -expedition. - -Among the earliest recommendations of General Harrison to the Government -the year before, and immediately after he commenced operations, had been -that of constructing and equipping a naval armament on the lakes. In one -letter he says: "Admitting that Malden and Detroit are both taken, -Mackinaw and St. Joseph will both remain in the hands of the enemy until -we can create a force capable of contending with the vessels which the -British have in Lake Michigan," etc. And again, in another letter: -"Should any offensive operation be suspended until spring, it is my -decided opinion that the cheapest and most effectual plan will be to -obtain command of Lake Erie. This being once effected, every difficulty -will be removed. An army of four thousand men, landed on the north side -of the lake, below Malden, will reduce that place, retake Detroit, and, -with the aid of the fleet, proceed down the lake to coöperate with the -army from Niagara." These sagacious instructions, being repeatedly and -strenuously urged by him, and reinforced also from other quarters, were -adopted and acted upon by the Government. Commodore Perry was -commissioned to build, equip and command the contemplated fleet; and, on -the 10th of September, with an inferior force, he met the enemy, and -gained the brilliant victory of Lake Erie. - -Meanwhile, Colonel Richard M. Johnson, then a member of Congress from -Kentucky, had devised the organization of two regiments of mounted -militia, which he was authorized by the Government to raise, as well for -service against the Indians, as to coöperate with Harrison. Colonel -Johnson crossed the country of Lower Sandusky, where he received orders -from the war department to proceed to Kaskaskia, to operate in that -quarter; but, by the interference of Harrison, and at the urgent request -of Colonel Johnson, who said, for himself and his men, that the first -object of their hearts was to accompany Harrison to Detroit and Canada, -and to partake in the danger and honor of that expedition, under an -officer in whom they had confidence, and who had approved himself "to be -wise, prudent, and brave,"—the orders of the department were -countermanded, and Colonel Johnson attained his wish. - -[Illustration: - - Tecumseh Saving the Prisoners.—_Page_ 19. -] - -General Harrison now prepared to strike the great blow. Aided by the -energetic efforts of Governor Meigs, of Ohio, and Governor Shelby, of -Kentucky, he had ready on the southern shore of Lake Erie, by the middle -of September, a competent force, destined for the immediate invasion of -Canada. Between the 16th and the 24th of September, the artillery, -military stores, provisions, and troops, were gradually embarked, and on -the 27th the whole army proceeded to the Canada shore. "Remember the -river Raisin," said General Harrison, in his address to the troops, "but -remember it only while victory is suspended. The revenge of a soldier -can not be gratified on a fallen enemy." The army landed in high -spirits; but the enemy had abandoned his stronghold, and retreated to -Sandwich, after dismantling Malden, burning the barracks and navy-yard, -and stripping the adjacent country of horses and cattle. General -Harrison encamped that night on the ruins of Malden. - -On the 2d of October, arrangements were made for pursuing the retreating -enemy up the Thames. The army was put in motion on the morning of the -4th. General Harrison accompanied Colonel Johnson, and was followed by -Governor Shelby with the infantry. Having passed the ground where the -enemy had encamped the night before, the General directed the advance of -Colonel Johnson's regiment to accelerate their march, for the purpose of -ascertaining the distance of the enemy. - -The troops had now advanced within three miles of the Moravian town, and -within one mile of the enemy. Across a narrow strip of land, near an -Indian village, the enemy were drawn up in line of battle, to prevent -the advance of the American troops. The British troops amounted to six -hundred, the Indians to more than twelve hundred. About one hundred and -fifty regulars, under Colonel Ball, were ordered to advance and amuse -the enemy, and, should a favorable opportunity present, to seize his -cannon. A small party of friendly Indians were directed to move under -the bank. The regiment of Colonel Johnson was drawn up in close column, -with its right a few yards distant from the road. General Desha's -division covered the left of Johnson's regiment. General Cass and -Commodore Perry volunteered as aids to General Harrison. - -On the 5th, the enemy was discovered in a position skillfully chosen, in -relation as well to local circumstances as to the character of his -troops. A narrow strip of dry land, flanked by the river Thames on the -left and by a swamp on the right, was occupied by his regular infantry -and artillery, while on the right flank lay Tecumseh and his followers, -on the eastern margin of the swamp. But, notwithstanding the judicious -choice of the ground, Proctor had committed the error of forming his -infantry in open order. Availing himself of this fact, and aware that -troops so disposed could not resist a charge of mounted men, he directed -Colonel Johnson to dash through the enemy's line in column. The movement -was made with brilliant success. - -The mounted men charged with promptitude and vigor, broke through the -line of the enemy, formed in the rear, and assailed the broken line with -a success seldom equaled, for nearly the whole of the British regular -force was either killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. - -On the left the contest was much more serious. Colonel Johnson's -regiment, being there stationed, received a galling fire from the -Indians, who seemed not disposed to give ground. The Colonel gallantly -led his men into the midst of them, and was personally attacked by a -chief, whom he dispatched with his cutlass the moment the former was -aiming a blow at him with his tomahawk. The savages, finding the fire of -the troops too warm for them, fled across the hills and attempted to -seek shelter in a piece of woods on the left, where they were closely -pursued by the cavalry. At the margin of the wood Tecumseh stationed -himself, armed with a spear, tomahawk, &c., endeavoring to rally and -persuade his men to return to the attack. At this point a considerable -body of Indians had collected; but this brave savage saw that the -fortune of the day was against him, and the battle was lost. Proctor had -cowardly fled from the field, and left him and his warriors alone to -sustain themselves against a far superior force; and he knew that there -was no chance of contending with any hope of success. He therefore -stood, like a true hero, disdaining to fly, and was, with many of his -bravest warriors around him, shot down by the Kentucky riflemen. It has -been published to the world, and by many believed, that this -distinguished warrior was killed by a pistol-shot from Colonel Johnson; -but this is undoubtedly a mistake, which probably originated from the -circumstance of the Colonel's having killed a chief by whom he was -attacked, as has before been related. That he fell by a rifle-shot, -there can be no doubt; but by whom fired, it was not certainly known, or -probably never can be satisfactorily proved. No less than six of the -riflemen and twenty-two Indians fell within twenty-five yards of the -spot where Tecumseh was killed. - -The Indians continued a brisk fire from the margin of the wood until a -fresh regiment was called into action to oppose them. A company of -cavalry having crossed the hills and gained the rear of the savages, the -rout became general. They fought bravely, and sustained a heavy loss in -killed and wounded. The death of their leader, Tecumseh, was an -irreparable loss to them. - -Tecumseh was the most extraordinary Indian that has ever appeared in -history. He was by birth a Shawanese, and would have been a great man in -any age or nation. Independent of the most consummate courage and skill -as a warrior, and all the characteristic acuteness of his race, he was -endowed by nature with the attributes of mind necessary for great -political combinations. His acute understanding, very early in life, -informed him that his countrymen had lost their importance; that they -were gradually yielding to the whites, who were acquiring an imposing -influence over them. Instigated by these considerations, and, perhaps, -by his natural ferocity and attachment to war, he became a decided enemy -to the whites, and imbibed an invincible determination (he surrendered -it with his life) to regain for his country the proud independence which -he supposed she had lost. For a number of years he was foremost in every -act of hostility committed against those he conceived the oppressors of -his countrymen, and was equally remarkable for intrepidity as skill, in -many combats that took place under his banner. Aware, at length, of the -extent, number, and power of the United States, he became fully -convinced of the futility of any single nation of red-men attempting to -cope with them. He formed, therefore, the grand scheme of uniting all -the tribes east of the Mississippi into hostility against the United -States. This was a field worthy of his great and enterprising genius. He -commenced in the year 1809; and in the execution of his project he -displayed an unequaled adroitness, eloquence, and courage. He insinuated -himself into every tribe, from Michilimackinack to Georgia, and was -invariably successful in his attempts to bring them over to his views. - -The following characteristic circumstance occurred at one of the -meetings at Vincennes. After Tecumseh had made a speech to General -Harrison, and was about to seat himself in a chair, he observed that -none had been placed for him. One was immediately ordered by the -Governor, and, as the interpreter handed it to him, he said, "Your -father requests you to take a chair." "_My father!_" said Tecumseh, with -an indignant expression; "_the sun is my father, and the earth is my -mother, and on her bosom will I repose_," and immediately seated -himself, in the Indian fashion, upon the ground. - -Tecumseh was born about 1770, and was supposed to be in his forty-fourth -year at the time of his death. He received the commission of -Brigadier-General in the British army; but aversion to civilization was -a prominent trait in his character, and it is not supposed that he -received the red sash and other badges of office, because he was fond of -imitating the whites, but only as a means of inspiring respect and -veneration among his own people, which was so necessary in the work he -had undertaken. He was about five feet ten inches in height, of a noble -appearance, and a perfectly symmetrical form. His carriage was erect and -lofty, his motions quick, his eyes penetrating, his visage stern, with -an air of _hauteur_ in his countenance, which arose from an elevated -pride of soul. It did not leave him, even in death. Had he not possessed -a certain austerity of manners, he could never have controlled the -passions of those whom he had led to battle. The Indians are usually -fond of gaudy decorations; but Tecumseh was an exception. Clothes and -other valuable articles of spoil frequently fell into his possession; -yet he invariably wore a deer-skin coat and pantaloons. He had -frequently levied subsidies, to a comparatively large amount; yet he -retained little or nothing for himself. It was not wealth, but glory, -that was his ruling passion. - -Previously to General Brock's crossing over to Detroit, he asked -Tecumseh what sort of a country he should have to pass through in case -of his proceeding further. Tecumseh, taking a roll of elm-bark, and -extending it upon the ground, by means of four stones, drew forth his -scalping-knife and with the point sketched upon the bark a plan of the -country: its hills, woods, rivers, morasses and roads; a plan, which, if -not as neat, was for the purpose fully as intelligible as if Arrowsmith -himself had prepared it. Pleased with this unexpected talent in -Tecumseh, as also with his having induced the Indians not of his -immediate party to cross the Detroit, prior to the departure of the -regulars and militia, General Brock, as soon as business was over, -publicly took off his sash and placed it around the body of the chief. -Tecumseh received the honor with evident gratification, but was, the -next day, seen without his sash. General Brock, fearing something had -displeased the Indian, sent his interpreter for an explanation; who soon -returned with an account that Tecumseh, not wishing to wear such a mark -of distinction, when an older, and, as he said, abler, warrior was -present, had transferred the sash to the Wyandot chief, Roundhead. - - - - - HORSEWHIPPING A TYRANT. - - -General Prescott, the commander of the British troops in Rhode Island, -was one of those mean-spirited, petty tyrants, who, when in power, -exercise their ingenuity in devising means of harassing all who have the -misfortune to be subject to their authority; but, when circumstances -place them in the power of others, are the most contemptible sycophants -and parasites. Narrow-minded in the extreme, with a heart which had not -one benevolent impulse, he was far from being a fit officer to be placed -in authority over the people of Rhode Island, who could be more easily -conquered by lenient measures than by the use of unnecessary harshness. -From the first day of his power he pursued a system of pitiless tyranny. -Writhing under a sense of wrongs, maddened to desperation by the -meanness and malignity of their oppressor, the people of the Island -resolved to rid themselves of the cause, no matter at what risk or -sacrifice. Various plans were suggested, and even assassination was -hinted at. His harsh treatment of Colonel Ethan Allen, a prisoner in his -hands, combined with his haughty and arrogant conduct toward all, -increased the feeling against him. To add to all this, General Lee was a -prisoner in the British jail, and confined in a cell under the pretense -that he was a deserter, having once been an officer in the British army; -Washington had no prisoner of equal rank to offer in exchange. - -If the capture of Prescott could be effected, it would not only rid the -Rhode Islanders of his hated rule, but would afford an officer to be -exchanged for General Lee, whom Washington was most anxious to rescue. -Under these circumstances, many enterprises were projected; but it was -reserved for Lieutenant-Colonel Barton, of the Rhode Island line, to -successfully plan and accomplish the much-desired object. He was -stationed with a force of militia on the main-land, when he received -word that Prescott was quartered at a country-house near the western -shore of the Island, about four miles from Newport, totally unconscious -of danger, though in a very exposed situation. Conceiving this to be the -favorable opportunity, Barton began to prepare for the execution of his -bold design. The enterprise proposed was bold and hazardous, and its -failure would be sure to bring upon him the charge of being rash and -foolhardy; but then, if successful, an honorable renown would be the -reward of those concerned. - -He communicated his design to Colonel Horton, his superior officer, who -gave it his commendation, and permitted him to select from his regiment -such men and officers as he desired to assist him in the plot. From an -apprehension that his plans might become known to the enemy, he did not -make a selection of the necessary number of men until the last moment, -and then, with a desire that he might be accompanied only by volunteers, -he ordered his whole company upon parade, and in a brief speech stated -that he wished to obtain forty volunteers for an expedition of great -hazard, and all that wished to accompany him, should signify it by -stepping from the ranks. Without one exception, the whole regiment -advanced. He now found it necessary to make the selection himself, and -he did so, choosing those whose courage and fidelity were tested. -Several officers had personally volunteered, but not one of the party -besides Barton himself, knew of the object in view, but all trusted to -the honor and courage of their leader. - -Some delay was experienced in procuring boats, but on the 4th of July, -1777, they embarked from Tiverton for Bristol. In crossing Mount Hope -Bay, they suffered from a severe storm, but they arrived at Bristol at -midnight. On the morning of the 5th, the Major, with his officers, went -over to Hog Island for the purpose of reconnoitering the position of the -enemy. Here he revealed the object of the expedition, and his plan for -its accomplishment. - -It was not until the evening of the 5th, that the party again embarked. -Crossing Narragansett Bay, they landed on Warwick Neck, but were here -detained by a severe storm which retarded their plans considerably. On -the 9th, however, it became clear, and they prepared once more to sail, -with the intention of proceeding directly to Rhode Island. Some hours -after the set of sun, all was still, and the darkness affording them a -protection from observation, the little squadron shot out from the land, -and proceeded noiselessly and cautiously on its course. This was a very -hazardous part of the enterprise, as there was great danger of being -discovered by some of the ships of war that lay near the shore. -Cautiously gliding along between the islands of Prudence and Patience, -by which means they were secured from observation from the enemy's -shipping that lay off by Hope Island, they advanced rapidly to their -destination. While passing the north end of Prudence Island, they could -distinctly hear the sentinels from the ships, cry out, "All's well." The -night was one of excessive darkness, and this fortunate circumstance, no -doubt, contributed largely to the success of the plan. - -The landing was effected without difficulty. In order to secure a rapid -retreat, one man was commanded to remain in each boat, and instructed to -be ready for departing at a moment's notice. When all were on shore, the -requisite instructions were given, and the party advanced rapidly in the -direction of General Prescott's head-quarters. The difficulties of Major -Barton's situation will be readily appreciated. Even should he surprise -General Prescott, a very few moments would suffice for an alarm to be -carried to the enemy, and if so, the whole British army would be upon -them before they could get to their forts. Or, even should they reach -their boats, if an alarm was conveyed to the enemy's shipping, their -retreat would, with certainty, be cut off. It was, therefore, necessary -to proceed with the utmost caution and care; and to act with equal -daring, prudence, and celerity. - -The distance to the residence of the English General was about a mile. -The party was divided into five divisions: one to approach the door on -the south side, another one on the east, and a third on the west side, -there being three doors to the house, while the fourth division was to -guard the road, and the fifth to be ready to act on emergencies. They -were obliged, in order to reach the house, to pass the guard-house of -the enemy, on the left, and on their right a house occupied by a company -of cavalry. On arriving at Prescott's head-quarters, they were -challenged by a sentinel who was stationed at the gate of the front -yard. The darkness of the night prevented him from determining the -nature of the party approaching, but, as they continued to advance in -silence, he again challenged them, demanding: - -"Who goes there?" - -"Friends," said Barton. - -"Advance and give the countersign," was the rejoinder. - -"Pho!" replied Barton, as he continued to advance close to the person of -the sentinel, "we have no countersign—have you seen any rascals -to-night?" - -Almost simultaneous with this remark, Barton suddenly seized the musket -of the sentinel, and charged him to make no noise on the penalty of -instant death. So much had been accomplished in perfect silence. The -divisions rapidly advanced to their respective positions, while Barton -questioned the bewildered and terrified sentinel, as to whether the -General was in the house, who replied that he was. The signal was now -given, and in an instant the south door was burst open, and the division -there stationed rushed into the building, followed by the Major. - -The first person Barton met was Mr. Perwig, who denied that General -Prescott was in the house, and his son also obstinately denied the -presence of the English officer. Not being able to find him in their -rapid search through the apartments, Barton now had resort to stratagem. -In a loud voice, he declared his intention of capturing the General dead -or alive, and ordered his soldiers immediately to set fire to the house. -At this juncture, a voice which Barton suspected to belong to the -General, inquired the cause of the disturbance. Barton rushed to the -apartment from which came the voice he heard, and finding there an -elderly gentleman, just rising from his bed, he accosted him as General -Prescott. To this the gentleman assented, and declared he bore the name -and title. - -"Then you are my prisoner," replied Barton. - -"I acknowledge I am," was the rejoinder. - -He was only allowed time to partially dress himself, when he was hurried -off by his captors. - -Meanwhile a singular circumstance had occurred. At the very moment when -Barton first gained admission into the house, one of the British -soldiers managed to escape, and flew to the quarters of the main guard -to give the alarm. This man, in the alarm of the moment, rushed forth -with no other clothing than his shirt; and having hastily explained the -matter to the sentinel on duty, he passed on to the quarters of the -cavalry, which was much more remote from the head-quarters of the -General. But when the sentinel came to explain the matter to the officer -of the guard, it seemed so incredible, that he was laughed at, and was -told that he had seen a ghost. He admitted that the messenger was -clothed in white, and after being heartily laughed at for his credulity, -was ordered back to his station, and the guard went back to their -quarters. This was a most fortunate circumstance, for had the alarm of -the soldier been believed, nothing could have preserved the gallant -Major and his band from destruction. - -The whole party, with the English General in their midst, marched -rapidly toward the shore. When they arrived at the boat, their prisoner, -who had been hurried away half-dressed, was permitted to complete his -toilet. They re-embarked with all possible haste, and had not got far -from the island, when the discharge of cannon and three sky-rockets gave -the signal of alarm. But, for some cause, the signal was not understood -by those on the ships, and, by this fortunate circumstance, the gallant -band was preserved, for it would have been easy for their enemy to have -cut off their retreat. Although full of anxiety and apprehension, they -bent every nerve to reach their port of destination, happily succeeding -without meeting an obstacle. When they landed, General Prescott said to -Lieutenant-Colonel Barton: - -"Sir, you have made an amazing bold push to-night." - -"We have been fortunate," was the modest reply. - -Before morning the prisoner was in Providence, where he was delivered -into the custody of General Spencer, who treated him with consideration -far above his deserts. After a few days' stay in Providence, Prescott -was sent, under an escort, to the head-quarters of Washington on the -Hudson. On reaching Lebanon, the party stopped at the tavern of a -Captain Alden, who was an ardent Whig, and hated the very name of -Prescott. Nothing could have afforded him greater gratification than an -opportunity to inflict condign punishment upon the tyrant, and the -General unwittingly gave him that opportunity. - -At the table Mrs. Alden waited upon the General; among the dishes -presented for his acceptance, was some "succotash," or corn-and-beans, a -favorite dish with the New England people, but which seemed to excite -the wrath and resentment of the little-great General, whose temper was -probably not improved by the events of the last few days. - -Taking the dish in his hand, and forgetting that his position was that -of prisoner not of master, he looked at it a moment, and exclaimed: - -"What's this! what's this! are you going to treat me with the food of -hogs?" - -Saying which, he dashed the tureen upon the floor, breaking it, and -strewing the contents in all directions. Mrs. Alden had too much spirit -to brook such an insult to her cookery and table, and left the room to -inform her husband of the occurrence. In a few moments, Captain Alden, -bearing a large cart-whip in his hand, entered the room, demanding of -the British General what he meant by such conduct in his house. Seeing -vengeance written in every lineament of the Captain's face, the General -appealed to the officers of his escort for protection. - -"Protection!" said the landlord; "I'll show you the protection you -deserve;" and seizing him by the collar, he dragged the whilom haughty -dictator from his chair, when, with all the force of an arm nerved by -the memory of the wrongs of good Americans, he rained down a shower of -blows which made the victim writhe, and cry for that mercy which he had -so often denied to others. - -"I'll teach you manners," panted Alden, between the blows, "I'll teach -you to insult those who are giving you better than you deserve, you -tyrannical minion of English oppression!" While at every word the long -lash of the whip descended upon the groveling shoulders of his enemy, -until, from mere exhaustion, Alden ceased, remarking: - -"There, if ever you want another lesson in good manners, come to me and -I'll give it to you with pleasure." - -The officers present made no serious attempt to relieve their prisoner -from his predicament. They felt that he richly merited the castigation; -while the crestfallen General was too well assured of their feelings -toward him to reproach them—but he took a terrible revenge, when, after -a time, being exchanged, he returned to his command at Newport, where he -burned the towns and villages, turning the inhabitants houseless upon -the world. He never forgot or forgave this infliction of personal -punishment; and when, upon a subsequent occasion, three of the citizens -of Newport waited upon him concerning the business of the town, he -stormed and raved at one of them in such a manner that he was compelled -to withdraw. After the others had announced their business, and the -General had become somewhat calm, he inquired: - -"Was not my treatment of Folger rather uncivil?" - -Upon being assured that it certainly was, he explained it, by remarking: - -"He looked so much like a —— Connecticut man, who horsewhipped me once, -that I could not bear the sight of him." - -The accounts which are given of General Prescott's treatment of Ethan -Allen, are no more to the credit of his dignity than the story of the -succotash. - -Shortly after Ethan Allen's celebrated conquest of Ticonderoga, he -joined the expedition into Canada, under Generals Schuyler and -Montgomery. He had no commission from Congress, but was induced by the -commanding officers to follow the army, under a promise that he should -command certain detachments in the army, when occasion required. He was -dispatched into Canada with letters to the Canadians, explaining the -object of the expedition, which was not aimed against the inhabitants of -the country, their liberties or religion, but against the British -possessors. The Canadians were invited to make common cause with the -Continentals, and expel the invader. His message was partially -successful, and numbers of the Canadians joined the Congressional -banner. - -On a second expedition of a similar nature, he was induced to undertake -the enterprise against Montreal. Matters promised him success, but at a -critical moment many of his Canadian allies abandoned him. The result -was a total defeat, which ended in the surrender of himself and party. - -When he was brought before General Prescott, the commanding English -officer, he was asked by him his name and title. The reply cast the -Briton into a towering passion. He could not forget the loss of -Ticonderoga, and time had not softened the bitterness of hatred he felt -against the hero of that glorious adventure. The Englishman so far -forgot his position as to threaten the person of Allen with his cane, -and applied to him every offensive epithet he could command. Finding -that Allen confronted him with an undaunted gaze, he looked around for -something else on which to wreak his hatred. He ordered the Canadians -who had been taken with Allen, to be brought forward, and executed. As -they were brought forward, wringing their hands in consternation at the -prospect of death, the heart of Allen was touched, as he could but feel -their present position was brought about by his instrumentality. He -therefore flung himself between the executioners and the intended -victims, opened his coat, and told General Prescott to let his vengeance -fall on him alone, as he was the sole cause of the Canadians taking up -arms. - -The guard paused, and looked toward their General, and, indeed, it was a -moment of suspense and interest to all present. The General stood quiet -a moment or two in hesitation, and then said: - -"I will not execute you now; but you shall grace a halter at Tyburn," -accompanying his speech with a series of emphatic oaths. - -Allen was now removed on board the Gaspee schooner of war, loaded with -irons of immense weight, and cast into the hold of the vessel. Here his -sufferings were of the most acute nature. His only accommodations were a -chest, on which he sat during the day and which served him as a couch at -night. The irons upon his ankles were so tight, that he could scarcely -lie down, and then only in one position. Here he was visited by many -officers of the English army, some of whom treated him civilly, but -others were abusive and insulting. - -At the expiration of six weeks, he was removed to a vessel off Quebec, -where he received kind and courteous treatment. Here he remained until -his removal on board of the vessel which was to carry him to England. -Here all of the prisoners, thirty-four, were thrust into a small -apartment, each heavily ironed. They were compelled during the whole -voyage to remain in their confinement, and were subjected to every -indignity that cruelty could invent. - -When first ordered to enter into their filthy apartment, Allen refused, -and endeavored to argue their brutal keeper out of his inhuman purpose, -but all in vain. The reply to his appeal was insults of the grossest -kind, and an officer of the vessel insulting him by spitting in his -face. Handcuffed as he was, the intrepid American sprung upon the -dastard, and knocked him at length upon the floor. The fellow hastily -scrambled out of the reach of Allen, and placed himself under the -protection of the guard. Allen challenged him to fight, offering to meet -him even with irons upon his wrists, but the Briton, trembling with -fear, contented himself with the protection afforded him by British -bayonets, and did not venture to oppose the intrepid American. The -prisoners were now forced into their den at the point of the bayonet. - -The sufferings of the captives during the voyage were intense. Their -privations soon brought on diarrhœa and fevers. But, notwithstanding -their sickness, they received no attention from their jailers, and even -those who were crazed with raging thirst, were denied the simple boon of -fresh water. - -On arriving at Falmouth, the prisoners were all marched through the -town, to Pendennis Castle, about a mile distant. The fame of Allen had -preceded him, and multitudes of people were gathered along the route to -gaze upon him, and the other prisoners. The throng was so great, that -the guard were compelled to force a passage through the crowd. Allen -appeared conspicuous among his fellow prisoners, by his eccentric dress. -When captured, he was taken in a Canadian dress, consisting of a red -shirt, a red worsted cap, a short fawn-skin jacket, and breeches of -sagathy; and in this dress he was escorted through the wondering crowd -at Falmouth. Ticonderoga was a place of notoriety, in England, and the -hero who had so signally conquered it was an object of interest and -wonder to the people. - -Allen was now visited by a great number of people, some of whom were -attracted from great distances, in order to see and converse with the -American celebrity. Discussion ran high as to his eventual disposal. -Some declared that he would be hung, and argued the justice of the act. -But others defended and supported the Americans. Even in parliament the -merits of the question were discussed. - -From their prison in Pendennis Castle they were removed to the Solebay -Frigate, to be conveyed to America, stopping at Cork for provisions and -water. The commanding officer was harsh and cruel, and, on the first -day, ordered the prisoners from the deck, declaring that it was a place -for gentlemen only to walk. A few days after, Allen shaved and dressed, -and proceeded to the deck. The Captain addressed him in great rage, and -said: - -"Did I not order you not to come on deck?" - -Allen replied that he had said that it was a place for gentlemen to -walk, and that he was Colonel Allen, a gentleman and soldier, who had -been properly introduced to him. - -His reply was characteristic of his brutal despotism: "Don't walk on the -same side of the deck that I do," with an oath. - -The sufferings of the prisoners continued, but when at Cork, their -situation received the attention of several benevolent gentlemen, who -exerted themselves to relieve them. Ample stores and clothing were sent -on board, but the Captain refused privilege to the prisoners to enjoy -them. - -The vessels proceeded to America, first casting anchor in the harbor of -Cape Fear, North Carolina. From this place Allen was removed to Halifax. -Here his treatment continued of the same kind, that, from the first, had -characterized his captivity. He received here some kind attentions from -Captain Smith, which he afterward had occasion to return in a signal -manner. After a confinement of two months he was removed to a -man-of-war, to be conveyed to New York, for the purpose of effecting an -exchange. When arrived on board of the vessel, he was delighted to find -that he was under the command of Captain Smith, who had before served -him. - -[Illustration: - - Horsewhipping a Tyrant.—_Page_ 37. -] - -When Colonel Allen met Captain Smith on board the vessel, he greeted him -with thanks for his kindness. The noble Captain disclaimed all merit, -and said: "This is a mutable world, and one gentleman never knows but -that it may be in his power to help another." This sentiment was -strikingly verified in the course of the voyage. - -One night, as they were sailing along the coast of Rhode Island, Captain -Burke and a few other prisoners came to Allen with a plan for destroying -the British officers, seizing the vessel, and carrying her into some -friendly port. A large quantity of cash on board was held up as an -inducement for the enterprise. But Captain Smith had generously -distinguished the prisoners, and for this reason Allen strongly -condemned the plan. He declared that if the attempt was made, he would -assist in the defense of the Briton, with all his skill and strength. -Finding the conspiracy so strenuously opposed by the most influential of -the prisoners, it was abandoned, upon the assurance that they should not -be betrayed. - -Upon arriving in New York, Colonel Allen was released on parole, but -restricted to the limits of New York. An attempt was made soon after to -induce him to join the British ranks. He was offered a heavy sum of -money, and large tracts of land, either in New Hampshire or Connecticut, -when the country was conquered. The integrity of the man, however, was -unassailable. His reply to the proposition was characteristic. He said -that the offer reminded him of a certain incident in Scripture. The -devil, he said, took Christ to a high hill, and showing him the kingdoms -of earth, offered him their possession, if he would fall down and -worship him, "when all the while the damned soul had not one foot of -land upon earth!" It may be believed that those sent to negotiate with -him did not fail to understand the illustration. - -Colonel Allen, in a narrative of his captivity, written by himself, -gives a fearful account of the condition of the American prisoners in -New York. Before he was exchanged he was arrested on the absurd charge -of breaking his parole, and thrown into the Provost jail. Here he -remained from August to May, during which time he witnessed instances of -suffering of the most agonizing kind, and was himself compelled again to -feel the barbarous treatment of British officials. At the expiration of -the above period he was exchanged, and once more tasted of the sweets of -freedom. - -It may not be out of place here, since we have given an account of -Barton's brilliant exploit in the capture of General Prescott, to relate -the story of General Wadsworth's abduction, who fell into the hands of -the British in a manner somewhat similar, though the affair was -characterized by no such daring on the part of the enemy as our own -young officer showed, in venturing into the lines of the English, since -General Wadsworth was known to be almost wholly unprotected at the time -it was resolved to take him. - -In the spring of 1780 he was appointed to the command of a party of -State troops in Canada, in the district of Maine. At the expiration of -the time for which the troops were engaged, General Wadsworth dismissed -them, retaining six soldiers only as his guard, as he was making -preparations to depart from the place. A neighbor communicated his -situation to the British commander at Penobscot, and a party of -twenty-five soldiers, commanded by Lieutenant Stockton, was sent to make -him a prisoner. They embarked in a small schooner, and, landing within -four miles of the General's quarters, they were concealed in the house -of a Methodist preacher by the name of Snow—professedly a friend to us, -but really a traitor—until eleven in the evening, when they made their -arrangements for the attack. - -The party rushed suddenly on the sentinel, who gave the alarm, and one -of his comrades instantly opened the kitchen door, and the enemy were so -near as to enter with the sentinel. The lady of the General, and her -friend, Miss Fenno, of Boston, were in the house at the time. Mrs. -Wadsworth escaped from her husband's room into that of Miss Fenno. - -The assailants soon became masters of the whole house, except the room -where the General was, and which was strongly barred, and they kept up a -constant firing of musketry into the windows and doors, except into -those of the ladies' room. General Wadsworth was provided with a pair of -pistols, a blunderbuss and a fusee, which he employed with great -dexterity, being determined to defend himself to the last moment. With -his pistols, which he discharged several times, he defended the rooms of -his window and a door which opened into a kitchen. His blunderbuss he -snapped several times, but unfortunately it missed fire; he then secured -his fusee, which he discharged on some who were breaking through the -windows, and obliged them to flee. He next defended himself with his -bayonet, till he received a ball through his left arm, when he -surrendered, which terminated the contest. The firing, however, did not -cease from the kitchen until the General unbarred the door, when the -soldiers rushed into the room, and one of them, who had been badly -wounded, pointing a musket at his breast, exclaimed, with an oath, "you -have taken my life, and I will take yours." But Lieutenant Stockton -turned the musket aside, and saved his life. The commanding officer now -applauded the General for his admirable defense, and assisted in putting -on his clothes, saying, "you see we are in a critical situation, and -therefore you must excuse haste." Mrs. Wadsworth threw a blanket over -him, and Miss Fenno affixed a handkerchief closely around his wounded -arm. - -In this condition, though much exhausted, he, with a wounded American -soldier, was directed to march on foot, while the British wounded -soldiers were mounted on a horse taken from the General's barn. They -departed in great haste. When they had proceeded about a mile, they met, -at a small house, a number of people collected, and who inquired if they -had taken General Wadsworth. They said no, and added that they must -leave a wounded man in their care, and if they paid proper attention to -him, they should be compensated; but if not, they would burn down their -house. The man appeared to be dying. General Wadsworth was mounted on -the horse behind the other wounded soldier, and was warned that his -safety depended on his silence. Having passed over a frozen mill-pond -about a mile in length, they were met by some of their party who had -been left behind. At this place they found a British privateer, which -brought the party from the fort. The Captain, on being told that he must -return there with the prisoner and the party, and seeing some of his men -wounded, became outrageous, and cursing the General for a rebel, -demanded how he dared to fire on the king's troops, and commanded him to -help launch the boat, or he would put his hanger through his body. The -General replied that he was a prisoner, and badly wounded, and could not -assist in launching the boat. Lieutenant Stockton, on hearing of this -abusive treatment, in a manner honorable to himself, told the Captain -that the prisoner was a gentleman, had made a brave defense, and was to -be treated accordingly, and added, that his conduct should be -represented to General Campbell. After this the Captain treated the -prisoner with great civility, and afforded him every comfort in his -power. - -General Wadsworth had left the ladies in the house, not a window of -which escaped destruction. The doors were broken down, and two of the -rooms were on fire; the floors were covered with blood, and on one of -them lay a brave old soldier dangerously wounded, begging for death, -that he might be released from misery. The anxiety and distress of Mrs. -Wadsworth were inexpressible, and that of the General was greatly -increased by the uncertainty in his mind respecting the fate of his -little son, only five years old, who had been exposed to every danger by -firing into the house; but he had the happiness, afterward, of hearing -of his safety. - -Having arrived at the British fort, the capture of General Wadsworth was -soon announced, and the shore thronged with spectators, to see the man -who, through the preceding year, had disappointed all the designs of the -British in that quarter; and loud shouts were heard from the rabble that -covered the shore. But when he arrived at the fort, and was conducted -into the officer's guard-room, he was treated with politeness. General -Campbell, the commandant of the British garrison, sent his compliments -to him, and a surgeon to dress his wound, assuring him that his -situation should be made comfortable. The next morning, General Campbell -invited him to breakfast, and at table paid him many compliments in the -defense he had made, observing, however, that he had exposed himself in -a degree not perfectly justifiable. General Wadsworth replied that from -the manner of the attack, he had no reason to suspect any design of -taking him alive, and that he intended, therefore, to sell his life as -dearly as possible. He was then informed that a room in the officers' -barracks within the fort, was prepared for him, and that an Orderly -Sergeant should daily attend him to breakfast and dinner at the -commandant's table. Having retired to his solitary apartment, and while -his spirit was extremely depressed by a recollection of the past, and by -his present situation, he received from General Campbell several books -of amusement, and soon after a visit from him, kindly endeavoring to -cheer the spirits of his prisoner by conversation. The principal -officers of the garrison also called upon him, and from them all, whom -he daily met at the commandant's table, he received particular attention -and kindness. - -"He now made application for a flag of truce, by which means he could -transmit a letter to the Governor of Massachusetts, and another to Mrs. -Wadsworth. This was granted on the condition that the letter to the -Governor should be inspected. The flag was intrusted to Lieutenant -Stockton, and on his return, the General was relieved from all anxiety -respecting his wife and family. At the end of five weeks, he requested -of General Campbell the customary privilege of parole, and received in -reply that his case had been reported to the commanding officer at New -York, and that no alteration could be made, till orders were received -from that quarter. In about two months' time, Mrs. Wadsworth and Miss -Fenno arrived, and the officers of the garrison contributed to render -their visit agreeable to all concerned. - -"About the same time, orders were received from the commanding General -at New York, which were concealed from General Wadsworth, but he finally -learned that he was not to be paroled nor exchanged, but was to be sent -to England as a rebel of too much consequence to be at liberty. Not long -afterward, Major Benjamin Benton, a brave and worthy man, who had served -under the General the preceding summer, was taken and brought into the -fort, and lodged in the same room with him. He had been informed that -both himself and the General were to be sent immediately after the -return of a privateer now on a cruise, either to New York or Halifax, -and thence to England. The prisoners immediately resolved to make a -desperate effort to effect their escape. They were confined in a grated -room in the officers' barracks within the fort. The wells of this -fortress, exclusively of the depth of the ditch surrounding it, were -twenty feet high, with fraising on top, and chevaux-de-frise at the -bottom. - -"Two sentinels were always in the entry, and their door—the upper part -of which was glass—might be opened by their watchmen whenever they -thought proper, and was actually opened at seasons of peculiar darkness -and silence. At the exterior doors of the entries, sentinels were also -stationed, as were others in the body of the fort, and at the quarters -of General Campbell. At the guard-house a strong guard was daily -mounted. Several sentinels were stationed on the walls of the fort, and -a complete line occupied them by night. Without the ditch, glacis and -abattis, another complete set of soldiers patroled through the night, -and a picket guard was placed in or near the isthmus leading from the -fort to the main land. Notwithstanding all these fearful obstacles to -success, they resolved to make the perilous attempt. - -"The room in which they were confined was railed with boards. One of -these they determined to cut off so as to make a hole large enough to -pass through, and then to creep along till they should come to the next -or middle entry; and there lower themselves down into this entry by a -blanket. If they should not be discovered, the passage to the walls of -the fort was easy. In the evening, after the sentinels had seen the -prisoners retire to bed, General Wadsworth got up, and standing in a -chair attempted to cut with his knife, the intended opening, but soon -found it impracticable. The next day, by giving a soldier a dollar they -procured a gimlet. With this instrument they proceeded cautiously and as -silently as possible to separate the board, and in order to conceal -every appearance from their servants and from the officers, their -visitors, they carefully covered the gimlet holes with chewed bread. At -the end of three weeks, their labors were so far completed, that it only -remained to cut with a knife, the parts which were left to hold the -piece in its place. When their preparations were finished, they learned -that the privateer in which they were to embark was daily expected. - -"In the evening of the 18th of June, a very severe storm of rain, with -great darkness and almost incessant lightning, came on. This the -prisoners considered as the propitious moment. Having extinguished their -lights, they began to cut the corners of the board, and in less than an -hour the intended opening was completed. The noise which the operation -occasioned was drowned by the rain falling on the roof. Major Benton -first ascended to the ceiling, and pressed himself through the opening. -General Wadsworth next, having put the corner of his blanket through the -hole and made it fast by a strong wooden skewer, attempted to make his -way through, standing on a chair below, but it was with extreme -difficulty that he at length effected it, and reached the middle entry. -From this he passed through the door which he found open, and made his -way to the wall of the fort, and had to encounter the greatest -difficulty before he could ascend to the top. He had now to creep along -the top of the fort between the sentry boxes, at the very moment when -the relief was shifting sentinels, but the falling of the heavy rain -kept the sentinels within their boxes, and favored his escape. Having -now fastened his blanket round a picket at the top, he let himself down -through the chevaux-de-frise to the ground, and, in a manner astonishing -to himself, made his way into the open field. Here he was obliged to -grope his way among rocks, stumps and brush in the darkness of night, -till he reached the cove. Happily the tide had ebbed, and he was enabled -to cross the water, which was about a mile in breadth, and not more than -three feet deep. - -"About two o'clock in the morning, General Wadsworth found himself a -mile and a half from the fort, and he proceeded through a thick wood and -brush to the Penobscot river, and, after passing some distance along the -shore, being seven miles from the fort, to his unspeakable joy he saw -his friend Benton advancing toward him. Major Benton had been obliged to -encounter in his course equal difficulties with his companion, and such -were the incredible perils, dangers and obstructions which they -surmounted, that their escape may be considered almost miraculous. - -"It was now necessary that they should cross the Penobscot river, and -very fortunately they discovered a canoe with oars on the shore suited -to their purpose. While on the river, they discovered a barge with a -party of the British from the fort, in pursuit of them, but by taking an -oblique course, and plying their oars to the utmost, they happily eluded -the eyes of their pursuers, and arrived safe on the western shore. After -having wandered in the wilderness for several days and nights, exposed -to extreme fatigue and cold, and with no other food than a little dry -bread and meat, which they brought in their pockets from the fort, they -reached the settlements on the river St. George, and no further -difficulties attended their return to their respective families." - - - - - THE MOTHER'S TRIAL. - - -Who has not heard of Logan, "the white man's friend"—that noble specimen -of the Indian race, who, by his forbearance, prudence, and magnanimity, -has done so much toward elevating the character of the red-man to that -high standard so forcibly depicted in the works of America's great -novelist—Cooper. That there may have been thousands among the tribes who -inhabited this continent at the period of its settlement by the whites, -who were actuated and controlled by the savage impulses of their -naturally brutal and cruel propensities, there can be no doubt; but -these pages give striking evidence that there were many who were -governed by the dictates of higher instincts and loftier sentiments than -those of passion and prejudice. - -In early life Logan lived at a place called Logan's Spring, in Mifflin -county, Pennsylvania. The first settler in his immediate neighborhood -was William Brown, who afterwards became an associate Judge to Mifflin -county, a post which he held until his death, at the age of ninety. -While engaged in looking for a convenient spot on which to erect his -cabin, he visited Logan at his camp, accompanied by his brother, and -while there, engaged in a friendly contest of skill in the use of the -rifle with the chieftain. A dollar a shot was the wager for which they -contended, and when they ceased it was found that Logan was the loser of -several shots. Going to his cabin, he returned with as many deer-skins -as he had lost dollars, and handed them to the winner, who refused to -take them, alleging that he was his guest, and did not come to rob him; -that the bet had been a mere nominal one, and he did not expect him to -pay it. The chief drew himself up to his full height, while a frown of -injured dignity darkened his brow, and exclaimed: "Me bet to make you -shoot your best; me gentleman, and me take your money if me beat," and -as there was no wish to insult him, the winner was obliged to take the -skins from their host, who would not accept even a horn of powder in -return. So much for the Indian's honesty and integrity. - -Mrs. Norris, a daughter of Judge Brown, gives some particulars relating -to Logan, which are highly interesting. She says: "Logan supported -himself by killing deer and dressing their skins, which he sold to the -whites. He had sold quite a quantity to one De Yong, a tailor, who lived -in Fuguson's valley, below the Gap. Tailors, in those days, dealt -extensively in buckskin breeches. Logan received his pay, according to -stipulation, in wheat. The wheat, on being taken to the mill, was found -so worthless that the miller refused to grind it. Logan was much -chagrined, and attempted in vain to obtain redress from the tailor. He -then took his case before his friend Brown, then a magistrate; and on -the Judge's questioning him as to the character of the wheat, and what -was in it, Logan sought for words in vain to express the precise nature -of the article with which the wheat was adulterated, but said that it -resembled in character the wheat itself. - -"It must have been _cheat_," said the Judge. - -"Yoh!" said Logan, "that very good name for him." - -A decision was given in Logan's favor, and a writ given to him to hand -to the constable, which, he was told, would bring the money for the -skins. But the untutored Indian—too uncivilized to be dishonest—could -not comprehend by what magic this little bit of paper would force the -tailor against his will to pay for the skins. The Judge took down his -own commission, with the arms of the king upon it, and explained to him -the first principles and operations of civil law. "Law good," said -Logan; "make rogues pay." - -But how much more efficient the law which the Great Spirit had impressed -upon the Indian's heart—_to do unto others as he would be done by_. - -When one of Judge Brown's children was just learning to walk, its mother -happened to express a regret that she could not get a pair of shoes to -support its first efforts. Logan, who stood by, overheard the remark, -but apparently paid no attention to it, although he had determined in -his own mind that the want of shoes should not hinder the little girl in -her first attempts. Two or three days passed, and the remark had been -forgotten by all save the chieftain, when, happening into their house, -he asked the mother if she would allow the child to go with him, and -spend the day at his cabin. Mrs. B. could not divine the reason of such -a request, and all her suspicions were aroused at the idea of placing -her little cherub in the hands of one whose objects she could not -understand. The proposition alarmed her, and, without giving a decided -negative, she hesitated to comply. The matter was left to her husband, -who urged her to consent, representing the delicacy of Logan's feelings, -his sensitiveness, and his character for truth and plain dealing. With -much reluctance, but with apparent cheerfulness, the mother at length -complied, although her heart was filled with forebodings, as she saw her -little one disappear in the woods in the arms of the chieftain. Slowly -passed the sad hours away, and the poor mother could do nothing but -think of her absent one, in the hands of a savage warrior, the natural -enemy of the pale-face. As the day drew to a close, she took her station -at the window, and watched with the most intense solicitude for the -return of her child; but hour after hour passed away without bringing -any relief to her anxious heart. A thousand vague fears and conjectures -filled her mind with the many tales of Indian barbarity and treachery -which she had heard, and as the shades of evening drew around the -landscape, and her little one had not returned, she felt that to hear of -her death at the hands of the chief would be a relief to her overwrought -brain. Her husband endeavored to calm her agitated feelings, and soothe -her into confidence in the integrity of Logan—but with little effect; -and it is probable that her apprehensions would have driven her to go to -the cabin of the Indian in search of her child. Just after the sun went -down, however, he made his appearance in the dim twilight, bearing the -little treasure in his arms, who seemed delighted with her conductor for -her arms were thrown about his neck as he bore her along with firm and -rapid steps to her home. The mother's heart leaped with joy as she -recognized the persons of the chief and the child. She sprung from her -chair, where she had passed so many anxious moments, and prepared to -receive the little one, around whom had been concentrated all her -maternal feelings that tiresome, lonely, and weary day. A few brief -moments, which to her seemed hours, brought the chief to the door, where -he released the child from its embrace, and sat it down upon the floor. -The mother caught it in her arms and hugged it to her bosom, while the -father addressed his thanks to the proud and gratified chief for a pair -of beautiful little moccasins, adorned with beads and all the fancy work -of an Indian's taste, which covered and supported the feet of the little -girl. During all that day, which had been so tedious and full of anxiety -to the mother, Logan had been engaged in constructing and ornamenting -the little gift, by which he intended to show his appreciation of the -many favors he had received at the parents' hands. - -Logan was called a Mingo chief, or Mengwe, whose father was chief of the -Cayugas, whom he succeeded. His parent being attached, in a remarkable -degree, to the benevolent James Logan, after whom he named his son. The -name is still perpetuated among the Indians. For magnanimity in war, and -greatness of soul in peace, few, in any nation, ever surpassed Logan. He -was inclined to friendship with the whites; nothing but aggravated -wrongs succeeded in making him their enemy. He took no part in the -French wars, ending in 1770, except that of peacemaker—was always -acknowledged to favor us, until the year 1774, when his brother, and -several others of the family, were murdered. - -The particulars were these. In the spring of that year some Indians were -reported to have robbed the people upon the Ohio river, who were in that -country, exploring the lands, and preparing for settlements. These -land-jobbers, becoming alarmed at what they considered the hostile -character of the Indians, collected themselves at a place called Whiting -creek, the site of the present town of Wheeling, and, learning that -there were two Indians on the river above, Captain Michael Cresap, -belonging to the exploring party, proposed to fall upon and kill them. - -His advice was first opposed, then followed—the two Indians were slain. -The same day, it being reported that there were Indians below Wheeling, -on the river, Cresap and his party immediately marched to the place, and -at first appeared to show themselves friendly, suffering the Indians to -pass by them unmolested, to encamp still lower down, at the mouth of -Grove Creek. Cresap now followed, attacked and killed several, having -one of his own men wounded by the fire of the savages. Here some of the -family of Logan were slain. This affair was exceedingly aggravating, -inasmuch as the whites pretended no provocation. - -Soon after this the whites committed another unprovoked outrage upon the -Indian encampment, about thirty miles above Wheeling, on the opposite -side of the river. A white man by the name of Greathouse lived opposite -the encampment. He collected a party of thirty-two men, who secreted -themselves, while he, under pretense of a friendly visit, crossed the -river to ascertain the number of the Indians. On counting them, he found -they were too numerous for his own party. These Indians had heard of the -late murder of their friends, and had resolved to be revenged. -Greathouse did not know of the danger he was incurring, until a squaw -advised him of it, in friendly caution to "go home." He then invited the -Indians to come over the river and drink with him, this being a part of -his plan for separating them, that they might be more easily destroyed. -The offer was accepted by a good many, who, being collected at a tavern -in the white settlement, were treated freely to liquor, and all killed, -except a little girl. Among the murdered was a brother and sister of -Logan. - -The remaining Indians, upon the other side of the river, upon hearing -the firing, sent off two canoes with armed warriors, who, as they -approached the shore, were fired upon by the whites, who lay concealed -awaiting them. Nothing prevented their taking deadly aim, so that their -fire was terribly destructive, and the canoes were obliged to return. -This affair took place in May, 1774. These were the events which led to -a horrid Indian war, in which many innocent families were sacrificed to -satisfy the vengeance of an injured, incensed people. A calm followed -the first outbreak; but it was the calm which precedes the storm, and -lasted only while the tocsin of war was being sounded among the distant -nations. - -In July of the same year, Logan, at the head of eight warriors, struck a -blow upon some inhabitants in Michigan, where no one expected it. He -left the settlement of the Ohio, which all supposed would be first -attacked in case of war, and hence the reason of his great successes. -His first attack was upon three men who were pulling flax in a field. -One was shot down, and the two others taken. These were marched into the -wilderness, and, as they approached the Indian town, Logan gave the -scalp halloo, and they were met by the inhabitants, who conducted them -in. Running the gauntlet was next to be performed. Logan took no delight -in torture, and he instructed one of the prisoners how to proceed to -escape the severities of the gauntlet. This same captive, whose name was -Robison, was afterward sentenced to be burned, but Logan, though not -able to rescue him by his eloquence, with his own hand cut the cords -which bound him to the stake, and caused him to be adopted into an -Indian family. Robison afterward became Logan's scribe, and wrote for -him the letter, tied to a war-club, which was left, that same season, at -the house of a family cut off by the Indians, and which served to alarm -the inhabitants, and to call out the militia for their protection. It -ran thus: - -"CAPTAIN CRESAP: What did you kill my people on Yellow Creek for? The -white people killed my kin at Conestoga, a great while ago, and I -thought nothing of that. But you killed my kin again on Yellow Creek, -and took my cousin prisoner. Then I thought I must kill, too; and I have -been to war three times since. But the Indians are not angry—only -myself. - - "CAPTAIN JOHN LOGAN." - -There was a chief among the Shawanese more renowned as a warrior than -even Logan at that time. Cornstalk was his name, and to him seems to -have fallen the principal direction of the war which was now begun. We -do not propose to give a detailed history of the fierce struggle which -followed; but some account of the great battle at Point Pleasant cannot -be uninteresting. - -General Lewis, with eleven hundred men, gave battle to fifteen hundred -savage warriors, under Logan, Cornstalk, Ellinipsico (Cornstalk's son,) -Red Eagle, and other mighty chiefs of the tribes of the Delawares, -Shawanese, Cayugas, Wyandots, and Mingoes. The battle began a little -after sunrise, on a narrow point of land, between the Ohio and the Great -Kanawha rivers. The breastworks of the Indians, constructed of -brushwood, extended from river to river; their plan of attack was the -best conceivable, for in the event of victory on their part, not a -Virginian would have escaped. They had stationed men on both sides of -the river, to prevent the escape of such as might attempt it, by -swimming from the apex of the triangle made by the confluence of the two -rivers. The Virginians, like their opponents, covered themselves with -trees, or whatever shelter offered; but the Indians had every advantage. -Hour after hour the battle lasted, the Indians slowly retreating to -their breastworks, while the Virginians fought with desperate courage, -for life itself was at stake for all of them. Colonel Lewis, brother of -the commanding General, soon fell, under the fire to which his uniform -particularly exposed him. His division was broken, while another -division, under Colonel Fleming, was attacked at the same moment, and -the Colonel received two balls in his left wrist, but continued to -exercise his command with the greatest coolness. His voice was -continually heard: "Advance—outflank the enemy; get between them and the -river. Don't lose an inch of ground!" But his men were about to be -outflanked by the body which had just defeated Lewis, when the arrival -of Colonel Field's division turned the fortune of the day, but not -without severe loss. Colonel Fleming was again wounded by a shot through -the lungs, and Colonel Field was killed while leading on his men. - -The Indians fought with an equal bravery. The voice of Cornstalk was -often heard during the day, above the din of strife, calling on his -warriors in these words: "Be strong! be strong!" and when, by the -repeated charge of the whites, some of his men began to waver, he is -said to have sunk his hatchet in the brain of one who was cowardly -attempting to retreat. - -General Lewis finally decided the contest by getting three companies of -men into the rear of the Indians; these companies got unobserved to -their destination upon Crooked Creek, a little stream running into the -Kanawha, whose high, wood-covered banks sheltered them, while they made -a furious attack upon the backs of the Indians, who, thinking -reinforcements had arrived, fled across the Ohio, and immediately took -up their march for their towns on the Scioto. It was sunset when the -battle ended. - -[Illustration: - - The Mother's Trial—_Page_ 52. -] - -There was a kind of stratagem used in this contest, which was more than -once practiced by the experienced Virginia riflemen, during their fight -with the savages. The soldiers in Colonel Fleming's corps would conceal -themselves behind a tree, or some other shelter, and then hold out their -caps from behind, which the Indians, seeing, would mistake as covering -the heads of their opponents, and shoot at them. The cap being dropped -at the moment, the Indian would dart out from his covert to scalp his -victim, and thus meet a sure death from the tomahawk of his adversary. -This game was practiced only by the "prime riflemen," accustomed to a -backwoods life. - -After this signal defeat, the Indians were prepared to treat for peace. -General Lewis, after burying his dead, took up his perilous and -difficult march, his troops eager to exterminate the Indians; but -Governor Dunmore, having received numerous offers of peace, finally -ordered him to retreat. Lord Dunmore, with a force equal to that of -Lewis, was now at Chilicothe, where he began a treaty, conducted on the -part of the whites with great distrust, who never admitted but a few -Indians at a time into their encampment. The business was commenced by -Cornstalk, in a speech of great length, in which he charged upon the -whites the main cause of the war; and mainly in consequence of the -murder of Logan's family. A treaty, however, was the result of this -conference, and this conference was the result of the Mingo chief's -famous speech, since known throughout both hemispheres. It was not -delivered in Lord Dunmore's camp, for, although desiring peace, Logan -would not meet the whites in council, but remained in his cabin in -sullen silence, until a messenger was sent to him with the treaty, to -know if he consented to its articles. To this messenger he pronounced -that memorable speech: - -"I appeal to any white man to say if he ever entered Logan's cabin -hungry, and I gave him not meat; if he ever came cold and naked, and I -clothed him not. - -"During the course of the last long, bloody war, Logan remained idle in -his cabin, an advocate for peace. Such was my love for the whites, that -my countrymen pointed as they passed, and said: 'Logan is the friend of -the white man.' - -"I had even thought to have lived with you, but for the injuries of one -man. Colonel Cresap, the last spring, in cold blood, and unprovoked, -murdered all the relations of Logan, not even sparing his women and -children. - -"There was not a drop of my blood in the veins of any living creature. -This called on me for revenge; I have sought it. I have killed many—I -have fully glutted my vengeance. For my country I rejoice at the beams -of peace. But do not harbor a thought that mine is the joy of fear. -Logan never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life. -Who is there to mourn for Logan? Not one!" - -Cornstalk, a chief excelling even Logan in natural nobility of -character, and great bravery, who conducted the battle and the treaty, -lost his life within a year from that time, under circumstances painful -to all lovers of justice. - -Upon the breaking out of the Revolution, the year following, the British -Government, through their agents, made the most strenuous efforts to -induce the Indians to take up the tomahawk in behalf of the king, and -were but too successful. Cornstalk, however, actuated by a high-toned -feeling of repugnance at the idea of breaking his plighted faith, and -foreseeing the inevitable issue of the struggle—being, moreover, a firm -and consistent friend of the Americans—refused to take any part in the -contest, and exerted the utmost of his influence to prevent his tribe -from joining the coalition. His efforts proved futile, however, and the -influence of British presents, and the example of the neighboring -tribes, had the effect which he most dreaded. He did not live to see the -result of the struggle, being killed on the spot where he had but a year -before fought so bravely in defense of his home and the graves of his -sires. After the truce between the tribes and Governor Dunmore had been -agreed upon, a fort was erected at Point Pleasant to commemorate the -battle and keep the Indians in check, and to this fort Cornstalk, after -finding that his efforts to preserve that compact intact would be -unavailing, repaired to explain the position of affairs to its -commanding officer, Captain Arbuckle, and take his advice as to what -course he should pursue. Red-hawk, the Delaware chief, who had also -fought so bravely at Point Pleasant, and who was likewise opposed to -resuming the hatchet, accompanied him in his visit. The chieftain -explained in the fullest manner the state of affairs among the Indians, -and informed Arbuckle that he should be unable to restrain his tribe, -who seemed determined to dig up the hatchet, and once more commence an -exterminating war against the settlers. Under these circumstances, -Arbuckle felt himself justified in detaining the chief and his companion -as hostages, supposing that the fact of their principal leader being in -the hands of the Americans would have the effect of deterring his tribe -from active hostilities. Thinking themselves that such a result might -follow, and earnestly desirous of not taking part in the contest, which -they knew must follow if they returned to their people, they remained -willing captives in the hands of Arbuckle, little dreaming of the fate -which awaited them, and giving all the information which they possessed -regarding the anticipated movements of the various tribes, and of the -British agents among them. - -The young chief, Ellinipsico, becoming anxious at the protracted absence -of his father, set out in search of him, and, having traced him to the -fort, he made his appearance on the opposite side of the river, and, -being recognized by the chieftain, permission was given him to enter the -fort, where the meeting between them was of the most affecting nature. -They entertained for each other the warmest feelings of affection, which -the young man displayed on the present occasion, by the enthusiastic -manner in which he embraced his parent, and sought to show his joy at -meeting him. - -The hostages had been quartered in one of the cabins within the pickets -of the fort, which, from its position, afforded safety and -security—although they were not confined thereto, but allowed the range -of the inclosure, and thither they bent their steps, and father and son -sat down to take counsel in the present state of affairs. Ellinipsico, -in common with the young men of his tribe, was in favor of joining in -the war, being anxious to distinguish himself, and win his way by feats -of arms to the proud position which would be his own inheritance on the -death of his father. From such a course, Cornstalk endeavored to -dissuade him with all the eloquence for which he was distinguished—but -with little effect. The young man felt the unconquerable enmity of his -race toward the white men, and burned to wash out in their blood the -many wrongs and injuries he had received at their hands. The afternoon -and evening having been spent in conversation upon this subject, without -any result, the chieftain and his son laid down to sleep on the floor of -their cabin—the last sleep they were destined to take this side of -eternity. - -On the morning after the arrival of Ellinipsico, two men of the -garrison, named Hamilton and Gillmore, started out to hunt on the -opposite side of the Kanawha river, not dreaming of any danger to be -apprehended from the Indians, hostilities not having as yet commenced. -On their return about noon, they were fired upon by two Indians, who had -come across the Ohio to reconnoiter the fort, and hidden themselves in -the weeds and brush, and Gillmore was killed. Colonel Stewart and -Captain Arbuckle were standing on the opposite shore when the firing was -heard, and expressed their surprise to one another at the occurrence, as -strict orders had been given against all firing in the immediate -vicinity of the fort. While anxiously awaiting a solution to the -mystery, they discovered Hamilton on the other bank, who called to them, -told them that Gillmore had been killed, and entreated them to send a -canoe across to his relief. Captain Hall was dispatched with several men -to the relief of the fugitive, and in a few moments they stood by his -side. - -A careful search in the adjacent bushes discovered the body of their -comrade, shot through the head, and scalped. Placing the bloody corpse -in the canoe, they recrossed the river, and with feelings of dire -revenge demanded the lives of the hostages in the fort. Pale with rage, -and terribly excited at the murder of one of his companions, Captain -Hall placed himself at the head of his men, and marched toward the fort, -threatening death to the unarmed hostages. Captain Arbuckle and several -of the officers threw themselves in their way, and endeavored to prevent -the execution of their bloodthirsty purpose; but this only excited the -passions of the soldiers to the most ungovernable pitch, and cocking -their pieces, they threatened death to all who interfered between them -and their victims. Arbuckle was forced to give way, and witness a scene -he was unable to prevent, and the exasperated men rushed into the fort. -The interpreter's wife, who had been a captive among the Indians, and -felt an affection for them, rushed to the cabin to inform them that -Captain Hall's men were advancing to put them to death, because they -entertained the idea that the Indians who had killed their comrade had -come with Ellinipsico the day previous. This Ellinipsico earnestly -denied, averring that he had come alone, with the only purpose of -meeting his father, and without dreaming of hostility. The clamor -without announced the rapid approach of their executioners, and -Ellinipsico, being highly excited at the idea of being put to death for -a wrong he had not committed, showed considerable agitation. The veteran -chief, however, had faced death on too many battle-fields to be alarmed -at his approach now, and endeavored to reassure his son, and induce him -to die as became the child of such a sire. "If the Great Spirit," said -he, "has decided that I should die, my son, and has sent you here to die -with me, you should submit to your fate as becomes a warrior and a -chief." With courage revived by the exhortation of his father, -Ellinipsico prepared to meet with composure the death which he saw was -inevitable. Covering his face with his hands that he might not see his -executioners, he calmly awaited the stroke which was to deprive him of -life, and send him to the "happy hunting grounds" of his race. As the -door of the cabin was burst open, Cornstalk rose with dignity, and -presented his breast to the rifles of the infuriated soldiers. Seven -bullets pierced his noble form, and he died without a struggle. His son -was killed at the same instant, and both fell to the ground together. -Red-hawk, who had endeavored to hide himself, was dragged from his place -of concealment and killed, as was another Indian who was in the fort, -and who was fearfully mangled in the struggle. - -"Thus," says Withers, in his Indian chronicles, "perished the mighty -Cornstalk, sachem of the Shawnees, and king of the Northern confederacy -in 1774—a chief remarkable for many great and good qualities. He was -disposed to be, at all times, the friend of the white men, as he was -ever the advocate of honorable peace. But when his country's wrongs -summoned him to the battle, he was the thunderbolt of war, and made his -enemies feel the weight of his arm. His noble bearing, his generous and -disinterested attachment to the colonies, his anxiety to preserve the -frontiers of Virginia from desolation and death, all conspired to win -for him the esteem and respect of others; while the untimely and -perfidious manner of his death caused a deep and lasting feeling of -regret to pervade the bosoms, even of those who were enemies to his -nation, and excited the indignation of all toward his inhuman -murderers." - -We would not be thought the apologist for a deed like that which has -been narrated; but, at the same time, cannot join the cry which is -raised against it by those authors who stigmatize it is a "cruel, -bloodthirsty, inhuman, fiendlike murder." All the harshest terms in our -language have been hurled at the heads of those who were engaged in it, -and with great injustice. Cruel and bloodthirsty it undoubtedly was, but -it was the natural consequence of the war which was waged between the -white and red-men, in which revenge for injuries inflicted was held to -be a sacred duty. Stone, with great want of candor, omits to mention the -fact that Hall and his companions entertained the idea that the Indians -who had accompanied Ellinipsico had killed their fellow soldier; but, in -language of the severest cast, would lead us to suppose their act a -mean, cowardly, cold-blooded massacre. He says: "A party of ruffians -assembled, under command of a Captain Hall—not to pursue or punish the -perpetrators of the murder, but to fall upon the friendly and peaceable -Indians in the fort." What would have been the conduct of the Indians -under similar circumstances? The pages of his own work exhibit many -instances of similar cruelty and revengeful practice on their part; and -even Brant himself is not free from it. - -True, in the present case, the perpetrators were white men, civilized -and enlightened; but in the long and bloody wars of extermination which -they had waged with the savages, they had learned their mode of warfare; -in fact, they could not hope for success in any other way, and the long -account of murders, massacres, burnings at the stake, and inhuman -tortures, which, even at the present day, thrill the blood with horror, -had exasperated the feelings of those men who were surrounded by the -actual reality, and expected no better fate themselves at the hands of -Indians, should they be so unfortunate as to be captured, and they lost -sight of the dictates of justice in the all-powerful and blinding spirit -of revenge. - -[Illustration: - - The Women Defending the Wagon.—_Page_ 8. -] - - - - - TALES, - - TRADITIONS AND ROMANCE - - OF - - BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. - - WOMEN DEFENDING THE WAGON. - CAPTIVITY OF JONATHAN ALDER - MOODY THE REFUGEE. - THE LEAP FOR LIFE. - - NEW YORK: - BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, - 118 WILLIAM STREET. - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by - BEADLE AND COMPANY, - In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for - the Southern District of New York. - - - - - THE - WOMEN DEFENDING THE WAGON. - - -Between the Blue Ridge and the western range of the Alleghany Mountains, -in the northern part of the State of Virginia, is located Shenandoah -County, which derives its name from the beautiful river, one branch of -which flows through its entire length, from south to north. Its county -seat is Woodstock, a thriving town, with a population of between one and -two thousand inhabitants. This place was settled, previous to the French -and Indian war, by hardy German yeomanry from Pennsylvania, who were -tempted to leave the rugged hills of the Keystone State, by the glowing -reports which had reached their ears of the surprising fertility and -beauty of the valley of the Shenandoah. Gathering up their household -goods, they turned their backs upon the homes of their first choice, and -took their way through pathless forests to "the promised land." Arrived -at their new home, they selected the site of the present flourishing -town as the nucleus of the settlement, and commenced, with a will, the -laborious task of felling the forest and the erection of their homes. A -stockade fort was erected as a protection against the incursions of -predatory bands of Indians. A short time sufficed to place them in -circumstances which, if not actually flourishing, were comparatively -thrifty, and so far promising as to the future, that they were led to -look forward with hope to a long continued prosperity. They were a -plain, frugal and industrious people, unacquainted with the luxuries and -only desiring the substantial requisites of an humble life, which were -furnished in abundance by the fertile soil of the valley in which they -had taken up their abode. A traveler among them during the French and -Indian war thus speaks of their happy condition: - -"I could not but reflect with pleasure upon the situation of these -people, and think, if there is such a thing as true happiness, in this -life, they enjoy it. Far from the bustle of the world, they live in the -most delightful climate and possess the richest soil imaginable. They -are everywhere surrounded by beautiful prospects and sylvan scenes. -Lofty mountains, transparent streams, falls of water, rich valleys and -majestic woods—the whole interspersed with an infinite variety of -flowering shrubs—constitute the landscape surrounding them. They are -subject to few diseases, are generally robust, and live in perfect -liberty. They are ignorant of want, and are acquainted with few vices. -Their inexperience of the elegancies of life precludes any regret that -they have not the means of enjoying them; but they possess what many -princes would give half their dominions for—health, content and -tranquility of mind." - -Among others who had been attracted to this valley by the glowing -accounts of its fertility and comparative security, were two heads of -families by the names of Sheits and Taylor. The former was of German -parentage, the latter of English birth, but having both married American -women, and being drawn together by that bond of sympathy which, in a new -country, where danger is a common heritage, unites with a stronger tie -than that of blood—they were more like one family than two separate -households. - -Being driven from their homes by the massacre of two of their neighbors -and their families, they hastily collected a few necessaries, placed -them, with their wives and children, in a wagon, to which was attached -their respective horses, and started in search of a new home. Woodstock -was the nearest town, or station, where there was a fort, and toward -that place they directed their steps. - -The family of Taylor embraced himself, wife, and three children, while -that of Sheits numbered but three—himself, wife, and one child. The few -articles which the limited room in the wagon, and the hurried nature of -their departure allowed them to remove, were a chest of drawers, which -was a gift from the parents of Mrs. T., a feather bed, also a parental -gift to Mrs. S., a brass kettle or two, some few culinary articles, and -the axes and rifles of the men. These and their horses, and a stout farm -wagon, were all they had saved, yet they were well content to come off -with their lives, and trudged along, satisfied if they could but reach a -haven of safety from the barbarities which had been inflicted upon their -less fortunate neighbors and friends. - -The greater portion of their way lay through the forest, where every -sound to their affrighted ears gave token of an enemy lurking in their -path, and the rustling of a leaf, or the sighing wind, awoke their -fears, and called up their latent courage. This had been passed, -however, in safety, and they had reached the brow of the hill from -whence they had a view of the beautiful valley below, where they hoped -to find a haven of rest. Pausing for a moment to admire the scene which -opened before them, they gave vent to their feelings in eulogies upon -the lovely landscape, and words of encouragement to their wives and -children. Alas, as they spoke, the deadly rifle of a concealed foe was -leveled full at their breasts, and the savage red-skin was thirsting for -their blood, within a few feet of them. Hidden by the thick underbrush -which grew up by the side of the road, five tawny warriors, painted and -bedecked with their war feathers, lay crouching like wild beasts, ready -to spring upon their prey. Just as they started to resume their way, and -descend the hill toward the settlement, the crack of two rifles, the -whizzing of two leaden messengers, and the fall of their husbands, -alarmed the women and widowed them at the same instant. The aim had been -sure, and both the men fell without a groan, pierced through the heart -with a bullet from an unerring rifle. Quick as the flash from a summer -cloud were all their hopes of safety and future happiness blasted, -stricken to the earth with the fall of their husbands. No cry escaped -the now bereaved women. Their feelings were too deep for utterance, nor -was there any time for grief or repining. Left in an instant -self-dependent, they looked around for the foe and for means of defense. -Nothing was within reach but the axes of their husbands; these they -seized, awaiting the onset of the savages. They had not long to wait. -Pushing aside the foliage, the five warriors sprang, with a grunt of -satisfaction, from the thicket into the road, and made for the wagon to -secure their prisoners. The first who came up seized the son of Mrs. -Taylor, and endeavored to drag him from the wagon, but the little fellow -resisted manfully, looking, meanwhile, up into his mother's face, as if -to implore protection at her hands. The appeal was not lost upon her. -Seizing, with both hands, the axe of her husband, and swinging it around -her head, she brought it down, with all the vengeful force of her arm, -upon the shoulder of the Indian, inflicting a wound which sent him off -howling with pain. Turning to another, she served him in like manner, -while Mrs. Sheits had sent a third back to his lair with a severe blow -across the hand which severed all his fingers. The other two were wise -enough to keep without the reach of their blows, but endeavored to -intimidate them by terrific yells and brandished tomahawks. Nothing -daunted, however, the heroic women maintained their attitude of defense, -until wearied of their efforts, and, fearing the approach of relief from -the garrison of the fort, the two unwounded Indians rushed into the -thicket for their rifles, to end the conflict. Taking advantage of this -opportunity, the women started the horses, and the red-skins, not daring -to pursue them, they were permitted to reach the fort in safety, from -which a party set out to bring in the dead and scalped bodies of their -husbands. - -Stories of such danger and fortitude as this can be but dimly realized -by the women of to-day. Yet the annals of our early history are all too -painfully darkened by such records; and it is well for the heroes of the -prosperous present to know through what hardships this rich inheritance -was secured to them. Emigration did not stop in Virginia any more than -it had rested in Pennsylvania: - - "Westward to the star of empire takes its way;" - -and the glorious Valley of the Mississippi won forward the daring steps -of the pioneers. It is known how long and terrible was the contest by -which Kentucky was wrested, inch by inch, from her ancient owners, until -her lovely soil, baptized in sorrow, received the name of the "dark and -bloody ground." Here, as always where there is a chance for her -development, and she is permitted to play her free part by the side of -man, woman did her share of the onerous work, and had her share of the -perils. One of the most terrible of the family histories of that period -is the following, of the household of a widow, by the name of Shanks, -full particulars of which are given in the history of Kentucky. - -On the night of the 10th of April, 1787, the house of Mrs. Shanks, on -Cooper's Run, in Bourbon County, was attacked by Indians. This house, -which was a double cabin, consisting of two rooms, with an open way -between, contained, at the time the assault was made, besides the widow -herself, a widowed daughter, three other daughters, a young girl, and -two sons of adult age. Although the hour was near midnight, one of the -young men still remained up, and in the opposite room a sister was -busily engaged at the loom. - -An hour before, while they were yet unconscious of the actual presence -of Indians, the suspicions of the son was aroused by the cry of owls, -hooting to each other in the adjoining wood, in a rather unusual manner, -and by the terror and excitement of the horses, who were enclosed, as -customary, in a pound near the house. - -Several times the young man was on the point of awaking his brother, but -as often refrained, through fear of being ridiculed for his timidity. At -length hasty steps were heard without, and then came several sharp -knocks at the door, accompanied by the usual question of the wayfarer, -"Who keeps this house?" spoken in very good English. - -He hastily advanced to withdraw the bolt which secured the door, -supposing the new comer to be some benighted settler, when his mother, -whose greater experience had probably detected the Indian accent, -instantly sprang out of bed, and warned her son that the men outside -were savages. - -The other son being by this time aroused, the two young men, seizing -their rifles, which were always charged, prepared to repel the enemy. -Conscious that their true character was discovered, the Indians now -strove to break in the door; but a single shot from the loop-hole -compelled them to shift their point of attack, when, unfortunately, they -discovered the door of the other cabin, which contained the three -daughters. - -By some oversight in the construction of the cabin, none of the loops -enabled the brothers to cover the door of the room in which their -sisters were. The Indians soon forced it open by means of rails taken -from the yard fence. The girls being thus placed at the mercy of the -savages, one was instantly secured; but the eldest defended herself -desperately with a knife, and succeeded in mortally wounding a savage -before she was tomahawked. The youngest girl darted out into the yard, -and might have escaped in the darkness; but the poor creature ran around -the house, and, wringing her hands in terror, kept crying out that her -sisters were killed. - -The brothers, agonized almost to madness by her cries, were prepared to -sally out to her assistance, when their mother stayed them, and calmly -declared that the child must be abandoned to her fate. The next instant, -the child uttered a loud scream, followed by a few faint moans, and then -all was silent. - -That portion of the house which had been occupied by the daughters was -now set on fire, and the flames soon communicating to the opposite room, -the brothers were compelled to fling open the door, and attempt to seek -safety by flight. - -The old lady, supported by her eldest son, sought to cross the fence at -one point, while the widowed daughter, with her child in her arms, and -attended by the younger of the brothers, ran in a different direction. -The blazing roof shed a light over the yard but little inferior to that -of day, and the savages were distinctly seen awaiting the approach of -their victims. The old lady was permitted to reach the stile unmolested, -but, in the act of crossing, received several balls in her breast, and -fell dead. Her son providentially remained unhurt, and, by extraordinary -agility, effected his escape. The other brother, being assailed by the -Indians, defended his sister desperately for some time, and drew the -attention of the savages so closely to himself, that she succeeded in -eluding their vigilance. The brave and devoted young man was less -fortunate; he fell beneath repeated blows from the tomahawks of his -enemies, and was found at daylight, scalped and mangled in a most -shocking manner. - -Of the whole family, consisting of eight persons when the attack -commenced, only three escaped. Four were killed on the spot, and one, -the second daughter, carried off prisoner. - -The alarm was soon given, and by daylight thirty men were assembled -under Colonel Edwards, who pursued the Indian trail at a gallop, -tracking the footsteps of the savages in the snow. The trail led -directly into the mountainous country bordering upon Licking, and -afforded evidences of great precipitation on the part of the Indians. -Unfortunately, a hound had been permitted to accompany the whites, and, -as the trail became fresh, and the scent warm, she pursued it with -eagerness, baying loudly and giving alarm to the savages. The -consequence of this imprudence was soon displayed. The enemy, finding -the pursuit keen, and perceiving the strength of their prisoner -beginning to fail, instantly sank their tomahawks in her head, and left -her, still warm and bleeding, upon the snow. As the whites came up, she -retained strength enough to wave her hand in token of recognition, and -appeared desirous of giving them some information in regard to the -enemy; but her strength was too far gone. Her brother sprang from his -horse, and endeavored to stop the effusion of blood, but in vain. She -gave him her hand, muttered some inarticulate words, and expired within -two minutes after the arrival of the party. - -The pursuit was renewed with additional ardor, and, in twenty minutes, -the enemy was within view. They had taken possession of a narrow ridge, -magnifying their numbers in the eyes of the whites, by running rapidly -from tree to tree, and maintaining a steady yell in their most appalling -tones. - -The pursuers, however, were too experienced to be deceived by so common -an artifice. Being satisfied that the number of the enemy must be -inferior to their own, they dismounted, tied their horses, and flanking -out in such a manner as to enclose the savages, ascended as rapidly as -was consistent with a due regard to the shelter of their persons. - -The firing commenced, and now they discovered, for the first time, that -only two Indians were opposed to them. They had voluntarily sacrificed -themselves for the safety of the main body, and had succeeded in -delaying pursuit until their friends could reach the mountains. One of -them was shot dead, and the other was badly wounded, as was evident from -the blood upon his blanket, as well as that which filled the snow for a -considerable distance. The pursuit was recommenced, and urged keenly -until night, when the trail entered a running stream, and was lost. - -We know of nothing more powerfully illustrating the life led by the -women of those days, than the following statements, brief and simple as -they are, made in the record of General Samuel Dale: - -"About this time Joe Horn and Dave Calhoun went to their clearings to -plant corn, very imprudently taking their wives and children with them, -who camped in the field. Being both off hunting one day, the prowling -savages made a clean sweep of these two families. The poor, -heart-stricken husbands, almost crazy, returned to the fort, and the -whole night was passed by all of us in lamentations and vows of -vengeance. - -"For several months after this, we were not troubled, and my brother and -myself were boarded about ten miles off, at Halbert McClure's, to go to -school. Returning, one morning, from a visit home, we fell in with old -Mr. Bush, of Castlewood Fort, who informed us that he saw Shawnee -'signs' about, and that we must go back to Glade Hollow, and give the -alarm. Unfortunately, father had left, the day before, for the salt -works, on Holton river, and mother and the children were alone. About -nine at night, we saw two Indians approaching. Mother immediately threw -a bucket full of water on the fire, to prevent their seeing us, made us -lie on the floor, bolted and barred the door, and posted herself there -with an ax and a rifle. We never knew why they desisted from an attack, -or how father escaped, who rode up three hours afterward. - -"In two or three days all of us set out for Clinch Mountain, to the -wedding of Hoppy Kincaid, a clever young fellow from Holston, and Sally -McClure, a fine, bouncing girl of seventeen, modest and pretty, yet -fearless and free. We knew the Shawnees were about—that our fort and -household effects must be left unguarded, and might probably be -destroyed—that we incurred the risk of a fight, or an ambuscade, -capture, or even death, on the road; but in those days, in that wild -country, folks did not calculate consequences closely, and the -temptation to a frolic, a feast, a wedding, a dance till daylight, and -often for several days together, was not to be resisted, and off we -went. - -"In half an hour we fell in with Captain Barnett, and twenty men from -Holston, who warned us that Indians were about, and that he was scouting -for them. Father, ever eager for a fight, joined this company, and we -trudged on to Clinch Mountain. Instead of the bridal party, the -well-spread table, the ringing laughter, and the sounding feet of buxom -dancers, we found a pile of ashes and six or seven ghastly corpses, -tomahawked and scalped! Poor Hardy McClure was dead; several others lay -around. One daughter was still breathing, but soon expired. Mrs. -McClure, her infant, and three other children, including Sally, the -intended bride, had been carried off by the savages. They soon tore the -poor infant from its mother's arms, and killed it, that she might travel -faster. - -"While they were scalping this child, Peggy McClure, a girl twelve years -old, perceived a sink-hole at her feet, and dropped silently into it. It -communicated with a ravine, down which she ran, and brought the news -into the settlement. The Indians were too apprehensive of pursuit to -search for her. The same night Sally, who had been tied and forced to -lie down between two warriors, contrived to loosen her thongs and make -her escape. She struck for the cane-brake, then for the river, and, to -conceal her trail, resolved to descend it. It was deep wading, and the -current was so rapid, she had to fill her petticoat with gravel to -steady herself. She soon, however, recovered confidence, returned to -shore, and finally reached the still-smoking homestead about dark next -evening. A few neighbors, well armed, had just buried the dead. Kincaid -was among them. The last prayer had been said when the orphan girl stood -among them, and was soon in the arms of her lover. Resolved to leave no -more to chance, at his entreaty, and by the advice of all, the weeping -girl gave her consent, and, by the grave of the household, and near the -ruined dwelling, they were immediately married." - -Can imagination add anything to this vivid picture? - - - - - CAPTIVITY OF JONATHAN ALDER. - - -The narrative of the captivity of Jonathan Alder is one of great -interest and value, being a source from whence can be derived much -important information regarding the customs, habits and manners of the -Indians, among whom he spent fifteen years of his early life. We regret -that it is impossible to give more than an outline sketch of the -incidents connected with his capture and adoption by the savages. - -He was born in New Jersey, but removed with his father to Wythe County, -Virginia, about 1780. In March, 1782, while he and his brother David -were in search of a mare and her foal, which had strayed off into the -woods, they were surprised by the appearance of a small party of -Indians, who darted upon them from behind the trees, and, before -Jonathan had time to make an effort at escape, he found himself in the -grasp of a stalwart warrior, who threatened him with his tomahawk, and -checked the effort, if the idea had risen in his mind. David, however, -started to run, and was pursued by one of the Indians, who soon -returned, leading him by one hand, and with the other holding the handle -of a spear, which he had thrown at him, and which still remained in his -body. On seeing this, another savage stepped up and took hold of the -boy, holding him firmly in his grasp, while the first pulled the spear -out of the wound by main strength. The poor fellow uttered a shriek of -pain at this barbarous surgery, whereupon Jonathan moved toward him and -inquired if he was hurt. He replied that he was, and in a few moments -sank dying to the ground. Jonathan was hurried forward, while one of the -Indians remained with the other boy; but in a few moments made his -appearance with the scalp of David in his hand, and, as he approached, -with an exhibition of the most fiendish delight, he shook the reeking -trophy, from which the blood was still dripping, in the face of the lad, -who was so horror-stricken at the fate of his brother as to be scarcely -able to proceed. Finding it necessary, however, for the salvation of his -own life, he urged himself to his utmost, and they soon overtook the -balance of the party, with whom he found a Mrs. Martin, a neighbor, and -a child, about five years old, whom the Indians had taken captive after -murdering the husband of Mrs. Martin, and all the rest of her family. -They did not long leave her this solace to her misery, but finding the -boy somewhat troublesome, they killed and scalped it, and, to still the -agonizing cries of the broken-hearted mother, one of the inhuman -wretches drew the edge of his knife across her forehead, at the same -time crying "scalp! scalp!" to intimate the fate in store for her if she -did not stop her screams. Finding threats of no avail, they then cut -switches, with which they beat her until she became quiet. One day, as -the boy Alder was sitting on the ground, after eating his dinner, and -being completely worn out with the fatigue of their long and rapid -march, not having risen when ordered to do so, he observed the shadow of -some one standing behind him with a tomahawk in his hand, in the -attitude of striking. He turned suddenly around and beheld a warrior -just in the act of tomahawking him. Finding himself discovered, perhaps, -or struck with the good-natured look which the boy's face wore, he -withheld the blow, and commenced feeling of his head. He afterward told -the boy that the color of his hair had saved his life; for, upon -noticing that it was black and thick, he had thought that he would make -a good Indian, and therefore had concluded to take him to his tribe. - -The party by whom Alder had been taken belonged to the Mingo tribe, -whose village was on the north side of Mad River. After many days of -weary travel, and foot-sore and weary, they arrived in its vicinity. The -usual scalp-yell and whoop, announcing the presence of prisoners in the -party, having been given, the whole village turned out to receive them, -and Alder was obliged to undergo the ordeal of running the gauntlet. Two -rows of Indian boys and girls were stationed in front of the -council-house, armed with switches, and, exhausted as he was, he was -compelled to run between them, and make his way within the door of the -council-house for safety from their blows. Fortunately he accomplished -this with his life, and was soon after adopted into an Indian family, -after being purified of his white blood. This was done by washing him in -a decoction of herbs, with soap; and after being dressed in the Indian -fashion, with shirt, leggins, breech-clouts and moccasins, he was -considered as one of the tribe. It is not to be wondered at that it was -long before he could become in any way reconciled to his new way of -life, and that he should mourn for that home which he never again -expected to see. For all one year, the poor boy longed to return to his -mother, brothers and sisters. Every thing was new and strange to him; he -could not speak a word of their language; their food and manner of life -disagreed with him; and, as if to render his misery more complete, he -suffered dreadfully with the fever and ague. His adopted father was -chief of the tribe, and he, as well as his squaw, endeavored to comfort -him in every way possible, and render his situation comfortable; but -they could not quiet his longings for home, and the poor little fellow -spent many lonely, bitter hours, near the foot of a walnut-tree in the -adjacent forest, weeping over his hard lot. The chief had three -daughters, named Mary, Sally and Hannah. Of these, Sally was harshest, -making Jonathan do all the work, and stigmatizing him as a "mean, lousy -prisoner." Mary, the eldest, married a distinguished Shawnee chief, -called Colonel Lewis, and Jonathan went to live with them for a time. Of -this couple he speaks in the warmest eulogy. He says: "The Indians would -generally collect at our camp evenings, to talk over their hunting -expeditions. I would sit up to listen to their stories, and frequently -fell asleep just where I was sitting. After they left, Mary would fix my -bed, and Colonel Lewis would carefully take me up and carry me to it. On -these occasions they would often say, supposing me to be asleep: 'Poor -fellow, we have set up too long for him, and he has fallen asleep on the -cold ground.' And then how softly would they lay me down and cover me -up. Oh, never have I, nor can I, express the affection I had for these -two persons." - -[Illustration: - - The Captivity of Jonathan Alder.—_Page_ 15. -] - -At the end of a year, or little more, Jonathan acquired their language, -and became in a measure reconciled and contented; but their food, which -was principally hominy and meat, went against him for a long time. As -soon as he grew stout enough to carry a rifle, they gave him an old -musket to begin with, and told him he must learn to hunt. Delighted with -his new trust, and pleased with the idea of becoming a hunter and a -warrior, he devoted himself to learn the use of the piece. His first -essays were made upon mud-turtles, which he would approach as they lay -basking on a rock in the sunshine; and when he had acquired skill enough -to kill them by hitting the rock just beneath them, and thus blowing -them into the air—sometimes to the height of six or seven feet—he tried -his skill upon larger game. Alder remained with the Indians until after -the treaty with Wayne, in 1795. He gives many particulars of great -interest concerning the movements of the Indians during the long and -bloody wars which preceded that propitious event. Peace being -established, and almost all the white prisoners having returned to their -former homes and friends, he began to feel a desire to see his mother -and his relatives again. His long residence among the Indians, however, -had deprived him of all knowledge of the English language, and he had -lost all recollection even of the State in which he had lived. He had -not, therefore, the least clew to aid him in the search. - -Watching his opportunity, however, and having long entertained the idea -of escaping, he at last succeeded in eluding the suspicions of his red -friends, and in beginning his enterprise. Choosing a season of the year -when game and berries were plenty, and stocking his bag with dried -venison, he set out, avowedly, on a hunting expedition; and the true -object of his journey was not suspected for some days after the time of -his expected return. He had nothing to guide him toward the white -settlements, except a knowledge that they lay in a northerly direction. -His skill in woodcraft being equal to that of the Indians', he was -enabled to bear the fatigues and discouragements of his wanderings. A -band of red men, whom he encountered, treated him as one of themselves, -they belonging to a friendly tribe; and, after three weeks of solitary -marches, sleeping at night as the circumstances permitted, he emerged -into a country once familiar to him, but now considerably changed during -the fifteen years of his absence. - -But his friends, nor their surroundings, were not so much changed as -himself. He was not only an Indian in his appearance, but in many of his -feelings. Glad as he was to _get back_, he soon became very home-sick -for the wild life he had abandoned. The clothes, the warm beds, the -chairs, the food and table, the restraints of civilization, were, for a -time, almost insupportable. It was but very gradually that the white -blood of his ancestors begun to stir anew in his veins, and the powerful -ties and instincts of early associations to break up the strong bonds of -more recent habits. He was almost as many years in becoming a white man -as he had been in growing an Indian. - -A writer upon the character of the Indians, in his defense of them, says -that if an Anglo-American were placed in the same circumstances with a -native, he would make a precisely similar person in every trait and -habit. "This averment is sustained by a reference to the white people -who had been taken prisoners in childhood and brought up among the -Indians. In every such case, the child of civilization has become the -ferocious adult of the forest, manifesting all the peculiarities, tastes -and preferences of the native Indian. His manners, habits, propensities -and pursuits have been the same; his fondness for the chase and his -aversion to labor the same; so that the most astute philosophical -observer has been unable to detect any difference, except in the color -of the skin; and, in some instances, even this distinction has been -removed by long exposure to the weather, and the free use of oils and -paints. There have been cases in which the children of white parents, -who have been raised among the Indians from early infancy, have been -taken home, in middle life, to their relatives, but have refused to -remain, and have returned to the tribes in which they were brought up. -One case of this kind occurred within the knowledge of the writer. A -female, captured in infancy, and reared among the Indians, was brought -in by them at the treaty of Greenville, and sent to her parents in -Kentucky. She soon became so discontented and restless that, in spite of -all their efforts, she left them, returned to her former associates, and -was again happy." All of which is doubtless true, but does not disprove -the many barbarous instincts of the red-men. - -In the fall of 1788, Matthias Van Bebber, aged eighteen, and Jacob, aged -twelve years, were out a short distance from Point Pleasant, with a -horse, when they were waylaid by four Indians. Jacob was leading the -horse, and Matthias was a short distance ahead, with a rifle across his -shoulder, when the Indians fired two guns at Matthias. One of the balls -struck him over the eyes, momentarily blinding him; he sprang one side, -and fell into a gully. Jacob, on hearing the report of the guns, fled, -pursued by three of the savages. Matthias, in the mean time, sprang up -and took to a tree. The remaining Indian did the same. The lad brought -up his gun to an aim, the Indian dodged, when the former improved the -opportunity to fly, and escaped to the fort. The other three, after a -tight chase of half a mile, caught Jacob, who, being very active, would -have escaped, had not his moccasins been too large. They then retreated -across the Ohio with their prisoner. He was a sprightly little fellow, -small of his age, and his captors, pleased with him, treated him kindly. -On the first night of their encampment, they took him on their knees and -sang to him. He turned away his head to conceal his tears. - -On arriving at their town, while running the gauntlet between the -children of the place, an Indian boy, much larger than himself, threw a -bone, which struck him on the head. Enraged by the pain, Jacob drew -back, and running with all his force, butted him over, to the great -amusement of the gazing warriors. He was adopted into an Indian family, -where he was used with kindness. On one occasion his adopted father -whipped him, but not severely, which affected his new mother and sister -to tears. After remaining with the tribe about a year, he escaped, -traveling five days through the wilderness to his home. When he arrived -at maturity he was remarkable for his fleetness. None of the Indians who -visited the Point could distance him in running. - -One of the most interesting histories on record of the return of white -prisoners from among the red-men is connected with Boquet's defense of -Fort Pitt, and his expedition from that fort into the wilderness, to -overawe his adversaries by the display of his strength, and to recover -the vast number of men, women and children, held by the savages, -amounting, in all, to over three hundred. Fort Pitt stood on the present -site of Pittsburg, and, at the time of which we write, 1772, was the -only spot, excepting Fort Detroit, from the Falls of Niagara to the -Falls of St. Mary, over which the English flag waved. Our splendid -territories were being ravaged by the Indians; families, who had -effected a home and comforts, being driven back by the tomahawk, with -their scattered remnants, to the East, from which they had emigrated, or -into Fort Pitt, which alone opposed itself to the murderous waves which -dashed against, and threatened to undermine it. It withstood, like Fort -Detroit, a long siege by the savages, was reinforced, the -reinforcements, before reaching the fort, having given battle to, and -defeated the Indians. - -The Indians, disheartened by their overwhelming defeat, and despairing -of success against the fort, now that it was so heavily reinforced, -retired sullenly to their homes beyond the Ohio, leaving the country -between it and the settlement free from their ravages. Communication -being rendered safe, the fugitives were able to return to their friends, -or take possession of their abandoned cabins. By comparing notes, they -were soon able to make out an accurate list of those who were -missing—either killed or prisoners among various tribes—when it was -found to contain the names of more than two hundred men, women and -children. Fathers mourned their daughters, slain or subject to a -captivity worse than death; husbands, their wives, left mangled in the -forest, or forced to follow their savage captors—some with babes at -their breasts, and some, whose offspring would first see the light in -the red-man's wigwam—and loud were the cries for vengeance which went up -on every hand. - -Boquet wished to follow up his success, and march at once into the -enemy's country, and wring from the hostile tribes, by force of arms, a -treaty of peace, which should forever put an end to those scenes of -rapine and murder. But his force was too small, and the season too far -advanced. He matured his plans during the winter, and in the spring -began his preparations. The Indians, in the meantime, had procured -powder from the French, and, as soon as the snow melted, commenced their -ravages along the frontier. The aroused and desperate people of -Pennsylvania furnished a thousand men, and Virginia a corps of -volunteers, which, added to Boquet's five hundred regulars, made a force -of nearly two thousand men, with which he was instructed to advance into -the enemy's territory, and, by one grand movement, crush the offending -tribes. His route was without any water communication, and lay through -the heart of an unbroken wilderness. The expedition was to be carried -out without boats, wagons, or artillery, and without a post to fall back -upon in case of disaster. It was, indeed, an isolated and a novel -affair. It was autumn before all obstacles were overcome, and the army -under way. It struck directly into the trackless forest, with no -definite point in view, and no fixed limit to its advance. It was -intended to overawe by its magnitude—to move, as an awful exhibition of -power, into the heart of the red-man's dominions. Expecting to be shut -up in the forest at least a month, receiving in that time no supplies -from without, it had to carry along an immense quantity of provisions. -Meat, of course, could not be preserved, and so the frontier settlements -were exhausted of sheep and oxen for its support. These necessarily -caused the march to be slow and methodical. The corps of Virginia -volunteers went in front, preceded by three scouting parties—one of -which kept the path—while the two others moved in a line abreast, on -either side, to explore the woods. - -Under cover of these, the ax companies, guarded by two companies of -light infantry, cut two parallel paths, one each side of the main path, -for the troops, pack-horses, and cattle, which followed. First marched -the Highlanders, in column, two deep, in the centre path, and in the -side paths, in single file, abreast—the men six feet apart—and behind -them the corps of reserve, and the second battalion of Pennsylvania -militia. Then came the officers, and pack-horses, followed by the droves -of cattle, filling the forest with their loud complainings. A company of -light-horse walked slowly after these, while the rear-guard closed the -long array. No talking was allowed, and no music cheered the way. In -this order the unwieldy caravan struggled along, neither extremity of -which could be seen from the centre, it being lost amid the -thickly-clustering trunks and foliage in the distance. - -Some days they would make but two or three miles, and again, when the -way was less obstructed, would make ten, fifteen or eighteen miles. On -the fourth day of their march, near some deserted Indian huts, they came -upon the skull of a child, stuck upon a pole. - -There was a large number of men in the army who had wives, children and -friends prisoners among the Indians, and who had accompanied the -expedition for the purpose of recovering them. To these the skull of -this little child brought sad reflections. Some one among them was, -perhaps, its father, while the thought that it might stand as an index, -to tell the fate of all who were captured, made each one shudder. As -they looked at it, bleached by the sun and rain, the anxious heart asked -questions it dared not answer. - -Keeping on their course, they pursued their difficult march, day after -day, much of the time through a tangled wilderness, but occasionally, -from some high point, catching glimpses of marvellous splendor of sky -and scenery, the purpled sunlight of October wrapping all objects in a -kind of enchantment. At times the path was so overgrown with bushes, -that every step had to be cleared with the ax; again, it would be over -marshes, so wet that bridges had to be constructed, to keep the cattle -from sinking; and still again, the men would be cheered by an easy and -rapid day's journey, along the banks of some pleasant stream. Ohio is -even yet renowned for its glorious forests, and these, now dressed in -all the gorgeous coloring of Indian summer, gave frequent pictures of -beauty which impressed the roughest of the sturdy soldiers. - -At length they descended to a small river, which they followed until it -joined the main force of the Muskingum, where a scene of a very -different character awaited them. A little above and below the forks, -the shores had been cultivated, and lined with Indian houses. The place -was called Tuscarora, and, for beauty of situation, could not well be -surpassed. The high, luxuriant banks, the placid rivers, meeting and -flowing on together, the green fields, sprinkled with huts, and bordered -with rich, autumnal foliage, all basking in the mellow October light, -and so out of the way there in the wilderness, combined to form a sweet -picture, which was doubly lovely to them after being so long shut up in -the forest. They reached this beautiful spot Saturday afternoon, and, -the next day being Sunday, they remained in camp, men and cattle being -allowed a day of rest. The latter, revived under the swell of green -grass, and, roaming over the fields, gave a still more civilized aspect -to the quiet scene. The next day, the army moved two miles further down -the Muskingum, and encamped on a high bank, where the stream was three -hundred feet wide. - -The following day six chiefs came into camp, saying that all the rest -were eight miles off, waiting to make peace. Boquet told them he would -be ready to receive them next day. In the meantime he ordered a large -bower to be built, a short distance from camp, while sentinels were -posted in every direction, to prevent surprise, in case treachery was -meditated. - -The next day, the 17th, he paraded the Highlanders and Virginia -volunteers, and, escorted by the light-horse, led them to the bower, -where he disposed them in the most imposing manner, so as to impress the -chiefs, in the approaching interview. The latter, as they emerged from -the forest, were conducted, with great ceremony to the bower, which they -entered with their accustomed gravity, where, without saying a word, -they quietly seated themselves, and commenced smoking. When they had -finished they laid aside their pipes, and drew from their pouches -strings of wampum. The council, being thus opened, they made a long -address, in which they were profuse in their professions of peace, -laying the whole blame of the war on the young men, whom, they said, -they could not control. - -Boquet, not wishing to appear eager to come to a settlement, replied -that he would give his answer the next day, and the council broke up. A -passing storm, however, prevented a meeting of the council until the day -following that first set. Boquet's answer was long and conciliatory; but -the gist of it was that he would make peace on one condition, and no -other—that the Indians should give up all the prisoners in their -possession within ten days. - -Remaining quietly in camp until Monday, he again ordered the tents to be -struck, and recommenced his march, to show his determination to enforce -his commands. In three days he reached the forks of the Muskingum; and, -judging this to be as central a position as he could find, he resolved -to remain there until his mission was accomplished. He ordered four -redoubts to be built, erected several store-houses, a mess-house, a -large number of ovens, and various other buildings for the reception of -captives, which, with the white tents scattered up and down the forks of -the river, made a large settlement in the wilderness, filling the -Indians with alarm. A town with nearly two thousand inhabitants, well -supplied with horses, cattle and sheep, and with ample means of defense, -was well calculated to awaken the gloomiest anticipations in the breasts -of the ancient inheritors. The steady sound of the ax, day after day, -the lowing of cattle, and all the bustle of civilization, echoing along -the banks of the Muskingum, within the very heart of their territory, -was more alarming than the resistless march of a victorious army; and, -anxious to get rid of such unwelcome company, they made every effort to -collect the prisoners scattered amid the various tribes. - -Boquet remained here two weeks, occupied with sending and receiving -messengers who were charged with business relating to the restoration of -the captives. At the end of this time, two hundred and six, the majority -of them women and children, had been received into camp. An hundred more -yet remained in the hands of the Indians. These they solemnly promised -to restore in the spring, and, as the leafless forest, the biting blast, -and occasional flurries of snow, reminded Boquet of the coming on of -winter, he determined to retrace his steps to Fort Pitt. - -These two weeks, during which the prisoners were being brought in, were -filled with scenes of the most intense, and often painful excitement. -Some of the captives had been for many years with the Indians, -recipients of their kindness and love; others had passed from childhood -to maturity among them, till they had forgotten their native language, -and the past was to them, if remembered at all, but a half-forgotten -dream. All of them—men, women and children—were dressed in Indian -costume, and their hair arranged in Indian fashion. Their features, -also, were bronzed by long exposure to the weather, so that they -appeared to have passed more than half way to a purely savage state. As -troop after troop came in, the eager looks and inquiries of those who -had accompanied the army to find their long-lost families and kindred, -made each arrival a most thrilling scene. In some instances, where the -separation had only been for a short time, the recognition was -simultaneous and mutual, and the short, quick cry, and sudden rush into -each other's arms, brought tears to the eyes of the hardy soldiers. In -others, doubt, agony, fear and hope, would in turn take possession of -the heart, chasing each other like shadows over the face, as question -after question was put, to recall some event or scene familiar to both, -till at last a common chord would be touched, when the dormant memory -would awake as by an electric shock, a flood of fond recollections sweep -away all uncertainty, and the lost one be hurried away amid sobs and -cries of joy. Sometimes the disappointed father or brother would turn -sorrowfully away, and, with that hope deferred which maketh the heart -sick, sadly await the arrival of another group. But the most painful -sight was when a mother recognized her own child, which, however, in -turn, persisted in looking on her as a stranger, coldly turning from her -embrace, and clinging to its savage protector; or when a mutual -recognition failed to awaken affection on one side, so entirely had the -heart become weaned from its early attachments. In these cases, the joy -of the captors knew no bounds; the most endearing epithets and caresses -would be lavished on the whilome prisoner. But when they saw them taken -away, torrents of tears attested their sincere affection and grief. The -attitude of intense interest, and the exhibition of uncontrollable -sorrow of these wild children of the forest, on one side, and, on the -other, the ecstatic joy of the white mother as she folded her long-lost -child in her arms, and the deep emotion of the husband as he strained -his recovered wife to his bosom, combined to form one of the most -moving, novel spectacles ever witnessed in the American wilderness. - -One of the captive women had an infant, three months old, at her breast, -born in the Indian's wigwam. A Virginia volunteer instantly recognized -her as his wife, stolen from his log-cabin six months previous, and -rushing forward he snatched her to his bosom, and flew with her to his -tent, where, tearing off the savage costumes of both, he clothed them in -their proper garments. After the first burst of joy was over, he -inquired after his little boy, two years old, who was carried off at the -same time she was made prisoner; but his wife could give no tidings of -him. A few days after, another party of prisoners arrived, in which was -a child whose appearance answered to the description of this little -fugitive. The woman was sent for and the child placed before her. She -looked at it a moment and shook her head. But the next instant the -powerful maternal instinct triumphed, and, recognizing in the little -savage before her her lost darling, she dropped her babe, and snatching -him to her bosom, burst into a torrent of tears. The husband caught the -babe from the ground, and the couple hurried away to his tent. The poor -Indian mother watched their retreating forms, and then burying her head -in her blanket, sobbed aloud. A scene equally affecting occurred between -an aged mother and her daughter, who had been carried off nine years -before, and adopted in a distant tribe. Though the latter had passed -from childhood to womanhood in the forest, differing from other young -squaws only in the tint of her skin, which her wild life could not -wholly bronze, the eyes of the parent detected the features of her child -in the handsome young savage, and calling her by name, she rushed -forward to embrace her. The latter, having forgotten her name and -language, and all her childhood's life, looked on wondering, and turned, -frightened, to her Indian parent. The true mother tried in every way to -recall the memory of her child, and awaken recognition, but in vain. At -length, despairing of success, she gave way to the most passionate -grief. Boquet had been a silent witness of the painful interview. Moved -at the grief of the mother, he approached her, and asked if she could -not recall some song with which she used to sing her child to sleep. -Brightening at the suggestion, she looked up through her tears, and -struck a familiar strain, with which she used to quiet her babe. The -moment the ears of the maiden caught the sound, her countenance changed, -and as the strain proceeded, a strange light stole over her features. -All stood hushed as death, as that simple melody floated out through the -forest, watching with intense interest the countenances of the two -actors in this touching scene. The eager, anxious look of the mother, as -she sang, and the rapidly changing expression of the captive's face as -she listened, awoke the profoundest sympathy of Boquet's generous heart, -so that he could hardly restrain his feelings. Slowly, almost painfully, -the dormant memory awoke from its long sleep; at length the dark cloud -was rent asunder, and the scenes of childhood came back in all the -freshness of their early springtime, and the half-wild young creature -sank in joy on her mother's bosom. - -Some of the children had been so long with their captors that they -regarded them as their true parents, crying bitterly at being separated -from them. Stranger still, the young women had become so attached to -their savage but kind husbands, that, when told they were to be given up -to their white friends, they refused to go; and many of them had to be -bound and brought as prisoners to camp. The promise that they should -take their half-breed children with them, could not change their wishes. -On the other hand, the Indians clung to them with a tenacity and -fondness which made the spectators forget that they were gazing upon -savages. It was pitiful to see their habitual stoicism give way so -completely at the prospect of separation. They made no effort to conceal -their grief; the chieftain's eye, which gleamed like his tomahawk in -battle, now wept like a child's. His strong nature seemed wholly -subdued; his haughty bearing changed to one of humility, as he besought -the white men to treat his pale-face squaw tenderly. His wild life -suddenly lost all its charms, and he hung round the camp to get a sight -of her whom, though she was lost to him, he still loved. He watched near -the log-building in which she was left, leaving it only to bring from -the forests pheasants, wild pigeons, or some delicacy to lay at her -feet. Some of the young captive wives refused to be comforted, and, -using that sagacity they had acquired during their sojourn with the -red-men, managed to escape from their white friends, and, joining their -swarthy lovers, fled with them to the forest. - -The American wilderness never before presented such a spectacle as was -exhibited on the banks of the Muskingum. It was no longer a hostile -camp, but a stage on which human nature was displaying its most noble, -attractive traits; or, rather, a sublime poem, enacted in that lovely -natural temple, whose burden was human affection, and whose great -argument, the common brotherhood of mankind. - -Boquet and his officers were deeply impressed. They could hardly believe -their own eyes when they saw young warriors whose deeds of daring -ferocity had made their names a terror on the frontier, weeping like -children over their bereavement. - -A treaty of peace having been concluded between the various tribes, -Boquet, taking hostages to secure their good behavior, and the return of -the remaining prisoners, broke up his camp on the 18th of November, and -began to retrace his steps towards Fort Pitt. The leafless forest rocked -and roared above the little army, as it once more entered its gloomy -recesses; and that lovely spot on the banks of the Muskingum, which had -witnessed such strange scenes, lapsed again into its primeval quiet. - - - - - MOODY, THE REFUGEE. - - -In about the central part of Sussex county, New Jersey, two miles south -of the village of Newton, the county seat, are two ponds or bodies of -water, which go by the name of the "Big" and "Little Muckshaw." The -lower, or Little Muckshaw, loses itself, at its western extremity, in a -marsh or swamp, which is almost impassable, except after a long drought. -This vicinity possesses some considerable interest, from having been the -haunt of one of those fiends in human shape, who preyed upon the -substance of the patriotic citizens of the neighborhood during that -gloomy period in our Revolutionary contest, when even the Father of his -country was wrapped in despondency at the prospect for the future. - -Bonnel Moody was a ruffian of the deepest dye, and possessed of all -those qualities which constitute an accomplished freebooter and -highwayman. He was cunning as a fox; energetic and determined in the -pursuit of an object; void of all pity or remorse; avaricious as a -miser; and with a brute courage which made him formidable in combat, he -was a dangerous enemy in the midst of the inhabitants of Sussex county, -as they learned to their cost during the war. His place of retreat, or -rather, his lair—for it was more like the haunt of some wild beast than -the abode of human beings—was on the west side of the swamp above -mentioned, where nature seemed to have provided him with a retreat more -impregnable than art could have furnished him. A point of land projects -into the western side of the marsh, affording only a very narrow and -difficult foothold for one man to pass between its base and an inlet of -the pond which washes the foot of the rocks. The ledge then recedes in -the shape of a crescent, forming a little cove, with water in front and -rocks behind and above. About forty-five yards from this point is a huge -rock, screened by overhanging trees and shrubs, in which is a cavern, -where Moody and his gang of marauders found shelter when their deeds of -rapine and murder had roused the inhabitants of the vicinity to rid -themselves of the dangerous foe. This cavern is eighteen feet high in -front, gradually receding until it meets the foundation at a distance of -fifteen feet, and about fifty feet in length from north to south. Beyond -this cavern the ledge again approaches the marsh, into which it -projects, forming an elbow almost impossible to pass around, and on the -opposite side it again recedes, presenting a bold and rugged aspect, -heightened by the gloom of perpetual shade, numerous cavern-like -fissures, and masses of rock which have fallen, from time to time, from -the overhanging ledge. One of these is a large, flat slab, about ten -feet long, six high, and between three and four feet thick, which has -fallen in such a position as to leave a passage behind it of about a -yard in width. The rocks above project over this slab, so as to shield -it effectually from that quarter, and a half-dozen men might defend -themselves behind this natural buckler against the attack of an army. -Such was the haunt of Moody, and his congenial band of Tory cut-throats -and murderers; and from here, like a flock of ravenous wolves would they -issue, when opportunity offered, and lay waste and destroy all within -their reach until danger threatened, when they would retreat to this -natural fastness with their ill-gotten plunder, here to divide and -secrete it. From the brow of the ledge, which rises nearly a hundred -feet from the water, they had a fair view of every avenue to their -hiding-place, and no one ever approached it alive except Moody and his -associates, or perhaps some friend of theirs, with provision or -information. There were those so lost to principle as to furnish this -crew of land-pirates with the necessaries of life, and with accurate -intelligence of every movement, on the part of the Americans, which -occurred in the vicinity. Several attempts to capture the wretch were -frustrated by these loyal friends. At one time, when a party, having -tracked him for some distance, were about to spring upon him, he was -alarmed by a negro in time to make his escape; and on another occasion a -young woman mounted a horse and rode some twelve or fourteen miles, of a -dark night, to warn him of a projected attack by a party of Whigs, who -had determined to capture him at all hazards. One cold winter night he -broke into the house of a Mr. Ogden, and after robbing it of every thing -of any value, he took the old man out in the yard, and made him take an -oath not to make known his visit until a sufficient time had elapsed for -himself and his party to make their escape. Two or three men who were -working for Mr. Ogden, and who slept in a loft up stairs, not feeling -bound by the old man's oath, alarmed the neighborhood and commenced a -pursuit. Their track was easily followed in the snow, and in the morning -they came upon a camp where the marauders had slept over night, and -where their fires were still burning. The chase was kept up until they -reached Goshen, in the State of New York, where they recovered part of -the plunder, but the rascals escaped. These expeditions in pursuit of -the Tory wretch were called "Moody-hunting," and were followed up -frequently with great energy. - -One night, about twelve o'clock, he made his appearance at the bedside -of the jailer, and demanded the key of the jail. The poor frightened -official readily gave it up, although he had often declared that he -would not surrender it to him, and with it Moody opened the doors and -set all the prisoners free. Two of them were condemned to death; one, -who was condemned to die for robbery, being unacquainted with the -neighborhood, wandered about all night and next day in the woods, and -was discovered in a hollow tree the next evening by a party of -"coon-hunters," who brought him back; and he was hung in front of the -jail, protesting his innocence to the last. He was subsequently proved -to be guiltless of the crime for which he suffered; and the wretch who -actually committed the deed confessed on his death-bed that he it was -who did the act for which another had suffered. On this occasion, Moody -was more just than the law, and the prisoner's cause better than his -fortune. - -[Illustration: - - Moody, the Refugee.—_Page_ 32. -] - -While the American army was encamped at Morristown, a man very shabbily -dressed, and mounted on a broken-down nag, all of whose "_points_" were -exhibited to the fullest extent, was seen one day to enter the camp, and -pass leisurely through it, scrutinizing every thing as he went; and -although he assumed a perfect nonchalance, and was to all appearance a -simple-hearted and rather soft-headed country farmer, yet there was -something in his manner which attracted the attention of an officer, who -was drilling a squad of recruits in the open air. One of these thought -there was something about the face which he recognized, and told his -officer so. One of the squad was mounted and ordered to bring him back. -Moody—for he it was who had thus boldly entered the American lines and -reconnoitered their ranks—shot him dead as he came up, and secreted the -body by the side of the road. Another being sent to assist the first, -Moody secreted himself in the woods and escaped. Having been driven from -his former haunts by the untiring activity of the Whigs, and being too -well known to venture much abroad, he determined to join the British -army in New York. While attempting to cross to the city with a companion -in an open boat, they were captured, brought back to Morristown, and -hung as traitors and spies. Moody was said to have come from Kingwood -township, Hunterton County, and was employed by the British to obtain -recruits in New Jersey among the Tory inhabitants, act as a spy upon the -Americans, and by his maraudings to keep the inhabitants so busy at home -as to prevent their joining or aiding the American army. - -Another desperado of those days was Joseph, or "Joe Bettys," a -remarkable character, who figured in the border wars of the Revolution. -He was a renegade from the American army, and for a long while was the -scourge of the New York frontier. His deeds were marked by an equal -boldness and cruelty, that made him the terror of all who had the -misfortune to be ranked as his enemies. His principal employment was the -abduction of citizens to be conveyed into Canada, for each of whom he -received a bounty; and in his expeditions for this purpose, he was -always accompanied by small bodies of Indians. His hour for executing -his projects was at night, and it frequently happened that his conduct -was not confined to the securing of prisoners, but he often reveled in -the destruction of property and the infliction of cruelty, and his -victims were often tormented by every means his savage ingenuity could -devise. Cold-blooded murder, and reckless barbarities of every kind, -continually stained his soul. The section of country which suffered from -his marauding expeditions, to this day is rife with stories of his -daring and ferocity. - -In the year 1776, he entered as Sergeant in the New York forces, in -which capacity he served his country faithfully, until, being -exasperated at the treatment which he received from one of his superior -officers, and retorting with threats and menaces, he was reduced to the -position of a common sentinel. This was more than he could bear, and he -would have deserted, had not Lieutenant Ball, who had before befriended -him, anticipating such a step, applied and procured for him appointment -as Sergeant on board one of the vessels on Lake Champlain, commanded by -Arnold, which he accepted. In an action that ensued, Bettys displayed a -wonderful daring and gallantry, which receiving no other notice than the -thanks of his General, he conceived himself slighted, and determined to -retaliate. In the spring of 1777, he deserted and went over to the -British forces, where he was soon elevated to the position of a spy, in -which character he carried on the depredations we have spoken of. - -Among the prisoners that he secretly seized and carried off in the early -part of his career, was Samuel Patchim, afterward a Captain in the army. -The account of his captivity and subsequent hardships, as here given, is -as it was related by himself: - -"I was captured by Bettys, taken into Canada, and confined in Chamblee -prison, in irons. I was the only prisoner whom he had on this occasion -brought into Canada. There were six or seven more of my neighbors when -we started, to whom he gave the oath of allegiance and sent them back. -As for myself, he said I had served Congress long enough, and that I -should now serve the king. He wished me to enlist in his company, but -soon found that this was not agreeable to my feelings. He then swore, -that if I would not serve the king, I should remain in irons. I was -confined in Chamblee prison four months; then I was removed to Montreal, -and thence to an island, forty-five miles up the St. Lawrence, opposite -Cadalake Fort. There I remained about one year. There were five -prisoners in all, and we were guarded by sixty soldiers, seven sentinels -at night. They had left no boats on the island by which we might make -our escape, yet we all crawled out of the barracks at night, and went to -the river side; there we made a raft by means of two or three logs and -our suspenders, on which we sailed down the river five miles, when we -landed on the Canada shore. There we appropriated to our own use a boat -belonging to the British, and crossed over to the American shore. While -going down the rapids, we had lost our little stock of provisions, and -for eight days out of twelve which we spent in the woods, we had nothing -to eat save frogs and rattlesnakes, and not half enough of them. We were -chased eight days by the Indians, and slept every night on the boughs of -some hemlock trees. At length we arrived at Northwest Bay, on Lake -Champlain, when my companions, unable longer to travel, utterly gave -out. I then constructed a raft on which to cross the lake, and having -stripped my companions of their clothing, in order to make myself -comfortable, left them to die of hunger and fatigue, and committed -myself to the wintry waves. When in about the center of the lake, I was -taken by the crew of a British ship, and conveyed to St. John's, from -thence to Quebec, and finally to Boston, where I was exchanged and sent -home." - -Bettys seemed to have a particular delight in taking prisoners among his -own townsmen, and especially those against whom he held any grudge. On -one occasion, having taken one whom he supposed to be the object he -sought, and his prisoner managing to escape, he deliberately shot him -dead, and then discovered that he had made a fatal mistake, and killed -one of his best friends. - -But his bloody career was destined to find a retributive end. One day, -in the winter of 1781-2, a suspicious-looking person was seen to pass -over the farm of one John Fulmer, situated near Ballston Lake, in Albany -County. A son of the farmer, Jacob, immediately obtained the aid of -three of his neighbors, James and John Cory, and Francis Perkins, and -started in pursuit of the suspicious stranger. There was a light fall of -snow on the ground, by which means his course was easily tracked. But we -will give an account of the enterprise in the words of Jacob Fulmer, one -of the party: - -"The morning had been foggy, and it appeared by the track that the man -had made a circuitous route, as if lost or bewildered. After making -several turns, we came at length in sight of a log house, where one -Hawkins, a noted Tory, lived, toward which it appeared he had laid a -regular line. We followed the track, and found that it went into the -house. We approached undiscovered, for the snow was soft, and our -footsteps were not heard. We went up to the door, and found it was -unfastened, but heard people talking within. John Cory, who was the -strongest of the party, now went forward, we following closely behind, -and burst open the door. The man who was the object of our suspicions -and search sat at the table eating his breakfast, with the muzzle of his -gun leaning upon his shoulder, and the breech upon the floor between his -knees. He grasped his musket, and presented it to fire at us, but was -hindered for a moment to remove the deer-skin covering from the lock, -and that moment lost his life. We seized him, took possession of his -gun, and also two pistols, which he had in his coat pockets, and a -common jack-knife. We then bound his arms behind him, with a pocket -handkerchief, and conveyed him to my father's house. As yet, we knew not -the name of our prisoner, but having asked him, he said: 'My name is -Smith.' My mother knew him, and said: 'It is Joe Bettys.' He hung his -head, and said: 'No, my name is Smith.' My sister Polly then came to the -door, and said: 'This is Joe Bettys, I know him well.' She had known him -before he went to Canada, as he had boarded at Lawrence Van Epps, in -Schenectady Patent, while she lived in the same house. We then conveyed -him to John Cory's house, about a quarter of a mile distant, where we -pinioned him more firmly. He sat down in a chair by the fire, and asked -permission to smoke, which was granted, and he then took out his tobacco -box, and seemed to be engaged in filling his pipe, but as he stooped -down, under pretence of lighting it, he threw something toward the fire -which bounded from the forestick and fell upon the hearth. He then -seized it, and threw it into the fire, before any one could prevent. -John Cory then snatched it from the fire, with a handful of live coals. -It was not injured. It was a piece of lead about three inches long, and -one and a quarter inch wide, pressed together, and contained within it a -small piece of paper, on which were twenty-six figures, which none of -our company could understand. It also contained an order, drawn on the -Mayor of New York, for thirty pounds sterling, payable on the delivery -of the sheet-lead and paper inclosed. Bettys showed much uneasiness at -the loss of the lead, and offered one hundred guineas to allow him to -burn the paper. This we refused, for, though we did not understand the -figures, we well knew the character of Bettys, as I had heard that he -had killed two men at Shenesborough, near Whitehall, for fear of being -betrayed in regard to the burning and plundering of a house in -Chaughnawaga, and that he was generally known as a spy." - -The narrative goes on to give the particulars of the journey to Albany, -and the precautions taken to convey their prisoner safely through a -district abounding with Tories, who were affected to Bettys, but no -rescue was attempted. - -Much rejoicing was expressed at the capture of the notorious Bettys, and -when he was marched through Albany, the people gathered in masses to -look upon him. In a short time he was brought to trial, on the charge of -being a spy, found guilty, condemned, and accordingly executed in the -month of April, 1782. - -Among other similar excursions, Bettys once made an audacious eruption -into the city of Albany, for the purpose of abducting General Schuyler, -for whom he would have received a most liberal reward from the -authorities in Canada, who so long and so vainly endeavored to get that -chivalric officer into their possession. He was unsuccessful. - -The attempt, referred to above, of Joe Bettys, to assassinate or take -prisoner General Schuyler, was not singular in the history of that brave -and beloved officer. He seemed fated to be ever surrounded with perils, -in the seclusion of his home quite as much as on the field of battle. -His noble private character, his fortune, and his high, unequalled, -unresting patriotism, made him a shining mark for the malevolence of the -British and Tories. His beautiful mansion, on Fish Creek, with his mills -and property, to the amount of twenty thousand dollars, was wantonly -burned by order of Burgoyne; and his life was in constant jeopardy from -the hatred of his minions. - -On one occasion a Tory, by the name of Wattenneyer, with a gang of -miscreants like himself, assaulted his house, burst in the doors, took -the guards—who were asleep in the basement—prisoners, and sought the -person of the General; but, by a well-managed ruse, he frightened them -into the belief that they were being surrounded, and they decamped, -taking with them a large amount of silver plate and other valuables. At -another period, an Indian had crept stealthily into the house, and -concealed himself behind the door, where he awaited an opportunity to -strike General Schuyler as he should pass to his chamber. A female -servant, coming in through the hall, seeing the gleam of a blade in the -dim light, which just enabled her to recognize the outline of a dusky -figure, with much presence of mind, appeared not to have made the -discovery, but passed into the room where the General sat, and, while -pretending to arrange some articles upon the mantel, in a low voice -informed him of her discovery at the same time adding, aloud: - -"I will call the guard!" - -This alarmed the secreted warrior, and, hearing the servant tread upon a -creaking board in another hall, and believing the household aroused, he -fled. - -After the surrender of Burgoyne, the Tories, smarting under the -disappointment of that event, and more deeply incensed than ever at -General Schuyler, in whom they recognized one of the active causes of -the British defeat, resolved upon his destruction. To attain this -object, they selected two individuals, an Indian and a white man. The -former had been in the habit of hunting and fishing on the General's -place, and knew every part of the grounds, with the places in which they -would be most likely to meet him, in his daily perambulations. He was a -powerfully-built and active fellow, a dangerous opponent under any -circumstances. The other was a weak-minded Irishman, who had received -many favors from the General, and was, even then, in his employ; -notwithstanding which, he could not resist the offered bribes, and -consented to imbue his hands in his benefactor's blood, for a price. On -the afternoon of a certain day, the two secreted themselves in a leafy -copse, near which the General must pass in his accustomed ride. It was -not long before they saw him approaching on horseback, and they proposed -to shoot him as he passed. - -General Schuyler had been made fully aware, by the abduction of so many -of his friends and neighbors, who had been dragged from their homes and -carried off to Canada—there to be retained as prisoners until -exchanged—as well as by the many attempts to get possession of his own -person, that he was in constant danger of being seized; but he did _not_ -imagine that his enemies would descend to the use of the assassin's -knife, and much less did he fear that such a blow would come from those -whom he had befriended—who had eaten of his bread and been nourished by -his bounty. His was one of these generous natures which, being devoid of -guilt, loved not to suspect others. But civil war destroys all ties, -severs all bonds, arouses man's most vindictive passions, arraying -friend against friend, sometimes brother against brother. Conscience -will, at times, assert herself, even under such influences. She reminded -the Indian—savage as he was, unlettered, untutored in the finer -feelings—of the many favors he had received at the hands of the man he -was about to destroy; even as his eye glanced along the barrel of the -rifle aimed at his benefactor, he repented his intention, and, with an -impulse which did credit to his heart, he struck up the weapon of his -companion, saying: - -"I cannot kill him—I've eat his bread too often!" - -The General rode by, unconscious that his life hung by the slender -thread of an Indian's conscience. - -One of the saddest pages in the history of our struggle for Independence -is that which tells of hearths and homes desecrated, which should have -enjoyed immunity, even in times of warfare. Not only did the British -encourage the marauding of such desperadoes as Moody and Bettys, but -their more brutal Hessians seemed hired to wreak the horrors of war upon -the innocent dwellings of women and children. - -The Rev. James Caldwell, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in -Elizabethtown, New Jersey, acted as Chaplain of the American army while -in New Jersey, and, by his zealous patriotism, and patriotic appeals, -often contributed to arouse the spirits of the soldiers, and to inspire -them with a greater energy in the performance of their trying duties. He -was very popular in the community, and received the unlimited confidence -of Washington. - -But his lofty patriotism, and unflinching zeal in the American cause, -made him hated by the enemy, who sought every means to get him into -their power, and a price was set upon his head. When preaching, he -frequently was compelled to lay his loaded pistols by his side in the -pulpit. At one time he resided in Springfield, but afterward removed to -"Connecticut Farms," about four miles from Elizabethtown. Here was -enacted the first part of the tragedy we are about to relate. - -A company of British troops from New York, under command of the Hessian -General, Knyphausen, landed in Elizabethtown, in June of 1780, and, -marching directly into the interior, proceeded to wreak their cruelty -upon every living thing that fell in their way. Houses were fired, -cattle destroyed, helpless people murdered, or left without shelter, -clothing or food. Mr. Caldwell heard of their approach, and immediately -prepared to escape. He put his elder children in a wagon, and sent them -on to some of his friends for protection. He then desired his wife, with -the younger children, to take means of flight, but she announced her -determination of remaining, as none would have cause to offer injury to -her. Finding she would not yield to his persuasion, and believing it -impossible that their resentment could extend to an unprotected mother, -with her babe clasped to her heart, Mr. Caldwell resolved to leave them, -and seek his own safety alone. He was mounted, and receiving the last -assurance of her resolve to stay, when the gleam of arms announced the -approach of the enemy, and he rode rapidly off. - -Mrs. Caldwell, having concealed what things were of value, took her -infant in her arms, and retired to her chamber, the window of which -commanded the road. Here, with her three little ones around, she awaited -the approach of the enemy, feeling conscious that her unprotected state -would secure respect and safety. One little girl was standing by the -window, watching the approach of the troops, when one of the soldiers -left the road, and came to the window, which he had no sooner reached -than he placed the muzzle of his gun against it, and deliberately fired, -when Mrs. Caldwell fell suddenly back, and almost instantly expired. - -Not content with depriving her of life, the inhuman monsters wreaked -their cruelty on her senseless body. Her clothes were nearly torn off, -and her body removed to the roadside, where it was subjected to every -indignity, while the torch was applied to the dwelling, and then the -work of destruction was done. - -The effect of this terrible blow upon the husband can only be imagined. -He was, that morning, standing upon the heights of Springfield, and, by -the aid of a spy-glass, could see the smoke from the burning houses. - -"Thank God," he exclaimed, "the fire is not in the direction of my -house." - -He was too soon to learn the sad mistake. - -The royalists attempted to throw off the responsibility of this act, by -asserting that Mrs. Caldwell was killed by a chance shot. But all the -evidence goes to show that it was deliberately planned, and that the -soldier by whose hand the bloody deed was committed, only acted in -accordance with his orders. The fact that her body was allowed to be so -rudely treated, while many of the officers felt their abhorrence for the -deed, proves that, although they felt respect for her remains, they knew -the will of their superiors, and therefore dared not show it. - -The following anecdote, connected with this invasion, shows pretty -clearly who were the murderers of Mrs. Caldwell. The flames from the -burning dwelling could be seen from "Liberty Hall," the residence of -Governor Livingston, who was, at that time, absent from home. Parties of -soldiers were continually passing the house, but, for some reason, it -was spared. But about midnight a party of soldiers, partially -intoxicated, rushed into the house. The maid-servant—all the males in -the establishment having taken refuge in the woods, early in the day, to -avoid being made prisoners—fastened herself in the kitchen; and the -ladies—Mrs. Livingston and her daughters—crowded together like -frightened deer, locked themselves in another apartment. Their place of -retreat was soon discovered by the ruffians; and, afraid to exasperate -them by refusing to come out, one of Governor Livingston's daughter's -opened the door. A drunken soldier seized her by the arm; she grasped -the villain's collar, and, at the very moment, a flash of lightning -illuminated the hall, and, falling upon her white dress, he staggered -back, exclaiming, with an oath: - -"It's Mrs. Caldwell, that we killed to-day." - -One of the party was at length recognized, and, by his intervention, the -house was finally cleared of the assailants.[2] - -Footnote 2: - - Life of Livingston. - -But the vengeance of Mr. Caldwell's enemies was not yet satiated; the -tragedy so far was incomplete. It was on the 24th of November, 1781, -that he himself fell beneath the ruthless murderer's hand, and the blow -this time came from a source where he thought himself secure. On the day -above mentioned, he went to Elizabethtown Point, for a Miss Murray, who -had come from New York, under a flag of truce. After conducting her to -his gig, he returned to the boat, to obtain a bundle which had been left -behind. As he came on shore, the American sentinel challenged him, and -demanded what "contraband goods" he had there. Mr. Caldwell stepped -forward to tender the bundle to the proper officer, not wishing to enter -into a dispute about it then, when the report of a musket was heard, and -he fell dead, pierced by two balls. He had been shot by a man named -Morgan, who had just been relieved from duty as a sentinel. He was -arrested, tried, condemned, and was executed. There can be no doubt but -that he was bribed to the deed by British gold, as there was no shadow -of a cause to suppose that enmity existed between Mr. Caldwell and him. - -Viewed from any point, these two murders were among the most atrocious -acts perpetrated by the invaders of our country, and, in a history full -of atrocities, they will always rank as bloody, fiendish and -treacherous. - - - - - THE LEAP FOR LIFE. - - -At the siege of Fort Henry, near Wheeling, by a band of Indians, under -the infamous Simon Girty, Major Samuel McCullough performed an act of -daring—nay, desperate horsemanship, which has seldom, if ever, been -equalled by man or beast, and before which the effort of the Pomfret -hero pales into insignificance. Let us turn to the record. - -Fort Henry was situated about a quarter of a mile above Wheeling Creek, -on the left bank of the Ohio river, and was erected to protect the -settlers of the little village of Wheeling, which, at the time of its -investment, consisted of about twenty-five cabins. In the month of -September, 1775, it was invested by about four hundred warriors, on the -approach of whom the settlers had fled into it, leaving their cabins and -their contents to the torch of the savages. The whole force comprising -the garrison consisted of forty-two fighting men, all told; but there -were among them men who knew the use of the rifle, and who were -celebrated throughout the borders as the implacable enemies of the -red-man, and as the best marksmen in the world. Of these, however, more -than one half perished in an ill-advised sortie, before the siege -commenced, and, when the fort was surrounded by the foe, but sixteen men -remained to defend it against their overwhelming numbers. But their -mothers, wives and daughters were there, and nerved the Spartan band to -deeds of heroism to which the records of the wars of ancient and modern -history present no parallel. Here it was that Elizabeth Zane passed -through the fire of the whole body of red-skins, in the effort to bring -into the fort the ammunition so necessary to its defense; here it was, -also, that the wives and daughters of its noble defenders marched to a -spring, in point blank range of the ambuscaded Indians, in going to and -fro, for the purpose of bringing water for the garrison. - -Messengers had been dispatched at the earliest alarm to the neighboring -settlements for succor, and, in response to the call, Captain Van -Swearingen, with fourteen men, arrived from Cross Creek, and fought his -way into the fort without the loss of a man. Soon afterward, a party of -forty horsemen, led by the brave and intrepid McCulloch, were seen -approaching, and endeavoring to force their way through the dense masses -of Indians, which nearly surrounded the station. Their friends within -the fort made every preparation to receive them, by opening the gates, -and organizing a sortie to cover their attempt. After a desperate -hand-to-hand conflict, in which they made several of the Indians bite -the dust, they broke through the lines, and entered the fort in triumph, -without the loss of an individual. All except their daring leader -succeeded in the effort. He was cut off, and forced to fly in an -opposite direction. McCulloch was as well known to the Indians as to the -whites, for his deeds of prowess, and his name was associated in their -minds with some of the most bloody fights in which the white and red-men -had contended. To secure him alive, therefore, that they might glut -their vengeance upon him, was the earnest desire of the Indians, and to -this end they put forth the most superhuman exertions. There were very -few among them who had not lost a relative by the unerring aim and skill -of the fearless woodsman, and they cherished toward him an almost -phrensied hatred, which could only be satisfied in his torture at the -stake. - -With such feelings and incentives, they crowded around him as he dashed -forward in the rear of his men, and succeeded in cutting him off from -the gate. Finding himself unable to accomplish his entrance, and seeing -the uselessness of a conflict with such a force opposed to him, he -suddenly wheeled his horse, and fled in the direction of Wheeling hill, -at his utmost speed. A cloud of warriors started up at his approach, and -cut off his retreat in this direction, driving him back upon another -party who blocked up the path behind; while a third closed in upon him -on one of the other sides of the square. The fourth and open side was in -the direction of the brow of a precipitous ledge of rocks, nearly one -hundred and fifty feet in height, at the foot of which flowed the waters -of Wheeling Creek. As he momentarily halted and took a rapid survey of -the dangers which surrounded him on all sides, he felt that his chance -was a desperate one. The Indians had not fired a shot, and he well knew -what this portended, as they could easily have killed him had they -chosen to do so. He appreciated the feelings of hatred felt toward him -by the foe, and saw at a glance the intention to take him alive, if -possible, that his ashes might be offered up as a sacrifice to the manes -of their departed friends, slain by his hand. This was to die a thousand -deaths, in preference to which he determined to run the risk of being -dashed to pieces; and he struck his heels against the sides of his -steed, who sprang forward toward the precipice. The encircling warriors -had rapidly lessened the space between them and their intended victim, -and, as they saw him so completely within their toils, raised a yell of -triumph, little dreaming of the fearful energy which was to baffle their -expectations. As they saw him push his horse in the direction of the -precipice, which they had supposed an insurmountable obstacle to his -escape, they stood in amazement, scarcely believing that it could be his -intention to attempt the awful leap, which was, to all appearance, -certain death. McCulloch still bore his rifle, which he had retained, in -his right hand, and, carefully gathering up the bridle in his left, he -urged his noble animal forward, encouraging him by his voice, until they -reached the edge of the bank, when, dashing his heels against his sides, -they hung, shivering on the brink of the abyss: - - "For the horse, in stark despair, - With his front hoofs poised in air, - On the last verge rears amain. - - "Now he hangs, he rocks between, - And his nostrils curdle in; - Now he shivers, head and hoof, - And the flakes of foam fall off, - And his face grows fierce and thin! - - "And a look of human wo, - From his staring eyes did go; - And a sharp cry uttered he - In a foretold agony - Of the headlong death below." - -The next moment horse and rider were in the air. Down, down they went -with fearful velocity, without resistance or impediment, until one-half -of the space was passed over, when the horse's feet struck the smooth, -precipitous face of the rock, and the remainder of the distance was slid -and scrambled over until they reached the bottom, _alive and uninjured_! -With a shout which proclaimed his triumphant success to his foes above -him, McCulloch pushed his steed into the stream, and in a few moments -horse and rider were seen surmounting the banks on the opposite side. - -No pursuit was attempted, nor was a shot fired at the intrepid rider. -His enemies stood, in awe-struck silence, upon the brow of the bank from -whence he had leaped, and, as he disappeared from their view, they -returned to the investment of the fort. They did not long continue their -unavailing efforts, however, for its capture; the numerous additions it -had received to its garrison, the fearlessness exhibited in its defense, -together with the feat they had witnessed, disheartened them, and they -beat a hasty retreat on the morning after the event I have attempted to -describe—not, however, until they had reduced to ashes the cabins -without the stockade, and slaughtered some three hundred head of cattle -belonging to the settlers. - -An adventure equally marvellous, and somewhat resembling this, is -related of Major Robert Rogers. - -Among the most noted characters, whose exploits upon the frontier a -century since were the theme and admiration of every tongue, the leader -of the celebrated "Rogers' Rangers" stands pre-eminent. He was a man -tall, vigorous, and lithe as the panther of the forest, with an eye that -never quailed before the gaze of any human being. A perfect master of -the art of woodcraft, he was resolute and fearless, and yet so cautious -at times as to incur a suspicion of cowardice; but, although his name is -tarnished by treachery to his own native state and country, the -impartial observer of his life and actions cannot fail to award him the -most unflinching courage and bravery. - -Robert Roberts was born in New Hampshire, and, about the year 1760, was -the leader of a body of provincial rangers, known by his own name. Among -his associates was Israel Putnam, whose most daring exploits were -performed while engaged with him in his forest warfare. - -The date which brought Rogers into notice was that in which the great -rival nations, France and England, were striving for the possession of -the American continent. The rivalry had been going on for years, and, as -might be expected, the Indians had been brought into the contest. These, -almost invariably, were upon the side of the French; but it availed -nothing in the end. The steady, indomitable, persevering spirit of the -English settler could be stayed by no obstacle, and France saw that -slowly and surely the red cross was supplanting her own _fleur de lis_ -in the depths of the American forest. - -Rogers' principal theater of action was that wild, mountainous region -round Lake George, "the dark and bloody ground" intervening between the -hostile forts of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. Here, in these gloomy -solitudes, his resolute spirit encountered the jealous French, with -their wily Indian allies, and here some of the most sanguinary conflicts -and desperate encounters of the war occurred. More than once did the -lonely hunter encounter this band threading their way through the woods -as silent and as cautious as the savage himself; in summer they glided -across and around the lake in their canoes, building their camp-fires in -the wildest gorges of that romantic country; and in winter they skirted -it on snow-shoes, or shot from one portion to another on skates. Their -daring soon made their name famous through every civilized portion of -the country. If a French messenger left Ticonderoga, he was almost -certain to fall into the hands of Rogers, and any scouting party that -ventured forth was sure to get a taste of the mettle of these fellows -before they returned. But for the subsequent course of Rogers, he might -be not unaptly termed the _Marion of the frontier_. - -[Illustration: - - The Leap for Life.—_Page_ 46. -] - -It was sometimes the custom of Rogers to leave his men in camp, and -venture into the forest unaccompanied by any one. At such times he often -wandered a dozen miles away, easily making his way back through the -trackless forest at night again. It was on one of these occasions that -he met with the following adventure. - -It was in the dead of winter, and his men, as usual, were on snow-shoes. -They encamped at night in a deep hollow along the lake, and the next -morning Rogers left them, with instructions to remain in their present -quarters until his return. - -He took a direction toward Ticonderoga, and, about the middle of the -day, reached a point near the northern end of the lake. During this -journey, it is hardly necessary to say that he was on the alert for his -enemies. He knew they lurked in every part of the forest, and that the -scalp of no white man would afford half the rejoicing that his would. Up -to this point, however, his experienced eye had failed to detect the -first signs of their presence. - -He was contemplating the scene around, carefully taking in all its -parts, when he heard the breaking of the snow-crust behind him. Turning -his head, he discovered, in one instant, that he had walked directly -into a trap. On one side was the steep, precipitous side of the -mountain, descending down to the lake; while on the other, radiating -outward, so as to cut off all escape, he saw nearly thirty Indians -rapidly shuffling toward him on their snow-shoes, yelling with delight -and exultation at the prospect of his certain capture. - -They had probably followed him for miles, in the hope of taking him -alive, and he had thus given them a better opportunity than even they -dared hope for. - -Rogers comprehended his imminent danger, but he stood a moment as quiet -and self-possessed as if they were his own men approaching. It took -scarcely a second for him to understand his situation. He saw it was -impossible to elude the Indians by undertaking to _dodge through -them_—that is, by running toward them; they were too many, and the space -afforded was too small. - -"Howsumever, here's my compliments," said Rogers, raising his rifle and -shooting the leader of the party, "and you haven't got my top-knot yet." - -With this, he threw his rifle from him, and started off at the top his -speed, the pack pursuing with yells and shouts. Rogers was very fleet of -foot, and for a short distance he gained ground upon his pursuers. It -was not exactly running, as a man on snow-shoes can not properly be said -to do that. The motion is entirely different, the feet not being lifted, -but shoved forward with all rapidity possible. As Rogers expressed it, -he did some "tall sliding" on that occasion, the truth of which will -soon be apparent. - -At the moment of starting he had no well-defined idea of what he should -do; but after going a few rods, he formed the determination that, before -falling into the hands of the Indians, he would _go over the mountain_! -Those who have seen the mountain, near the northern end of Lake George, -known as "Roger's slide" (the name of which is derived from the -circumstance here given), will understand the appalling nature of such -an exploit as Rogers contemplated. Any sane man would consider it -downright suicide. We know not the exact distance of this descent, but -are certain that it is more than _one thousand feet_ to the edge of the -lake, and the entire distance a sheer precipice. - -But Rogers did not hesitate; there was no time for hesitation. His -mortal enemies were behind and approaching. He reached the edge of the -mountain. He saw the white, field-like surface of Lake George far below -him, and the long, glistening snowy descent stretching down, down, down, -till the brain grew dizzy with looking. He appeared but a mere speck on -the summit, viewed from below, so great was his height. He gave one -glance behind him, sprang high in the air, so as to give his body a -momentum at starting, and squatting on his snow-shoes, down he went. - -Oh, the ecstacy of that ride! Nothing on earth could equal it. Rogers -has said that the most thrilling moment of his life was the one occupied -in that fearful descent. As his body gathered motion, a feeling similar -to that produced by electricity passed through him, and for the space of -five minutes he was in reality insane. Downward he shot like a meteor, -his passage through the still air making it seem like a hurricane, and -the fine, sand-like particles of snow making him appear as if shrouded -in mist to the amazed Indians above. Rogers scarcely breathed. He saw -nothing, felt nothing but a wild ecstacy, and knew nothing, until he -awoke, as it were, and found himself gliding far out on the surface of -the lake, carried forward by the irresistible impulse he had gained in -his descent. - -Then he arose and looked about him. His snow-shoes were worn out by the -friction, and taking them off, he cast them from him. The Indians still -stood at the top of the mountain; but on beholding his exploit, they -believed him under the protection of the Great Spirit, and did not -attempt to continue the chase. Rogers made his way back to his company, -reaching them late at night, and none the worse for his adventure, -except in the loss of his snow-shoes and his rifle. - -There are many other incidents connected with Rogers' career, but the -one given will suffice to show the intrepid spirit that ever -characterized him. - -As if to prove that, brave as the pioneers were, they had their peers -amid the "red-skins," we find the record of a leap, almost as marvelous -as that of McCullough, performed by Weatherford, the celebrated -half-breed, who gave Jackson trouble in his efforts to rid the southern -country of the Indians. - -It was on the 29th of December, 1813, that the Mississippi volunteers -attacked the Indians, under circumstances of almost unparalleled -difficulty, after enduring incredible hardships. Without tents or -blankets, without proper clothing, more than half starved, some of them -without shoes, in inclement weather, this heroic band had marched over -one hundred miles through a pathless forest, to meet and subdue the wary -foe. And now, on this 29th of December, says General Samuel Dale, who -was one of the party, "the weather was very wet and bitter cold; we had -neither meat, coffee, nor spirits." The savages were fortified in a -strong defensive position, a town which they called their holy city, and -which their prophets declared was invulnerable to the whites—that the -ground would open and swallow them up, should they venture to set foot -on it. Nevertheless, the gaunt volunteers, worn with their sufferings, -gave such fierce battle to the confident Indians, that they drove them -out of their holy city of refuge, and Weatherford, one of their most -trusted leaders, barely escaped destruction. He was mounted on a -powerful charger, and being hotly pursued by a band of whites, who knew -him well, and were eager to secure the prize, he urged his horse to its -utmost speed. Soon a ravine, at least twenty feet wide, and of great -depth, yawned before him; the very barrier of nature which he had relied -on as a protection in case of assault from enemies, now rose before him, -to threaten his own life. But he only drew the rein a little tighter, -spoke a low word to his favorite steed, and over the horrible ravine -flew the obedient animal, as if love and fear had given it wings—over -the gaping ruin, and down the bluff into the Alabama. The gallant -courser swam the river scornfully, his chief holding his rifle excitedly -over his head, and shouting his war-whoop exultingly, as he ascended the -opposite bank. - -This renowned leader was born at the Hickory Ground, in the Creek -nation; his father, Charles Weatherford, was a Georgian; his mother, the -beautiful Schoya, was half-sister of the famous Creek chieftain, General -McGilivray. William Weatherford had not the education of his -grandfather, but nature had endowed him with a noble person, a brilliant -intellect, and commanding eloquence. He was, in every respect, the peer -of Tecumseh. - -And now that we have mentioned the name of General Dale, we can not -forbear giving, in his own words, an account of one of his -characteristic adventures. His life was full of such. He calls it his -canoe fight: - -"After this rencounter, I put thirty of my men on the east bank, where -the path ran directly by the river side. With twenty men I kept the -western bank, and thus we proceeded to Randon's Landing. A dozen fires -were burning, and numerous scaffolds for drying meat denoted a large -body of Indians; but none were visible. About half past ten, A. M., we -discovered a large canoe coming down stream. It contained eleven -warriors. Observing that they were about to land at a cane-brake just -above us, I called to my men to follow, and dashed for the brake with -all my might. Only seven of my men kept up with me. As the Indians were -in the act of landing, we fired. Two leaped into the water. Jim Smith -shot one as he rose, and I shot the other. In the meantime, they had -backed into deep water, and three Indians were swimming on the off side -of the canoe, which was thirty odd feet long, four feet deep, and three -feet beam, made of an immense cypress-tree, especially for the -transportation of corn. One of the warriors shouted to Weatherford (who -was in the vicinity, as it afterward appeared, but invisible to us): -'Yos-ta-hah! yos-ta-hah!' ('They are spoiling us.') This fellow was in -the water, his hands on the gunwale of the pirogue, and as often as he -rose to shout, we fired, but didn't make out to hit him. He suddenly -showed himself breast-high, whooping in derision, and said: 'Why don't -you shoot?' I drew my sight just between his hands, and as he rose again -I lodged a bullet in his brains. Their canoe then floated down with the -current. I ordered my men on the east bank to fetch the boats. Six of -them jumped into a canoe, and paddled to the Indians, when one of them -cried out: 'Live Injins! Back water, boys, back water!' and the -frightened fellows paddled back faster than they came. I next ordered -Cæsar, a free negro, to bring a boat. Seeing him hesitate, I swore I -would shoot him as soon as I got across. He crossed a hundred yards -below the Indians, and Jim Smith, Jerry Anstill, and myself, got in. I -made Cæsar paddle within forty paces, when all three of us leveled our -guns, and all three missed fire! As the two boats approached, one of the -red-skins hurled a scalping-knife at me. It pierced the boat through and -through, just grazing my thigh as it passed. The next minute the canoes -came in contact. I leaped up, placing one of my feet in each boat. At -the same instant, the foremost warrior leveled his rifle at my breast. -It flashed in the pan. As quick as lightning, he clubbed it, and aimed -at me a furious blow, which I partially parried, and, before he could -repeat it, I shivered his skull with my gun. In the meantime an Indian -had struck down Jerry, and was about to dispatch him, when I broke my -rifle over his head. It parted in two pieces. The barrel Jerry seized, -and renewed the fight. The stock I hurled at one of the savages. Being -then disarmed, Cæsar handed me his musket and bayonet. Finding myself -unable to keep the two canoes in juxtaposition, I resolved to bring -matters to an issue, and leaped into the Indian boat. My pirogue, with -Jerry, Jim and Cæsar, floated off. Jim fired, slightly wounding the -savage nearest me. _I now stood in the center of their canoe, two dead -at my feet, a wounded savage in the stern, who had been snapping his -piece at me, during the fight, and four powerful warriors in front._ The -first one directed a furious blow at me with a rifle; it glanced upon -the barrel of my musket, and I staved the bayonet through his body. As -he fell, the next one repeated the attack. A shot from Jerry Anstill -pierced his heart. Striding over them, the next sprang at me with his -tomahawk. I killed him with my bayonet, and his corpse lay between me -and the last of the party. I knew him well—Tas-cha-chee, a noted -wrestler, and the most famous ball-player of his clan. He paused a -moment, in expectation of my attack, but, finding me motionless, he -stepped backward to the bow of the canoe, shook himself, gave the -war-whoop of his tribe, and cried out: '_Samtholocco, Iana dahmaska, -ia-lanesthe, lipso, lipso, lanestha!_' ('Big Sam, I am a man! I am -coming! come on!') As he said this, with a terrific yell, he bounded -over the dead body of his comrade, and directed a blow at my head with -his rifle which dislocated my shoulder. I dashed the bayonet into him. -It glanced around his ribs, and hitching into his backbone, I pressed -him down. As I pulled the weapon out, he put his hands upon the sides of -the boat, and endeavored to rise, crying out: '_Tas-cha-chee is a man. -He is not afraid to die._.' I drove my bayonet through his heart. I then -turned to the wounded villain in the stern, who snapped his rifle at me, -as I advanced, as he had been snapping it during the whole conflict. He -gave the war-whoop, and in tones of hatred and defiance, exclaimed: '_I -am a warrior—I am not afraid to die!_' As he uttered these words, I -pinned him down with my weapon, and he followed his eleven comrades to -the land of spirits. During this conflict, which was over in ten -minutes, my brave companions, Smith and Anstill, had been straggling -with the current of the Alabama, endeavoring to reach me. Their guns had -become useless, and their only paddle was broken. Two braver fellows -never lived. Anstill's first shot saved my life. By this time my men -came running down the bank, shouting that Weatherford was coming. With -our three canoes we crossed them all over, and reached the fort in -safety." - -This fight occurred November 13, 1813, at Randon's Landing, Monroe -County, ten miles below Weatherford's Bluff. - -If any one thinks this a Munchausen account, given by Dale, of his -rencounter, he can satisfy himself of its exact truth, by reference to -the records, all the circumstances of this memorable fight having been -verified before the Alabama Legislature. - -One of the leading spirits in those stirring days was Mrs. Catherine -Sevier, wife of one of the most distinguished pioneers. Her maiden name -was Sherrill, and her family, as well as that of her future husband, -emigrated from North Carolina and Virginia to what is now East -Tennessee, settling first upon Watauga river. Mr. Sherrill's residence -was finally upon the Nola Chucka. He was a tiller of the soil, a -hard-working man, and "well-to-do in the world;" but he was also skilled -in the use of the rifle, so that it was said, "Sherrill can make as much -out of the ground and out of the woods as any other man. He has a hand -and eye to his work—a hand, an eye, and an ear, for the Indian and the -game." - -Buffalo, deer, and wild turkeys came around the cabins of those first -settlers. A providence was in this which some of them recognized with -thankfulness. - -Jacob Brown, with his family and friends, arrived from North Carolina -about the same time with the Sherrills, and these two families became -connected by intermarriage with the Seviers, and ever remained faithful -to each other through all the hostile and civil commotions of subsequent -years. The Seviers were among the very earliest emigrants from Virginia, -aiding in the erection of the first fort on the Watauga. - -With few exceptions, these emigrants had in view the acquisition of rich -lands for cultivation and inheritance. Some, indeed, were there, or -came, who were absconding debtors, or refugees from justice, and from -this class were the Tories of North Carolina mostly enlisted. - -The spirit of the hunter and pioneer cannot well content itself in a -permanent location, especially when the crack of a neighbor's rifle, or -the blast of his hunting-horn can be heard by his quick ear; therefore -did these advanced guards frequently change their homes when others -_crowded_ them, at _miles distance_. It must be remembered that their -advance into the wilderness could only be made by degrees, step by step, -through years of tedious waiting and toilsome preparation. And thus, -though they had a lease of the land for eight years from the Cherokees, -a foothold in the soil, stations of defense, and evidently had taken a -bond of fate, assuring them in the prospect of rich inheritances for -their children, they could not all abide while the great West and -greater Future invited onward. Richer lands, larger herds of buffaloes, -more deer, and withal so many Indians were in the distance, upon the -Cumberland and Kentucky rivers. The emigrants advanced, and they took no -steps backward. In a few years they were found organizing "provisional -governments" in Kentucky, and at the Bluffs, the site of the beautiful -capital of Tennessee. These Watauga and Nola Chucka pioneers were -leading spirits throughout. - -In the first Cherokee war of 1776, the early settlements were in great -danger of being destroyed. The prowling savages plucked off the settlers -in detail, and, though somewhat successful in these aims, they resolved -to attack the settlements and stations at different points on the same -day—in June, 1776. But they were so defeated in the battles of Long -Island, and at the Island Flats, on the Holston, and in their attack and -siege of the Watauga Fort, that a happy chance was wrought, and hopes of -quiet were encouraged. - -The attack on the latter station was conducted by an experienced Indian -chief, Old Abraham, of the Chilowee Mountain region. This was a fierce -attack, but the fort fortunately held within it two of the most resolute -men who ever touched the soil of Tennessee—James Robertson and John -Sevier—they having then no higher title than Captains. Some thirty men -were under their command or direction. - -The approach of the Indians was stealthy, and the first alarm was given -by the flight and screams of some females, who were closely pursued by -the Indians in large force. One of the women was killed, and one or two -captured. In this party of females was Miss Catherine Sherrill, daughter -of Samuel Sherrill, who had moved into the fort only on the previous -day. - -Miss Sherrill was already somewhat distinguished for nerve, fleetness of -foot, and decision of character. Although at other times she proved -herself to "know no fear," and could remain unmoved when danger -threatened, yet on this occasion she admits that she did run, and "run -her best." She was very tall and erect, her whole appearance such as to -attract the especial notice of the savages, who pursued her with -eagerness; and, as they intercepted the direct path to the gate of the -fort, she made a circuit to reach its inclosures on another side, -resolved, as she said, to "scale the palisades." In this effort, some -one within the defenses attempted to aid, but his foot slipped, or the -object on which he was standing gave way, and both fell to the ground on -opposite sides of the wall. The Indians were coming with all speed, -firing and shooting arrows repeatedly. "Indeed," she said, "the bullets -and arrows came like hail. It was now leap the palisades or die, for I -would not live a captive." She recovered from the fall, and in a moment -was over and within the defenses, and "by the side of one _in uniform_." - -This was none other than Captain John Sevier, and this the first time -she ever saw him—the beginning of an acquaintance destined in a few -years to ripen into a happy union which endured for nearly forty years. -"The manner in which she ran and jumped on that occasion was often the -subject of remark, commendation and laughter." - -In after life she looked upon this _introduction_, and the manner of it, -as a providential indication of their adaptation to each other—that they -were destined to be of mutual help in future dangers, and to overcome -obstacles requiring the peculiar strength of both. And she always deemed -herself safe when by his side. Many a time she said: - -"I could gladly undergo that peril and effort again, to fall into his -arms, and feel so _out of danger_. But then," she would add, "it was all -of God's good providence." - -Captain Sevier was then a married man, his wife and younger children not -having yet arrived from Virginia. - -In 1777, Captain Sevier received a commission from the State of North -Carolina, and was thus decidedly enlisted in the cause of American -Independence; not long after this he was honored with the commission of -Colonel, bearing the signature of George Washington. Two years later, -his wife died, leaving him ten children. The following year he married -Miss Sherrill, who devoted herself earnestly to all the duties of her -station, and to meet the exigencies of the times. - -It may well be supposed that the women spun, wove and made up the most -of the clothing worn by these backwoods people. Girls were as well -skilled in these arts, as were the boys to those belonging to their -circle of duties. It was always a source of much gratification to Mrs. -Sevier, and one of which she fondly boasted, that, "among the first work -she did, after her marriage, was to make the clothes which her husband -and his three sons wore the day they were in the memorable and important -battle of King's Mountain." And she would remark: "Had his ten children -been sons, and large enough to serve in that expedition, I could have -fitted them out." - -Mrs. Sevier was often left alone to manage domestic affairs, not only -within doors, but without. The life of Colonel Sevier was one of -incessant action, adventure and contest. The calls of his -fellow-citizens, and the necessities of the times, withdrew him -frequently from home. No commander was more frequently engaged in -conflicts with the Indians, with equal success and such small loss of -men. Yet it is a notable fact that he enjoyed, to a remarkable extent, -the respect of the tribes and chiefs with whom he contended. It is an -historical fact that he took to his own home, on the Chucka, a number of -Indian prisoners, where they were treated with so much kindness by his -wife and family, that several of them remained for years, although they -performed very little work, and this wholly at their own option. The -influence of Mrs. Sevier was intentionally and happily exerted upon -these captives, that it might tell, as it did, upon their friends within -the nation; and the family, no doubt, enjoyed more immunities than -otherwise they could have expected. - -The Colonel acquired a sobriquet among the Indians, which was some -evidence of their familiarity with, and attachment to him. As long as he -lived they called him "Chucka Jack." They had one, also, for Mrs. -Sevier, but it has not been preserved. She usually remained at the farm, -and never would consent to be shut up in a block-house, always saying: - - "The wife of John Sevier - Knows no fear." - -"Who would stay out if his family _forted_?" - -This was the spirit of the heroine—this was the spirit of Catherine -Sevier. Neither she nor her husband seemed to think there could be -danger or loss when they could encourage or aid others to daring, to -duty and to usefulness. Colonel Sevier at one time advised her to go -into the fort, but yielded to her respectful remonstrance. At one time -the Tories, who were worse and more troublesome enemies than the -savages, came to her house, and demanded her husband's whereabouts, -finally avowing their intention was to hang him on the highest tree in -front of his house, but that if she would tell them where he was, she -and her children should be safe. Of course she refused to give the -information. One man drew a pistol, threatening to blow her brains out -if she did not tell, or, at least, give up all the money she had. - -"Shoot, shoot!" was her answer; "I am not afraid to die! But remember, -while there is a Sevier on the face of the earth, my blood will not be -unavenged!" - -He dared not—did not shoot. The leader of the gang told the man to put -up his pistol, for "such a woman was too brave to die." - -Would it not be a good thing to make the study of the biography of such -heroines as Mrs. Sevier a part of the "course" in the accomplishment of -the fastidious young ladies of to-day? - -A peculiar incident is connected with the formidable attack upon -Bryant's station, Kentucky, made by six hundred savage warriors, headed -by the infamous renegade, Simon Girty. Having been forewarned of the -contemplated attack, the garrison was already under arms when Girty and -his savage band appeared. Supposing, by the preparations made to receive -them, that their actual presence in the vicinity was known, a -considerable body of Indians were placed in ambush near the spring, -which was at some distance from the fort, while another and smaller body -was ordered to take position in full view of the garrison, with the hope -of tempting them to an engagement outside the walls. Had this stratagem -been successful, the remainder of the forces was so posted as to be -able, upon the withdrawal of the garrison, to storm one of the gates, -and cut off their retreat to the fort. Unconscious of the snare which -had been laid for them, and unaware of the full strength of the enemy, -the garrison were about to sally out, having already opened one of the -gates for this purpose, when they became alarmed by a sudden firing from -an opposite direction, and hastily falling back, they closed and secured -the gates. - -One difficulty they had, however, to encounter—the want of water. It was -an oppressive day in the middle of August, and the want was soon -aggravated to an intolerable degree by the heat and thirst consequent -upon their exertions. To perish by thirst was as cruel as to die by the -rifle and tomahawk. Under these circumstances, a plan was proposed, -calculated to try the heroism of the women within the fort. Acting on -the belief that, although there might be an ambush at the spring, yet -the Indians, in desiring to effect the capture of the fort by stratagem, -would not unmask themselves to the women, these were urged to go in a -body to the spring, and each of them bring up a bucket full of water. - -They would hardly have been human had they not quailed a little at this -daring proposition; but, upon listening to the arguments of the men, a -few of the boldest declared their readiness to brave the danger, and the -younger and more timid, rallying in the rear of the elderly matrons, -they all marched down to the spring, a valiant company, each dipping her -bucket, within point blank shot of five hundred Indian warriors. Not a -shot was fired. They filled their buckets with the precious water, and -regained the shelter of the fort in safety. How their blood must have -turned cold, as they reached the dangerous spring, and how it must have -thrilled and tingled in their veins, as they turned their backs to the -concealed enemy, unarmed and perfectly helpless as they were! How long -the distance to the gate! How sweet the relief when their buckets of -crystal comfort were set down within the enclosure! - -Had this thing occurred in the days of the old Roman glory, it would -have won immortality for the maids and mothers who participated in it. - -When General Greene was retreating from the Catawaba, an incident -occurred which indicates the self-sacrificing spirit of the American -women. On the line of his retreat he stopped at a house for repose and -refreshment. He had ridden all day in a severe rain storm; he was wet, -fatigued, and he was oppressed by gloomy forebodings. His landlady -observed his despondency, and, upon asking him about his condition, he -replied that he was tired, hungry and penniless. Refreshments were -provided for him, and, after he had partaken of them, the woman drew him -into a private apartment, where she placed in his hands two bags of -specie, saying: - -"Take these; I can do without them, and they are necessary to you." - -Let us imagine that this noble act cheered the saddened heart of the -General in the hour of his trouble. - -In one district, during the war, the young women, at harvest-time, -formed themselves into a company of reapers, going to all the farms of -the neighborhood, and, if the reply to the question "Is the owner out -with the fighting men?" was in the affirmative, they would set to, and -cut and garner all the grain. It was no small undertaking, as five or -six weeks of unceasing toil were necessary to complete their rounds. -Similar companies were formed in New York and Long Island. A Whig paper -of July 25th, 1776, says: - -"The most respectable ladies set the example, and say they will take the -farming business on themselves, so long as the rights and liberties of -their country require the presence of their sons, husbands and lovers, -in the field." - -Pride in such ancestors is an ennobling sentiment. - -During the siege of Augusta, two ladies, Grace and Rachel Martin, -residing in the ninety-sixth district, South Carolina, learning, upon -one occasion, that a courier, under the protection of two British -soldiers, was to pass their residence, bearing important dispatches, -resolved, by a well-planned stratagem, to surprise the party, and -deprive the courier of the papers. Disguising themselves in male attire, -and provided with arms, they concealed themselves in a thicket on the -roadside, and patiently awaited the approach of the enemy. It was -twilight, and the darkness favored their plan. They had not remained -long in their concealment, when the courier and the escort made their -appearance. They were riding carelessly along, when suddenly two figures -sprang from a bushy covert, loudly demanding the dispatches, and at the -same time presenting their pistols. Bewildered and alarmed, the -surprised party yielded, without attempting resistance. - -The ladies then placed them on parole, and, hastening home through a -short route by the woods, had hardly arrived there, and divested -themselves of their male attire, when the same trio came riding up to -the door, requesting accommodations. The mother of the heroines admitted -them, asking why they had returned, after passing her house but a short -time before. They replied by exhibiting their paroles, and stating that -they had been taken prisoners by "two rebels." The young ladies, -unsuspected by their guests, rallied them on their unfortunate -adventure, asking "why they did not use their arms?" to which they -replied that they were fallen upon so sudden, they had not time. During -their stay, they were as severely overcome by the malicious wit and -raillery of the ladies, as they had before been by their superior -bravery and cunning. The dispatches obtained in the heroic manner -described, were sent to General Greene, and proved of importance. - -These ladies should have had the rank of "Sergeant," at least, conferred -upon them, in acknowledgment of their bravery, wit, and the good service -rendered! - -In the commencement of the American Revolution, when one of the British -king's thundering proclamations made its appearance, the subject was -mentioned in a company in Philadelphia; a member of Congress, who was -present, turning to Miss Livingstone, said: - -"Well, Miss, are you greatly terrified at the roaring of the British -lion?" - -"Not at all, sir, for I have learned from natural history that _that -beast roars loudest when he is most frightened_!" was her quiet reply. - -[Illustration: - - The Chieftain's Appeal.—_Page_ 9. -] - - - - - TALES, - - TRADITIONS AND ROMANCE - - OF - - BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. - - THE CHIEFTAIN S APPEAL. - THE IMPLACABLE GOVERNOR. - Mrs. SLOCUMB AT MOORE'S CREEK. - BRADY'S LEAP. - - NEW YORK: - BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, - 118 WILLIAM STREET. - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1864, - by BEADLE AND COMPANY, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of - the United - States for the Southern District of New York. - - - - - THE - CHIEFTAIN'S APPEAL. - - -Sullivan's campaign into the Indian country, in the fall of 1779, -realized none of the anticipations regarding it; for, although the -severity of the ensuing winter, and the privations they suffered from -the destruction of their homes and their crops, kept the Indians from -making any predatory excursions upon the settlements, yet, on the -opening of spring, they swept over the country in clouds, burning with -revenge, and breathing vengeance against the pale-faces. - -Early in April, a party of forty or fifty Indians and Tories, under the -command of Captain Brandt, the Mohawk chief, made an incursion against -Harpersfield, which they surprised and destroyed. Most of the -inhabitants, however, had, owing to their exposed situation, left the -place, and nineteen prisoners and a small amount of plunder was all that -graced their triumph. On his way from Niagara, Brandt had detached a -party of eleven Indians, under a young chief called Cheyendowah, to -attack the settlement at Minisink, and bring in some prisoners. This was -successfully accomplished, and five of its male inhabitants were led -captive into the wilderness, as far as Tioga Point. Here, however, they -rose upon their captors while asleep, and in a few moments nine of them -lay in the agonies of death, while the other two fled, one being -mortally wounded. At the time that Harpersfield was destroyed, a party -of fourteen militiamen, under command of Captain Alexander Harper, were -in the woods making maple-sugar for the garrison at Old Schoharie. Not -dreaming of the proximity of an enemy, they were attacked by the party -under Brandt, and two of their number shot down before they could seize -their arms; and when they attempted to reach them, they found themselves -completely cut off and surrounded. Nothing remained, therefore, but to -surrender. The Tories composing a part of Brandt's party, were opposed -to taking prisoners, and wished to kill them at once, that they might -not be an incumbrance at the attack of the Schoharie Fort, which was one -object of the expedition. A frightful massacre would have ensued, -without doubt, had not Brandt's forethought prevented it. He had raised -his tomahawk to strike Captain Harper, which would have been the signal -for the death of the others, when, thinking he might get valuable -information from him, he lowered his weapon, and, looking the other -sternly in the eye, he asked: "How many regular troops are there in the -fort?" Harper saw the object of the chief, and, without any hesitation -or prevarication, told him that three hundred Continentals had arrived -but a few days before to garrison the forts. This was not true, but the -manner in which Harper told it imposed upon the chief, who, by the way, -had been a schoolmate of his, and, although the circumstance -disconcerted his plans, yet he was induced to believe him. One of -Harper's men, fearing that the Indians would put them all to death if -they should discover the fraud, informed the chief of the true state of -the case; but he, thinking it a ruse to lead him into danger, and thus -facilitate the escape of the prisoners, put no faith in his story, but, -on the contrary, was the more convinced of Harper's truthfulness. A -conference was held between Brandt and his subordinate chiefs in regard -to the disposal of the prisoners. The former was in favor of taking them -to Niagara, but the latter, disappointed at the failure of the main part -of their enterprise, and thirsting for blood, were for massacring them -at once. During the controversy, the prisoners, bound hand and foot, -were thrust into a pen of logs, where they were kept under guard of the -Tories and their leader, an infamous wretch by the name of Becraft. The -pen was near enough to the council to hear what was going on, and Harper -understood enough of the Indian language to catch the import of their -"talk." Becraft took pains, too, to inform them of the wishes of the -majority of the Indians, and in abusive language told them that they -would "all be in hell before morning." The influence of Brandt—at all -times powerful—enabled him to prevent bloodshed, and the others were -induced to forego their bloodthirsty desires, for the present, at least. -In the morning, Harper was again brought before the chief and -interrogated. With great presence of mind he reasserted his story, and, -although the other eyed him with the most searching gaze, he betrayed no -evidence of indecision; and at length the chief, convinced, apparently, -of the truth, gave the order to commence their march for Niagara. The -prisoners were not allowed to reach their destination, without passing -through fearful ordeals. One day they stopped at a mill kept by a Tory, -who, with both of his daughters, counseled Brandt to destroy "the -infernal Whigs." This coinciding with the desires of the Tories and a -majority of the Indians, the chief found it difficult to restrain them, -and prevent the sacrifice. On another occasion they met a loyalist, who -was well acquainted with Brandt and Harper, who told the former that he -had been deceived—that there were no troops at Schoharie. This led to -another searching inquiry, but Harper persisted in his story with so -much apparent candor as again to elude detection. But when the party -reached the Chemung River, they had to pass a still more fearful trial. -On reaching this point, Brandt and his warriors raised a whoop, as is -customary with the Indians when they have prisoners—it was answered by a -single _death yell_! In a few moments a single Indian made his -appearance, who proved to be the young chief Cheyendowah. His story was -soon told. Of the eleven who started for the Minisink settlement, he -alone was left so tell the tale of their massacre at the hands of their -prisoners. The others had gathered about him, excited listeners to the -melancholy narrative, and the effect of the recital upon these already -implacable warriors was fearful in the extreme. "Revenge!" seemed to -leap from every tongue, and their faces were wrought into an expression -of the fiercest determination to immolate the unhappy prisoners on the -spot. Every hand sought a weapon simultaneously, and the glittering -tomahawk and keener scalping-knife leaped into the air, while their eyes -glared ferociously upon Harper and his companions, who, conscious that -their fate was inevitable, awaited it with what composure they could -command. With one accord, the savages rushed in a tumultuous throng, -with uplifted weapons, upon their victims. Brandt had no power to -control the storm, and did not attempt it. As well might he attempt to -stay the whirlwind in its fury, or beat back the mountain torrent in its -course; the doom of the white men was apparently sealed, It was to the -magnanimity of one from whom they could least anticipate such -forbearance, that they were indebted for their lives. Rushing between -the infuriated warriors and their anticipated prey, the young chief -Cheyendowah waved back the crowd with an imperious gesture which -commanded attention. When silence was restored, he surprised his -auditors by an urgent appeal in behalf of the prisoners. "It was not -they," he said, "who had killed their brethren, and to take the lives of -innocent men would not punish the guilty. The Great Spirit would be -angry with them if they should do this wicked thing." Pointing upward, -in words of majestic eloquence, he told them that "Manitou was looking -upon them, and would send his thunders to destroy their families, their -homes, and themselves, if they sacrificed the white men in their -vengeance." He told them it was cowardly to kill men who could not -defend themselves, and none but squaws would take such an advantage. -Appealing thus alternately to their fears, their humanity, and their -superstition, he wrought upon their better nature, and was successful in -inducing them to forego their anticipated vengeance. One by one their -weapons were returned to their accustomed places, and with subdued and -less excited feelings, they recommenced their onward march to Niagara, -which they reached at length; not, however, without the severest -suffering by the way. - -The eloquence of the red-man is proverbial. Many a time has the captive -trembled when it has been exercised against him; and thrilled with joy, -when it was exerted in his behalf. In the swift future, when all traces -of his existence, who was once the master of this mighty continent, is -swept away, and our children's children read of him, as an ancient and -perished myth, the records of his eloquence shall be left alive. One of -the best specimens of Indian rhetoric, is the speech of Tecumseh, at the -grand council of the Creeks. One, who was present, and heard it as it -fell from his lips, General Dale, says: - -"I have heard many great orators, but I never saw one with the vocal -powers of Tecumseh, or the same command of the muscles of the face. Had -I been deaf, the play of his countenance would have told me what he -said. Its effect on that wild, untutored, superstitious, and warlike -assemblage, may be conceived: not a word was said, but stern warriors, -the 'stoics of the wood,' shook with emotion, and a thousand tomahawks -were brandished in the air. Even the big warrior, who had been true to -the whites, and remained faithful during the war, was, for the moment, -visibly affected, and more than once I saw his huge hand clutch, -spasmodically the handle of his knife." - -But, to the speech: - -"In defiance of the white warriors of Ohio and Kentucky, I have traveled -through their settlements, once our favorite hunting-grounds. No -war-whoop was sounded, but there is blood upon our knives The pale-faces -felt the blow, but knew not whence it came. - -"Accursed be the race that has seized on our country and made women of -our warriors. Our fathers, from their tombs, reproach us as slaves and -cowards. I hear them now in the wailing winds. - -"The Muscogee was once a mighty people. The Georgians trembled at your -war-whoop, and the maidens of my tribe, on the distant lakes, sung the -prowess of your warriors, and sighed for their embraces. - -"Now, your very blood is white; your tomahawks have no edges; your bows -and arrows were buried with your fathers. Oh! Muscogees, brethren of my -mother, brush from your eyelids the sleep of slavery; once more strike -for vengeance—once more for your country. The spirits of the mighty dead -complain. Their tears drop from the skies. Let the white man perish. - -"They seize your land; they corrupt your women; they trample on the -ashes of your dead. Back, whence they came, upon a trail of blood, must -they be driven. - -"Back! back, ay, into the great waters whose accursed waves brought them -to our shores. - -"Burn their dwellings! destroy their stock! Slay their wives and -children! The red-man owns the country, and the pale-face must never -enjoy it. - -"War! war! War forever! War upon the living! War upon the dead! Dig -their very corpses from the grave. _Our_ country must give no rest to a -white man's bones. - -"This is the will of the Great Spirit, revealed to my brother, his -familiar, the Prophet of the Lakes. He sends me to you. - -"All the tribes of the North are dancing the war-dance. Two mighty -warriors across the seas will send us arms. - -"Tecumseh will soon return to his country. My prophets shall tarry with -you. They will stand between you and the bullets of your enemies. When -the white men approach you, the yawning earth shall swallow them up. - -"Soon shall you see my arm of fire stretched athwart the sky. I will -stamp my foot at Tippecanoe, and the very earth shall shake." - -It appears that the wily orator had been informed by the British that a -comet was shortly to appear; and the earthquake, of 1811, had commenced -as he came through Kentucky; so that, when the arm of fire was actually -stretched forth, and the earth did shake under old Tippecanoe, his -auditors attributed it to Tecumseh's supernatural powers, and -immediately took up arms. - -We think the speech of Weatherford, one of the Creek war-chiefs, engaged -against General Jackson, an equally fine example of their oratory, while -it illustrates the remarkable dignity of mind which enabled him to -support his humiliating position with such grandeur. It was after our -doughty General had nearly annihilated the tribes in his department, the -Indians, seeing all resistance at an end, came forward and made their -submission; Weatherford, however, and many who were known to be -desperate, still holding out. - -General Jackson, determined to test the fidelity of those chiefs who had -already submitted, ordered them to deliver, without delay, Weatherford, -bound, into his hands, to be dealt with as he deserved. When they made -known to the sachem what was required of them, his high spirit would not -submit to such degradation; and, to hold them harmless, he resolved to -give himself up without compulsion. - -Accordingly, he proceeded to the American camp, unknown, until he -appeared before the commanding General, to whose presence, under some -pretence, he gained admission. Jackson was greatly surprised when the -chief said: - -"I am Weatherford, the chief who commanded at the capture of Fort Mimms. -I desire peace for my people, and have come to ask it." - -The General had doubtless resolved upon his execution, when he should be -brought, bound; but, his unexpected appearance in this manner, saved -him; he said to the chief that he was astonished at his venturing to -appear in his presence, as he was not ignorant of the warrior having -been at Fort Mimms, nor of his inhuman conduct there, for which he -richly deserved to die. - -"I ordered," continued the General, "that you should be brought to me -bound; had you been brought as I ordered, I should have known how to -treat you." - -In answer to this, Weatherford replied: - -"I am in your power; do with me as you please; I am a soldier. I have -done the whites all the harm I could. I have fought them, and fought -them bravely. Had I an army, I would yet fight—I would contend to the -last; but, I have none. My people are all gone. I can only weep over the -misfortunes of my nation." - -Jackson was of too audacious a nature himself, not to be pleased with -this fellow, and told him that he would take no advantage of his present -situation; that he might yet join the war-party, and contend against the -Americans, if he chose, but to depend upon no quarter, if taken; and -that unconditional submission was his, and his people's only safety. -Weatherford rejoined, in a tone both dignified and indignant: - -"You can safely address me in such terms, now. There was a time when I -could have answered—there was a time when I had a choice—I have none -now. I have not even a hope. I could once animate my warriors to the -battle—but I can not animate the dead. My warriors can no longer hear my -voice. Their bones are at Talladega, Tallashatches, Emucklaw, and -Tohopeka. I have not surrendered myself without thought. While there was -a single chance of success, I never left my post nor supplicated peace. -But my people are gone; and I now ask it, for my nation, not for myself. -I look back with deep sorrow, and wish to avert still greater -calamities. If I had been left to contend with the Georgian army, I -would have raised my corn on one bank of the river and fought them on -the other. But your people have destroyed my nation. You are a brave -man. I rely on your generosity. You will exact no terms of a conquered -people, but such as they should accede to. Whatever they may be, it -would now be madness and folly to oppose them. If they are opposed, you -will find me among the sternest enforcers of obedience. Those, who would -still hold out, can be influenced only by a mean spirit of revenge. To -this, they must not, and shall not, sacrifice the last remnant of their -country. You have told our nation where we might go and be safe. This, -is good talk, and they ought to listen to it. They shall listen to it." - -Weatherford is described as having possessed a noble person and a -brilliant intellect. After peace was declared, he settled amid the -whites, and General Dale, who had fought against him often, had the -pleasure of standing as groomsman at his wedding. - - - - - THE IMPLACABLE GOVERNOR. - - -When the infamous Tryon succeeded Arthur Dobbs, as Colonial Governor of -North Carolina, in 1766, he found the inhabitants of the upper part of -the State in the highest state of excitement—almost in open rebellion—on -account of the passage of the Stamp Act, which, to them, was like piling -Pelion upon Ossa, for they had suffered for years from the rapacity of -public officers, the oppression of the courts, and exorbitant taxes -levied to support a venal government. They had petitioned the Governor -and Council for a redress of grievances, until they found that each -petition was followed by increased extortion—until their situation -became so oppressive, that they resolved to take matters into their own -hands. A solemn league was thereupon formed, called the "REGULATION," -and the members of it "_Regulators_." The leader of this movement was -Herman Husband, a quaker, a man of strong mind and great influence. -These Regulators resolved to pay no more taxes, unless satisfied of -their legality; to pay no more fees than the strict letter of the law -allowed; to select the proper men to represent them, and to petition for -redress until their object—a retrenchment of the exorbitant expenditure -of the Government, and the consequent high rate of taxes—was obtained. -The exasperated feelings of the people were somewhat calmed by the -repeal of the odious Stamp Act; but soon after that event, which had -quieted and put to rest the stormy, riotous assemblies of the "Sons of -Liberty," as the Regulators were sometimes called, Governor Tryon -succeeded in obtaining, first, an appropriation of twenty-five thousand -dollars to erect a gubernatorial palace, "suitable for the residence of -a Colonial Governor," and a further sum of fifty thousand dollars to -complete the same. This, together with the expense of running the -boundary line between the State and the Cherokee nation, which was -incurred by the vanity of the Governor in calling out the militia, and -marching at their head into the Cherokee country, with the ostensible -object of protecting the surveyors, and that, too, in time of peace, had -the effect to excite the indignation of the Regulators, and they -determined to resist the imposition of the tax for these objects. Tryon, -observing the threatening storm, sent a proclamation by his Secretary, -David Edwards, and a lawyer named Edmund Fanning, to be read and -enforced among the people. Fanning was a man who was detested by the -Regulators, for his extortions; but he managed to cajole them into the -belief that justice was about to be done them, and they agreed to meet -him, to heal all difficulties and settle the existing differences. While -waiting the time of meeting, however, they were astonished and highly -exasperated by the arrest of Husband and a number of friends, who were -thrown into jail by Fanning's orders. A rising of the people followed, -and a large body of Regulators marched to Hillsborough to release the -prisoners. They were induced, however, by the solemn assurance of -Edwards, that their grievances should be redressed, to retire without -committing any overt act. From this time forward, the temporizing policy -of the Governor, and the rankling hatred of the Regulators, caused -frequent and serious outbreaks, until the former, determined to crush -the spirit of disaffection, collected the militia, and marched into the -disaffected district. He was met by a large body of the Regulators, and -a serious battle was fought, in which nine of the Regulators and -twenty-seven of the militia were killed, and a great number on both -sides wounded. The Regulators had no acknowledged leader, and all was -confusion after the first fire from the militia, every man fighting on -his own account, and in his own way. The result was a victory for the -Governor, who took a number of prisoners, upon whom he vented the -implacable revenge which was as a consuming fire within him. His conduct -was more like that of a small-minded, vain, and vindictive man, than -that of a Royal Governor. - -Among others whom fortune had thrown into his hands, was Captain Messer, -one of the most influential of the Regulators, and the father of an -interesting family. Tryon could not wait the tardy course of trial for -this man, but sentenced him to be hung the day after the battle. He must -sate his desire for revenge in the blood of some of his victims, or his -victory would be incomplete. Messer begged to see his family before he -died; but this boon was denied him, and he was told to prepare for -death. Information of his captivity, however, was conveyed to his wife -by the fugitives from the field, and she repaired at once to the spot, -with her eldest boy, a lad ten years old, to comfort him in his -confinement. She did not know that he had been condemned to die, until -she reached the scene of the late encounter, where she was informed of -it by seeing the preparations made for his execution. In an agony of -mind which threatened to unseat her reason, she flew to Tryon, and -besought him on her knees to spare her husband's life. Every argument -and appeal which her affection could command, was used in vain; the -stony heart of the victorious Governor was not to be touched, and he -spurned her from him in disdain, telling her that her husband should -die, though the _King_ should intercede in his behalf. The poor woman -fell weeping to the ground, while her little son, with the spirit of his -father beaming in his eyes, endeavored to console her by assuring her -that Tryon would yet relent. While this was passing, the Captain was led -forth to die. Mrs. Messer, on seeing her husband in the hands of the -executioner, uttered a shriek of agony, which seemed to sever the cords -of her heart, and swooned away. The noble-hearted boy at her side, -instead of giving way to grief, determined to make another appeal to -Tryon, who stood near viewing the proceedings. Throwing himself at the -Governor's feet, he said: - -"Sir, hang me, and let my father live." - -"Who told you to say that?" asked Tryon. - -"Nobody," was the reply. - -"And why do you ask it?" - -"Because," replied the lad, "if you hang father, my mother will die, and -the children will perish." - -The Governor's heart was touched, and he replied: - -"Your father shall not be hanged to-day." - -The execution was stayed; while the noble boy went to his mother, and -restored her to consciousness by the news. - -The unfeeling tyrant, however, annexed a condition to his reprieve, -which was, that Messer should be set at liberty only on condition that -he should arrest and bring before him the person of Husband, who had -fled before the battle commenced. Reflecting that success might attend -his efforts, and, at worst, he could but suffer if he failed, he -consented, while his wife and son were detained as hostages for his -fidelity. He pursued Husband to Virginia, where he overtook him, but -could not persuade him to return, and was obliged to surrender himself -again to the tender mercies of his captor. He was bound in chains with -the other prisoners, and in this condition was marched through the -various towns and villages on the route toward Newbern. At Hillsborough, -a court-martial was held, and twelve of the captive Regulators were -sentenced to be hung. Six of these were reprieved, and the others -suffered death on the scaffold. Among the latter was Captain Messer, who -met his fate with the resignation of one who felt that he died in the -cause of liberty. His broken-hearted wife returned to her home, now -rendered desolate by her husband's death; while the tyrannical Governor -marched in triumph to Newbern, from whence he was soon after called to -the head of colonial affairs in New York. - -The execution of Colonel Isaac Hayne, which took place later in the -history of the Carolinas, presents a still more touching picture of the -devotion of a child and the tyranny of a British minion. After -Charleston had fallen into the hands of the British, many of the Whigs -of South Carolina were induced to take the protections which were -offered by Lord Cornwallis. They were led to this step by the belief -that in the South the cause was hopeless, and were promised, by virtue -of these protections, to be allowed to remain quietly in their homes and -take no part in the contest. Their surprise was great, when, soon after, -they were called upon to take up arms under the British commanders and -against their countrymen. Conceiving that faith had been broken with -them, and their promises of neutrality no longer binding, they tore up -their protections, and at once ranked themselves under the Continental -leaders. Among those was Colonel Hayne, a man of unblemished reputation, -fine talents and lofty patriotism. Indignant at the course pursued by -the British, he hastened to the American army, and began to take active -part in the contest. Unfortunately, he fell into the enemy's hands, was -conveyed to Charleston, submitted, by order of Rawdon, to a mock trial, -and, to the horror of all, was condemned to death. He received his -sentence with calmness, but the whole country was horrified. Both -English and Americans interceded for his life, and the ladies of -Charleston immortalized themselves by the spirited address which they -framed and delivered to his captors in his behalf. All was of no avail. -The cruel heart of Rawdon could not be moved; not even the captive's -motherless children, with bended knees and tearful prayers, could move -his obdurate nature. - -Hayne's eldest child was a boy of thirteen, who was permitted to remain -in prison with him up to the time of his execution. This boy was -actuated by an affection for his father of the most romantic earnestness -and fervor. Beholding him loaded with irons and condemned to die, he was -overwhelmed with consternation and sorrow; nothing could alleviate his -distress. In vain did his parent endeavor to console him by reminding -him that this unavailing grief only heightened his own misery—that he -was only to leave this world to be admitted into a better—that it was -glorious to die for liberty. The boy would not be comforted. - -"To-morrow," said the unhappy father, "I set out for immortality. You -will accompany me to the place of my execution, and when I am dead, take -my body and bury it beside your poor mother." - -In an agony of grief the child fell weeping on his father's neck, -crying: - -"Oh, my father, my father, I die with you!" - -The chains which bound the prisoner prevented his returning the embrace, -but he said, in reply: - -"Live, my son—live to honor God by a good life—live to take care of your -brothers and sisters." - -The next morning the son walked beside his father to the place of -execution. The history of the war scarcely affords a more heart-rending -incident. There was not a citizen of Charleston whose bosom did not -swell with anguish and indignation. There was sorrow in every -countenance, and when men spoke with each other, it was in accents of -horror. - -[Illustration: - - The Implacable Governor.—_Page_ 14. -] - -When the two came within sight of the gallows, the parent strengthened -himself, and said to the weeping boy: - -"Tom, my son, show yourself a man! That tree is the boundary of my life -and all my life's sorrow. Beyond that the wicked cease from troubling, -and the weary are at rest. Don't lay too much at heart our separation—it -will be short. 'Twas but lately your mother died; to-day I die; and you, -though young, must shortly follow." - -"Yes, my father," replied the broken-hearted boy, "I shall soon follow -you; for, indeed, I feel that I can not live long." - -And this melancholy anticipation was fulfilled in a manner far more -dreadful than is implied in the mere extinction of life. When his father -was tom from his side, his tears flowed incessantly, and his bosom was -convulsed with sobs; but when he saw that beloved parent in the hands of -the executioner, the halter adjusted to his neck, and then his form -convulsively struggling in the air, the fountain of his tears was -suddenly stanched, and he stood transfixed with horror. He never wept -again. When all was over he was led from the scene, but there was a -wildness in his look, a pallor in his cheek, which alarmed his friends. -The terrible truth was soon made known. His reason had fled forever. It -was not long before he followed his parents to the grave, but his death -was even sadder than his father's. In his last moments he often called -the beloved name in accents of such anguish that the sternest hearted -wept to hear him. But the merciful all-Father took him home and restored -him forever to the side of that parent, the shock of whose rude death -sundered the tender strings of a child's heart. - -Lord Rawdon should have been proud of this noble feat. He was one of -those who - - "Stand, to move the world, on a child's heart." - -The outrageous oppression of Governor Tryon and Lord Rawdon were only a -few among many instances of the spirit shown by Government officials, -until the people of the Colonies were driven to that universal rebellion -which resulted in the establishment of our independence. And when that -struggle was begun, British arrogance and cruelty asserted itself, in -her officers and minions, in those equivocal shapes which ought to make -British history blush with shame along the ensanguined record. It has -been truly said that a wrong begun is only maintained by a wrong -continued. - -The first contest of England with America sprang from tyranny; she was -the aggressor, the offending party: and it seems to have been a moral -consequence, that a war, thus unrighteous, should have been -characterized by a violation of every humane and honorable purpose. The -extent to which British cruelty was carried in the memorable contest of -the Revolution, is scarcely appreciated by us. Nothing equals the -vindictive, bloodthirsty fury which characterized it in some quarters of -the Union. It was almost a war of extermination in the South. There, -lads were often shot down, that they might not live to be full-grown -rebels, and mothers murdered, that they might bring forth no more -enemies to the king. Among the people in villages, and in the open -country, existed the greatest suffering, and often was manifested the -loftiest patriotism and the grandest fortitude. With such ferocity were -they pursued by the British soldiery, that their only retreat became the -army. At no moment were they safe. Neither in their beds, nor by their -firesides, nor on the highways. Daily and nightly murders frightened the -time with their atrocities. Reckless marauders traversed the country in -all directions, sparing neither sex, age, nor infancy. Nightly, the red -flame glared on the horizon, and houseless children hung over the -desecrated, butchered forms of their parents. - -But of all atrocities, those committed in the prisons and prison-ships -of New York were most execrable; there is nothing in history to excel -the barbarities there inflicted. It is stated that nearly twelve -thousand American prisoners "suffered death by their inhuman, cruel and -barbarous usage on board the filthy and malignant prison-ship, called -the _Jersey_, lying in New York." - -The scenes enacted within the prisons almost exceed belief. There were -several prisons in the city; but the most terrible of them all was the -Provost (now the Hall of Records), which was under the charge of -Cunningham, that wretch, the like of whom the world has not many times -produced. He had a love for inflicting torture; it was his passion, his -besotted appetite; he seemed to live upon the agony of human beings; -their groans were his music, their sufferings his pastime. He took an -eager delight in murder. He stopped the rations of the prisoners and -sold them, to add to the luxuries of his own table, while his victims -were starving to death. They were crowded into rooms where there was not -space to lie down, with no blankets to protect them from the cold, to -which the unglazed windows exposed them, while they were suffering from -fevers, thirst, and hunger. In the summer, epidemics raged among them, -while they were denied medicine or attendance, and compelled to breathe -the damp and putrid air. But, hear what Cunningham himself says of his -acts, in his dying speech and confession, when brought to the gallows, -in London, for a forgery of which he was convicted: - -"I shudder to think of the murders I have been accessory to, both with -and without orders from the Government, especially in New York, during -which time, there was more than two thousand prisoners starved in the -different prisons, by stopping their rations, which I sold. There were -also two hundred and seventy-five American prisoners and obnoxious -persons executed, out of all which number, there was only about a dozen -public executions, which consisted chiefly of British and Hessian -deserters. The mode for private executions, was this: a guard was -despatched from the Provost, about half-past twelve, at night, to the -barrack, and the neighborhood of the upper barracks, to order the people -to close their window-shutters and put out their lights, forbidding -them, at the same time, to look out, on pain of death; after which, the -unfortunate victims were conducted, gagged, just behind the upper -barracks, and hung without ceremony, and there buried by the Black -Pioneer of the Provost." - -These murders were common, nightly pastime of this monster. - -The saddest of the tragedies in which Cunningham bore his ignominious -part, was the execution of that glorious young martyr, whose name shall -glow brighter and brighter on the record of his country's heroes, as the -ages roll away. - -The impartial reader will question the justice of history, which has -done so much for the memory of André, and left that of Hale in -comparative oblivion. And yet we can discover but little difference in -their cases. Both were possessors of genius and taste, both were endowed -with excellent qualities and attainments, and both were impelled by a -desire to serve the cause they respectively espoused, and both suffered -a similar death, but under vastly different circumstances. And yet a -magnificently sculptured monument in Westminster Abbey, perpetuates the -name of the English officer, while none know where sleep the ashes of -Hale, and neither stone nor epitaph tells us of the services rendered by -him; while the first is honored in every quarter where the English -language is spoken, the name of the latter is unknown to many of his -countrymen. "There is something more than natural in this, if philosophy -could find it out."[3] - -Footnote 3: - - About ten years since, the ladies of Windham and Tolland Counties, - Conn., caused a handsome monument to be erected to the memory of the - young martyr. - -Nathan Hale was not twenty years of age, when the first gun of the -revolution broke upon the ears of the colonists. The patriotic cause at -once aroused his enthusiastic love for liberty and justice, and without -pausing for a moment to consider the prudence of such a step, his ardent -nature prompted him at once, to throw himself into the ranks of his -country's defenders. Distinguished as a scholar, and respected, by all -who knew him, for his brilliant talents, he was at once tendered a -Captain's commission in the light infantry. He served in the regiment -commanded by Colonel Knowlton, and was with the army in its retreat -after the disastrous battle of Long Island. - -After the army had retreated from New York, and while it was posted on -the Hights of Harlem, the Commander-in-Chief earnestly desired to be -made acquainted with the force and contemplated movements of the enemy, -and for this purpose, applied to Colonel Knowlton to select some -individual capable of performing the hazardous and delicate service. -Knowlton applied to Hale, who, on becoming acquainted with the wishes of -Washington, immediately volunteered his services. He stated that his -object in joining the army, was not merely for fame, but to serve the -country; that as yet, no opportunity had offered for him to render any -signal aid to her cause, and when a duty so imperative and so important -as this was demanded of him, he was ready to sacrifice not only life, -but all hope of glory, and to suffer the ignomy which its failure would -cast upon his name. His friends endeavored to dissuade him from the -undertaking, but lofty considerations of duty impelled him to the step. - -Having disguised himself as a schoolmaster, he crossed the Sound at -Fairfield, to Huntingdon, and proceeded thence to Brooklyn. This was in -September, 1776. When he arrived at Brooklyn, the enemy had already -taken possession of New York. He crossed over to the city, his disguise -unsuspected, and pursued the objects of his mission. He examined all -their fortifications with care, and obtained every information relative -to the number of the enemy, their intentions, etc. Having accomplished -all that he could, he left the city, and retraced his steps to -Huntingdon. While here, waiting for a boat to convey him across the -Sound, his apprehension was effected. There are great discrepancies in -the various accounts which are given of his arrest, but all agree that -it was through the means of a refugee cousin, who detected his disguise. -According to one account, while he was at Huntingdon, a boat came to the -shore, which he at first supposed to be one from Connecticut, but which -proved to be from an English vessel lying in the Sound. He incautiously -approached the boat, and was recognized by his Tory relative, who was in -the boat at the time. He was arrested, and sent to New York. - -There can not be a more striking proof of the different value set upon -the services of André and Hale by their respective nations, than the -fact afforded by the different manner of their arrest. There was not a -single circumstance connected with the capture of André, but what is -known to every reader of history, but in the case of Hale, who stands -André's equal in every particular, it is not even known with certainty -how he was apprehended. We have a few uncertain legends relative to it, -but these are widely different, some making him arrested on the Sound, -some on the island, and others on the outskirts of the city. But there -was one circumstance connected with Hale's capture, which should enhance -our sympathy for him. André fell into the American hands by means of the -sagacity, watchfulness, and fidelity of our own soldiers; but Hale was -betrayed by the base perfidy and treason of a renegade relative. And -what two opposite phases of human nature does the contrast between these -two incidents afford! In the first, we find three men, three poor men, -so fixed in principle and determined in right, that the most tempting -offers—offers when an assent would have given them wealth, ease, and -luxury—were refused. Strong honesty overcame temptation, and they were -content to struggle on in poverty, oblivion, and privation, with -unsullied hearts, rather than feast and riot in luxury. But in the -latter incident, we find one of the most execrable acts recorded in -history. The betrayal of Hale by his relative, contrasted with the stem -integrity of André's captors, affords a most striking picture. - -We are all aware of what followed the capture of André. He was tried -before an honorable court, and while strict justice demanded his life, -the necessity was deplored by his judges, and his fate aroused in every -heart the keenest sympathy and the deepest sorrow. But how widely -different was the unhappy end of the noble Hale! He was surrendered to -the incarnate fiend, Cunningham, the Provost-Marshal, and ordered to -immediate execution, without even the formality of a trial. - -The twenty-first of September, 1776, was a day to be remembered in New -York. From Whitehall to Barclay Street, a conflagration raged along both -sides of Broadway, in which, four hundred and ninety-three houses, or -about one-third of the city, was laid in ashes. The College Green, and a -change of wind, only arrested the swift destruction. On that day, the -dignified, harsh, cold, and courtly Howe, had his head-quarters at the -Beekman House, (now standing at the corner of Fifty-first Street and -First Avenue) on the East River, about three and a quarter miles from -the Park. The conflagration, checked, but not subdued, still clouded the -air, when a generous youth, of high intelligence, kindly manners, and -noble character, was brought into the presence of this stern dignitary. -That youth was charged with being a spy, and the allegation was -substantiated by some military sketches and notes found on his person. -In this court of last resort, Hale dropped all disguises, and at once -proclaimed himself an American officer and a spy. He attempted no plea -of extenuation; he besought no pardoning clemency; he promised no -transfer of allegiance. He waited calmly, with no unmanly fears, the too -evident sentence which was to snap his brittle thread of life. Howe kept -him not long waiting, but at once wrote a brief order, giving to William -Cunningham, Provost Marshal of the Royal army, the care and custody of -the body of Nathan Hale, Captain in the rebel army, this day convicted -as a spy, and directing him to be hung by the neck until dead, -"to-morrow morning at daybreak." - -Dare we allow our sad and sympathizing fancies to follow the young hero -to the old Provost, where one night only remained to him of earth? It is -difficult to conceive a night of greater distress, or more thronged with -memories, endurances, and anticipations. Never was prison presided over -by a more insatiate monster than this Cunningham. All the surroundings -were of the most forbidding character. The coming morning was to conduct -the prisoner, through unspeakable contumely, to the portals of eternity. -He calmly asked that his hands might be loosed, and that a light and -writing materials might be supplied, to enable him to write to his -parents and friends. Cunningham denied the request! Hale asked for the -use of a Bible, and even this was savagely refused. - -Thank God, there was one there with enough of the heart and feelings of -a man, to be roused to energetic remonstrance by such malignant -inhumanity. The Lieutenant of Hale's guard earnestly and successfully -besought that these requests be granted. In the silent hours, so swiftly -bearing him on to the verge of his dear and happy life, the strong soul -of the martyr was permitted to write, for loved eyes its parting -messages. Doubtless, one of these was to the sweet Alice Adams, the -maiden to whom he was betrothed. On came the swift and fatal morning, -and with it the diabolical Cunningham, eager to luxuriate in another's -woe. Hale handed him the letters he had written; Cunningham at once read -them, and, growing furious at their high spirit, _tore them to pieces -before the writer's eyes_. He afterward gave, as his reason, "that the -rebels should never know they had a man who could die with such -firmness." - -Confronted by this representative of His Majesty, cheered by no voice of -friendship, or even of sympathy, beset by the emblems and ministers of -ignominious death, Hale stood on the fatal spot. His youthful face -transfigured with the calm peace of a triumphant martyr; a life, -suffused with religious sensibilities, and blooming with holy love, then -and there culminated. - -The ritual of disgrace had been performed, and a single refinement of -malice, was all that even Cunningham's ingenuity could devise; he -demanded "a dying speech and confession." Humanity had begun to assert -itself in the crowd of curious gazers, for pity was swelling up in many -hearts, finding expression in stifled sobs. Firm and calm, glowing with -purification and self-sacrifice, Hale seemed to gather up his soul out -of his body, as, with solemn emphasis, he gave answer to this last -demand of malignity: - -"_I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country._" - -Why have not we a sky-piercing monument, wherein is set a tablet of -solid silver, whereon those words are printed in letters of pure gold? - -Honest Tunis Bogart, a witness of Hale's execution, said: - -"I have never been able to efface the scene of horror from my mind—it -rises up to my imagination always." Ashar Wright, who was Hale's -personal attendant, was so completely overwhelmed by his fate, that his -understanding reeled from its throne, never to be fully reinstated. - -There was such lamentation among relatives, friends, and brother -officers, when his death was learned, as betokened how he had endeared -himself to all. His memory has been quietly cherished in many hearts. -And ever, as the tide of time rolls on, his fame increases—his star -sails steadily up among the immortal crowd of illustrious dead. - -A certain share of infamy attaches to Howe, on account of the -barbarities of Hale's execution. He could and should have known that -Cunningham was a devil, unfit for any earthly trust. He should, too, -have observed the due formality of a court-martial, and he certainly -should have taken care to have had the sentence executed with decency. -Howe is deeply blameworthy for his lack of humanity, and for his -unrestrained indulgence of such monsters as the Provost-Marshal. He -stands convicted of a tolerance of demoniac cruelty, not only in this -case, but in the prison-ships, and his general administration. There is -something even more damning in being an ungenerous enemy, than an -ungenerous friend. Let the disgrace which it fairly won, rest forever on -the name of Howe. - -As for that sweet Alice Adams, to whom Nathan Hale was engaged, the -events of a long life, the transformation of four score and eight years, -passed over her head. In life's extremity, when shadows came and went, -and earth was receding dimly, the first loved name was the last word on -her lips. Truth and love came back to her in old age and death; perhaps -she saw him standing on the eternal shores awaiting to help her -over—love, life and youth are immortal there—and calling to him, she -passed away. - - - - - MRS. SLOCUMB AT MOORE'S CREEK. - - -Mary Slocumb was the noble-hearted wife of one of the bravest soldiers -of the Southern army, and was a fair specimen of the heroic women whose -influence was so sensibly felt in the Carolinas at the period when the -Revolutionary storm was deluging that section with all the horrors of -civil war. Lieutenant Slocumb, her husband, like many others whose -patriotism would not allow them to remain at home in the enjoyment of -ease and comfort, while their country called for the exertion of her -sons to free her from the thraldom of a foreign tyrant, had attached -himself to the regiment of Colonel Caswell, who, at the period of which -we write, had collected his friends and the yeomen of the surrounding -country, to give battle to Donald McDonald, and his Highlanders and -Tories, then on their way to join Sir Henry Clinton on Cape Fear, after -having escaped from Colonel Moore at Cross Creeks. In the battle of -Moore's Creek, which followed, Lieutenant Slocumb and his detachment, by -turning the flank of the enemy, secured the victory to the patriots, and -captured a large portion of the loyal Highlanders, among whom was the -brave McDonald himself. It was a hard fought and bloody battle, and -Slocumb, in after years, delighted to relate the incidents of the -obstinately contested field, among which none was so interesting as his -meeting with his wife on his return from the pursuit of the defeated -Tories. It seems that on the night after the departure of her husband -and his detachment, Mrs. Slocumb had dreamed of seeing her husband's -body, wrapped in his military cloak, lying upon the battle-field, -surrounded with the dead and dying. So strong was the impression upon -her mind, that she could sleep no more, and she determined to go to him. -Telling her woman to look after her child, and merely saying that she -could not sleep, and would ride down the road, she went to the stable, -saddled her mare—as fleet a nag as ever traveled—and in a few moments -was on her way after the little army, sixty miles distant. By the time -she had ridden some ten miles, the night air had cooled her feverish -excitement, and she was tempted to turn back, but the thought that her -husband might be dead, or dying, urged her on, and when the first faint -tints of morning illumined the east, she was thirty miles from home. At -sunrise, she came upon a group of women and children, who had taken -their station in the road to catch any tidings that might pass from the -battle-field. Of these she inquired if the battle had been fought, but -they could give her no information, and she rode on, following the -well-marked trail of the troops. - -About eight or nine o'clock she heard a sound like distant thunder. She -stopped to listen; again it boomed in the distance, and she knew it must -be cannon. The battle was then raging. - -"What a fool!" thought she. "My husband could not be dead last night, -and the battle only fighting now. Still, as I am so near, I will go on -and see how they come out." - -Every step now brought her nearer the field, and she soon heard the -sound of the musketry and shouting. In a few moments she came out into -the road below Moore's Creek bridge. A short distance from the road, -under a cluster of trees, were lying perhaps twenty men. They were -wounded. - -"I knew the spot—the very trees; and the position of the men I knew as -if I had seen it a thousand times. I had seen it all night! I saw all at -once; but in an instant my whole soul was centered in one spot; for -there, wrapped in his bloody guard cloak, lay the body of my husband. -How I passed the few yards from my saddle to the spot I never knew. I -remember uncovering the head, and seeing a face clothed with gore from a -dreadful wound across the temple. I put my hand on the bloody face; -'twas warm, and an _unknown voice_ begged for water." - -What a revulsion! It was not her husband, then, after all! She brought -water, gave him some to drink, washed his face, and discovered that it -was Frank Cogdell. He soon revived, and could speak. - -"I was washing the wound on his head. Said he: 'It is not that; it is -that hole in my leg that is killing me.' A puddle of blood was standing -on the ground about his feet; I took his knife, cut away his trowsers -and stocking, and found the blood came from a shot-hole, through and -through the fleshy part of his leg." - -She sought for some healing leaves, bound up his wounds, and then went -to others, whose wounds she dressed, and while engaged in this -charitable work, Colonel Caswell came up. He was surprised, of course, -to see her, and was about to pay her some compliment, when she abruptly -asked for her husband. - -"He is where he ought to be, madam, in pursuit of the enemy. But, pray, -how came you here?" - -"Oh, I thought," said she, "you would need nurses as well as soldiers. -See! I have already dressed many of these good fellows; and here is -one," going to Frank, and lifting up his head so that he could drink -some more water, "would have died before any of you men could have -helped him." - -Just then she looked up, and her husband, covered with blood and dirt, -stood before her. - -"Why, Mary!" he exclaimed, "what are you doing there? Hugging Frank -Cogdell, the greatest reprobate in the army!" - -"I don't care," she cried, "Frank is a brave fellow, a good soldier, and -a true friend to Congress." - -"True, true! every word of it!" said Caswell; "you are right, madam," -with the lowest possible bow. - -"I would not tell my husband," says she, "what brought me there. I was -so happy; and so were all! It was a glorious victory; I came just at the -hight of the enjoyment, I knew my husband was surprised, but I could see -he was not displeased with me. It was night again before our excitement -had all subsided. Many prisoners were brought in, and among them some -very obnoxious; but the worst of the Tories were not taken prisoners. -They were for the most part left in the woods and swamps, whenever they -were overtaken. I begged for some of the poor prisoners, and Caswell -readily told me none should be hurt, but such as had been guilty of -murder and house-burning. In the middle of the night, I again mounted my -mare and started for home. Caswell and my husband wanted me to stay till -next morning, and they would send a party with me; but no; I wanted to -see my child, and I told them they could send no party who could keep up -with me. What a happy ride I had back! and with what joy did I embrace -my child as he ran to meet me." - -Could the inventive genius of the most able writer of fiction suggest a -more thrilling narrative? Alas! how many such intensely interesting -incidents are buried in the graves of those noble men and women who -sacrificed everything but honor, that we, their children, might live -free and independent. - -How many females of the present age could be found to ride a hundred and -twenty-five miles in less than forty hours, even on such an errand? - -This was not the only adventure of this spirited lady, living, as she -did, in the midst of contending armies, and entering with ardor, into -all the plans and hopes of her husband. - -Another couple, living at the North, had some spirited adventures, quite -worth chronicling. In the town of North Castle, Westchester County, New -York, resided, during the War for Independence, a young married couple, -who were both, heart and soul, enlisted in the patriotic cause, and -whose best services were devoted to their country. Mr. Fisher was an -eminent and active member of a partisan band, under Major Paulding, -whose confidence and esteem he always enjoyed to an eminent degree, and -who by his unflinching patriotism, and the energy and skill with which -he thwarted the plans and designs of the Tories, made himself -particularly obnoxious to them. His active duties as a scout, sometimes -kept him for months from his home, where his young wife had nothing but -her heroism of spirit to oppose to the marauding bands that traversed -the "Neutral Ground," and whose creed it was, to make war upon women and -children indiscriminately. While the high-minded Whig, therefore, was -serving his country, in the swamp and on the mountain, the wife had to -undergo scenes, requiring an equal courage and fortitude, with those of -his. - -She was one of those women of the revolution, by whose indomitable -spirit and active benevolence our armies were often held together, and -our soldiers encouraged to persevere in the glorious course they had -begun. She was without fear, and was always ready to serve her -country, or defend herself, upon any emergency. The American soldier, -too, often found relief from suffering, through her benevolence. She -was one of those, who attended upon the wounded of White Plains, and -administered comfort to the dying, and relief to the wounded. After -this battle, when Washington's army was encamped near her residence, -the Commander-in-Chief's table was often indebted for many of its -delicacies, to the prudent attention and care of Mrs. Fisher. -Washington often expressed his obligations to her in person. - -Many anecdotes are related of her daring. On one occasion, a favorite -colt was stolen, when she mounted a horse and rode down to Morrissania, -where the loyalists were encamped, and demanded of the English officer -in command, the restoration of her property. The Englishman courteously -assented, and the colt being found, it was restored to her. This was -considered at the time, a most daring expedition. Her route, which was a -long one, was through a section of country beset with marauders, who -were never in the habit of hesitating to make war on a woman. - -We remarked that the danger from the marauding Tory bands, prevented Mr. -Fisher from visiting his home, but at long intervals. There was one band -of Tories notorious for its cruelty, headed by one Blindberry, a most -bloodthirsty wretch, whose memory to this day, is only preserved to be -execrated. This fellow was the terror of the whole community. On one -occasion, after having been absent for six months, Mr. Fisher's anxiety -to see his family, became so great, that one evening he cautiously -approached the house, and was admitted unseen. Late that night, after he -had retired, steps were heard without, and presently there was a loud -knocking at the door, with a peremptory summons for it to be opened. -This not being heeded, it was repeated, with a threat to break open the -door, if it was not complied with. The house was a simple old-fashioned -cottage, the door opening directly into a room, which was used by Mr. -Fisher and his wife as a sleeping room. The party now discharged their -pistols three or four times through the window, but the balls lodged -harmlessly in the walls. This proceeding effecting nothing, they begun -at once to demolish the door, and in a few moments they burst roughly -into the room. Mr. Fisher sprung from the bed, prepared to defend his -wife and himself to the last. But the only object of this band was -plunder. In those times, the country people were compelled to convert -their effects into money, as every thing moveable, would be sure to be -captured, and having no means of investing their wealth, it was -generally concealed in secure places. But these concealments rarely -availed them any thing, if their persons should fall into the hands of -the Tories, as every means of torture that ingenuity could suggest, was -availed of to force the hapless victims to betray the hiding place of -their wealth. Hanging, roasting over slow fires, or a pistol at the -head, were the usual modes adopted. - -The Tory leader, who was no other than this same Blindberry, demanded of -Mr. Fisher his gold. The stern patriot, who was a man of unconquerable -will, calmly refused. The marauders became enraged, and he was -threatened with death if he persisted in his denial. But neither the -flashing swords that gleamed around him, the musket at his breast, nor -the furious aspects of the wretches, could move him a jot from his -determined purpose. The word was given to try hanging. In an instant a -rope was thrown over the branch of a tree, that stood by the door, and -their victim was drawn beneath it, and the rope adjusted to his neck. -Once more he was asked to give up his money. Without the tremor of a -muscle, he refused. The next moment he was dangling high up in the air. -He was allowed to suspend for a few seconds, and lowered to the ground. -His reply to the same question was given, in an undaunted refusal. Again -did his tormentors run him up into the air; but when they again lowered -him, he had fainted. In a few moments, however, he revived, and as the -knowledge of the affair gradually broke upon his mind, he thundered out, -"No, not a farthing!" Once more did the wretches swing him off, and this -time he was kept suspended until they thought he was dead, when they -lowered him, and seeing now no chance of obtaining the coveted gold, -they departed. - -[Illustration: - - Mrs. Slocumb at Moore's Creek.—_Page_ 27. -] - -The agony of the wife during this scene, can only be imagined. A Tory -was stationed by her side, and with a pistol at her head, enjoined -silence on the penalty of her life. In those few minutes were crowded a -life of torture and suffering. When they had gone, she tremblingly stole -out to the side of her husband, and with what little strength she -possessed, dragged his lifeless form into the house. With the vague hope -that he might not be dead, she applied restoratives, and soon had the -unspeakable joy of detecting signs of life. Ere morning, he was entirely -restored, and that very day joined his scout. - -Continuing their route, the Tories fell upon several of the neighbors, -all of whom suffered some cruelty at their hands. At one house they -placed its master in a chair, tied him down, and built a fire under him, -by which means he was at last compelled by his unsupportable agony to -reveal the hiding place of his gold. But a terrible retribution was -preparing for them. Major Paulding had gathered a party of his men, and -was in hot pursuit of them. As the Major was following up their track, -he stopped at the residence of Mr. Wright, an old Quaker, who felt a -strong sympathy for the American cause, but whose principles prevented -him from taking an active part in the contest. To the inquiry, if such a -party of Tories as has been described, was seen, the Quaker replied in -the affirmative, pointing out the course they had taken. - -"What do you say, my men," said the Major to his followers, "shall we -follow them up?" - -A unanimous consent was given. - -"Jonathan, if thee wishes to see those men," said Mr. Wright, -approaching Major Paulding, with a knowing look, "if thee wishes to see -them particular, would it not be better for thee to go to 'Brundage's -Corner,' as they are most likely from the North, and will return that -way. There thee can'st see them without doubt." - -The shrewd insinuation of the Quaker, was caught in an instant. The -place referred to, afforded a most admirable place for an ambuscade, and -by secreting themselves there, the enemy was certain to fall into their -hands. - -The Whigs had not been concealed long, ere the party was heard -approaching. At the signal, the patriots sprung forward, and discharged -their weapons. At the very first fire, the bloodthirsty Tory leader -fell, some said from a bullet discharged by the hand of Major Paulding -himself. - -The intense hatred felt by the people toward Blindberry, and the -universal joy manifested at his fall, prompted some to make a public -rejoicing on the event, and in order to express their uncompromising -hostility to their foe, his body was hung before the assembled patriots -of the district, amid their jeers and expressions of pleasure. Among the -assembly was Mr. Fisher, who, but a few hours before had so nearly -fallen a victim to his cruelty. - -Some little time after the preceding events, while Mr. Fisher was on -another visit to his family, sudden word was brought, that the Tories -were approaching. This, as before, was during the night. Mr. Fisher had -reason to suppose, that the object of this party, was to secure his -person, and it became necessary to obtain a place of concealment. The -most advantageous one that offered, was beneath the flooring, which was -loose, where was ample room for him, and where it was hoped, the Tories -would not think of looking for their enemy. Scarcely had he secreted -himself, when the Tories appeared. They burst into the presence of Mrs. -Fisher, in a boisterous manner, and with brutal jests and extravagant -threats, demanded to be informed, where her husband was. To these -inquiries, the undaunted woman deigned no reply. - -"Come, give us a light," said the leader, "that we may ferret out your -rebel husband's hiding place. I'll swear, that you've got him stowed -away somewhere here." - -"I have no light," was the calm reply. - -The difficulties of procuring stores, sometimes left Whig families for -weeks without the common necessities. - -"Come, my woman, none of that!" broke in the Tory; "a light we want, and -a light we must have, so bring out your candles!" - -"I have none," reiterated Mrs. Fisher. - -The Tory, with an oath, drew a pistol, cocked it, and coming up to her, -placed the muzzle in her face. - -"Look here, my lady," said he, "we know that you've got your rebel of a -husband somewhere about here, and if you don't at once give us a candle, -so that we may hunt out his hiding place, I'll blow your brains out." - -"I have told you," replied the lady, "that I have no candle; I can not -give you one, so you may blow my brains out the moment you please." - -The heroic spirit that breathed in her words, and the firm look from her -undaunted eye, convinced the Tory that she was not to be intimidated. -They were compelled to make their search in the dark. After rummaging -into every nook and corner in vain, they gave up their object. On -several other occasions, Mr. Fisher had similar narrow escapes. - -We can not refrain from referring to one enterprise in which Mr. Fisher -was engaged, by which means fifteen Whigs put to flight, over three -hundred Hessians. The news of their approach was spread abroad, and the -utmost consternation prevailed. The Hessians were always held in great -terror by the country people. On this occasion, they fled at their -approach into the forests and other secure fastnesses. Coney Hill, was -the usual place of retreat on these alarms. This was a hill somewhat off -from the main roads, and which was surrounded by narrow defiles, and -reached only through dense thickets, while its rocky and irregular -surface, afforded a means of defense impregnable. No fortress could have -been more secure. All the inhabitants, therefore, retreated to this -fastness, Mrs. Fisher alone of all neighbors, venturing to remain within -her own house. - -The usual road traveled by the armies, that led north from White Plains, -in one place described a wide circuit, but there was a narrow, irregular -road, sometimes used, that shortened the distance considerably. But this -road was very dangerous to any large body of men. It led by the Coney -Hill, which we have mentioned, and its whole length was through a rocky -region, overgrown with tangled thickets of laurel, that would have -afforded effectual protection and concealment to a body of assailants, -and have made a small force formidable to a large one. - -At a point on this road, therefore, Major Paulding and fifteen followers -stationed themselves, with a belief, that from the irregular and -incautious manner the Hessians were marching, they would be induced to -lessen their route, by taking the shorter cut. The belief proved to be -well founded. The spot where Major Paulding posted his ambuscade, was -one remarkably well adapted to that kind of warfare. It was, where the -road passing through a defile, made a sudden turn around a large rock, -and where it was so narrow, that six men could not pass abreast, while -the whole rising ground on either side was irregular, with rough, jagged -rocks, and covered with a dense growth of laurel. - -Stationed at different points, and protected by rocky battlements, the -little band quietly awaited the coming of their enemy. At last they -appeared, approaching carelessly, and with an utter want of military -prudence. Not a sound, nor breath betrayed to them the presence of a -foe. The rocks, and laurel bushes, gave forth no sign of the deadly -messengers to be launched from their bosoms. Part of the Hessians had -already passed the turn of the road, when suddenly, like a clap of -thunder from an azure sky, an explosion burst from the flinty rocks that -surrounded them, and several of their number, pitched headlong to the -earth. Those in front, panic struck, fell back upon those in the rear, -while those in the rear pressed forward, uncertain of the danger, and -discharged their muskets into the thickets, but the bullets rebounded -harmlessly from the rocky walls, that inclosed their enemy. Another -volley completed their panic. Terrified at the presence of an enemy, -that seemed to fight from the bowels of the earth, and unable to -estimate the full extent of their danger, which their imagination -greatly magnified, they gave a wild cry, and fled precipitately. - -This event afforded the Whigs for a long time much merriment, -particularly as it was accompanied with no loss to the little party, who -had given the Hessians their terrible flight. Mrs. Fisher was accustomed -to give an amusing relation of the manner they appeared, as they flew by -her house, each running at his utmost speed, with the tin cannisters and -other numerous accouterments with which the Hessian soldiers were always -so plentifully provided—flying out in a straight line behind them. - -The following incident, admirably illustrates the presence of mind, and -the many resources of this courageous lady. One day, a Whig neighbor -burst hastily into her presence, saying, that he was pursued by a body -of Tories, and if not concealed immediately, he was lost. It did not -take a moment for Mrs. Fisher to decide upon her course. There was a -large ash heap just out of the back door, some four or five feet in -hight, and as many long. Seizing a shovel, in a moment she made an -excavation, into which the fugitive crept, and the lady covered him with -ashes, having first taken the precaution to procure some _quills_, which -she placed one in another, and thus formed him a breathing-hole, by -which he sustained life, while the Tories sought in vain for his hiding -place. - -A more humble family, but one which did good service in the cause of -liberty, was that of William Maybin. Maybin was taken prisoner, it was -supposed, at Sumter's surprise, on Fishing Creek, August, 1780. He was -carried to Charleston, and died in one of those charnel-houses of -freedom, a prison-ship. Here, just as he was dying, he was discovered by -his wife's brother, Benjamin Duncan, a soldier in the British army, who -obtained permission to bring his corpse on shore for burial. Duncan then -visited his bereaved sister, and, after a short stay, returned to his -duty, promising, as soon as possible, to come back and provide for her -and his other sister, a married woman. As a pledge, he left with her his -watch, and some other articles. The news of this valuable deposit was -soon spread among the loyalists; it was rumored that the watch was of -gold, falsely, for it was a silver one. Spoil was ever first in the -thoughts of many of those guilty traitors; and two marauders soon came -to the house of the widow and orphans. They demanded the watch, -threatening to take the lives of the helpless women and children, if it -was not delivered. Mrs. Maybin, anxious only, like a true mother, for -the safety of her children, fled to the woods, leaving her sister to -contend alone with the ruffians. She succeeded in baffling their -cupidity. They did not find the watch, although it was hidden under the -head of the bed. It became the property of Maybin's son, who valued it -as a memento of the courage of his aunt. - -This family had their full share of trial and privation. When Rawdon's -army pursued General Greene on his retreat from Ninety-six, they -encamped about a week at Colonel Glenn's Mills, on the Enoree. They then -marched through the Fork, and crossed at Lisle's Ford. On this march, -the soldiers plundered everything on their way. The only piece of meat -she had left for her family, and which she had hidden on the wood-beams -of the house, was found and taken away. A small gray mare, called -"Dice," her only beast, was also stolen, but was afterward recovered. -This disgraceful foray, had, it is said, the sanction of Lord Rawdon. - -On another occasion, a Tory visited Mrs. Maybin's cabin, and finding a -piece of homespun in her loom, cut it out and bore it away as a prize. -The wretch who could look upon the almost naked children of a poor -widow, and take from her the means of a scanty covering, did not, -however, escape. Little Ephraim Lyle, afterward met him, and, finding -the cloth upon his legs in a pair of leggins, inflicted upon him a -severe drubbing, and forced him to relinquish the spoil. - -Horrible, truly, were these sufferings and privations, but far more real -than the trials of fortitude to which some "leading citizens" were -subjected. - -John Clark, settled on the Enoree, near the place now called Clarke's -Ford. He was a staunch and zealous Whig during the war. In a skirmish at -the ford, under the command of Captain Jones, he was shot through the -leg, and with difficulty escaped to a bluff a mile distant. To this -place the enemy traced him, by his blood, and took him prisoner. His -mother furnished him with a bit of salve, and a piece of cloth to draw -and bind up his wound. His captors compelled him to mount a very poor -horse, and ride him, with nothing to separate him from the animal's -sharp backbone but an old bed-quilt, which his mother had given him from -her own scanty covering. With his feet bound under the _garron_, he was -compelled to ride, in great and increasing agony, more than forty miles, -to Ninety-six. There he was cast into prison, in his wounded condition, -in the midst of poor fellows suffering under a virulent type of -small-pox. He was the tenth sufferer, and marvelously recovered, was -liberated, made his way home, and lived long after the close of the -revolutionary struggle. His descendants are still to be found in -Newberry district. - -[Illustration: - - Brady's Leap.—_Page_ 43. -] - - - - - BRADY'S LEAP. - - -Captain Samuel Brady was the Daniel Boone of Ohio, and was as efficient -in the settlement of that State as his illustrious cotemporary was in -establishing the domain of the white man in the State of Kentucky. He -entered the army at the commencement of our Revolutionary struggle, and -was engaged at the siege of Boston, as well as in many other important -contests, during the war for independence. He was a Lieutenant under -Wayne at the massacre of Paoli, when that officer was surprised, and the -greater portion of his command cut to pieces and destroyed in cold -blood. Toward the close of the war, he was Captain of a corps of rangers -at Fort Pitt, under General Brodhead, and rendered effectual service -against the Indians, who were in league with the British. He had lost a -father and brother at the hands of the red-skins, and swore to take a -terrible revenge. - -To a mind fertile in expedient, and quick as a flash of light in its -deliberations, he added a frame well-knit, though slight, and a -constitution of iron mold. He was an Indian-fighter _con amore_, and the -greater portion of his time was spent in the war-path. Many are the -deeds of daring and thrilling adventure related of him. A volume might -be written embracing the adventures and hair-breadth escapes of the -gallant Captain; but, in common with an immense mass of unwritten -tradition equally valuable and interesting, they are fast being -forgotten and buried in the graves of the past generation. - -On one occasion, while out with a small party of his rangers in pursuit -of the Indians, he had gone as far as Slippery Rock Creek, a branch of -Beaver River, in Western Pennsylvania, without seeing any signs of his -foe. Here, however, he struck upon a fresh trail, which led up the -creek, and he hastened in pursuit of the savages, who were some distance -in advance. He followed the trail until evening, when he was obliged to -wait the return of daylight before he could pursue it further. At the -earliest dawn he started afresh, and without stopping to break his fast, -he hurried on, bent on coming up with the enemy before they could reach -their towns. His precipitancy had nearly cost him his life, for although -the party in front did not dream of his proximity, yet a body of -warriors, far outnumbering his own small band, had discovered _his_ -trail, and were following it with as much avidity as he was pursuing -their comrades. - -Brady discovered those in front, just as they were finishing their -morning meal and preparing to renew their journey. Placing his men in -such a manner as to intercept them, should any attempt to escape, at a -given signal they delivered a close and well-directed volley, and -started up to rush upon the enemy with their tomahawks, when the band in -their rear fired upon them in turn, taking them completely by surprise, -killing two of their number, and throwing the remainder into confusion. -Finding himself thus between two fires, and vastly outnumbered, there -was nothing left but flight; and Brady, directing his men to look out -for themselves, started off at his topmost speed in the direction of the -creek. - -The Indians had a long and heavy account to settle with him, however, -and deemed this the opportunity to wipe it out with his blood. For this -purpose they desired to secure him alive, and fifty red-skins, -regardless of the others, who had scattered in every direction, dropped -their rifles and followed him. The Indians knew the ground, Brady did -not, and they felt secure of their victim when they saw him run toward -the creek, which was at this point a wide, deep, and rapid stream. A -yell of triumph broke from them as he arrived at the bank and -comprehended his desperate situation. There was apparently no escape, -and for a moment the Captain felt that his time had come. It was but for -an instant, however. He well knew the fate which awaited him should he -fall into the hands of his enemies, and this reflection nerved him to a -deed which, perhaps, in his calmer moments, he would have found himself -incapable of performing. Gathering all his force into one mighty effort, -as he approached the brink of the stream, and clinging with a death-grip -to his trusty rifle, he sprung across the chasm through which the stream -run, and landed safely upon the other side, with his rifle in his hand. -Quick as thought, his piece was primed, and he commenced to reload. His -feet had barely made their imprint upon the soft, yielding soil of the -western bank, before his place was filled by the brawny form of a -warrior, who, having been foremost in the pursuit, now stood amazed as -he contemplated the gap over which the Captain had passed. With a -frankness which seemed not to undervalue the achievement of an enemy, -the savage, in tolerable good English, exclaimed: "Blady make good jump! -Blady make very good jump!" His conflicting emotions of regret at the -escape of his intended victim, and admiration of the deed by which that -escape had been accomplished, did not hinder the discovery that Brady -was engaged in loading his piece; and he did not feel assured but that -his compliment would be returned from the muzzle of the Captain's rifle. -He incontinently took to his heels as he discovered the latter ramming -home the bullet, which might the next moment be searching out a vital -part in his dusky form; and his erratic movements showed that he -entertained no mean idea of his enemy's skill at sharp-shooting. The -outline of the most intricate field fortification would convey but a -slight idea of the serpentine course he pursued, until satisfied that he -was out of rifle shot. Sometimes leaping in the air, at others squatting -suddenly on his haunches, and availing himself of every shelter, he -evinced a lively fear, which doubtless had its origin in a previous -knowledge of the fatal accuracy of the Captain's aim. Brady had other -views, however, and was not disposed to waste time and powder upon a -single enemy, when surrounded by hundreds, and when the next moment an -empty barrel might cost him his life; and while the savage was still -displaying his agility on the opposite bank, he darted into the woods, -and made his way to a rendezvous previously fixed upon, where he met the -remainder of his party, and they took their way for home, not more than -half defeated. It was not a great while before they were again on the -war-path, in search of further adventures. - -Brady afterward visited the spot, and, out of curiosity, he measured the -stream at the place where he jumped, and found it to measure -twenty-three feet from shore to shore, and the water to be twenty feet -deep. - -A similar incident is related of Brady in the "Historical Collections of -Ohio," as having occurred on the banks of the Cuyahoga, in which it is -stated that, as he was crawling up the opposite bank, the Indians fired -upon him, and wounded him in the hip, but he managed to stanch the wound -and escape, by hiding himself in the hollow trunk of a tree until the -search for him was over, when he crawled out, and, after incredible -hardship and fatigue, arrived safe at his quarters. The two stories may -have had their origin in the same occurrence, but the details are so -dissimilar, except in the distance, which is in both cases about -twenty-three feet, that it is possible, nay, more than probable, that -the Captain was called upon to exert his great powers on two separate -occasions to save himself from the torture or the stake. - -At the time of this famous occurrence, Brady was under orders from -General Brodhead. The Indians did not return that season to do any -injury to the whites; and early that fall, moved off to their friends, -the British, who had to keep them all winter, their corn having been -destroyed by Brodhead. - -When the General found the Indians were gone, at the suggestion of -Brady, three companies were ordered out, with a sufficient number of -pack-horses, to kill game for the supply of the garrison. These -companies were commanded by Captains Harrison, Springer and Brady. Game -was very plenty, for neither whites nor Indians ventured to hunt, and -great quantities were put up. - -In putting up his tent, Captain Brady's tomahawk had slipped and cut his -knee, by which he was lamed for some time. This occasioned him to remain -at the tents until he got well, which afforded him the opportunity of -witnessing some of the peculiar superstitions of his Indian allies, for -he had his Indians and their families along with him. - -One of these Indians had assumed the name of Wilson. The Captain was -lying in his tent one afternoon, and observed his man, Wilson, coming -home in a great hurry, and that, as he met his squaw, he gave her a -kick, without saying a word, and begun to unbreech his gun. The squaw -went away, and returned soon after, with some roots, which she had -gathered; and, after washing them clean, she put them into a kettle to -boil. While boiling, Wilson corked up the muzzle of his gun, and stuck -the breech into the kettle, and continued it there until the plug flew -out of the muzzle. He then took it out and put it into the stock. Brady, -knowing the Indians were very "superstitious," as we call it, did not -speak to him until he saw him wiping his gun. He then called to him, and -asked what was the matter. Wilson came to the Captain, and said, in -reply, that his gun had been very sick—that she could not shoot; he had -been just giving her a vomit, and she was now well. Whether the vomit -helped the gun, or only strengthened Wilson's nerves, the Captain could -not tell, but he averred that Wilson killed ten deer the next day. - -Beaver Valley was the scene of many of Captain Brady's stirring -adventures. We have heard from many of the older citizens their accounts -of his thrilling exploits. They speak in unbounded terms of admiration -of his daring and success; his many hair-breadth escapes by "field and -flood;" and always concluded by declaring that he was a greater man than -Daniel Boone or Lewis Wetzel, either of whom, in the eyes of the old -pioneers, were the very embodiment of dare-devilism. - -The following, illustrating one of Brady's adventures in the region -referred to, we give from a published source. In one of his trapping and -hunting excursions, he was surprised and taken prisoner by Indians who -had closely watched his movements. - -"To have shot or tomahawked him would have been but a small -gratification to that of satiating their revenge by burning him at a -slow fire, in presence of all the Indians of their village. He was, -therefore, taken alive to their encampment, on the west bank of the -Beaver River, about a mile and a half from its mouth. After the usual -exultations and rejoicings at the capture of a noted enemy, and causing -him to run the gauntlet, a fire was prepared, near which Brady was -placed, after being stripped, and with his arms unbound. Previous to -tying him to the stake, a large circle was formed around of Indian men, -women and children, dancing and yelling, and uttering all manner of -threats and abuses that their small knowledge of the English language -could afford. The prisoner looked on these preparations for death and on -his savage foe with a firm countenance and a steady eye, meeting all -their threats with truly savage fortitude. In the midst of their dancing -and rejoicing, a squaw of one of their chiefs came near him with a child -in her arms. Quick as thought, and with intuitive prescience, he -snatched it from her, and threw it into the midst of the flames. -Horror-stricken at the sudden outrage, the Indians simultaneously rushed -to rescue the infant from the fire. In the midst of this confusion, -Brady darted from the circle, overturning all that came in his way, and -rushed into the adjacent thicket, with the Indians yelling at his heels. -He ascended the steep side of a hill amid a shower of bullets, and -darting down the opposite declivity, secreted himself in the deep -ravines and laurel thickets that abound for several miles in the West. -His knowledge of the country and wonderful activity enabled him to elude -his enemies, and reach the settlements in safety." - -Shortly after he entered the service of General Broadhead, he was sent, -on a scout, as far west as Sandusky. Captain Brady was not insensible to -the danger, or ignorant of the difficulty of the enterprise. But he saw -the anxiety of the father of his country to procure information that -could only be obtained by this perilous mode, and knew its importance. -His own danger was an inferior consideration. The appointment was -accepted, and, selecting a few soldiers, and four Chickasaw Indians as -guides, he crossed the Allegany river, and was at once in the enemy's -country. - -It was in May, 1780, that he commenced his march. The season was -uncommonly wet. Every considerable stream was swollen; neither road, -bridge nor house facilitated their march, or shielded their repose. Part -of their provision was picked up by the way, as they crept, rather than -marched through the wilderness by night, and lay concealed in its -branches by day. The slightest trace of his movement, the print of a -white man's foot on the sand of a river, might have occasioned the -extermination of the party. Brady was versed in all the wiles of Indian -"strategy," and, dressed in the full war dress of an Indian warrior, and -well acquainted with their languages, he led his band in safety near to -the Sandusky towns, without seeing a hostile Indian. - -The night before he reached Sandusky he saw a fire, approached it, and -found two squaws reposing beside it. He passed on without molesting -them. But his Chickasaws now deserted. This was alarming, for it was -probable they had gone over to the enemy. However, he determined to -proceed. With a full knowledge of the horrible death that awaited him if -taken prisoner, he passed on, until he stood beside the town, and on the -bank of the river. - -His first care was to provide a place of concealment for his men. When -this was effected, having selected one man as the companion of his -future adventures, he waded the river to an island partially covered -with driftwood, opposite the town, where he concealed himself and -comrade for the night. - -In constancy of purpose, in cool, deliberate courage, the Captain of the -Rangers will compare with any hero of this age, or any other. Neither -banner nor pennon waved over him. He was hundreds of miles in the heart -of an enemy's country—an enemy who, had they possessed it, would have -given his weight in gold for the pleasure of burning him to death with a -slow fire—adding to his torments, both mental and physical, every -ingredient that savage ingenuity could supply. - -Who that has poetry of feeling, or feeling of poetry, but must pause -over such a scene, and, in imagination, contemplate its features! The -murmuring river; the sylvan landscape; as each was gazed upon by that -lonely, but dauntless warrior, in the still midnight hour. - -The next morning a dense fog spread over hill and dale, town and river. -All was hid from Brady's eyes, save the logs and brush around him. About -eleven o'clock it cleared off, and afforded him a view of about three -thousand Indians, engaged in the amusements of the race ground. - -They had just returned from Virginia or Kentucky with some very fine -horses. One gray horse in particular attracted his notice. He won every -race until near evening, when, as if envious of his speed, two riders -were placed on him, and thus he was beaten. The starting post was only a -few rods above where Brady lay, and he had a pretty fair chance of -enjoying the amusement, without the risk of losing any thing by betting -on the race. - -He made such observation through the day as was in his power, waded out -from the island at night, collected his men, went to the Indian camp he -had seen as he came out; the squaws were still there; he took them -prisoners, and continued his march homeward. - -The map furnished by General Broadhead was found to be defective. The -distance was represented to be much less than it really was. The -provisions and ammunition of the men were exhausted by the time they got -to the Big Beaver, on their return. Brady shot an otter, but could not -eat it. The last load was in his rifle. They arrived at an old -encampment, and found plenty of strawberries, which they stopped to -appease their hunger with. Having discovered a deer track, Brady -followed it, telling the men he would perhaps get a shot at it. He had -gone but a few rods when he saw the deer standing broadside to him. He -raised his rifle and attempted to fire, but it flashed in the pan, and -he had not a priming of powder. He sat down, picked the touch-hole, and -then started on. After going a short distance the path made a bend, and -he saw before him a large Indian on horseback, with a white child -before, and its captive mother behind him on the horse, and a number of -warriors marching in the rear. His first impulse was to shoot the Indian -on horseback, but, as he raised his rifle, he observed the child's head -to roll with the motion of the horse. It was fast asleep, and tied to -the Indian. He stepped behind the root of a tree, and waited until he -could shoot the Indian, without danger to the child or its mother. - -When he considered the chance certain, he shot the Indian, who fell from -his horse, and the child and its mother fell with him. Brady called to -his men with a voice that made the forest ring, to surround the Indians -and give them a general fire. He sprung to the fallen Indian's -powder-horn, but could not pull it off. Being dressed like an Indian, -the woman thought he was one, and said: - -"Why did you shoot your brother?" - -He caught up the child, saying: - -"Jenny Stupes, I am Captain Brady; follow me, and I will secure you and -your child." - -He caught her hand in his, carrying the child under the other arm, and -dashed into the brush. Many guns were fired at him by this time, but no -ball harmed him, and the Indians, dreading an ambuscade, were glad to -make off. The next day he arrived at Fort McIntosh with the woman and -her child. His men had got there before him. They had heard his -war-whoop, and knew it was Indians he had encountered, but, having no -ammunition, they had taken to their heels, and ran off. The squaws he -had taken at Sandusky, availing themselves of the panic, had also made -their escape. - -In those days Indian fashions prevailed, in some measure, with the -whites, at least with rangers. Brady was desirous of seeing the Indian -he had shot, and the officer in command of Fort McIntosh gave him some -men in addition to his own, and he returned to search for the body. The -place where lie had fallen was discovered, but nothing more. No pains -were spared to search, but the body was not found. They were about to -leave the place, when the yell of a _pet_ Indian, that came with them -from the fort, called them to a little glade, where the grave was -discovered. The Indians had interred their dead brother there, carefully -replacing the sod in the neatest manner. They had also cut brushes and -stuck them into the ground, but the brushes had withered, and instead of -concealing the grave, they led to the discovery. - -He was buried about two feet deep, with all his implements of war about -him. - -All his savage jewelry, his arms and ammunition were taken from him, and -the scalp from his head, and then they left him, thus stripped, alone in -his grave. It is painful to think of such things being done by American -soldiers, but we cannot now know all the excusing circumstances that may -have existed at the time. Perhaps the husband of this woman, the father -of this child, was thus butchered before his wife and children; and the -younger members of the family, unable to bear the fatigues of traveling, -had their brains dashed out on the threshold. Such things were common, -and a spirit of revenge was deeply seated in the breasts of the people -of the frontiers. Captain Brady's own family had heavily felt the -merciless tomahawk. His brave and honored father, and a beloved brother, -had been treacherously slain by the Indians, and he had vowed vengeance. - -After refreshing himself and men, they went up to Pittsburg by water, -where they were received with military honors. Minute guns were fired -from the time Brady came in sight until he landed. - -The Chickasaw Indians had returned to Pittsburg, and reported that the -Captain and his party had been cut off near Sandusky town by the -Indians. When General Broadhead heard this, he said Brady was an -aspiring young man, and had solicited the command. But on Brady's -arrival in Pittsburg, the General acknowledged that the Captain had -accepted the command with much diffidence. - -A few days after Brady had left Sandusky with his squaw prisoners, -keeping a sharp look-out in expectation of being pursued, and taking -every precaution to avoid pursuit, such as keeping on the dryest ridges, -and walking on logs whenever they suited his course, he found he was -followed by Indians. His practised eye would occasionally discover in -the distance, an Indian hopping to or from a tree, or other screen, and -advancing on his trail. After being satisfied of the fact, he stated it -to his men, and told them no Indian could thus pursue him, after the -precautions he had taken, without a dog on his track. - -"I will stop," said Brady, "and shoot the dog, and then we can get along -better." - -He selected the root of a tall chestnut tree which had fallen westward, -for his place of ambush. He walked from the west end of the tree or log -to the east, and sat down in the pit made by the raising of the root. He -had not been long there when a small slut mounted the log at the west -end, and, with her nose to the trunk, approached him. Close behind her -followed a plumed warrior. Brady had his choice. He preferred shooting -the slut, which he did; she rolled off the log, stone dead, and the -warrior, with a loud whoop, sprung into the woods and disappeared. He -was followed no further. - -Many of Captain Brady's adventures occurred at periods of which no -certainty as to dates can now be had. The following is of that class: - -His success as a partisan had acquired for him its usual -results—approbation with some, and envy with others. Some of his brother -officers censured the Commandant for affording him such frequent -opportunities for honorable distinction. At length an open complaint was -made, accompanied by a request, in the nature of a demand, that others -should be permitted to share with Brady the perils and honors of the -service, abroad from the fort. The General apprised Brady of what had -passed, who readily acquiesced in the proposed arrangement; and an -opportunity was not long wanting for testing its efficiency. - -The Indians made an inroad into the Sewickly settlement, committing the -most barbarous murders of men, women, and children; stealing such -property as was portable, and destroying all else. The alarm was brought -to Pittsburg, and a party of soldiers under the command of the emulous -officers dispatched for the protection of the settlement, and -chastisement of the foe. From this expedition Brady was, of course, -excluded; but the restraint was irksome to his feelings. - -The day after the detachment had marched, he solicited permission from -the commander to take a small party for the purpose of "catching the -Indians," but was refused. By dint of importunity, however, he at length -wrung from him a reluctant consent, and the command of five men; to this -he added his _pet_ Indian, and made hasty preparation. - -Instead of moving toward Sewickly, as the first detachment had done, he -crossed the Alleghany at Pittsburg, and proceeded up the river. -Conjecturing that the Indians had descended the stream in canoes, till -near the settlement; he was careful to examine the mouths of all creeks -coming into it, particularly from the Southeast. At the mouth of Big -Mahoning, about six miles above Kittanning, the canoes were seen drawn -up to its western bank. He instantly retreated down the river, and -waited for night. As soon as it was dark, he made a raft, and crossed to -the Kittanning side. He then proceeded up the creek, and found that the -Indians had, in the meantime, crossed the creek, as their canoes were -drawn to its upper or north-eastern bank. - -The country on both sides of Mahoning, at its mouth, is rough and -mountainous, and the stream, which was then high, very rapid. Several -ineffectual attempts were made to wade it, which they at length -succeeded in doing, three or four miles above the canoes. Next, a fire -was made, their clothing dried, and arms inspected; and the party moved -toward the Indian camp, which was pitched on the second bank of the -river. Brady placed his men at some distance on the lower or first bank. - -The Indians had brought from Sewickly a stallion, which they had -fettered and turned to pasture on the lower bank. An Indian, probably -the owner, under the _law of arms_, came frequently down to him, and -occasioned the party no little trouble. The horse, too, seemed willing -to keep their company, and it required considerable circumspection to -avoid all intercourse with either. Brady became so provoked that he had -a strong inclination to tomahawk the Indian, but his calmer judgment -repudiated the act, so likely to put to hazard a more decisive and -important achievement. - -At length the Indians seemed quiet, and the Captain determined to pay -them a closer visit, which he succeeded in doing, then returned, posted -his men, and in the deepest silence all awaited the break of day. When -it appeared, the Indians arose and stood around their fires, exulting -doubtless in the scalps they had taken, the plunder they had acquired, -and the injuries they had inflicted on their enemies. Precarious joy! -short-lived triumph! the avenger of blood was beside them. At a signal -given, seven rifles cracked, and five Indians were dead ere they fell. -Brady's well-known war-cry was heard, his party were among them, and -their rifles (mostly empty) were all secured. The remaining Indians -instantly fled and disappeared. One was pursued by the trace of his -blood, which he seems to have succeeded in staunching. The pet Indian -then imitated the cry of a young wolf, which was answered by the wounded -man, and the pursuit was again renewed. A second time the wolf cry was -given and answered, and the pursuit continued into a windfall. Here he -must have espied his pursuers, for he answered no more. Brady found his -remains three weeks afterwards, being led to the place by ravens that -were preying on the carcass. - -The horse was unfettered, the plunder gathered, and the party commenced -their return to Pittsburg, most of them descending in the Indian canoes. - -Three days after their return, the first detachment came in. They -reported that they had followed the Indians closely, but that the latter -had got into their canoes and made their escape. - -Captain Brady married a daughter of Captain Van Swearengen, of Ohio -County, who bore him two children, John and Van S., both of whom are -still living. He possessed all the elements of a brave and successful -soldier. Like Marion, "he consulted with all his men respectfully, heard -them patiently, weighed their suggestions, and silently approached his -own conclusions. They knew his determination only by his actions." Brady -had but few superiors as a woodsman; he would strike out into the heart -of the wilderness, and with no guide, but the sun by day, and the stars -by night, or in their absence, then by such natural marks as the barks -and tops of trees he would move on steadily, in a direct line toward the -point of his destination. He always avoided beaten paths and the borders -of streams; and never was known to leave his track behind him. In this -manner he eluded pursuit, and defied detection. He was often vainly -hunted by his own men, and was more likely to find them, than they him. - - - - - TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES - - - 1. Many of the entries in the Contents are not actually references to - chapters. They are more like index listings. - 2. Correct many page number errors in the list of Illustrations, e.g. - corrected "DEBORAH, THE MAIDEN WARRIOR" from p. 99 to p. 89. - 3. The page numbers in the illustration captions refer to the page - within the section instead of the book page number. - 4. Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical - errors. - 5. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - 6. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Tales, Traditions and Romance of -Border and Revolutionary Times, by Various - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES, TRADITIONS OF BORDER TIMES *** - -***** This file should be named 51864-0.txt or 51864-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/8/6/51864/ - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, David Edwards and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Tales, Traditions and Romance of Border and Revolutionary Times - -Author: Various - -Release Date: April 26, 2016 [EBook #51864] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES, TRADITIONS OF BORDER TIMES *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, David Edwards and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'> <strong>Transcriber's Note:</strong></p> - -<p class='c000'> The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_i'>i</span> - <h1 class='c001'>TALES,<br /> <span class='sc'>Traditions and Romance</span><br /> <span class='small'>OF</span><br /> BORDER<br /> <span class='small'>AND</span><br /> REVOLUTIONARY TIMES.</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>BY EDWARD S. ELLIS.</div> - <div class='c003'>NEW YORK:</div> - <div><span class='large'>BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS,</span></div> - <div>118 WILLIAM STREET.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_ii'>ii</span>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1864,</div> - <div>by <span class='sc'>Beadle and Company</span>, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United</div> - <div>States for the Southern District of New York.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_iii'>iii</span> - <h2 class='c005'>PREFACE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>In this volume we offer the reader a combination of two -of the most fascinating qualities which a book can possess. -It is almost strictly historical, and yet as marvelous as the -most romantic fiction. The sketches and incidents here gathered -are all authenticated; yet many of them, in their wonderful -interest and pathos, exceed the bounds of fancy. They -belong to two classes: those which are connected with the -Revolution, and those which chronicle the peculiar events of -our Frontier History. While they will absorb the attention -of the most intelligent reader, they are charmingly adapted to -attract young people, who will be both instructed and delighted. -Boys will find examples worthy of emulation, and -will learn to appreciate those traits of character which made -the glory and the progress of our young republic; while girls -may gain dignity of mind by contemplating the devotion, -courage and endurance of the women of those days.</p> - -<p class='c000'>An insight will be afforded into the customs of the Indians, -and into the manner of life of the early settlers, whose dangers -and difficulties, privations and calamities, are almost incredible. -Many of the most thrilling events in our national history are -herein related, along with the fearless adventures of our brave -pioneers, and the perils and catastrophes which befell the -families of those whose protectors were absent on the field of -battle, or whose cabins failed to find sufficient defense in the -rifles of their owners.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_iv'>iv</span>The reader will linger over these pages, thrilled by the -consciousness that the scenes so vividly brought before him -are real—a living, abiding part of our existence as a people. -The "storied Rhine" and "classic Italy" are laid and overlaid -thickly with traditions which give a vague interest to -soil, ruin, mountain and sky. We, also, have our traditions—different -in kind, but of wild and marvelous interest—and -the day shall come when the banks of the fair Ohio, the blue -Muskingum, the picturesque Allegany, the noble Mississippi, -shall be trodden by reverent feet, while the thoughts of the -traveler speed back to the days of the lurking red-man and -the bold ranger. It is no mean duty of the chronicler to -treasure up the threads of a thousand little facts, and weave -them into a web which shall perpetuate them for the future.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The publishers believe that this volume will not only be a -favorite in the hands of men, young and old, but will have its -appropriate place by the fireside.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_v'>v</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary='CONTENTS'> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Abduction of General Wadsworth,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_236'>236</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Anecdotes of an early settler of Kentucky,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_61'>61</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Anecdotes of juvenile heroism,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_202'>202</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Anecdotes of Washington,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_111'>111</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>A remarkable hunting excursion,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_133'>133</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Big Joe Logston's struggle with an Indian,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_69'>69</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Boquet's expedition into Indian territory,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_277'>277</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Brady's leap,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_363'>363</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Brant and the boy,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_32'>32</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Brave deeds of Logan,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_245'>245</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>British atrocities during the Revolution,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_340'>340</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Captain Hubbell's adventure on the Ohio,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_123'>123</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Captain John Sevier,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_313'>313</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Captivity of Jonathan Alder,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_270'>270</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Close quarters with a rattlesnake,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_141'>141</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Colonel Horry, of Marion's brigade,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_143'>143</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Davy Crockett's adventure with a cougar,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_56'>56</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Deborah Sampson, the maiden warrior,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_82'>82</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Dick Moxon's fight with the deer,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_137'>137</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Downing's remarkable escape from an Indian,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_120'>120</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Elerson's twenty-five mile race,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_160'>160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Ethan Allen, a prisoner of war,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_229'>229</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Execution of Colonel Isaac Hayne,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_335'>335</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Female characters of the Revolution,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_175'>175</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>General Dale's adventure,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_310'>310</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Harrison's invasion of Canada and death of Tecumseh,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_219'>219</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Heroic death of Cornstalk, sachem of the Shawnees,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_252'>252</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Horrible atrocities by savages,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_264'>264</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Horrible cruelties by British troops,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_297'>297</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Horsewhipping a tyrant,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_223'>223</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Interesting anecdotes of Mrs. Fisher's courage,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_352'>352</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>John Minter's bear fight,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_53'>53</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Joseph Bettys' bloody career,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_291'>291</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Major Robert Rogers' adventure,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_303'>303</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_vi'>vi</span>Marvelous escape of Weatherford,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_309'>309</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Miss Sherrill's flight to the fort,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_314'>314</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Molly Pitcher at Monmouth,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_172'>172</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Moody, the refugee,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_286'>286</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Morgan's prayer,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_100'>100</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Mrs. Austin and the bear,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_48'>48</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Mrs. Slocumb at Moore's Creek,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_347'>347</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Murphy saving the fort,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_18'>18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Nathan Hale's arrest and execution,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_341'>341</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Proctor's massacre at River Basin,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_212'>212</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Sargeant Jasper's adventures in the British camp,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_153'>153</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Sargeant Jasper and the young Creole girl,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_88'>88</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Simon Girty's attack on Bryant Station,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_317'>317</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Simon Kenton and his Indian torture-ride,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_5'>5</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Spirited adventures of a young married couple,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_350'>350</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Tecumseh saving the prisoners,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_309'>309</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>The Baroness de Reidesel,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_183'>183</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>The chieftain's appeal,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_325'>325</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>The Grand Tower massacre,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_76'>76</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>The implacable governor,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_332'>332</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>The Johnson boys killing their captors,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_116'>116</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>The leap for life,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_300'>300</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>The little sentinel,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_197'>197</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>The mother's trial,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_242'>242</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>The women defending the wagon,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_261'>261</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>Thrilling anecdotes of women of the Revolution,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_93'>93</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>William Kennan's flight from thirty Indians,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_165'>165</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_vii'>vii</span> - <h2 class='c005'>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary='ILLUSTRATIONS'> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>SIMON KENTON'S TORTURE-RIDE,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_2'>2</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>MURPHY SAVING THE FORT,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_25'>25</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>BRANT AND YOUNG M'KOWN,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_33'>33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>MRS. AUSTIN AND THE BEAR,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_49'>49</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>JOE LOGSTON'S ENCOUNTER WITH AN INDIAN,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_66'>66</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>DEBORAH, THE MAIDEN WARRIOR,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_89'>89</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>GENERAL MORGAN'S PRAYER,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_105'>105</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>JOHNSON BOYS KILLING THEIR CAPTORS,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_121'>121</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>SWEATLAND'S HUNTING ADVENTURE,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_130'>130</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>COLONEL HORRY'S EXPLOITS,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_145'>145</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>ELERSON'S TWENTY-FIVE MILE RACE,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_161'>161</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>MOLLY PITCHER AT MONMOUTH,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_177'>177</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>THE LITTLE SENTINEL,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_194'>194</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>TECUMSEH SAVING THE PRISONERS,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_217'>217</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>HORSEWHIPPING A TYRANT,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_233'>233</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>THE MOTHER'S TRIAL,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_249'>249</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>WOMEN DEFENDING THE WAGON,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_258'>258</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>CAPTIVITY OF JONATHAN ALDER,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_273'>273</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>MOODY, THE REFUGEE,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_289'>289</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>THE LEAP FOR LIFE,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_305'>305</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>THE CHIEFTAIN'S APPEAL,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_322'>322</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>THE IMPLACABLE GOVERNOR,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_337'>337</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>MRS. SLOCUMB AT MOORE'S CREEK,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_353'>353</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>BRADY'S LEAP,</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_361'>361</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span> -<img src='images/i001.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Simon Kenton's Torture-Ride—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p9'>9</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>TALES,</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='sc'>Traditions and Romance</span></div> - <div class='c003'>OF</div> - <div class='c003'>BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>SIMON KENTON.</div> - <div class='line'>MURPHY SAVING THE FORT.</div> - <div class='line'>BRANT AND THE BOY.</div> - <div class='line'>MRS. AUSTIN AND THE BEAR.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>BEADLE AND COMPANY,</div> - <div>NEW YORK: 118 WILLIAM STREET.</div> - <div>LONDON: 44 PATERNOSTER ROW.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by</div> - <div>BEADLE AND COMPANY,</div> - <div>In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for</div> - <div>the Southern District of New York.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span> - <h2 id='p9' class='c005'>SIMON KENTON,<br /> AND HIS<br /> INDIAN TORTURE-RIDE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Foremost among the wild and terrific scenes which arise before -our startled eyes when we turn the pages of border warfare, is the -ride of Simon Kenton—not that the cruelty of its devisers was so -atrocious, nor the final results so dreadful, as in many other instances; -but the novelty, the unique savageness of the affair, strikes upon the -imagination, as if it were one of those thrilling stories related of ages -and people which never were, instead of an event that actually occurred -to one of our own countrymen in one of our own territories.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the early light of morning breaking through the trees which surround -them, a group of Indians are preparing to resume their march, -after a night of repose. They have with them a solitary prisoner. -Corraled about them are numbers of horses, the recovery of which -has been the object of the expedition. Before these are released and -the day's march resumed, the prisoner must be disposed of. While -his captors are deciding this important matter, we will discover who -he is and what has brought him into his present state.</p> - -<p class='c000'>About the first of September, 1778, Simon Kenton—the friend and -younger coadjutor of Boone, who had been with the latter for some -time at Boonesborough Station, employed in protecting the surrounding -country, and engaging in occasional skirmishes with the Indians—becoming -tired of a temporary inactivity which his habits of life -rendered insupportable, determined to have another adventure with -the Indians. For this purpose he associated with Alex. Montgomery -and George Clark, to go on an expedition for stealing horses from -the Shawnees.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>The three brave scouts reached old Chilicothe without meeting -with any thing exciting. There they fell in with a drove of Indian -horses, feeding on the rich prairie, and securing seven of the drove, -started on their return. Reaching the Ohio, they found the river -lashed into fury by a hurricane, and the horses refused to cross. -Here was an unlooked-for dilemma. It was evening; they felt sure of -being pursued; no time was to be lost. As the only resource, they -rode back to the hills, hobbled the animals, and then retraced their -steps to see if they were followed. Finding as yet no signs of pursuit, -they took what rest their anxiety would allow them. The next -morning, the wind having subsided, they sought their horses and -again attempted to cross the river, but with the same result; the -horses, from fright, refused to take to the water, and they were driven -to the alternative of parting with them. Selecting each one of the -best, they turned the others loose, and started for the Falls of the -Ohio, (now just below Louisville); but disliking thus to abandon the -fruits of their expedition, they unwisely returned again, to attempt to -retake and lead the others. This was by no means an easy task, -and while engaged in the endeavor, they were surprised by a party -of mounted savages, who had followed their trail with vengeful pertinacity. -The whites were separated; and Kenton, hearing a <em>whoop</em> -in the direction of his comrades, dismounted, creeping cautiously in -the direction of the sound, to discover, if possible, the force of the -enemy. Dragging himself forward on his hands and knees, he came -suddenly upon several Indians, who did not discover him at the -moment. Being surrounded, and thinking the boldest game the best, -he took aim at the foremost and pulled trigger, but his gun missed -fire. This, of course, discovered his position, and he was instantly -pursued. Taking advantage of some fallen timber, he endeavored -to elude his pursuers, by dodging them, and hiding in the underbrush, -where their horses could not follow; but they were too cunning, -or rather too many for him. Dividing their forces and riding -along either side the timber, they "beat it up," until, as he was -emerging at the further end, he was confronted by one of the savages, -who, the moment he discovered his white foe, threw himself -from his horse and rushed upon Kenton with his tomahawk. -Kenton drew back his arm to defend himself with the butt end of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>his gun; but as he was about to strike, another stalwart savage, -whom he had not observed, seized him in his powerful grasp, preventing -the descending blow. He was now a prisoner, compelled -to yield, with such grace as he could, to superior numbers. While -they were binding him, his companion, Montgomery, made his -appearance, firing at one of the savages, but missing his mark. He -was immediately pursued; in a few moments one of the pursuers -returned, shaking the bloody scalp of his friend in Kenton's face. -Clark succeeded in making his escape, and crossing the river, arrived -in safety at Logan's Station.</p> - -<p class='c000'>That night the Indians encamped on the banks of the river; in -the morning they prepared to return with their unfortunate prisoner, -who had passed an uneasy night, bound to the ground, and not -knowing precisely what vengeance his enemies might be pleased to -visit upon him. Some of them knew him well, and he realized that -there were long scores to be wiped off against him. However, the -red-man had a keen appreciation of bravery, and he did not anticipate -any severer fate upon that account. Some little time elapsed -before they succeeded in catching all their horses. The day had -well advanced before they were ready to march, and the annoyance -consequent upon this delay so exasperated them, that they determined -to make their captive pay the full penalty of the trouble he had -caused them. They therefore selected the wildest and most restive -horse among their number, and proceeded to bind Kenton upon his -back. Their mode of proceeding was as follows: a rope was first -passed round the under jaw of the horse, either end of which was -held by an Indian; yet even with this advantage, it required the -assistance of others to control the vicious beast, which was determined -not to receive its burden. Kenton was first seated upon the -horse with his face toward the tail, and his feet tied together under -the animal. Another rope confined his arms, drawing the prisoner -down upon his back. A third, secured about his neck, was fastened -to the horse's neck, thence extending longitudinally down his person -to the animal's tail, where it was secured, and answered well for a -crupper. In this way he was fastened to the wild and frantic steed, -beyond the possibility of escape. To make the matter sure against -contingencies, the now delighted savages passed another rope about -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>his thighs, securing it to the one which served as a girth. They -then fastened a pair of moccasins upon his hands to prevent his defending -his face. During the time they were thus preparing him for -his Mazeppa-like ride, they taunted him by asking if he wanted to -steal any more horses. They danced around him, yelped and -screamed, and, in every possible manner, expressed their infernal -delight at the anticipated sufferings of their victim. The heart of -Simon Kenton seldom quailed before any danger; but it must have -been supernaturally strengthened not to have sickened during those -moments of preparation and anticipation. To be bound to unspoken -torture, which could end, at the last, only in death—death long deferred, -perhaps into hours and days, whose every minute and second -would be sharp with anguish—to be so helpless to resist the evils -which were sure to come, with the close rope strangling the breath -in his throat whenever he attempted to raise his head to see the cruelties -which he <em>felt</em>—to add all the mental miseries of suspense to -the horrible realities before him—this was enough surely to shake -even the sturdy spirit of the defiant pioneer. For a moment he was -inclined to beg of his tormentors to tomahawk him then and there; -but he knew that such an appeal would gratify their malice while it -would produce no other effect; and he closed his lips tightly, resolved -that they should enjoy no sign of fear or dismay to enhance -their inhuman delight. One glance at the blue sky smiling down -between the lightly-waving branches of the trees—one scornful look -into the demon-faces about him, and, for an instant, his eyes closed; -he felt like one falling from a precipice into terrific depths yawning -to receive him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With stripes and demoniac yells they at length turned loose the -almost savage horse, which was goaded to desperation by the tumult -and the blows. The infuriated beast at once bounded away on its -aimless, erratic course, anxious only to rid itself of its strange -burden.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"'Twas scarcely yet the break of day,</div> - <div class='line'>And on he foamed—away!—away!—</div> - <div class='line'>The last of human sounds which rose,</div> - <div class='line'>As he was darted from his foes,</div> - <div class='line'>Was the wild shout of savage laughter</div> - <div class='line'>Which on the wind came roaring after."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>Frantic with fright, the noble animal went careering through the -woods, rearing and plunging in his madness, inflicting upon his tortured -rider countless wounds and blows as he endeavored to dash -him against the trees, or rushed through the tangled brush, lacerating -the flesh of both with innumerable thorns and briers. In one -of the mad dashes which the horse gave through the unpitying forest, -Kenton's arm came with such force against a tree that it was -broken—he knew it by its becoming so limp and helpless, as well as -from the knife-like pain which darted from it. The wretched man -could only hope that the horse would some time tire; that, wearied -out with its useless efforts to free itself from its burden, it would -subside into some quiet, which might give a moment's ease to his -aching and mangled limbs; but he hoped in vain!</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"Each motion which he made to free</div> - <div class='line'>His swollen limbs from their agony,</div> - <div class='line'>Increased its fury and affright;</div> - <div class='line'>He tried his voice—'twas faint and low,</div> - <div class='line'>But yet it swerved, as from a blow;</div> - <div class='line'>And, starting at each accent, sprang</div> - <div class='line'>As from a sudden trumpet's clang.</div> - <div class='line'>Meanwhile the cords were wet with gore,</div> - <div class='line'>Which, oozing from his wounds, ran o'er;</div> - <div class='line'>And on his tongue the thirst became</div> - <div class='line'>A something fiercer far than flame."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Oh, that horrible <em>thirst</em> which takes possession of the person suffering -exquisite pain, until the torture seems to exceed that of the anguish -which causes it. None but those who have experienced this -extremity of mortal suffering can picture it; none but those who -have suffered the horrible pangs of thirst can sympathize with the -unutterable pain which Simon Kenton endured for the next few -hours. Yes, for hours! The harassed steed, at length, with wasted -strength and trembling limbs, returned to the point from which he -had started, with his now almost inanimate rider, who must have -sunk into insensibility long before, had not the fever of his pain kept -him from that blessed relief. The hunter hoped that now he would -either be killed outright, or relieved of his present position; but such -was not the intention of the red devils who had him in their power.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Worn out with fatigue, and satisfied of his inability to rid himself -of his unwelcome burden, the exhausted horse took his place in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>cavalcade, which had already started for its home. The only mercy -they vouchsafed the prisoner was to give him, twice or thrice, some -water. His sufferings had only commenced—death, in its worst -form, would have been preferred to the ordeal through which he had -yet to pass. To feel certain of death—to count the lingering hours -as they pass—to know that each is but a step toward a certain doom—to -feel that doom impending day by day, and yet to see it postponed -through miserable stretches of suffering—to endure continually all -the anguish of which the human frame is capable, and all this time -to know that hope has fled beyond recall—that all this protracted -agony must end in inevitable death, is too terrible to contemplate.</p> - -<p class='c000'>All this Simon Kenton bore for three days and nights. It seems -incredible that life should have held out so long; but his previous -training in the schools of endurance seemed only to have fitted him -now to hold out through what no other man could have borne. -Through three nights he lay in his cradle of anguish; through three -days he was racked by the motion of the animal which bore him; -and when the Indians reached their village, he was still alive.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It had been the intention of the savages to procure his death by -means of the wanton torture they had instituted; but when he -reached his destination alive, owing to some custom or superstition -of their own, they delivered him over to the care of their squaws. -These took him from the rack, bathed his disfigured body, set his -broken arm, bandaged his wounds, made soothing and healing -washes from the herbs of the forest, nourished him with drinks and -food, and gradually restored him to health. Not only was his life -saved, but his iron constitution remained unbroken by the fearful -trial through which it had passed. As soon as his renewed strength -warranted the attempt, he set about planning the mode of his escape, -which he successfully accomplished, returning to the friends who had -long since given him up for lost, to relate to their almost incredulous -hearts the story of his sufferings.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This remarkable episode is but one of countless adventures in -which Simon Kenton was engaged. Our readers may hear from him -again in scenes equally thrilling. He was, without doubt, one of -the bravest and most interesting of the western pioneers; he was -excelled by none, and scarcely equaled by his precursor, Daniel -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>Boone. His biography, as far as it has been preserved, will be read -with interest by all; his name will never be forgotten in the valley -of the great West. He was the coadjutor of Boone throughout the -protracted struggle for the occupancy of the rich forests and prairies -on either side of the Ohio. The almost incessant exposure and life -of self-denial which these resolute adventurers endured can scarcely -be appreciated by us of this generation who enjoy in peace the -fruits of their sufferings.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While the United States were British Colonies, and Kentucky and -Ohio still were primeval in their solitudes, filled with Indians, and -wholly destitute of white inhabitants, these two heroic men, Boone -and Kenton, as if moved by the finger of Providence, left the shades -of civilization, entire strangers to each other, and ventured into the -midst of a boundless wilderness, neither having any knowledge of -the purpose or movement of the other. Boone led the way from -North Carolina, crossed the mountains, and entered the valley of -Kentucky in 1769; Kenton followed from Virginia, in 1773. The -former emigrated from choice, to gratify his natural taste, after full -deliberation, and after having calculated the consequences. Not so -with Kenton; he fled to the wilderness to escape the penalty of a -supposed crime. He had, unfortunately, become involved in a quarrel -with a young man of his neighborhood, with whom he had lived -in habits of great intimacy and friendship, and, as he supposed, had -killed him in a personal conflict. To avoid the consequences of that -imaginary homicide, and to escape, if possible, from the distress of -his own feelings, he left home and friends, without waiting to ascertain -the result. Unaccompanied by any human being, he crossed -the mountains and descended into the valley of the Big Kanawha, -under the assumed name of Simon Butler. He retained that name -several years, until he received information that the friend whom he -supposed had fallen under his hand, had recovered from the blow, -and was alive and in health. He then resumed his proper name, -and disclosed the reason which had led him to assume that of Butler; -but a love for the wild life to which he had exiled himself had -now taken such strong hold of him that he made no effort to return -to the ties from which he had so hastily fled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is a matter of regret that so small a portion of the achievements -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>of this interesting man have been perpetuated. This may be accounted -for by the fact that so large a portion of his life was spent -in the wilderness, either in solitude, or associated with others of the -same adventurous cast with himself; and it explains the reason why -we are not only without a connected record of his life, but have so -few of its isolated transactions preserved. It is known, however, -that, after he joined the adventurers in the district of Kentucky, -about two years before the Declaration of American Independence, -he engaged in most of the battles and skirmishes between the white -inhabitants and the savages which followed, during 1774 to 1783. -He became an enterprising leader in most of the expeditions against -the Indian towns north-west of the Ohio. These conflicts, indeed, -continued during the long period of twenty years, intervening between -their commencement and the decisive victory of "Mad -Anthony" Wayne at the rapids of the Maumee, in August, 1794, -which was followed by the celebrated treaty of Greenville, and peace -to the afflicted border. Kenton was always considered one of the -boldest and most active defenders of the western country, from the -commencement of its settlement until the close of Indian hostilities. -In all their battles and expeditions he took a conspicuous -part. He was taken prisoner several times and conveyed to the -Shawnee towns, but in every instance he made his escape and -returned to his friends.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On one occasion he was captured when on an expedition against -the Wabash (Miami) villages, and taken to one of the remote Indian -towns, where a council was held to decide on his fate. Again he -was fated to endure one of their cruel and peculiar modes of inflicting -punishment. He was painted black, tied to a stake, and suffered to -remain in this painful position for twenty-four hours, anticipating the -horrors of a slow and cruel death, by starvation or fire. He was -next condemned to run the gauntlet. The Indians, several hundred -in number, of both sexes, and every age and rank, armed with -switches, sticks, bludgeons and other implements of assault, were -formed in two lines, between which the unhappy prisoner was made -to pass; being promised that, if he reached the door of the council-house, -at the further end of the lines, no further punishment would -be inflicted. He accordingly ran, with all the speed of which his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>debilitated condition rendered him capable, dreadfully beaten by the -savages as he passed, and had nearly reached the goal, when he was -knocked down by a warrior with a club; and the demoniac set, -gathering around the prostrate body, continued to beat him until -life appeared to be nearly extinguished.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In this wretched condition, naked, lacerated and exhausted, he -was marched from town to town, exhibited, tortured, often threatened -to be burned at the stake, and compelled frequently to run the -gauntlet. On one of these occasions he attempted to make his -escape, broke through the ranks of his torturers, and had outstripped -those who pursued him, when he was met by some warriors on -horseback, who compelled him to surrender. After running the -gauntlet in thirteen towns, he was taken to the Wyandot town of -Lower Sandusky, in Ohio, to be burned. Here resided the white -miscreant, Simon Girty, who, having just returned from an unsuccessful -expedition against the frontiers of Pennsylvania, was in a -particularly bad humor. Hearing that there was a white prisoner -in town, the renegade rushed upon him, struck him, beat him to the -ground, and was proceeding to further atrocities, when Kenton had -the presence of mind to call him by name and claim his protection. -They had known each other in their youth; Kenton had once saved -the life of Girty; and deaf as was the latter, habitually, to every -dictate of benevolence, he admitted the claim of his former acquaintance. -Actuated by one of those unaccountable caprices -common among savages, he interceded for him, rescued him from -the stake, and took him to his own house, where, in a few days, the -prisoner recovered his strength. Some of the chiefs, however, -became dissatisfied; another council was held, the former decree -was reversed, and Kenton was again doomed to the stake.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From this extremity he was rescued by the intercession of Drewyer, -a British agent, who, having succeeded in obtaining his release, -carried him to Detroit, where he was received by the British commander -as a prisoner of war. From that place he made his escape, -in company with two other Americans; and, after a march of thirty -days through the wilderness, continually exposed to recapture, had -the good fortune to escape all perils, and to reach the settlements of -Kentucky in safety.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>Hall, from whose sketches of the West we have gathered this -account of his running the gauntlet, states that all those horrors were -endured upon the occasion of his captivity following his Mazeppa-like -ride, although Burnet, in his "Notes," speaks of it as upon another -and a future occasion.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the fall of Kaskaskia, which took place in 1778, and in the -expedition against which Kenton took an active part, he was sent -with a small party to Kentucky with dispatches. On their way the -rangers fell in with a camp of Indians, in whose possession were a -number of horses, which the daring fellows took and sent back to -the army, then in great need of the animals.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Pursuing their way by Vincennes, they entered that French-Indian -town at night, traversed several of the streets, and departed without -being discovered, taking from the inhabitants two horses to each -man. When they came to White river, a raft was made on which -to cross, while the horses were driven in to swim the river. On the -opposite shore a party of Indians was encamped, who caught the -horses as they ascended the bank. Such are the vicissitudes of -border incident! The same horses which had been audaciously -taken only the night before from the interior of a regularly garrisoned -town, were lost by being accidentally driven by their captors into a -camp of the enemy! Kenton and his party, finding themselves in -the utmost danger, returned to the shore from which they had -pushed their raft, and concealed themselves until night, when they -crossed the river at a different place, reaching Kentucky in -safety.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The expedition against Kaskaskia was one of the earliest made by -the Americans beyond the Ohio. This place, as well as the posts -upon the Lakes, was then in possession of the British, with whom -we were at war. Being one of the points from which the Indians -were supplied with ammunition, and thus enabled to harass the -settlements in Kentucky, its capture was considered so important -that the legislature of Virginia were induced to raise a regiment for -the purpose. The command was given to Colonel George Rogers -Clarke, the young military hero, to whom, more than to any other -one person, Kentucky owes her successful foundation as a State. He -was, as a military leader, what Kenton was as a scout and skirmisher—one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>of those men who seemed raised up, providentially, to master -great difficulties.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The story of the campaign by which he took Kaskaskia is one of -the most interesting of our border experiences. With two or three -hundred men, mostly raised in Virginia, he crossed the mountains to -the Monongahela, and descended by water to the Falls of the Ohio, -where he was joined by some volunteers from Kentucky, among -whom was Simon Kenton. After a halt of a few days to refresh his -men, he proceeded down the Ohio to the neighborhood of Fort -Massac, a point about sixty miles above the mouth of that river, -where he landed and hid his boats, to prevent their discovery by the -Indians. He was now distant from Kaskaskia about one hundred -and thirty miles. The intervening country must have been, at that -time, almost impassable. His route led through a flat region, overflowed -by the backwater of the streams, and entirely covered with a -most luxuriant vegetation, which must have greatly impeded the -march of his troops. Through this dreary region, the intrepid young -leader marched on foot, at the head of his gallant band, with his -rifle on his shoulder and his provisions on his back. After wading -through swamps, crossing creeks by such methods as could be hastily -adopted, and sustaining two days' march after the provisions were -exhausted, he arrived in the night before the village of Kaskaskia. -Having halted and formed his men, he made them a speech, which -contained only the brief sentence: "The town must be taken at all -events." Accordingly it was taken, and that without striking a -blow; for, although fortified, the surprise was so complete that no -resistance was attempted. This exploit was followed up by a series -of the same character; in all of which Kenton played his part, being -chosen, as we have seen, after this expedition, to be the bearer of -important dispatches through a hostile country. In all emergencies -like this, his aid was invaluable.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Simon Kenton was a striking example of cool, deliberate bravery, -united with a tender, sympathizing heart. In times of danger and -conflict, all his energies were enlisted in the struggle. He fought for -victory, regardless of consequences; but the moment the contest -was over, and his feelings resumed their usual state, he could sit -down and weep over the misery he had assisted in producing. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>Doubtless this extreme sensibility was the cause of his being driven -into the wilds of the West—the wretchedness he suffered on account -of the blow he had dealt in a moment of passion being such as permitted -his mind no repose for a long period after the deed was -committed. Such tenderness of heart is not incompatible with the -sternest bravery—indeed, the most heroic are, usually, also the most -gentle and generous in times of repose. During a large portion of -his life, solitude, danger and want were his attendants; necessity -had so familiarized him to privation, that he could endure abstinence -from food, and subsist on as small a quantity of it, without detriment -to health or strength, as the savages themselves.</p> - -<p class='c000'>During his residence in the wilderness, the land-warrants issued -by the commonwealth of Virginia were easily obtained. After the -holders were permitted to locate them west of the mountains, he -found no difficulty in possessing himself of as many of them as he -desired; and having traversed the wilderness in every direction, his -topographical knowledge enabled him to select for location the best -and most valuable lands in the country. Well, too, had he earned -these estates, for his hand had opened them not only to himself but -for thousands of others to possess and enjoy. Had he possessed -the information necessary to enable him to make his entries sufficiently -special to stand the test of legal scrutiny, his locations would -have been the foundation of a princely fortune for himself and his -descendants. Unfortunately, however, he was uneducated; and, -although his locations were judicious, and his entries were made in -the expressive language suggested by a vigorous mind, yet they were -not sufficiently technical; in consequence of which the greater part -of them were lost, by subsequent entries more specifically and technically -made. He succeeded in retaining a few of them however, -and these were sufficient to make him entirely independent.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The first authentic information we have of him, after he left the -place of his nativity, is that he was engaged in the great battle fought -at the mouth of the Big Kanawha, between the Indians and the -troops of Lord Dinsmore, while he was Governor of the Province of -Virginia; in which he, Kenton, was distinguished for his bravery.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next intelligence is, that in 1775, he was in the district of -Kentucky commanding a station, near the spot where the town of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>Washington now stands. Not long after that work was done, the -station was discovered, attacked and destroyed by the Indians, and -it does not appear that he made any effort to reoccupy it until the -year 1784, after the treaty of peace with Great Britain. In that year -he rebuilt his block-house and cabins, and proceeded to raise a crop; -and though frequently disturbed by the Indians, he continued to -occupy and improve it, until he removed his family to Ohio, some -eight or ten years after the treaty of Greenville.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the commencement of the war of 1812, Kenton was a citizen -of Ohio, residing in the vicinity of Urbana. He then bore on his -person the scars of many a bloody conflict; yet he repaired to the -American camp and volunteered in the army of Harrison. His personal -bravery was proverbial; his skill and tact in Indian warfare -were well known; and as the frontier at that time abounded with -Indians, most of whom had joined the British standard, the services -of such an experienced Indian-fighter as Simon Kenton were highly -appreciated by General Harrison and Governor Meigs, each of whom -had known him personally for many years. His offer was promptly -accepted, and the command of a regiment conferred upon him. -While a portion of the army was stationed at Urbana, a mutinous -plan was formed by some of the militia to attack an encampment of -friendly Indians, who, threatened by the hostile tribes, had been -invited to remove their families within our frontier settlements for -protection. Kenton remonstrated against the movement, as being -not only mutinous, but treacherous and cowardly. He appealed to -their humanity, and their honor as soldiers. He told them that he -had endured suffering and torture at the hands of these people again -and again, but that was in time of war; and now, when they had -come to us under promise of safety, he should permit no treachery -toward them. Finding the mutineers still bent on their purpose, he -took a rifle and called on them to proceed, declaring that he should -accompany them to the encampment, and shoot down the first man -who attempted to molest it. Knowing that the veteran would keep -his promise, no one ventured to take the lead. Thus generous was -Kenton in times of peace; thus brave in times of war.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We have said that he secured enough land—despite of the entries -made after and upon his—to render him independent for life; but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>there were not wanting those, in his latter days, base enough to -defraud the confiding and noble old hero out of the remainder of -his affluence. In 1828 Congress granted him a pension, dating back -many years, which afforded him an ample support the remainder of -his life.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The records of such lives as his should be carefully preserved, that -the luxurious and effeminate young men of to-day, and those of the -future, may know by what courage and hardships their ease has -been secured to them.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='p22' class='c005'>MURPHY SAVING THE FORT.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Suddenly, through the clear stillness of an autumn morning -rung out the three rapid reports of an alarm-gun, which had been -agreed upon by the three frontier forts defending the valley of the -Schoharie, as a signal of danger. The faint flush in the eastern sky -was as yet not strong enough to tinge the white frost glittering over -leaf and grass; the deep repose of earliest dawn rested over all -things in that beautiful vale; but as the thunder of that alarm-gun -rolled sullenly along the air, every eye unclosed, every heart awoke -from the even pulse of sleep to the hurried beat of fear and excitement.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Not even the inhabitants of Gettysburg, nor the plundered, misused -people of East Tennessee, can imagine the appalling terrors -which beset our ancestors during those "days which tried men's -souls," when they fought for the liberties which now we are bound -to defend in all their sanctity against foes at home or abroad. When -we recall the price paid for our present position in the van of progress -and free government, well may our hearts burn with inextinguishable -resolve never to give up what was so nobly purchased.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Pardon the reflection, which has nothing to do with the story we -have to tell of <span class='sc'>Timothy Murphy, the celebrated rifleman of -Morgan's Corps</span>. Only this we <em>must</em> say: our English neighbors, -who are so much shocked at the way we have managed our civil -war, ought to turn back to that disgraceful page of their history -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>whereon is written the hideous record of Indian barbarities which -they employed against us—<em>against our women and children, our firesides, -our innocent babes</em>!</p> - -<p class='c000'>The signal was fired by the upper fort; but when those of the -middle fort sprung to the ramparts to ascertain the cause of alarm, -they found their own walls completely invested. A combined force -of British troops, Hessian hirelings and tories, with a body of Indians -of the Six Nations, under their war-chief, Joseph Brant—the whole -under the command of Sir John Johnson—passing the first fort -unobserved, had entered the valley. After the usual manner of -their warfare, the work of destruction upon peaceable inhabitants -immediately commenced. Farm-houses were in flames; women and -children, who ran from them, found refuge only in the tortures of -the savages waiting without; barns, filled with the plenty of autumn, -blazed up a few moments with the wild brightness of ruin, and then -sunk back, a smoldering heap, to tell of poverty and famine. While -this cruel work was progressing, a column of the enemy, with two -small mortars and a field-piece called a "grasshopper,"—from being -mounted upon legs instead of wheels—was sent to occupy a height -which commanded the middle fort. This, with its little garrison of -about two hundred men, was surrounded, and lay completely under -the enemy's fire.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Under these circumstances the men turned to their commander -for instructions. Unfortunately, Major Woolsey was a fallen star -amid that glorious galaxy to which we look back with such pride—he -was that pitiable object at which women blush—a <em>coward in -epaulettes</em>! Where was he in the emergency which ought to have -called forth all his powers? "Among the women and children in a -house of the fort!" says the historian, but the narrator does not -inform us whether or not the Major absolutely begged the shelter -of their skirts! And, "when driven out by the ridicule of his associates, -he crawled around the intrenchments upon his hands and -knees." There was one way in which this incident was of service -to the troops who awaited the orders of their commander. The -Major's cowardice was so utterly ridiculous that the jeers and -laughter it called forth restored courage to the men, who had been -so suddenly surprised as to be at first disheartened.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>Among those who shook with mingled wrath and laughter at sight -of the impotence of their leader was Murphy. At the first note of -danger he had sprung to the ramparts, his unerring rifle in hand, -his bright eye flashing fire. <em>He</em> should have been in the Major's -place. It is men like him who electrify their comrades with the -thrilling enthusiasm and reliance of their own courage—men who -know not fear, who think nothing of themselves and all of their -cause—cool, prompt, ready for any emergency. <em>He</em> should have -been the leader: but he was only a militiaman, whose term of service -had expired at that, and who was "fighting on his own account." -But he could not brook the disgrace of such leadership; when the -commander of the fort went creeping about on his hands, the militiaman -felt that it was time to take the reins in his own grasp, and he -did it. Implicit obedience from the soldier to the officer is a -necessity; but there are exceptions to all rules, and this was one of -them; to be mutinous then was to be true to duty and to honor. -Deeming the fort their own, the enemy sent out an officer with a -flag of truce. As soon as he came in sight, the relieved Major got -off his knees, commanding his men to cease all firing. Now it was -that this justifiable mutiny ensued. Murphy, from his position on -the ramparts, answered to the flag, warning it away, threatening in -event of its closer approach to <em>fire upon it</em>. This remarkable assumption -of authority confounded all within the fort. He was ordered -by the officers of the regular troops to forbear, but the militiamen, -whose hero he was, cheered him, and swore he should have his -way. Thus supported, as soon as the flag of truce came within -range, he fired purposely missing the messenger who bore it, when -the flag quickly retired. This "outrage" at once closed all avenues -to a peaceful surrender. The enemy's artillery opened upon the -fort. A continual fusillade was kept up by the mortars, the grasshopper, -and the rifles of the Indians, fortunately with little effect. -Many an Indian, who considered himself at a prudent distance, bit -the dust, as the smoke cleared away from the busy rifle of Timothy -Murphy. Hour after hour the attack continued. A number of -shells were thrown, but only two of them fell inside the walls; one -of these pierced the house within the palisades, and descending to -the first story, smothered itself in a feather-bed, without doing any -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>fatal injury. The gallant Major commanding should have been -ensconced for safety in those feathers! The other shell set fire to -the roof, which was saved from destruction by a pail of water carried -by the intrepid Philip Graft, the sentinel who had first discovered -the approach of the British troops.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Many exciting events occurred during that long forenoon. A -large barn, filled with grain, and surrounded by several stacks of -wheat, stood a few hundred feet from the fort. It was several times -set on fire. As it was important to save its contents, Lieutenant -Spencer, with his band of forty men, sallied out on each occasion, -and extinguished the flames. This heroic party also made sorties, -whenever the enemy approached too near the fort, which could not -be properly protected, owing to a short supply of ammunition.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Now it was, also, that the courage of women—which the annals -of the Revolution set forth in such noble luster—shone resplendent -above the craven fear of the commander. Some of the women -armed themselves, avowing their determination to aid in the defense, -should the attack reach the walls. The supply of water threatening -to give out, a soldier was ordered to bring some from a well outside -the works. He turned pale and stood trembling in his shoes, -between the double danger of disobedience and exposure to the -enemy's fire.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Give the bucket to me!" cried a girl, not over nineteen years of -age, her red lip curling slightly with scorn, as she took the bucket -from his yielding hand, and went forth after the much-needed necessary -of life.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A shout of enthusiasm broke from the spectators. With a smile -on her face and a clear luster in her eyes, inspiriting to see, she went -out on her dangerous journey. Without the least appearance of -trepidation, she filled her bucket and returned, passing within range -of the enemy's fire. This errand she performed several times in -safety.</p> - -<p class='c000'>All this time the rifle of Murphy was doing its appointed work. -In the course of the forenoon he saw a second flag approaching to -demand the surrender of the fort. Seeing him preparing to salute -it as he had the former, Major Woolsey ordered the independent -rifleman from the ramparts.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>"I shan't come down," said the sturdy patriot. "I'm going to -fire on that white rag."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Then I shall be obliged to kill you on the spot," said the Major, -drawing his sword, and making a flourish.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Murphy only took one eye from the advancing flag; his weapon -was sighted; he was not sufficiently alarmed by this threat to lose -its position.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Kill away, Major, if you think best. It won't better <em>your</em> situation -much. I know you, and what you will do. <em>You will surrender -this fort.</em> Yes, sir; in the hopes of saving your miserable skin, -you'll surrender! But you won't even save your own carcass. You -can believe what I tell you. I know them troops out thar, and -their way of fightin'. You won't make nothing by surrendering to -<em>them</em>, and Tim Murphy, for one, ain't going to surrender. <em>No, -sir!</em>"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Again the gallant militiamen applauded his sentiments, which were -no sooner uttered than the rifleman discharged his piece at the approaching -officer, missing him, as before, purposely. Of course, at -this, hostilities were renewed; but, as the rifleman said, he knew -which of two dangers was most to be dreaded; and, if he must -perish, he preferred to die in defense of what had been intrusted to -them rather than to be smote down after the humiliation of a surrender -by murderers who respected none of the laws of war. It is -true, that, to fire upon a flag of truce, was a breach of military -usage, and, in almost any circumstances, inexcusable; but not so -now, when the garrison would only meet with the most fatal -treachery as the result of any interview. The officers of the regulars, -however, did not so regard the affair. Brought up under the -stern discipline of military rule, they took sides with the Major, -and expostulated with Murphy upon his unwarrantable violation of -the laws of war.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Don't talk," he cried, impatiently. "Jest come up here and -take a look at the smoke arising from the homes of defenseless citizens. -Take a look at the red-skins dancing around 'em, like devils -around the fires of hell. Hear the screams of them women and -children they are murderin' in cold blood. By the God above, if I -could get at them fiends, I'd stop that music!" His teeth were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>firmly set; his face hardened; his eyes shone like two coals of fire; -and, disdaining to argue his point at a moment like that, he settled -his weapon for the next victim who should venture within range.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The garrison could indeed hear, in the intervals of the cannon's -silence, the shrieks of helpless families smote down by the tomahawk.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Do you hear it?" he cried again, as the shrill cry of a female -voice pierced the air. "That's the kind of enemy you've got to -deal with, and there you stand, balancing yourselves on a <em>p'int of -law</em>! If you open your gates and lay down your arms, you, nor -your wives and children, won't meet any better fate. If you want -to be tortured by red-skins, and your families given up to their devilment, -let 'em in, let 'em in! <em>I</em> shan't have a hand in it."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The signs of a final charge about to be given allowed no time for -farther argument. Sir John, drawing up his regular troops in the -rear of a frame building standing near the fort, prepared for an -assault, while the garrison within made what readiness they could -to repel it. The women, knowing how little they had to expect if -the place fell, grasped the weapons they had solicited and took their -stations near the men, resolved to deal such blows as they could in -self-defense. With pale cheeks, but hearts that had outgrown their -natural timidity, they awaited the expected blow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At this moment of peril and suspense, for the third time a flag of -truce was seen approaching Fort Hunter. Again the undaunted -Murphy prepared to fire upon it; but this time, made desperate by -his very cowardice, Major Woolsey commanded his soldiers to arrest -the disobedient rifleman. The militia, however, gathered around -their hero, threatening any and all who should molest him; they -had confidence that the judgment of one so brave was superior to -that of the officer who had shown himself so unfit for his position. -In the mean time, precious time was being lost. In a moment more -Murphy would enrage the foe by again insulting their flag. The -commander ordered a white flag to be shown. A handkerchief was -placed on a staff and a soldier ordered to display it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The man who dares attempt it will be shot down by my own -rifle," thundered the inexorable militiaman, who thus braved the -regular authority. The men knew that he meant what he said, and -not one was found to attempt to execute the order of Woolsey.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>"Who commands here, you or I?" shouted the enraged Major.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I reckon <em>I</em> do, as far as not givin' up goes," was the cool answer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At this crisis, Captain Reghtmeyer, of the militia, feeling that their -commander was about to betray them all, took up his station by -the rifleman and ordered him to fire.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Exasperated by such contumacy, Woolsey drew his sword upon -the Captain, threatening to cut him down unless his orders were -obeyed. It was a strange time for persons associated in such imminent -peril to fall out among themselves; but the brave and unflinching -were not disposed to yield their fate into the hands of the -weak and vacillating. Captain Reghtmeyer, in answer to this threat, -clubbed his gun, and awaited the attack of the Major, resolved to -dash out his brains if he assaulted him; whereupon that officer, -thinking in this, as in other cases, that discretion was the better -part of valor, subsided into silence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The flag-officer of the enemy, as soon as he came within range, -seeing Murphy bring his rifle to his shoulder, immediately turned -and ran back; he had no mind to encounter the sharp warning -which had been given his predecessors.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then followed a moment of suspense. The little garrison expected -nothing better than an angry and overwhelming assault; the men -breathed heavily, grasping their muskets sternly, while the women's -faces grew like those of their fathers and husbands, settling into the -firm lines of resolve. Moment after moment crept away; a half-hour -sped, and yet the roar of artillery and the nearer shouts of the -expected assailants were not heard.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"You needn't give yourself no further oneasiness, Major," at -length spoke the gallant Murphy, contempt mingling with relief and -joy in his voice. He had kept his gaze fixed upon the movements -of the enemy, and now perceived that they were retiring. "The -red-coats and red-skins are takin' themselves off. It's jest as I told -you—the spunk we've shown makes 'em think us stronger than we -are, and they've made up their minds to back out."</p> - -<p class='c000'>And so, indeed, it proved! "The spunk <em>we've</em> shown" Murphy -modestly said; which was really the spunk <em>he</em> had shown. His -courage and persistence saved Fort Hunter. The British officers -naturally supposed their flag of truce would not be three times fired -upon unless that fort was to be defended to the death. They therefore -decided to withdraw, and to abandon the attempt for its capture.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span> -<img src='images/i002.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Murphy Saving the Fort—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p22'>22</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>Thus was the fort, with all its precious lives, preserved by the -tact as well as the determination of a single man. However chagrined -the "gallant" Major may have been at the flagrant disobedience -of an inferior, the results were such as to nullify the consequences -of his anger. The fact <em>that the fort was saved</em> was the -mutineer's justification.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This affair occurred in 1780. It was not the first gallant exploit -of our hero—nor the last. He had already made himself famous by -deeds both of daring, dashing boldness, and deliberate courage.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Three years before the attack on Fort Hunter, at the battle of -Stillwater in 1777, he had killed the British General, Frazer, by a -ball from his unerring rifle. This is the first record we have of -him; but after that many instances were noted of his extraordinary -prowess, and many more, doubtless, of equal interest, never have -received a chronicle. He had a peculiar hatred of the Indians, -called forth by the many proofs of their treachery and cruelty. He -was a valuable acquisition to any party of scouts who might be out -after the red-skins; and many were the marvelous escapes he had.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As an instance of that <em>obstinacy</em> of his character exhibited in his -conduct at the attack upon Fort Hunter, we must give the reader an -account of another and quite different circumstance, in which he displayed -the same determination to <em>have his own way</em>—and in which -he had it! This little episode in the life of the celebrated rifleman -is not only interesting in itself, but also as showing under what difficulties -the little <span class='fss'>GOD OF LOVE</span> will struggle and triumph.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>"Love rules the court, the camp, the grove:"</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>and not the fiery sword of Mars himself can frighten him from his -universal throne.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the attack upon Fort Hunter, Murphy, although his period -of enlistment had expired, still remained with the garrison. It was -not long after this that something besides duty to his country began -to bind him to the valley of the Schoharie. The heart which had -never quailed before an Indian or red-coat, was brought low by a -shaft from the bright eyes of a maiden of sixteen!</p> - -<p class='c000'>Not far from the fort dwelt a family by the name of Feeck, whose -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>home had escaped destruction from the advent of the enemy. Their -daughter Margaret was a spirited and handsome girl, in whose dark -blue eyes laughed mischief and tenderness combined; her auburn -hair shaded cheeks rosy with health; her form was just rounding -into the fullness of maidenhood, with a grace all its own, acquired -from the fresh air and bountiful exercise to which she was accustomed. -The historian does not tell us how the first meeting occurred, -but certain it is that the indomitable heart of the rifleman was conquered -at last. Murphy was then twenty-eight years of age and -Margaret but sixteen. There is something in the nature of a woman -which does homage to bravery in a man. The man who has the -reputation of cowardice may be handsome and elegant, but <em>she</em> will -despise him; he alone who is famous for courage commands woman's -full respect and <em>love</em>. When the invincible rifleman, whose iron -nerves shrunk from no exposure, and whose energy was daunted by -no difficulties, betrayed to the young girl, by his faltering manner in -her presence, that <em>she</em> could do what armies could not—confuse and -master him—her breast thrilled with pride and delight. The disparity -of their ages was nothing to her; she felt honored at being -the choice of a brave man; her timid glance, usually so mischievous, -encouraged him to speak, and when he did he was not rejected.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whether it was that Margaret's parents thought her too young, or -that there was too great a discrepancy in their ages, or that they had -some prejudice against Murphy, we are not advised; but they strenuously -opposed the intimacy, forbidding the lover to enter their -house. Then it was that he again questioned the authority of the -ruling powers. It was not in his nature to submit to this arbitrary -decree. As once before he had "had his own way" in defiance of -superiors, he was resolved to have it now. He loved the maiden -and she him; there was none who should keep them apart. When -he made a resolution it might be considered as carried out. Margaret, -drooping about the house, doing her work listlessly, instead of -with joyous singing, received a communication which brought back -the roses to her cheeks in fuller bloom than ever. A faithful friend -of Murphy, living not far from the Feeck family, on the Schoharie -creek, was the person who wrought this change in the young girl. -During a visit to the parents, he contrived to arrange a meeting at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>his own house with her lover. Thither she went one day on a pretended -errand, and found her lover awaiting her. During the interview -a plan was arranged for eluding the vigilance of her parents -and consummating their happiness by marriage.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was some difficulty about this, for her father and mother -had instituted a close surveillance over all the "coming and going." -Margaret herself, though willing, was timid, shrinking from the danger -of detection and the anger of her parents.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Pshaw!" said Murphy, squeezing the hand he held in his own -broad palm, "it's likely I can't take care of <em>you</em>, Maggie! I've -trailed too many Injuns, and dodged too many bullets, to think much -of carrying off my girl when I want her. Jest you be on the spot, -and leave the rest to me."</p> - -<p class='c000'>She promised, and they separated to wait impatiently for the appointed -evening. When it came, Margaret, under pretense of going -to milk, some distance from the house, stole away from home to -meet her intended husband. She dared not make the least change -in her apparel, lest suspicion should be excited; and when she made -her appearance at the appointed spot, she presented but little of the -usual semblance of an expectant <em>bride</em>. She was barefoot and bareheaded, -and wore the short gown and petticoat, so much the vogue -among females of that day as a morning or working-dress; but beneath -the humble garb beat a true and ingenuous heart, worth more -than outward trappings to any man. The form, arrayed in homespun, -was of a blooming and substantial beauty, which needed not -the "foreign aid of ornament."</p> - -<p class='c000'>She was first at the place of rendezvous, where she waited with -fear and impatience for her lover, but no lover came. Twilight was -fast fading into darkness, and yet he came not. From her little -nook of concealment, behind a clump of alders which grew on a -bend of the stream, out of sight of her home, she strained her eyes -to look for the approaching form, which still came not. The pink -tinge which flushed the silver water died off into the gray of evening; -every moment she expected to hear the stern voice of her father -calling her. What should she do? It would not answer to return -home, for she already had been gone too long. The cow had not -been milked, and if she went back now, her unusual absence must -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>excite suspicions, which would prevent a future meeting with her -lover. This was her greatest dread. She had dwelt on their union -too fondly to endure the return now to a hopeless separation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Margaret was not long in making up her mind what course to -pursue. Since Murphy had not come to her she would go to him! -She knew him brave and honorable, and that some important matter -must have kept him from the tryst. In order to reach the fort -she was obliged to ford the stream. About this she had no squeamishness, -as she had performed the feat one hundred times before; -the stream was shallow and not very wide. Evidently she was fortunate -in not being troubled with shoes and stockings in the present -emergency; it did not trouble her much to hold up her short skirts -from the water into which she waded; and, as her little feet felt -their cautious way across the creek, no doubt she looked as pretty to -her lover, in her attitudes of unconscious grace, as other brides have -done under more fortunate circumstances; for Murphy saw the -whole proceeding with a pleased eye, taking her advance as a proof -both of her love for, and faith in, himself. He had been detained -at the fort by some provoking duties, and had ridden up to the -brook just as Margaret began to cross.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Although in her heart she felt inwardly relieved to find him there, -the maiden began to pout at his tardiness, and to regret that she -had taken a step beyond the trysting-place to meet a lover who -would not take the trouble to be punctual to an appointment like this.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I shall go home again, Tim," she cried, concealing her blushes -under a frown, which, though pretty, was not at all frightful.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Not to-night, Maggie," he said, as, lifting her up behind him, -he sped away to the fort.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Murphy was a general favorite among the garrison; not an individual -there who would not willingly have aided and assisted him in -his nuptial enterprise. His plans were well known; and, as the -happy couple rode in at the gate, lighted by the last lingering gleam -of sunset in the west, they were received with three hearty cheers. -The circumstances were such as to call forth the warmest interest -of the female part of the population. The young maiden was taken -in charge by them. As there was no minister to perform the ceremony -of marriage, the couple would be obliged to take a trip to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>Schenectady, twenty-five miles distant. The evening was spent in -preparation. Various choice articles of apparel and ornament, some -of which, doubtless, had served a similar purpose on former occasions, -were brought forth; all went to work with a will to fit out -this impromptu bridal <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">trousseau</span></i>. By morning every thing was in -readiness except the proper dress. This, Murphy decided to procure -in Schenectady.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As time was precious they started at dawn, and made the whole -distance in four hours. A handsome silk dress was here purchased -and placed in the hands of a dressmaker and some friends, who -performed wonders which would astonish a <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">modiste</span></i> of to-day: they -completed the dress in the course of the afternoon! The couple -stopped at the house of friends, who did all they could to assist in -the pleasant project. Before dark the bride was arrayed in a manner -becoming the important occasion. A gay company, composed -of some of their acquaintances, accompanied the happy pair to the -residence of the Rev. Mr. Johnson, where the solemn ceremony -which united their lives in one was performed; after which they -returned to the house of their friends to spend the wedding-night.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We are afraid if some of the dainty belles of the present day had -to accomplish as much in one day as had been done by this bride, -before they could find themselves safely wedded to the object of -their choice, they would shrink away dismayed, and settle down into -old maids. To run away from home barefoot; to wade a creek; to -ride into a fort behind her lover; to ride twenty-five miles; to buy -and make a wedding-dress, and attire herself for the ceremony; to go -to the minister and get married, all in twenty-four hours, showed an -energy worthy of the times. Such kind of women were fit wives -for the men who bore the perils of the Revolution, and whose -strength of mind and heart, whose unconquerable love of liberty, -secured to us our inheritance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On their return to Schoharie, the parents of the bride were exceedingly -wroth at the disobedience of their daughter, and at the -presumption of the daring rifleman. For a time they refused to be -reconciled; but, reflecting that no opposition could alter or recall the -act, they at length concluded to overlook all and receive the couple -to their love.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>The brave rifleman made a true husband. Margaret, who lived -with him happily for nearly thirty years, had no reason to regret -the hour when she forded Schoharie creek in search of her tardy -lover.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Despite of the eventful perils into which he was always flinging -himself, Murphy lived to see years of peace, dying of cancer in the -throat, in 1818, at the age of sixty-eight. He was an uneducated -man; but, possessed of a strong will and an amiable disposition, he -exerted an unbounded influence over the minds of a certain class of -men, who, like himself, were schooled in trial. His power was that -of originality, independence and courage—qualities which will make -any man a leader of the people among whom he moves. Men of -his stamp were a necessity of the times in which they lived; they -seemed to spring up in the hour of need, having patience, perseverance, -endurance and boldness to cope with the stealthy and murderous -foes who hung upon the path of our civilization. They -deserve to be embalmed in the annals of the country in whose guard -they fought.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='p35' class='c005'>BRANT AND THE BOY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>One bright summer morning, a lad by the name of M'Kown was -engaged in raking hay in a field some distance from any house, and—as -was the custom with all who labored abroad in those days of -danger and sudden surprise—was armed with a musket, which, however, -he had stood against a tree; but in the progress of his work -had advanced beyond its immediate proximity. While busily occupied, -and intent upon his work, he heard a slight jingling behind -him, and turning suddenly around, he beheld an Indian within three -feet of him, who bore in his mien and costume the appearance of a -chief; and although his position indicated peaceful intentions, the -tomahawk in his right hand betokened his readiness for hostilities -if occasion required it. Startled at this sudden and unexpected -apparition, the youth, with a natural impulse, raised his rake to -defend himself, thoughtless of the insufficiency of his weapon. His -fears were dissipated by the Indian, who remarked:</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span> -<img src='images/i003.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Brant and young M'Kown—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p35'>35</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>"Do not be afraid, young man; I shall not hurt you."</p> - -<p class='c000'>He then inquired of the lad if he could direct him to the residence -of a noted loyalist by the name of Foster. Young M'Kown -gave him the necessary directions to enable him to find that personage, -and then, emboldened by the apparent peaceable intentions of -the other, asked him if he knew Mr. Foster.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I am partially acquainted with him," was the reply, "having -once met him at the half-way creek."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indian then entered into a familiar conversation with his -interrogator, in the course of which he asked him his name, and upon -being informed, he added:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"You are a son, then, of Captain M'Kown, who lives in the -north-east part of the town, I suppose. I know your father very -well; he lives neighbor to Captain M'Kean. I know M'Kean very -well, and a very fine fellow he is, too."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus the parties conversed together in a social manner for some -time, until the boy—emboldened by the familiarity which had been -established between them—ventured to ask the Indian his name in -turn. This he did not seem disposed to give him, hesitating for a -moment, but at length replied:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"My name is Brant."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"What! Captain Brant?" eagerly demanded the youth.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"No; I am a cousin of his," replied the Indian, at the same time -accompanying his assertion with a smile and expression of countenance -which intimated his attempt to deceive his interlocutor. It -was indeed the terrible Thayendanega himself, who was associated, -in the mind of the youth, with every possible trait of a fiendlike -character; and it is not to be wondered at, that he trembled as he -felt himself to be in the presence of one whose delight, it had been -represented to him, was to revel in slaughter and bloodshed. He -was somewhat reassured, however, by the thought, that, if his intentions -had been hostile toward him, he could easily have executed -them before; but he did not feel fully assured of his safety until the -Indian had taken his departure, and he had reached his home with -his life and scalp intact.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>This little incident is but one of many, told to prove that Brant -was not the bloodthirsty monster which, for many years after the -Revolution, he had the reputation of being. He was a Freemason: -and on several occasions, during the war, his fraternal feelings were -called into play, in behalf of prisoners who belonged to that order. -Among others we are told:</p> - -<p class='c000'>Jonathan Maynard, Esq.—afterward a member of the Massachusetts -Senate—who was actively engaged in the Revolutionary war, -was taken prisoner at one time by a party of Indians under the command -of Brant. The younger warriors of the party seemed disposed -to put him to death, in accordance with their determination to -exterminate the whites, as agreed upon by the tories and Indians in -that section of the country. Preparations had been made to carry -out their intentions, when, having been partially stripped of his -clothing, Brant observed the emblems of Masonry indelibly marked -upon the prisoner's arms, and feeling bound to him by a tie which -none but a <em>brother</em> can appreciate, he interposed his authority, saved -his life, and sent him to Canada, to keep him out of harm's way; -and he remained in durance for several months, until exchanged and -allowed to return home.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There is another incident, where Brant met one of his old schoolmates; -but where the circumstances of their early intimacy would -not have interfered between the white officer and death, had he not -saved himself by means of justifiable duplicity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the month of April, in 1780, it was the intention of Captain -Brant, the Indian chieftain, to make a descent upon the upper fort -of Schoharie, but which was prevented by an unlooked-for circumstance. -Colonel Vrooman had sent out a party of scouts to pass -over to the head-waters of the Charlotte river, where resided certain -suspected persons, whose movements it was their duty to watch. It -being the proper season for the manufacture of maple sugar, the men -were directed to make a quantity of that article, of which the garrison -were greatly in want. On the 2d of April this party, under -the command of Captain Harper, commenced their labors, which -they did cheerfully, and entirely unapprehensive of danger, as a fall -of snow, some three feet deep, would prevent, they supposed, the -moving of any considerable body of the enemy, while in fact they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>were not aware of any body of the armed foe short of Niagara. But -on the 7th of April they were suddenly surrounded by a party of -about forty Indians and tories, the first knowledge of whose presence -was the death of three of their party. The leader was instantly -discovered in the person of the Mohawk chief, who rushed up to -Captain Harper, tomahawk in hand, and observed: "Harper, I am -sorry to find you here!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Why are you sorry, Captain Brant?" replied the other.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Because," replied the chief, "I <em>must</em> kill you, although we were -schoolmates in our youth"—at the same time raising his hatchet, and -suiting the action to the word. Suddenly his arm fell, and with a -piercing scrutiny, looking Harper full in the face, he inquired: "Are -there any regular troops in the fort in Schoharie?" Harper caught -the idea in an instant. To answer truly, and admit there were none, -as was the fact, would but hasten Brant and his warriors forward to -fall upon the settlements at once, and their destruction would have -been swift and sure. He therefore informed him that a reinforcement -of three hundred Continental troops had arrived to garrison the -forts only two or three days before. This information appeared very -much to disconcert the chieftain. He prevented the further shedding -of blood, and held a consultation with his subordinate chiefs. Night -coming on, the prisoners were shut up in a pen of logs, and guarded -by the tories, while among the Indians, controversy ran high whether -the prisoners should be put to death or carried to Niagara. The -captives were bound hand and foot, and were so near the council -that Harper, who understood something of the Indian tongue, -could hear the dispute. The Indians were for putting them to -death, but Brant exercised his authority to effectually prevent the -massacre.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the following morning Harper was brought before the -Indians for examination. The chief commenced by saying that he -was suspicious he had not told him the truth. Harper, however, -although Brant was eyeing him like a basilisk, repeated his former -statements, without the improper movement of a muscle, or any -betrayal that he was deceiving. Brant, satisfied of the truth of the -story, resolved to retrace his steps to Niagara. But his warriors -were disappointed in their hopes of spoils and victory, and it was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>only with the greatest difficulty that they were prevented from putting -the captives to death.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Their march was forthwith commenced, and was full of pain, -peril and adventure. They met on the succeeding day with two -loyalists, who both disproved Harper's story of troops being at Schoharie, -and the Captain was again subjected to a piercing scrutiny; but -he succeeded so well in maintaining the appearance of truth and -sincerity as to arrest the upraised and glittering tomahawk. On the -same day an aged man, named Brown, was accidentally fallen in -with and taken prisoner, with two youthful grandsons; the day following, -being unable to travel with sufficient speed, and sinking -under the weight of the burden imposed upon him, the old man was -put out of the way with the hatchet. The victim was dragging -behind, and when he saw preparations making for his doom, took an -affectionate farewell of his little grandsons, and the Indians moved -on, leaving one of their number with his face painted black—the -mark of the executioner—behind with him. In a few moments -afterward, the Indian came up, with the old man's scalp dangling -from between the ramrod and the muzzle of his gun.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They constructed floats, and sailed down the Susquehanna to -the confluence of the Chemung, at which place their land-traveling -commenced. Soon after this, a severe trial and narrow escape befell -the prisoners. During his march from Niagara on this expedition, -Brant had detached eleven of his warriors, to fall once more upon -the Minisink settlement for prisoners. This detachment, as it subsequently -appeared, had succeeded in taking captive five athletic men, -whom they secured and brought with them as far as Tioga Point. -The Indians slept very soundly, and the five prisoners had resolved, -on the first opportunity, to make their escape. While encamped at -this place during the night, one of the Minisink men succeeded in -extricating his hands from the binding cords, and with the utmost -caution, unloosed his four companions. The Indians were locked in -the arms of deep sleep around them. Silently, without causing a -leaf to rustle, they each snatched a tomahawk from the girdles of -their unconscious enemies, and in a moment nine of them were quivering -in the agonies of death. The two others were awakened, and -springing upon their feet, attempted to escape. One of them was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>struck with a hatchet between the shoulders, but the other fled. The -prisoners immediately made good their own retreat, and the only -Indian who escaped unhurt returned to take care of his wounded -companion. As Brant and his warriors approached this point of -their journey, some of his Indians having raised a whoop, it was -returned by a single voice, with the <em>death yell</em>! Startled at this -unexpected signal, Brant's warriors rushed forward to ascertain the -cause. But they were not long in doubt. The lone warrior met -them, and soon related to his brethren the melancholy fate of his -companions. The effect upon the warriors, who gathered in a group -to hear the recital, was inexpressibly fearful. Rage, and a desire of -revenge, seemed to kindle every bosom, and light every eye as with -burning coals. They gathered around the prisoners in a circle, and -began to make unequivocal preparations for hacking them to pieces. -Harper and his men of course gave themselves up for lost. While -their knives were unsheathing, and their hatchets glittering, as they -were flourished in the sunbeams, the only survivor of the murdered -party rushed into the circle and interposed in their favor. With a -wave of the hand, as of a warrior entitled to be heard—for he was -himself a chief—silence was restored, and the prisoners were surprised -by the utterance of an earnest appeal in their behalf. He -eloquently and impressively declaimed in their favor, upon the ground -that it was not they who murdered their brothers; and to take the -lives of the innocent would not be right in the eyes of the Great -Spirit. His appeal was effective. The passions of the incensed -warriors were hushed, their eyes no longer shot forth the burning -glances of revenge, and their gesticulations ceased to menace immediate -and bloody vengeance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>True, it so happened, that this chief knew all the prisoners—he -having resided in the Schoharie canton of the Mohawks during the -war. He doubtless felt a deeper interest in their behalf on that -account. Still, it was a noble action, worthy of the proudest era of -chivalry, and in the palmy days of Greece and Rome, would have -crowned him almost with "an apotheosis and rights divine." The -interposition of Pocahontas, in favor of Captain Smith, before the -rude court of Powhatan, was, perhaps, more romantic; but when -the motive which prompted the generous action of the princess is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>considered, the transaction now under review exhibits the most of -genuine benevolence. Pocahontas was moved by the tender passion—the -Mohawk Sachem by the feelings of magnanimity, and the -eternal principles of justice. It is a matter of regret that the name -of this high-souled warrior is lost, as, alas! have been too many that -might serve to relieve the dark and vengeful portraiture of Indian -character, which it has so well pleased the white man to draw! -The prisoners themselves were so impressed with the manner of their -signal deliverance, that they justly attributed it to a direct interposition -of Providence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the most acute sufferings from hunger and exhaustion, the -party at last arrived at Niagara. The last night of their journey, -they encamped a short distance from the fort. In the morning the -prisoners were informed that they were to run the gauntlet, and -were brought out where two parallel lines of Indians were drawn -up, between which the prisoners were to pass, exposed to the whips -and blows of the savages. The course to be run was toward the -fort. Harper was the first one selected, and at the signal, sprung -from the mark with extraordinary swiftness. An Indian near the -end of the line, fearing he might escape without injury, sprung before -him, but a blow from Harper's fist felled him; the Indians, enraged, -broke their ranks and rushed after him, as he fled with the utmost -speed toward the fort. The garrison, when they saw Harper approaching, -opened the gates, and he rushed in, only affording sufficient -time for the garrison to close the gates, ere the Indians rushed -upon it, clamoring for the possession of their victim. The other -prisoners, taking advantage of the breaking up of the Indian ranks, -took different routes, and all succeeded in reaching the fort without -passing through the terrible ordeal which was intended for them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was in the April preceding the final attack upon the fort in -the Schoharie valley, which took place in the fall, as described in the -second article of this number; and at which Murphy, the rifleman, -so distinguished himself.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As further illustrating this magnanimity which—certainly at times—distinguished -Brant, it is said that at the horrible massacre of -Cherry Valley, Butler—the tory Captain, son of the Butler who fulfilled -his hideous part in the destruction of Wyoming—on entering a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>house, ordered a woman and child to be killed who were found in -bed. "What!" exclaimed Brant; "kill a woman and child? No! -that child is not an enemy to the king, nor a friend to Congress. -Long before he will be big enough to do any mischief, the dispute -will be settled."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The life of Brant was, to say the least, peculiar. An Indian, but -an educated and traveled one, with much of the tact of civilization, -and all the cunning and wild freedom of the savage, he made a -character for himself which always will occupy a niche in history. -Whether the conflicting statements in regard to him ever will be so -reconciled as to decide whether he was a generous and humane -enemy, or a most subtle and ferocious one, we know not; but this -is certain, he <em>was</em> our enemy, and a most efficient ally of the British -in their attempts to put out the rising fires of Liberty which were -kindling in our valleys, over our plains, and upon our hills. It was -a most unfortunate thing for the struggling colonists when Brant -took up the hatchet in behalf of the king, for his arm was more to -be dreaded than that of King George.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Joseph Brant was an Onondaga of the Mohawk tribe, whose -Indian name was Thayendanega—signifying, literally, a brant, or -wild-goose. The story that he was but a half-Indian, the son of a -German, has been widely spread, but is denied by his son, and is -now believed to be false. There are those, however, whose opinion -is of weight, who assert that he was the son of Sir William Johnson; -and such, all circumstances considered, is most likely to have been -the fact. He was of a lighter complexion than his countrymen in -general, and there are other evidences of his having been a half-breed. -He received a very good English education at Moore's charity-school, -in Lebanon, Connecticut, where he was placed <em>by</em> Sir William Johnson, -in July, 1761. This General Sir William Johnson was British -agent of Indian affairs, and had greatly ingratiated himself into the -esteem of the Six Nations. He lived at the place since named for -him, upon the north bank of the Mohawk, about forty miles from -Albany. Here he had an elegant country-seat, at which he often -would entertain several hundred of his red friends, sharing all things -in common with them. They so much respected him, that, although -they had the fullest liberty, they would take nothing which was not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>given to them. The faster to rivet their esteem, he would, at certain -seasons, accommodate himself to their mode of dress. He also, being -a widower, took as a companion Molly Brant, (a sister of Brant,) -who considered herself his wife, according to Indian custom, and -whom he finally married, to legitimize her children. He had -received honors and emoluments from the British Government; and -the Indians, through him, obtained every thing conducive to their -happiness. Hence, it is not strange that they should hold in reverence -the name of their "great father," the king; and think the few -rebels who opposed his authority, when the Revolution began, to be -inexcusable and unworthy of mercy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Brant, by this time a man in the first flush of his strength, and -with as good an education as the majority of his white friends, went -to England in 1775, in the beginning of the great Revolutionary rupture, -where he was received with attention. Doubtless his mind -was there prepared for the part he acted in the memorable struggle -which ensued. He had a Colonel's commission conferred upon him -in the English army upon the frontiers; which army consisted of -such tories and Indians as took part against the country.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Upon his return from England—Sir William Johnson having died -the previous year—Brant attached himself to Johnson's son-in-law, -Guy Johnson, performing the part of secretary to him when transacting -business with the Indians. The Butlers, John and Walter—whose -names, with those of Brant, are associated with the horrid -barbarities of Wyoming and Cherry Valley—lived not far from the -village of Johnstown, and upon the same side of the Mohawk.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the battle of Bunker Hill, General Schuyler compelled Guy -Johnson, and his brother-in-law, Sir John Johnson, to give their -word of honor not to take up arms against America; but this did -not prevent Guy from withdrawing into Canada and taking with him -Brant, with a large body of his Mohawks. Sir John also fled to -Canada, where he became a powerful adversary. The Butlers were -also in the train.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Here, having had some disagreement with Johnson, Brant returned -to the frontiers with his band of warriors. Some of the -peaceable Mohawks had been confined to prevent their doing injury, -as were some of the Massachusetts Indians in King Philip's war. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>Brant was displeased at this. He came with his band to Unadilla, -where he was met by the American General, Herkimer; and the two -had an interview, in which Brant said that "the king's belts were -yet lodged with them, and they could not falsify their pledge; that -the Indians were in concert with the king," etc. It has never been -explained why Herkimer did not then and there destroy the power -of Brant, which he could have done, for his men numbered eight -hundred and eighty, while Brant had but one hundred and thirty -warriors. It is supposed the American General did not believe that -the Mohawks actually would take up arms against the country. It -was a fatal mistake, which deluged hundreds of homes in blood, or -wrapped them in fire.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thereafter followed a succession of bloody and terrible affairs, in -which Brant and the two Butlers were leaders. It has been said, -and with truth, that of those three, the white men were the most -ferocious; that they out-Heroded Herod; that Brant often spared -where they refused. Out of these isolated facts it is sought to build -up a reputation for generosity and magnanimity, to which Brant is -not entitled. Some moments of mercy he had; while those arch -fiends, the Butlers, never relaxed into the weakness of mercy; but -the name of Brant, nevertheless, is written too redly in the blood of -our ancestors for us ever to regard him with other feelings than -those of horror and dread. His knowledge of the detestation in -which the whites regarded the Indian modes of warfare, acted upon -his pride; he did not wish to be classed with the <em>untutored</em> of his -own race; so that his regard for appearances caused him frequently -to forbear the cruelties which his associates practiced.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The first affair of importance in which we hear of him is the battle -of Oriskany. It was on the 6th of August, 1777. Brant was -under the direction of General St. Leger, who detached him, with a -considerable body of warriors, for the investment of Fort Stanwix. -Colonel Butler was commander-in-chief of the expedition, with a -band of tories under his immediate charge. The inhabitants in the -valley of the Mohawk determined to march to the assistance of the -fort, which they did in two regiments, with General Herkimer at -their head. As is usual with militia, they marched in great disorder, -and through the inadvertence of General Herkimer—who, influenced -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>by sneers at his <em>cowardice</em> in taking such a precaution, failed to throw -forward scouts as he should have done—were surprised by the Indians -as they were crossing an almost impassable ravine, upon a single -track of logs. The ambush selected by Brant could not have -been better fitted for his purpose. The ravine was semicircular, and -Brant and his forces occupied the surrounding heights.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The first intimation of the presence of the enemy was the terrifying -yells of the Indians, and the still more lasting impressions of -their rifles. Running down from every direction, they prevented the -two regiments from forming a junction—one of them not having -entered the causeway. A part of the assailants fell upon those -without, a part upon those within. The former fared worse than -the latter; for, in such a case a flight almost always proves a dismal -defeat, as was now the case. The other regiment, hemmed in as it -was, saw that</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>"To fight, or not to fight, was death."</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>They therefore, back to back, forming a front in every direction, -fought like men in despair. With such bravery did they resist, in -this forlorn condition, that the Indians began to give way, and but -for a reinforcement of tories, they would have been entirely dispersed. -The sight of this reinforcement increased the rage of the -Americans. The tory regiment was composed of the very men who -had left that part of the country at the beginning of the war, and -were held in abhorrence for their loyalty to the king. Dr. Gordon -says that the tories and Indians got into a most wretched confusion, -and fought one another; and that the latter, at last, thought it was a -plot of the whites to get them into that situation, that they might be -cut off. General Herkimer got forward an express to the fort, when -he was reinforced as soon as possible, and the remnant of his brave -band saved. He beat the enemy from the ground, and carried considerable -plunder to the fort; but two hundred Americans were lost, -and among them the General himself, who died, soon after, from the -effects of a wound received at the time.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the early part of the contest, General Herkimer had been -struck by a ball, which shattered his leg and killed his horse. Undaunted -by this accident, and indifferent to the severity of the pain, -the brave old General continued on his saddle, which was placed on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>a little hillock, near a tree, against which he leaned for support, -while giving his orders with the utmost coolness, though his men -fell in scores about him, and his exposed position made him a -mark for the enemy. Amid the clashing of weapons, the roar of -artillery, and the yells of the combatants, all mingled in wild confusion, -General Herkimer deliberately took his pipe from his pocket, -lit it, and smoked with seeming composure. On being advised to -remove to a place of greater security, he said, "<em>No; I will face the -enemy</em>." It is said that Blucher, at the battle of Leipsic, sat on a -hillock, smoking, and issuing his orders; but Blucher was not -wounded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>General Herkimer's leg was amputated after the battle, but it was -done so unskillfully that the flow of blood could not be stopped. -During the operation he smoked and chatted in excellent spirits; and -when his departure drew nigh, he called for a Bible, and read aloud, -until his failing strength compelled him to desist. Such is the stuff -of which heroes are made.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The night which followed the battle was one of horror for the -prisoners taken by the enemy. As usual, the Indians slaked their -thirst for blood and torture, which the battle had awakened, in pitiless -cruelties upon their defenseless captives. It does not seem that -Brant here exercised, or caused to be exercised, any clemency. -Some of the doomed creatures begged of Butler, the British officer, -to use his influence with the Indians; and to their appeals were -joined the entreaties of the guard—the tories, in whose breasts some -humanity remained; but this fiend, more savage than the savages, -only cursed them for their folly in pleading for "infernal rebels." -All manner of tortures, including roasting, was practiced upon the -captives, as was testified to by one of their number, Dr. Younglove, -who, after enduring every thing but death, finally escaped from his -tormentors.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In June of the next year, 1778, Brant came upon Springfield, -which he burned, and carried off a number of prisoners. The -women and children were not maltreated, but were left in one house -unmolested. About this time great efforts were made to secure the -wary chief, but none of them were successful.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next event of importance in which Brant was engaged was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>the destruction of Wyoming, that most heart-rending affair in all the -annals of the Revolutionary war. The events of that awful massacre, -the treachery of Butler, the ferocity of the savages, and the still more -hellish malignity of their white allies, are known to all. The wail -which then arose from innocent women and helpless babes, consumed -in one funeral pyre, together, will never die—its echoes yet ring upon -the shuddering senses of each successive generation. Of late years -an effort has been made to prove that Brant was not even present at -that massacre; but of this there is no <em>proof</em>. Campbell, the author -of "Gertrude of Wyoming," was so worked upon by the representations -of a son of Brant, who visited England in 1822, that he recalled -all he said of</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>"The foe—the monster Brant,"</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>and wished him, thereafter, to be regarded as a "purely fictitious -character."</p> - -<p class='c000'>One thing is certain. Brant <em>was</em> at the massacre of Cherry Valley, -which settlement, in the November following the destruction of -Wyoming, met a fate nearly similar. At this terrible affair was -repeated the atrocities of the former. A tory boasted that he killed -a Mr. Wells while at prayer. His daughter, a beautiful and estimable -young lady, fled from the house to a pile of wood for shelter, but -an Indian pursued her; and composedly wiping his bloody knife on -his leggin, seized her, and while she was begging for her life in the -few words of Indian which she knew, he ruthlessly killed her. But -why speak of one, where hundreds met a similar fate? It is said -that Brant, on this occasion, did exercise clemency; and that he was -the only one who did. It was shortly after this that Sullivan's army -was organized to march upon the Indian country and put a stop to -such outrages. Brant met it and was repulsed and fled. It has -been made a matter of complaint that our forces destroyed the Indian -villages and crops. But with such wrongs burning in their breasts, -who could ask of them the practice of extraordinary generosity -toward monsters who would not respect nor return it? The same -complaint is made to-day against the exasperated Minnesotians, who -claim the fullest vengeance of the law against the stealthy panthers, -and worse than wild beasts, who have recently ravaged their State. -They ask it, and <em>should have it</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>In the spring of 1780, Brant renewed his warfare against our settlements. -He seems, in almost all cases, to have been successful, -uniting, as he did, the means of civilized warfare with all the art -and duplicity of the savage.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In later years Colonel Brant exerted himself to preserve peace -between the whites and Indians; and during the important treaties -which were made in 1793 he was in favor of settling matters amicably. -He had won from the British Government all the honors it was willing -to bestow upon a <em>savage</em> ally, and what were they? A Colonel's -commission, with liberty to do work for the king which British soldiers -did not care to do—the slaughter of women and children, and -the sacking of villages. It is quite probable that, after Wayne's -decisive castigation of the Indians, and British insolence had thereby -also received a blow, Brant retired from a service which he knew -must be worse than fruitless.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Colonel Brant was married, in the winter of 1779, to the daughter -of Colonel Croghan by an Indian woman. He had lived with her -some time, according to the Indian manner; but being present at -the wedding of Miss Moore, (one of the Cherry Valley captives,) he -took a fancy to have the "civilized" ceremony performed between -himself and his partner. King George III. conferred valuable lands -upon him, and he became quite wealthy. He owned, at one time, -thirty or forty negroes, to whom he was a most brutal master. -Brant professed to be a great admirer of Greek, and intended to study -that language so as to be able to make an original translation of the -New Testament into Mohawk.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He died in November, 1807, and was said to have been sixty-five -years old at the time of his death. He left several children, some -of whose descendants are wealthy and respectable people. His wife, -at his death, returned to her wild Indian life.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span> - <h2 id='p51' class='c005'>MRS. AUSTIN AND THE BEAR.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>One of the great and almost insurmountable difficulties attendant -upon the settlement of a new country, is that of rearing farm stock, -and preserving it from the attacks of wild beasts. The experience -of the pioneers of civilization in the valley of the Ohio, on this point, -taught them that, until the country became more fully settled, and -the increase of inhabitants so great as to drive back the denizens of -the forest to more distant lairs, they must depend upon their rifles -alone for a supply of animal food for the table. On the principle -of recompense, perhaps, it was not so hard as it might otherwise -seem, for when pork and beef were scarce, "b'ar meat" was plenty—and -<i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">vice versa</span></i>. But then, it was hard when one took a notion to -raise a pig or two to furnish his table in time of need, to find it missing -some bright morning, and know that all that pork had gone to -fill the greedy stomach of a bear or "painter." Many and frequent -were the encounters at the sty between the settler and his dusky -neighbor, the bear, in which the contest for the possession of the -pork was maintained with vigor and determination on the one side, -and on the other with a hungry energy, which was deserving of -commendation, if not of success.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Except when he could accomplish his object by stealth, however, -bruin seldom came off the victor. The first note of alarm was sufficient -to call from his pallet the watchful hunter, and the deadly -rifle generally sent the intruder off a cripple, or stretched his carcass -on the greensward, a trophy to the skill of his opponent. The -women, too, were not backward in defense of their porcine friends -when necessity called for exertion on their part to save them from -destruction, as is evidenced by several anecdotes of their intrepidity -on such occasions.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span> -<img src='images/i004.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Mrs. Austin and the Bear—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p51'>51</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>A Mrs. John Austin, of Geneva Township, one day while her -husband was absent from home, was alarmed by the sound of an -unusual commotion among her pigs, and looking in the direction of -the sty, which stood just back of the cabin, she beheld a bear just -in the act of climbing over the inclosure among a group of three or -four promising shotes, which she fondly hoped would one day fill -the pork barrel and serve to supply her table with animal food during -the long dreary months of the next winter. For a period of -many weeks had she nursed, watched and fed them, in anticipation -of their future usefulness, and she could not bear the thought of parting -with them. But how to save them?—that was the question. -There was no one near to aid in their salvation, and she must -depend upon herself, or lose her pork. The danger was imminent, -and decisive action necessary. Her mind was soon made up; she'd -save her pigs or perish in the attempt. Calling her children, she -sent them up into the loft and took away the ladder, that they might -be safe in case she was unsuccessful or should be overcome by the -bear. Taking down her husband's rifle, which hung on its pegs -behind the door of the cabin, she carefully examined it to see if it -was loaded, but in her haste overlooked the <em>priming</em>. The increasing -confusion in the sty warned her that delays were dangerous, and -she sallied forth to encounter bruin, who was already on his way to -the forest with one of the pigs in his arms. The latter was giving -vent to his fears in the most piercing and pitiful tones, while his -captor, intent only on securing his prize, was marching off at a rapid -pace on his hind feet, holding the pig as a mother holds her babe, -and indifferent alike to his struggles and his pathetic appeals for -mercy and relief. A momentary tremor seized upon the frame of -the heroine, and the blood ran chill through her heart, as her gaze -revealed the figure of a bear of the largest size—an antagonist whom -many a stalwart hunter would have hesitated before attacking. No -time was given her, however, to deliberate, for the bear had discovered -her approach almost as soon as she turned the corner of the -cabin. Dropping his burden, he turned to face his enemy, and presented -a front which might have appalled a much stouter heart than -that of our heroine; while the pig—language fails me in the attempt -to describe the emotions which filled the breast of that now overjoyed -pig, as he took his way with hasty strides to his former quarters, -and snuggled down by the side of his companions, with many -a grunt of satisfaction at his escape from the jaws of impending -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>death. I leave it to the imagination of my reader, with the aid of -the illustration, to supply a deficiency which my pen is utterly incapable -of doing.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Standing thus at bay, in an attitude which threatened an attack -on his part, the bear awaited the coming of his adversary. Fortunately, -between her and him there was a Virginia worm fence, -which formed a sort of breastwork, and offered a very eligible rest -for her rifle. Resting her weapon upon the upper rail of the fence, -she kneeled upon one knee, and took deliberate aim at the heart of -her savage enemy. For the space of a minute the two remained in -this position, until, assured of her aim, Mrs. Austin pulled the -trigger. To her horror and dismay, the steel emitted sparks, but no -report followed. The trusty rifle had missed fire. How shall I -describe the feelings which heaved her bosom, as her eye glanced -along the barrel until it rested upon the dark form of the bear, fearing -lest he should spring upon her and tear her limb from limb. -Her own life, and the lives of her children rested upon the success -of her shot, and should he change his position so as to present a less -vulnerable part to her aim, she felt that her hope was void and her -fate certain. The animal still remained in the same position, however, -and with as little movement as possible, she drew back the -hammer, and again aimed full at his breast. Again the piece missed -fire, and her heart sunk within her as she saw the bear move, as -though he disliked his ambiguous position, and desired to change it. -Not daring to lower her piece to examine it, and hoping that the -third attempt might be more effectual, she again essayed to discharge -it; but when, for the third time it failed to explode, she felt a sensation -of horror creep over her which seemed to curdle the life-blood -in her veins, and her limbs seemed palsied with terror as the bear—who -had by this time become disgusted with the idea of being made -a target of—and that, too, by a woman—dropped upon all fours, and -as she thought, prepared to spring upon her. Satisfied, however, -with his own exhibition of prowess—or, perhaps, fearful of attacking -one who had shown herself so brave, he turned on his heels, and -started off on a sidelong trot for the woods, the deep recesses of -which soon hid him from sight.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Perhaps it was fortunate for Mrs. Austin that her rifle failed to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>explode. Had she wounded the animal instead of killing him, or -failed to hit a vital part, no power on earth could have saved her -from his savage vengeance. A wounded bear is one of the most -terrific beasts to encounter, and the hunter will seldom attack one -of these dusky denizens of the forest unless he has other arms to -depend upon, should his rifle fail to strike the seat of life. She did -not stop to consider the subject, however, but hastening back to her -cabin, she threw herself upon the floor, and gave vent to her overwrought -feelings in a flood of tears. The excitement which had -gradually wrought her up to a fearful pitch of feeling was gone, and -the revulsion was so great as to completely unnerve her. She soon -rallied again, and her first act, on becoming more calm, was to offer -thanks to that Providence which had watched over and protected -her in her hour of need.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One of the most terrible bear-fights on record, which throws the -exploits of Davy Crockett, and even of "old Grizzly Adams" into -the shade, was that which took place some thirty years ago, between -a man by the name of John Minter, and one of the largest and most -ferocious of the species of black bears. Captain Minter was one of -the settlers of Ohio, and, in his youth, had been a great hunter, -spending most of his time in the woods in pursuit of game; and such -was his proficiency with the rifle, that he seldom failed to bring down -the fleetest-winged denizen of the air, or the swiftest-footed deer. -His last hunt, however, was the crowning glory of his exploits, brilliant -enough to satisfy his ambition, and induce him to "retire upon -his dignity;" in fact, his passion for hunting was suddenly changed -to disgust, and he gave up the rifle for the plow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He had been out one day, as usual, with his rifle, in pursuit of a -flock of turkeys, but had been unsuccessful, and was returning home -in a surly mood, when he came, rather unexpectedly, upon a large -black bear, who seemed disposed to dispute his passage. Quick as -thought his piece was at his shoulder, and the bullet whizzed through -the air, striking the bear full in the breast, and he fell to the ground—as -Minter supposed—dead. Carefully reloading his rifle, not to -throw away a chance, he approached the bear, and poked his nose -with the muzzle, to see if any spark of life remained. Bruin was -only "playing 'possum" as it seems, for with far more agility than -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>could be anticipated of a beast who had a rifle-ball through his body, -he reared upon his hind-feet and made at the hunter. Minter fired -again, but in his haste and trepidation, arising from the sudden and -unexpected attack, he failed to hit a vital part, and a second wound -only served to make the brute more savage and desperate. Drawing -his tomahawk, he threw that; and as the bear dodged it and sprung -upon him, he clubbed his rifle and struck him a violent blow across -the head with the butt, which resulted in shivering the stock, and, -if possible, increasing his rage. Springing back to avoid the sweep -of his terrible claws, Minter drew his long, keen hunting-knife, and -prepared for the fatal encounter which he knew must ensue. For a -moment the combatants stood gazing at each other, like two experienced -duelists, measuring each the other's strength. Minter was a -man of powerful frame, and possessed of extraordinary muscular -development, which, with his quick eye and ready hand, made him -a very athletic and dangerous enemy. He stood six feet high, and -was beautifully proportioned. The bear was a male of the largest -size, and, rendered desperate by his wounds, which were bleeding -profusely, was a fearful adversary to encounter under any circumstances; -more particularly so to Minter, who now had simply his -knife to depend upon, to decide the contest between them. As Bruin -advanced to seize him, he made a powerful blow at his heart, which, -had it taken effect, would have settled the matter at once; but the -other was too quick for him, and with a sweep of his tremendous -paw, parried the blow, and sent the weapon whirling through the -air to a distance of twenty feet; the next instant the stalwart hunter -was enfolded in the embrace of those fearful paws, and both were -rolling on the ground in a death-like grapple.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The woods were open, and free from underbrush to a considerable -extent, and in their struggles they rolled about in every direction. -The object of the bear was, of course, to hug his adversary to death, -which the other endeavored to avoid by presenting his body in such -a position as would best resist the vice-like squeeze, until he could -loosen his grasp; to accomplish which, he seized the bear by the -throat with both hands, and exerted all his energy and muscular -power to throttle him. This had the twofold effect of preventing -him from using his teeth, and compelling him to release the hug, to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>knock off the other's hands with his paws; thus affording Minter an -opportunity to catch his breath, and change his position. Several -times he thought he should be crushed under the immense pressure -to which he was subjected; but was buoyed up with the hope of -reaching his knife, which lay within sight, and toward which he endeavored -to fall every time they came to the ground. With the hot -breath of the ferocious brute steaming in his face, and the blood -from his own wounds mingling with that of the bear, and running -to his heels, his flesh terribly cut up and lacerated by his claws, he -still continued to maintain the struggle against the fearful odds, until -he was enabled to reach the weapon, which he grasped with joy, -and clung to with the tenacity of a death-grip. With his little remaining -strength, and at every opportunity between the tremendous -hugs, he plied the knife until the bear showed evident signs of weakness, -and finally bled to death from the numerous wounds from -whence flowed, in copious streams, his warm life's blood, staining -the leaves and greensward of a crimson hue.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Releasing himself from the embrace of the now inanimate brute, -Minter crawled to a decaying stump, against which he leaned, and -surveyed the scene. His heart sickened as he contemplated his own -person. He had gone into the battle with a stout, heavy hunting-shirt, -and underclothing; with buckskin leggins and moccasins; and -had come out of it with scarcely a rag upon him, except the belt -around his waist, which still held a few strips of tattered cloth, and -a moccasin on one foot. His body, from his neck to his heels, was -covered with great gaping wounds, many of which penetrated to the -bone, and the blood was flowing in torrents to the ground, covering -him with gore from head to foot. For a space of more than half an -acre, the ground was torn up, and had the appearance of a butcher's -shambles.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As soon as he had recovered his breath, he commenced to -crawl toward his home, where he arrived after nightfall, looking -more like a slaughtered beef than a human being. His wounds -were dressed by his family and friends, and after being confined to -his bed for many weeks, thanks to his healthy, rugged constitution, -he entirely recovered; but he bore to the grave the marks of his -terrible contest, in numerous cicatrices and welts which covered his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>back, arms and legs, where the bear's claws had left ineffaceable -marks of his strength and ferocity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Speaking of Davy Crockett, reminds us that there was one of his -adventures which deserves to be classed with the "highly exciting" -experiences of which Captain Minter's was so good in its way. It -was during the Colonel's travels through Texas; he had left his -party, to give chase to a drove of mustangs over a prairie; he had -pursued them to the banks of the Navasola river, where they had -plunged into the stream, and where his own tough little animal had -fallen to the ground, apparently in a state of exhaustion. But we -must give Colonel Crockett's story in his own words, unless we wish -to rob it of its peculiar grace. He says:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"After toiling for more than an hour to get my mustang upon his -feet again, I gave it up as a bad job, as little Van did when he -attempted to raise himself to the moon by the waistband of his -breeches. Night was fast closing in, and as I began to think that -I had just about sport enough for one day, I might as well look -around for a place of shelter for the night, and take a fresh start in -the morning, by which time I was in hopes my horse would be -recruited. Near the margin of the river a large tree had been blown -down, and I thought of making my lair in its top, and approached -it for that purpose. While beating among the branches I heard a -low growl, as much as to say, 'Stranger, the apartments are already -taken.' Looking about to see what sort of a bedfellow I was likely -to have, I discovered, not more than five or six paces from me, an -enormous Mexican cougar, eyeing me as an epicure surveys the table -before he selects his dish, for I have no doubt the cougar looked -upon me as the subject of a future supper. Rays of light darted -from his large eyes, he showed his teeth like a negro in hysterics, -and he was crouching on his haunches ready for a spring; all of -which convinced me that unless I was pretty quick upon the trigger, -posterity would know little of the termination of my eventful career, -and it would be far less glorious and useful than I intend to make it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"One glance satisfied me that there was no time to be lost, as -Pat thought when falling from a church steeple, and exclaimed, -'This would be mighty pleasant now, if it would only last,' but -there was no retreat either for me or the cougar, so I leveled my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>Betsy and blazed away. The report was followed by a furious -growl, (which is sometimes the case in Congress,) and the next moment, -when I expected to find the tarnal critter struggling with death, -I beheld him shaking his head as if nothing more than a bee had -stung him. The ball had struck him on the forehead and glanced -off, doing no other injury than stunning him for an instant, and -tearing off the skin, which tended to infuriate him the more. The -cougar wasn't long in making up his mind what to do, nor was I -neither; but he would have it all his own way, and vetoed my -motion to back out. I had not retreated three steps before he sprung -at me like a steamboat; I stepped aside, and as he lit upon the -ground, I struck him violently with the barrel of my rifle, but he -didn't mind that, but wheeled around and made at me again. The -gun was now of no use, so I threw it away, and drew my hunting -knife, for I knew we should come to close quarters before the fight -would be over. This time he succeeded in fastening on my left arm, -and was just beginning to amuse himself by tearing the flesh off with -his fangs, when I ripped my knife into his side, and he let go his -hold, much to my satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"He wheeled about and came at me with increased fury, occasioned -by the smarting of his wounds. I now tried to blind him, knowing -that if I succeeded he would become an easy prey; so as he approached -me I watched my opportunity, and aimed a blow at his -eyes with my knife, but unfortunately it struck him on the nose, and -he paid no other attention to it than by a shake of the head and a -low growl. He pressed me close, and as I was stepping backward -my foot tripped in a vine, and I fell to the ground. He was down -upon me like a nighthawk upon a June bug. He seized hold of the -outer part of my right thigh, which afforded him considerable amusement; -the hinder part of his body was toward my face; I grasped -his tail with my left hand, and tickled his ribs with my hunting-knife, -which I held in my right. Still the critter wouldn't let go -his hold; and as I found that he would lacerate my leg dreadfully, -unless he was speedily shaken off, I tried to hurl him down the bank -into the river, for our scuffle had already brought us to the edge of -the bank. I stuck my knife into his side, and summoned all my -strength to throw him over. He resisted, was desperate heavy; but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>at last I got him so far down the declivity that he lost his balance, -and he rolled over and over till he landed on the margin of the -river; but in his fall he dragged me along with him. Fortunately, -I fell uppermost, and his neck presented a fair mark for my hunting -knife. Without allowing myself time even to draw breath, I aimed -one desperate blow at his neck, and the knife entered his gullet up -to the handle, and reached his heart. I have had many fights with -bears, but that was mere child's play; this was the first fight ever I -had with a cougar, and I hope it may be the last.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I now returned to the tree-top to see if any one else would dispute -my lodging; but now I could take peaceable and quiet possession. -I parted some of the branches, and cut away others to make -a bed in the opening; I then gathered a quantity of moss, which -hung in festoons from the trees, which I spread on the litter, and -over this I spread my horse-blanket; and I had as comfortable a -bed as a weary man need ask for. I now took another look at my -mustang, and from all appearances, he would not live until morning. -I ate some of the cakes that little Kate of Nacogdoches had made -for me, and then carried my saddle into my tree-top, and threw myself -down upon my bed with no very pleasant reflections at the -prospect before me.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I was weary, and soon fell asleep, and did not awake until daybreak -the next day. I felt somewhat stiff and sore from the wounds -I had received in the conflict with the cougar; but I considered -myself as having made a lucky escape. I looked over the bank, -and as I saw the carcass of the cougar lying there, I thought that it -was an even chance that we had not exchanged conditions; and I -felt grateful that the fight had ended as it did. I now went to look -after my mustang, fully expecting to find him as dead as the cougar; -but what was my astonishment to find that he had disappeared -without leaving trace of hair or hide of him! I first supposed that -some beasts of prey had consumed the poor critter; but then they -wouldn't have eaten his bones, and he had vanished as effectually as -the deposits, without leaving any mark of the course they had -taken. This bothered me amazing; I couldn't figure it out by any -rule that I had ever heard of, so I concluded to think no more about -it.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>"I felt a craving for something to eat, and looking around for -some game, I saw a flock of geese on the shore of the river. I shot -a fine, fat gander, and soon stripped him of his feathers; and gathering -some light wood, I kindled a fire, run a long stick through my -goose for a spit, and put it down to roast, supported by two sticks -with prongs. I had a desire for some coffee; and having a tin cup -with me, I poured the paper of ground coffee that I had received -from the bee-hunter into it, and made a strong cup, which was very -refreshing. Off of my goose and biscuit I made a hearty meal, and -was preparing to depart without clearing up the breakfast things, or -knowing which direction to pursue, when I was somewhat taken -aback by another of the wild scenes of the West. I heard a sound -like the trampling of many horses, and I thought to be sure the -mustangs or buffaloes were coming upon me again; but on raising -my head, I beheld in the distance about fifty mounted Comanches, -with their spears glittering in the morning sun, dashing toward the -spot where I stood at full speed. As the column advanced, it -divided, according to their usual practice, into two semicircles, and -in an instant I was surrounded. Quicker than thought I sprung to -my rifle, but as my hand grasped it, I felt that resistance against so -many would be of as little use as pumping for thunder in dry -weather.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The chief was for making love to my beautiful Betsy, but I clung -fast to her, and assuming an air of composure, I demanded whether -their nation was at war with the Americans. 'No,' was the reply. -'Do you like the Americans?' 'Yes; they are our friends.' -'Where do you get your spear-heads, your rifles, your blankets, and -your knives from?' 'Get them from our friends, the Americans.' -'Well, do you think, if you were passing through their nation, as I -am passing through yours, they would attempt to rob you of your -property?' 'No, they would feed me, and protect me; and the -Comanche will do the same by his white brother.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I now asked him what it was had directed him to the spot where -I was, and he told me that they had seen the smoke from a great -distance, and had come to see the cause of it. He inquired what -had brought me there alone; and I told him that I had come to -hunt, and that my mustang had become exhausted and though I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>thought he was about to die, that he had escaped from me; at -which the chief gave a low, chuckling laugh, and said it was all a -trick of the mustang, which is the most wily and cunning of all -animals. But he said, that as I was a brave hunter, he would furnish -me with another; he gave orders, and a fine young horse was -immediately brought forward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"When the party approached there were three old squaws at their -head, who made a noise with their mouths, and served as trumpeters.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I now told the chief that, as I now had a horse, I would go for -my saddle, which was in the place where I had slept. As I approached -the spot, I discovered one of the squaws devouring the -remains of my roasted goose, but my saddle and bridle were nowhere -to be found. Almost in despair of seeing them again, I observed, -in a thicket at a little distance, one of the trumpeters kicking and -belaboring her horse to make him move off, while the sagacious -beast would not move a step from the troop. I followed her, and -thanks to her restive mustang, secured my property, which the -chief made her restore to me. Some of the warriors had by this -time discovered the body of the cougar, and had already commenced -skinning it; and seeing how many stabs were about it, I related to -the chief the desperate struggle I had had; he said, 'Brave hunter, -brave man,' and wished me to be adopted into his tribe, but I -respectfully declined the honor. He then offered to see me on my -way; and I asked him to accompany me to the Colorado river, if -he was going in that direction, which he agreed to do. I put my -saddle on my fresh horse, mounted, and we darted off, at a rate not -much slower than I had rode the day previous with the wild herd, -the old squaws at the head of the troop braying like young jackasses -the whole way."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The more we study the history of frontier life, the more we are -surprised at the characters of such men as Simon Kenton in one way -and David Crockett in another. It would seem as if they were made -to command the circumstances in which they were placed—indigenous -to the soil in which they grew—with traits which sprung up -to meet every emergency of their times and places. They were of -a new race, the like of which no other sun nor age had looked upon—Americans, -indeed, in the broadest sense—men sent to prepare the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>soil of civilization for the rich fruit and flowers which already cover -the furrows turned by their brave and vigorous arms.</p> - -<p class='c000'>David Crockett's grandparents were murdered by Indians; and he -was born and reared in the midst of those privations which helped -to make him what he was. It is quite delightful, in reading his "life" -to see with what ease and <em>nonchalance</em> he dispatches a few bears in -the course of a day, or does any other work which is thrown in his -way. As in the specimen we have quoted, he conquers his cougar, -and ingratiates himself with a roving band of Comanches, and "does -up" enough adventures in a chapter to satisfy any ordinary man, if -stretched through a long lifetime. Let us treasure up the records -of "Davy Crockett," for we shall never have another like him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>To show the perfect isolation in which some of the pioneers lived, -and the manner of their lives, we will give an anecdote of a Mr. -Muldrow, one of the settlers of Kentucky, whose name is still -attached to a range of savage precipices in the central part of the -State, called Muldrow's hill. The individual referred to settled here -at a time when there was not a single white man but himself in this -vicinity, and here he had resided for a year with his wife, without -having seen the face of any other human being. Perhaps, as it was his -choice to reside in a wilderness, isolated from his own species, he -might have thought it prudent to conceal his place of abode from -the Indians, by erecting his cabin in an inhospitable waste, difficult -of access, where there were no pastures to invite the deer or buffalo, -and no game to allure the savage hunter, and where his family -remained secure, while he roved with his gun over some hunting-ground -at a convenient distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After passing a year in this mode of life, he was one day wandering -through the woods in search of game, when he heard the barking -of a dog, and supposing that an Indian was near, concealed himself. -Presently a small dog came running along his track, with his -nose to the ground, as if pursuing his footsteps, and had nearly -reached his hiding-place, when it stopped, snuffed the air, and -uttered a low whine, as if to admonish its master that the object of -pursuit was near at hand. In a few minutes the owner of the dog -came stepping cautiously along, glancing his eyes jealously around, -and uttering low signals to the dog. But the dog stood at fault, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>and the owner halted within a few yards of our hunter and exposed -to view.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The new-comer was a tall, athletic man, completely armed with -rifle, tomahawk and knife; but whether he was a white man or an -Indian, could not be determined either by his complexion or dress. -He wore a hunting-shirt and leggins, of dressed deer-skin, and a hat -from which the rim was entirely worn away, and the crown elongated -into the shape of a sugar-loaf. The face, feet and hands, -which were exposed, were of the tawny hue of the savage; but -whether the color was natural, or the effect of exposure, could not -be ascertained even by the keen eye of the hunter; and the features -were so disguised with dirt and gunpowder, that their expression -afforded no clue by which the question could be decided whether -the person was a friend or foe. There was but a moment for scrutiny; -the pioneer, inclining to the opinion that the stranger was an -Indian, cautiously drew up his rifle, and took deliberate aim; but -the bare possibility that he might be pointing his weapon at the -bosom of a countryman induced him to pause.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Again he raised his gun, and again hesitated; while his opponent, -with his rifle half-raised toward his face, and his finger on the trigger, -looked eagerly around. Both stood motionless and silent—one -searching for the object of his pursuit, the other in readiness to fire. -At length the hunter, having resolved to delay no longer, cocked -his rifle—the <em>click</em> reached the acute ear of the other, who instantly -sprung behind a tree; the hunter imitated his example, and they -were now fairly opposed, each covered by a tree, from behind which -he endeavored to get a shot at his adversary without exposing his -own person.</p> - -<p class='c000'>And now a series of stratagems ensued, each seeking to draw the -fire of the other, until the stranger, becoming weary of suspense, -called out:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Why don't you shoot, you etarnal cowardly varmint?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Shoot, yourself, you bloody red-skin!" retorted the other.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"No more a red-skin than yourself!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Are you a white man?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"To be sure I am. Are you?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Yes; no mistake in me!"</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>Whereupon, each being undeceived, they threw down their guns, -rushed together with open arms, and took a hearty hug. The -hunter now learned that the stranger had been settled, with his family, -about ten miles from him, for several months past, and that -each had frequently roamed over the same hunting-ground, supposing -himself the sole inhabitant of that region. On the following day -the hunter saddled his horse, and taking up his good wife behind -him, carried her down to make a call upon her new neighbor, who -doubtless received the visit with far more sincere joy than usually -attends such ceremonies.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There is a well-accredited bear-story which belongs to the early -history of Ohio, and which is of a little different type from most of the -adventures with these ugly animals. An old pilot of the Ohio was -once obliged to give a bruin a free ride—but he could hardly blame -the bear, after stopping so kindly to take him in. But we must let -him tell his own story. "Twenty odd year ago," said the pilot, -"there warn't a great many people along the Ohio, except Injins and -b'ars, and we didn't like to cultivate a clust acquaintance with either -of 'em; fer the Injins were cheatin', scalpin' critters, and the bears -had an onpleasant way with them. Ohio warn't any great shakes -then, but it had a mighty big pile of the tallest kind of land layin' -about, waitin' to be opened to the sunlight. 'Arly one mornin' when -my companions was asleep, I got up and paddled across the river -after a deer, for we wanted venison for breakfast. I got a buck and -was returnin', when what should I see but a b'ar swimmin' the Ohio, -and I put out in chase right off. I soon overhauled the critter and -picked up my rifle to give him a settler, but the primin' had got wet -and the gun wouldn't go off. I didn't understand b'ar as well then -as I do now, and I thought I'd run him down and drown him or -knock him in the head. So I put the canoe right eend on toward -him, thinkin' to run him under, but when the bow teched him, what -did he do but reach his great paws up over the side of the canoe and -begin to climb in. I hadn't bargained for that. I felt mighty onpleasant, -you may believe, at the prospect of sech a passenger. I -hadn't time to get at him with the butt of my rifle, till he came -tumbling into the dugout, and, as he seated himself on his starn, -showed as pretty a set of ivory as you'd wish to see. Thar we sot, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>he in one end of the dugout, I in t'other, eyein' one another in a -mighty suspicious sort of way. He didn't seem inclined to come -near my eend of the canoe, and I was principled agin goin' toward -his. I made ready to take to the water, but at the same time made -up my mind I'd paddle him to shore, free gratis for nothin' if he'd -behave hisself. Wal, I paddled away, the b'ar every now and then -grinnin' at me, skinnin' his face till every tooth in his head stood -right out, and grumblin' to hisself in a way that seemed to say, 'I -wonder if that chap's good to eat.' I didn't offer any opinion on -the subject; I didn't say a word to him, treatin' him all the time -like a gentleman, but kept pullin' for the shore. When the canoe -touched ground, he clambered over the side, climbed up the bank, -and givin' me an extra grin, made off for the woods. I pushed the -dugout back suddenly, and give him, as I felt safe agin, a double -war whoop, that astonished him. I learned one thing that morning—never -to try to <em>drown a b'ar</em>—'specially by running him down with -a dugout—it wont pay!"</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span> -<img src='images/i005.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Big Joe Logston's Encounter with an Indian—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p71'>7</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>TALES,</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='sc'>Traditions and Romance</span></div> - <div class='c003'>OF</div> - <div class='c003'>BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>BIG JOE LOGSTON.</div> - <div class='line'>DEBORAH, THE MAIDEN WARRIOR.</div> - <div class='line'>GEN. MORGAN'S PRAYER.</div> - <div class='line'>BRAVERY OF THE JOHNSON BOYS.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>NEW YORK:</div> - <div>BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS,</div> - <div>118 WILLIAM STREET.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by</div> - <div>BEADLE AND COMPANY,</div> - <div>In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for</div> - <div>the Southern District of New York.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span> - <h2 id='p71' class='c005'>BIG JOE LOGSTON'S<br /> STRUGGLE WITH AN INDIAN.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>We have plentiful stories of encounters between the white man and -the red, in which the fierce rivalry is contested with rifles, knives, -or the swift foot-race for life; but it is seldom we hear of a genuine -<em>fist-fight</em> between the hardy men of the forest and their implacable -foe. Only two or three such novel incidents occur in the history -of the Western border.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Joe Logston was one of the race of famous frontier men, the -"Hunters of Kentucky," whose exploits have been told in story and -sung in song. He could, to use his own words, "outrun, outhop, -outjump, throw down, drag out and whip any man in the country"—which -was saying a good deal for those days, when men like -Brady, Wetzel, M'Clelland, Adam Poe and Kenton sprung up to -face the dangers of the hour.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Joe was a powerful fellow of six foot three in his stockings, and -proportionately stout and muscular, with a handsome, good-natured -face, and a fist like a sledge-hammer. Fear was a word of which -he knew not the meaning, while to <em>fight</em> was his pastime, particularly -if his own scalp was the prize he fought for.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On one occasion he was mounted on his favorite pony, bound on -an expedition outside the fort. The pony was leisurely picking his -way along the trail, with his head down and half asleep, while his -rider was enjoying a feast on some wild grapes which he had -gathered as he passed along. Neither dreamed of danger, until the -crack of two rifles on either side the path killed the horse and -wounded the rider. A ball struck Joe, grazing the skin above -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>the breast-bone, but without doing any material damage. The -other ball passed through his horse, just behind the saddle. In -an instant Joe found himself on his feet, grasping his trusty rifle, -which he had instinctively seized as he slipped to the ground, ready -for the foe. He might easily have escaped by running, as the guns -of the Indians were empty, and they could not begin to compete -with him in speed. But Joe was not one of that sort. He boasted -that he had never left a battle-field without making his "mark," and -he was not disposed to begin now. One of the savages sprung into -the path and made at him, but finding his antagonist prepared, he -"treed" again. Joe, knowing there were two of the varmints, -looked earnestly about him for the other, and soon discovered him -between two saplings, engaged in reloading his piece. The trees -were scarcely large enough to shield his person, and in pushing -down the ball, he exposed his hips, when Joe, quick as thought, -drew a bead, and firing, struck him in the exposed part. Now that -his rifle was empty, the big Indian who had first made his appearance, -rushed forward, feeling sure of his prey, and rejoicing in the -anticipated possession of the white man's scalp. Joe was not going -to resign this necessary and becoming covering to his head without -a struggle, and stood, calmly awaiting the savage, with his rifle -clubbed and his feet braced for a powerful blow. Perceiving this, -his foe halted within ten paces, and with all the vengeful force of a -vigorous arm, threw his tomahawk full at Joe's face. With the -rapidity of lightning it whirled through the air; but Joe, equally -quick in his movements, dodged it, suffering only a slight cut on the -left shoulder as it passed, when he "went in."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indian darted into the bushes, successfully dodging the blows -made at his head by the now enraged hunter, who, becoming excited -to madness at the failure of his previous efforts, gathered all his -strength for a final blow, which the cunning savage dodged as before, -while the rifle, which by this time had become reduced to the simple -barrel, struck a tree and flew out of Joe's hands at least ten feet -into the bushes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indian sprung to his feet and confronted him. Both empty-handed, -they stood for a moment, measuring each the other's -strength; it was but a moment, for the blood was flowing freely -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>from the wound in Joe's breast, and the other thinking him more -seriously wounded than he really was, and expecting to take advantage -of his weakness, closed with him, intending to throw him. In -this, however, he reckoned without his host. In less time than it -takes to recount it, he found himself at full length on his back, with -Joe on top. Slipping from under him with the agility of an eel -they were both on their feet again—and again closed. This time the -savage was more wary, but the same result followed—he was again -beneath his opponent. But having the advantage of Joe, in being -naked to his breech-cloth, and <em>oiled</em> from head to foot, he could easily -slip from the grasp of the hunter and resume his perpendicular. -Six different times was he thrown with the same effect; but victory—fickle -jade—seemed disposed to perch on the banner of neither of -the combatants. There were no admiring thousands looking on at -this exciting "mill"—no seconds to insist upon fairness and preserve -the rules of the ring—only one poor wounded spectator, and two -foes fighting not for fame but life.</p> - -<p class='c000'>By this time they had, in their struggles and contortions, returned -to the open path, and Joe resolved upon a change of tactics. He -was becoming sensibly weaker from loss of blood, while, on the -other hand, the savage seemed to lose none of his strength by the -many falls he had experienced. Closing again in a close hug, they -fell as before; this time, instead of endeavoring to keep his antagonist -down, Joe sprung at once to his feet, and, as his antagonist -came up, dealt him a blow with his fist between the eyes, which -felled him like an ox, at the same time falling with all his might -upon his body.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was repeated every time he rose, and began to tell with fearful -effect upon the savage's body as well as his face, for Joe was no -light weight, and at every succeeding fall the Indian came up weaker, -seeming finally disposed to retreat; this his opponent decidedly objected -to; his "spunk was up;" he dealt his blows more rapidly, -until the savage lay apparently insensible at his feet. Falling upon -him, he grasped the Indian's throat with a grip like a vice, intending -to strangle him. He soon found that the savage was "playing possum," -and that some movement was going forward, the purport of -which he could not immediately guess. Following with his eye the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>direction of the movement, Joe found that he was trying to disengage -his knife which was in his belt, but the handle of which was so -short that it had slipped down beyond reach, and he was working it -up by pressing on the point. Joe watched the effort with deep -interest, and when it was worked up sufficient for his purpose, -seized it, and with one powerful blow drove it to the owner's heart, -leaving him quivering in the agonies of death.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Springing to his feet the victor now bethought him of the other -red-skin, and looked around to discover him. He still lay, with his -back broken by Joe's ball, where he had fallen, and, having his -piece loaded, was trying to raise himself upright to fire it; but every -time he brought it to his shoulder he would tumble forward and -have again to renew the effort. Concluding that he had had enough -fighting for exercise, and knowing that the wounded Indian could -not escape, Joe took his way to the fort.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Although he presented a frightful sight when he reached there—his -clothes being torn nearly from his person, which was covered -with blood and dirt from his head to his feet—yet his account was -hardly believed by some of his comrades, who thought it one of -Joe's "big stories," which had the reputation of being as big as himself, -though not half so well authenticated. "Go and satisfy yourselves," -said he; and a party started for the battle-ground, where -their suppositions were confirmed, as there were no Indians about, -and no evidence of them, except Joe's dead horse in the path. On -looking carefully about, however, they discovered a trail which led a -little way into the bushes, where they discovered the body of the -big Indian buried under the dead leaves by the side of a stump. -Following on, they found the corpse of the second, with his own -knife thrust into his heart and his grasp still upon it, to show that -he died by his own hand. Nowhere could they discover the knife -with which Joe had killed the big Indian. They found it at last, -thrust into the ground, where it had been forced by the heel of his -wounded companion, who must have suffered the most intense agony -while endeavoring to hide all traces of the white man's victory.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Joe got the credit for his story, while his comrades universally -lamented that they had not been spectators of this pugilistic encounter -between "big Indian" and "big Joe."</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>Another one of the forest scenes which stand out so vividly in -pictures of American life, occurs to us. It is unique in its character, -and will excite a smile, as well as a feeling of admiration for the -tact and courage which enacted it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the early part of the Revolutionary war, a sargeant and -twelve armed men undertook a journey through the wilderness, in -the State of New Hampshire. Their route was remote from any -settlements, and they were under the necessity of encamping over -night in the woods. Nothing material happened the first day of -their excursion; but early in the afternoon of the second, they, from -an eminence, discovered a body of armed Indians advancing toward -them, whose number rather exceeded their own. As soon as the -whites were perceived by their red brethren, the latter made signals, -and the two parties approached each other in an amicable manner. -The Indians appeared to be much gratified with meeting the sargeant -and his men, whom they observed they considered as their protectors; -said they belonged to a tribe which had raised the hatchet -with zeal in the cause of liberty, and were determined to do all in -their power to repel the common enemy. They shook hands in -friendship, and it was, "How d'ye do, <em>pro</em>, how d'ye do, pro," that -being their pronunciation of the word brother. When they had -conversed with each other for some time, and exchanged mutual -good wishes, they at length separated, and each party traveled in a -different direction. After proceeding to the distance of a mile or -more, the sargeant, who was acquainted with all the different tribes, -and knew on which side of the contest they were respectively ranked, -halted his men and addressed them in the following words:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"My brave companions, we must use the utmost caution, or this -night may be our last. Should we not make some extraordinary -exertions to defend ourselves, to-morrow's sun may find us sleeping -never to wake. You are surprised, comrades, at my words, and -your anxiety will not be lessened, when I inform you, that we have -just passed our most inveterate foe, who, under the mask of pretended -friendship you have witnessed, would lull us to security, and -by such means, in the unguarded moments of our midnight slumber, -without resistance, seal our fate."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The men with astonishment listened to this short harangue; and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>their surprise was greater, as not one of them had entertained the -suspicion but they had just encountered friends. They all immediately -resolved to enter into some scheme for their mutual preservation -and destruction of their enemies. By the proposal of their -leader, the following plan was adopted and executed:</p> - -<p class='c000'>The spot selected for their night's encampment was near a -stream of water, which served to cover their rear. They felled a -large tree, before which on the approach of night, a brilliant fire was -lighted. Each individual cut a log of wood about the size of his -body, rolled it nicely in his blanket, placed his hat upon the extremity, -and laid it before the fire, that the enemy might be deceived, -and mistake it for a man. After logs equal in number to the sargeant's -party were thus fitted out, and so artfully arranged that they -might be easily mistaken for so many soldiers, the men with loaded -muskets placed themselves behind the fallen tree, by which time the -shades of evening began to close around. The fire was supplied in -fuel, and kept burning brilliantly until late in the evening, when it -was suffered to decline. The critical time was now approaching, -when an attack might be expected from the Indians; but the sargeant's -men rested in their place of concealment with great anxiety -till near midnight, without perceiving any movement of the enemy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At length a tall Indian was discovered through the glimmering -of the fire, cautiously moving toward them, making no noise, and -apparently using every means in his power to conceal himself from -any one about the camp. For a time his actions showed him to be -suspicious that a guard might be stationed to watch any unusual -appearance, who would give the alarm in case of danger; but all -appearing quiet, he ventured forward more boldly, rested upon his -toes, and was distinctly seen to move his finger as he numbered each -log of wood, or what he supposed to be a human being quietly enjoying -repose. To satisfy himself more fully as to the number, he -counted them over a second time, and cautiously retired. He was -succeeded by another Indian, who went through the same movements, -and retired in the same manner. Soon after the whole party, -sixteen in number, were discovered approaching, and greedily eyeing -their supposed victims. The feelings of the sargeant's men can -better be imagined than described, when they saw the base and cruel -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>purpose of their enemies, who were now so near that they could -scarcely be restrained from firing upon them. The plan, however, -of the sargeant, was to have his men remain silent in their places of -concealment till the muskets of the savages were discharged, that -their own fire might be more effectual, and opposition less formidable.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Their suspense was not of long duration. The Indians, in a -body, cautiously approached, till within a short distance; they then -halted, took deliberate aim, discharged their pieces upon inanimate -<em>logs</em>, gave the dreadful war-whoop, and instantly rushed forward with -tomahawk and scalping-knife in hand, to dispatch the living, and -obtain the scalps of the dead. As soon as they had collected in -close order, more effectually to execute their horrid intentions, the -party of the sargeant, with unerring aim, discharged their pieces, not -on logs of wood, but perfidious savages, not one of whom escaped -destruction by the snare into which they led themselves.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There must have been a touch of grim humor about that sargeant -as well as of cool courage.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Many instances are on record of those days of danger—where -either in battle or in the settlement of new countries, the cruel and -crafty red-man had to be encountered—where the minds of men have -been thrown from their balance by the sight of barbarities, or the -suffering of afflictions, which overthrow their shuddering reasons. -Some men have been called monomaniacs, from the fact of their restless -and rankling hatred of the race who had inflicted some great -misery upon them or theirs. But it is hardly strange that when -they saw those savages behave worse than tigers, they decided to -treat them like wild beasts, and that they were justified in the -attempt to exterminate them. There must be men in Minnesota, at -this day, who are monomaniacs on the subject of the red-skins. One -of the most noted of these Indian haters was John Moredock, of -Kentucky; and these are the circumstances which made him so, as -given in a fine paper on the early settlers, in Harper's Magazine for -1861:</p> - -<p class='c000'>Toward the end of the last century there lived at Vincennes a -woman whose whole life had been spent on the frontier. She had -been widowed four or five times by the Indians; her last husband, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>whose name was Moredock, had been killed a few years before the -time of which we speak. But she had managed to bring up a large -family in a respectable manner. Now, when her sons were growing -up, she resolved to better their condition by moving "West." The -whole of Illinois was a blooming waste of prairie land, except in a -few places where stood the trading-posts built a hundred years before -by the French.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The lower peninsula of Illinois was not of a nature to attract -emigrants when so much finer lands were to be found on the banks -of the Great River and its tributaries; nor was a land journey over -that marshy region, infested as it was by roving bands of savages, to -be lightly undertaken, when the two rivers furnished a so much more -easy though circuitous way to the delightful region beyond. Hence -it was usual for a company of those intending to make the journey -to purchase a sufficient number of pirogues, or keel-boats, in them -descend the Ohio, and then ascend the Mississippi to the mouth of -the Kaskaskia, or any other destined point. By adopting this mode -of traveling all serious danger of Indian attacks was avoided, except -at one or two points on the latter stream, where it was necessary to -land and draw the boats around certain obstructions in the channel.</p> - -<p class='c000'>To one of these companies the Moredock family joined itself—several -of the sons being sufficiently well-grown to take a part not -only in the ordinary labors of the voyage but in any conflict that -might occur. All went well with the expedition until they reached -the rock known as the "Grand Tower" on the Mississippi, almost -within sight of their destination. Here, supposing themselves to be -out of danger, the men carelessly leaped on shore to drag the boats -up against the current, which here rushed violently around the base -of the cliff. The women and children, fifteen or twenty in number, -tired of being cooped in the narrow cabins for three or four weeks, -thoughtlessly followed. While the whole party were thus making -their way slowly along the narrow space between the perpendicular -precipice on one hand, the well-known yell of savage onset rung in -their ears, and a volley of rifles from above stretched half a dozen -of the number dead in their midst, while almost at the same moment -a band of the painted demons appeared at each end of the -fatal pass. The experienced border men, who saw at a glance that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>their condition was hopeless, stood for one moment overwhelmed -with consternation; but in the next the spirit of the true Indian -fighter awoke within their hearts, and they faced their assailants -with hopeless but desperate valor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The conflict that ensued was only a repetition of the scene which -the rivers and woods of the West had witnessed a thousand times -before, in which all the boasted strength and intelligence of the -whites had been baffled by the superior cunning of the red-men. -"Battle Rock," "Murder Creek," "Bloody Run," and hundreds of -similar names scattered throughout our land, are but so many characters -in that stern epitaph which the aborigines, during their slow -retreat across the continent toward the Rocky Mountains, and annihilation, -have written for themselves in the blood of the destroying -race. The history of Indian warfare contains no passage more fearful -than is to be found in the narrative of the massacre at the Grand -Tower of the Mississippi. Half armed, surprised, encumbered with -their women and children, and taken in so disadvantageous a situation, -being all huddled together on a narrow sand-beach, with their -enemies above and on either side, their most desperate efforts availed -not even to postpone their fate; and in the space of ten minutes -after the warning yell was heard, the mangled bodies of forty men, -women and children lay heaped upon the narrow strip of sand. The -conflict had ended in the complete destruction of the emigrant company—so -complete that the savages imagined not a single survivor -remained to carry the disastrous tidings to the settlements.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But one such wretched survivor, however, there was. John -Moredock, who, having fought like a young tiger until all hope of -saving even a part of the unfortunate company was lost, and who -then, favored by the smoke, and the eagerness of the assailants for -scalps, and the plunder of the boats, glided through the midst of the -savages and nestled himself in a cleft of the rocks. Here he lay for -hours, sole spectator of a scene of Indian ferocity which transformed -his young heart to flint, and awoke that thirst for revenge which -continued to form the ruling sentiment of his future life, and which -raged as insatiably on the day of his death, forty years later, when -he had become a man of mark, holding high offices in his adopted -State, as it did when crouching among the rocks of the Grand -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>Tower; and, beholding the bodies of his mother, sisters and brothers -mangled by the Indian tomahawk, he bound himself by a solemn -oath never from that moment to spare one of the accursed race who -might come within reach of his arm; and especially to track the -footsteps of the marauding band who had just swept away all that -he loved on earth, until the last one should have paid the penalty of -life for life.</p> - -<p class='c000'>How long he remained thus concealed he never knew; but at -length, as the sun was setting, the Indians departed, and John Moredock -stepped forth from his hiding-place, not what he had entered -it, a brave, light-hearted lad of nineteen, the pride of a large family -circle and the favorite of a whole little colony of borderers, but an -orphan and an utter stranger in a strange land, standing alone amidst -the ghastly and disfigured corpses of his family and friends. He -had hoped to find some life still lingering amidst the heaps of carnage; -but all, all had perished. Having satisfied himself of this -fact, the lonely boy—now transformed into that most fearful of all -beings, a thoroughly desperate man—quitted the place, and, guiding -himself by the stars, struck across the prairie toward the nearest -settlement on the Kaskaskia, where he arrived the next morning, -bringing to the inhabitants the first news of the massacre which had -taken place so near their own village, and the first warning of the -near approach of the prowling band which had been for several -months depredating, at various points along that exposed frontier, -in spite of the treaties lately made by their nations with the Federal -Government.</p> - -<p class='c000'>John Moredock was by nature formed for a leader in times of -danger, and his avowed determination to revenge the massacre of -his friends and kindred by the extirpation of the murderous band -coincided so exactly with the feelings of the frontiersmen, that, in -spite of his lack of previous acquaintance, he in a few days found -himself at the head of a company of twenty-five or thirty young -men, whose lives had been spent in the midst of all kinds of perils -and hardships, and who now bound themselves to their leader by an -oath never to give up the pursuit until the last one of the marauding -band engaged in the attack at Grand Tower should be slain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Stanch as a pack of blood-hounds this little company of avengers -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>ranged the frontier from the Des Moines to the Ohio, now almost -within reach of their victims, and now losing all trace of them on -the boundless prairies over which they roamed, unconscious of the -doom by which they were being so hotly but stealthily pursued. -Once, indeed, the whites came up with their game on the banks of a -tributary of the Missouri, a hundred and fifty miles beyond the utmost -line of the settlements; but as the Indians, though unsuspicious -of any particular danger, had pitched their camp in a spot at -once easy to defend and to escape from, and as Moredock wished to -destroy and not to disperse them, he forbore striking a partial blow, -and resolved rather to postpone his revenge than to enjoy it incompletely.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Fortune, however, seemed to repay him for this act of self-restraint -by presenting the very opportunity he had sought, when, a few -weeks afterward, he discovered the whole gang of marauders encamped -for the night on a small island in the middle of the Mississippi. -After a hasty consultation with his companions, a course of -procedure was determined upon which strikingly displays both the -monomaniacal tendency of the leader and the desperate ascendancy -he had acquired over his followers. This was nothing less than to -shut themselves up on that narrow sand-bar and to engage the savages -in a hand-to-hand conflict—a conflict from which neither party -could retreat, and which must necessarily end in the total destruction -of one or the other. A most desperate undertaking truly, when -we reflect that the numbers of the combatants were about equal, and -that to surprise an Indian encampment was next to impossible. But -John Moredock, and, probably, more than one of his companions, -were monomaniacs, and considerations of personal danger never entered -into their calculations. Revenge, not safety, was their object, -and they took little thought of the latter when the opportunity of -compassing the former was presented.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Slowly and stealthily, therefore, the canoes approached the island -when all sounds there had ceased, and the flame of the camp-fire -had sunk into a pale-red glow, barely marking the position of the -doomed party among the undergrowth with which the central portion -of the little isle was covered. The Indians, confiding in their -natural watchfulness, seldom place sentinels around their camps; and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>thus Moredock and his band reached the island without being discovered. -A few moments sufficed to set their own canoes as well -as those of the Indians adrift, and then, with gun in hand and tomahawk -ready, they glided noiselessly, as so many panthers, into the -thicket, separating as they advanced so as to approach the camp -from different quarters. All remained still as death for many minutes -while the assailants were thus closing in around their prey, and -not a twig snapped, and scarcely a leaf stirred in the thick jungle -through which thirty armed men were making their way in as many -different directions, but all converging toward the same point, where -a pale glimmer indicated the position of the unsuspected savages. -But though an Indian camp may be easily approached within a certain -distance, it is almost impossible, if there be any considerable -number of them, to actually strike its occupants while asleep. As -savages, roaming at large over the face of the continent without -fixed habitations, and relying upon chance for the supply of their -few wants, they know nothing of that regularity of habit which devotes -certain fixed portions of time to the various purposes of life, -but each one eats, sleeps or watches, just as his own feelings may -dictate at the moment, without any regard to established usages of -time or place. Hence the probability of finding all the members of -an Indian party asleep at the same time is small indeed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the present occasion two or three warriors, who were smoking -over the embers, caught the alarm before the assailants had quite -closed in. Still the surprise gave the white men a great advantage, -and half a dozen of the savages were shot down in their tracks before -they comprehended the meaning of the hideous uproar, which -suddenly broke the midnight stillness as Moredock and his company, -finding their approach discovered, rushed in upon them. This fatal -effect of the first volley was a lucky thing for the adventurers; for -the Indians are less liable to panics than almost any other people, -and they closed with their assailants with a fury that, combined -with their superior skill in nocturnal conflict, would have rendered -the issue of the struggle a very doubtful matter had the number of -combatants been more nearly even. As it was, the nimble warriors -fought their way against all odds to the point where their canoes -had been moored. Here, finding their expected means of flight -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>removed, and exposed upon the naked sand-beach, the survivors still -made desperate battle until all were slain except three, who plunged -boldly into the stream, and, aided by the darkness, succeeded in -reaching the main land in safety.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Twenty-seven of those engaged in the massacre at the Grand -Tower had been destroyed at a single blow. But three had escaped -from the bloody trap, and while these lived the vengeance of John -Moredock was unsatisfied. They must perish, and he determined -that it should be by his own hand. He therefore dismissed his -faithful band, and thenceforth continued the pursuit alone. Having -learned the names of the three survivors he easily tracked them -from place to place, as they roamed about in a circuit of three or -four hundred miles. Had the wretches known what avenger of -blood was thus dogging their tracks, the whole extent of the continent -would not have afforded space enough for their flight, or its -most retired nook a sufficiently secure retreat. But quite as relentless -Moredock pursued his purpose, and but few even of his acquaintances -knew the motive of his ceaseless journey along the frontiers -from Green Bay to the mouth of the Ohio, and far into the unsettled -wastes beyond the Mississippi.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At length, about two years after the massacre of his family at the -Tower, he returned to Kaskaskia, having completed his terrible task, -and bearing the scalp of the last of the murderers at his girdle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Moredock lived to be a popular and leading man in his State, an -office-holder, a kind neighbor and beloved head of a family, yet he -never relaxed in his hatred of the race who had poisoned the fountain -of youthful hope for him.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span> - <h2 class='c005'>DEBORAH SAMPSON, THE MAIDEN WARRIOR.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>There comes to us, from the days of chivalry, in song and story, -legends of ladies who followed their lords to the distant field of -Palestine, hiding their soft hearts under the disguise of the page's -dress. Time, the romancer, has thrown his enchanting vail over -their adventures, surrounding them with the grace of mystery and -the glory of sentiment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Perhaps in the far-away future of our immortal republic, young -men and maidens will dream over the story of <span class='sc'>Deborah Sampson</span>, -the girl-soldier of that Revolution which won us our liberties. It -will not be said that she donned the uniform and shouldered the -musket for the sake of some dear lover, that she might ever be near to -watch over him in the hour of danger, and to nurse him if wounded, -with all the tender solicitude of woman's love; but it will be told -that she went into the service of her country because men were few -and her heart was in the cause. She had health and courage, and -that high patriotism which burned alike in manly and feminine -breasts. That she was brave, is proven by her being twice wounded -in battle. There is no need of putting any other construction than -that of pure patriotism upon her actions; the steadiness with which -she performed her duties show that it was no wild love of adventure -which possessed her.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Deborah Sampson was born in the county of Plymouth, Massachusetts. -Her parents were poor and vicious, and their children -were taken from them by the hand of charity, to be placed with different -families, where there was a prospect of their being better cared -for. Deborah found a home with a respectable farmer, by whom she -was treated as one of the family, except in the matter of education. -To overcome this deprivation she used to borrow the books of school -children, over which she pored until she learned to read tolerably -well. This simple fact reveals that her mind was no ordinary -one. She was a true child of New England, ambitious to be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>the equal of those by whom she was surrounded, and looking upon -ignorance almost as degradation. Many of our now famous minds -began their culture in this humble way, by the side of the kitchen -fire, perhaps with a pine-torch, by the light of which to pursue their -eager groping after knowledge.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As soon as the completion of her eighteenth year released her -from indenture, she hastened to seek a situation in which to improve -herself, and made arrangements with a family to work one-half her -time for her board and lodging, while, during the other half, she -attended the district-school. Her improvement was so rapid, that in -a comparatively short space of time she was thought competent to -teach, and by doing so for one term, the ambitious girl amassed the -sum of <em>twelve dollars</em>! In all this we see the remarkable energy -and force of character which enabled her to carry out the career she -afterward chose. The young bound-girl who so soon would raise -herself to the position of teacher, must have had in her elements, -which, had she been a <em>man</em>, would have urged her to the performance -of deeds that would have given her prominence in those stirring -days.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While Deborah was teaching her little summer school, the spirit -of resistance to tyranny which long had struggled toward the light, -burst forth over the whole country, never to be hid again. The -first battle had been fought at Lexington; the sound of the cannon -had rolled from Bunker Hill in echoes which would not die. They -thrilled and trembled along the air, in never-ending vibrations, smiting -the ears of patriots, and rousing their hearts to the duties and -perils of the hour. Deborah, in her little schoolroom, heard the -sound. For her it had a peculiar message; it called her—she could -not resist! Something in her courageous breast told her that she -was as well fitted to serve her beloved country as the young men, -who, with kindling eyes and eager feet, were rushing to its assistance. -Walking slowly home from her school, along the lonely road, -looking out at night from the little window of her chamber at the -stars, she pondered the voice in her heart. The more she thought, -the more earnest she became in her desire. There was no reason -why she should silence the resolution which called her. She was -accountable to none; was friendless, without kindred or home. Why -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>was she given this vigorous and healthy frame, and this heroic heart, -if not for the service of her suffering country? Perhaps Providence -had loosened her from other ties, that she might attach herself solely -to this holy cause. With such arguments as these she quieted the -timidity which arose solely from maidenly fears that she might be -detected in her plans, and subjected to the embarrassment of being -refused or ridiculed on account of her sex.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With that humble wealth of twelve dollars she purchased the materials -for a suit of men's clothing. Upon the cloth she worked -secretly, as she found the opportunity, each article, upon completion, -being hidden in a stack of hay. When her arrangements -were completed she announced a determination to seek better wages, -and took her departure, without her real purpose being suspected. -When far enough away to feel secure, she donned her male attire, -and pursued her way to the American army, where she presented -herself in October, 1778, as a young man anxious to join his efforts -to those of his countrymen in their endeavors to oppose the common -enemy. She is described as being, at this time, of very prepossessing -features, and intelligent, animated expression, with a fine, tall form, -and such an air of modest courage and freshness as inspired confidence -and respect in those who had become associated with her. -She was gladly received, as a promising recruit, and enrolled in the -army under the name of Robert Shirtliffe, the period of her enlistment -being for the war.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While the company was recruiting she was an inmate of the Captain's -family, and, by her exemplary conduct, won the esteem of all. -A young girl, visiting in the family, was much in the company of -young "Robert;" and, being of a coquettish disposition—priding -herself, perhaps, on the conquest of the young soldier—she suffered -her partiality to be noticed. "Robert," having no objections to see -how easily a maiden's heart <em>could</em> be won, encouraged the feeling, -until the Captain's wife, becoming alarmed, took occasion to remonstrate -with the youth upon the subject. "Robert" took the matter -in good part, and the affair ended in the exchange of some few -tokens of remembrance at parting.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the end of six or seven weeks, the company being full, was -ordered to join the main army, and Deborah's military life -<span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>commenced in earnest. The record does not give all the details of her -career, though the record of a life in camp and on the field, under -such circumstances, must be full of interest. She herself has said -that volumes might be filled with her adventures. She performed -her duties to the entire satisfaction of her officers; was a volunteer -on several expeditions of a hazardous nature, and was twice wounded -severely; the first time by a sword-cut on the side of her head, and -the second by a bullet-wound through the shoulder. She served -three years, and, during all that time, her sex never was suspected, -though often in circumstances where detection seemed unavoidable. -The soldiers nicknamed her "Molly," in playful allusion to her want -of a beard; but little did they suspect that their gallant comrade -was, indeed, a woman.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The last wound which she received, of a bullet through her -shoulder, gave her great uneasiness, for fear that the surgeon, upon -dressing it, would discover the deception which had been so long -and so successfully practiced. She always described the emotion, -when the ball entered, to be one of mental, not of physical anguish—a -sickening terror at the probability of her sex being revealed. She -felt that death on the battle-field would be preferable to the shame -she would suffer in such a case, and prayed rather to die than to be -betrayed. Strange as it may appear, she again escaped undetected. -Recovering rapidly, she soon resumed her place in the ranks, as -brave and willing as ever.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Sickness, however, was destined to bring about the catastrophe -which the perils of the battle-field had never precipitated. She was -seized with brain fever, then prevailing among the soldiers. For the -few days that reason struggled with the disease her sufferings were -great; and these were intensely aggravated by her mental anxiety—that -ever-present fear, lest, during her unconsciousness, her carefully-guarded -secret should become known. She was carried to the hospital, -where the number of the patients and the negligent manner in -which they were attended still secured her escape. Her case was -considered hopeless, on which account she received still less attention. -She continued to sink, until consciousness was gone, and life -itself trembled on the faintest breath which ever held it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One day, the surgeon of the hospital inquiring "how Robert -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>was?" received assurance from the nurse that "poor Bob was gone." -Going to the bed, and taking the wrist of the youth, he found the -pulse still feebly beating. Attempting to place his hand on the -heart, he found a bandage bound tightly over the breast. Then it -was that the secret of the girl-soldier became known to the physician; -but if she had been his own daughter he could not have -guarded it more delicately. Deborah had fallen into good hands, in -this crisis of her affairs.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was Dr. Birney, of Philadelphia, who was then in attendance at -the hospital. Without communicating his discovery to any one, he -gave his patient such care that she was raised from the grave, as it -were; and when sufficiently recovered to be removed, he had her -conveyed to his own house, where she was the recipient of every -kind attention from the family as long as she remained an invalid. -And now occurred another of those romantic episodes which give -an interest to the history of our hero-heroine. If Deborah Sampson -had indeed been the "Robert" she professed to be, she would have -been a favorite with the softer sex; since, without her seeking it, -twice the affections of fair maidens were laid at her feet. We may -conjecture, to the credit of the fair sex, that the purity and modesty -of "Robert"—<em>his</em> unassuming excellence and <em>womanly</em> goodness, had -much to do with success in this line.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A niece of the doctor's, a young and wealthy lady, became interested -in the youth whom she had aided in restoring to health, by -her attentions. "Pity," which is "akin to love," gradually melted -into that warmer feeling. The modest and handsome young man, -who shrunk from taking the slightest advantage of her kindness, -aroused all the compassion and sensibility of her heart. Lovely and -young, conscious that many, more influential than he, would be -honored to sue for her hand, she yet allowed her affections to turn -to the pale and unassuming, the humble and poor, soldier. The -uncle was warned of his imprudence in allowing the young couple -to be so much together, but he laughed in his sleeve at such suggestions, -tickling his fancy with the idea of how foolish the censorious -would feel when the truth should be made known. He had not -confided his knowledge even to the members of his own family. It -is not probable that he really believed his niece's feelings were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>becoming so warmly interested, or he would have given her a sufficient -caution; she was allowed to be with the convalescent as much -as she liked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At first the heart of "Robert" opened to this innocent and lovely -girl, whom she loved as a sister, and whose gentle kindness was so -winning; she showed the gratitude which she felt, and perhaps even -confided to her some of the lonely emotions which had so long -remained unspoken in her breast; but it was not long before the -young soldier, warned by past experience, felt apprehensive of the -return of affection which she received, and strove, delicately, to -withdraw from the painful position in which she was being placed. -Taking this shrinking embarrassment for the sensitive modesty of -one who, friendless and poor, dared not aspire to the hand of one so -much above him in social position, the fair heiress, trusting the -evident goodness of his heart, and actuated alike by love and the -noblest generosity, made known her attachment to "Robert," and -signified her willingness to furnish him the means of fitting himself -for such a station, and then to marry him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When Deborah beheld this guileless young creature, with blushes -and tears, making this unexpected and unwelcome avowal, she felt, -with bitter pain, the position in which she was placed. Then she -wished that she indeed was the Robert Shirtliffe she had assumed to -be, rather than wound the feelings of one to whom she was so much -indebted, by a refusal of what had been so timidly offered. Yet to -reveal her true character would be still more awkward and painful. -The wounded sensibility of the young girl did not, in that hour, -cause her so much suffering, as the remorse and regret of the false -"Robert" caused him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Saying that they should meet again, and that, though ardently -desiring an education, she could not accept her noble offer, Deborah -endeavored to hurt the sensitive girl as little as possible, while withdrawing -from the dilemma in which she was placed. Shortly after, -she departed, taking with her several articles of clothing, such as in -those days were frequent gifts to the soldiers from the hands of fair -women, and which were pressed upon her acceptance by the young -lady.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The <em>denouement</em> rapidly followed her recovery. The physician -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>had a conference with the commanding officer of the company with -which Robert had served, which was followed by an order to the -youth to carry a letter to General Washington. She now became -aware, for the first time, that her secret was known, and that detection -was no longer avoidable. She had suspected that Dr. Birney -knew more than he had given intimation of, but her most anxious -scrutiny of his words and countenance had never assured her of the -truth of her fears. Now that the worst was come, she had no way -but to meet it with that courage which was a part of her nature. -Yet she would rather have faced the fire of the British cannon than -to have confronted Washington with that letter in her hand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Trembling and confused, she presented herself before the Commander-in-Chief, -who, noticing her extreme agitation, with his usual -kindness endeavored to restore her confidence; but finding her still -so abashed, bade her retire with an attendant, who was ordered to -procure her some refreshment, while the General read the letter of -which she had been the bearer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When she was recalled to his presence, he silently put into her -hand a discharge from service, along with a brief note of advice, and -a sum of money sufficient to bear her to some place where she -might find a home. Very glad and grateful was she to escape thus -unrebuked out of that presence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the war she married; and while Washington was President -she paid a visit to the seat of Government on his invitation. She -was received with every attention. Congress was then in session, -and passed a bill granting her a pension for life. She lived in -comfortable circumstances, passing from the stage of human life at an -advanced age.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is probable that, after several generations of historians, poets -and romance writers have embellished the story of Deborah Sampson, -she will become invested, to the eyes of our descendants, with -a glory like that which encircles the memory of the Maid of Orleans.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There is an incident of a most romantic and touching nature, -connected with the history of the brave Sergeant Jasper, of Marion's -brigade. A young girl, in this instance, followed the fortunes of -war, not out of patriotic motives, like those which inspired Deborah -Sampson, but impelled by a love which no wildest romance of the -olden time can more than match. The page who drew the poison -from her lover's wound, on the distant plains of the Holy Land, -proved not so devoted as this young American girl, throwing her -tender bosom between Jasper's heart and death.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span> -<img src='images/i006.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Deborah Sampson, the Maiden Warrior.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>Sergeant Jasper was one of the bravest of Marion's men, possessing -remarkable talents as a scout, and often chosen for such expeditions. -He was one of those of whom Bryant says:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"Our band is few, but true and tried,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Our leader frank and bold;</div> - <div class='line'>The British soldier trembles</div> - <div class='line in2'>When Marion's name is told.</div> - <div class='line'>Our fortress is the good greenwood,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Our tent the cypress tree;</div> - <div class='line'>We know the forest 'round us,</div> - <div class='line in2'>As seamen know the sea.</div> - <div class='line'>We know its walls of thorny vines,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Its glades of reedy grass,</div> - <div class='line'>Its safe and silent islands</div> - <div class='line in2'>Within the dark morass."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Sometime just before, or about the beginning of the war, Jasper -had the good fortune to save the life of a young, beautiful, and dark-eyed -Creole girl, called Sally St. Clair. Her susceptible nature was -overcome with gratitude to her preserver, and this soon ripened into -a passion of love, of the most deep and fervent kind. She lavished -upon him the whole wealth of her affections, and the whole depths -of a passion nurtured by a Southern sun. When he was called upon -to join the ranks of his country's defenders, the prospect of their -separation almost maddened her. Their parting came, but scarcely -was she left alone, ere her romantic nature prompted the means of -a reunion. Once resolved, no consideration of danger could dampen -her spirit, and no thought of consequences could move her purpose. -She severed her long and jetty ringlets, and provided herself with -male attire. In these she robed herself, and set forth to follow the -fortunes of her lover.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A smooth-faced, beautiful and delicate stripling appeared among -the hardy, rough and giant frames who composed the corps to -which Jasper belonged. The contrast between the stripling and -these men, in their uncouth garbs, their massive faces, embrowned -and discolored by sun and rain, was indeed striking. But none -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>were more eager for the battle, or so indifferent to fatigue, as the -fair-faced boy. It was found that his energy of character, resolution -and courage amply supplied his lack of physique. None ever suspected -him to be a woman. Not even Jasper himself, although she -was often by his side, penetrated her disguise.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The romance of her situation increased the fervor of her passion. -It was her delight to reflect that, unknown to him, she was by his -side, watching over him in the hour of danger. She fed her passion -by gazing upon him in the hour of slumber, hovering near him when -stealing through the swamp and thicket, and being always ready to -avert danger from his head.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But gradually there stole a melancholy presentiment over the poor -girl's mind. She had been tortured with hopes deferred; the war -was prolonged, and the prospect of being restored to him grew more -and more uncertain. But now she felt that her dream of happiness -could never be realized. She became convinced that death was -about to snatch her away from his side, but she prayed that she -might die, and he never know to what length the violence of her -passion led her.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was an eve before a battle. The camp had sunk into repose. -The watch-fires were burning low, and only the slow tread of sentinels -fell upon the profound silence of the night air, as they moved -through the dark shadows of the forest. Stretched upon the ground, -with no other couch than a blanket, reposed the warlike form of -Jasper. Climbing vines trailed themselves into a canopy above his -head, through which the stars shone down softly. The faint flicker -from the expiring embers of a fire fell athwart his countenance, and -tinged the cheek of one who bent above his couch. It was the -smooth-faced stripling. She bent low down as if to listen to his -dreams, or to breathe into his soul pleasant visions of love and happiness. -But tears trace themselves down the fair one's cheek, and -fall silently but rapidly upon the brow of her lover. A mysterious -voice has told her that the hour of parting has come; that to-morrow -her destiny is consummated. There is one last, long, lingering look, -and then the unhappy maid is seen to tear herself away from the -spot, to weep out her sorrows in privacy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Fierce and terrible is the conflict that on the morrow rages on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>that spot. Foremost in the battle is the intrepid Jasper, and ever -by his side fights the stripling warrior. Often during the heat and -the smoke, gleams suddenly upon the eyes of Jasper the melancholy -face of the maiden. In the thickest of the fight, surrounded by -enemies, the lovers fight side by side. Suddenly a lance is leveled -at the breast of Jasper; but swifter than the lance is Sally St. Clair. -There is a wild cry, and at the feet of Jasper sinks the maiden, with -the life-blood gushing from the white bosom, which had been thrown, -as a shield, before his breast. He heeds not now the din, nor the -danger of the conflict, but down by the side of the dying boy he -kneels. Then for the first time does he learn that the stripling is -his love; that often by the camp-fire, and in the swamp, she had -been by his side; that the dim visions, in his slumber, of an angel -face hovering above him, had indeed been true. In the midst of the -battle, with her lover by her side, and the barb still in her bosom, -the heroic maiden dies!</p> - -<p class='c000'>Her name, her sex, and her noble devotion soon became known -through the corps. There was a tearful group gathered around her -grave; there was not one of those hardy warriors who did not -bedew her grave with tears. They buried her near the river -Santee, "in a green, shady nook, that looked as if it had been stolen -out of Paradise."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The women of the Revolution won a noble name by the part they -took in the conflict which has secured for their descendants so glorious -an inheritance. Privations of all kinds they endured patiently, -joyfully sending their dearest ones to the field, while they remained -in their lonely homes, deprived of the care and society of fathers and -sons; finding their pleasantest relief from the heart-ache of grief and -suspense in labors at the loom or with the needle for the benefit of -the ill-provided soldiers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Many individual instances of female heroism are preserved, where -the bravery of naturally timid hearts was tested in exposure to the -rudest vicissitudes of war. They played the parts of spies, messengers, -and defenders. Among other anecdotes we have one of a -young girl of North Carolina. At the time General Greene retreated -before Lord Rawdon from Ninety-Six, when he had passed Broad -River, he was very desirous to send an order to General Sumter, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>who was on the Wateree, to join him, that they might attack Rawdon, -who had divided his force. But the General could find no -man in that portion of the State who was bold enough to undertake -so dangerous a mission. The country to be passed through for -many miles was full of bloodthirsty Tories, who, on every occasion -that offered, imbrued their hands in the blood of the Whigs. At -length this young girl, Emily Geiger, presented herself to General -Greene, proposing to act as his messenger, and he, both surprised -and delighted, closed with her proposal. He accordingly wrote a -letter and delivered it, while, at the same time, he communicated -the contents of it verbally, to be told to Sumter, in case of accident.</p> - -<p class='c000'>She started off on horseback, and on the second day of her journey -was intercepted by Lord Rawdon's scouts. Coming from the -direction of Greene's army, and not being able to tell an untruth -without blushing, Emily was suspected and confined to a room; but -as the officer in command had the delicacy not to search her at the -time, he sent for an old Tory matron to perform the duty. Emily -was not wanting in expedient; as soon as the door was closed, and -the bustle a little subsided, she <em>ate up the letter</em>, piece by piece. After -a while the matron arrived, who found nothing of a suspicious nature -about the prisoner, though she made a careful search, and the young -girl would disclose nothing. Suspicion being thus allayed, the -officer commanding the scouts suffered Emily to depart whither she -said she was bound; she took a circuitous route to avoid further -detection, soon after striking into the road which led to Sumter's -camp, where she arrived in safety. Here she told her adventure and -delivered Greene's verbal message to Sumter, who, in consequence, -soon after joined the main army at Orangeburg. This young -heroine afterward married a rich planter, named Therwits, who lived -on the Congaree.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A similar adventure is related of Miss Moore, daughter of Captain -Moore, who was present at Braddock's defeat, and who died in 1770. -This girl was also a "daughter of the Carolinas." Alas, that the -fair descendants of women so brave as these, should aid in imperiling -the country and the cause for which their mothers sacrificed and -suffered so much!</p> - -<p class='c000'>Her youth was passed among the eventful scenes of our Revolution, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>and a number of incidents are related, that go to prove her calm -courage, and her inflexibility of purpose. She was born in 1764, -and, therefore, in the earlier part of the contest was nothing more -than a child.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The terrors of the war were often enacted before the very door of -her step-father's residence. On one occasion, a most sanguinary -skirmish took place just before the house, between a body of Colonel -Washington's cavalry and some of Rawdon's men. Shortly after, a -party of the British in search of plunder broke into the house. But -the family had been forewarned, and concealed their treasures. In -searching for plunder they discovered a quantity of apples, and -began to roll them down the stairs, while the soldiers below picked -them up. Miss Moore, nothing fearing, commanded them to desist, -with an air so determined and resolute, that an officer standing by, -admiring so courageous a spirit in a girl so young, ordered the -soldiers to obey her.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On another occasion, a party of Tories, in pillaging the house, -commanded one of the servants to bring them the horses. Miss -Moore commanded him not to obey. The Tories repeated the order, -accompanied with a threat to beat him if he refused. The command -of the young girl was reiterated, and just as the Tory was about -putting his threat into execution, she threw herself between them, -and preserved the slave from the intended violence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At one time, great danger was threatening Captain Wallace, who -commanded a small force, a few miles distant. It was of the utmost -importance that this intelligence should be conveyed to him, but -there was no male whose services could be commanded, and, therefore, -Miss Moore volunteered to convey the message herself. This -was when she was but fifteen. Midnight was chosen as the hour, -and accompanied by her little brother and a female friend, she set -out in a canoe up the river toward the encampment of the Whigs. -Silently and swiftly they propelled their frail vessel up the dark -current, through forests buried in darkness, and a profound silence -that awed them; with the calm stars above, and the deep river -gloomily rolling by, and no human sounds to relieve the oppressive -solemnity of the hour. It was the hour, too, when the enemy -usually set out on their marauding expeditions, and the young girls -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>knew that neither their sex nor their innocence would preserve them -from ruthless foes, who were more relentless and cruel than the -swarthy savages of the forest. But the fate of many of their countrymen -depended on their exertions, and, as it proved, the future -destiny of our heroine was involved in the successful issue of their -enterprise. Undismayed by the perils of the journey, the young -girls bent their energies to the task before them, and at last saw -lights glimmering in the distance, that pointed out their destination. -They soon reached the encampment, a picturesque scene, with the -ruddy glow from the camp-fires casting the surrounding scene in -still greater shadow, and motley groups of figures gathered around -the fires, sleeping, talking, eating, etc. After delivering the warning -to Captain Wallace, the girls embarked in their canoe to return, and -soon left the encampment behind, winding their way through dense -forests, and reached their home in safety.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next morning, a handsome and gallant-looking American -officer rode up to the door of Captain Savage's residence, and -requested to make a few inquiries of the young lady by whose -energy and zeal her countrymen had been saved from an impending -danger. Miss Moore appeared, and when her youthful and blooming -beauty greeted the eyes of the young officer, an exclamation of -pleasure burst from his lips. He almost forgot to make his inquiries, -until reminded by the blushing damsel, but her voice rather -increased than relieved his embarrassment. All his questions having -been at last answered, and having no excuse by which to prolong -the interview, he was reluctantly compelled to depart, but his eyes -to the last rested on the fair girl's form. It is said that the young -lady was no less struck with the handsome dragoon's figure, and -that his face came often to her in her dreams that night.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was not long before the young officer made an excuse for again -visiting the house where resided the beauty who had bound him -captive to her charms, and as these impressions were reciprocal, he -soon discovered welcome in her manner, and drew happy auguries -therefrom. He became an accepted suitor. But their love, in a -measure, verified the old adage. The step-father opposed the union; -at first strenuously, but the perseverance of the lover gradually broke -down his opposition, and he eventually yielded consent.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>This officer was Captain, afterward General, Butler. They were -married in 1784. Mrs. Butler filled a distinguished place in society, -being celebrated both for her virtues and graces.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Even the meek spirit of the non-resisting Quakers was roused to -patriotic ardor by the noble stake for which the battles of the Revolution -were fought. In proof of what one of their women did in aid -of the good cause, we have the following account of a signal service -rendered by a Quakeress:</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the British army held possession of Philadelphia, General -Harris' head-quarters were in Second street, the fourth door below -Spruce, in a house which was before occupied by General Cadwalader. -Directly opposite, resided William and Lydia Darrah, members -of the Society of Friends. A superior officer of the British -army, believed to be the Adjutant-General, fixed upon one of their -chambers, a back room, for private conference; and two of them -frequently met there, with fire and candles, in close consultation. -About the second of December, the Adjutant-General told Lydia that -they would be in the room at seven o'clock, and remain late, and -that they wished the family to retire early to bed; adding, that -when they were going away, they would call her to let them out, -and extinguish their fire and candles. She accordingly sent all the -family to bed; but, as the officer had been so particular, her curiosity -was excited. She took off her shoes, and put her ear to the keyhole -of the conclave. She overheard an order read for all the -British troops to march out, late in the evening of the fourth, and -attack General Washington's army, then encamped at White Marsh. -On hearing this, she returned to her chamber and laid herself down. -Soon after, the officers knocked at her door, but she rose only at the -third summons, having feigned to be asleep. Her mind was so -much agitated that, from this moment, she could neither eat nor -sleep, supposing it to be in her power to save the lives of thousands -of her countrymen, but not knowing how she was to convey the -necessary information to General Washington, nor daring to confide -it even to her husband. The time left was, however, short; she -quickly determined to make her way, as soon as possible, to the -American outposts. She informed her family, that, as they were in -want of flour, she would go to Frankfort for some; her husband -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>insisted that she should take with her the servant-maid, but, to his -surprise, she positively refused. She got access to General Howe, -and solicited—what he readily granted—a pass through the British -troops on the lines. Leaving her bag at the mill, she hastened -toward the American lines, and encountered on her way an American, -Lieutenant-Colonel Craig, of the light horse, who, with some of -his men, was on the look-out for information. He knew her, and -inquired whither she was going. She answered, in quest of her -son, an officer in the American army, and prayed the Colonel to -alight and walk with her. He did so, ordering his troops to keep -in sight. To him she disclosed her momentous secret, after having -obtained from him the most solemn promise never to betray her -individually, since her life might be at stake with the British. He -conducted her to a house near at hand, directed a female in it to -give her something to eat, and he speeded for head-quarters, where -he brought General Washington acquainted with what he had heard. -Washington made, of course, all preparation for baffling the meditated -surprise. Lydia returned home with her flour; sat up alone -to watch the movement of the British troops; heard their footsteps; -but when they returned, in a few days after, did not dare to ask a -question, though solicitous to learn the event. The next evening, -the Adjutant-General came in, and requested her to walk up to his -room, as he wished to put some questions. She followed him in -terror; and when he locked the door, and begged her, with an air -of mystery, to be seated, she was sure that she was either suspected -or had been betrayed. He inquired earnestly whether any of her -family were up the last night he and the other officer met; she told -him that they all retired at eight o'clock. He observed: "I know -you were asleep, for I knocked at your chamber door three times -before you heard me; I am entirely at a loss to imagine who gave -Washington information of our intended attack, unless the walls of -the house could speak. When we arrived near White Marsh, we -found all their cannon mounted, and the troop prepared to receive -us; and we have marched back like a parcel of fools."</p> - -<p class='c000'>In contrast with these, and hundreds of similar instances of courage -and sagacity combined with ardent patriotism, the occasions -upon which American women played the part of traitors are few -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>indeed. Efforts have been made, of late years, to affix to the -memory of the wife of Benedict Arnold a still blacker ignominy -than that which blasted the name of the husband whom she is said -to have persuaded into his treachery. In a "Life of Aaron Burr," -published three or four years ago, we have a story whose truth we -may well doubt, unsupported as it is by any corroborative evidence:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"It fell to Burr's lot to become acquainted with the repulsive -truth. He was sitting one evening with Mrs. Prevost (his future -wife), when the approach of a party of horse was heard, and soon -after, a lady, vailed and attired in a riding-habit, burst into the room, -and hurrying toward Mrs. Prevost, was on the point of addressing -her. Seeing a gentleman present, whom, in the dim light of the -room, she did not recognize, she paused, and asked, in an anxious -tone:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'Am I safe? Is this gentleman a friend?'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'Oh, yes,' was Mrs. Prevost's reply; 'he is my most particular -friend, Colonel Burr.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'Thank God!' exclaimed Mrs. Arnold, for she it was. 'I've -been playing the hypocrite, and I'm tired of it.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"She then gave an account of the way she had deceived General -Washington, Colonel Hamilton and the other American officers, who, -she said, believed her innocent of treason, and had given her an -escort of horse from West Point. She made no scruple of confessing -the part she had borne in the negotiations with the British General, -and declared it was she who had induced her husband to do what -he had done. She passed the night at Paramus, taking care to act -the part of the outraged and frantic woman whenever strangers were -present. Colonel Burr's relations with the Shippen family, of which -Mrs. Arnold was a member, had been of the most intimate character -from boyhood. They had been his father's friends; and the orphan -boy had been taken from his mother's grave to their home in Philadelphia. -He stood toward this fascinating, false-hearted woman -almost in the light of a younger brother, and he kept her secret until -she was past being harmed by the telling of it."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Now Colonel Burr was not present at that interview, but was told -of it, some time after, by Mrs. Prevost, then Mrs. Burr. We should -hesitate before we consigned Mrs. Arnold to infamy upon such -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>testimony. It is true that the authorities of Philadelphia were suspicious -of her, as they compelled her, against her will, to leave the -city and go to her husband. On the other side, it is said that she -declared her abhorrence of her husband's crime, and her desire for a -separation from him, after his treachery; that her father and brother, -influential persons in Philadelphia, begged for her not to be banished -to one from whom her heart recoiled, and that she promised never -to write to her husband, or to receive any letters from him except -such as the authorities should read, if permitted to remain with her -family. Such, however, was the feeling against her, that she was -compelled to leave the State. If these proceedings against her were -just, swift was the punishment which overtook the traitress, for she -never realized the brilliant position which she hoped to achieve by -going over to the king's side, and has left only infamy as a legacy to -the future. But if she were, indeed, as innocent as we have good -reason for hoping was the case, it is melancholy to think of her -gentle soul being crushed beneath the weight of retribution which -fell upon her husband, and thus also upon her.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='p102' class='c005'>MORGAN'S PRAYER.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>There never was a man so bold that his soul has not, at times, felt -its own powerlessness, and silently appealed to the mighty God for -a strength to sustain it in the hour of need. Daniel Morgan, as -rough and self-reliant as he was brave, did not hesitate to confess -that more than once in the hour of approaching trial, when the -weight of responsibility was more than he could bear, he threw off -the burden of his cares and fears at His feet who bears the destinies -of the universe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Ah," said he, on one occasion, "people thought that Morgan was -never afraid—people said that 'Dan Morgan never prayed.' I'll tell -you what it is, Daniel Morgan, as wicked as he was, has prayed as -hard and as earnestly as ever a man prayed in this world."</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>We look back now with pride to the victory of the Cowpens, -which was one of Morgan's most glorious achievements. But before -that battle was fought, while it was being decided upon and prepared -for, one of those moments occurred to the intrepid leader, of inward -dismay and trouble, which it would never do to disclose to his men, -looking to him for direction and example. It is not strange that -his soul was troubled. His whole command consisted of not more -than six hundred men—three hundred infantry under Lieutenant-Colonel -Howard, two hundred Virginia riflemen, and about one -hundred gallant dragoons under Colonel Washington. With this -little band he was retreating, with consummate prudence, before the -"haughty Tarleton," who had been sent by Cornwallis, to force him -into action, with eleven hundred veteran soldiers, besides two field-pieces -well served by artillerists. Tarleton had light and legion -infantry, fusileers, three hundred and fifty cavalry, and a fine battalion -of the Seventy-First regiment; he promised himself an easy -victory over the American "wagoner," as well he might, with the -forces at his disposal.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Boldly he pursued the retreating enemy, expecting to overtake -only to destroy him. But he had now to encounter a General who -had braved the snows of Camden, had scaled the walls of Quebec, -and had faced the legions of Burgoyne. With the greatest prudence, -Morgan retreated until he reached the memorable field of Cowpens, -near one of the branches of the Pacolet river. Here, in the face of -superior numbers, as well as superior arms and discipline, he resolved -to make a stand. He communicated his design to his inferior -officers, who with ready spirit prepared the minds of their men for -the combat. These, hating the British for their late oppressions, -burning with the love of liberty and the desire for revenge, and -placing implicit confidence in the wisdom of the General who ordered -the battle, declared themselves ready for the fray.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Morgan's arrangement was simple but masterly, showing a perfect -knowledge of the character both of his own force and that of -Tarleton. In the open wood which formed the Cowpens, he established -three lines. The first consisted of the militia under Colonel -Pickens, a brave officer who had been recently relieved from captivity -among the English. The next line embraced all the regular infantry -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>and the Virginia riflemen, and was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel -Howard. The third was formed by Washington's dragoons, and -about fifty mounted militia armed with pistols and swords. Knowing -that the militia, though full of courage, were liable to panics, -Morgan directed that the first line, if overpowered, should gradually -retire and form on the right and left of the second.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus prepared, he awaited the attack of the foe, who had come -up, and was rapidly forming in the front. His face did not betray -the trepidation of his heart. He knew how much depended upon -the result, and when he looked upon his own small army, composed -of such rude material, wretchedly equipped and but poorly disciplined, -and his gaze wandered through the open forest and rested -upon veteran troops with whom he was about to contend, his heart -failed him. Not daring to betray his despondency to those who -looked up to him for the courage so much needed, in that solitary -and friendless hour, when even the brave officers by his side could -give no comfort to his mental trouble, the rough, heroic General -made God his friend and adviser. In a quiet dell just back of the -spot where his reserve was posted, he found a large tree which had -been blown up by the roots. Hidden by the branches of this giant -of the forest, he threw himself upon his knees before the Lord of -battles, beseeching Him to wield the lance of delivery on the side -of those who were fighting for their homes, their families and their -liberties. With an impulsive force characteristic of his nature, he -wrestled with his Maker, with an energy of spirit and a power of -language scarcely to be expected in one so unused to the "melting -mood." Rising from his knees with feelings relieved, and an -oppressive weight taken from his soul, he returned to the lines, -where he cheered his men in his own blunt, impulsive manner, and -was replied to by shouts and huzzas which showed on their part a -determination to do or die.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When Tarleton found his foe drawn up in battle order, he rejoiced -in the hope of a speedy victory, and though his troops were somewhat -fatigued by a rapid march, he gave orders for a charge. Before -his first line was perfectly formed, he placed himself at its head, and -in person rushed to the onset. Colonel Pickens ordered his men -not to fire until their adversaries were within fifty yards, and their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>fire was delivered with great steadiness and severe effect. But so -impetuous was the British charge, that the militia gave way, and -attempted to form on the second line.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the head of his fusileers and legion, Tarleton pressed upon the -regulars and riflemen, who, notwithstanding their stern resistance, -were borne down by numbers, and forced to yield their ground. -The British regarded their victory as secured, and for a moment the -hearts of the republicans failed. But Morgan was everywhere, -encouraging his men by his voice and presence. At this time, when -their very success had caused some confusion among the fusileers, -Washington, at the head of his dragoons, made a furious charge, and -dashing in among them, overthrew them in a moment. His horses -passed over the British infantry like a storm, and the swords of his -men hewed them down with resistless fury. In this happy crisis -Howard succeeded in restoring the Continentals to order, while -Pickens rallied the militia, and brought them again into line.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"By the wind the smoke-cloud lifted lightly drifted to the nor'ward,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And displayed, in all their pride, the scarlet foe;</div> - <div class='line'>We beheld them, with a steady tramp and fearless moving forward,</div> - <div class='line in2'>With their banners proudly waving, and their bayonets leveled low.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"Morgan gave his order clearly: 'Fall back nearly to the border</div> - <div class='line in2'>Of the hill, and let the enemy come nigher!'</div> - <div class='line'>Oh, they thought we had retreated, and they charged in fierce</div> - <div class='line in4'>disorder,</div> - <div class='line in2'>When out rang the voice of Howard: 'To the right, about face! fire!'</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"Then upon our very wheeling came the pealing of our volley,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And our balls made a red pathway down the hill;</div> - <div class='line'>Broke the foe, and shrunk and cowered; rang again the voice of Howard:</div> - <div class='line in2'>'Give the hireling dogs the bayonet!' and we did it with a will."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Struck with astonishment at finding themselves thus assaulted by -men they had just regarded as defeated, the English troops wavered -and broke in disorder. In vain their officers endeavored to rally -them for a renewed stand. The spirits of the patriots were roused, -and pressing forward with their bayonets, they carried every thing -before them. Nearly two hundred of Tarleton's horse, and among -them the haughty Tarleton himself, retreated in dismay from the -field, riding over their comrades and involving them in hopeless -confusion. The Americans gained the two field-pieces, and Colonel -Howard, coming up with a large body of infantry, and summoning -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>them to surrender, they laid down their arms on the field. The rout -of the British was complete; a more signal victory our forces had -never obtained. Washington and his horse followed the flying foe -for several hours; Tarleton himself narrowly escaped falling into the -hands of his determined pursuer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>May we not safely conjecture that after this brilliant success -Morgan returned thanks to the Lord of victories as ardently as he -had implored him for aid?</p> - -<p class='c000'>On another occasion, previous to this, Morgan had knelt in the -snows of Canada, to beseech the blessing of God upon an undertaking -as important as it was arduous. It was in 1775. Montgomery was -already in Canada, where partial success had crowned his arms; but -the capture of Quebec was deemed all-important, and to insure it, -Washington resolved to send a detachment across the unexplored -country between the province of Maine and the St. Lawrence River. -To form any idea of the difficulty of this route it must be remembered -that the whole of that region was then covered by gloomy -forests, in which even the red-man could hardly find subsistence, -and that in the winter season the country was bound in ice and -snow. To command the expedition, Colonel Benedict Arnold was -selected, and Morgan, then a Captain, eagerly sought a service so -congenial to his habits and character.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The whole detachment consisted of eleven hundred men, who -were formed into three divisions. After ascending the Kennebec as -far as it was navigable, they were forced to take the forest roads. -Morgan, at the head of his riflemen, formed the vanguard, upon -whom devolved the duty of exploring the country, sounding the -fords, pioneering for his companions, and seeking out spots where -the bateaux might again be employed in the streams. They were then -forced to pass through forests where men had never dwelt, to scale -rugged hills, to contend with torrents swollen with the snow-storms -of that region, to wade through marshes which threatened to ingulf -them. Not only the baggage of the army, but often their boats were -borne upon their shoulders at those places where the river was -frozen, or where rapids and cataracts impeded their progress. The -sufferings of this devoted band can not be exaggerated. No subsistence -could be obtained from the country, and to their other trials -was added that of famine. They were driven to feed upon their -dogs, and even upon the leather of their shoes, before they reached -the first settlement of Canadians, and astonished them by their -account of their achievements.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span> -<img src='images/i007.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>General Morgan Praying—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p102'>38</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>The spirit which endured such trials was the best surety of their -success. But reinforcements had been received in Quebec. The -garrison was prepared, and Arnold, after making some demonstrations, -retired to Point au Tremble, twenty miles distant, to await the -coming of Montgomery. When the two forces were joined, they -were yet inadequate to the attack of the strongest fortress in America; -but the hero who now commanded the Americans could not endure -the thought of retreat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the last day of the year 1775, in the midst of a furious snowstorm, -the memorable attack was made. On this occasion it was, as -Morgan confessed afterward, that he was "afraid"—but fear, to his -nature, was not a passion which weakened him, but which urged -him on. It was not for himself, personally, that he was afraid; no, -he dreaded the effect of a defeat upon his country; he could not see, -without shrinking, his brave friends and comrades rushing upon -what seemed like death in the land of the enemy. In his own -words we have his thoughts:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The night we stormed Quebec, while I was waiting with my -men, in the cold, driving storm, for the word to advance, I felt -unhappy; I looked up at the frowning battlements above me, and -then around upon my armful of men, and felt that the enterprise was -more than perilous; I felt that nothing short of a miracle could prevent -our being destroyed in a contest where we fought at such an -immense disadvantage. With such feelings I stepped aside, and -kneeling down in the snow, alongside an old gun, with the storm -beating into my face, I poured out my soul in an humble petition to -God, beseeching him to be my shield and protection in the coming -struggle—for nothing but an Almighty arm could save us—and I -really and sincerely feel that I owed my safety to the interposition -of Providence, and I thought so at the time."</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the attack which followed, and which was unsuccessful, Morgan -did all that a brave man could do. He scaled the walls of the -fortress, and sprung down alone amid the surprised garrison, though -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>speedily followed by numbers of his men. The enemy, appalled by -such heroism, fell back to the second barrier, and here, had he been -properly supported, Morgan might have been again successful; but -the men had rendered their guns useless; the riflemen who had -followed him were unsupported; to face a double row of bayonets -and climb a wall was beyond the power of the most desperately -brave. After an obstinate resistance Morgan and his corps were -forced to surrender.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So much did Morgan's bravery impress the English, that, when a -prisoner in their hands, he was offered the rank of Colonel in the -English service, and many persuasive reasons were given why he -should accept it. It need not be said that he rejected the temptation -with scorn.</p> - -<p class='c000'>General Daniel Morgan was born of Welch parentage, in New -Jersey, in the year 1736. Like so many of our most illustrious -heroes, he was a "self-made man." His family, which belonged to the -"middle class," had an interest in some Virginia lands, to attend to -which he visited that colony when about seventeen years old. -Glowing with health, and full of that love of adventure which always -characterized him, he determined to remain in Virginia, and begin -the business of life for himself. He had money enough for the purchase -of a wagon and pair of horses. With these he entered upon -the employment which gave him the name of the "wagoner" long -after he had risen to military fame. He remained near Winchester -for about two years. When General Braddock's army commenced -its march against Fort Duquesne it was accompanied by several -corps of provincial troops. Morgan, the "ruling passion" thus early -displaying itself, joined one of these corps. He drove his own team -in the baggage-train. On the way occurred one of those instances, -too frequent in military experience, where the power of an officer is -used with meanness and tyranny against the soldier in his power. -The ruggedness of the way causing much trouble with the train, and -Morgan's team becoming impeded, along with many others, a British -officer approached him, and, with much impatience demanded why -he did not move along. He replied that he would move as soon as -he was able. The officer, yielding to his irritable temper, with -unmerited harshness declared that if he did not move along he would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>run him through with his sword. The high spirit of the wagoner-boy -could not brook this insult; he gave a fierce reply, when the -officer at once made a pass at him with his weapon. Morgan held -in his hand a heavy wagon-whip; parrying the stroke with the -quickness of thought, he closed with his superior; the sword was -broken in the struggle; then, using his whip with the skill which -long practice had given him, he inflicted upon the Englishman a -severe castigation. Such a breach of military law of course was -not to be forgiven. Morgan was tried by a court-martial, which -sentenced him to receive <em>five hundred</em> lashes. The sentence was -carried into effect. The young victim bore this horrible punishment -with mute heroism, silently fainting from torture and exhaustion, -while fifty lashes were yet in reserve, which were of necessity -remitted. Three days afterward, the officer who had been the occasion -of this barbarity became convinced of his injustice, and, seeking -Morgan in the camp hospital, implored his forgiveness. Through -this miserable occurrence, the brave young volunteer was disabled -from duty, and escaped the danger and disgrace of Braddock's -defeat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Not long after his return from this unhappy campaign, he was -appointed an ensign in the colonial service. His merit had become -apparent to the Government of the colony; already he had won the -friendship of Washington, which afterward availed him on many -trying occasions. His known courage and activity caused him to be -employed in the most dangerous services. On one occasion, accompanied -by two soldiers, he was carrying dispatches to one of the -frontiers of Virginia, infested by cunning and ferocious savages. -While in cautious progress through the forest, unaware that any eye -was upon them, or any stealthy step tracking them fatally and -silently, suddenly the discharge of rifles was heard; his two companions -fell dead by his side. Morgan himself received the only -severe wound he ever had during his military career; a rifle ball -entered the back of his neck, and, shattering his jaw, passed out -through his left cheek. Though he believed himself mortally -wounded, his presence of mind did not fail. Leaning forward on -his saddle, he grasped the mane of his horse, and pressing the spurs -into his sides, darted forward at full speed toward the fort. A single -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>Indian followed him, eager for his scalp. Morgan, in after years, -often spoke of the appearance of this savage, who ran with his mouth -open, and his tomahawk raised to strike the fatal blow. Finding -his pursuit in vain, the Indian finally threw the tomahawk with all -his force, hoping it would hit the soldier; but it fell short; the -horse, with his bleeding rider, gained the fort. Morgan was perfectly -insensible when taken from the animal; but proper treatment, -and the vigor of his constitution, restored him to health in six -months.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From this time until the commencement of the Revolutionary -War, he remained in Frederick, employed in his old business as a -wagoner. At this time, he was wild and reckless, proud of his -immense strength, inclining to rough society, fond of the most -rollicking pastimes, and even, it is said, frequenting the gaming-table. -His nature was of that active and superabundant kind, that -he could not live without <em>excitement</em>; that which in times of idleness -became a fault, or almost a crime, leading him into wild -excesses, was the same energy which, as soon as there was a noble -object for its exercise, sprung to the labor of defending liberty.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is said that pugilistic encounters were his daily <em>pastime</em>—such -from the fact that he was usually the victor. Few men of his time -encountered him without signal defeat. But though Morgan was -generally successful, we have an account of a reverse which he -experienced, too salutary in the lesson it inculcated to be lost. -General Carson, of Frederick county, Virginia, where the affair took -place, tells the anecdote as one entirely authentic:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Passing along a road with his wagon, Morgan met a gentleman -of refined manners and appearance, who, as he approached the -wagoner, had his hat struck off by a bough overhead. This stopped -him for a moment, and Morgan, thinking that the stranger felt undue -pride in sustaining the character of a gentleman, determined to -humble him. Alighting from his horse—which he rode, teamster-fashion, -instead of driving—he addressed the traveler:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'Well, sir, if you want a fight, I'm ready for you!'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The stranger, in amazement, assured him that he wanted no fight, -and had made no signals to such a purpose. But Morgan was not -to be thus repulsed, and urged a contest upon him, until the stranger, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>becoming enraged, in short terms accepted the challenge. The -battle commenced. In brief space the well-dressed man planted -such a series of rapid and scientific blows upon Morgan's front, that -he knocked him down, and inflicted upon him a severe chastisement. -Morgan never forgot this reverse; he found that he was not the only -man in the world—that 'might did not make right.' He often spoke -of it afterward as having had a happy effect upon his character."</p> - -<p class='c000'>In after years, he gained more dignity of character, these youthful -ebullitions merging into deeds of valor of which his country is proud.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Immediately upon the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, he -stood ready to aid his country. Congress appointed him a Captain -of provincials, and so great was his reputation, that, in a short time -after his call for recruits, ninety-six riflemen were enrolled in his -company. This was the nucleus of that celebrated rifle corps which -rendered so much brilliant service during the war. It was composed -of men who had been trained in the forest, and who had each been -accustomed to the use of his own rifle with wonderful skill. They -were hardy in body and dauntless in heart. From this time on, his -career was one of glory, although the hardships which he suffered -finally undermined his splendid health, and forced him to retire, with -the rank of Major-General, to his estate near Winchester, called -"Saratoga," after one of the places where he had distinguished -himself.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was here that he died in 1802, in the 67th year of his age. A -passer-by would hardly notice the humble slab, of little pretension, -which marks his grave in the Presbyterian church-yard, at Winchester; -yet on it is inscribed a name which Americans will ever -delight to honor: "The hero of Quebec, of Saratoga, and the Cowpens: -the bravest among the brave, and the Ney of the West."</p> - -<p class='c000'>In Irving's Life of Washington we have read an amusing account -of an impromptu fray, one party to which was a corps of Virginia -riflemen, very likely to be those commanded by Morgan, in which -it would appear as if the early habits of their leader had infected his -men, and in which the immortal Washington himself appears in a -new and picturesque attitude. "A large party of Virginia riflemen," -says the author, "who had recently arrived in camp, were strolling -about Cambridge, and viewing the collegiate buildings, now turned -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>into barracks. Their half-Indian equipments, and fringed and ruffled -hunting-garbs, provoked the merriment of some troops from Marblehead, -chiefly fishermen and sailors, who thought nothing equal to -the round-jacket and trowsers. A bantering ensued between them. -There was snow upon the ground, and snow-balls began to fly when -jokes were wanting. The parties waxed warm with the contest. -They closed and came to blows; both sides were reinforced, and in -a little while at least a thousand were at fisticuffs, and there was a -tumult in the camp worthy of the days of Homer. 'At this juncture,' -writes our informant, 'Washington made his appearance, whether -by accident or design, I never knew. I saw none of his aids with -him; his black servant just behind him, mounted. He threw the -bridle of his own horse into his servant's hands, sprung from his -saddle, rushed into the thickest of the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">melée</span></i>, seized two tall, brawny -riflemen by the throat, keeping them at arm's length, talking to and -shaking them.' As they were from his own province, he may have -felt peculiarly responsible for their good conduct; they were engaged, -too, in one of those sectional brawls which were his especial abhorrence; -his reprimand must, therefore, have been a vehement one. -He was commanding in his serenest moments, but irresistible in his -bursts of indignation. On the present occasion, we are told, his -appearance and rebuke put an instant end to the tumult. The -veteran who records this exercise of military authority, seems at a -loss which most to admire, the simplicity of the process, or the vigor -with which it was administered. 'Here,' writes he, 'bloodshed, -imprisonments, trials by court-martial, revengeful feelings between -the different corps of the army, were happily prevented by the -physical and mental energies of a single person, and the only -damaging result from the fierce encounter was a few torn hunting-frocks -and round-jackets.'"</p> - -<p class='c000'>We may well believe that what was done by Washington was -well done, even to the stilling of this Homeric tumult.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Occasions of great danger and trial were so frequent that the -leaders of the Revolution had recourse to prayer more frequently, we -are led to believe, than history mentions. One anecdote is told of -Washington's having been overheard supplicating at the throne of -grace, but how can we conceive the Father of his Country as other -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>than the devout leader who at all times felt and acknowledged -the hand of Providence over him? The anecdote specially referred -to was related by Potts, the Quaker. During the winter of 1777, the -Continental army was encamped at Valley Forge—a suffering, dispirited, -yet still patriotic little host. Clothing was scant, food was -scarce, numbers were too few for opposing the triumphant foe, and -all things seemed to betoken a most inauspicious future for the patriot -cause. Washington, outwardly firm, resolved, and apparently not -dissatisfied, was, as his correspondence shows, deeply concerned for -the result of the early spring campaign; and that, in his hour of -trial, he prayed for aid from on high we can well believe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One day, Potts had occasion to go to a certain place, which led -him through a large grove, at no great distance from head-quarters. -As he was proceeding along, he thought he heard a noise. He -stopped and listened. He did hear the sound of a human voice at -some distance, but quite indistinctly. As it was in the direct course -he was pursuing, he went on, but with some caution. Occasionally -he paused and listened, and with increasing conviction that he heard -some one. At length he came within sight of a man, whose back -was turned toward him, on his knees, in the attitude of prayer. It -was a secluded spot—a kind of natural bower; but it was the house -of prayer. Potts now stopped, partly leaned forward, and watched -till whoever it might be was through his devotions. This was not -long. And whom should he now see but Washington himself, the -commander of the American armies, returning from bending prostrate -before the God of armies above.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Potts himself was a pious man. He knew the power of prayer; -and no sooner had he reached home, than in the fullness of his faith -he broke forth to his wife Sarah, in the language of a watchman:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Wife—Sarah, my dear, all's well—all's well! Yes, George -Washington is sure to beat the British—<em>sure</em>!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"What—what's the matter with thee, Isaac?" replied the startled -Sarah. "Thee seems to be much moved about something."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Well, and what if I am moved? Who would not be moved at -such a sight as I have seen to-day?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"And what has thee seen, Isaac?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Seen! I've seen a man at prayer, in the woods—George -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>Washington himself! And now I say—just what I <em>have</em> said—'All's -well; George Washington is sure to beat the British—sure!'"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whether Sarah's faith was as strong as Isaac's, we can not say; -but Potts' logic was sound—that in a <em>good</em> cause, a man of prayer is -sure to succeed—SURE!</p> - -<p class='c000'>That Washington was a constant attendant upon divine worship, -and a man of prayer, admits of no doubt. This was highly to his -credit; for it too often happens that men in important stations think -that their pressure of business will justly excuse them for neglecting -all religious duties.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is related of Washington, that in the French and Indian war, -when he was a Colonel, he used himself, in the absence of the chaplain, -on the Sabbath, to read the Scriptures to the soldiers of his -regiment, and to pray with them; and that more than once he was -found on his knees in his marquee at secret prayer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While at home at Mount Vernon, he was always punctual to go -to church. Sometimes he had distinguished men to visit him, and -who he knew had no great regard for religion. This made no difference -with his conduct. On such occasions he regularly attended -church, and invited them to accompany him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>During his residence in Philadelphia, as President of the United -States, he was a constant attendant at the house of God, on the -Sabbath; thus setting a becoming example to others in authority. -And it has often been remarked, that in all his public messages to -Congress, he was particular to allude in some appropriate manner to -God's overruling providence, and his sense of his own and the -nation's dependence upon divine favor, for individual and national -prosperity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The greatness of Washington was conceded even more fully -by the great than by the "common herd" of mankind. Bonaparte -paid a tribute to the American's fame scarcely to be exceeded for -its terms of admiration.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Ah, gentlemen," the French General exclaimed to some young -Americans happening at Toulon, and anxious to see the mighty -Corsican, had obtained the honor of an introduction to him, "how -fares your countryman, the great Washington?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"He was very well," replied the youths, brightening at the thought -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>that they were the countrymen of Washington, "he was very well, -General, when we left America."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Ah, gentlemen," rejoined he, "Washington can never be otherwise -than well. The measure of <em>his</em> fame is full. Posterity will -talk of him with reverence as the founder of a great empire, when -my name shall be lost in the vortex of revolutions."</p> - -<p class='c000'>This recalls the celebrated "toast scene" wherein Dr. Franklin -"paid his respects" to the English and French. It is thus recited:</p> - -<p class='c000'>Long after Washington's victories over the French and English -had made his name familiar to all Europe, Dr. Franklin chanced to -dine with the English and French embassadors, when the following -toasts were drunk. By the British embassador: "England—the -sun, whose bright beams enlighten and fructify the remotest corners -of the earth." The French embassador, glowing with national -pride, but too polite to dispute the previous toast, drank: "France—the -<em>moon</em>, whose mild, steady and cheering rays are the delight of -all nations, consoling them in darkness, and making their dreariness -beautiful."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Dr. Franklin then rose, and with his usual dignified simplicity, -said: "<em>George Washington—the Joshua, who commanded the sun and -moon to stand still, and they obeyed him.</em>"</p> - -<p class='c000'>We could fill many pages with anecdotes of Washington, illustrative -of his goodness, his real, <em>heart</em> piety, his reliance on an overruling -Providence; but will not, at this time, devote more space to -the theme, promising ourselves the pleasures of again recurring to -the truly august subject.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span> - <h2 class='c005'>THE JOHNSON BOYS KILLING THEIR CAPTORS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The father of the little heroes whose daring exploit is here illustrated, -removed from Pennsylvania in 1786, or thereabouts, and settled on -what was called Beech-bottom Flats, in the State of Ohio, some two -miles from the Ohio River, and three or four miles above the mouth -of Short Creek. In common with all the early settlers of that State, -Johnson was subject to the depredations of the Indians, who felt -that the white men were encroaching upon their hunting-grounds, -and did not hesitate to inflict upon them the fullest measure of vengeance. -Protected by the station, or fort, near which they resided, -the family enjoyed, however, a tolerable share of security.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One Sunday morning, in the fall of 1793, two of his sons—John, -aged thirteen, and Henry, eleven—started for the woods to look for -a hat which the younger had lost the previous evening, while out -after the cows. Having found the hat, they started for home, but -coming to the foot of a hickory tree, whose tempting fruit lay in -bounteous profusion on the ground before them, they, boylike, and -dreaming neither of Indians nor of any other danger, sat down on a -fallen log and amused themselves cracking and eating nuts. While -thus engaged, they observed two men approaching from the direction -of the station, who, from their dress and appearance, they took to be -neighbors, seeking for strayed horses, one of them having a bridle in -his hand. Satisfied of this fact, they continued their employment, -until the men had approached quite near to them, when, upon looking -up, they discovered, to their horror, that they were Indians, -dressed in the garb of white men. Their first impulse was to fly; -but upon rising to their feet, one of the intruders presented his rifle, -and told them to stop or he would shoot. Coming up to them, the -other presented his hand, and said: "How do, brodder?" The -oldest boy, John, immediately—instinctively, as it were—called into -requisition a tact perfectly astonishing in such a child. Accepting -the savage's hand, he shook it with a smile, asking with apparently -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>pleased curiosity if they were Indians. Their captors replied that -they were, telling the boys that they must go with them. Concealing -their feelings of fear and distress, the little fellows submitted, -and took up their line of march for the wilderness, not without the -most poignant emotions at thus being rudely torn from their home -and parents. They had heard enough, young as they were, of -Indian captivity, to guess what was in store for them—that, even at -the very best, there would be years of wild, uncivilized life before -them, should they be spared to live at all. But hiding the sinking -of his heart, the oldest took the small buckskin bag which was given -him to carry, with outward cheerfulness, and entered with spirit into -the search of the Indians after the horses of the white men. The -bag, from its weight, he supposed to contain money, the product of -their depredations upon the white community.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indians and their captives spent the afternoon in pursuit of -horses, taking a circuitous route through the bottom and over the -Short Creek hill; but evening approaching without their meeting -with success, they drew off some distance into the woods, in search -of some place to camp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Coming to a spring in a hollow, which answered their purpose, -they halted; and while one of them scouted around the camp, the -other proceeded to build a fire, by flashing his gun into some dry -"tinder" wood. While the latter was gone to procure the wood -from a decayed stump, John took up the gun he had left behind, -and cocked it, with the intention of shooting him as he came back; -but Henry stopped him, for fear the other might be near, and able -to overpower them, at the same time promising to aid his brother if -he would wait until the Indians were asleep.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After they had cooked their supper, and eaten it by the fire, the -savages began to converse apart in their own tongue. The result -of their council soon became painfully apparent to the boys. Drawing -their knives, they began to whet them, at the same time continuing -their discussion, with occasional sidelong glances at the boys. -Seeing this, with that remarkable discretion which had hitherto -marked his conduct, John entered into conversation with them, in -the course of which he remarked that he led a hard life with his -parents, who were cross to him, and made him work hard, giving -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>him no chance for play. For his part, he liked to hunt and fish, -and when he got to their towns, he meant to be a warrior and live -with them. This pleased the Indians, and led to further converse, -during which one of them asked the boys which way home was. -John, who assumed to be spokesman, answered, always pointing the -wrong way, which led them to believe that their captives had lost -their reckoning. The business of sharpening the knives was suspended, -and John's bright eyes, smiling but anxious, were not sorry -to see them restored to the belts of the wearers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indians, although pleased and conciliated, were careful not to -trust their little prisoners too far, but pinioned their arms, and when -they laid down to sleep for the night, placed the boys between them, -secured by a large strap, which passed under their own bodies. Late -in the night, one of the savages, becoming cold, stirred in his sleep, -caught hold of John in his arms, and turned him over to the outside, -soon relapsing into sound slumber with the renewed warmth thus -obtained. In this situation the boy, awake and alert, found means -to get his hands loose; he then nudged his brother, made him get -up, and untied his arms. This done, Henry thought of nothing but -of running off as fast as possible; but when about to start, his -brother caught hold of him, whispering: "We must kill these Indians -before we go." After some hesitation, Henry agreed to make the -attempt. John took one of the rifles of their captors, and placed it -on a log with the muzzle close to the head of one of them. He then -cocked the gun, and placed his little brother at the breech with his -finger on the trigger, with instructions to pull it as soon as he should -strike the other Indian. He then took one of the tomahawks, and -placed himself astride the second foe. All this time the savages -slumbered on in their fancied security. That moment he gave the -word to fire, while he brought the tomahawk down with all the -force of his young arm upon his sleeping enemy. The blow, however, -fell upon the back of the neck and to one side, so as not to be -fatal; the wounded savage attempted to spring up, but the little -fellow, urged to desperation, plied his blows with such force and -rapidity upon the Indian's skull, that, to use his own words in -describing it, "the Indian laid still and began to quiver."</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the moment of the first stroke given by the elder brother, the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>younger one pulled the trigger, as directed; but his shot was not -more fatal than the other's blow, for he only succeeded in blowing -off a large part of his antagonist's lower jaw. This Indian, an -instant after receiving the wound, began to flounce about and yell in -the most frightful manner. The boys were glad to abandon him to -his fate. They made the best of their way to the fort, reaching it -a little before daybreak. On getting near the station, they found -the people all up, and a great anxiety on their account. On hearing -a woman exclaim: "Poor little fellows, they are killed or taken -prisoners!" the eldest one answered: "No, mother, we are here -yet!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having brought away nothing from the Indian camp, their relation -was not credited, and a party was made up to go in search of its -truth. On arriving at the camp, they found the Indian whom John -had tomahawked, dead; the other had crawled away, leaving a -heavy, bloody trail, by which he was traced to the top of a fallen -tree, where he had ensconced himself, determined to sell his life -dearly. At the approach of the party he attempted to fire upon -them; but his gun flashed in the pan; and one of the men remarking -that he "didn't care about being killed by a dead Injin," they -left him to die of his wounds. His skeleton and gun were found, -some time afterward, near the spot. It was conjectured that the -bag of specie which the Indians had, was appropriated by one of the -settlers, who had slipped off in advance upon hearing the story of -the boys. For some time after this person seemed better supplied -with money than he had ever been before.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The story of the heroism of the little warriors got abroad, and -even the Indians themselves gave them credit for it. After the -treaty with General Wayne, an old Indian, who was a friend of the -two who were killed (and who, it seems, had been distinguished -warriors), inquired of a man from Short Creek what they had done -with the two young braves who had killed the Indians. Being -answered that they lived at the same place with their parents, he -replied: "Then you have not done right; you should have made -kings of those boys."</p> - -<p class='c000'>There are a good many stories told of those early days, far pleasanter -for the boys of this generation to read in safety, by the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>comfortable winter fire, than it was for the hardy and sagacious little -heroes to enact them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In August, 1786, a lad by the name of Downing, who lived at a -fort near Slate Creek, in what is now Bath county, was requested by -an older companion to assist him in hunting for a horse which had -strayed away the preceding evening. Downing readily complied, -and the two friends searched in every direction, until at length they -found themselves in a wild valley, some six or seven miles from the -fort. Here Downing became alarmed, and repeatedly told his companion, -Yates, that he heard sticks cracking behind them, and was -certain that Indians were dogging them. Yates, an old backwoods-man, -laughed at the fears of the boy, and contemptuously asked him -at what price be rated his scalp, offering to insure it for sixpence. -Downing, however, was not so easily satisfied. He observed that in -whatever direction they turned, the same ominous sounds continued -to haunt them, and as Yates continued to treat the matter recklessly, -he resolved to take measures for his own safety. Gradually slackening -his pace, he permitted Yates to advance twenty or thirty steps -ahead, and immediately afterward, as they descended the slope of a -gentle hill, Downing slipped aside and hid himself in a thick cluster -of whortleberry bushes. Yates proceeded on, singing carelessly some -rude song, and was soon out of sight. Scarcely had he disappeared, -when Downing beheld two savages put aside the stalks of a cane-brake, -and cautiously look out in the direction Yates had taken. -Fearful that they had seen him step aside, he determined to fire -upon them, and trust to his heels for safety; but so unsteady was -his hand, that in raising his gun to his shoulder, it went off before -he had taken aim. He immediately ran, and after proceeding about -fifty yards, met Yates, who had hastily retraced his steps. The -enemy were then in full view, and the woodsman, who might have -outstripped the lad, graduated his steps to those of his companion. -The Indians, by taking a shorter path, gained rapidly upon the fugitives, -across whose way lay a deep gully. Yates easily cleared it, -but Downing dropped short, and fell at full length upon the bottom. -The savages, eager to capture Yates, continued the pursuit, without -appearing to notice Downing, who, quickly recovering his strength, -began to walk slowly up the ditch, fearing to leave it, lest the -enemy should see him. He had scarcely emerged into the open -ground before he saw one of the Indians returning, apparently in -quest of him. His gun being unloaded, Downing threw it away, -and again took to flight; but his pursuer gained on him so rapidly, -that he lost all hope of escape. Coming at length to a large poplar, -which had been blown up by the roots, he ran along the body of -the tree on one side, while the Indian ran along the other, expecting -to intercept his game at the root. But here fortune favored the -latter in the most singular manner. A she-bear which was suckling -her cubs in a bed at the root of the tree, suddenly sprung upon the -Indian, and while the latter was yelling and stabbing his hirsute -antagonist with his knife, Downing succeeded in reaching the fort, -where he found Yates reposing after a hot chase, in which he, also, -had distanced his pursuers.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span> -<img src='images/i008.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>The Johnson Boys Killing their Captors.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>Whether the bear or the Indian came off victor in the impromptu -engagement so suddenly entered into, the historian sayeth -not.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the following narrative, the incidents of which are included in -the History of the State of Kentucky, will be noticed the fortitude -of another little hero, who, in the midst of appalling circumstances, -received two severe wounds, one of which must have been extremely -painful, yet who made no sign—would not even allow it to be known -that he was injured, until the conflict was over.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In March, 1788, Captain William Hubbell, floating down the Ohio -River in his flat-boat, on his return from the east, after leaving Pittsburg, -saw traces of Indians along the banks of the stream, which -excited his suspicions and increased his watchfulness. On the boat, -besides Captain Hubbell, were Daniel Light, and William Plascut -and his family. Before reaching the mouth of the Great Kanawha, -their number was increased to twenty, among whom were Ray, -Tucker and Kilpatrick, also two daughters of the latter, a man by the -name of Stoner, an Irishman, and a German. Information at Gallipolis -confirmed their previous expectation of a conflict with a large -body of Indians; Captain Hubbell therefore made every preparation -to resist the anticipated attack. The men, divided into three -watches for the night, were alternately on the look-out for two hours -at a time. The arms on board unfortunately consisted mainly of old -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>muskets much out of order. These were put in the best possible -condition for service.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the 23d, Hubbell's party overtook a fleet of six boats descending -the river in company, and, for mutual protection, at first concluded -to join them. Finding them, however, a careless, noisy set -of people, more intent on dancing than watching for Indians, Hubbell -determined to push forward alone. One of the six boats, desirous -of keeping up with Hubbell, pushed forward for a short time; but -its crew at length dropped asleep, and it was soon left in the rear. -Early in the night, a canoe was seen flying down the river, in which -probably were Indians on the watch. Fires and other signs also -were observed, which indicated the presence of a formidable body -of the savages.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At daybreak, before the men were at their posts, a voice some -distance below repeatedly solicited them, in a plaintive tone, to come -on shore, representing that some white persons wished to take a -passage in their boat. This the Captain naturally concluded to be -an Indian artifice. He accordingly placed every man upon his -guard. The voice of entreaty soon was changed into insult, and the -sound of distant paddles announced the approach of the savage foe. -Three Indian canoes were seen through the mist rapidly advancing. -With the utmost coolness, the Captain and his companions prepared -to receive them. Every man was ordered not to fire until the -savages came nearly up to the boat; the men, also, were directed to -fire in succession, that there might be no intervals.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The canoes were found to contain from twenty-five to thirty -Indians each. When within musket-shot, they poured in a general -fire from one of the canoes, by which Tucker and Light were -wounded. The three canoes now placed themselves on the bow, -stern and side of the boat, opening a raking fire upon the whites; -but the steady firing from the boat had a powerful effect in checking -the confidence and the fury of the savages. Hubbell, after firing his -own gun, took up that of one of the wounded men, and was in the -act of discharging it when a ball tore away the lock. He deliberately -seized a brand of fire, and, applying it to the pan, discharged it with -effect. When in the act of raising his gun a third time, a ball passed -through his right arm, which for a moment disabled him. Seeing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>this, the savages rushed for the boat, to board it. Severely wounded -as he was, Hubbell rushed to the bow, and assisted in forcing the -enemy off, by the discharge of a pair of horse pistols, and by billets -of wood. Meeting with so desperate a resistance, the Indians at -length discontinued the contest, for the moment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boat which Hubbell had recently left behind now appearing -in sight, the canoes rushed toward it. They boarded it without -opposition, killed Captain Greathouse and a lad, placed the women -in the center of their canoes, and then manning them with a fresh -reinforcement from the shore, again pursued Hubbell and his party. -The melancholy alternative now presented itself to these brave but -desponding men, either of falling a prey to the savages, or to run the -risk of shooting the white women in the canoes, purposely placed -there by the Indians, in the hope of obtaining protection by their -presence. Hubbell, well knowing how little mercy was to be -expected if the savages were victorious, did not hesitate. He resolved -to war to the last.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There were now but four men left on board of the boat capable -of defending it. The Captain himself was severely wounded in two -places. Yet the second attack was resisted with incredible firmness. -Whenever the Indians would rise to fire, the whites would, commonly, -give them the first shot, which in almost every instance -would prove fatal. Notwithstanding the disparity of numbers and -the exhausted condition of Hubbell's party, the Indians, despairing -of success, retired to the shore. Just as the last canoe was departing, -Hubbell called to the Indian chief in the stern, and on his turning -round, discharged his piece at him. When the smoke was -dissipated, the savage was seen lying on his back, severely, perhaps -mortally, wounded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Unfortunately, the boat had drifted near to shore, where the -Indians were collected, and a large concourse, probably between four -and five hundred, were seen rushing down on the bank. Ray and -Plascut, the only men remaining unhurt, took to the oars. As the -boat was not more than twenty yards from shore, it was deemed -prudent for them to lie down, and attempt to paddle out into the -river with the utmost practicable rapidity. While thus covered, -nine balls were shot into one oar, and ten into the other, without -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>wounding the rowers, who were protected by the side of the boat -and the blankets in its stern. During this exposure to the fire, -which continued about twenty minutes, Kilpatrick observed a particular -Indian, whom he thought a favorable mark for his rifle, and, -despite the solemn warning of Captain Hubbell, rose to shoot the -savage. He immediately received a ball in his mouth, which passed -out at the back part of his head, and was, almost at the same -moment, shot through the heart. He fell among the horses that -about the same time were killed, presenting to his afflicted daughters -and fellow travelers, who were witnesses of the awful occurrence, a -spectacle of horror which it were impossible to describe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boat, providentially, was then suddenly carried out into the -stream, beyond reach of the enemy's balls. The little band, reduced -in numbers, wounded, afflicted, and almost exhausted by fatigue, still -were unsubdued in spirit, and being assembled in all their strength, -men, women and children, with an appearance of triumph gave three -hearty cheers, calling to the Indians to come on again if they were -fond of the sport.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus ended this stubborn conflict, in which only two out of nine -men escaped unhurt. Tucker and Kilpatrick were killed on the -spot, Stoner was mortally wounded, and died on his arrival at Limestone, -and all the rest, excepting Ray and Plascut, were severely -wounded. The women and children all were uninjured, excepting -a little son of Mr. Plascut, who, after the battle was over, came to -the Captain, and with great coolness requested him to take a ball -out of his head. On examination, it appeared that a bullet, which -had passed through the side of the boat, had penetrated the forehead -of this little hero, and still remained under the skin. The Captain -took it out, when the youth, observing, "That is not all," raised his -arm, and exhibited a piece of bone at the point of his elbow, which -had been shot off, and hung only by the skin. His mother -exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Why did you not tell me of this?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Because," he coolly replied, "the Captain directed us to be silent -during the action, and I thought you would be likely to make a noise -if I told you."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Here was true <em>pluck</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>The boat made its way down the river as rapidly as possible, the -object being to reach Limestone that night. The Captain, tormented -by excruciating pain, and faint through loss of blood, was under the -necessity of steering the boat with his left arm, till about ten o'clock -that night, when he was relieved by William Brooks, who resided -on the bank of the river, and who was induced by the calls of the -suffering party to come out to their assistance. By his aid, and that -of some other persons, who were in the same manner brought to -their relief, the party was enabled to reach Limestone about twelve -o'clock that night. On the arrival of Brooks, Captain Hubbell, -relieved from labor and responsibility, sunk under the weight of pain -and fatigue, and became for a while totally insensible. When the -boat reached Limestone, he found himself unable to walk, and was -carried up to the tavern. Here he continued several days, until he -acquired sufficient strength to proceed homeward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the arrival of Hubbell's party at Limestone, they found a considerable -force of armed men ready to march against the Indians. -They now learned that, on the Sunday preceding, these very same -savages had cut off a detachment of men ascending the Ohio from -Fort Washington, at the mouth of Licking River, and had killed -with their tomahawks, without firing a gun, twenty-one out of -twenty-two men, of which the detachment consisted!</p> - -<p class='c000'>Crowds of people, as might be expected, came to examine the -boat which had been the scene of so much heroism and such horrid -carnage, and to visit the resolute little band by whom it had been so -gallantly defended. On examination, it was found that the sides of -the boat were literally filled with bullets and bullet-holes. There was -scarcely a space of two feet square in the part above water, which -had not either a ball remaining in it, or a hole through which a ball -had passed. Some persons who had the curiosity to count the -number of holes in the blankets which were hung up as curtains in -the stern of the boat, affirmed that in the space of five feet square -there were one hundred and twenty-two. Four horses out of five -were killed. The escape of the fifth, amidst such a shower of balls, -appears almost miraculous.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The day after the arrival of Captain Hubbell and his companions, -the five boats passed on the night preceding the battle reached -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>Limestone. The Indians, it would appear, had met with too formidable -a resistance from a single boat to attack a fleet, and suffered -them to pass unmolested. From that time, it is believed that no -boat was assailed by Indians on the Ohio.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The force which marched out from Limestone to disperse this -formidable body of savages discovered several Indians dead on the -shore, near the scene of action. They also found the bodies of -Captain Greathouse and several others—men, women and children—who -had been on board of his boat. Most of them appeared to have -been <em>whipped to death</em>, as they were found stripped, tied to trees, and -marked with the appearance of lashes; and large rods, which -seemed to have been worn with use, were observed lying near them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is wonderful, when we consider the perils which beset the early -settlers, that Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana did not remain untenanted -by white men. We can not open the history of the years, from -1787 to 1814, that we do not find, upon almost every page, a story -of suffering, of miraculous escape, or of appalling death which everywhere -seemed to be in store for the daring pioneer. In the course -of this series of tales we shall have occasion to repeat many of those -stirring episodes, which will be perused with commingled feelings -of pain and admiration. Every youth, and particularly every one -dwelling west of the Alleghanies, should study these episodes, and -learn from them through what trials came their blessings.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span> -<img src='images/i009.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Sweatland's Thrilling Hunting Adventure—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p134'>6</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>TALES,</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='sc'>Traditions and Romance</span></div> - <div class='c003'>OF</div> - <div class='c003'>BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>A GREAT HUNTING ADVENTURE.</div> - <div class='line'>COLONEL HORRY'S EXPLOITS.</div> - <div class='line'>ELERSON'S FAMOUS RACE.</div> - <div class='line'>MOLLY PITCHER AT MONMOUTH.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>NEW YORK</div> - <div>BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS,</div> - <div>118 WILLIAM STREET.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by</div> - <div>BEADLE AND COMPANY,</div> - <div>In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for</div> - <div>the Southern District of New York.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span> - <h2 id='p134' class='c005'>A REMARKABLE<br /> HUNTING-EXCURSION.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>On a September morning of the year 1817, Solomon Sweatland, of -Conneaut, on the Ohio shore of Lake Erie, had risen at earliest dawn -to enjoy his favorite amusement of hunting deer. Royal game was -this, and hunted in royal parks, which the dukes and princes of -haughty old England might envy, and, best of all, they were not -barred from the poorest settler. There was no punishment for -"poaching" on the magnificent prairies, and in the glorious forests -of the West. The men who there slung their rifles over their -shoulders, and set out, careless whether they met a fawn or a panther, -would have sneered at an English hunting-ground as a bit of a handkerchief -which one of their favorite "per-raries" could tuck away in -her pocket and never feel it. Men who can "drive the nail" and -"snuff a candle," three shots out of six, and who kill such dainty -game as squirrels by blowing the breath out of them with the wind -of their bullets instead of lacerating their little bodies with the ball; -who have hand-to-hand, or hand-to-paw, tussles with ferocious -grizzlies, and make nothing of two or three deer before breakfast, -may afford to smile at their fox-hunting, partridge-shooting English -cousins. Such were the men who first settled our now populous -Western States; and we may well believe that the healthy and -thrilling excitement of pursuits like these compensated for the want -of many luxuries, and that they became so attached to their free and -venturesome modes of life, as to feel stifled at the idea of the constraints -of society.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"Their gaunt hounds yelled, their rifles flashed—</div> - <div class='line in2'>The grim bear hushed his savage growl;</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>In blood and foam the panther gnashed</div> - <div class='line in2'>His fangs, with dying howl;</div> - <div class='line'>The fleet deer ceased its flying bound,</div> - <div class='line'>Its snarling wolf-foe bit the ground,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And, with a moaning cry,</div> - <div class='line'>The beaver sunk beneath the wound,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Its pond-built Venice by."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Fascinating, even in contemplation, is a life like this. It makes -the blood tingle in the veins, the sinews stretch, and the lungs -expand, to read of the scenes which cluster around it, and to breathe, -in fancy, the pure air, and sweep, with our vision, the wide -horizon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But we must go back to our hunter, who stood, in the gray light -of dawn, without coat or waistcoat, outside his cabin, listening to the -baying of the dogs, as they drove the deer. In this part of the -country, lying along the lake, it was the custom for one party, aided -by dogs, to drive the deer into the water, when another would pursue -them in boats, and when the game was a little tired, shoot it -without difficulty. Sweatland had a neighbor who hunted with him -in this manner, and he it was who had already started a noble buck, -which dashed into the lake, while Sweatland stood listening for the -direction of the dogs.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the enthusiasm of the moment, he threw his hat on the beach, -jumped into his canoe, and pulled out after the animal, every -nerve thrilling with intense interest in the pursuit. The wind, -which had been blowing steadily from the south during the night, -had now increased to a gale, but he was too intent upon securing -the valuable prize which was breasting the waves in advance, to -heed the dictates of prudence. The race promised to be a long one, -for the buck was a powerful animal, and was not easily to be beaten -by a log canoe and a single paddle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A considerable distance from the land had been obtained, and the -canoe had already shipped a heavy sea, before he overtook the deer, -which turned and made for the opposite shore. Upon tacking to -pursue him, Sweatland was at once apprised of his danger by the -fact that, with his utmost exertions, he not only made no progress -in the desired direction, but was actually drifting out to sea. He -had been observed, as he left the shore, by his neighbor, and also -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>by his family, and as he disappeared from sight, great apprehension -was felt for his safety.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The alarm was soon given in the neighborhood, and it was decided -by those competent to judge, that his return would be impossible, -and unless aid was afforded him, that he was doomed to perish.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Actuated by those generous impulses which often induce men to -risk their own lives for the salvation of others, three neighbors took -a light boat and started in search of the wanderer. They met the -deer returning, but saw nothing of their friend. They made stretches -off shore in the probable range of the hunter, until they reached a -distance of five or six miles from land, when, meeting with a heavy -sea, in which they thought it impossible for a canoe to live, and -seeing no signs of it on the vast expanse of waters, they reluctantly, -and not without danger to themselves, returned to shore, giving -Sweatland up as lost.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meantime, the object of their search was laboring at his paddle, -in the vain hope that the wind might abate, or that aid might reach -him from the shore.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"An antlered dweller of the wild</div> - <div class='line in2'>Had met his eager gaze,</div> - <div class='line'>And far his wandering steps beguiled</div> - <div class='line in2'>Within an unknown maze."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Willingly would he now have resigned every lordly buck of the -forest, to warm himself by his cabin fire, hear the laugh of his little -ones, and breathe the odor of the welcome breakfast—ay, even for -his coat and a biscuit he would have given much.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One or two schooners were in sight in the course of the day, but -although he made every effort to attract the notice of their crews, -he failed to do so. For a long time the shore continued in sight, -and as he traced its fast-receding outline, and recognized the spot -where stood his home, within whose precincts were the cherished -objects of his affection, now doubly dear from the prospect of losing -them forever, he felt that the last tie which united him in companionship -with his fellow-men was about to be dissolved—the world, with -all its busy interests, was floating far away.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Sweatland possessed a cool head and a stout heart; these, united -to considerable physical strength and power of endurance, fitted him -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>for the emergency in which he found himself. He was a good -sailor, and his experience taught him that "while there was life -there was hope." Experience taught him also, as the outline of the -far-off shore receded from sight, that his only expedient was to -endeavor to reach the Canada shore, a distance of fifty miles.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was now blowing a gale, so that it required the most incredible -exertions to trim his uncouth vessel to the waves. He was obliged -to stand erect, and move cautiously from one end to the other, well -aware that one lost stroke of the paddle, or a tottering movement, -would bring his voyage to a sudden termination. Much of his -attention was likewise required in bailing out the canoe, which he -managed to do with <em>one of his shoes</em>, which were a substantial pair -of stogas. Hitherto he had been blessed by the light of day, but -now, to add to his distress, night approached, and he could only -depend upon a kind Providence to guide him over the watery waste. -The sky, too, began to be overcast; an occasional star, glistening -through the scudding clouds, was all the light afforded him through -that long and fearful night.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wet to the skin by the dashing spray; part of the time in water -half way to his knees; so cold that his blood chilled in his veins, -and almost famished, he felt that death was preferable to such long-continued -suffering; and nothing but the thought of his family gave -him courage to keep up his exertions.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When morning dawned, the outline of the Canada shore greeted -his sight; he soon made the land in the vicinity of Long Point. -Here he met additional difficulties in an adverse wind and heavy -breakers, but the same hand which had guided him thus far remained -with him still; he succeeded in safely landing. What his -emotions were upon again treading "the green and solid earth," we -may faintly imagine; but his trials were not ended. Faint with -hunger and exhausted by fatigue, he was forty miles from human -habitation, while the country which intervened was a desert, filled -with marshes and tangled thickets, from which nothing could be -drawn to supply his wants. These difficulties, together with his -reduced state, made his progress toward the settlements very slow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On his way he found a quantity of goods which had been thrown -ashore from the wreck of some vessel, which, though they afforded -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>no immediate relief, were afterward of service to him. After a long -and toilsome march through the wilderness, he arrived at a settlement, -where he was treated with great kindness by the people. -When his strength was sufficiently recruited, he procured a boat, and -went after the wrecked goods, which he found and brought off. He -then started overland for Buffalo, where he disposed of part of his -treasure, and with the proceeds furnished himself with a complete -outfit. Here, finding the <em>Traveler</em>, Captain Brown, from Conneaut, -in the harbor, he engaged passage on board of her. The Captain -and crew, having heard of his disappearance, looked upon him -almost as one risen from the dead. His story was so astonishing as -hardly to be credible; but as he was there, in person, to verify it, -they were obliged to believe the testimony.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Within a day or two, he was on his way to rejoin his family, who, -the Captain informed him, had given him up, and were in great -grief and distress. When the packet arrived opposite the house, the -crew gave three loud, long and hearty cheers, and fired guns from -the deck in token of joy, which led the family to anticipate his -return.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On landing, he found that his funeral sermon had been preached, -and had the rare privilege of seeing his own <em>widow</em> clothed in the -habiliments of mourning.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Deer hunting, even down to a recent period, was a chosen amusement -in Ohio. At this time the animal is only found in the great -forests of the north-west counties of Paulding, Van Wart, Williams, -etc., and in the heavy woods of Wyandot and Hardin counties. -Sandusky Bay, an estuary of Lake Erie, and one of the most beautiful -sheets of water in America, is yet a great sportsman's resort, though -now chiefly for wild water-fowl, whose spring and fall season calls -thither many a modern Nimrod. The writer of this has spent many -a season among the marshes and overflow-lands at the head of the -bay in pursuit of game which, with proper care, will continue for -years to afford good gunning. Only keep out the murderous blunderbusses -of certain Englishmen, which sweep away a whole flock of -green-heads and canvas-backs at a shot. We have often been tempted -to have arrested, as a common nuisance, these sneaking prowlers -after "a shot for twenty birds—not a whit less." But it was not of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>birds we are to write. Sandusky Bay, in days gone by, used to -afford rare sport in deer-hunting <em>in the water</em>. To illustrate:</p> - -<p class='c000'>The bay is bounded on the east by a narrow strip of sand and cedars, -which divides it from Lake Erie. On the north is the peninsula, -another strip of rich soil, once densely covered with forests, stretching -far to the west. The sport practiced in early times was to drive the -deer with dogs from Cedar Point and the peninsula into the water, -when they would make for the opposite shore, above the town of Sandusky. -The heads of the beautiful animals could be seen a great distance, -as they glided along the surface of the clear waters. Then boats -would put out, in each of which was a dog—no guns being allowed—the -men being armed only with a knife. The deer always would scent -the danger from afar, and, with extraordinary celerity, move off up the -bay, followed by the boats. When a comparatively near approach was -at length made, after hard pulling for two or three miles, the dogs -were let loose. Being fresh, and the deer somewhat exhausted from -their long swim, the dogs would gain on their prey rapidly, and soon -the struggle in the water would commence—the noble bucks always -receiving their enemy, while the ewes and fawns were kept out of -harm's reach. The bucks were, if not too much exhausted, quite a -match for the dogs. Not unfrequently their antlers would crimson -the water with the blood of their canine foe. The boats, meanwhile, -were but spectators of the contest, and only came up when -their dogs showed signs of defeat. A good dog, however, generally -succeeded in fastening to the throat of his prey, and there clung with -such tenacity as to sink and rise with the buck, avoiding the terrific -strokes of its hoofs by laying close to the deer's body. One blow -of a fore-hoof has been known to smash the skull of a mastiff. The -sport, to those in the boats, is exciting in the extreme; but strict -honor used to govern the combats. The fawns and most of the -ewes were permitted to escape, and the bucks were only slaughtered -with the knife when it became evident that the dogs would be overpowered, -or when some favorite mastiff brought his game to the boat -in a conquered condition.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A startling adventure once occurred in the waters of the bay. A -well-known hunter, named Dick Moxon, somewhat addicted to drink, -one day saw a fine drove of deer coming in to land from the opposite -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>shore. He at once advanced, knife in hand, into the water to his -waist. The bucks, three of them, led the convoy, and made directly -for their enemy to cover the retreat of the females. The hunter -found himself in a position of imminent danger, and sought to retreat, -but this the deer did not permit, as one of them drove him down -into the water by a terrible butt with his ugly antlers. Moxon -grappled the deer, but the animal trampled the hunter and kept him -down. With great presence of mind, Moxon disappeared under -water and swam for the shore, coming up a rod nearer the land. -This dodge did not save him, however, for the infuriated bucks pursued, -and soon the combat became terrible. Moxon cut right and -left with his knife, making shocking wounds in the glistening bodies -of the noble beasts; but the fight was not stayed, and the hunter's -strength, so severely overtaxed in the first encounter in deep water, -began to give way entirely. A few minutes more must have seen -him down in the water under the hoofs of the frenzied animals. At -this moment a woman appeared on the shore. It was Moxon's wife, -whose cabin was not far distant in the woods. Sally Moxon was as -"coarse as a cow, but brave as a catamount," as her husband always -averred; and so she proved in this moment of Dick's peril. Seizing -his rifle, which lay on the bank, she advanced to the rescue. One -buck quickly fell from the well-aimed shot. Then she "clubbed" -her gun, and made at the nearest beast with great caution. The -buck made a furious dash at her, leaping at a bound out of the water, -almost upon her, but Sally was wide awake, and was not caught by -the ugly horns and hoofs. She struck the beast such a blow on its -neck as broke both the gunstock and the buck's spinal column. -With the rifle-barrel still in her hand, Sally then made for the last -buck, a very savage fellow, who still confronted Dick in a threatening -manner. The fight which followed was severe. Sally was -knocked down into the water, but Moxon's knife saved his spouse -from being "trampled into a pudding," as he afterward expressed it. -With all his remaining strength, he seized the deer by the horns, -while with his left hand he buried his knife to the hilt in the animal's -shoulder. The deer fell in the water, and Moxon went down -under him; but Sally was, by this time, on her feet again, and dragged -Dick's almost inanimate form to the shore. The victory was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>complete, though Dick was so terribly bruised that the meat of the -three bucks was long gone before the hunter could again go forth -to kill more. The moral of the story is that he learned not only -never to attack three bucks, single-handed, in four feet of water, but -to let the whisky bottle alone.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The adventure which we are now about to chronicle is quite as -marvelous as those above related, although of another character. -It is deeply interesting, as illustrating <em>one</em> of the many phases of -danger which constantly lurked on the steps of the pioneers. Startling -as were the <em>romantic realities</em> of those early days, needing not -the touch of fiction to heighten their interest, it will be confessed -that few incidents can equal this for a novel combination of perils.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The family of John Lewis were the first settlers of Augusta, in the -State of Virginia, and consisted of himself, his wife, and four sons, -Thomas, William, Andrew and Charles. Of these, the first three -were born in Ireland, from whence the family came, and the last -was a native of Virginia.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Lewis was a man of wealth and station in the old country, and -the cause of his present emigration to America was an attempt, on -the part of a man of whom he hired some property, to eject him -therefrom, which led to an affray, in which the noble landlord lost -his life. Fearing, from the high standing of his antagonist, the -desperate character of his surviving assailants, and the want of evidence -to substantiate his case, that his life would be in danger if he -stayed, Lewis fled the country, accompanied by a party of his tenantry, -and settled in the then western wilds of Virginia.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The father appears to have been a man of remarkable force and -energy, and all four of his sons rendered themselves conspicuous for -deeds of daring and determined bravery during the early history of -Western Virginia, and that of her infant sisters, Ohio and Kentucky, -which would require volumes to relate.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Charles Lewis, the hero of this sketch, was, even in early youth, -distinguished for those qualifications which have rendered the class -to which he belonged—the Indian fighters—so remarkable among -men. He was a young man when the Indians commenced their -attacks upon the settlement of Western Virginia, but entered the -contest with a zeal and courage which outstripped many of his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>older and more boastful compeers. His astonishing self-possession -and presence of mind carried him safely through many a gallant -exploit, which has rendered his name as familiar, and his fame as -dear to the memories of the descendants of the early settlers, as -household words. Cool, calm and collected in the face of danger, -and quick-witted where others would be excited and tremulous, he -was able to grasp on the instant the propitious moment for action, -and render subservient to his own advantage the most trifling -incident.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was so unfortunate, on one occasion, as to be taken prisoner -by a party of Indians while on a hunting excursion. Separated from -his companions, he was surprised and surrounded before he was -aware of his danger, and when he did become aware of his critical -situation, he saw how futile it was to contend, and how reckless and -fatal it must be to himself, should he kill one of his antagonists. -He knew full well that the blood of his enemy would be washed -out in his own, and that, too, at the stake; whereas, if he surrendered -peaceably, he stood a chance of being adopted by the Indians -as one of themselves. Revolving these things in his mind, he -quietly delivered up his rifle to his captors, who rejoiced exceedingly -over their prisoner. Bareheaded, with his arms bound tightly behind -him, without a coat, and barefooted, he was driven forward -some two hundred miles toward the Indian towns, his inhuman captors -urging him on when he lagged, with their knives, and tauntingly -reminding him of the trials which awaited him at the end of his -journey. Nothing daunted, however, by their threats and menaces, -he marched on in the weary path which led him further and further -from his friends, perfectly tractable, so far as his body was concerned, -but constantly busy in his mind with schemes of escape. He bided -his time, and at length the wished-for moment came.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the distance from the white settlements increased, the vigilance -of the Indians relaxed, and his hopes strengthened. As the party -passed along the edge of a precipice, some twenty feet high, at the -foot of which ran a mountain torrent, he, by a powerful effort, broke -the cords which bound his arms, and made the leap. The Indians, -whose aim was to take him alive, followed him, and then commenced -a race for life and liberty, which was rendered the more exciting by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>the fact that his pursuers were close upon him, and could at any -moment have dispatched him. But such was not their desire, and -on, on he sped, now buoyed up by hope as his recent captors were -lost to sight, and anon despairing of success as he crossed an open -space which showed them almost at his heels. At length, taking -advantage of a thicket, through which he passed, and which hid -him from their sight for a moment, he darted aside and essayed to -leap a fallen tree which lay across his path. The tangled underbrush -and leaves which grew thickly around and almost covered the -decaying trunk, tripped him as he leaped, and he fell with considerable -force on the opposite side. For an instant he was so stunned -by the fall as to lose his consciousness, but soon recovered it to find -that the Indians were searching every nook in his immediate vicinity, -and that he had fallen almost directly upon a large rattlesnake which -had thrown itself into the deadly coil so near his face that his fangs -were within a few inches of his nose. Is it possible for the most -vivid imagination to conceive of a more horrible and terrifying -situation?</p> - -<p class='c000'>The pursuit of his now highly exasperated and savage enemies, -who thirsted for his recapture that they might wreak upon him an -appalling revenge, which of itself was a danger calculated to thrill the -nerves of the stoutest system, had now become a secondary fear, -for death in one of its most terrifying and soul-sickening forms was -vibrating on the tongue, and darting from the eye of the reptile -before him, so near, too, that the vibratory motion of his rattle as -it waved to and fro, caused it to strike his ear. The slightest movement -of a muscle—a convulsive shudder—almost the winking of an -eyelid, would have been the signal for his death. Yet, in the midst -of this terrible danger, his presence of mind did not leave him, but -like a faithful friend did him good service in his hour of trial. Knowing -the awful nature of his impending fate, and conscious that the -slightest quivering of a nerve would precipitate it, he scarcely -breathed, and the blood flowed feebly through his veins as he lay -looking death in the eye. Surrounded thus by double peril, he was -conscious that three of the Indians had passed over the log behind -which he lay without observing him, and disappeared in the dark -recesses of the forest. Several minutes—which to him were as many -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>hours—passed in this terrifying situation, until the snake, apparently -satisfied that he was dead, loosed his threatening coil, and passing -<em>directly over his body</em>, was lost to sight in the luxuriant growth of -weeds which grew up around the fallen tree. Oh! what a thrill—what -a revulsion of feeling shook his frame as he was relieved from -this awful suspense. Tears—tears of joyous gratitude coursed down -his cheeks as he poured out his heart to God in thankfulness for his -escape. "I had eaten nothing," said he to his companions, after his -return, "for many days; I had no fire-arms, and I ran the risk of -dying with hunger before I could reach the settlements; but rather -would I have died than have made a meal of that generous beast."<a id='r1' /><a href='#f1' class='c009'><sup>[1]</sup></a> -He was still in imminent danger from the Indians, who knew that -he had hidden in some secluded spot, and were searching with the -utmost zeal every nook and corner to find him. He was fortunate -enough, however, to escape them, and after a weary march through -the wilderness, during which he suffered intensely from hunger, he -reached the settlements.</p> - -<div class='footnote' id='f1'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r1'>1</a>. </span>It was no unusual thing for hungry hunters, like the Indians, to dine upon -broiled rattlesnake!</p> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='p143' class='c005'>COLONEL HORRY, OF "MARION'S BRIGADE."</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>It is much to be regretted that the chronicles of the war of the Revolution -in the South are so meager in personal incidents. There can -be but one reason for this: the want of a local historian to gather -up and preserve in print the details of the contest, ere the actors of -those stirring scenes had passed from the stage—for the wild and -stirring adventures of "Marion's Men," and of others in North and -South Carolina, must have been as full of romance as the heart of -the historian could desire.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is fortunate that one of Marion's officers did wield the pen a -little, as well as the sword. Colonel Horry served under General -Marion. His adventures were numerous and some of them amusing. -He left a manuscript memoir, giving the particulars of some of his -exploits, among others the one illustrated in our engraving.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>He was brave, and ambitious of distinction. This ambition led -him to desire a command of cavalry rather than of infantry. But -he was no rider—was several times unhorsed in combat, and was -indebted to the fidelity of his soldiers for his safety. On one occasion -his escape was more narrow from a different cause. Crossing -the swamp at Lynch's Creek, to join Marion, in the dark, and the -horse swimming, he encountered the bough of a tree, to which he -clung while his horse passed from under him. He was no swimmer, -and but for timely assistance from his followers would have been -drowned.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Another story is told of him which places him in a scarcely less -ludicrous attitude:</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was ordered by Marion to await, in ambush, the approach of -a British detachment. The duty was executed with skill: the enemy -was completely in his power. But he labored under an impediment -in his speech, which we may readily suppose was greatly increased -by anxiety and excitement. The word "Fire!" stuck in his throat, -as "amen" did in that of Macbeth. The emergency was pressing, -but this only increased the difficulty. In vain did he make the -attempt. He could say: "Fi—fi—fi!" but he could get no further; -the "er" was incorrigible. At length, irritated almost to madness, -he exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"<em>Shoot</em>, d—n you, <em>shoot!</em> you know what I would say! Shoot, -and be d——d to you!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was present, and acted bravely, in almost every affair of consequence, -in the brigade of Marion. At Quimly, Captain Baxter, a -man distinguished by his great strength and courage, as well as size, -and by equally great simplicity of character, cried out:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I am wounded, Colonel!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Think no more of it, Baxter," was the answer of Horry, "but -stand to your post."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"But I can't stand," says Baxter, "I am wounded a second time."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Lie down then, Baxter, but quit not your post."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"They have shot me again, Colonel," said the wounded man, "and -if I stay any longer here, I shall be shot to pieces."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Be it so, Baxter, but stir not," was the order, which the brave -fellow obeyed, receiving a fourth wound ere the engagement was over.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span> -<img src='images/i010.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Colonel Horry and Captain Merritt's Conflict.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p143'>15</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>Another adventure is thus related by Horry himself: "I was -sent," he writes, "by General Marion to reconnoiter Georgetown. I -proceeded with a guide through the woods all night. At the dawn -of day, I drew near the town. I laid an ambuscade, with thirty -men and three officers, near the road. About sunrise a chair appeared -with two ladies escorted by two British officers. I was ready -in advance with an officer to cut them off, but reflecting that they -might escape, and alarm the town, which would prevent my taking -greater numbers, I desisted. The officers and chair halted very near -me, but soon the chair went on, and the officers galloped in retrograde -into the town. Our party continued in ambush, until ten -o'clock, <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> Nothing appearing, and men and horses having eaten -nothing for thirty-six hours, we were hungered, and retired to a plantation -of my quartermaster's, a Mr. White, not far distant. There -a curious scene took place. As soon as I entered the house, four -ladies appeared, two of whom were Mrs. White and her daughter. -I was asked what I wanted. I answered, food, refreshment. The -other two ladies were those whom I had seen escorted by the British -officers. They seemed greatly agitated, and begged most earnestly -that I would go away, for the family was very poor, had no provisions -of any sort—that I knew that they were Whigs, and surely -would not add to their distress. So pressing were they for my immediately -leaving the plantation, that I thought they had more in -view than they pretended. I kept my eyes on Mrs. White, and saw -she had a smiling countenance, but said nothing. Soon she left the -room, and I left it also and went into the piazza, laid my cap, sword -and pistols on the long bench, and walked the piazza;—when I -discovered Mrs. White behind the house chimney beckoning me. I -got to her, undiscovered by the young ladies, when she said: 'Colonel -Horry, be on your guard; these two ladies, Miss F— and M—, -are just from Georgetown; they are much frightened, and I believe -the British are leaving it and may soon attack you. As to provisions, -which they make such a rout about, I have plenty for your -men and horses in yonder barn, but you must affect to take them by -force. Hams, bacon, rice and fodder are there. You must insist -on the key of the barn, and threaten to split the door with an ax -if not immediately opened.' I begged her to say no more, for I was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>well acquainted with all such matters—to leave the ladies and every -thing else to my management. She said 'Yes; but do not ruin us: -be artful and cunning, or Mr. White may be hanged and all our -houses burned over our heads.' We both secretly returned, she to -the room where the young ladies were, and I to the piazza I had -just left."</p> - -<p class='c000'>This little narrative will give some idea of the straits to which -the good whig matrons of Carolina were sometimes reduced in those -days. But no time was allowed Horry to extort the provisions as -suggested. He had scarcely got to the piazza when his videttes gave -the alarm. Two shots warned him of the approach of the foe, and -forgetting that his cap, saber and pistols lay on the long bench on -the piazza, Horry mounted his horse, left the inclosure, and rushed -into the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">melée</span></i>. The British were seventeen in number, well mounted -and commanded by a brave fellow named Merritt. The dragoons, -taken by surprise, turned in flight, and, smiting at every step, the -partisans pursued them with fatal earnestness. But two men are -reported to have escaped death or captivity, and they were their -Captain and a Sergeant. It was in approaching to encounter Merritt -that Horry discovered that he was weaponless. "My officers," says -he, "in succession, came up with Captain Merritt, who was in the -rear of his party, urging them forward. They engaged him. He -was a brave fellow. Baxter, with pistols, fired at his breast, and -missing him, retired; Postelle and Greene, with swords, engaged -him; both were beaten off. Greene nearly lost his head. His buckskin -breeches were cut through several inches. I almost blush to -say that this one British officer beat off three Americans." The -honor of the day was decidedly with Merritt, though he was beaten. -He was no doubt a far better swordsman than our self-taught cavalry, -with broadswords wrought out of mill-saws. Merritt abandoned -his horse, and escaped to a neighboring swamp, from whence, at -midnight, he got into Georgetown.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Colonel Horry, after the war, met Captain Merritt in New York, -when the latter recognized him, and in the interview which followed, -confessed, that although so desperate in his self-defense he was -never more frightened in his life.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Believe me, sir," said he, "when I assure you that I went out -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>that morning with my locks as bright an auburn as ever curled upon -the forehead of youth, but by the time I had crawled out of the -swamp into Georgetown that night, they were as gray as a badger!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>If this is true, he must indeed have been wofully frightened, for -the records of such an effect of terror are few and far between. One -of Byron's heroes says that</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"His locks grew white,</div> - <div class='line'>In a single night."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>But that was with grief, and not with fear.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Horry's award of praise to the British Captain for his courage in -beating off three of his own men, was both generous and ingenious, -when it is considered that the Englishman was a scientific swordsman, -possessing a superior weapon, while his antagonists were self-taught, -and their swords, if not beaten out of "plowshares," were -veritably made out of mill-saws.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In one of his numerous encounters, while his men were individually -engaged and scattered through the woods around him, he suddenly -found himself alone, and assailed by a Tory Captain, named -Lewis, at the head of a small party. Lewis was armed with a -musket, and in the act of firing, when an unexpected shot from the -woods tumbled him off his horse, in the very moment when his own -gun was discharged. The bullet of Lewis took effect on Horry's -horse. The shot which so seasonably slew the Tory was sent by the -hand of a boy named Given.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Colonel Horry gives, in his memoirs, a good illustration of the -mingled firmness and forbearance with which Marion enforced discipline -amidst men and circumstances not any too easily governed. -Marion had placed one of his detachments at the plantation of George -Crofts, on Tampit Creek. This person had proved invariably true -to the American cause; had supplied the partisans frequently, though -secretly, with munitions of war, cattle and provisions. He was an -invalid, however, suffering from a mortal infirmity, which compelled -his removal, for medical attendance, to Georgetown, then in possession -of the enemy. During the absence of the family, Marion -placed a Sergeant in the house for its protection. This guard was expelled -from the premises by two officers of the brigade, who stripped -the house of its contents. Colonel Horry disclosed these facts to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>General Marion—the Colonel having received them from Mrs. Crofts, -who had pointed to the sword of her husband hanging by the side of -the principal offender. The indignation of Marion was not apt to -expend itself in words. Redress was promised to the complainant, -and she was dismissed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The offenders were men of some influence, and had a small faction -in the brigade, which had already proved troublesome, and -which might easily become dangerous. One of them was a Major, -the other a Captain. They were in command of a company of men -known as the Georgia Refugees. Upon the minds of these men the -offenders had already sought to act, in reference to the expected collision -with their General.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Marion dispatched Horry to the person who had possession of -the sword of Crofts, with a formal demand for the weapon. He -refused to give it up, alleging that it was his, and taken in war.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"If the General wants it," he added, "let him come for it himself."</p> - -<p class='c000'>When this reply was communicated to Marion, he instructed -Horry to renew the demand. His purpose seems to have been, discovering -the temper of the offender, to gain the necessary time. His -officers, meanwhile, were gathering around him. He was making -his preparations for a struggle which might be bloody—which might, -indeed, involve, not only the safety of the brigade, but his own -future usefulness. Horry, with proper spirit, entreated not to be -sent again to the refractory officer, giving as the reason for his reluctance, -that, in consequence of the previous rudeness of the other, he -was not in the mood to tolerate a repetition of the indignity, and -might, if irritated, be provoked to violence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Marion then dispatched his orderly to the guilty Major, with a -civil request that he might see him at head-quarters. The Major -appeared, accompanied by the Captain who had joined him in the -outrage, and under whose influence he appeared to act. Marion -renewed his demand, in person, for the sword of Crofts. The Major -again refused to deliver it, asserting that Crofts was a Tory, even then -with the enemy in Georgetown.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Will you deliver me the sword, Major?" repeated the General.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I will not."</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>"At these words," says Horry, in his memoirs, I could forbear -no longer, and said with great warmth, and a great oath: "Did I, -sir, command this brigade, as you do, I would hang them both in -half an hour!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Marion sternly replied:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"This is none of your business, sir; they are before me! Sergeant -of the guard, bring me a file of men with loaded arms and -fixed bayonets."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I was silent," added Horry. "All our field-officers in camp were -present, and they had put their hands to their swords in readiness -to draw. My own sword was already drawn."</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the regular service, with officers bred up to the severe sense of -authority considered necessary to proper discipline, the offender -would probably have been hewn down in the moment of disobedience. -The effect of such a measure, in this instance, might have been most -unhappy. The <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">esprit du corps</span></i> might have prompted the Major's -immediate followers to have resisted, and, though annihilated, as -Horry says they would have been, yet several valuable lives would -have been lost, which their country could ill spare. The mutiny -would have been put down, but at what a price!</p> - -<p class='c000'>The patience and prudence of Marion's character taught him -forbearance. His mildness, by putting the offender entirely in the -wrong, so justified his severity, as to disarm the followers of the -criminals, who were about sixty in number.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Horry continues: "The purpose of the officers was, to call upon -these men for support—we well knew they meant, if possible, to intimidate -Marion, so as to compel him to come into their measures of -plunder and Tory killing. The affair, fortunately, terminated without -any bloodshed. The prudence of the General had its effect. -The delay gave time to the offender for reflection. Perhaps, looking -around upon their followers, they saw no consenting spirit of -mutiny in their eyes; for, though many of the refugees were present, -none offered to back the mutinous officers—and when the guard -which was ordered appeared in sight, the companion of the offender -was seen to touch the arm of the other, who then proffered the -sword to Marion, saying:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'General, you need not have sent for the guard.'"</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>Marion, refusing to receive it, referred him to the Sergeant of the -guard, and thus, doubly degraded, the dishonored Major of the Continentals -disappeared from sight, followed by his associate.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Another one of Marion's bravest men was Sergeant Jasper, of -whom the readers of a former number have already heard in connection -with the melancholy and romantic story of the young Creole -girl, who followed him to camp, in the disguise of a soldier, and -sacrificed her life to preserve that of the man she loved, by rushing -in between him and the shot aimed at his breast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Sergeant William Jasper, at the time of the affair which we are -about to relate, belonged to the Second regiment of the South Carolina -militia, having enlisted under Marion, who was then a Captain. -Jasper, from the day of his entering the camp, had been proverbial -for his bravery. His coolness and valor in times of emergency, and -more than all, his utter disregard of danger, had won for him the -golden opinions of his comrades, with the esteem and confidence of -his commander. Jasper possessed remarkable talents and capacity -for a scout. Bold, active and shrewd, with a frame capable of every -endurance—the result of a hardy, backwoods life—and retaining -those noble qualities of bravery and generosity which were the -shining points of his character, he was admirably adapted for that -dangerous but important branch of the service. Combining, in happy -harmony, so many virtues, it is not surprising that he won the affections -of his associates, and the entire confidence of his commander, -who was so assured of his fitness that he granted him a roving -commission, with full power to select from the brigade such men and -as many as he should think proper. But of these he never, or seldom, -selected more than six or eight, preferring, by this small band, -celerity and secrecy. He was almost universally successful, often -penetrating the enemy's camp, or cutting off his rear or advanced -guard, and then returning with his prisoners, or his information, -according to the circumstances of the case. So rapid were his movements, -that he has been known to disappear from the camp and -return again with his prisoners, ere his absence was noticed by the -commandant. He would often enter the enemy's camp as a deserter, -and complaining of the ill usage he had received from his countrymen, -so gain upon their confidence, that he would completely disarm -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>them of his real intentions, and after satisfying himself of their -strength, position, intentions, and the like, would return and report -his knowledge to the commander. On one of these occasions, he -remained in the enemy's camp eight days, and then returned, after -first informing himself of every thing necessary that could be of any -use to his General. This game, however, could be played but once. -Never at a loss how to proceed, he, with his usual promptness, -devised other ways and means to gain his information.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was while he was in the employment of one of these roving -expeditions, that he prepared to again enter the camp of the British -at Ebenezer. It so happened that he had a brother at this post, who -was in the employ of the enemy—a melancholy instance among many -other cases of a like nature, which occurred during the war—who -was a Tory, and who held the same rank in the British army that he -possessed in the American. The brothers were equally dear to each -other, though opposite in political sentiment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>William Jasper loved his brother in the natural warmth of his -generous heart, and wished to see him. He also wished to inform -himself of the enemy's movements. With this double object in his -mind, he therefore prepared for his departure, taking with him only -one companion, a brave young fellow, like himself, who had shared -with him many a "happy hunt," as he termed it, to the united honor -of both. This young officer's name was Newton, holding the same -rank in the service as Jasper, namely, a Sergeant.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was about sunset when the two young officers left the camp for -their destination. Passing the American lines, they proceeded on -rapidly toward the British camp, which lay some few miles from -Abercorn. Taking the direct road to the latter place, they traveled -rapidly until they arrived in sight of the encamped British force, at -Abercorn.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"We must now make a <em>detour</em>," said Jasper, halting, "in order to -avoid the British at this place, and not be discovered. Our route -lies to the south-east a little, and to shorten the journey, we must -pass yonder forest, the southern side of which borders upon a small -lake or pond, a very convenient place for a respite after the toils and -fatigues of a whole day's travel. I have often met straggling parties -of Tories or British in this forest, or around the margin of the lake, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>and it is necessary, therefore, to proceed carefully while passing it. -Just beyond the lake is a small hill, from the summit of which the -town of Ebenezer can be seen some three or four miles distant. -After we pass this forest and hill, we must observe the utmost silence -and scrutiny, for we are then in the immediate vicinity of and -between the two British posts, which will necessarily place us in a -double danger from the meeting of scouts or Tories from either or -both camps."</p> - -<p class='c000'>With these directions the two now resumed their journey, taking -a small path leading to the left, and directly in line of the forest. -A few minutes of brisk walking brought them to the outskirts of -the forest, which was an extensive piece of woodland, stretching with -occasional intervals far to the south-east, interrupted by a few -broken and uneven ranges of hills, somewhat elevated, but scarcely -sufficiently so to be called mountains. On the left of our travelers, -the forest broke off abruptly, a short distance above them, while its -width was about a quarter of a mile. It was quite dark ere they -reached the woods, which seemed to them almost impenetrable, -having nothing but the faint glimmering of the stars to guide them. -The day had been very clear, however, which left the atmosphere -perfectly free, with nothing to interrupt the twinklings of the little -suns in the distant spheres.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As they entered the forest, they turned to the right, and struck -into the main road leading from Abercorn. They had proceeded -some fifty yards, when Jasper's accustomed ear caught the sound of -horses' hoofs upon the dry soil, moving somewhat rapidly toward -them. Motioning his comrade to halt, he remained an instant -listening to the sound, and then darted off into the thicket on his -left, quickly followed by Newton. Scarcely were they concealed -behind a thick cluster of small cedars, ere the horsemen, for such -they proved to be, came up. Jasper instantly recognized them as a -party of British horse, bound on some scouting expedition. Halting -directly opposite to our travelers, two of them, who appeared to be -the leaders of the squad, dismounted and withdrew a short distance. -The road, at this place, was considerably wider than the usual width, -which caused a small opening in the wood, and which seemed a very -convenient situation for a halt. As the officers retired, they fortunately -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>came directly abreast of the cedars, behind which Jasper and -his comrade were ensconced, so that their conversation could easily -be distinguished by both of the latter.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Our prisoners are no doubt safely within the lines of Ebenezer, -ere this," began the first, "unless rescued by some of their rebel -brethren, which I think can hardly be the case, as we were close to -the town when we left them."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"No fear of that, Lieutenant," replied the second, "for the rebel -dogs would not dare to be so audacious."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I am not so sure of that," exclaimed the other, doubtingly; -"that Jasper has the audacity of Satan himself, and if he should be -in the neighborhood, I should almost fear for our prisoners. However, -if they are once within the lines, no power will save them, as -I am assured by the commandant that they will be sent to Savannah -for trial and execution, which will have the effect of intimidating, -at least, these rebel curs from further marauding expeditions;" and -he chuckled with an air of self-satisfaction at the thought of their -petty victory.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Well, be that as it may, Lieutenant," replied his comrade, "it is -another letter in our catalogue of victories, which serves to make us -more popular with the commandant. In either case, we get our -thanks, you know, and that is something toward elevating us toward -our desired height."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"True," rejoined the Lieutenant. "But let us not waste more -time and words than is necessary. Let me see," he added, thoughtfully, -"we will pursue our course north to Abercorn, and deliver -our message to the commander, and then shape our proceedings as -shall seem most fit."</p> - -<p class='c000'>With these words, the two officers mounted their horses, and were -soon lost to view, with their party, on the road to the northern -station.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Jasper and his friend now emerged from their place of concealment, -and taking the road opposite to the direction of the royalists, -resumed their journey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"So, so," exclaimed Jasper, as they hurried along, "they have -taken some 'rebel curs' prisoners, have they? And they will no -doubt give them the benefit of 'short shrift and sudden cord,' if they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>act in consonance with their general character. But we must -endeavor to rescue them, if their guard is not too strong for us, -which I hardly think will be the case, as they will have no fear of -such a thing in the immediate vicinity of their own lines."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"It is a hazardous undertaking, Jasper," replied Newton, "and -must be attended with a great deal of risk, as, you know, the enemy -occupy every point of note between this and Savannah; and besides, -there is scarcely an hour of the day that some of their scouting-parties -do not prowl between the posts."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"So much the more glory if we succeed," said the noble Jasper; -"and if we fail, why then we share their fate. And we could not -sacrifice ourselves in a nobler cause. There is another reason why -we should endeavor to rescue them, and that is, they are prisoners, -and will, no doubt, be driven to their execution within the walls of -Savannah without even the right of a trial; for the British are -notorious for their bloody propensities, and seek to vent their hate -upon poor captives in a cruel and shameful manner."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I am certainly of your opinion," said Newton, "still we must -not be impetuous. Our country needs all the help she can command, -and she does not require us to sacrifice our lives in endeavoring to -accomplish impossibilities. However, we shall soon see."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The officers had now nearly reached the limits of the forest, and -taking the right of two roads which here joined, they were presently -in the open country. Nothing of importance occurred to them during -the rest of the journey, which was accomplished in safety to the -British lines. Arriving at the advanced guard, and having left Newton -concealed until his return, Jasper promptly gave the password, and -soon found himself within the enemy's camp. Passing on hastily, -he entered his brother's quarters, whom he found just about issuing -forth to detail a file of men for special duty to guard the prisoners -recently captured, having been sent into Ebenezer on their way to -Savannah for trial.</p> - -<p class='c000'>These prisoners had taken up arms against their countrymen at -the beginning of the contest; but as the British had been in a -measure overthrown, they again joined the ranks of the patriots, and -on being taken, were to be executed. This was only one instance -of hundreds of others who had acted similarly.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>The brothers Jasper were mutually rejoiced to see each other; -but the Tory shook his head doubtfully as he beheld his brother -again within the British camp, after having so shrewdly deceived -them on a former occasion. But William Jasper quickly reassured -his mind on this point, and bade him be under no uneasiness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having ascertained from his brother the number of men who -were to conduct the prisoners to Savannah, at what time they -intended to leave, and also making such other inquiries as he deemed -proper, Jasper bade him adieu, and soon sought his comrade, Newton, -whom he found anxiously waiting his return.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I have received information from my brother," he said, "that -these prisoners leave to-morrow morning at sunrise for Savannah, -under a guard of eight men, and accompanied by a Sergeant and a -Corporal. The odds is not so very great after all; and I think by a -little stratagem and boldness we can succeed in rescuing them. At -all events, let us make the trial."</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Jasper's friend was not so sure of success. Ten to two, and -those two unarmed, seemed to him too great odds to contend with, -as having any chance of succeeding. But when Jasper related to -him that one of these prisoners was a woman who had a young -child, and that she was the wife of one of the captured men, his -heart was touched at the melancholy spectacle, and he instantly -coincided with his friend that they should attempt their rescue. This -being their conclusion, they conferred as to the best means of accomplishing -the desired object. This was soon decided upon. They -determined to linger around the fortifications until they should see -the prisoners, with their guard, set out for the place of destination, -and then follow their footsteps until a convenient opportunity offered -to put into force the execution of their design. Accordingly, selecting -a secure concealment near the lines to await the approach of -dawn, they threw themselves upon the ground, and being somewhat -fatigued, soon fell asleep. The day was just beginning to emerge -ere Jasper awoke, so sound had been his rest, and springing up, he -aroused his friend.</p> - -<p class='c000'>All was activity in the British camp. Men were hurrying to and -fro, preparing for the duties of the day. In fact, the whole camp -seemed to be astir to Jasper and his comrade, as they issued -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>from their place of concealment to watch the movements of the -enemy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They had not proceeded far before their attention was arrested by -a file of soldiers marching out into the inclosure and then coming -to a halt, as though waiting further orders. Presently a body of -men, with their arms pinioned, was marched directly to their front. -Dividing their force, the prisoners were placed in the center, with a -portion of their guard in front and rear. Every thing being now in -readiness, the whole party started off toward their destined point, -leaving the village at the southern extremity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Jasper and his companion now made a circuit of the village, so -as not to be discovered, and in order to place themselves on the -track of the troop. Having secured a suitable distance from the -guard, they followed them silently, watching their opportunity when -to make the endeavor. In this way they continued to track their -friends and their guards for some time, without any prospect of -accomplishing their design, until they were within two miles of -Savannah. They had become nearly discouraged, when Jasper -suddenly recollected that just ahead of them there was a noted spring, -at which place they conjectured the guard would halt, with their -prisoners, to refresh themselves. The spring was known to travelers, -who, when journeying that way, seldom or never passed it without -tasting its crystalline waters. Jasper and Newton were right in -their conjectures. Arriving opposite the spring, the guard halted -their prisoners in the road under the shade of a large oak-tree, -which stood just on the margin of the road, and between that and -the spring. Our heroes, however, had reached the spring before the -British, having taken an obscure path with which they were well -acquainted, and placing themselves in ambush, awaited the arrival -of the enemy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The day was warm, and as the guard halted, the prisoners, glad -to rest their wearied limbs after so long a march, threw themselves -upon the earth under the shade of the tree, little dreaming of the -succor so near at hand. Very soon after, they were conducted to -the spring by the Corporal with four men. The remainder of the -guard were under the charge of the Sergeant, who halted them on -the road a short distance from the spring, and having ordered them -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>to stack their arms, brought up the rear. After having sufficiently -quenched their thirst, the whole party returned, leaving two men on -guard of the arms which were all stacked near the spring. These -two men kept guard but indifferently. They had nothing to fear -within so short a distance of the fortress at Savannah, conscious of -being surrounded by none of their foes, and inclosed within the very -stronghold of the British lines. It is not surprising that they should -not maintain a very strict watch under such circumstances.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The propitious moment for the daring and hazardous attempt was -drawing near, which was eagerly watched by Jasper and his comrade -in their adjoining ambush.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The localities of the place, the position of the guard, the nearness -of the ambush—in short, every thing seemed most appropriate and -advantageous.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The spring, as we have said, was situated on the left, within -a few feet of the road, between which and the water stood the -arms of the guard in charge of the two men, who were lazily employed -in watching the bubblings of the fountain, and then tracing -its clear waters as they flowed silently off in a small rivulet in a -winding direction, until lost in the thick foliage a few rods below. -Beyond, and in full view, were the walls and fortifications of Savannah, -almost within hailing distance of the spot which our heroes -have rendered immortal by their daring achievement.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The remaining guard stood in a group on the opposite side of -the road, conversing freely and gayly, and utterly unconscious of -the presence of an enemy, while the prisoners were reclining under -the stately oak, a little on the left of the British.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The two soldiers were conversing cheerfully, having seated themselves -by the side of the spring, little dreaming that this colloquy -was destined to be their last.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Presently, the two arose, and leaning their muskets against a -small tree, close to where Jasper and his comrade lay concealed, -they proceeded to fill their canteens with the refreshing draught of -the spring.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At this moment Jasper gave the signal. Springing out from their -ambush, he and his companion seized the loaded weapons, and -instantly leveling them, shot the two soldiers dead upon the ground. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>Then rushing upon the guard, they clubbed their muskets, and assailing -two of the remaining soldiers, who were in advance of the -rest, they felled them to the earth, and before the astonished guard -could recover from their surprise, they rushed to the stack of arms, -and with presented weapons, instantly demanded the surrender of -the whole troop. The British officers seeing their perilous situation, -and noticing the determined looks of Jasper and Newton, and being -withal deprived of their arms, complied with their demand, and -yielded themselves and their men as prisoners of war. To set free -the captives was but the work of an instant, and placing the muskets -of the captured British into their hands, Jasper ordered the irons to -be placed upon the new prisoners; and then hurrying away from -this spot, which they have immortalized with a name not soon to be -forgotten, they crossed the Savannah with both friends and foes, and -were soon rapidly marching toward the American camp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus was this noble act achieved, of which history furnishes but -few parallels; and which strikingly illustrates the coolness, determination -and bravery, which ever characterized the noble-hearted -Jasper. But, unfortunately for his country, she was soon destined -to lose his valuable services, when, in the very hey-day of his youth, -he sealed his patriotism with his heart's blood before the walls of -Savannah.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='p160' class='c005'>ELERSON'S TWENTY-FIVE MILE RACE.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span> -<img src='images/i011.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Elerson's Twenty-Five Mile Race—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p160'>32</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>Among the members of that celebrated rifle corps, commanded -by Daniel Morgan, to which we already have referred, was a man by -the name of Elerson, who, in deeds of daring and intrepidity, was -almost a match for Timothy Murphy, whose frequent companion he -was when on an expedition against their mutual enemies, the Tories, -red-coats, and Indians. Quick of perception, rapid in his conclusions -and his actions, light of foot, and brave as a lion, he was an -enemy whom the Indians feared, and a friend whom all reckoned as -second only to the renowned Murphy himself. The corps to which -these celebrated marksmen belonged was attached to the expedition -of Generals Clinton and Sullivan against the Six Nations in 1779. -Elerson was with Clinton when that officer halted at Otsego Lake, -to await the coming up of his superior, from the direction of Wyoming. -While the army lay at this place, Elerson rambled off from -the main body, in search of adventure, and <em>pulse</em> for the dinner of -the mess to which he belonged. Regardless of danger, he wandered -about until he had procured a quantity of the weed, when he prepared -to return to camp. It seems that he had been discovered and -tracked by a party of Indians, who determined upon his capture. -As he was adjusting his burden, he heard a rustling of the leaves -near him. Looking in the direction indicated, he discovered a band -of six or eight Indians, stationed between him and the camp, so as -to cut off his retreat in that direction, and who were in the act of -springing upon him. Conscious of their object—for he might have -been shot down with ease—he determined to foil them if in his -power, knowing full well the fate of a prisoner in their hands. -Seizing his rifle, he dropped his bundle, and fled through the only -avenue left open for his escape, followed by the whole pack, hooting -and yelling at his heels. As he started to run, half a dozen tomahawks -were hurled at him, and came whizzing and flying through -the air. Fortunately but one reached its object, and that nearly cut -the middle finger from his left hand. With the agility of the hunted -stag, Elerson bounded over an old brushwood fence which stood in -his path, and darted into the shades of the forest, followed by his -no less rapid pursuers. Aware that the course he had taken was -away from the camp—so also were his enemies—he prepared himself -for a mighty effort, trusting that an opportunity would offer to -"double" and find his way back. Vain hope! The Indians, aware -that such would naturally be his aim, took care to prevent it by -spreading themselves somewhat in the form of a crescent; but, in -so doing, they nearly lost sight of their prey. Fearful that he might -escape, they discharged their rifles—hoping to wound or kill him—but -with no effect. The brave fellow tried every nerve to outstrip, -and every stratagem and device to mislead his savage pursuers; but -they were too cunning to be deceived, and kept on his track with -the ardor of blood-hounds. Four long hours the chase continued -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>thus, until overtasked nature threatened to give way, and yield him -to the tomahawk and scalping-knives of his enemies. Like some -powerful engine, his heart was forcing the blood through his distended -and throbbing veins, which were swollen to bursting with the -mighty efforts of the chase. His breath came short and rapid, betokening -a speedy termination of the race, unless a breathing spell -was afforded him. An opportunity at last was offered, when, having, -as he thought, outstripped his pursuers for a moment, he halted -in a little lonely dell to recover his waning strength. His hope was -destined to disappointment, however, for the circle closed in upon -him, and the bust of an Indian presented itself at a slight opening -in front. He raised his rifle to fire, but at that moment a shot from -his rear admonished him that danger was all around; another took -effect in his side, and warned him of the danger of delay. The Indian -in front had disappeared, and he hastened forward, with the love -of life still strong in his breast. The wound in his side bled freely, -although only a flesh-wound, and therefore not dangerous nor painful. -It served, however, to track him by, and, conscious of the fact, he -managed to tear a strip from his hunting-shirt and staunch the blood. -On, on went pursuer and pursued—over hill and dale, brook, stream-let -and running stream—through brier and bramble, through field -and wood—until the parched and burning tongue of the fugitive -protruded from his mouth swelled to such distention as almost to -stop his breathing. Exhausted nature could do no more; he threw -himself prostrate on the bank of a tiny brook, resolved to yield the -contest for the sake of a hearty draught of its clear, sparkling -waters. He bathed his brow in the cool element, and drank deeply -of its reviving virtues. Raising his head, he discovered the foremost -of the now scattered and equally exhausted enemy, crossing -the brow of a ridge over which he had just passed. The instinct -of preservation was awakened afresh in his bosom at the sight; he -started to his feet and raised his rifle, but failing strength would not -allow of a certain aim, and an empty weapon would insure his death. -Another moment, and he would be at the mercy of his enemy, without -hope or chance of life. Again he raised his trusty rifle, and, -steadying its barrel against a sapling, he secured his aim, fired, and -the Indian fell headlong in death. Before the echoes of the report -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>had died away in the neighboring hills, he beheld the remainder of -the band of eager, hungry pursuers coming over the ridge; he then -felt that his minutes indeed were numbered. Hidden partially by -the tree behind which he stood, they did not discover him, however; -and while they paused over the body of their fallen comrade, -he made another attempt to fly. He staggered forward—fell—and, -exerting his failing powers to the utmost, he managed to reach -a thicket of young trees, overgrown with wild vines, into which he -threw himself with the energy of desperation. Fortune favored -him; he discovered the rotten trunk of a fallen tree, whose hollow -butt, hidden and screened by the deep shadow of the surrounding -foliage, offered an asylum from the impending death which seemed -so near. The approaching steps of the savages quickened his movements, -as he crawled head first into the recess, which was barely -large enough to admit his person. Here he lay within hearing of -the efforts made to discover his hiding-place, until they died away in -the distance. Conscious, however, that the Indians would search -long and anxiously for him, he lay in this situation for two days and -nights. When he ventured out he knew not which way to turn, but -striking off at random, he soon emerged upon a clearing near Cobbleskill—a -distance of twenty-five miles from his place of starting. -The brave fellow had earned his liberty; and the Indians never -ceased to recur to the race, with grunts of approbation at the white -man's power of endurance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Another race for life, not so lengthy, but equally exciting while it -lasted, is related in the historical records of Kentucky—that State -whose infancy was "baptized in blood." William Kennan, a -brother spirit of Kenton, Hunt, and Boone, a ranger renowned for -strength and courage, had joined the expedition of St. Clair against -the Indians. In the course of the march from Fort Washington he -had repeated opportunities of testing his surprising powers, and was -admitted to be the swiftest runner of the light corps. This expedition -of St. Clair was organized after the disastrous defeat of Harmar -by the Indians, in 1779. Washington, who was at this time -President, determined to employ a force sufficient to crush out the -savages. This force was to have been two thousand regular troops, -composed of cavalry, infantry and artillery, and a large number of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>militia which were ordered to move from the several States in which -they had been enlisted, toward Fort Washington, now Cincinnati, -where the men rendezvoused in September. The object of the campaign -was to establish a line of posts, stretching from the Ohio to -the Maumee, to build a strong post on the latter river, and by leaving -in it a garrison of a thousand men, to enable the commander of -the fort to send out detachments to keep the Indians in awe. But -there was difficulty about organizing the army, St. Clair being very -unpopular in Kentucky; the season was far advanced before he took -the field, and when he did, he had only about two thousand men all -told, and from these, desertions were continually taking place. The -Kentucky levies were reckless and ungovernable, the conscripts from -the other States were dissatisfied, and to make matters worse, the -mountain leader, a Chickasaw chief, whose knowledge of Indian -tactics would have been invaluable, losing faith in the success of the -whites, abandoned the enterprise with his band of warriors.</p> - -<p class='c000'>St. Clair, however, continued his march; and on the evening of -the third of November, halted on one of the tributaries of the Wabash. -A few Indians were seen, who fled with precipitation. The -troops encamped; the regulars and levies in two lines, covered by -the stream; the militia on the opposite shore, and about a quarter -of a mile in advance. Still further in advance was posted Captain -Hough with a company of regulars. His orders were to intercept -small parties of the enemy, should they venture to approach the -camp, and to give intelligence of any occurrences which might -transpire.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Colonel Oldham, who commanded the Kentucky levies, such as -had not deserted, was cautioned to remain on the alert during the -night, and to send out patrols of twenty-five or thirty men each, in -different directions, before daylight, to scour the adjoining woods.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Kennan was with one of these patrols. Just as day was dawning -he perceived about thirty Indians within one hundred yards of -the guard fire, cautiously approaching the spot where he, with about -twenty other rangers, stood, the rest of his company being considerably -in the rear. Supposing it to be a mere scouting party, not -superior in numbers to the rangers, he sprung forward a few paces -to shelter himself in a spot of tall grass, where, after firing with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>quick aim upon the foremost savage, he fell flat upon his face, rapidly -reloading his gun, not doubting but what his companions would -maintain their position.</p> - -<p class='c000'>However, as the battle afterward proved, this, instead of being a -scouting-party of savages, was the front rank of their whole body, -who had chosen their favorite hour of daybreak for a fierce assault -upon the whites, and who now marched forward in such overwhelming -masses, that the rangers were compelled to fly, leaving Kennan -in total ignorance of his danger. Fortunately, the Captain of his -company, observing him throw himself in the grass, suddenly exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Run, Kennan! or you are a dead man!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Instantly springing to his feet, he beheld the Indians within ten -feet of him, while his company was more than a hundred yards in -front. He had no time for thought; but the instinct of self-preservation -prompted him to dart away, while the yells of his pursuers -seemed absolutely close in his ears. He fancied he could feel their -hot breath. At first, he pressed straight toward the usual fording-place -in the creek, which was between the savages and the main -army. Ten feet behind him! ay, they were before, and all about -him! Several savages had passed him, as he lay in the grass, without -discovering him; and these now turned, heading him off from -the ford.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was but one way possible for him to reach the camp, which -was to dart aside, between his pursuers, and make a long circuit. -He had not succeeded in reloading his rifle; with a pang of regret, he -threw it down, for it encumbered him, in the exertions he was making, -and putting every nerve to its utmost strain, he bounded aside -and onward. Running like a deer, he soon had the relief of outstripping -all his pursuers but one, a young chief, perhaps Messhawa, -who displayed a swiftness and perseverance equal to his own.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Here was a race worth seeing! With long, panther-like bounds, -the agile Indian chased the fugitive, who scarcely knew whether he -fled on air or earth. The distance between them on the start was -about eighteen feet; the herculean efforts of Kennan could not make -it one inch more, nor the equally powerful leaps of the savage make -it one inch less. Kennan was at a great disadvantage. He had to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>watch the pending blow of his adversary, whose tomahawk was -poised in the air, ready for the first favorable opportunity to be discharged -at him. This gave him small chance to pick his footsteps -with prudence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Growing tired of this contest of skill, in which neither gained, -the ranger, seeing that no other Indian was near enough to interfere, -resolved to end the matter by a hand-to-hand conflict. Feeling in -his belt for his knife, he found that it was gone.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I'm tellin' the straight out-and-out truth, my friends," Kennan -used to remark, when he related this adventure, "when I felt for -sartin that knife was lost, my ha'r just lifted my cap off my head—it -stood straight up—that's a fact!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>But if fear lifted his hair up, it lifted his body up, likewise. The -thought of his unarmed condition gave him wings, which, verily, -he needed, for he had slackened his pace as he felt for his knife, and -the tomahawk of his enemy was now almost at his shoulder.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For the first time he gained ground a trifle. He had watched the -motions of his pursuer so closely, however, as not to pay attention -to the nature of the ground, so that he suddenly found himself in -front of a large tree, which had been torn up by the winds, and -whose dry branches and trunk made an obstacle eight or nine feet -high. As he paused before this hindrance, the young chief gave a -whoop of triumph.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Yell yer throat open, yer blasted red blood-hound!" thought the -invincible Kentucky ranger.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Putting his soul into the effort, he bounded into the air with a -power which astonished himself as much as his pursuers; trunk, -limbs, brush, were cleared—he alighted in perfect safety on the other -side. A loud yell of amazement burst from the band of savages -who witnessed the feat, which not even the young chief, Messhawa, -had the hardihood to repeat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Kennan, however, had no leisure to enjoy his triumph. Dashing -into the creek, where its high banks protected him from the fire of -the Indians, he ran up the edge of the stream until he came to a -convenient crossing-place, when he rejoined the encampment, where -he threw himself on the ground, exhausted by his exertions.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He had little time for rest. The Indians had begun a furious -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>attack, which raged for three hours, and which resulted in a defeat of -the whites still more disastrous than that of Harmar's.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the retreat which followed, Kennan was attached to the battalion -which had the dangerous service of protecting the rear. This -corps quickly lost its commander, Major Clarke, and was completely -demoralized. Kennan was among the hindmost when the retreat -commenced; but the same powers which had saved him in the morning -enabled him to gain the front, passing several horsemen in his -flight. The retreat of the whole army was in the utmost disorder. -The camp, artillery, baggage and wounded were left in the hands -of the enemy. Most of the officers, who had fought bravely, were -already fallen.</p> - -<p class='c000'>St. Clair himself, who had been confined to his tent with the gout, -made his escape on a pack-horse, which he could neither mount nor -dismount without assistance. The flying troops made their way -back to Fort Jefferson. Under such circumstances, it may be imagined -that the line of flight was a scene of fearful disorder. The -Indians, making matters more appalling by their yells of triumph, -pursued the routed foe. Giving up all efforts to protect the rear, the -battalion to which Kennan belonged fled as it could, every man for -himself.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was here, as he was making good his own retreat, that our -hero came across a private in his own company, an intimate friend, -lying upon the ground with his thigh broken, who, in tones of piercing -distress, implored each horseman to take him up. When he beheld -Kennan coming up on foot he stretched out his hands entreatingly. -Notwithstanding the imminent peril, his friend could not -withstand this passionate appeal; he lifted him upon his back, and -ran in that manner several hundred yards.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The enemy gained upon them so fast that Kennan saw the death -of both was certain unless he relinquished his burden. He told his -friend that he had done all he could for him, but that it was in vain. -He could not save him, and unless he wished both to perish, to let -go his clasp about his neck. The unhappy man only clung the -more tenaciously; Kennan staggered on under his burden, until the -foremost of the enemy were within twenty yards of him—then, -yielding to a cruel necessity, he drew his knife from its sheath and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>severed the fingers of the wounded man, who fell to the ground, and -was tomahawked three minutes after.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But if unsuccessful in the attempt to save this fated fellow-soldier, -he had the pleasure, before the race was over, of saving the life of -one who afterward became his warm and helpful friend.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Darting forward with renewed swiftness, after cutting his burden -from him, he was again out of immediate danger, when he came -across a young man, sitting upon a log, calmly awaiting the approach -of his enemies. He was deadly pale, but his refined and -handsome face wore not the least expression of fear.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Don't you know the red-skins are upon us?" called out the -ranger.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I know it; but I can not help it. I have never been strong, -and now I am wounded. I could not take another step to save -my life. Go on—don't stop to pity me."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Kennan was too brave himself not to admire the calm courage -of this young man. He looked about. A short distance off he saw -an exhausted horse, refreshing himself upon the luxuriant grass. -Running after the animal, he caught him without difficulty, brought -him up, assisted the wounded stranger to mount, and ran by his side -until they were out of danger. Fortunately the pursuit ceased about -that time, the spoils of the camp offering attractions to the savages -more irresistible even than the blood of the remaining whites. The -stranger thus saved by Kennan was Madison, afterward Governor -of Kentucky, who continued through life the friendship formed that -day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Kennan never entirely recovered from the superhuman exertions -he was compelled to make on that disastrous day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Of this melancholy campaign of St. Clair's, Hall, in his sketches -of the West, says: "The fault was not in the leader, but in the -plan of the expedition, and the kind of troops employed. All that -an old commander could effect with such a force, under the circumstances -by which he was surrounded and overruled, was accomplished -by General St. Clair. The brilliant talents of this brave soldier and -veteran patriot were exerted in vain in the wilderness. The wariness -and perseverance of Indian warfare created every day new -obstacles and unforeseen dangers; the skill of the experienced leader -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>was baffled, and undisciplined force prevailed over military science. -The art of the tactician proved insufficient when opposed to a countless -multitude of wily savages, protected by the labyrinths of the -forest and aided by the terrors of the climate. At a moment of -fancied security his troops were assailed upon all sides by a numerous -and well-organized foe, who had long been hanging on his flanks, -and had become acquainted with his strength, his order of encampment, -and the distribution of his force—who knew when to attack -and where to strike."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The loss on this occasion was mournfully great; thirty-eight officers -and eight hundred men were slain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hall further says: "In reference to all these (Indian) wars, it has -never been sufficiently urged, that they were but a continuation, and -a protracted sequel to the War of Independence. For years after -the United States had been acknowledged as a nation, Great Britain -continued to hold a number of military posts within her Northwestern -limits, and <em>to urge a destructive warfare through her savage -allies</em>. It was against <em>Britain</em> that St. Clair, Harmar, Wayne and -Harrison fought; and they, with others, who bled in those Western -wilds, contributed as much to the purchase of our independence, as -those who fought for our birthright at an earlier period."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Oh, <em>mother</em>-country; how very like the worst personification of a -stepmother thou hast ever been, and still art, to this fairest of thy -children.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indians are remarkable for fleetness of foot and endurance. -Trained from childhood to the forest and chase, to run without tiring -is one of their most esteemed virtues. They have been known frequently -to run down the deer. We have seen them, on the western -plains, exhaust the horse in the contest for strength of "wind." -One savage of the Osages used to run from one village to another, -a distance of fifteen miles, in one hundred minutes, for a swallow of -"fire-water," and his squaw once performed the feat in the space of -two hours, for the price of three yards of red ribbon. The stories -now related of Ellerson and Kennan prove that, in speed and endurance, -the white man sometimes excels even the savages. We shall, -in the course of these pages, have occasion to mention other instances -of running for life.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span> - <h2 id='p172' class='c005'>MOLLY PITCHER AT MONMOUTH.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The battle of Monmouth was one of the most severely contested -engagements of the Revolution. From the rising to the setting sun, -on that sultry Sabbath in June, two armies strove for the mastery of -that ensanguined field, until heaps of dead and dying strewed the -plain, marking the path of the serried ranks as the ebb and flow of -battle changed their relative positions. Both armies fought with a -desperate determination to conquer, and instances of personal -bravery and daring were innumerable; yet, when night drew her -sable mantle over the earth, shrouding from sight the soul-sickening -scene, neither party could claim the meed of victory. Of the many -thrilling incidents of that eventful day, that which brought into -conspicuous notice the heroine of our story was not the least -interesting.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Molly Pitcher, or, as she was afterward more familiarly known, -Captain Molly, was a sturdy young Irish woman of some twenty-two -or twenty-three years of age, short, thick-set, with red hair, a freckled -face, and a keen, piercing eye, which gave token of a spirit of mischief -ever ready for a frolic or a fight. She was the wife of a -Sergeant in an artillery corps, which had seen service since the -commencement of the war, and was attached to him with all the -warmth of the Irish disposition. She had followed him through all -his campaigns, and was with him at Fort Clinton, in the Hudson -highlands, when that post was attacked and captured by Sir Henry -Clinton. Here, too, she gave a specimen of that reckless courage -which distinguished her at Monmouth some nine months after. Her -husband, who was in the act of touching off his piece, seeing the -British scaling the walls, and getting in his rear, dropped his match, -and calling to Molly to follow, fled as fast as his legs would carry -him. She, determined not to waste powder and ball, and knowing -that her "petticoats" would protect her retreat in a measure, picked -up the linstock, fired the piece, and then scampered off. She -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>escaped scot-free, and when the scattered fugitives from the forts -were collected, and the artillery was attached to the main army, she -accompanied her husband as a sutler, and was with him through that -bitter winter at Valley Forge.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When Sir Henry Clinton evacuated Philadelphia, and took up his -march across the Jerseys, Washington left his winter camp and prepared -to follow, hoping to get an opportunity to strike a blow which -should animate his own troops and effectually cripple, perhaps capture, -the British army. On the plains of Monmouth the hostile -armies met in battle array. Of the details of the action it is not -our province to speak. It will suffice our purpose to say that Lee -had been ordered to attack the British on their first movement, and -engage them until the main army of the Americans could be brought -into action by Washington in person. The first part of his orders -he had obeyed; the latter, for reasons never fully explained, he did -not conform to, but retreated unexpectedly toward the main body, -which movement was timely checked by Washington, who ordered -the whole army into action. It became necessary, however, for a -portion to fall back a second time; and to check the pursuit, the artillery, -to which Molly's husband was attached, was stationed on an -eminence, in the rear of a hedge-row, for that purpose. Molly herself -was engaged in bringing water from a spring to assuage the -thirst of the men at the guns, when she saw her husband struck -down by a cannon-shot from the enemy, which cut him nearly in -two, killing him instantly; at the same time she heard the commandant -order the piece withdrawn, as he had no one to fill the place -now vacant. Molly heard the order, and maddened by her loss, -rushed forward, exclaiming as she did so: "No! you shan't remove -the gun, neither. Shure, can't I ram it as well as Tom, there? -Ah! it's kilt entirely he is, bad luck to the bloody vagabond that -p'inted the gun that shot him. Sorra a day was it when ye 'listed, -darlint, to leave me a lone widdy now, with nary a soul to care -whether I live or die. But I'll pay the dirty vagabonds for this -day's work, cuss 'em." And thus alternately apostrophizing her -husband and anathematizing the British, she continued to ram the -gun until it was withdrawn. The activity and courage which she -exhibited attracted the attention of all who witnessed it, and on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>morning after the battle the circumstance was reported to General -Greene, who was so much pleased at her bravery and spirit that he -sent for her and determined to present her to the Commander-in-Chief. -This he did, covered with dirt and blood as she was, and -Washington, after questioning her, conferred on her a warrant as -Sergeant, and subsequently, by his influence, her name was placed -on the list of half-pay officers for life. She went ever after by the -name of "<em>Captain Molly</em>," and the French officers, particularly, took -a great deal of notice of her, and made her many presents. She -dressed in a mongrel suit, composed of a cocked hat, soldier's coat -with an epaulette on one shoulder, and petticoats. In this rig she -would pass along the French lines any day and get her hat filled -with crowns.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Molly Pitcher's bravery was not, perhaps, of the highest order, -being a part of the natural recklessness of her character; but there were -women, plenty of them, in the time of our country's peril, and during -the still more dreadful dangers of the new country, who proved -their heroism to be of the noblest sort. Not only the heroism of -endurance, in which women always excel—the endurance of fear, -privation, loneliness and grief—but the heroism of <em>action</em>. Of such -metal was the deed of prowess which has immortalized the name of -Elizabeth Zane. In 1777, Fort Henry, in Ohio county, Virginia, -was attacked by Indians. The defence was made with vigor, until -the ammunition became exhausted, when surrender seemed the only -alternative—a fearful alternative, in view of the treacherous character -of their enemies. There was a keg of powder in a house about -twelve rods distant, to obtain which would prolong the defense, and -perhaps preserve the lives of the whole garrison. It was resolved -that one person should venture out, and, if possible, secure and bear -into the fort the valued prize. The Indians having retired a little -distance, a favorable opportunity was afforded; but it became difficult -to decide who should undertake the service, as many soldiers -were emulous for the honor of executing the perilous enterprise.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Their contention was cut short by Miss Zane, who claimed to be -chosen for performing the duty, upon the ground that the life of a -soldier was more valuable to be employed in defending the fort, and -also that her sex might save her errand from suspicion and thus -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>secure its success. It was the latter plea, which was somewhat -plausible, united to her resolution, which overcame the scruples of -the officer in command, far enough to permit her to make the -attempt.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Her sex <em>might</em> protect her! Ah! no one better than the girl herself -knew how very slender was that "might"—for an instant her -heart stood still in her bosom, as the gate of the fort opened a little -and closed behind her, shutting her out in the very shadow of the -valley of death! For one instant her eyes grew dark and her ears -rung, and in her bosom she felt, by apprehension, the piercing anguish -of a dozen bullets; but, as quickly, she rallied, and with a light, -fleet foot passed on to the house, not running, for fear of calling -down the suspicions of the murderous eyes which watched her every -movement. The Indians observed her leave the fort, but, as she had -hoped, did not at first comprehend her actions, allowing her to pass -on to the building, without molesting her, probably absorbed in a -momentary wonder at her sex and her audacity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>She reached the house, seized the powder, and hastened to return. -By this time the savages had recovered from the spell which the -first sight of the young heroine had thrown upon them; they saw -the keg of powder in her arms, and with yells of anger, fired a volley -after her as she ran rapidly toward the fort. Fortunately, not a -bullet touched her. As they rattled about her, singing past her ears, -they only gave activity to her movements. In another moment she -was safe within the gate, to the unbounded joy of the garrison. -Animated by so noble an example, the men fought with a vigor -which the enemy could not overcome, who were compelled to raise -the siege.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The following anecdote, which is too well authenticated to be disputed, -furnishes one instance, among thousands, of that heroic spirit -which animated the American women during the struggle for Independence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1775, a good lady lived on the seaboard, about a day's march -from Boston, where the British then were. By some unaccountable -mistake, a rumor was spread, in town and country, in and about -her residence, that the regulars were on a march for that place, where -they would arrive in about three hours. This was after the battle -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>of Lexington, and all, as might be supposed, was in sad confusion; -some were boiling with rage and full of fight; some in fear and -tribulation were hiding their treasures; others flying for life. In -this wild moment, when most people, in one way or another, were -frightened from propriety, our heroine, who had two sons, aged respectively -nineteen and sixteen, was seen preparing them to discharge -their duty in the emergency. The eldest she was enabled to -equip in fine style; she took her husband's fowling-piece, "made for -duck or plover," (the good man being absent on a coasting voyage -to Virginia,) and with it, the powder-horn and shot-bag. But the -lad, thinking the duck and geese-shot not quite the size to kill regulars, -his mother, with the chisel, cut up her pewter spoons, hammered -them into slugs, put them into his bag, and he set off in great -earnest, calling a moment, on the way, to see the parson, who said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Well done, my brave boy. God preserve you!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>The youngest was importunate for his equipments, but his -mother could find nothing to arm him with but an old rusty sword. -The boy seemed unwilling to risk himself with this alone, lingering -in the street until his mother thus upbraided him:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"You, John H——, what will your father say, if he hears that -a child of his is afraid to meet the British? Go along; beg or -borrow a gun, or you'll find one, child; some coward, I dare say, -will be running away; then take his gun and march forward! If -you come back, and I hear you have not behaved like a man, I shall -carry the blush of shame on my face to the grave."</p> - -<p class='c000'>She then shut the door, wiped the tear from her eye, and abided -the issue.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There were not wanting American ladies whose wit and courage -could bring the blush of shame or anger to the haughty faces of the -British officers. There is scarcely a more stinging retort on record -than that which was given to the insolent Tarleton by a lady at Washington, -before whom he was boasting his feats of gallantry. Said he:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I have a very earnest desire to see your far-famed hero, Colonel -Washington."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Your wish, Colonel, might have been fully gratified," she -promptly replied, "had you ventured to look behind you at the -battle of the Cowpens."</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span> -<img src='images/i012.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Molly Pitcher at Monmouth.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p172'>44</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>It was in that battle that Washington had wounded Tarleton, -which gave rise to an equally pointed remark from Mrs. Wiley Jones, -to whom Tarleton had observed:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"You appear to think very highly of Colonel Washington; yet I -have been told that he is so ignorant a fellow that he can hardly -write his own name."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"It may be the case," she readily replied, "but no one knows -better than yourself that he knows how to make his <em>mark</em>."</p> - -<p class='c000'>We should think that he would have been ready to drop the subject -in the presence of ladies so well able to defend their country's -gallant officers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mrs. Thomas Heyward, in two instances, with the utmost firmness -refused to illuminate for British victories. An officer forced his way -into her presence, sternly demanding:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"How dare you disobey the order which has been issued? Why, -madam, is not your house illuminated?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Is it possible for me, sir," replied the lady, with perfect calmness, -"to feel a spark of joy? Can I celebrate the victory of your -army while my husband remains a prisoner at St. Augustine?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"That is of little consequence," rejoined the officer; "the last -hopes of the rebellion are crushed by the defeat of Greene at Guilford. -You shall illuminate."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Not a single light," replied the lady, "shall be placed on such -an occasion, with my consent, in any window of my house."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Then, madam, I will return with a party, and before midnight, -level it with the ground."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"You have power to destroy, sir, and seem well disposed to use -it; but over my opinions you possess no control. I disregard your -menaces, and resolutely declare—I will not illuminate!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mrs. Rebecca Motte was another lady who proved, in a signal -manner, that her patriotism was equal to the severest test. After -the abandonment of Camden to the Americans, Lord Rawdon, anxious -to maintain his posts, directed his first efforts to relieve Fort -Mott, at the time invested by Marion and Lee. This fort, which -commanded the river, was the principal depot of the convoys from -Charleston to Camden, and the upper districts. It was occupied by a -garrison, under the command of Captain McPherson, of one hundred -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>and sixty-five men, having been increased by a small detachment -of dragoons from Charleston, a few hours before the appearance of -the Americans.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The large new mansion-house belonging to Mrs. Motte, which had -been selected for the establishment of the post, was surrounded by -a deep trench, along the interior margin of which was raised a -strong and lofty parapet. Opposite, and northward, upon another -hill, was an old farm-house to which Mrs. Motte had removed when -dismissed from her mansion. On this height Lieutenant-Colonel -Lee took position with his force, while Marion occupied the eastern -declivity of the ridge on which the fort stood, the valley running -between the two hills permitting the Americans to approach within -four hundred yards.</p> - -<p class='c000'>McPherson was unprovided with artillery, but hoped to be relieved -by the arrival of Lord Rawdon to dislodge the assailants before they -could push their preparations to maturity. He therefore replied to -the summons to surrender—which came on May twentieth, about a -year after the victorious British had taken possession of Charleston—that -he should hold out to the last moment in his power.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The besiegers had carried on their approaches rapidly, by relays -of working-parties, and, aware of the advance of Rawdon with all -his force, had every motive for perseverance. In the night a courier -arrived from General Greene, to advise them of Rawdon's retreat -from Camden, and to urge redoubled activity; and Marion persevered -through the hours of darkness in pressing the completion of the -works. The following night Lord Rawdon encamped on the highest -ground in the country opposite Fort Motte, where the despairing garrison -saw with joy the illumination of his fires, while the Americans -were convinced that no time was to be lost.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The large house in the center of the encircling trench left but a -few yards of ground within the British works uncovered; burning -the mansion, therefore, must compel the surrender of the garrison. -This expedient was reluctantly resolved upon by Marion and Lee, -who, always unwilling to destroy private property, felt the duty to -be unusually painful in the present case. It was the summer residence -of the owner, whose deceased husband had been a firm friend -to his country, and whose daughter (Mrs. Pinckney) was the wife of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>a gallant officer then a prisoner in the hands of the British. Lee -had made Mrs. Motte's dwelling his quarters, at her pressing invitation, -and with his officers had shared her liberal hospitality. Not satisfied -with polite attentions to the officers while they were entertained -at her luxurious table, she had attended, with active benevolence, to -the sick and wounded, soothed the infirm with kind sympathy, and -animated the desponding to hope.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was thus not without deep regret that the commanders determined -upon the sacrifice, and the Lieutenant-Colonel found himself -compelled to inform Mrs. Motte of the unavoidable necessity of destroying -her property. The smile with which the communication -was received gave instant relief to the embarrassed officer. Mrs. -Motte not only assented, but declared that she was "gratified with -the opportunity of contributing to the good of her country, and -should view the approaching scene with delight." Shortly after, -seeing by accident the bows and arrows which had been prepared -for to carry combustible matter, she sent for Lee, and, presenting -him with a bow and its apparatus, which had been imported from -India, requested his substitution of them, as better adapted for the -object than those provided.</p> - -<p class='c000'>An interesting incident, illustrative of female patriotism and activity, -is given by Mr. Headley as occurring in the church at Litchfield, -Connecticut. The pastor, Judah Champion, was an ardent patriot, -and on a certain Sabbath was earnestly preaching and praying for the -success of the American arms. During the service a messenger -arrived, announcing that St. John's—which had been besieged six -weeks, and was regarded as the key to Canada—was taken. "Thank -God for the victory!" exclaimed the patriot preacher, and the chorister, -clapping his hands vigorously, shouted: "Amen, and amen!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>The communication of the messenger announced that our army -was in a suffering condition, destitute of clothing, without stockings -or shoes. "Sorrows and pity took the place of exultation, and -generous sympathetic eyes filled with tears on every side. There -was scarcely a dry eye among the females of the congregation. As -soon as the audience was dismissed, they were soon gathered together -in excited groups, and it was evident that some scheme was -on foot that would not admit of delay. The result was, that when -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>the congregation assembled in the afternoon, <em>not a woman was to be -seen</em>. The men had come to church, but their earnest, noble wives -and daughters had taken down their hand-cards, drawn forth their -spinning wheels, set in motion their looms, while the knitting and -sewing needles were plied as they never were before. It was a -strange spectacle to see that Puritan Sabbath turned into a day of -secular work. The pastor was at the meeting-house, performing -those duties belonging to the house of God, and the voice of prayer -and hymns of praise ascended as usual from devout and solemn -hearts; but all through the usually quiet streets of Litchfield the -humming of the spinning-wheel, the clash of the shuttle flying to -and fro, were heard, making strange harmony with the worship of -the sanctuary. But let it not be supposed that these noble women -had gone to work without the knowledge of their pastor. They had -consulted with him, and he had given them his sanction and blessing.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Swimming eyes and heaving bosoms were over their work, and -lips moved in prayer for the destitute and suffering soldier. The -pastor's wife contributed eleven blankets from her own stores to the -collection."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The women of the Revolution were active in their service of -relief and comfort to the armies of the country. "The supply of -domestic cloth designed for families was in a short time, by the labor -of the females, converted into coats for the soldiers; sheets and -blankets were fashioned into shirts; and even the flannels already -made up were altered into men's habiliments. Such aid was rendered -by many whose deeds of disinterested generosity were never -known beyond their own immediate neighborhood."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Weights of clocks, pans, dishes, pewter services of plate, then common, -were melted by the women and given to the army to be used -in defense of freedom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1776, Lafayette passed through Baltimore, and was honored -with a public reception. In the gayeties of the scene he was seen -to be sad. "Why so sad?" said a gay belle. "I can not enjoy -these festivities," said Lafayette, "while so many of the poor soldiers -are without shirts and other necessaries." "They shall be supplied," -responded the fair ladies; and the scenes of the festive hall were exchanged -for the service of their needles. They immediately made -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>up clothing for the suffering soldiers—one of the ladies cutting out -five hundred pairs of pantaloons with her own hands, and superintending -the making.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1780, a cold and dreary winter, when the soldiers greatly suffered, -the ladies of Philadelphia formed an Industrial Association -for the relief of the American army. They solicited money, sacrificed -their jewelry, and labored with their own hands. Mrs. Bache, -daughter of Dr. Franklin, was a leading spirit in these patriotic -efforts. "She conducted us," said a French nobleman, in describing -the scene, "into a room filled with work lately finished by -the ladies of Philadelphia. It was shirts for the soldiers of Pennsylvania. -The ladies bought the cloth from their own private purses, -and took a pleasure in cutting them out and sewing them together. -On each shirt was the name of the married or unmarried lady who -made it; and they amounted to twenty-two hundred. During -the cold winter that followed, thousands of poor soldiers in Washington's -camp had occasion to bless the women of Philadelphia for -these labors of love."</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'>THE BARONESS DE REIDESEL.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>One of the most interesting papers of personal reminiscences, -which has come down to us from Revolutionary times, is the narrative -by the Baroness de Reidesel, wife of the distinguished German, -the Baron de Reidesel, a Major-General in Burgoyne's army of invasion. -With all the truth of a high-minded lady, and the devotion -of a true wife and mother, she accompanied her husband to America, -and was present at the disastrous defeat of Burgoyne at Saratoga. -Her story gives us an inside view of the British camp, and reveals -the hardships to which she was exposed. After the battle of Saratoga -she witnessed the British retreat, and never after could refer to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>it without weeping—the terrible scene so affected her. In his rather -pretentious "memoirs," General Wilkinson has engrafted her entire -narrative. We give our readers so much of the interesting document -as our space permits. The "women of America" will peruse -it with intense interest. After detailing her experiences up to the -day of battle, (October 7th, 1779,) she proceeds:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I was at breakfast with my husband and heard that something -was intended. On the same day I expected Generals Burgoyne, -Phillips and Frazer to dine with us. I saw a great movement -among the troops; my husband told me it was merely a reconnoissance, -which gave me no concern, as it often happened. I walked -out of the house and met several Indians in their war-dresses, with -guns in their hands. When I asked them where they were going, -they cried out: 'War! war!' meaning that they were going to -battle. This filled me with apprehension, and I had scarcely got -home before I heard reports of cannon and musketry, which grew -louder by degrees, till at last the noise became excessive.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"About four o'clock in the afternoon, instead of the guests whom I -expected, General Frazer was brought on a litter, mortally wounded. -The table, which was already set, was instantly removed, and a -bed placed in its stead for the wounded General. I sat trembling in -a corner; the noise grew louder, and the alarm increased; the -thought that my husband might be brought in, wounded in the same -manner, was terrible to me, and distressed me exceedingly. General -Frazer said to the surgeon, '<em>Tell me if my wound is mortal; do not -flatter me.</em>' The ball had passed through, his body, and, unhappily -for the General, he had eaten a very hearty breakfast, by which his -stomach was distended, and the ball, as the surgeon said, had passed -through it. I heard him often exclaim, with a sigh, '<em>Oh fatal ambition! -Poor General Burgoyne! Oh! my poor wife!</em>' He was -asked if he had any request to make, to which he replied, that, '<em>If -General Burgoyne would permit it, he would like to be buried, at six -o'clock in the evening, on the top of a mountain, in a redoubt which had -been built there.</em>'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I did not know which way to turn; all the other rooms were -full of sick. Toward evening I saw my husband coming; then I -forgot all my sorrows, and thanked God that he was spared to me. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>He ate in great haste, with me and his aid-de-camp, behind the -house. We had been told that we had the advantage over the enemy, -but the sorrowful faces I beheld told a different tale; and before my -husband went away he took me aside, and said every thing was going -very badly, and that I must keep myself in readiness to leave the -place, but not to mention it to any one. I made the pretense that -I would move the next morning into my new house, and had every -thing packed up ready.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Lady Ackland had a tent not far from our house; in this she -slept, and the rest of the day she was in the camp. All of a sudden -a man came in to tell her that her husband was mortally wounded, -and taken prisoner. On hearing this she became very miserable. -We comforted her by telling her that the wound was very slight, and -advised her to go over to her husband, to do which she would certainly -obtain permission, and then she could attend him herself. -She was a charming woman, and very fond of him. I spent much -of the night in comforting her, and then went again to my children, -whom I had put to bed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I could not go to sleep, as I had General Frazer and all the -other wounded gentlemen in my room, and I was sadly afraid my -children would wake, and by their crying disturb the dying man in -his last moments, who often addressed me and apologized '<em>for the -trouble he gave me</em>.' About three o'clock in the morning, I was told -that he could not hold out much longer; I had desired to be informed -of the near approach of this sad crisis, and I then wrapped -up my children in their clothes, and went with them into the room -below. About eight o'clock in the morning <em>he died</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"After he was laid out, and his corpse wrapped up in a sheet, -we came again into the room, and had this sorrowful sight before us -the whole day; and, to add to the melancholy scene, almost every -moment some officer of my acquaintance was brought in wounded. -The cannonade commenced again; a retreat was spoken of, but not -the smallest motion was made toward it. About four o'clock in the -afternoon, I saw the house, which had just been built for me, in -flames, and the enemy was now not far off. We knew that General -Burgoyne would not refuse the last request of General Frazer, -though, by his acceding to it, an unnecessary delay was occasioned, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>by which the inconvenience of the army was much increased. At -six o'clock the corpse was brought out, and we saw all the Generals -attend it to the mountain. The Chaplain, Mr. Brudenell, performed -the funeral service, rendered unusually solemn and awful from its -being accompanied by constant peals of the enemy's artillery. Many -cannon-balls flew close by me, but I had my eyes directed toward -the mountain, where my husband was standing, amidst the fire of -the enemy; and, of course, I could not think of my own danger.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"General Gates afterward said, that, if he had known it had been -a funeral, he would not have permitted it to be fired on.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"As soon as the funeral service was finished, and the grave of -General Frazer closed, an order was issued that the army should retreat. -My calash was prepared, but I would not consent to go before -the troops. Major Harnage, though suffering from his wounds, crept -from his bed, as he did not wish to remain in the hospital, which -was left with a flag of truce. When General Reidesel saw me in -the midst of danger, he ordered my women and children to be -brought into the calash, and intimated to me to depart without delay. -I still prayed to remain, but my husband, knowing my weak side, -said, 'Well, then, your children must go, that at least they may be -safe from danger.' I <em>then</em> agreed to enter the calash with them, and -we set off at eight o'clock.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The retreat was ordered to be conducted with the greatest silence, -many fires were lighted, and several tents left standing; we traveled -continually through the night. At six o'clock in the morning we -halted, which excited the surprise of all; this delay seemed to displease -everybody, for if we could only have made another good march -we should have been in safety. My husband, quite exhausted with -fatigue, came into my calash, and slept for three hours. During -that time, Captain Willoe brought me a bag full of bank notes, and -Captain Grismar his elegant gold watch, a ring, and a purse full of -money, which they requested me to take care of, and which I promised -to do, to the utmost of my power. We again marched, but -had scarcely proceeded an hour, before we halted, as the enemy was -in sight; it proved to be only a reconnoitering party of two hundred -men, who might easily have been made prisoners, if General Burgoyne -had given proper orders for the occasion.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>"The Indians had now lost their courage, and were departing for -their homes; these people appeared to droop much under adversity, -and especially when they had no prospect of plunder. One of my -waiting-women was in a state of despair, which approached to madness; -she cursed and tore her hair, and when I attempted to reason -with her, and to pacify her, she asked me if I was not grieved at -our situation, and on my saying I was, she tore her hat off her head -and let her hair fall over her face, saying to me, 'It is very easy for -you to be composed and talk; you have your husband with you; I -have none, and what remains to me but the prospect of perishing or -losing all I have?' I again bade her take comfort, and assured her -I would make good whatever she might happen to lose; and I made -the same promise to Ellen, my other waiting-woman, who, though -filled with apprehension, made no complaints.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"About evening we arrived at Saratoga; my dress was wet through -and through with rain, and in this state I had to remain the whole -night, having no place to change it; I however got close to a large -fire, and at last lay down on some straw. At this moment General -Phillips came up to me, and I asked him why he had not continued -our retreat, as my husband had promised to cover it, and bring the -army through? 'Poor, dear woman,' said he, 'I wonder how, -drenched as you are, you have the courage still to persevere, and -venture further in this kind of weather; I wish,' continued he, -'you was our commanding General; General Burgoyne is tired, and -means to halt here to-night and give us our supper.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"On the morning of the 17th, at ten o'clock, General Burgoyne -ordered the retreat to be continued, and caused the handsome houses -and mills of General Schuyler to be burnt; we marched, however, -but a short distance, and then halted. The greatest misery at -this time prevailed in the army, and more than thirty officers came -to me, for whom tea and coffee was prepared, and with whom I -shared all my provisions, with which my calash was in general well -supplied, for I had a cook who was an excellent caterer, and who -often in the night crossed small rivers, and foraged on the inhabitants, -bringing in with him sheep, small pigs, and poultry, for which he -very often forgot to pay, though he received good pay from me so -long as I had any, and was ultimately handsomely rewarded. Our -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>provisions now failed us, for want of proper conduct in the commissary's -department, and I began to despair.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"About two o'clock in the afternoon, we again heard a firing of -cannon and small-arms; instantly all was alarm, and every thing in -motion. My husband told me to go to a house not far off. I immediately -seated myself in my calash, with my children, and drove -off; but scarcely had we reached it before I discovered five or six -armed men on the other side of the Hudson. Instinctively I threw -my children down in the calash, and then concealed myself with -them. At this moment the fellows fired, and wounded an already -wounded English soldier, who was behind me. Poor fellow! I pitied -him exceedingly, but at this moment had no means or power to -relieve him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"A terrible cannonade was commenced by the enemy, against the -house in which I sought to obtain shelter for myself and children, -under the mistaken idea that all the Generals were in it. Alas! it -contained none but wounded and women. We were at last obliged -to resort to the cellar for refuge, and in one corner of this I remained -the whole day, my children sleeping on the earth with their heads -in my lap; and in the same situation I passed a sleepless night. -Eleven cannon-balls passed through the house, and we could distinctly -hear them roll away. One poor soldier who was lying on a -table, for the purpose of having his leg amputated, was struck by a -shot, which carried away his other; his comrades had left him, and -when we went to his assistance, we found him in the corner of a -room, into which he had crept, more dead than alive, scarcely breathing. -My reflections on the danger to which my husband was exposed -now agonized me exceedingly, and thoughts of my children, and the -necessity of struggling for their preservation, alone sustained me.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The ladies of the army who were with me, were Mrs. Harnage, -a Mrs. Kennels, the widow of a Lieutenant who was killed, and the -lady of the commissary. Major Harnage, his wife, and Mrs. Kennels, -made a little room in a corner with curtains to it, and wished -to do the same for me, but I preferred being near the door, in case -of fire. Not far off my women slept, and opposite to us three English -officers, who, though wounded, were determined not to be left -behind; one of them was Captain Green, an aid-de-camp to Major-General -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>Phillips, a very valuable officer and most agreeable man. -They each made me a most sacred promise not to leave me behind, -and, in case of sudden retreat, that they would each of them take -one of my children on his horse; and for myself, one of my husband's -was in constant readiness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Our cook, whom I have before mentioned, procured us our meals, -but we were in want of water, and I was often obliged to drink -wine, and to give it to my children. It was the only thing my husband -took, which made our faithful hunter, Rockel, express one day -his apprehensions, that 'the General was weary of his life, or fearful -of being taken, as he drank so much wine.' The constant danger which -my husband was in, kept me in a state of wretchedness; and I -asked myself if it was possible I should be the only happy one, -and have my husband spared to me unhurt, exposed as he was to so -many perils. He never entered his tent, but lay down whole nights -by the watch-fires; this alone was enough to have killed him, the -cold was so intense.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The want of water distressed us much; at length we found a -soldier's wife, who had courage enough to fetch us some from the -river, an office nobody else would undertake, as the Americans shot -at every person who approached it; but out of respect for her sex, -they never molested <em>her</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I now occupied myself through the day in attending to the -wounded; I made them tea and coffee, and often shared my dinner -with them, for which they offered me a thousand expressions of -gratitude. One day a Canadian officer came to our cellar, who had -scarcely the power to hold himself upright, and we concluded he -was dying for want of nourishment; I was happy in offering him my -dinner, which strengthened him, and procured me his friendship. I -now undertook the care of Major Bloomfield, another aid-de-camp -of General Phillips; he had received a musket-ball through both -cheeks, which in its course had knocked out several of his teeth, and -cut his tongue; he could hold nothing in his mouth, the matter -which ran from his wound almost choked him, and he was not able -to take any nourishment except a little soup, and something liquid. -We had some Rhenish wine, and in the hope that the acidity of it -would cleanse his wound, I gave him a bottle of it. He took a little -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>now and then, and with such effect that his cure soon followed: thus -I added another to my stock of friends, and derived a satisfaction -which, in the midst of suffering, served to tranquilize me.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"One day, General Phillips accompanied my husband, at the risk -of their lives, on a visit to us. The General, after having witnessed -our situation, said to him, 'I would not for ten thousand guineas -come again to this place, my heart is almost broken.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"In this horrid situation we remained six days; a cessation of hostilities -was now spoken of, and eventually took place. A convention -was afterward agreed on; but one day a message was sent to my -husband who had visited me, and was reposing in my bed, to attend -a council of war, where it was proposed to break the convention; -but, to my great joy, the majority were for adhering to it. On the -sixteenth, however, my husband had to repair to his post, and I to -my cellar. This day fresh beef was served out to the officers, who -till now had only had salt provisions, which was very bad for their -wounds. The good woman who brought us water made us an excellent -soup of the meat, but I had lost my appetite, and took nothing -but crusts of bread dipped in wine. The wounded officers, my -unfortunate companions, cut off the best bit, and presented it to me -on a plate. I declined eating any thing, but they contended that it -was necessary for me to take nourishment, and declared they would -not touch a morsel till I afforded them the pleasure of seeing me -partake. I could no longer withstand their pressing invitations, accompanied -as they were by assurances of the happiness they had in -offering me the first good thing they had in their power, and I partook -of a repast rendered palatable by the kindness and good-will -of my fellow-sufferers, forgetting for a moment the misery of our -apartment, and the absence of almost every comfort.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"On the 17th of October, the convention was completed. General -Burgoyne and the other Generals waited on the American General -Gates; the troops laid down their arms, and gave themselves up -prisoners of war! And now the good woman who had supplied us -with water at the hazard of her life received the reward of her services; -each of us threw a handful of money into her apron, and she -got altogether about twenty guineas. At such a moment as this -how susceptible is the heart of feelings of gratitude!</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>"My husband sent a message to me, to come over to him with my -two children. I seated myself once more in my dear calash, and -then rode through the American camp. As I passed on, I observed, -and this was a great consolation to me, that no one eyed me with -looks of resentment, but that they all greeted us, and even showed -compassion in their countenances at the sight of a woman with small -children. I was, I confess, afraid to go over to the enemy, as it -was quite a new situation to me. When I drew near the tents, a -handsome man approached and met me, <em>took my children from the -calash, and hugged and kissed them, which almost affected me to tears</em>. -'You tremble,' said he, addressing himself to me; 'be not afraid.' -'No,' I answered, 'you seem so kind and tender to my children, it -inspires me with courage.' He now led me to the tent of General -Gates, where I found Generals Burgoyne and Phillips, who were on -a friendly footing with the former. Burgoyne said to me, 'Never -mind; your sorrows have an end.' I answered him, 'that I should -be reprehensible to have any cares, as he had none; and I was -pleased to see him on such friendly footing with General Gates.' -All the Generals remained to dine with General Gates.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The same gentleman who received me so kindly, now came and -said to me, 'You will be very much embarrassed to eat with all these -gentlemen; <em>come with your children to my tent, where I will prepare -for you a frugal dinner, and give it with a free will</em>.' I said, '<em>You -are certainly a husband and a father, you have showed me so much -kindness.</em>' I now found that he was <span class='sc'>General Schuyler</span>. He -treated me with excellent smoked tongue, beefsteak, potatoes, and -good bread and butter! Never could I have wished to eat a better -dinner; I was content; I saw all around me were so likewise; and -what was better than all, my husband was out of danger.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"When we had dined, he told me his residence was at Albany, -and that General Burgoyne intended to honor him as his guest, and -invited myself and children to do so likewise. I asked my husband -how I should act; he told me to accept the invitation. As it -was two days' journey there, he advised me to go to a place which -was about three hours' ride distant. General Schuyler had the -politeness to send with me a French officer, a very agreeable man, -who commanded the reconnoitering party of which I have before -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>spoken; and when he had escorted me to the house where I was to -remain, he turned back again.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Some days after this we arrived at Albany, where we so often -wished ourselves; but we did not enter it as we expected we should—victors! -We were received by the good General Schuyler, his -wife and daughters, not as enemies, but as kind friends; and they -treated us with the most marked attention and politeness, as they did -General Burgoyne, who had caused General Schuyler's beautifully -finished house to be burnt. In fact, they behaved like persons of -exalted minds, who determined to bury all recollections of their own -injuries in the contemplation of our misfortunes. General Burgoyne -was struck with General Schuyler's generosity, and said to him, -'You show me great kindness, though I have done you much injury.' -'That was the fate of war,' replied the brave man, 'let us say no -more about it.'"</p> - -<p class='c000'>This presents a picture of those trying times upon which it is -both pleasurable and painful to dwell. It outlines General Schuyler -as a noble nature, which is true to history. He was a brave -among the brave—chivalrous as the Cid, gentle as a woman, wise as -Solomon. Next to Greene, he is regarded by those most conversant -with the men of the Revolution, as the column which most -sustained Washington in his gigantic labors; while, as one of those -who, after our independence was won, contributed most toward the -reorganization of government and society. It is agreeable to contemplate -such a character, for it heightens the worship which this -generation feels for those who won the priceless boon of a nation's -freedom!</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span> -<img src='images/i013.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>The Little Sentinel.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p199'>7</a></p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>TALES,</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='sc'>Traditions and Romance</span></div> - <div class='c003'>OF</div> - <div class='c003'>BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>THE LITTLE SENTINEL.</div> - <div class='line'>TECUMSEH AND THE PRISONERS.</div> - <div class='line'>HORSEWHIPPING A TYRANT.</div> - <div class='line'>THE MOTHER'S TRIAL.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>NEW YORK:</div> - <div>BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS,</div> - <div>118 WILLIAM STREET.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by</div> - <div>BEADLE AND COMPANY,</div> - <div>In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for</div> - <div>the Southern District of New York.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span> - <h2 id='p199' class='c005'>THE<br /> LITTLE SENTINEL.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>A tall, portly-looking man stood on a table in the midst of a crowd -of farmer-like individuals, haranguing them in an energetic manner -regarding the crisis in affairs of the country. He was dressed in -the scarlet and buff regimentals of a British officer, although, like -the most of his audience, he was a resident of the neighborhood. -The time was that important period in the history of our country -just succeeding the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill, when -every man felt called upon to decide the part he should take in the -contest which all saw was impending. The place was the vicinity -of Scoharie Kill, a branch of the Mohawk river, in the State of -New York. The persons, George Mann, a loyalist of great wealth, -three of the king's Commissioners, and the yeomanry of the neighborhood, -from the gray-haired man of sixty winters, to the youth of -sixteen and eighteen summers: in fact, all the male population of -the Scoharie valley capable of bearing arms. The king had "honored" -Mann with a Captain's commission, and the Commissioners -had called the people together for the purpose of administering the -oath of allegiance and recruiting from their number a company, to -the command of which Mann was to be assigned. They had been -ordered to bring their arms with them, and a large majority had -done so. Their equipments were as varied as their opinions—and -these were of many shades—from the determined and bitter Tory, -through the various degrees of loyalty to the wavering and undecided; -and thence to the lukewarm, warm, devoted, and ardent Whig. Such -as had taken the oath were adorned with a piece of scarlet cloth -stuck in their hats; while some, more enthusiastic than others, wore -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>scarlet caps. All these were enrolled and mustered under arms, preparatory -to receiving the drill from their new Captain. Many of -the lukewarm and undecided took the oath of allegiance from fear -of consequences. There were but a limited few bold and determined -enough to abjure the oath and all allegiance to the king. Of this -number were Nicholas Stemberg and William Dietz, who had been -so earnest in their denunciations of the tyranny and injustice of the -mother country, that, when they left for home on the evening of the -first day, they were assailed with denunciations of vengeance. They -were proclaimed as traitors, and threatened with a nocturnal visit -by the bitterest among those whom the occasion had shown to be -their enemies. Fearing these threats would be put into execution, -Stemberg spent the night in the woods, while his family were trembling -with fear at home. On his return to that home in the morning, -he was agreeably disappointed to find it undisturbed, and, with -his neighbor Dietz, again repaired to the parade, with an unaltered -determination, however, to take no obligation of allegiance. They -found, on arriving at Mann's house, that upward of one hundred -were enrolled and scattered about the grounds; while others, who -had not made up their minds upon which side they should range -themselves, were listening to an ardent harangue from the Captain. -Mounted on a table, and dressed in all the paraphernalia of war, he -was alternately coaxing, wheedling, and urging them to take part in -the raid against rebellion, commanding those who had already enrolled -themselves, and threatening dire vengeance, confiscation of -property, imprisonment and death, against those who dared to side -with the rebels. The hour seemed propitious, and the loyal Captain -was carrying every thing before his storm of eloquence and denunciations, -when, in the twinkling of an eye, a storm of a different kind -burst upon his head, which scattered to the winds the results of all -his efforts. News of the Captain's labors had been conveyed to Albany, -and while he was in the midst of one of his most earnest appeals, -two hundred horsemen, under command of Captain Woodbake, -made their appearance, tearing up the road, with sabers drawn and -determination flashing from their eyes. One glance was all-sufficient -for the doughty Captain, and the next moment—his coat-skirts flying -in the wind, his queue sticking straight out behind him—he was on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>his way to the shelter of the neighboring woods as fast as his legs -could carry him. His followers were immediately transformed into -firm and devoted patriots, except a certain few who had been such -enthusiastic Tories that they could not hope to escape merited punishment, -and these pursued their flying commander. The scarlet -badges disappeared in the most sudden and unaccountable manner, -and when Captain Woodbake and his party reached the spot where -the loyal Captain had stood, he found none but Whigs to receive -him. His object, therefore—the dispersion of the meeting without -bloodshed—was accomplished, and he proceeded to proclaim the -rule of Congress. Before doing so, however, he gave orders that -Mann should be taken, either dead or alive. There were plenty willing -to undertake this task, and patrols were soon stationed in every -direction, so that it was nearly impossible for him to escape.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Among others who volunteered for this duty, was Lambert, the -eldest son of Nicholas Stemberg, a lad of fifteen or sixteen years. -He was stationed by the side of one of those structures called <em>barracks</em>, -so often seen in a new country, consisting of a thatch supported -on four posts over a stack of wheat or hay. The youth was -proud of his trust, desiring nothing more earnestly than to meet with -the Captain and take him prisoner. During the afternoon, a violent -thunder-storm arose, and to shelter himself from its inclemencies, -the young sentry climbed to the top of the stack, where, to his astonishment, -he found the loyal fugitive snugly ensconced. Presenting -his musket to his breast, he informed him that his orders were to -take him, dead or alive—and he must surrender or be shot. The -Captain, whose courage and lofty bearing had left him simultaneously -with the appearance of Woodbake, begged hard for his life, and besought -the young patriot to allow him to escape; for, if taken prisoner, -he would be hung by the militia men to the first tree, without -shrift or absolution. Stemberg replied that his orders were imperative, -and he dared not disobey them. But Mann implored for mercy -in such piteous tones—reminding him that he was a neighbor, had -never done him harm, had ever been kind to him, &c., &c.—that -a violent struggle took place in the breast of the young -soldier between his duty and his sympathy. He could not -shoot him in cold blood, and he would not surrender; so, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>to compromise the matter with himself, he proposed to fire his -musket in token of alarm, that others might come and take his -prisoner. This was earnestly objected to by the Captain, who saw -the struggle going on in his captor's breast, and determined to take -advantage of it. Watching his opportunity, therefore, when his attention -was removed from him, and a violent clap of thunder covered -his movement, he slipped off the stack, and sliding down one of the -posts, made a rapid retreat for the mountains. Stemberg, as in duty -bound, fired his musket at him, but was not sorry that his shot was -fruitless. The report soon brought others to the spot, and after hearing -the story of the tender-hearted sentinel, they immediately started -in pursuit of the fugitive, who had many narrow escapes, but finally -eluded their vigilance and hid himself in the fastnesses of the hills, -where he remained for two weeks. He was induced, at the end of -that time, to surrender, upon the condition that he should not suffer -personal injury. He was taken to Albany, where he was kept a -close prisoner until the end of the war, when he again returned to -his estate, and, becoming a firm Republican, ended his days there.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Those who think young Stemberg's neighborly feelings made him -too lenient toward the humiliated loyalist, will be better pleased with -the following record of the resolute manner in which another lad -captured and controlled a couple of desperadoes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On a fine May morning, 1780, as the family of Sheriff Firman, of -Freehold county, New Jersey, was at breakfast, a breathless soldier -burst into the room, stating that as he and another were conducting -to the court-house two men, taken up on suspicion at Colt's Neck, -they had knocked down his comrade, seized his musket, and escaped. -The Sheriff, on hearing this relation, mounted his horse and galloped -to the court-house to alarm the guard. His son, Tunis, a lad of -about seventeen, small of his age, seized a musket, loaded only with -small shot to kill blackbirds in the cornfields, and, putting on a cartridge-box, -sent his little brother up stairs for the bayonet, and then, -forgetting to wait for it, hurried off alone in pursuit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After running in a westerly direction about a mile, he discovered -the men sitting on a fence, who, perceiving him, ran into a swamp. -As the morning was warm, he hastily pulled off his shoes and coat, -and darted in after them, keeping close after them for over a mile, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>when they got out of the swamp, and climbed into separate trees. -As he came up one of them discharged at him the musket taken -from the guard. The ball whistled over his head. Feeling for his -bayonet, he discovered that it was still with his little brother. He -then pointed his gun at the man with the musket, but deemed it imprudent -to fire, reflecting that, even if he killed him, his comrade -could easily match such a stripling as himself. He compelled the -man to throw down the musket by threatening him with instant -death if he did not comply. Then, loading the fusee from his cartridge-box, -he forced his prisoners down from the trees, and, armed -with his two loaded muskets, drove them toward the court-house, -careful, however, to keep them far apart, to prevent conversation. -Passing by a spring, they requested permission to drink.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"No!" replied the courageous boy, understanding their design, -"you can do without it as well as myself; you shall have some by-and-by."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Soon after, his father, at the head of a party of soldiers, galloped -past in the road within a short distance. Tunis hallooed, but the -clattering of their horses' hoofs drowned his voice. At length he -reached the village, and lodged his prisoners in the county prison.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was subsequently discovered that these men were brothers, from -near Philadelphia; that they had robbed and murdered a Mr. Boyd, -a collector of taxes in Chester county, and, when taken, were on -their way to join the British. As they had been apprehended on -suspicion merely of being refugees, no definite charge could be -brought against them. A few days later, Sheriff Firman saw an advertisement -in a Philadelphia paper, describing them, with the facts -above mentioned, and a reward of twenty thousand dollars (<em>Continental</em> -money,) offered for their apprehension. He, accompanied by -his son, took them on there, where they were tried and executed. -On entering Philadelphia, young Tunis was carried through the -streets in triumph upon the shoulders of the military. In the latter -part of the war this young man became very active, and was the -special favorite of General David Firman.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Not solitary are the incidents of boyish heroism on record; and -yet how far the larger number must have passed unnoticed, in the -midst of the trials and excitements of those troublous Revolutionary -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>times. Children catch the fire which burns in the parent heart; -and where the father rushes eagerly to the salvation of his country, -and the mother—concealing her sadness and fears, puts on a hopeful -countenance, speaking the ennobling sentiments of patriotism—it -may well be credited that the boys were not cowards. We have -some very interesting recollections of that period preserved in the -private Diary of the wife of a Revolutionary officer, who, while her -husband served his country on the battle-field, remained with her -father, who was a clergyman of the Church of England, at their little -parsonage on Long Island, and whose daily jottings down of -events and emotions, just as they were seen and felt, make her simple -pictures full of the power of reality. When we read them we -feel as if that time were before us, and those actors still lived. Long -Island, after the memorable retreat of Gen. Washington, on the -morning of the 30th of August, 1776, remained in the hands of the -enemy, and was the scene of many distressing outrages and calamities -of all kinds—pillage, insult, robbery, the destruction of farm -implements, the impressment of men and horses, with the horrors -of a prowling hired soldiery, and frequent murders, being among -the dark list. Speaking of the spirit of the boys of those days, leads -us to quote from the lady's Diary:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"<em>Wednesday, Nov. 24th, 1776.</em>—Yesterday my indignation was -aroused to a high degree. I was sitting in the end of the porch, my -father at my side, and little Mary, with your letter in her hands, pretending -to read it, when a loud cry startled us. It seemed to come -from Pattison's, our nearest neighbor. Charles went over, returned, -and gave us this account of the affair. It appears that Edmund Pattison -was enjoying his noon rest quietly in the barn (he is a noble-looking -lad of eighteen, tall, athletic, and of a high spirit,) when a -light-horseman rode up to the door.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'Youngster,' said he, 'make haste and bestir yourself. Go and -assist that driver of the two yoke of oxen there to unload his cart -of timber into the road.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Now, Edmund had been hard at work with his own hired man, -loading the wagon, to take the timber to a farmer three miles off, to -whom it was sold by his father; the wagon and teams both belonged -to the Pattisons.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>"'Hurry, sir,' said the light-horseman.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Edmund firmly replied: 'I shall not do it.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'What, sirrah! we shall see who will do it,' and drawing his -sword, he held it over Edmund's head, cursing, swearing, and threatening -to cut him down unless he instantly unloaded his team and -helped to carry in it provisions to the British army.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"With unblanched cheek, Edmund Pattison reiterated his denial, -telling him to do it for himself. Enraged beyond measure at such a -contempt of orders, it seemed as if the man <em>must</em> strike and kill the -stubborn boy, who, firm and undaunted, said not a word.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"At this time our Charles, who was on the spot, ran to the house -and told Mrs. Pattison that 'the Britisher was going to kill her Edmund.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"<em>Her</em> cry it was that we heard from the porch. She ran to the -barn and begged the soldier to desist. He was more furious than -ever, supposing the fears of the mother would induce compliance. -She, too, expostulated with her son, imploring him to assist in unloading -the wagon, and save himself from death.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'No fear of death, mother; he dare not touch a hair of my -head.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The boy grew more determined, the soldier more enraged—flourishing -his saber and swearing that he would be the death of him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'You dare not. I will report you to your master for this,' said -Edmund, boldly. Upon this the light-horseman mounted, telling the -boy once more that if he did not instantly begin the work he would -cut him into inch pieces. Edmund coolly walked across the barn -floor, armed himself with a pitchfork, and took his station in the -doorway.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'You cowardly rascal,' said he, 'clear out, or I'll stab you with -my pitchfork!'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"His mother could endure the scene no longer; she ran to the -house, where she met her husband, and sent him to rescue Edmund. -Friend Pattison, a sensible, clear-headed man, rode up, and seeing matters -at this high pass, said to the Britisher: 'You know your duty; -you have no right to lay a finger on him, a non-combatant on neutral -ground.' Seeing no signs of relenting, farmer Pattison turned -his horse toward the road, saying he would soon see Colonel Wurms, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>and know <em>who</em> had the power to threaten and abuse the farmers of -the country in that style. The light-horseman was now alarmed. -Thinking it best to get there first, he put spurs to his horse, riding off -with awful imprecations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Thus Edmund escaped for this time; though I much fear his defying, -fearless spirit may yet cost him dear."</p> - -<p class='c000'>On another page she relates an anecdote of her own son.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"<em>Tuesday.</em>—A press for horses yesterday. I will relate how Charley -saved our young horse. He and James Pattison were idly sitting -on the fence, the other side of the pond, talking indignantly of -the insults of the British, to whom the former shows no mercy, -when they espied a light-horsemen at a farm-house door. They -knew the next place would be Isaac Willett's, which, though only -across the pond, is completely hid from our view by a stately row of -poplars, forming a leafy screen; and they knew his errand, too—that -he would be here in an instant, for when 'pressing' they galloped -from house to house with violent speed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'Fleetfoot shall not go,' said Charles, 'without an effort to save -him,' and, running with all his might to the barn, he jumped on his -back and rode for the woods.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"On the instant he was seen by the red-coat, who put spurs to his -horse, and came on a full run toward the woods, where Charles had -disappeared. My heart beat quick when the red-coat, too, was lost -to sight. My dear, brave child might fall from his horse, and be -dashed against the trees in the hot pursuit of the light-horseman.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"My father and I sat gazing intently toward the woods, awaiting -the result in breathless anxiety, astonished at the boy's daring, and -ready to reprove his rash spirit, in attempting to save the young horse -at the risk of his own neck. In about an hour's time we saw the -red-coat come out of the woods below. He stopped a man in the -road and made inquiries, but getting no satisfaction, rode off.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"At nightfall, peeping his way through the wood, Charles made -his appearance, still mounted on his favorite Fleetfoot. By signs we -made known to him that the danger was past, and he rode up to the -house.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Overjoyed to see him, he told us his story, which Grace and -Marcia drank in with greedy ears. Indeed, the scene on the porch -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>was worthy of Hogarth's pencil. On one side was his poor affrighted -mother, and the little girls, with eyes wide open, full of wonder; -near by, the venerable grandfather, with silver locks parted on a -peaceful brow; and Charley, standing close by his steed, as he recounted -his hair-breadth ''scape,' leaning his head occasionally -against his proud neck, so that my boy's curls of gold mingle with -the ebon mane of Fleetfoot.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"He said that he struck deeper and deeper into the woods, going -from one place to another, until the forest became very dense and -dark. He rode into a tangled, marshy place, where he stood five -hours without moving! At one time he heard his pursuer close by, -heard his fearful oaths, heard him lashing the sides of his own jaded -steed. Charley's heart beat violently. But the bog was wet and -gloomy, and the soldier's ardor was dampened—he durst not venture. -So Charley and Fleetfoot were left to themselves in the deep wood. -A brave feat for a boy of only fourteen."</p> - -<p class='c000'>One more extract from this lively diary we will give to show the -influence of the maidens on the hard hearts of the enemy—that the -girls as well as the boys had their parts to play in the drama.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"<em>Wednesday.</em>—Charles accompanied John Harris home from school, -with my permission, last night. He returned this morning, with a -story of the night, which he related to me in breathless excitement.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"A family living a mile from us were quietly sitting together in the -evening, when a noise was heard at the door like that of a sharp -instrument thrust into it. On opening the door there stood a red-coat -with his saber in his hand, which he had stuck into the wood -an inch or two. He was backed by a dozen men. They pushed -their way in, and were very unruly, rummaging and ransacking -every drawer and closet; but the family had long before taken the -precaution to place all their money and valuables in a small room, -which opened out of the common sitting-room, putting a large cupboard -before the door, which covered it entirely; so that the Hessians -quartered there last winter never discovered the device.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The red-coats, highly incensed at finding nothing, began to threaten -terrible things if they did not divulge the hiding-place. Mr. M. told -them that if they dared do any violence, he would report them to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>commanding officer. Whereupon, they actually went into the kitchen, -kindled some light wood, came out, and set a burning brand at each -corner of the house. The family were exceedingly alarmed. In -great terror, Sarah, the youngest daughter, rushed out. She is famed -through all the north-side for her comeliness. I can well imagine that -she must have appeared to them like a lovely apparition with her -glowing cheek and flashing eye. The ringleader, astonished, stood -with his torch in his hand, gazing at her. At length he said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'Angel!'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'Stop, I entreat you!' said Sarah.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"His looks were riveted upon her with an ardent admiration which -embarrassed her.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'I will, on one condition,' said he.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'What is it?'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'Will you give it?'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'If I can,' replied Sarah.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'It is, that you will allow me to kiss you.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"'Oh, if that is all,' said her father, 'comply, my daughter.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"So, as she made no resistance, the rough soldier planted a fervent -kiss on her lips, expressed himself satisfied, and departed. They -found, before her baby-house, that the soldiers had stuck the dolls on -their bayonets, and railed among themselves and laughed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"It is seldom that a man's house is attacked more than once. Mr. -Harris had his turn some time ago; therefore, although he saw some -suspicious-looking persons lurking about, he feared nothing, and -arose at daylight, with the intention of going to the south of the -island for salt hay. Mrs. Harris, however, began to feel uneasy and -timid, from the reports she heard during the following day, and the -recollection of her never-to-be-forgotten injuries, and persuaded her -husband to stay at home. That night passed without disturbance. -About nine o'clock the next evening, a neighbor stopped at the gate -in his wagon, and he and Mr. Harris were talking over the exciting -times and scenes enacting around the country, when they saw a man -moving about the fields, and passing now and then in and out of the -edge of the woods. One of the serving-women, too, had seen some -one about dark standing close by the wood-pile, who had vanished -on her appearance at the door of the kitchen. In consequence of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>these signs Mr. Harris concluded to sit up, and keep lights and fires -burning about the house. Charles, and the older children, were sent -to bed, but not to sleep—that was impossible with their perturbed -and excited imaginations. About twelve o'clock, Mr. Harris being -on the look-out, saw a man at a short distance from the house, reconnoitering; -he now held a consultation with his wife and the two -hired men. They came to the conclusion that an attack was meditated, -and that it was time to act; they determined to leave the house -in a body, taking the two loaded guns, the money, silver, and small -valuables. Though the next house was full two miles off, there -seemed no other alternative. The poor little frightened children -were hurried up and dressed; their fears and cries were hushed, and -they were carried down stairs. As quietly as possible, all left the -house by the back door. It was a moment of intense anxiety; their -hearts beat with dread; with trembling limbs, which almost refused -to bear them, they moved on. 'Faint, though pursuing,' they endeavored -to stay their minds above. At length, arrived at Mr. S.'s, -another difficulty presented itself. The family would inevitably take -them for robbers, and be liable to fire upon them. In this dilemma -Mr. Harris thought it best to go close to the door and call out his -name, trusting that his voice would be recognized, which was the -case. The poor wanderers were kindly received, and after they had -talked over their fright, were provided with comfortable beds. The -house of Mr. S. has never been attacked, it is so well secured, the -doors and windows being lined and bound with iron, a fact well -known to the marauders."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus the little diary goes on. Sometimes the brutal bands murdered -those who opposed them in their own houses, upon their own -hearthstones. Reared in the midst of such excitement, it would be -but natural that the youth of the struggling country should become -quick-witted and self-reliant.</p> - -<p class='c000'>And since we have shown how brave the boys could be, let us repeat -an incident of the heroism of a little girl in these same days of -trial:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Robert Gibbs, a gentleman earnestly devoted to the patriotic -cause, was the owner of a plantation on the Stono, a few miles from -Charleston, on which, on a certain occasion, a Hessian battalion encamped, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>compelling the family to surrender to their use the lower -part of the mansion, and to confine themselves in the upper story. -While here on one dark and stormy evening, two galleys appeared, -ascending the river, which forthwith began a most destructive fire -upon the Hessian encampment. The house appeared particularly -exposed, although the vessels had been commanded to avoid firing -upon it, and to confine their attack to the enemy's encampment. Of -this Mr. Gibbs was not aware, and with the permission of the English -commander, he set out, although suffering acutely from an infirmity, -and with his numerous family, hastened to the protection of -a neighboring plantation. The balls were falling thick and fast, -sometimes scattering dirt and sand over the party, while their loud -whizzing, mingled with the fury of the distant affray, rendered the -scene one of danger and terror. But scarcely had they proceeded -so far as to be out of danger from the balls, when to their unutterable -agony they discovered, that in the confusion and hurry of departure, -an infant had been left behind. To leave the child alone in his -danger was impossible, and to return for him was an attempt of imminent -peril. Mr. Gibbs was suffering under an infirmity that made -his movements exceedingly slow and painful, and therefore it was -impracticable for him to return. The frightened and chattering servants -stood trembling around, looking from one to the other in bewildering -despair. Of all the rest of the party, saving Mrs. Gibbs, -who was severely indisposed, none were above the age of childhood. -While thus undecided, Miss Mary Ann Gibbs, but thirteen years of -age, sprung forward and heroically offered to go for the lad, who was -a son of Mrs. Fenwick, Mrs. Gibbs' sister-in-law. The night was -dark and stormy, the distance considerable, and the whole space -swept by the cannon of the assailants. But without fear she retraced -her way, and reached the house without injury, where the scene was -one of unmingled terror. Undismayed by the thundering of the -cannon, the crashing of the balls, the shrieks, shouts and imprecations -of the combatants, she sprung to the door with the intention of entering, -when she was brutally refused by the sentinel. But tears, -entreaties, and the natural eloquence prompted by her heroism and -the high purpose on which she was bent, overcame his opposition, -and she was permitted to enter. With rapid steps she ascended to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>the third story, and finding the child there in safety, she clasped it -to her bosom, and hastened to overtake her retreating family, her -course, as before, full of danger, and often the plowing balls would -scatter clouds of dust over her person. Uninjured, her perilous -journey was performed, and when she reached her friends, she was -welcomed by shouts of enthusiasm and admiration. The intrepid -action, worthy of an adult, and all glorious in a child, borrows a -fair share of romance by the reflection that the child thus saved -afterward became Lieutenant-Colonel Fenwick, so highly distinguished -by his services in the last war with Great Britain."</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='p211' class='c005'>TECUMSEH SAVING THE PRISONERS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The siege of Fort Meigs during the war of 1812, by a combined -British and Indian force, under command of General Proctor, was -attended by one of those thrilling incidents which chill the blood -with horror, and which have stained the escutcheon of Great Britain -with indelible infamy. It is with no desire, however, to harrow up -the feelings of our readers at a tale of soul-sickening massacre, nor -yet with a wish to undertake the invidious task of reprobating the -course of the English Government in connection with the war, that -we have introduced the following narrative; but simply with a view -of presenting the character of that brave and patriotic chieftain, Tecumseh, -in its true light as regarding his magnanimity, and freedom -from those brutal propensities and inclinations which have conduced -so strongly to stigmatize the Indians as savages.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The fort was invested on the 26th of April, and from that period -up to the 5th of May, a constant fire had been kept up by the British -batteries on the opposite side of the river, without serious injury to -the works. General Clay, with a reinforcement of twelve hundred -Kentucky militia, arrived in the neighborhood on the 4th, and received -orders to detach eight hundred men to attack the British batteries -while the remainder was to aid a sortie against the Indians, who had -established themselves in the immediate vicinity of the fort, and who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>were a source of great annoyance to its garrison. Colonel Dudley -was placed in command of the larger party, and, agreeably to his instructions, -landed on the right bank, and completely succeeded in -driving the enemy from his works, and in spiking the cannon. His -orders were peremptory to return immediately to his boats on the accomplishment -of this object, and repair to the fort; but his men had -tasted the sweets of victory, and the rashness which follows success -on the part of militia, proved their ruin. They allowed themselves -to be amused by some faint attempt at resistance on the part of a -small body of Indians in the woods, until the main body of the -British, which was some distance in the rear, could be brought up, -and a severe and bloody action soon followed. It can hardly be -called an action, for the militia were in detached parties, pursuing -the scattering troops, when they suddenly found themselves confronted -and surrounded by a force double their number, and after a manly -effort to retain the victory they had won, they attempted to retreat -but found themselves cut off from the river by a force which had got -into their rear, to whom they were obliged to surrender themselves -prisoners of war. Out of the eight hundred who landed in the -morning, only one hundred and fifty escaped massacre or captivity. -Colonel Dudley was severely wounded, and afterward tomahawked -and scalped. A large portion of the prisoners were marched to the -British fort lower down the river, where they immediately became -the sport and prey of the Indians, who commenced an indiscriminate -slaughter of the unarmed men, until the entreaties of some of the -more humane British officers checked it for a time. Another party -were placed in charge of a Sergeant and fifty men for the purpose -of being embarked in the gunboats, where it was supposed they -would be safe from the attacks of the infuriated savages. Upon -reaching the encampment, which at that time happened to be deserted -by the troops, they were met by a band of Indians who had not been -engaged in the contest at all, but, actuated by a brutal thirst for blood, -and disappointed at not having a share of the plunder, to which they -thought themselves entitled, they determined to satisfy their desires -by murdering and stripping the prisoners before them. Perhaps they -were actuated by a spirit of revenge for the loss which had been -sustained by their friends in the action. Be this as it may, they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>each selected a victim from the ranks, and with fearful yells commenced -the work of slaughter. With a magnanimity scarcely to be -expected of men who had witnessed the cold-blooded murders at the -river Raisin, the British guard threw themselves between the savages -and their intended victims, and endeavored to dissuade, and then to -coerce them from their horrid butchery. But in vain. Excited to -the highest pitch of ferocity by the blood they had already shed, -they were not to be deterred from their purpose; and the soldiers—after -witnessing the death of one of their number, who was stabbed -to the heart by a savage from whom he had snatched a prisoner—finding -their interposition to be fruitless, withdrew and left the unfortunate -men to their fate. Surrounded upon all sides by the savages, -with no chance of escape, with none to interfere, the prisoners -were huddled together; those in front striving to screen themselves -behind their comrades; while those in the rear, with the love of life -urging them with an equal force, endeavored to keep them from doing -so, they surged to and fro, the tomahawk and scalping-knife -doing its work, until forty of their number lay stiff in the embrace -of death. The Sergeant in command of the guard, who had been -forced to leave their charge to the tender mercies of the savages, -sought for Tecumseh, and informed him of the horrid butchery -which was being enacted. The eyes of the chieftain lit up with a -consuming blaze, and his nostrils dilated and contracted as his breast -heaved with the mighty passion which the soldier's story had roused -within him. He stopped but a moment to hear the end, and then -dashing his heels against his horse's sides, he darted off in the direction -of the scene. Raising his voice as he approached, in thunder-tones -he commanded the Indians to desist from their brutal work. -A few, startled at the unexpected interference, drew back; but the -majority, regardless of his authority, and drunk with passion, refused -to obey. Precipitating himself between these and their prey, he -forced them back, and, drawing his tomahawk, he whirled it over -his head, while his face was wrought into an expression of the most -fearful and scorching rage, as he threatened to cleave to the earth the -first one who offered to disobey him. This was effectual with some, -but there were still a few who continued their bloody work, and one -after another the miserable prisoners were falling, like sheep in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>shambles, before the unrelenting knives and hatchets of their executioners. -None but a man destitute of fear would have dared -to rush between these and their victims. It was tearing the carcass -of his prey from the jaws of the lion to interfere between these ferocious -fiends and their feast of blood. But, the chief knew no -fear: he was wrought to such a fearful state of excitement as not -to heed the dictates of prudence. Leaping from his horse and drawing -his knife, he threw himself upon them with all the fury of a -tigress divested of her young. Seizing one by the throat, and another -by the breast, he hurled them to the ground, and thus, one after -another, he beat them back with a strength which nothing could -withstand. Taking his station in front of the remnant of the band -which still remained alive, and raising his tomahawk high above his -head, while his whole figure dilated to a greater height by the passions -which raged within his bosom, he dared them, in tones which -thrilled through them like electricity, to strike another blow. None -were found so bold as to tempt his arm or disobey his command, and -the prisoners were saved. Looking around for Proctor, he espied -him as he approached, and demanded why he had not stopped the -massacre. "Sir," said he, "your Indians are not to be commanded." -"Begone!" replied Tecumseh, as a look of the greatest disdain and -contempt swept over his swarthy visage, "you are unfit to command; -go and <em>put on petticoats</em>!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>This Proctor, the British commander, had already branded himself -with indelible infamy at the battle of the River Raisin, in January -of the same year. In reference to this battle, we will briefly state -the object of General Harrison's campaign was to take Detroit, and -expel the British from the territory of the United States—and to -protect the extensive frontier; also to furnish such protection as was -possible to the settlers in Ohio, Indiana, etc., from the savages in the -pay of the British. The points to be defended were scattered over -a vast region of country; and though the care of it fell upon General -Harrison, officers in the different sections were frequently obliged -to act for themselves. It was thus that General Winchester, failing -to receive counter-orders sent after him by Harrison, and unaware -of the full force of the enemy, was induced to make an imprudent, -though brave, movement against a body of English and Indians who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>were coming from Malden and the Raisin to attack his camp at the -rapids.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He pressed forward and found the enemy prepared to meet him -at Frenchtown; they were posted among the houses, but were soon -dislodged and driven to the woods. Here a short, desperate engagement -took place, and the English were driven two miles before the -continual charge of the brave Kentuckians, though the latter had -made that day a forced march of over eighteen miles over ice. In -reporting the action, afterward, General Harrison said: "The troops -amply sustained the double character of Americans and Kentuckians."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus far our heroes were successful; instead of retiring after this -brilliant affair, they determined to maintain their position; they -remained in Frenchtown two or three days, part of their forces -being exposed in an open field, and a part sheltered by the garden -pickets of the town. During the night of the 21st of January, the -British came up, unobserved, and at daylight fired bombs, balls and -grape-shot from heavy pieces of artillery, at a distance of only three -hundred yards. The troops in the open field were sadly injured by -this fire, and soon fled across the river in the utmost confusion. -The Indians gained our flank and rear, butchering our soldiers -shockingly. General Winchester was taken prisoner and marched -to the British camp. Colonel Lewis still maintained his position in -the town, frequently repulsing the enemy, until the Indians gained -his flank, when a general and indiscriminate massacre ensued. -Colonel Lewis was made a prisoner, had his coat stripped off, and -was conducted to the enemy's camp. Colonel Allen, being badly -wounded, surrendered to an Indian. Another assailed him, whom -Allen struck dead at his feet, and was in turn shot down by a third -savage. Garrett, with fifteen or twenty men, surrendered, and all -but himself were butchered on the spot.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Two other officers, Graves and Madison, still maintained their -position within the picketing, and with their troops, behaved most -gallantly. The former being severely wounded, and as he sat down, -wiping the blood from his wounds, cried: "Never mind me, my -boys, fight on!" Proctor, with all his British regulars and savage -allies, could not subdue this band—they gave not an inch to the foe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A flag was at last sent to Madison, with an order from Winchester -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>to surrender. Proctor accompanied the flag, and made the demand, -but Major Madison replied that he would not surrender unless the -safety of his men could be guaranteed. Proctor demanded:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Sir, do you mean to dictate to <em>me</em>?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"No," returned the intrepid Major, "I intend to dictate for myself; -and we prefer selling our lives as dearly as possible, rather -than be massacred in cold blood."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The surrender was made on express conditions, that the officers -should retain their side arms, the sick and wounded to be carefully -removed, private property to be respected, and the prisoners protected -by a guard. Proctor disregarded all stipulations, and handed -over the prisoners to the Indians, who butchered them without -mercy. Some of their bodies were thrown into the flames of the -burning village, while others, shockingly mangled, were left exposed -in the streets. These awful deeds were continued for several days.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For the massacre of the River Raisin, in return for which any -other civilized government would have dismissed, if not gibbeted, -the commander, Colonel Proctor received the rank of Major-General -in the British army. This infamous officer it was who shortly after -commenced the siege of Fort Meigs, his mind filled with visions of -conquest, personal glory and official promotion. He was assisted -by Tecumseh, with fifteen hundred of his warriors; but even the -Indian nature revolted at the more savage deeds of the English -General. From this siege of Fort Meigs Proctor was obliged to -retreat toward Malden in disgrace and confusion.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the May following, however, Proctor, thinking to surprise Fort -Meigs, made a second attack upon it with a large force of British -regulars and Canadians, and several thousand Indians under Tecumseh, -but was again obliged to retreat in disgrace.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the first day of August, General Proctor appeared with five -hundred regulars, and about eight hundred Indians of the most -ferocious kind, before fort Stephenson, twenty miles above the mouth -of the river Sandusky. There were not more than one hundred -and thirty-three effective men in the garrison, and the works covered -one acre of ground; it was a mere outpost of little importance; and -General Harrison, acting with the unanimous advice of his council -of war, had sent orders to Major Croghan, who commanded the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>garrison, to evacuate the fort, and make good his retreat to head-quarters, -provided the enemy should approach the place with artillery, -and a retreat be practicable. But the first step taken by Proctor -was to isolate the fort by a cordon of Indians, thus leaving to Major -Croghan no choice but between resistance and submission. A messenger -was sent to demand the surrender of the fort. He was met -by Ensign Shipp, to whom the messenger observed that General -Proctor had a considerable body of regular troops, and a great many -Indians, whom it was impossible to control, and if the fort was taken -by force, he must expect that the mildest instruments made use of -would be the tomahawk and scalping-knife! Shipp replied, that it -was the commander's intention to defend the garrison or be buried -in it, and that they might do their worst. The messenger, startled -at the reply of Shipp, again addressed him: "You are a fine young -man. I pity your situation. For God's sake surrender, and prevent -the dreadful slaughter which must inevitably follow resistance." -The gallant Shipp turned from him with indignation, and was immediately -seized by a frightful-looking savage, who attempted to wrest -his sword from him, but the Ensign was fortunately too quick for -him, and buried the blade to the hilt in his body, and succeeded in -reaching the fort in safety. The attack now commenced. About -four <span class='fss'>P. M.</span>, all the enemy's guns were concentrated against the northwestern -angle of the fort, for the purpose of making a breach. To -counteract the effect of their fire, the commander caused that point -to be strengthened by means of bags of flour, sand and other materials, -in such a manner that the balls of the enemy did but little -injury. But the enemy, supposing that their fire had sufficiently -shattered the pickets, advanced, to the number of six hundred, to -storm the place, the Indians shouting in their usual manner. As -soon as the ditch was pretty well filled with the copper-colored -assailants, the commander of the fort ordered a six-pounder, which -had been masked in the block-house, to be discharged. It had been -loaded with a double charge of musket-balls and slugs. The piece -completely raked the ditch from end to end. The yell of the -savages was at this instant horrible. The first fire leveled the one -half in death; the second and third either killed or wounded all -except eleven, who were covered by the dead bodies. The Americans -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>had but one killed, and seven slightly wounded. Early the -ensuing morning the few regulars and Indians that survived retreated -down the river, abandoning all their baggage.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The time was now at hand when General Harrison and his army -were to reach the full completion of all the contemplated objects of -the expedition.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Among the earliest recommendations of General Harrison to the -Government the year before, and immediately after he commenced -operations, had been that of constructing and equipping a naval -armament on the lakes. In one letter he says: "Admitting that -Malden and Detroit are both taken, Mackinaw and St. Joseph will -both remain in the hands of the enemy until we can create a force -capable of contending with the vessels which the British have in -Lake Michigan," etc. And again, in another letter: "Should any -offensive operation be suspended until spring, it is my decided -opinion that the cheapest and most effectual plan will be to obtain -command of Lake Erie. This being once effected, every difficulty -will be removed. An army of four thousand men, landed on the -north side of the lake, below Malden, will reduce that place, retake -Detroit, and, with the aid of the fleet, proceed down the lake to -coöperate with the army from Niagara." These sagacious instructions, -being repeatedly and strenuously urged by him, and reinforced -also from other quarters, were adopted and acted upon by the -Government. Commodore Perry was commissioned to build, equip -and command the contemplated fleet; and, on the 10th of September, -with an inferior force, he met the enemy, and gained the brilliant -victory of Lake Erie.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile, Colonel Richard M. Johnson, then a member of Congress -from Kentucky, had devised the organization of two regiments of -mounted militia, which he was authorized by the Government to -raise, as well for service against the Indians, as to coöperate with -Harrison. Colonel Johnson crossed the country of Lower Sandusky, -where he received orders from the war department to proceed to -Kaskaskia, to operate in that quarter; but, by the interference of -Harrison, and at the urgent request of Colonel Johnson, who said, -for himself and his men, that the first object of their hearts was to -accompany Harrison to Detroit and Canada, and to partake in the -danger and honor of that expedition, under an officer in whom they -had confidence, and who had approved himself "to be wise, prudent, -and brave,"—the orders of the department were countermanded, and -Colonel Johnson attained his wish.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span> -<img src='images/i014.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Tecumseh Saving the Prisoners.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p211'>19</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>General Harrison now prepared to strike the great blow. Aided -by the energetic efforts of Governor Meigs, of Ohio, and Governor -Shelby, of Kentucky, he had ready on the southern shore of Lake -Erie, by the middle of September, a competent force, destined for -the immediate invasion of Canada. Between the 16th and the 24th -of September, the artillery, military stores, provisions, and troops, -were gradually embarked, and on the 27th the whole army proceeded -to the Canada shore. "Remember the river Raisin," said General -Harrison, in his address to the troops, "but remember it only while -victory is suspended. The revenge of a soldier can not be gratified -on a fallen enemy." The army landed in high spirits; but the enemy -had abandoned his stronghold, and retreated to Sandwich, -after dismantling Malden, burning the barracks and navy-yard, and -stripping the adjacent country of horses and cattle. General Harrison -encamped that night on the ruins of Malden.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the 2d of October, arrangements were made for pursuing the -retreating enemy up the Thames. The army was put in motion on -the morning of the 4th. General Harrison accompanied Colonel -Johnson, and was followed by Governor Shelby with the infantry. -Having passed the ground where the enemy had encamped the night -before, the General directed the advance of Colonel Johnson's regiment -to accelerate their march, for the purpose of ascertaining the -distance of the enemy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The troops had now advanced within three miles of the Moravian -town, and within one mile of the enemy. Across a narrow strip of -land, near an Indian village, the enemy were drawn up in line of -battle, to prevent the advance of the American troops. The British -troops amounted to six hundred, the Indians to more than twelve -hundred. About one hundred and fifty regulars, under Colonel -Ball, were ordered to advance and amuse the enemy, and, should a -favorable opportunity present, to seize his cannon. A small party -of friendly Indians were directed to move under the bank. The regiment -of Colonel Johnson was drawn up in close column, with its -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>right a few yards distant from the road. General Desha's division -covered the left of Johnson's regiment. General Cass and Commodore -Perry volunteered as aids to General Harrison.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the 5th, the enemy was discovered in a position skillfully -chosen, in relation as well to local circumstances as to the character -of his troops. A narrow strip of dry land, flanked by the river -Thames on the left and by a swamp on the right, was occupied by -his regular infantry and artillery, while on the right flank lay Tecumseh -and his followers, on the eastern margin of the swamp. But, -notwithstanding the judicious choice of the ground, Proctor had -committed the error of forming his infantry in open order. Availing -himself of this fact, and aware that troops so disposed could not resist -a charge of mounted men, he directed Colonel Johnson to dash -through the enemy's line in column. The movement was made with -brilliant success.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The mounted men charged with promptitude and vigor, broke -through the line of the enemy, formed in the rear, and assailed the -broken line with a success seldom equaled, for nearly the whole -of the British regular force was either killed, wounded, or taken prisoners.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the left the contest was much more serious. Colonel Johnson's -regiment, being there stationed, received a galling fire from the -Indians, who seemed not disposed to give ground. The Colonel -gallantly led his men into the midst of them, and was personally attacked -by a chief, whom he dispatched with his cutlass the moment -the former was aiming a blow at him with his tomahawk. The savages, -finding the fire of the troops too warm for them, fled across the -hills and attempted to seek shelter in a piece of woods on the left, -where they were closely pursued by the cavalry. At the margin of -the wood Tecumseh stationed himself, armed with a spear, tomahawk, -&c., endeavoring to rally and persuade his men to return to the attack. -At this point a considerable body of Indians had collected; -but this brave savage saw that the fortune of the day was against -him, and the battle was lost. Proctor had cowardly fled from the -field, and left him and his warriors alone to sustain themselves -against a far superior force; and he knew that there was no chance -of contending with any hope of success. He therefore stood, like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>a true hero, disdaining to fly, and was, with many of his bravest -warriors around him, shot down by the Kentucky riflemen. It has -been published to the world, and by many believed, that this distinguished -warrior was killed by a pistol-shot from Colonel Johnson; -but this is undoubtedly a mistake, which probably originated from -the circumstance of the Colonel's having killed a chief by whom he -was attacked, as has before been related. That he fell by a rifle-shot, -there can be no doubt; but by whom fired, it was not certainly -known, or probably never can be satisfactorily proved. No less than -six of the riflemen and twenty-two Indians fell within twenty-five -yards of the spot where Tecumseh was killed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indians continued a brisk fire from the margin of the wood -until a fresh regiment was called into action to oppose them. A -company of cavalry having crossed the hills and gained the rear of -the savages, the rout became general. They fought bravely, and -sustained a heavy loss in killed and wounded. The death of their -leader, Tecumseh, was an irreparable loss to them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Tecumseh was the most extraordinary Indian that has ever appeared -in history. He was by birth a Shawanese, and would have -been a great man in any age or nation. Independent of the most -consummate courage and skill as a warrior, and all the characteristic -acuteness of his race, he was endowed by nature with the attributes -of mind necessary for great political combinations. His acute understanding, -very early in life, informed him that his countrymen -had lost their importance; that they were gradually yielding to the -whites, who were acquiring an imposing influence over them. Instigated -by these considerations, and, perhaps, by his natural ferocity -and attachment to war, he became a decided enemy to the whites, -and imbibed an invincible determination (he surrendered it with his -life) to regain for his country the proud independence which he supposed -she had lost. For a number of years he was foremost in every -act of hostility committed against those he conceived the oppressors -of his countrymen, and was equally remarkable for intrepidity as -skill, in many combats that took place under his banner. Aware, at -length, of the extent, number, and power of the United States, he -became fully convinced of the futility of any single nation of red-men -attempting to cope with them. He formed, therefore, the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>grand scheme of uniting all the tribes east of the Mississippi into -hostility against the United States. This was a field worthy of his -great and enterprising genius. He commenced in the year 1809; -and in the execution of his project he displayed an unequaled -adroitness, eloquence, and courage. He insinuated himself into every -tribe, from Michilimackinack to Georgia, and was invariably successful -in his attempts to bring them over to his views.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The following characteristic circumstance occurred at one of the -meetings at Vincennes. After Tecumseh had made a speech to -General Harrison, and was about to seat himself in a chair, he observed -that none had been placed for him. One was immediately -ordered by the Governor, and, as the interpreter handed it to him, -he said, "Your father requests you to take a chair." "<em>My father!</em>" -said Tecumseh, with an indignant expression; "<em>the sun is my father, -and the earth is my mother, and on her bosom will I repose</em>," and immediately -seated himself, in the Indian fashion, upon the ground.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Tecumseh was born about 1770, and was supposed to be in his -forty-fourth year at the time of his death. He received the commission -of Brigadier-General in the British army; but aversion to civilization -was a prominent trait in his character, and it is not supposed -that he received the red sash and other badges of office, because he -was fond of imitating the whites, but only as a means of inspiring -respect and veneration among his own people, which was so necessary -in the work he had undertaken. He was about five feet ten -inches in height, of a noble appearance, and a perfectly symmetrical -form. His carriage was erect and lofty, his motions quick, his eyes -penetrating, his visage stern, with an air of <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">hauteur</span></i> in his countenance, -which arose from an elevated pride of soul. It did not leave -him, even in death. Had he not possessed a certain austerity of -manners, he could never have controlled the passions of those whom -he had led to battle. The Indians are usually fond of gaudy decorations; -but Tecumseh was an exception. Clothes and other valuable -articles of spoil frequently fell into his possession; yet he invariably -wore a deer-skin coat and pantaloons. He had frequently levied -subsidies, to a comparatively large amount; yet he retained little or -nothing for himself. It was not wealth, but glory, that was his ruling -passion.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>Previously to General Brock's crossing over to Detroit, he asked -Tecumseh what sort of a country he should have to pass through in -case of his proceeding further. Tecumseh, taking a roll of elm-bark, -and extending it upon the ground, by means of four stones, drew -forth his scalping-knife and with the point sketched upon the bark a -plan of the country: its hills, woods, rivers, morasses and roads; a -plan, which, if not as neat, was for the purpose fully as intelligible -as if Arrowsmith himself had prepared it. Pleased with this unexpected -talent in Tecumseh, as also with his having induced the Indians -not of his immediate party to cross the Detroit, prior to the -departure of the regulars and militia, General Brock, as soon as business -was over, publicly took off his sash and placed it around the -body of the chief. Tecumseh received the honor with evident gratification, -but was, the next day, seen without his sash. General -Brock, fearing something had displeased the Indian, sent his interpreter -for an explanation; who soon returned with an account that -Tecumseh, not wishing to wear such a mark of distinction, when an -older, and, as he said, abler, warrior was present, had transferred the -sash to the Wyandot chief, Roundhead.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='p229' class='c005'>HORSEWHIPPING A TYRANT.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>General Prescott, the commander of the British troops in Rhode -Island, was one of those mean-spirited, petty tyrants, who, when in -power, exercise their ingenuity in devising means of harassing all -who have the misfortune to be subject to their authority; but, when -circumstances place them in the power of others, are the most contemptible -sycophants and parasites. Narrow-minded in the extreme, -with a heart which had not one benevolent impulse, he was far from -being a fit officer to be placed in authority over the people of Rhode -Island, who could be more easily conquered by lenient measures than -by the use of unnecessary harshness. From the first day of his power -he pursued a system of pitiless tyranny. Writhing under a sense of -wrongs, maddened to desperation by the meanness and malignity of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>their oppressor, the people of the Island resolved to rid themselves -of the cause, no matter at what risk or sacrifice. Various plans were -suggested, and even assassination was hinted at. His harsh treatment -of Colonel Ethan Allen, a prisoner in his hands, combined with his -haughty and arrogant conduct toward all, increased the feeling against -him. To add to all this, General Lee was a prisoner in the British -jail, and confined in a cell under the pretense that he was a deserter, -having once been an officer in the British army; Washington had no -prisoner of equal rank to offer in exchange.</p> - -<p class='c000'>If the capture of Prescott could be effected, it would not only rid -the Rhode Islanders of his hated rule, but would afford an officer to -be exchanged for General Lee, whom Washington was most anxious -to rescue. Under these circumstances, many enterprises were projected; -but it was reserved for Lieutenant-Colonel Barton, of the -Rhode Island line, to successfully plan and accomplish the much-desired -object. He was stationed with a force of militia on the -main-land, when he received word that Prescott was quartered at a -country-house near the western shore of the Island, about four miles -from Newport, totally unconscious of danger, though in a very exposed -situation. Conceiving this to be the favorable opportunity, -Barton began to prepare for the execution of his bold design. The -enterprise proposed was bold and hazardous, and its failure would be -sure to bring upon him the charge of being rash and foolhardy; but -then, if successful, an honorable renown would be the reward of -those concerned.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He communicated his design to Colonel Horton, his superior officer, -who gave it his commendation, and permitted him to select from -his regiment such men and officers as he desired to assist him in the -plot. From an apprehension that his plans might become known to -the enemy, he did not make a selection of the necessary number of -men until the last moment, and then, with a desire that he might -be accompanied only by volunteers, he ordered his whole company -upon parade, and in a brief speech stated that he wished to obtain -forty volunteers for an expedition of great hazard, and all that wished -to accompany him, should signify it by stepping from the ranks. -Without one exception, the whole regiment advanced. He now -found it necessary to make the selection himself, and he did so, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>choosing those whose courage and fidelity were tested. Several officers -had personally volunteered, but not one of the party besides -Barton himself, knew of the object in view, but all trusted to the -honor and courage of their leader.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Some delay was experienced in procuring boats, but on the 4th -of July, 1777, they embarked from Tiverton for Bristol. In crossing -Mount Hope Bay, they suffered from a severe storm, but they arrived -at Bristol at midnight. On the morning of the 5th, the Major, with -his officers, went over to Hog Island for the purpose of reconnoitering -the position of the enemy. Here he revealed the object of the -expedition, and his plan for its accomplishment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was not until the evening of the 5th, that the party again embarked. -Crossing Narragansett Bay, they landed on Warwick Neck, -but were here detained by a severe storm which retarded their plans -considerably. On the 9th, however, it became clear, and they prepared -once more to sail, with the intention of proceeding directly to -Rhode Island. Some hours after the set of sun, all was still, and -the darkness affording them a protection from observation, the little -squadron shot out from the land, and proceeded noiselessly and cautiously -on its course. This was a very hazardous part of the enterprise, -as there was great danger of being discovered by some of the -ships of war that lay near the shore. Cautiously gliding along between -the islands of Prudence and Patience, by which means they -were secured from observation from the enemy's shipping that lay off -by Hope Island, they advanced rapidly to their destination. While -passing the north end of Prudence Island, they could distinctly hear -the sentinels from the ships, cry out, "All's well." The night was -one of excessive darkness, and this fortunate circumstance, no doubt, -contributed largely to the success of the plan.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The landing was effected without difficulty. In order to secure -a rapid retreat, one man was commanded to remain in each boat, -and instructed to be ready for departing at a moment's notice. When -all were on shore, the requisite instructions were given, and the party -advanced rapidly in the direction of General Prescott's head-quarters. -The difficulties of Major Barton's situation will be readily appreciated. -Even should he surprise General Prescott, a very few moments would -suffice for an alarm to be carried to the enemy, and if so, the whole -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>British army would be upon them before they could get to their forts. -Or, even should they reach their boats, if an alarm was conveyed to -the enemy's shipping, their retreat would, with certainty, be cut off. -It was, therefore, necessary to proceed with the utmost caution and -care; and to act with equal daring, prudence, and celerity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The distance to the residence of the English General was about -a mile. The party was divided into five divisions: one to approach -the door on the south side, another one on the east, and a third on -the west side, there being three doors to the house, while the fourth -division was to guard the road, and the fifth to be ready to act on -emergencies. They were obliged, in order to reach the house, to -pass the guard-house of the enemy, on the left, and on their right a -house occupied by a company of cavalry. On arriving at Prescott's -head-quarters, they were challenged by a sentinel who was stationed at -the gate of the front yard. The darkness of the night prevented -him from determining the nature of the party approaching, but, as -they continued to advance in silence, he again challenged them, demanding:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Who goes there?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Friends," said Barton.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Advance and give the countersign," was the rejoinder.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Pho!" replied Barton, as he continued to advance close to the -person of the sentinel, "we have no countersign—have you seen any -rascals to-night?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Almost simultaneous with this remark, Barton suddenly seized the -musket of the sentinel, and charged him to make no noise on the -penalty of instant death. So much had been accomplished in perfect -silence. The divisions rapidly advanced to their respective positions, -while Barton questioned the bewildered and terrified sentinel, as to -whether the General was in the house, who replied that he was. -The signal was now given, and in an instant the south door was -burst open, and the division there stationed rushed into the building, -followed by the Major.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The first person Barton met was Mr. Perwig, who denied that -General Prescott was in the house, and his son also obstinately denied -the presence of the English officer. Not being able to find him in -their rapid search through the apartments, Barton now had resort to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>stratagem. In a loud voice, he declared his intention of capturing -the General dead or alive, and ordered his soldiers immediately to -set fire to the house. At this juncture, a voice which Barton suspected -to belong to the General, inquired the cause of the disturbance. -Barton rushed to the apartment from which came the voice he heard, -and finding there an elderly gentleman, just rising from his bed, he -accosted him as General Prescott. To this the gentleman assented, -and declared he bore the name and title.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Then you are my prisoner," replied Barton.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I acknowledge I am," was the rejoinder.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was only allowed time to partially dress himself, when he was -hurried off by his captors.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile a singular circumstance had occurred. At the very -moment when Barton first gained admission into the house, one of -the British soldiers managed to escape, and flew to the quarters of -the main guard to give the alarm. This man, in the alarm of the -moment, rushed forth with no other clothing than his shirt; and -having hastily explained the matter to the sentinel on duty, he passed -on to the quarters of the cavalry, which was much more remote -from the head-quarters of the General. But when the sentinel came -to explain the matter to the officer of the guard, it seemed so incredible, -that he was laughed at, and was told that he had seen a ghost. -He admitted that the messenger was clothed in white, and after being -heartily laughed at for his credulity, was ordered back to his station, -and the guard went back to their quarters. This was a most -fortunate circumstance, for had the alarm of the soldier been believed, -nothing could have preserved the gallant Major and his band from -destruction.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The whole party, with the English General in their midst, marched -rapidly toward the shore. When they arrived at the boat, their prisoner, -who had been hurried away half-dressed, was permitted to -complete his toilet. They re-embarked with all possible haste, and -had not got far from the island, when the discharge of cannon and -three sky-rockets gave the signal of alarm. But, for some cause, -the signal was not understood by those on the ships, and, by this -fortunate circumstance, the gallant band was preserved, for it would -have been easy for their enemy to have cut off their retreat. Although -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>full of anxiety and apprehension, they bent every nerve to reach -their port of destination, happily succeeding without meeting an -obstacle. When they landed, General Prescott said to Lieutenant-Colonel -Barton:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Sir, you have made an amazing bold push to-night."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"We have been fortunate," was the modest reply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Before morning the prisoner was in Providence, where he was delivered -into the custody of General Spencer, who treated him with consideration -far above his deserts. After a few days' stay in Providence, Prescott -was sent, under an escort, to the head-quarters of Washington on -the Hudson. On reaching Lebanon, the party stopped at the tavern -of a Captain Alden, who was an ardent Whig, and hated the very -name of Prescott. Nothing could have afforded him greater gratification -than an opportunity to inflict condign punishment upon the -tyrant, and the General unwittingly gave him that opportunity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the table Mrs. Alden waited upon the General; among the -dishes presented for his acceptance, was some "succotash," or corn-and-beans, -a favorite dish with the New England people, but which -seemed to excite the wrath and resentment of the little-great General, -whose temper was probably not improved by the events of the -last few days.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Taking the dish in his hand, and forgetting that his position was -that of prisoner not of master, he looked at it a moment, and exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"What's this! what's this! are you going to treat me with the -food of hogs?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Saying which, he dashed the tureen upon the floor, breaking it, -and strewing the contents in all directions. Mrs. Alden had too -much spirit to brook such an insult to her cookery and table, and -left the room to inform her husband of the occurrence. In a few -moments, Captain Alden, bearing a large cart-whip in his hand, entered -the room, demanding of the British General what he meant by such -conduct in his house. Seeing vengeance written in every lineament -of the Captain's face, the General appealed to the officers of his -escort for protection.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Protection!" said the landlord; "I'll show you the protection -you deserve;" and seizing him by the collar, he dragged the whilom -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>haughty dictator from his chair, when, with all the force of an arm -nerved by the memory of the wrongs of good Americans, he rained -down a shower of blows which made the victim writhe, and cry for -that mercy which he had so often denied to others.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I'll teach you manners," panted Alden, between the blows, "I'll -teach you to insult those who are giving you better than you deserve, -you tyrannical minion of English oppression!" While at every word -the long lash of the whip descended upon the groveling shoulders of -his enemy, until, from mere exhaustion, Alden ceased, remarking:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"There, if ever you want another lesson in good manners, come -to me and I'll give it to you with pleasure."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The officers present made no serious attempt to relieve their prisoner -from his predicament. They felt that he richly merited the castigation; -while the crestfallen General was too well assured of their -feelings toward him to reproach them—but he took a terrible revenge, -when, after a time, being exchanged, he returned to his command at -Newport, where he burned the towns and villages, turning the inhabitants -houseless upon the world. He never forgot or forgave this -infliction of personal punishment; and when, upon a subsequent occasion, -three of the citizens of Newport waited upon him concerning -the business of the town, he stormed and raved at one of them in -such a manner that he was compelled to withdraw. After the others -had announced their business, and the General had become somewhat -calm, he inquired:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Was not my treatment of Folger rather uncivil?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Upon being assured that it certainly was, he explained it, by remarking:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"He looked so much like a —— Connecticut man, who horsewhipped -me once, that I could not bear the sight of him."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The accounts which are given of General Prescott's treatment of -Ethan Allen, are no more to the credit of his dignity than the story -of the succotash.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Shortly after Ethan Allen's celebrated conquest of Ticonderoga, -he joined the expedition into Canada, under Generals Schuyler and -Montgomery. He had no commission from Congress, but was induced -by the commanding officers to follow the army, under a promise -that he should command certain detachments in the army, when -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>occasion required. He was dispatched into Canada with letters to -the Canadians, explaining the object of the expedition, which was -not aimed against the inhabitants of the country, their liberties or -religion, but against the British possessors. The Canadians were -invited to make common cause with the Continentals, and expel the -invader. His message was partially successful, and numbers of the -Canadians joined the Congressional banner.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On a second expedition of a similar nature, he was induced to -undertake the enterprise against Montreal. Matters promised him -success, but at a critical moment many of his Canadian allies abandoned -him. The result was a total defeat, which ended in the surrender -of himself and party.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When he was brought before General Prescott, the commanding -English officer, he was asked by him his name and title. The reply cast -the Briton into a towering passion. He could not forget the loss of Ticonderoga, -and time had not softened the bitterness of hatred he felt -against the hero of that glorious adventure. The Englishman so far forgot -his position as to threaten the person of Allen with his cane, and -applied to him every offensive epithet he could command. Finding -that Allen confronted him with an undaunted gaze, he looked around -for something else on which to wreak his hatred. He ordered the -Canadians who had been taken with Allen, to be brought forward, -and executed. As they were brought forward, wringing their hands -in consternation at the prospect of death, the heart of Allen was -touched, as he could but feel their present position was brought about -by his instrumentality. He therefore flung himself between the executioners -and the intended victims, opened his coat, and told General -Prescott to let his vengeance fall on him alone, as he was the -sole cause of the Canadians taking up arms.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The guard paused, and looked toward their General, and, indeed, -it was a moment of suspense and interest to all present. The General -stood quiet a moment or two in hesitation, and then said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I will not execute you now; but you shall grace a halter at Tyburn," -accompanying his speech with a series of emphatic oaths.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Allen was now removed on board the Gaspee schooner of war, -loaded with irons of immense weight, and cast into the hold of the -vessel. Here his sufferings were of the most acute nature. His -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>only accommodations were a chest, on which he sat during the day -and which served him as a couch at night. The irons upon his -ankles were so tight, that he could scarcely lie down, and then only -in one position. Here he was visited by many officers of the English -army, some of whom treated him civilly, but others were abusive -and insulting.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the expiration of six weeks, he was removed to a vessel off -Quebec, where he received kind and courteous treatment. Here he -remained until his removal on board of the vessel which was to -carry him to England. Here all of the prisoners, thirty-four, were -thrust into a small apartment, each heavily ironed. They were compelled -during the whole voyage to remain in their confinement, and -were subjected to every indignity that cruelty could invent.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When first ordered to enter into their filthy apartment, Allen refused, -and endeavored to argue their brutal keeper out of his inhuman -purpose, but all in vain. The reply to his appeal was insults -of the grossest kind, and an officer of the vessel insulting him by -spitting in his face. Handcuffed as he was, the intrepid American -sprung upon the dastard, and knocked him at length upon the floor. -The fellow hastily scrambled out of the reach of Allen, and placed -himself under the protection of the guard. Allen challenged him -to fight, offering to meet him even with irons upon his wrists, but -the Briton, trembling with fear, contented himself with the protection -afforded him by British bayonets, and did not venture to oppose -the intrepid American. The prisoners were now forced into their -den at the point of the bayonet.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The sufferings of the captives during the voyage were intense. -Their privations soon brought on diarrhœa and fevers. But, notwithstanding -their sickness, they received no attention from their -jailers, and even those who were crazed with raging thirst, were denied -the simple boon of fresh water.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On arriving at Falmouth, the prisoners were all marched through -the town, to Pendennis Castle, about a mile distant. The fame of -Allen had preceded him, and multitudes of people were gathered -along the route to gaze upon him, and the other prisoners. The -throng was so great, that the guard were compelled to force a passage -through the crowd. Allen appeared conspicuous among his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>fellow prisoners, by his eccentric dress. When captured, he was -taken in a Canadian dress, consisting of a red shirt, a red worsted -cap, a short fawn-skin jacket, and breeches of sagathy; and in this -dress he was escorted through the wondering crowd at Falmouth. -Ticonderoga was a place of notoriety, in England, and the hero who -had so signally conquered it was an object of interest and wonder -to the people.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Allen was now visited by a great number of people, some of -whom were attracted from great distances, in order to see and converse -with the American celebrity. Discussion ran high as to his -eventual disposal. Some declared that he would be hung, and argued -the justice of the act. But others defended and supported the Americans. -Even in parliament the merits of the question were discussed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From their prison in Pendennis Castle they were removed to the -Solebay Frigate, to be conveyed to America, stopping at Cork for -provisions and water. The commanding officer was harsh and cruel, -and, on the first day, ordered the prisoners from the deck, declaring -that it was a place for gentlemen only to walk. A few days after, -Allen shaved and dressed, and proceeded to the deck. The Captain -addressed him in great rage, and said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Did I not order you not to come on deck?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Allen replied that he had said that it was a place for gentlemen -to walk, and that he was Colonel Allen, a gentleman and soldier, -who had been properly introduced to him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His reply was characteristic of his brutal despotism: "Don't walk -on the same side of the deck that I do," with an oath.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The sufferings of the prisoners continued, but when at Cork, their -situation received the attention of several benevolent gentlemen, who -exerted themselves to relieve them. Ample stores and clothing -were sent on board, but the Captain refused privilege to the prisoners -to enjoy them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The vessels proceeded to America, first casting anchor in the harbor -of Cape Fear, North Carolina. From this place Allen was removed -to Halifax. Here his treatment continued of the same kind, -that, from the first, had characterized his captivity. He received here -some kind attentions from Captain Smith, which he afterward had -occasion to return in a signal manner. After a confinement of two -months he was removed to a man-of-war, to be conveyed to New -York, for the purpose of effecting an exchange. When arrived on -board of the vessel, he was delighted to find that he was under the -command of Captain Smith, who had before served him.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span> -<img src='images/i015.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Horsewhipping a Tyrant.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p229'>37</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>When Colonel Allen met Captain Smith on board the vessel, he -greeted him with thanks for his kindness. The noble Captain disclaimed -all merit, and said: "This is a mutable world, and one gentleman -never knows but that it may be in his power to help another." -This sentiment was strikingly verified in the course of the -voyage.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One night, as they were sailing along the coast of Rhode Island, -Captain Burke and a few other prisoners came to Allen with a plan -for destroying the British officers, seizing the vessel, and carrying -her into some friendly port. A large quantity of cash on board was -held up as an inducement for the enterprise. But Captain Smith had -generously distinguished the prisoners, and for this reason Allen -strongly condemned the plan. He declared that if the attempt was -made, he would assist in the defense of the Briton, with all his skill -and strength. Finding the conspiracy so strenuously opposed by the -most influential of the prisoners, it was abandoned, upon the assurance -that they should not be betrayed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Upon arriving in New York, Colonel Allen was released on parole, -but restricted to the limits of New York. An attempt was made -soon after to induce him to join the British ranks. He was offered -a heavy sum of money, and large tracts of land, either in New -Hampshire or Connecticut, when the country was conquered. The -integrity of the man, however, was unassailable. His reply to the -proposition was characteristic. He said that the offer reminded him -of a certain incident in Scripture. The devil, he said, took Christ -to a high hill, and showing him the kingdoms of earth, offered him -their possession, if he would fall down and worship him, "when all -the while the damned soul had not one foot of land upon earth!" -It may be believed that those sent to negotiate with him did not -fail to understand the illustration.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Colonel Allen, in a narrative of his captivity, written by himself, -gives a fearful account of the condition of the American prisoners in -New York. Before he was exchanged he was arrested on the absurd -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>charge of breaking his parole, and thrown into the Provost jail. -Here he remained from August to May, during which time he witnessed -instances of suffering of the most agonizing kind, and was -himself compelled again to feel the barbarous treatment of British -officials. At the expiration of the above period he was exchanged, -and once more tasted of the sweets of freedom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It may not be out of place here, since we have given an account -of Barton's brilliant exploit in the capture of General Prescott, to -relate the story of General Wadsworth's abduction, who fell into the -hands of the British in a manner somewhat similar, though the affair -was characterized by no such daring on the part of the enemy as our -own young officer showed, in venturing into the lines of the English, -since General Wadsworth was known to be almost wholly unprotected -at the time it was resolved to take him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the spring of 1780 he was appointed to the command of a -party of State troops in Canada, in the district of Maine. At the -expiration of the time for which the troops were engaged, General -Wadsworth dismissed them, retaining six soldiers only as his guard, -as he was making preparations to depart from the place. A neighbor -communicated his situation to the British commander at Penobscot, -and a party of twenty-five soldiers, commanded by Lieutenant -Stockton, was sent to make him a prisoner. They embarked in a -small schooner, and, landing within four miles of the General's -quarters, they were concealed in the house of a Methodist preacher -by the name of Snow—professedly a friend to us, but really a traitor—until -eleven in the evening, when they made their arrangements -for the attack.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The party rushed suddenly on the sentinel, who gave the alarm, -and one of his comrades instantly opened the kitchen door, and -the enemy were so near as to enter with the sentinel. The lady of -the General, and her friend, Miss Fenno, of Boston, were in the -house at the time. Mrs. Wadsworth escaped from her husband's -room into that of Miss Fenno.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The assailants soon became masters of the whole house, except -the room where the General was, and which was strongly barred, -and they kept up a constant firing of musketry into the windows -and doors, except into those of the ladies' room. General Wadsworth -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>was provided with a pair of pistols, a blunderbuss and a fusee, -which he employed with great dexterity, being determined to defend -himself to the last moment. With his pistols, which he discharged -several times, he defended the rooms of his window and a door -which opened into a kitchen. His blunderbuss he snapped several -times, but unfortunately it missed fire; he then secured his fusee, -which he discharged on some who were breaking through the windows, -and obliged them to flee. He next defended himself with his -bayonet, till he received a ball through his left arm, when he surrendered, -which terminated the contest. The firing, however, did not -cease from the kitchen until the General unbarred the door, when -the soldiers rushed into the room, and one of them, who had been -badly wounded, pointing a musket at his breast, exclaimed, with an -oath, "you have taken my life, and I will take yours." But Lieutenant -Stockton turned the musket aside, and saved his life. The -commanding officer now applauded the General for his admirable -defense, and assisted in putting on his clothes, saying, "you see we -are in a critical situation, and therefore you must excuse haste." -Mrs. Wadsworth threw a blanket over him, and Miss Fenno affixed -a handkerchief closely around his wounded arm.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In this condition, though much exhausted, he, with a wounded -American soldier, was directed to march on foot, while the British -wounded soldiers were mounted on a horse taken from the General's -barn. They departed in great haste. When they had proceeded about -a mile, they met, at a small house, a number of people collected, and -who inquired if they had taken General Wadsworth. They said -no, and added that they must leave a wounded man in their care, -and if they paid proper attention to him, they should be compensated; -but if not, they would burn down their house. The man -appeared to be dying. General Wadsworth was mounted on the -horse behind the other wounded soldier, and was warned that his -safety depended on his silence. Having passed over a frozen mill-pond -about a mile in length, they were met by some of their party -who had been left behind. At this place they found a British privateer, -which brought the party from the fort. The Captain, on -being told that he must return there with the prisoner and the party, -and seeing some of his men wounded, became outrageous, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>cursing the General for a rebel, demanded how he dared to fire on -the king's troops, and commanded him to help launch the boat, or he -would put his hanger through his body. The General replied that -he was a prisoner, and badly wounded, and could not assist in launching -the boat. Lieutenant Stockton, on hearing of this abusive treatment, -in a manner honorable to himself, told the Captain that the -prisoner was a gentleman, had made a brave defense, and was to be -treated accordingly, and added, that his conduct should be represented -to General Campbell. After this the Captain treated the -prisoner with great civility, and afforded him every comfort in his -power.</p> - -<p class='c000'>General Wadsworth had left the ladies in the house, not a window -of which escaped destruction. The doors were broken down, -and two of the rooms were on fire; the floors were covered with -blood, and on one of them lay a brave old soldier dangerously -wounded, begging for death, that he might be released from misery. -The anxiety and distress of Mrs. Wadsworth were inexpressible, and -that of the General was greatly increased by the uncertainty in his -mind respecting the fate of his little son, only five years old, who -had been exposed to every danger by firing into the house; but he -had the happiness, afterward, of hearing of his safety.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having arrived at the British fort, the capture of General Wadsworth -was soon announced, and the shore thronged with spectators, -to see the man who, through the preceding year, had disappointed -all the designs of the British in that quarter; and loud shouts were -heard from the rabble that covered the shore. But when he arrived -at the fort, and was conducted into the officer's guard-room, he was -treated with politeness. General Campbell, the commandant of the -British garrison, sent his compliments to him, and a surgeon to dress -his wound, assuring him that his situation should be made comfortable. -The next morning, General Campbell invited him to breakfast, -and at table paid him many compliments in the defense he had -made, observing, however, that he had exposed himself in a degree -not perfectly justifiable. General Wadsworth replied that from the -manner of the attack, he had no reason to suspect any design of -taking him alive, and that he intended, therefore, to sell his life as -dearly as possible. He was then informed that a room in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>officers' barracks within the fort, was prepared for him, and that an -Orderly Sergeant should daily attend him to breakfast and dinner at -the commandant's table. Having retired to his solitary apartment, -and while his spirit was extremely depressed by a recollection of the -past, and by his present situation, he received from General Campbell -several books of amusement, and soon after a visit from him, -kindly endeavoring to cheer the spirits of his prisoner by conversation. -The principal officers of the garrison also called upon him, and -from them all, whom he daily met at the commandant's table, he -received particular attention and kindness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"He now made application for a flag of truce, by which means -he could transmit a letter to the Governor of Massachusetts, and -another to Mrs. Wadsworth. This was granted on the condition that -the letter to the Governor should be inspected. The flag was intrusted -to Lieutenant Stockton, and on his return, the General was -relieved from all anxiety respecting his wife and family. At the end -of five weeks, he requested of General Campbell the customary -privilege of parole, and received in reply that his case had been reported -to the commanding officer at New York, and that no alteration -could be made, till orders were received from that quarter. In -about two months' time, Mrs. Wadsworth and Miss Fenno arrived, -and the officers of the garrison contributed to render their visit -agreeable to all concerned.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"About the same time, orders were received from the commanding -General at New York, which were concealed from General Wadsworth, -but he finally learned that he was not to be paroled nor exchanged, -but was to be sent to England as a rebel of too much consequence -to be at liberty. Not long afterward, Major Benjamin -Benton, a brave and worthy man, who had served under the General -the preceding summer, was taken and brought into the fort, -and lodged in the same room with him. He had been informed that -both himself and the General were to be sent immediately after the -return of a privateer now on a cruise, either to New York or Halifax, -and thence to England. The prisoners immediately resolved to -make a desperate effort to effect their escape. They were confined -in a grated room in the officers' barracks within the fort. The wells -of this fortress, exclusively of the depth of the ditch surrounding it, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>were twenty feet high, with fraising on top, and chevaux-de-frise at -the bottom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Two sentinels were always in the entry, and their door—the upper -part of which was glass—might be opened by their watchmen whenever -they thought proper, and was actually opened at seasons of -peculiar darkness and silence. At the exterior doors of the entries, -sentinels were also stationed, as were others in the body of the fort, -and at the quarters of General Campbell. At the guard-house a -strong guard was daily mounted. Several sentinels were stationed -on the walls of the fort, and a complete line occupied them by night. -Without the ditch, glacis and abattis, another complete set of soldiers -patroled through the night, and a picket guard was placed in -or near the isthmus leading from the fort to the main land. Notwithstanding -all these fearful obstacles to success, they resolved to -make the perilous attempt.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The room in which they were confined was railed with boards. -One of these they determined to cut off so as to make a hole large -enough to pass through, and then to creep along till they should come -to the next or middle entry; and there lower themselves down into -this entry by a blanket. If they should not be discovered, the -passage to the walls of the fort was easy. In the evening, -after the sentinels had seen the prisoners retire to bed, General -Wadsworth got up, and standing in a chair attempted to cut with his -knife, the intended opening, but soon found it impracticable. The next -day, by giving a soldier a dollar they procured a gimlet. With this -instrument they proceeded cautiously and as silently as possible to separate -the board, and in order to conceal every appearance from their -servants and from the officers, their visitors, they carefully covered the -gimlet holes with chewed bread. At the end of three weeks, their -labors were so far completed, that it only remained to cut with a -knife, the parts which were left to hold the piece in its place. When -their preparations were finished, they learned that the privateer in -which they were to embark was daily expected.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"In the evening of the 18th of June, a very severe storm of rain, -with great darkness and almost incessant lightning, came on. This -the prisoners considered as the propitious moment. Having extinguished -their lights, they began to cut the corners of the board, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>and in less than an hour the intended opening was completed. The -noise which the operation occasioned was drowned by the rain falling -on the roof. Major Benton first ascended to the ceiling, and -pressed himself through the opening. General Wadsworth next, -having put the corner of his blanket through the hole and made it -fast by a strong wooden skewer, attempted to make his way through, -standing on a chair below, but it was with extreme difficulty that he -at length effected it, and reached the middle entry. From this he -passed through the door which he found open, and made his way to -the wall of the fort, and had to encounter the greatest difficulty before -he could ascend to the top. He had now to creep along the -top of the fort between the sentry boxes, at the very moment when -the relief was shifting sentinels, but the falling of the heavy rain -kept the sentinels within their boxes, and favored his escape. Having -now fastened his blanket round a picket at the top, he let himself -down through the chevaux-de-frise to the ground, and, in a -manner astonishing to himself, made his way into the open field. -Here he was obliged to grope his way among rocks, stumps and -brush in the darkness of night, till he reached the cove. Happily -the tide had ebbed, and he was enabled to cross the water, which -was about a mile in breadth, and not more than three feet deep.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"About two o'clock in the morning, General Wadsworth found -himself a mile and a half from the fort, and he proceeded through a -thick wood and brush to the Penobscot river, and, after passing some -distance along the shore, being seven miles from the fort, to his unspeakable -joy he saw his friend Benton advancing toward him. Major -Benton had been obliged to encounter in his course equal difficulties -with his companion, and such were the incredible perils, -dangers and obstructions which they surmounted, that their escape -may be considered almost miraculous.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"It was now necessary that they should cross the Penobscot -river, and very fortunately they discovered a canoe with oars on the -shore suited to their purpose. While on the river, they discovered -a barge with a party of the British from the fort, in pursuit of them, -but by taking an oblique course, and plying their oars to the utmost, -they happily eluded the eyes of their pursuers, and arrived -safe on the western shore. After having wandered in the wilderness -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>for several days and nights, exposed to extreme fatigue and cold, -and with no other food than a little dry bread and meat, which -they brought in their pockets from the fort, they reached the settlements -on the river St. George, and no further difficulties attended -their return to their respective families."</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='p244' class='c005'>THE MOTHER'S TRIAL.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Who has not heard of Logan, "the white man's friend"—that noble -specimen of the Indian race, who, by his forbearance, prudence, and -magnanimity, has done so much toward elevating the character of -the red-man to that high standard so forcibly depicted in the works -of America's great novelist—Cooper. That there may have been -thousands among the tribes who inhabited this continent at the -period of its settlement by the whites, who were actuated and controlled -by the savage impulses of their naturally brutal and cruel propensities, -there can be no doubt; but these pages give striking evidence -that there were many who were governed by the dictates of -higher instincts and loftier sentiments than those of passion and -prejudice.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In early life Logan lived at a place called Logan's Spring, in -Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. The first settler in his immediate -neighborhood was William Brown, who afterwards became an associate -Judge to Mifflin county, a post which he held until his death, -at the age of ninety. While engaged in looking for a convenient -spot on which to erect his cabin, he visited Logan at his camp, accompanied -by his brother, and while there, engaged in a friendly -contest of skill in the use of the rifle with the chieftain. A dollar -a shot was the wager for which they contended, and when they -ceased it was found that Logan was the loser of several shots. Going -to his cabin, he returned with as many deer-skins as he had lost -dollars, and handed them to the winner, who refused to take them, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>alleging that he was his guest, and did not come to rob him; that -the bet had been a mere nominal one, and he did not expect him to -pay it. The chief drew himself up to his full height, while a frown -of injured dignity darkened his brow, and exclaimed: "Me bet to -make you shoot your best; me gentleman, and me take your money -if me beat," and as there was no wish to insult him, the winner was -obliged to take the skins from their host, who would not accept -even a horn of powder in return. So much for the Indian's honesty -and integrity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mrs. Norris, a daughter of Judge Brown, gives some particulars -relating to Logan, which are highly interesting. She says: "Logan -supported himself by killing deer and dressing their skins, which he -sold to the whites. He had sold quite a quantity to one De Yong, a -tailor, who lived in Fuguson's valley, below the Gap. Tailors, in -those days, dealt extensively in buckskin breeches. Logan received -his pay, according to stipulation, in wheat. The wheat, on being -taken to the mill, was found so worthless that the miller refused to -grind it. Logan was much chagrined, and attempted in vain to obtain -redress from the tailor. He then took his case before his friend -Brown, then a magistrate; and on the Judge's questioning him as -to the character of the wheat, and what was in it, Logan sought for -words in vain to express the precise nature of the article with which -the wheat was adulterated, but said that it resembled in character -the wheat itself.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"It must have been <em>cheat</em>," said the Judge.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Yoh!" said Logan, "that very good name for him."</p> - -<p class='c000'>A decision was given in Logan's favor, and a writ given to him to -hand to the constable, which, he was told, would bring the money -for the skins. But the untutored Indian—too uncivilized to be dishonest—could -not comprehend by what magic this little bit of paper -would force the tailor against his will to pay for the skins. The -Judge took down his own commission, with the arms of the king -upon it, and explained to him the first principles and operations of -civil law. "Law good," said Logan; "make rogues pay."</p> - -<p class='c000'>But how much more efficient the law which the Great Spirit had -impressed upon the Indian's heart—<em>to do unto others as he would be -done by</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>When one of Judge Brown's children was just learning to walk, -its mother happened to express a regret that she could not get a pair -of shoes to support its first efforts. Logan, who stood by, overheard -the remark, but apparently paid no attention to it, although he had -determined in his own mind that the want of shoes should not hinder -the little girl in her first attempts. Two or three days passed, -and the remark had been forgotten by all save the chieftain, when, -happening into their house, he asked the mother if she would allow -the child to go with him, and spend the day at his cabin. Mrs. B. -could not divine the reason of such a request, and all her suspicions -were aroused at the idea of placing her little cherub in the hands -of one whose objects she could not understand. The proposition -alarmed her, and, without giving a decided negative, she hesitated to -comply. The matter was left to her husband, who urged her to -consent, representing the delicacy of Logan's feelings, his sensitiveness, -and his character for truth and plain dealing. With much reluctance, -but with apparent cheerfulness, the mother at length complied, -although her heart was filled with forebodings, as she saw her -little one disappear in the woods in the arms of the chieftain. -Slowly passed the sad hours away, and the poor mother could do -nothing but think of her absent one, in the hands of a savage warrior, -the natural enemy of the pale-face. As the day drew to a close, -she took her station at the window, and watched with the most intense -solicitude for the return of her child; but hour after hour -passed away without bringing any relief to her anxious heart. A -thousand vague fears and conjectures filled her mind with the many -tales of Indian barbarity and treachery which she had heard, and as -the shades of evening drew around the landscape, and her little one -had not returned, she felt that to hear of her death at the hands of -the chief would be a relief to her overwrought brain. Her husband -endeavored to calm her agitated feelings, and soothe her into confidence -in the integrity of Logan—but with little effect; and it is probable -that her apprehensions would have driven her to go to the cabin -of the Indian in search of her child. Just after the sun went down, -however, he made his appearance in the dim twilight, bearing the -little treasure in his arms, who seemed delighted with her conductor -for her arms were thrown about his neck as he bore her along with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>firm and rapid steps to her home. The mother's heart leaped with -joy as she recognized the persons of the chief and the child. She -sprung from her chair, where she had passed so many anxious moments, -and prepared to receive the little one, around whom had been -concentrated all her maternal feelings that tiresome, lonely, and -weary day. A few brief moments, which to her seemed hours, -brought the chief to the door, where he released the child from its -embrace, and sat it down upon the floor. The mother caught it in -her arms and hugged it to her bosom, while the father addressed his -thanks to the proud and gratified chief for a pair of beautiful little -moccasins, adorned with beads and all the fancy work of an Indian's -taste, which covered and supported the feet of the little girl. During -all that day, which had been so tedious and full of anxiety to the -mother, Logan had been engaged in constructing and ornamenting -the little gift, by which he intended to show his appreciation of the -many favors he had received at the parents' hands.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Logan was called a Mingo chief, or Mengwe, whose father was -chief of the Cayugas, whom he succeeded. His parent being attached, -in a remarkable degree, to the benevolent James Logan, after -whom he named his son. The name is still perpetuated among the -Indians. For magnanimity in war, and greatness of soul in peace, -few, in any nation, ever surpassed Logan. He was inclined to -friendship with the whites; nothing but aggravated wrongs succeeded -in making him their enemy. He took no part in the French wars, -ending in 1770, except that of peacemaker—was always acknowledged -to favor us, until the year 1774, when his brother, and several others -of the family, were murdered.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The particulars were these. In the spring of that year some Indians -were reported to have robbed the people upon the Ohio river, -who were in that country, exploring the lands, and preparing for -settlements. These land-jobbers, becoming alarmed at what they -considered the hostile character of the Indians, collected themselves -at a place called Whiting creek, the site of the present town of -Wheeling, and, learning that there were two Indians on the river -above, Captain Michael Cresap, belonging to the exploring party, -proposed to fall upon and kill them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His advice was first opposed, then followed—the two Indians were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>slain. The same day, it being reported that there were Indians below -Wheeling, on the river, Cresap and his party immediately marched -to the place, and at first appeared to show themselves friendly, suffering -the Indians to pass by them unmolested, to encamp still lower -down, at the mouth of Grove Creek. Cresap now followed, attacked -and killed several, having one of his own men wounded by the fire -of the savages. Here some of the family of Logan were slain. -This affair was exceedingly aggravating, inasmuch as the whites pretended -no provocation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Soon after this the whites committed another unprovoked outrage -upon the Indian encampment, about thirty miles above Wheeling, on -the opposite side of the river. A white man by the name of Greathouse -lived opposite the encampment. He collected a party of -thirty-two men, who secreted themselves, while he, under pretense -of a friendly visit, crossed the river to ascertain the number of the -Indians. On counting them, he found they were too numerous for -his own party. These Indians had heard of the late murder of their -friends, and had resolved to be revenged. Greathouse did not know -of the danger he was incurring, until a squaw advised him of it, in -friendly caution to "go home." He then invited the Indians to come -over the river and drink with him, this being a part of his plan for -separating them, that they might be more easily destroyed. The offer -was accepted by a good many, who, being collected at a tavern in -the white settlement, were treated freely to liquor, and all killed, except -a little girl. Among the murdered was a brother and sister of -Logan.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The remaining Indians, upon the other side of the river, upon -hearing the firing, sent off two canoes with armed warriors, who, as -they approached the shore, were fired upon by the whites, who lay -concealed awaiting them. Nothing prevented their taking deadly -aim, so that their fire was terribly destructive, and the canoes were -obliged to return. This affair took place in May, 1774. These were -the events which led to a horrid Indian war, in which many innocent -families were sacrificed to satisfy the vengeance of an injured, -incensed people. A calm followed the first outbreak; but it was the -calm which precedes the storm, and lasted only while the tocsin of -war was being sounded among the distant nations.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>In July of the same year, Logan, at the head of eight warriors, -struck a blow upon some inhabitants in Michigan, where no one expected -it. He left the settlement of the Ohio, which all supposed -would be first attacked in case of war, and hence the reason of his -great successes. His first attack was upon three men who were -pulling flax in a field. One was shot down, and the two others -taken. These were marched into the wilderness, and, as they approached -the Indian town, Logan gave the scalp halloo, and they -were met by the inhabitants, who conducted them in. Running the -gauntlet was next to be performed. Logan took no delight in torture, -and he instructed one of the prisoners how to proceed to escape the -severities of the gauntlet. This same captive, whose name was -Robison, was afterward sentenced to be burned, but Logan, though -not able to rescue him by his eloquence, with his own hand cut the -cords which bound him to the stake, and caused him to be adopted -into an Indian family. Robison afterward became Logan's scribe, -and wrote for him the letter, tied to a war-club, which was left, that -same season, at the house of a family cut off by the Indians, and -which served to alarm the inhabitants, and to call out the militia for -their protection. It ran thus:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"<span class='sc'>Captain Cresap</span>: What did you kill my people on Yellow Creek -for? The white people killed my kin at Conestoga, a great while -ago, and I thought nothing of that. But you killed my kin again -on Yellow Creek, and took my cousin prisoner. Then I thought I -must kill, too; and I have been to war three times since. But the -Indians are not angry—only myself.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"<span class='sc'>Captain John Logan.</span>"</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>There was a chief among the Shawanese more renowned as a -warrior than even Logan at that time. Cornstalk was his name, -and to him seems to have fallen the principal direction of the war -which was now begun. We do not propose to give a detailed history -of the fierce struggle which followed; but some account of the -great battle at Point Pleasant cannot be uninteresting.</p> - -<p class='c000'>General Lewis, with eleven hundred men, gave battle to fifteen -hundred savage warriors, under Logan, Cornstalk, Ellinipsico (Cornstalk's -son,) Red Eagle, and other mighty chiefs of the tribes of the -Delawares, Shawanese, Cayugas, Wyandots, and Mingoes. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>battle began a little after sunrise, on a narrow point of land, between -the Ohio and the Great Kanawha rivers. The breastworks of the -Indians, constructed of brushwood, extended from river to river; -their plan of attack was the best conceivable, for in the event of -victory on their part, not a Virginian would have escaped. They -had stationed men on both sides of the river, to prevent the escape -of such as might attempt it, by swimming from the apex of the triangle -made by the confluence of the two rivers. The Virginians, -like their opponents, covered themselves with trees, or whatever -shelter offered; but the Indians had every advantage. Hour after -hour the battle lasted, the Indians slowly retreating to their breastworks, -while the Virginians fought with desperate courage, for life -itself was at stake for all of them. Colonel Lewis, brother of the -commanding General, soon fell, under the fire to which his uniform -particularly exposed him. His division was broken, while another -division, under Colonel Fleming, was attacked at the same moment, -and the Colonel received two balls in his left wrist, but continued -to exercise his command with the greatest coolness. His voice was -continually heard: "Advance—outflank the enemy; get between -them and the river. Don't lose an inch of ground!" But his men -were about to be outflanked by the body which had just defeated -Lewis, when the arrival of Colonel Field's division turned the fortune -of the day, but not without severe loss. Colonel Fleming was -again wounded by a shot through the lungs, and Colonel Field was -killed while leading on his men.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indians fought with an equal bravery. The voice of Cornstalk -was often heard during the day, above the din of strife, calling -on his warriors in these words: "Be strong! be strong!" and when, -by the repeated charge of the whites, some of his men began to -waver, he is said to have sunk his hatchet in the brain of one who -was cowardly attempting to retreat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>General Lewis finally decided the contest by getting three companies -of men into the rear of the Indians; these companies got unobserved -to their destination upon Crooked Creek, a little stream -running into the Kanawha, whose high, wood-covered banks sheltered -them, while they made a furious attack upon the backs of the -Indians, who, thinking reinforcements had arrived, fled across the -Ohio, and immediately took up their march for their towns on the -Scioto. It was sunset when the battle ended.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span> -<img src='images/i016.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>The Mother's Trial—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p244'>52</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>There was a kind of stratagem used in this contest, which was -more than once practiced by the experienced Virginia riflemen, during -their fight with the savages. The soldiers in Colonel Fleming's -corps would conceal themselves behind a tree, or some other shelter, -and then hold out their caps from behind, which the Indians, seeing, -would mistake as covering the heads of their opponents, and shoot -at them. The cap being dropped at the moment, the Indian would -dart out from his covert to scalp his victim, and thus meet a sure -death from the tomahawk of his adversary. This game was practiced -only by the "prime riflemen," accustomed to a backwoods -life.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After this signal defeat, the Indians were prepared to treat for -peace. General Lewis, after burying his dead, took up his perilous -and difficult march, his troops eager to exterminate the Indians; -but Governor Dunmore, having received numerous offers of peace, -finally ordered him to retreat. Lord Dunmore, with a force equal -to that of Lewis, was now at Chilicothe, where he began a treaty, -conducted on the part of the whites with great distrust, who never -admitted but a few Indians at a time into their encampment. The -business was commenced by Cornstalk, in a speech of great length, -in which he charged upon the whites the main cause of the war; -and mainly in consequence of the murder of Logan's family. A -treaty, however, was the result of this conference, and this conference -was the result of the Mingo chief's famous speech, since known -throughout both hemispheres. It was not delivered in Lord Dunmore's -camp, for, although desiring peace, Logan would not meet -the whites in council, but remained in his cabin in sullen silence, -until a messenger was sent to him with the treaty, to know if he -consented to its articles. To this messenger he pronounced that -memorable speech:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I appeal to any white man to say if he ever entered Logan's -cabin hungry, and I gave him not meat; if he ever came cold and -naked, and I clothed him not.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"During the course of the last long, bloody war, Logan remained -idle in his cabin, an advocate for peace. Such was my love for the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>whites, that my countrymen pointed as they passed, and said: 'Logan -is the friend of the white man.'</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I had even thought to have lived with you, but for the injuries -of one man. Colonel Cresap, the last spring, in cold blood, and unprovoked, -murdered all the relations of Logan, not even sparing his -women and children.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"There was not a drop of my blood in the veins of any living -creature. This called on me for revenge; I have sought it. I have -killed many—I have fully glutted my vengeance. For my country -I rejoice at the beams of peace. But do not harbor a thought that -mine is the joy of fear. Logan never felt fear. He will not turn -on his heel to save his life. Who is there to mourn for Logan? -Not one!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Cornstalk, a chief excelling even Logan in natural nobility of -character, and great bravery, who conducted the battle and the -treaty, lost his life within a year from that time, under circumstances -painful to all lovers of justice.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Upon the breaking out of the Revolution, the year following, the -British Government, through their agents, made the most strenuous -efforts to induce the Indians to take up the tomahawk in behalf of -the king, and were but too successful. Cornstalk, however, actuated -by a high-toned feeling of repugnance at the idea of breaking his -plighted faith, and foreseeing the inevitable issue of the struggle—being, -moreover, a firm and consistent friend of the Americans—refused -to take any part in the contest, and exerted the utmost of his -influence to prevent his tribe from joining the coalition. His efforts -proved futile, however, and the influence of British presents, and the -example of the neighboring tribes, had the effect which he most -dreaded. He did not live to see the result of the struggle, being -killed on the spot where he had but a year before fought so bravely -in defense of his home and the graves of his sires. After the truce -between the tribes and Governor Dunmore had been agreed upon, a -fort was erected at Point Pleasant to commemorate the battle and -keep the Indians in check, and to this fort Cornstalk, after finding -that his efforts to preserve that compact intact would be unavailing, -repaired to explain the position of affairs to its commanding officer, -Captain Arbuckle, and take his advice as to what course he should -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>pursue. Red-hawk, the Delaware chief, who had also fought so -bravely at Point Pleasant, and who was likewise opposed to resuming -the hatchet, accompanied him in his visit. The chieftain explained -in the fullest manner the state of affairs among the Indians, and informed -Arbuckle that he should be unable to restrain his tribe, who -seemed determined to dig up the hatchet, and once more commence -an exterminating war against the settlers. Under these circumstances, -Arbuckle felt himself justified in detaining the chief and his companion -as hostages, supposing that the fact of their principal leader -being in the hands of the Americans would have the effect of deterring -his tribe from active hostilities. Thinking themselves that such -a result might follow, and earnestly desirous of not taking part in -the contest, which they knew must follow if they returned to their -people, they remained willing captives in the hands of Arbuckle, little -dreaming of the fate which awaited them, and giving all the information -which they possessed regarding the anticipated movements -of the various tribes, and of the British agents among them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The young chief, Ellinipsico, becoming anxious at the protracted -absence of his father, set out in search of him, and, having traced -him to the fort, he made his appearance on the opposite side of the -river, and, being recognized by the chieftain, permission was given -him to enter the fort, where the meeting between them was of the -most affecting nature. They entertained for each other the warmest -feelings of affection, which the young man displayed on the present -occasion, by the enthusiastic manner in which he embraced his parent, -and sought to show his joy at meeting him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The hostages had been quartered in one of the cabins within the -pickets of the fort, which, from its position, afforded safety and security—although -they were not confined thereto, but allowed the -range of the inclosure, and thither they bent their steps, and father -and son sat down to take counsel in the present state of affairs. -Ellinipsico, in common with the young men of his tribe, was in -favor of joining in the war, being anxious to distinguish himself, -and win his way by feats of arms to the proud position which would -be his own inheritance on the death of his father. From such a -course, Cornstalk endeavored to dissuade him with all the eloquence -for which he was distinguished—but with little effect. The young -<span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>man felt the unconquerable enmity of his race toward the white -men, and burned to wash out in their blood the many wrongs and -injuries he had received at their hands. The afternoon and evening -having been spent in conversation upon this subject, without any result, -the chieftain and his son laid down to sleep on the floor of their -cabin—the last sleep they were destined to take this side of eternity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the morning after the arrival of Ellinipsico, two men of the -garrison, named Hamilton and Gillmore, started out to hunt on the -opposite side of the Kanawha river, not dreaming of any danger to -be apprehended from the Indians, hostilities not having as yet commenced. -On their return about noon, they were fired upon by two -Indians, who had come across the Ohio to reconnoiter the fort, and -hidden themselves in the weeds and brush, and Gillmore was killed. -Colonel Stewart and Captain Arbuckle were standing on the opposite -shore when the firing was heard, and expressed their surprise to one -another at the occurrence, as strict orders had been given against all -firing in the immediate vicinity of the fort. While anxiously awaiting -a solution to the mystery, they discovered Hamilton on the other -bank, who called to them, told them that Gillmore had been killed, -and entreated them to send a canoe across to his relief. Captain -Hall was dispatched with several men to the relief of the fugitive, -and in a few moments they stood by his side.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A careful search in the adjacent bushes discovered the body of -their comrade, shot through the head, and scalped. Placing the -bloody corpse in the canoe, they recrossed the river, and with feelings -of dire revenge demanded the lives of the hostages in the fort. -Pale with rage, and terribly excited at the murder of one of his companions, -Captain Hall placed himself at the head of his men, and -marched toward the fort, threatening death to the unarmed hostages. -Captain Arbuckle and several of the officers threw themselves in -their way, and endeavored to prevent the execution of their bloodthirsty -purpose; but this only excited the passions of the soldiers to -the most ungovernable pitch, and cocking their pieces, they threatened -death to all who interfered between them and their victims. -Arbuckle was forced to give way, and witness a scene he was unable -to prevent, and the exasperated men rushed into the fort. The -interpreter's wife, who had been a captive among the Indians, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>felt an affection for them, rushed to the cabin to inform them that -Captain Hall's men were advancing to put them to death, because -they entertained the idea that the Indians who had killed their comrade -had come with Ellinipsico the day previous. This Ellinipsico -earnestly denied, averring that he had come alone, with the only -purpose of meeting his father, and without dreaming of hostility. -The clamor without announced the rapid approach of their executioners, -and Ellinipsico, being highly excited at the idea of being put -to death for a wrong he had not committed, showed considerable -agitation. The veteran chief, however, had faced death on too many -battle-fields to be alarmed at his approach now, and endeavored to -reassure his son, and induce him to die as became the child of such -a sire. "If the Great Spirit," said he, "has decided that I should -die, my son, and has sent you here to die with me, you should submit -to your fate as becomes a warrior and a chief." With courage -revived by the exhortation of his father, Ellinipsico prepared to meet -with composure the death which he saw was inevitable. Covering -his face with his hands that he might not see his executioners, he -calmly awaited the stroke which was to deprive him of life, and send -him to the "happy hunting grounds" of his race. As the door of -the cabin was burst open, Cornstalk rose with dignity, and presented -his breast to the rifles of the infuriated soldiers. Seven bullets -pierced his noble form, and he died without a struggle. His son was -killed at the same instant, and both fell to the ground together. -Red-hawk, who had endeavored to hide himself, was dragged from -his place of concealment and killed, as was another Indian who was -in the fort, and who was fearfully mangled in the struggle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Thus," says Withers, in his Indian chronicles, "perished the -mighty Cornstalk, sachem of the Shawnees, and king of the Northern -confederacy in 1774—a chief remarkable for many great and -good qualities. He was disposed to be, at all times, the friend of the -white men, as he was ever the advocate of honorable peace. But -when his country's wrongs summoned him to the battle, he was the -thunderbolt of war, and made his enemies feel the weight of his -arm. His noble bearing, his generous and disinterested attachment -to the colonies, his anxiety to preserve the frontiers of Virginia from -desolation and death, all conspired to win for him the esteem and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>respect of others; while the untimely and perfidious manner of his -death caused a deep and lasting feeling of regret to pervade the -bosoms, even of those who were enemies to his nation, and excited -the indignation of all toward his inhuman murderers."</p> - -<p class='c000'>We would not be thought the apologist for a deed like that which -has been narrated; but, at the same time, cannot join the cry which -is raised against it by those authors who stigmatize it is a "cruel, -bloodthirsty, inhuman, fiendlike murder." All the harshest terms -in our language have been hurled at the heads of those who were -engaged in it, and with great injustice. Cruel and bloodthirsty it -undoubtedly was, but it was the natural consequence of the war -which was waged between the white and red-men, in which revenge -for injuries inflicted was held to be a sacred duty. Stone, with great -want of candor, omits to mention the fact that Hall and his companions -entertained the idea that the Indians who had accompanied -Ellinipsico had killed their fellow soldier; but, in language of the severest -cast, would lead us to suppose their act a mean, cowardly, cold-blooded -massacre. He says: "A party of ruffians assembled, under command -of a Captain Hall—not to pursue or punish the perpetrators of the -murder, but to fall upon the friendly and peaceable Indians in the -fort." What would have been the conduct of the Indians under -similar circumstances? The pages of his own work exhibit many -instances of similar cruelty and revengeful practice on their part; -and even Brant himself is not free from it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>True, in the present case, the perpetrators were white men, civilized -and enlightened; but in the long and bloody wars of extermination -which they had waged with the savages, they had learned -their mode of warfare; in fact, they could not hope for success in -any other way, and the long account of murders, massacres, burnings -at the stake, and inhuman tortures, which, even at the present day, -thrill the blood with horror, had exasperated the feelings of those -men who were surrounded by the actual reality, and expected no -better fate themselves at the hands of Indians, should they be so unfortunate -as to be captured, and they lost sight of the dictates of -justice in the all-powerful and blinding spirit of revenge.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span> -<img src='images/i017.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>The Women Defending the Wagon.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p264'>8</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>TALES,</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='sc'>Traditions and Romance</span></div> - <div class='c003'>OF</div> - <div class='c003'>BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>WOMEN DEFENDING THE WAGON.</div> - <div class='line'>CAPTIVITY OF JONATHAN ALDER</div> - <div class='line'>MOODY THE REFUGEE.</div> - <div class='line'>THE LEAP FOR LIFE.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>NEW YORK:</div> - <div>BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS,</div> - <div>118 WILLIAM STREET.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by</div> - <div>BEADLE AND COMPANY,</div> - <div>In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for</div> - <div>the Southern District of New York.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span> - <h2 id='p264' class='c005'>THE<br /> WOMEN DEFENDING THE WAGON.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Between the Blue Ridge and the western range of the Alleghany -Mountains, in the northern part of the State of Virginia, is located -Shenandoah County, which derives its name from the beautiful river, -one branch of which flows through its entire length, from south to -north. Its county seat is Woodstock, a thriving town, with a population -of between one and two thousand inhabitants. This place -was settled, previous to the French and Indian war, by hardy German -yeomanry from Pennsylvania, who were tempted to leave the -rugged hills of the Keystone State, by the glowing reports which had -reached their ears of the surprising fertility and beauty of the valley -of the Shenandoah. Gathering up their household goods, they -turned their backs upon the homes of their first choice, and took -their way through pathless forests to "the promised land." Arrived -at their new home, they selected the site of the present flourishing -town as the nucleus of the settlement, and commenced, with a will, -the laborious task of felling the forest and the erection of their homes. -A stockade fort was erected as a protection against the incursions -of predatory bands of Indians. A short time sufficed to place them -in circumstances which, if not actually flourishing, were comparatively -thrifty, and so far promising as to the future, that they were -led to look forward with hope to a long continued prosperity. They -were a plain, frugal and industrious people, unacquainted with the -luxuries and only desiring the substantial requisites of an humble life, -which were furnished in abundance by the fertile soil of the valley in -which they had taken up their abode. A traveler among them -during the French and Indian war thus speaks of their happy -condition:</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>"I could not but reflect with pleasure upon the situation of these -people, and think, if there is such a thing as true happiness, in this -life, they enjoy it. Far from the bustle of the world, they live in the -most delightful climate and possess the richest soil imaginable. They -are everywhere surrounded by beautiful prospects and sylvan scenes. -Lofty mountains, transparent streams, falls of water, rich valleys and -majestic woods—the whole interspersed with an infinite variety of -flowering shrubs—constitute the landscape surrounding them. They -are subject to few diseases, are generally robust, and live in perfect -liberty. They are ignorant of want, and are acquainted with few -vices. Their inexperience of the elegancies of life precludes any -regret that they have not the means of enjoying them; but they possess -what many princes would give half their dominions for—health, -content and tranquility of mind."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Among others who had been attracted to this valley by the glowing -accounts of its fertility and comparative security, were two heads -of families by the names of Sheits and Taylor. The former was of -German parentage, the latter of English birth, but having both married -American women, and being drawn together by that bond of -sympathy which, in a new country, where danger is a common heritage, -unites with a stronger tie than that of blood—they were more -like one family than two separate households.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Being driven from their homes by the massacre of two of their -neighbors and their families, they hastily collected a few necessaries, -placed them, with their wives and children, in a wagon, to which -was attached their respective horses, and started in search of a new -home. Woodstock was the nearest town, or station, where there -was a fort, and toward that place they directed their steps.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The family of Taylor embraced himself, wife, and three children, -while that of Sheits numbered but three—himself, wife, and one child. -The few articles which the limited room in the wagon, and the hurried -nature of their departure allowed them to remove, were a chest -of drawers, which was a gift from the parents of Mrs. T., a feather -bed, also a parental gift to Mrs. S., a brass kettle or two, some few -culinary articles, and the axes and rifles of the men. These and their -horses, and a stout farm wagon, were all they had saved, yet they -were well content to come off with their lives, and trudged along, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>satisfied if they could but reach a haven of safety from the barbarities -which had been inflicted upon their less fortunate neighbors and -friends.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The greater portion of their way lay through the forest, where -every sound to their affrighted ears gave token of an enemy lurking -in their path, and the rustling of a leaf, or the sighing wind, awoke -their fears, and called up their latent courage. This had been passed, -however, in safety, and they had reached the brow of the hill from -whence they had a view of the beautiful valley below, where they -hoped to find a haven of rest. Pausing for a moment to admire the -scene which opened before them, they gave vent to their feelings in -eulogies upon the lovely landscape, and words of encouragement to -their wives and children. Alas, as they spoke, the deadly rifle of a -concealed foe was leveled full at their breasts, and the savage red-skin -was thirsting for their blood, within a few feet of them. Hidden -by the thick underbrush which grew up by the side of the road, five -tawny warriors, painted and bedecked with their war feathers, lay -crouching like wild beasts, ready to spring upon their prey. Just as -they started to resume their way, and descend the hill toward the -settlement, the crack of two rifles, the whizzing of two leaden messengers, -and the fall of their husbands, alarmed the women and -widowed them at the same instant. The aim had been sure, and -both the men fell without a groan, pierced through the heart with a -bullet from an unerring rifle. Quick as the flash from a summer -cloud were all their hopes of safety and future happiness blasted, -stricken to the earth with the fall of their husbands. No cry escaped -the now bereaved women. Their feelings were too deep for utterance, -nor was there any time for grief or repining. Left in an instant -self-dependent, they looked around for the foe and for means of -defense. Nothing was within reach but the axes of their husbands; -these they seized, awaiting the onset of the savages. They had not -long to wait. Pushing aside the foliage, the five warriors sprang, -with a grunt of satisfaction, from the thicket into the road, and made -for the wagon to secure their prisoners. The first who came up -seized the son of Mrs. Taylor, and endeavored to drag him from the -wagon, but the little fellow resisted manfully, looking, meanwhile, up -into his mother's face, as if to implore protection at her hands. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>appeal was not lost upon her. Seizing, with both hands, the axe of -her husband, and swinging it around her head, she brought it down, -with all the vengeful force of her arm, upon the shoulder of the Indian, -inflicting a wound which sent him off howling with pain. -Turning to another, she served him in like manner, while Mrs. -Sheits had sent a third back to his lair with a severe blow across -the hand which severed all his fingers. The other two were wise -enough to keep without the reach of their blows, but endeavored to -intimidate them by terrific yells and brandished tomahawks. Nothing -daunted, however, the heroic women maintained their attitude -of defense, until wearied of their efforts, and, fearing the approach of -relief from the garrison of the fort, the two unwounded Indians -rushed into the thicket for their rifles, to end the conflict. Taking -advantage of this opportunity, the women started the horses, and -the red-skins, not daring to pursue them, they were permitted to -reach the fort in safety, from which a party set out to bring in the -dead and scalped bodies of their husbands.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Stories of such danger and fortitude as this can be but dimly realized -by the women of to-day. Yet the annals of our early history -are all too painfully darkened by such records; and it is well for the -heroes of the prosperous present to know through what hardships -this rich inheritance was secured to them. Emigration did not stop -in Virginia any more than it had rested in Pennsylvania:</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>"Westward to the star of empire takes its way;"</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>and the glorious Valley of the Mississippi won forward the daring -steps of the pioneers. It is known how long and terrible was the -contest by which Kentucky was wrested, inch by inch, from her ancient -owners, until her lovely soil, baptized in sorrow, received the -name of the "dark and bloody ground." Here, as always where -there is a chance for her development, and she is permitted to play -her free part by the side of man, woman did her share of the onerous -work, and had her share of the perils. One of the most terrible -of the family histories of that period is the following, of the household -of a widow, by the name of Shanks, full particulars of which -are given in the history of Kentucky.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the night of the 10th of April, 1787, the house of Mrs. Shanks, -on Cooper's Run, in Bourbon County, was attacked by Indians. This -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>house, which was a double cabin, consisting of two rooms, with an -open way between, contained, at the time the assault was made, besides -the widow herself, a widowed daughter, three other daughters, -a young girl, and two sons of adult age. Although the hour was -near midnight, one of the young men still remained up, and in the -opposite room a sister was busily engaged at the loom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>An hour before, while they were yet unconscious of the actual presence -of Indians, the suspicions of the son was aroused by the cry of -owls, hooting to each other in the adjoining wood, in a rather unusual -manner, and by the terror and excitement of the horses, who -were enclosed, as customary, in a pound near the house.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Several times the young man was on the point of awaking his -brother, but as often refrained, through fear of being ridiculed for his -timidity. At length hasty steps were heard without, and then came -several sharp knocks at the door, accompanied by the usual question -of the wayfarer, "Who keeps this house?" spoken in very good -English.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He hastily advanced to withdraw the bolt which secured the door, -supposing the new comer to be some benighted settler, when his -mother, whose greater experience had probably detected the Indian -accent, instantly sprang out of bed, and warned her son that the men -outside were savages.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The other son being by this time aroused, the two young men, -seizing their rifles, which were always charged, prepared to repel the -enemy. Conscious that their true character was discovered, the Indians -now strove to break in the door; but a single shot from the -loop-hole compelled them to shift their point of attack, when, unfortunately, -they discovered the door of the other cabin, which contained -the three daughters.</p> - -<p class='c000'>By some oversight in the construction of the cabin, none of the -loops enabled the brothers to cover the door of the room in which -their sisters were. The Indians soon forced it open by means of rails -taken from the yard fence. The girls being thus placed at the mercy -of the savages, one was instantly secured; but the eldest defended -herself desperately with a knife, and succeeded in mortally wounding -a savage before she was tomahawked. The youngest girl darted out -into the yard, and might have escaped in the darkness; but the poor -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>creature ran around the house, and, wringing her hands in terror, -kept crying out that her sisters were killed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The brothers, agonized almost to madness by her cries, were prepared -to sally out to her assistance, when their mother stayed them, -and calmly declared that the child must be abandoned to her fate. -The next instant, the child uttered a loud scream, followed by a few -faint moans, and then all was silent.</p> - -<p class='c000'>That portion of the house which had been occupied by the daughters -was now set on fire, and the flames soon communicating to the -opposite room, the brothers were compelled to fling open the door, -and attempt to seek safety by flight.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The old lady, supported by her eldest son, sought to cross the -fence at one point, while the widowed daughter, with her child in her -arms, and attended by the younger of the brothers, ran in a different -direction. The blazing roof shed a light over the yard but little inferior -to that of day, and the savages were distinctly seen awaiting -the approach of their victims. The old lady was permitted to reach -the stile unmolested, but, in the act of crossing, received several balls -in her breast, and fell dead. Her son providentially remained unhurt, -and, by extraordinary agility, effected his escape. The other brother, -being assailed by the Indians, defended his sister desperately for some -time, and drew the attention of the savages so closely to himself, that -she succeeded in eluding their vigilance. The brave and devoted -young man was less fortunate; he fell beneath repeated blows from -the tomahawks of his enemies, and was found at daylight, scalped -and mangled in a most shocking manner.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Of the whole family, consisting of eight persons when the attack -commenced, only three escaped. Four were killed on the spot, and -one, the second daughter, carried off prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The alarm was soon given, and by daylight thirty men were assembled -under Colonel Edwards, who pursued the Indian trail at a -gallop, tracking the footsteps of the savages in the snow. The trail -led directly into the mountainous country bordering upon Licking, and -afforded evidences of great precipitation on the part of the Indians. -Unfortunately, a hound had been permitted to accompany the whites, -and, as the trail became fresh, and the scent warm, she pursued it -with eagerness, baying loudly and giving alarm to the savages. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>consequence of this imprudence was soon displayed. The enemy, -finding the pursuit keen, and perceiving the strength of their prisoner -beginning to fail, instantly sank their tomahawks in her head, -and left her, still warm and bleeding, upon the snow. As the whites -came up, she retained strength enough to wave her hand in token of -recognition, and appeared desirous of giving them some information -in regard to the enemy; but her strength was too far gone. Her -brother sprang from his horse, and endeavored to stop the effusion -of blood, but in vain. She gave him her hand, muttered some inarticulate -words, and expired within two minutes after the arrival of -the party.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The pursuit was renewed with additional ardor, and, in twenty -minutes, the enemy was within view. They had taken possession of -a narrow ridge, magnifying their numbers in the eyes of the whites, -by running rapidly from tree to tree, and maintaining a steady yell -in their most appalling tones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The pursuers, however, were too experienced to be deceived by so -common an artifice. Being satisfied that the number of the enemy -must be inferior to their own, they dismounted, tied their horses, and -flanking out in such a manner as to enclose the savages, ascended -as rapidly as was consistent with a due regard to the shelter of their -persons.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The firing commenced, and now they discovered, for the first time, -that only two Indians were opposed to them. They had voluntarily -sacrificed themselves for the safety of the main body, and had succeeded -in delaying pursuit until their friends could reach the mountains. -One of them was shot dead, and the other was badly -wounded, as was evident from the blood upon his blanket, as well as -that which filled the snow for a considerable distance. The pursuit -was recommenced, and urged keenly until night, when the trail entered -a running stream, and was lost.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We know of nothing more powerfully illustrating the life led by -the women of those days, than the following statements, brief and -simple as they are, made in the record of General Samuel Dale:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"About this time Joe Horn and Dave Calhoun went to their clearings -to plant corn, very imprudently taking their wives and children -with them, who camped in the field. Being both off hunting one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>day, the prowling savages made a clean sweep of these two families. -The poor, heart-stricken husbands, almost crazy, returned to the fort, -and the whole night was passed by all of us in lamentations and vows -of vengeance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"For several months after this, we were not troubled, and my brother -and myself were boarded about ten miles off, at Halbert McClure's, -to go to school. Returning, one morning, from a visit home, -we fell in with old Mr. Bush, of Castlewood Fort, who informed us -that he saw Shawnee 'signs' about, and that we must go back to -Glade Hollow, and give the alarm. Unfortunately, father had left, -the day before, for the salt works, on Holton river, and mother and -the children were alone. About nine at night, we saw two Indians -approaching. Mother immediately threw a bucket full of water on -the fire, to prevent their seeing us, made us lie on the floor, bolted -and barred the door, and posted herself there with an ax and a rifle. -We never knew why they desisted from an attack, or how father escaped, -who rode up three hours afterward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"In two or three days all of us set out for Clinch Mountain, to -the wedding of Hoppy Kincaid, a clever young fellow from Holston, -and Sally McClure, a fine, bouncing girl of seventeen, modest and -pretty, yet fearless and free. We knew the Shawnees were about—that -our fort and household effects must be left unguarded, and might -probably be destroyed—that we incurred the risk of a fight, or an -ambuscade, capture, or even death, on the road; but in those days, in -that wild country, folks did not calculate consequences closely, and -the temptation to a frolic, a feast, a wedding, a dance till daylight, -and often for several days together, was not to be resisted, and off we -went.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"In half an hour we fell in with Captain Barnett, and twenty men -from Holston, who warned us that Indians were about, and that he -was scouting for them. Father, ever eager for a fight, joined this -company, and we trudged on to Clinch Mountain. Instead of the -bridal party, the well-spread table, the ringing laughter, and the sounding -feet of buxom dancers, we found a pile of ashes and six or seven -ghastly corpses, tomahawked and scalped! Poor Hardy McClure -was dead; several others lay around. One daughter was still breathing, -but soon expired. Mrs. McClure, her infant, and three other -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>children, including Sally, the intended bride, had been carried off by -the savages. They soon tore the poor infant from its mother's arms, -and killed it, that she might travel faster.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"While they were scalping this child, Peggy McClure, a girl twelve -years old, perceived a sink-hole at her feet, and dropped silently into -it. It communicated with a ravine, down which she ran, and brought -the news into the settlement. The Indians were too apprehensive of -pursuit to search for her. The same night Sally, who had been tied -and forced to lie down between two warriors, contrived to loosen her -thongs and make her escape. She struck for the cane-brake, then -for the river, and, to conceal her trail, resolved to descend it. It was -deep wading, and the current was so rapid, she had to fill her petticoat -with gravel to steady herself. She soon, however, recovered -confidence, returned to shore, and finally reached the still-smoking -homestead about dark next evening. A few neighbors, well armed, -had just buried the dead. Kincaid was among them. The last -prayer had been said when the orphan girl stood among them, and -was soon in the arms of her lover. Resolved to leave no more to -chance, at his entreaty, and by the advice of all, the weeping girl -gave her consent, and, by the grave of the household, and near the -ruined dwelling, they were immediately married."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Can imagination add anything to this vivid picture?</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span> - <h2 id='p271' class='c005'>CAPTIVITY OF JONATHAN ALDER.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The narrative of the captivity of Jonathan Alder is one of great -interest and value, being a source from whence can be derived much -important information regarding the customs, habits and manners of -the Indians, among whom he spent fifteen years of his early life. -We regret that it is impossible to give more than an outline sketch -of the incidents connected with his capture and adoption by the -savages.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was born in New Jersey, but removed with his father to -Wythe County, Virginia, about 1780. In March, 1782, while he and -his brother David were in search of a mare and her foal, which had -strayed off into the woods, they were surprised by the appearance of -a small party of Indians, who darted upon them from behind the -trees, and, before Jonathan had time to make an effort at escape, he -found himself in the grasp of a stalwart warrior, who threatened him -with his tomahawk, and checked the effort, if the idea had risen in -his mind. David, however, started to run, and was pursued by one -of the Indians, who soon returned, leading him by one hand, and -with the other holding the handle of a spear, which he had thrown -at him, and which still remained in his body. On seeing this, -another savage stepped up and took hold of the boy, holding him -firmly in his grasp, while the first pulled the spear out of the wound -by main strength. The poor fellow uttered a shriek of pain at this -barbarous surgery, whereupon Jonathan moved toward him and -inquired if he was hurt. He replied that he was, and in a few moments -sank dying to the ground. Jonathan was hurried forward, -while one of the Indians remained with the other boy; but in a few -moments made his appearance with the scalp of David in his hand, -and, as he approached, with an exhibition of the most fiendish -delight, he shook the reeking trophy, from which the blood was still -dripping, in the face of the lad, who was so horror-stricken at the -fate of his brother as to be scarcely able to proceed. Finding it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>necessary, however, for the salvation of his own life, he urged himself -to his utmost, and they soon overtook the balance of the party, -with whom he found a Mrs. Martin, a neighbor, and a child, about -five years old, whom the Indians had taken captive after murdering -the husband of Mrs. Martin, and all the rest of her family. They -did not long leave her this solace to her misery, but finding the boy -somewhat troublesome, they killed and scalped it, and, to still the -agonizing cries of the broken-hearted mother, one of the inhuman -wretches drew the edge of his knife across her forehead, at the same -time crying "scalp! scalp!" to intimate the fate in store for her if -she did not stop her screams. Finding threats of no avail, they then -cut switches, with which they beat her until she became quiet. One -day, as the boy Alder was sitting on the ground, after eating his -dinner, and being completely worn out with the fatigue of their long -and rapid march, not having risen when ordered to do so, he observed -the shadow of some one standing behind him with a tomahawk in -his hand, in the attitude of striking. He turned suddenly around -and beheld a warrior just in the act of tomahawking him. Finding -himself discovered, perhaps, or struck with the good-natured look -which the boy's face wore, he withheld the blow, and commenced -feeling of his head. He afterward told the boy that the color of his -hair had saved his life; for, upon noticing that it was black and -thick, he had thought that he would make a good Indian, and therefore -had concluded to take him to his tribe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The party by whom Alder had been taken belonged to the Mingo -tribe, whose village was on the north side of Mad River. After -many days of weary travel, and foot-sore and weary, they arrived in -its vicinity. The usual scalp-yell and whoop, announcing the presence -of prisoners in the party, having been given, the whole village -turned out to receive them, and Alder was obliged to undergo the -ordeal of running the gauntlet. Two rows of Indian boys and girls -were stationed in front of the council-house, armed with switches, -and, exhausted as he was, he was compelled to run between them, -and make his way within the door of the council-house for safety -from their blows. Fortunately he accomplished this with his life, -and was soon after adopted into an Indian family, after being purified -of his white blood. This was done by washing him in a decoction -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>of herbs, with soap; and after being dressed in the Indian fashion, -with shirt, leggins, breech-clouts and moccasins, he was considered -as one of the tribe. It is not to be wondered at that it was long -before he could become in any way reconciled to his new way of -life, and that he should mourn for that home which he never again -expected to see. For all one year, the poor boy longed to return to -his mother, brothers and sisters. Every thing was new and strange -to him; he could not speak a word of their language; their food -and manner of life disagreed with him; and, as if to render his -misery more complete, he suffered dreadfully with the fever and -ague. His adopted father was chief of the tribe, and he, as well as his -squaw, endeavored to comfort him in every way possible, and render -his situation comfortable; but they could not quiet his longings for -home, and the poor little fellow spent many lonely, bitter hours, near -the foot of a walnut-tree in the adjacent forest, weeping over his hard -lot. The chief had three daughters, named Mary, Sally and Hannah. -Of these, Sally was harshest, making Jonathan do all the -work, and stigmatizing him as a "mean, lousy prisoner." Mary, the -eldest, married a distinguished Shawnee chief, called Colonel Lewis, -and Jonathan went to live with them for a time. Of this couple he -speaks in the warmest eulogy. He says: "The Indians would generally -collect at our camp evenings, to talk over their hunting expeditions. -I would sit up to listen to their stories, and frequently fell -asleep just where I was sitting. After they left, Mary would fix my -bed, and Colonel Lewis would carefully take me up and carry me to -it. On these occasions they would often say, supposing me to be -asleep: 'Poor fellow, we have set up too long for him, and he has -fallen asleep on the cold ground.' And then how softly would they -lay me down and cover me up. Oh, never have I, nor can I, express -the affection I had for these two persons."</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span> -<img src='images/i018.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>The Captivity of Jonathan Alder.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p271'>15</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>At the end of a year, or little more, Jonathan acquired their language, -and became in a measure reconciled and contented; but their -food, which was principally hominy and meat, went against him for -a long time. As soon as he grew stout enough to carry a rifle, they -gave him an old musket to begin with, and told him he must learn -to hunt. Delighted with his new trust, and pleased with the idea -of becoming a hunter and a warrior, he devoted himself to learn the -use of the piece. His first essays were made upon mud-turtles, -which he would approach as they lay basking on a rock in the sunshine; -and when he had acquired skill enough to kill them by hitting -the rock just beneath them, and thus blowing them into the air—sometimes -to the height of six or seven feet—he tried his skill -upon larger game. Alder remained with the Indians until after the -treaty with Wayne, in 1795. He gives many particulars of great -interest concerning the movements of the Indians during the long -and bloody wars which preceded that propitious event. Peace being -established, and almost all the white prisoners having returned to -their former homes and friends, he began to feel a desire to see his -mother and his relatives again. His long residence among the -Indians, however, had deprived him of all knowledge of the English -language, and he had lost all recollection even of the State in which -he had lived. He had not, therefore, the least clew to aid him in -the search.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Watching his opportunity, however, and having long entertained -the idea of escaping, he at last succeeded in eluding the suspicions -of his red friends, and in beginning his enterprise. Choosing a season -of the year when game and berries were plenty, and stocking his -bag with dried venison, he set out, avowedly, on a hunting expedition; -and the true object of his journey was not suspected for some -days after the time of his expected return. He had nothing to guide -him toward the white settlements, except a knowledge that they lay -in a northerly direction. His skill in woodcraft being equal to that -of the Indians', he was enabled to bear the fatigues and discouragements -of his wanderings. A band of red men, whom he encountered, -treated him as one of themselves, they belonging to a friendly -tribe; and, after three weeks of solitary marches, sleeping at night as -the circumstances permitted, he emerged into a country once familiar -to him, but now considerably changed during the fifteen years of his -absence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But his friends, nor their surroundings, were not so much changed -as himself. He was not only an Indian in his appearance, but in -many of his feelings. Glad as he was to <em>get back</em>, he soon became -very home-sick for the wild life he had abandoned. The clothes, the -warm beds, the chairs, the food and table, the restraints of civilization, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>were, for a time, almost insupportable. It was but very gradually -that the white blood of his ancestors begun to stir anew in his veins, -and the powerful ties and instincts of early associations to break up -the strong bonds of more recent habits. He was almost as many -years in becoming a white man as he had been in growing an Indian.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A writer upon the character of the Indians, in his defense of them, -says that if an Anglo-American were placed in the same circumstances -with a native, he would make a precisely similar person in every -trait and habit. "This averment is sustained by a reference to the -white people who had been taken prisoners in childhood and brought -up among the Indians. In every such case, the child of civilization -has become the ferocious adult of the forest, manifesting all the -peculiarities, tastes and preferences of the native Indian. His manners, -habits, propensities and pursuits have been the same; his fondness -for the chase and his aversion to labor the same; so that the -most astute philosophical observer has been unable to detect any -difference, except in the color of the skin; and, in some instances, -even this distinction has been removed by long exposure to the -weather, and the free use of oils and paints. There have been cases -in which the children of white parents, who have been raised among -the Indians from early infancy, have been taken home, in middle -life, to their relatives, but have refused to remain, and have returned -to the tribes in which they were brought up. One case of this kind -occurred within the knowledge of the writer. A female, captured in -infancy, and reared among the Indians, was brought in by them at -the treaty of Greenville, and sent to her parents in Kentucky. She -soon became so discontented and restless that, in spite of all their -efforts, she left them, returned to her former associates, and was again -happy." All of which is doubtless true, but does not disprove the -many barbarous instincts of the red-men.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the fall of 1788, Matthias Van Bebber, aged eighteen, and Jacob, -aged twelve years, were out a short distance from Point Pleasant, -with a horse, when they were waylaid by four Indians. Jacob was -leading the horse, and Matthias was a short distance ahead, with a -rifle across his shoulder, when the Indians fired two guns at Matthias. -One of the balls struck him over the eyes, momentarily blinding him; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>he sprang one side, and fell into a gully. Jacob, on hearing the -report of the guns, fled, pursued by three of the savages. Matthias, -in the mean time, sprang up and took to a tree. The remaining -Indian did the same. The lad brought up his gun to an aim, the -Indian dodged, when the former improved the opportunity to fly, -and escaped to the fort. The other three, after a tight chase of half -a mile, caught Jacob, who, being very active, would have escaped, -had not his moccasins been too large. They then retreated across -the Ohio with their prisoner. He was a sprightly little fellow, small -of his age, and his captors, pleased with him, treated him kindly. -On the first night of their encampment, they took him on their knees -and sang to him. He turned away his head to conceal his tears.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On arriving at their town, while running the gauntlet between the -children of the place, an Indian boy, much larger than himself, threw -a bone, which struck him on the head. Enraged by the pain, Jacob -drew back, and running with all his force, butted him over, to the -great amusement of the gazing warriors. He was adopted into an -Indian family, where he was used with kindness. On one occasion -his adopted father whipped him, but not severely, which affected his -new mother and sister to tears. After remaining with the tribe -about a year, he escaped, traveling five days through the wilderness -to his home. When he arrived at maturity he was remarkable for -his fleetness. None of the Indians who visited the Point could -distance him in running.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One of the most interesting histories on record of the return of -white prisoners from among the red-men is connected with Boquet's -defense of Fort Pitt, and his expedition from that fort into the -wilderness, to overawe his adversaries by the display of his strength, -and to recover the vast number of men, women and children, held -by the savages, amounting, in all, to over three hundred. Fort Pitt -stood on the present site of Pittsburg, and, at the time of which we -write, 1772, was the only spot, excepting Fort Detroit, from the Falls -of Niagara to the Falls of St. Mary, over which the English flag -waved. Our splendid territories were being ravaged by the Indians; -families, who had effected a home and comforts, being driven back by -the tomahawk, with their scattered remnants, to the East, from which -they had emigrated, or into Fort Pitt, which alone opposed itself to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>the murderous waves which dashed against, and threatened to undermine -it. It withstood, like Fort Detroit, a long siege by the savages, -was reinforced, the reinforcements, before reaching the fort, having -given battle to, and defeated the Indians.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indians, disheartened by their overwhelming defeat, and despairing -of success against the fort, now that it was so heavily reinforced, -retired sullenly to their homes beyond the Ohio, leaving the -country between it and the settlement free from their ravages. Communication -being rendered safe, the fugitives were able to return to -their friends, or take possession of their abandoned cabins. By comparing -notes, they were soon able to make out an accurate list of -those who were missing—either killed or prisoners among various -tribes—when it was found to contain the names of more than two -hundred men, women and children. Fathers mourned their daughters, -slain or subject to a captivity worse than death; husbands, their -wives, left mangled in the forest, or forced to follow their savage captors—some -with babes at their breasts, and some, whose offspring -would first see the light in the red-man's wigwam—and loud were -the cries for vengeance which went up on every hand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Boquet wished to follow up his success, and march at once into the -enemy's country, and wring from the hostile tribes, by force of arms, -a treaty of peace, which should forever put an end to those scenes -of rapine and murder. But his force was too small, and the season -too far advanced. He matured his plans during the winter, and in -the spring began his preparations. The Indians, in the meantime, -had procured powder from the French, and, as soon as the snow -melted, commenced their ravages along the frontier. The aroused -and desperate people of Pennsylvania furnished a thousand men, and -Virginia a corps of volunteers, which, added to Boquet's five hundred -regulars, made a force of nearly two thousand men, with which -he was instructed to advance into the enemy's territory, and, by one -grand movement, crush the offending tribes. His route was without any -water communication, and lay through the heart of an unbroken wilderness. -The expedition was to be carried out without boats, wagons, -or artillery, and without a post to fall back upon in case of disaster. -It was, indeed, an isolated and a novel affair. It was autumn before -all obstacles were overcome, and the army under way. It struck directly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>into the trackless forest, with no definite point in view, and no -fixed limit to its advance. It was intended to overawe by its magnitude—to -move, as an awful exhibition of power, into the heart of -the red-man's dominions. Expecting to be shut up in the forest at -least a month, receiving in that time no supplies from without, it had -to carry along an immense quantity of provisions. Meat, of course, -could not be preserved, and so the frontier settlements were exhausted -of sheep and oxen for its support. These necessarily caused the -march to be slow and methodical. The corps of Virginia volunteers -went in front, preceded by three scouting parties—one of which kept -the path—while the two others moved in a line abreast, on either -side, to explore the woods.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Under cover of these, the ax companies, guarded by two companies -of light infantry, cut two parallel paths, one each side of the main -path, for the troops, pack-horses, and cattle, which followed. First -marched the Highlanders, in column, two deep, in the centre path, -and in the side paths, in single file, abreast—the men six feet apart—and -behind them the corps of reserve, and the second battalion of -Pennsylvania militia. Then came the officers, and pack-horses, followed -by the droves of cattle, filling the forest with their loud complainings. -A company of light-horse walked slowly after these, -while the rear-guard closed the long array. No talking was allowed, -and no music cheered the way. In this order the unwieldy caravan -struggled along, neither extremity of which could be seen from the -centre, it being lost amid the thickly-clustering trunks and foliage in -the distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Some days they would make but two or three miles, and again, -when the way was less obstructed, would make ten, fifteen or eighteen -miles. On the fourth day of their march, near some deserted -Indian huts, they came upon the skull of a child, stuck upon a -pole.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was a large number of men in the army who had wives, -children and friends prisoners among the Indians, and who had accompanied -the expedition for the purpose of recovering them. To -these the skull of this little child brought sad reflections. Some one -among them was, perhaps, its father, while the thought that it might -stand as an index, to tell the fate of all who were captured, made -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>each one shudder. As they looked at it, bleached by the sun and -rain, the anxious heart asked questions it dared not answer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Keeping on their course, they pursued their difficult march, day -after day, much of the time through a tangled wilderness, but occasionally, -from some high point, catching glimpses of marvellous -splendor of sky and scenery, the purpled sunlight of October wrapping -all objects in a kind of enchantment. At times the path was -so overgrown with bushes, that every step had to be cleared with -the ax; again, it would be over marshes, so wet that bridges had to -be constructed, to keep the cattle from sinking; and still again, the -men would be cheered by an easy and rapid day's journey, along the -banks of some pleasant stream. Ohio is even yet renowned for its -glorious forests, and these, now dressed in all the gorgeous coloring -of Indian summer, gave frequent pictures of beauty which impressed -the roughest of the sturdy soldiers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At length they descended to a small river, which they followed -until it joined the main force of the Muskingum, where a scene of a -very different character awaited them. A little above and below the -forks, the shores had been cultivated, and lined with Indian houses. -The place was called Tuscarora, and, for beauty of situation, could -not well be surpassed. The high, luxuriant banks, the placid rivers, -meeting and flowing on together, the green fields, sprinkled with -huts, and bordered with rich, autumnal foliage, all basking in the -mellow October light, and so out of the way there in the wilderness, -combined to form a sweet picture, which was doubly lovely to them -after being so long shut up in the forest. They reached this beautiful -spot Saturday afternoon, and, the next day being Sunday, they remained -in camp, men and cattle being allowed a day of rest. The -latter, revived under the swell of green grass, and, roaming over the -fields, gave a still more civilized aspect to the quiet scene. The next -day, the army moved two miles further down the Muskingum, and -encamped on a high bank, where the stream was three hundred feet -wide.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The following day six chiefs came into camp, saying that all the -rest were eight miles off, waiting to make peace. Boquet told them -he would be ready to receive them next day. In the meantime he -ordered a large bower to be built, a short distance from camp, while -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>sentinels were posted in every direction, to prevent surprise, in case -treachery was meditated.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next day, the 17th, he paraded the Highlanders and Virginia -volunteers, and, escorted by the light-horse, led them to the bower, -where he disposed them in the most imposing manner, so as to impress -the chiefs, in the approaching interview. The latter, as they -emerged from the forest, were conducted, with great ceremony to the -bower, which they entered with their accustomed gravity, where, -without saying a word, they quietly seated themselves, and commenced -smoking. When they had finished they laid aside their pipes, -and drew from their pouches strings of wampum. The council, -being thus opened, they made a long address, in which they were -profuse in their professions of peace, laying the whole blame of the -war on the young men, whom, they said, they could not control.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Boquet, not wishing to appear eager to come to a settlement, -replied that he would give his answer the next day, and the council -broke up. A passing storm, however, prevented a meeting of the -council until the day following that first set. Boquet's answer was -long and conciliatory; but the gist of it was that he would make -peace on one condition, and no other—that the Indians should give -up all the prisoners in their possession within ten days.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Remaining quietly in camp until Monday, he again ordered the -tents to be struck, and recommenced his march, to show his determination -to enforce his commands. In three days he reached the -forks of the Muskingum; and, judging this to be as central a position -as he could find, he resolved to remain there until his mission was -accomplished. He ordered four redoubts to be built, erected several -store-houses, a mess-house, a large number of ovens, and various -other buildings for the reception of captives, which, with the white -tents scattered up and down the forks of the river, made a large settlement -in the wilderness, filling the Indians with alarm. A town -with nearly two thousand inhabitants, well supplied with horses, cattle -and sheep, and with ample means of defense, was well calculated -to awaken the gloomiest anticipations in the breasts of the ancient -inheritors. The steady sound of the ax, day after day, the lowing -of cattle, and all the bustle of civilization, echoing along the banks -of the Muskingum, within the very heart of their territory, was more -<span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>alarming than the resistless march of a victorious army; and, anxious -to get rid of such unwelcome company, they made every effort to -collect the prisoners scattered amid the various tribes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Boquet remained here two weeks, occupied with sending and receiving -messengers who were charged with business relating to the -restoration of the captives. At the end of this time, two hundred -and six, the majority of them women and children, had been received -into camp. An hundred more yet remained in the hands of the Indians. -These they solemnly promised to restore in the spring, and, -as the leafless forest, the biting blast, and occasional flurries of snow, -reminded Boquet of the coming on of winter, he determined to retrace -his steps to Fort Pitt.</p> - -<p class='c000'>These two weeks, during which the prisoners were being brought -in, were filled with scenes of the most intense, and often painful excitement. -Some of the captives had been for many years with the -Indians, recipients of their kindness and love; others had passed from -childhood to maturity among them, till they had forgotten their native -language, and the past was to them, if remembered at all, but a -half-forgotten dream. All of them—men, women and children—were -dressed in Indian costume, and their hair arranged in Indian -fashion. Their features, also, were bronzed by long exposure to the -weather, so that they appeared to have passed more than half way -to a purely savage state. As troop after troop came in, the eager -looks and inquiries of those who had accompanied the army to find -their long-lost families and kindred, made each arrival a most thrilling -scene. In some instances, where the separation had only been -for a short time, the recognition was simultaneous and mutual, and -the short, quick cry, and sudden rush into each other's arms, brought -tears to the eyes of the hardy soldiers. In others, doubt, agony, -fear and hope, would in turn take possession of the heart, chasing -each other like shadows over the face, as question after question was -put, to recall some event or scene familiar to both, till at last a common -chord would be touched, when the dormant memory would -awake as by an electric shock, a flood of fond recollections sweep -away all uncertainty, and the lost one be hurried away amid sobs and -cries of joy. Sometimes the disappointed father or brother would -turn sorrowfully away, and, with that hope deferred which maketh -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>the heart sick, sadly await the arrival of another group. But the -most painful sight was when a mother recognized her own child, -which, however, in turn, persisted in looking on her as a stranger, -coldly turning from her embrace, and clinging to its savage protector; -or when a mutual recognition failed to awaken affection on one -side, so entirely had the heart become weaned from its early attachments. -In these cases, the joy of the captors knew no bounds; the -most endearing epithets and caresses would be lavished on the whilome -prisoner. But when they saw them taken away, torrents of -tears attested their sincere affection and grief. The attitude of intense -interest, and the exhibition of uncontrollable sorrow of these -wild children of the forest, on one side, and, on the other, the ecstatic -joy of the white mother as she folded her long-lost child in her -arms, and the deep emotion of the husband as he strained his recovered -wife to his bosom, combined to form one of the most moving, -novel spectacles ever witnessed in the American wilderness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One of the captive women had an infant, three months old, at her -breast, born in the Indian's wigwam. A Virginia volunteer instantly -recognized her as his wife, stolen from his log-cabin six months previous, -and rushing forward he snatched her to his bosom, and flew -with her to his tent, where, tearing off the savage costumes of both, -he clothed them in their proper garments. After the first burst of -joy was over, he inquired after his little boy, two years old, who -was carried off at the same time she was made prisoner; but his -wife could give no tidings of him. A few days after, another party -of prisoners arrived, in which was a child whose appearance answered -to the description of this little fugitive. The woman was -sent for and the child placed before her. She looked at it a moment -and shook her head. But the next instant the powerful maternal -instinct triumphed, and, recognizing in the little savage before her -her lost darling, she dropped her babe, and snatching him to her -bosom, burst into a torrent of tears. The husband caught the babe -from the ground, and the couple hurried away to his tent. The -poor Indian mother watched their retreating forms, and then burying -her head in her blanket, sobbed aloud. A scene equally affecting -occurred between an aged mother and her daughter, who had -been carried off nine years before, and adopted in a distant tribe. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>Though the latter had passed from childhood to womanhood in the -forest, differing from other young squaws only in the tint of her -skin, which her wild life could not wholly bronze, the eyes of the -parent detected the features of her child in the handsome young -savage, and calling her by name, she rushed forward to embrace -her. The latter, having forgotten her name and language, and all -her childhood's life, looked on wondering, and turned, frightened, to -her Indian parent. The true mother tried in every way to recall -the memory of her child, and awaken recognition, but in vain. At -length, despairing of success, she gave way to the most passionate -grief. Boquet had been a silent witness of the painful interview. -Moved at the grief of the mother, he approached her, and asked if -she could not recall some song with which she used to sing her -child to sleep. Brightening at the suggestion, she looked up through -her tears, and struck a familiar strain, with which she used to quiet -her babe. The moment the ears of the maiden caught the sound, -her countenance changed, and as the strain proceeded, a strange -light stole over her features. All stood hushed as death, as that -simple melody floated out through the forest, watching with intense -interest the countenances of the two actors in this touching scene. -The eager, anxious look of the mother, as she sang, and the rapidly -changing expression of the captive's face as she listened, awoke the -profoundest sympathy of Boquet's generous heart, so that he could -hardly restrain his feelings. Slowly, almost painfully, the dormant -memory awoke from its long sleep; at length the dark cloud was -rent asunder, and the scenes of childhood came back in all the freshness -of their early springtime, and the half-wild young creature sank -in joy on her mother's bosom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Some of the children had been so long with their captors that -they regarded them as their true parents, crying bitterly at being -separated from them. Stranger still, the young women had become -so attached to their savage but kind husbands, that, when told they -were to be given up to their white friends, they refused to go; and -many of them had to be bound and brought as prisoners to camp. -The promise that they should take their half-breed children with -them, could not change their wishes. On the other hand, the Indians -clung to them with a tenacity and fondness which made the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>spectators forget that they were gazing upon savages. It was pitiful -to see their habitual stoicism give way so completely at the prospect -of separation. They made no effort to conceal their grief; the -chieftain's eye, which gleamed like his tomahawk in battle, now wept -like a child's. His strong nature seemed wholly subdued; his -haughty bearing changed to one of humility, as he besought the -white men to treat his pale-face squaw tenderly. His wild life suddenly -lost all its charms, and he hung round the camp to get a sight -of her whom, though she was lost to him, he still loved. He -watched near the log-building in which she was left, leaving it only -to bring from the forests pheasants, wild pigeons, or some delicacy -to lay at her feet. Some of the young captive wives refused to be -comforted, and, using that sagacity they had acquired during their -sojourn with the red-men, managed to escape from their white friends, -and, joining their swarthy lovers, fled with them to the forest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The American wilderness never before presented such a spectacle -as was exhibited on the banks of the Muskingum. It was no longer -a hostile camp, but a stage on which human nature was displaying -its most noble, attractive traits; or, rather, a sublime poem, enacted -in that lovely natural temple, whose burden was human affection, -and whose great argument, the common brotherhood of mankind.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Boquet and his officers were deeply impressed. They could hardly -believe their own eyes when they saw young warriors whose deeds -of daring ferocity had made their names a terror on the frontier, -weeping like children over their bereavement.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A treaty of peace having been concluded between the various -tribes, Boquet, taking hostages to secure their good behavior, and the -return of the remaining prisoners, broke up his camp on the 18th of -November, and began to retrace his steps towards Fort Pitt. The -leafless forest rocked and roared above the little army, as it once -more entered its gloomy recesses; and that lovely spot on the banks -of the Muskingum, which had witnessed such strange scenes, lapsed -again into its primeval quiet.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span> - <h2 id='p288' class='c005'>MOODY, THE REFUGEE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>In about the central part of Sussex county, New Jersey, two miles -south of the village of Newton, the county seat, are two ponds or -bodies of water, which go by the name of the "Big" and "Little -Muckshaw." The lower, or Little Muckshaw, loses itself, at its -western extremity, in a marsh or swamp, which is almost impassable, -except after a long drought. This vicinity possesses some considerable -interest, from having been the haunt of one of those fiends in -human shape, who preyed upon the substance of the patriotic citizens -of the neighborhood during that gloomy period in our Revolutionary -contest, when even the Father of his country was wrapped -in despondency at the prospect for the future.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Bonnel Moody was a ruffian of the deepest dye, and possessed of -all those qualities which constitute an accomplished freebooter and -highwayman. He was cunning as a fox; energetic and determined -in the pursuit of an object; void of all pity or remorse; avaricious -as a miser; and with a brute courage which made him formidable -in combat, he was a dangerous enemy in the midst of the inhabitants -of Sussex county, as they learned to their cost during the war. -His place of retreat, or rather, his lair—for it was more like the -haunt of some wild beast than the abode of human beings—was on -the west side of the swamp above mentioned, where nature seemed -to have provided him with a retreat more impregnable than art -could have furnished him. A point of land projects into the western -side of the marsh, affording only a very narrow and difficult -foothold for one man to pass between its base and an inlet of the -pond which washes the foot of the rocks. The ledge then recedes -in the shape of a crescent, forming a little cove, with water in front -and rocks behind and above. About forty-five yards from this point -is a huge rock, screened by overhanging trees and shrubs, in which -is a cavern, where Moody and his gang of marauders found shelter -when their deeds of rapine and murder had roused the inhabitants -<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>of the vicinity to rid themselves of the dangerous foe. This cavern -is eighteen feet high in front, gradually receding until it meets the -foundation at a distance of fifteen feet, and about fifty feet in length -from north to south. Beyond this cavern the ledge again approaches -the marsh, into which it projects, forming an elbow almost impossible -to pass around, and on the opposite side it again recedes, presenting -a bold and rugged aspect, heightened by the gloom of perpetual -shade, numerous cavern-like fissures, and masses of rock which have -fallen, from time to time, from the overhanging ledge. One of these -is a large, flat slab, about ten feet long, six high, and between three -and four feet thick, which has fallen in such a position as to leave a -passage behind it of about a yard in width. The rocks above project -over this slab, so as to shield it effectually from that quarter, -and a half-dozen men might defend themselves behind this natural -buckler against the attack of an army. Such was the haunt of -Moody, and his congenial band of Tory cut-throats and murderers; -and from here, like a flock of ravenous wolves would they issue, -when opportunity offered, and lay waste and destroy all within their -reach until danger threatened, when they would retreat to this natural -fastness with their ill-gotten plunder, here to divide and secrete -it. From the brow of the ledge, which rises nearly a hundred feet -from the water, they had a fair view of every avenue to their hiding-place, -and no one ever approached it alive except Moody and his -associates, or perhaps some friend of theirs, with provision or information. -There were those so lost to principle as to furnish this -crew of land-pirates with the necessaries of life, and with accurate -intelligence of every movement, on the part of the Americans, which -occurred in the vicinity. Several attempts to capture the wretch -were frustrated by these loyal friends. At one time, when a party, -having tracked him for some distance, were about to spring upon -him, he was alarmed by a negro in time to make his escape; and on -another occasion a young woman mounted a horse and rode some -twelve or fourteen miles, of a dark night, to warn him of a projected -attack by a party of Whigs, who had determined to capture him at -all hazards. One cold winter night he broke into the house of a Mr. -Ogden, and after robbing it of every thing of any value, he took the -old man out in the yard, and made him take an oath not to make -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>known his visit until a sufficient time had elapsed for himself and -his party to make their escape. Two or three men who were working -for Mr. Ogden, and who slept in a loft up stairs, not feeling -bound by the old man's oath, alarmed the neighborhood and commenced -a pursuit. Their track was easily followed in the snow, and -in the morning they came upon a camp where the marauders had -slept over night, and where their fires were still burning. The chase -was kept up until they reached Goshen, in the State of New York, -where they recovered part of the plunder, but the rascals escaped. -These expeditions in pursuit of the Tory wretch were called -"Moody-hunting," and were followed up frequently with great -energy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One night, about twelve o'clock, he made his appearance at -the bedside of the jailer, and demanded the key of the jail. The -poor frightened official readily gave it up, although he had often -declared that he would not surrender it to him, and with it Moody -opened the doors and set all the prisoners free. Two of them were -condemned to death; one, who was condemned to die for robbery, -being unacquainted with the neighborhood, wandered about all night -and next day in the woods, and was discovered in a hollow tree the -next evening by a party of "coon-hunters," who brought him back; -and he was hung in front of the jail, protesting his innocence to the -last. He was subsequently proved to be guiltless of the crime for -which he suffered; and the wretch who actually committed the deed -confessed on his death-bed that he it was who did the act for which -another had suffered. On this occasion, Moody was more just than -the law, and the prisoner's cause better than his fortune.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span> -<img src='images/i019.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Moody, the Refugee.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p288'>32</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>While the American army was encamped at Morristown, a man -very shabbily dressed, and mounted on a broken-down nag, all of -whose "<em>points</em>" were exhibited to the fullest extent, was seen one -day to enter the camp, and pass leisurely through it, scrutinizing -every thing as he went; and although he assumed a perfect nonchalance, -and was to all appearance a simple-hearted and rather soft-headed -country farmer, yet there was something in his manner which -attracted the attention of an officer, who was drilling a squad of -recruits in the open air. One of these thought there was something -about the face which he recognized, and told his officer so. One of -the squad was mounted and ordered to bring him back. Moody—for -he it was who had thus boldly entered the American lines and -reconnoitered their ranks—shot him dead as he came up, and secreted -the body by the side of the road. Another being sent to assist the -first, Moody secreted himself in the woods and escaped. Having -been driven from his former haunts by the untiring activity of the -Whigs, and being too well known to venture much abroad, he determined -to join the British army in New York. While attempting to -cross to the city with a companion in an open boat, they were captured, -brought back to Morristown, and hung as traitors and spies. -Moody was said to have come from Kingwood township, Hunterton -County, and was employed by the British to obtain recruits in New -Jersey among the Tory inhabitants, act as a spy upon the Americans, -and by his maraudings to keep the inhabitants so busy at home as to -prevent their joining or aiding the American army.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Another desperado of those days was Joseph, or "Joe Bettys," a -remarkable character, who figured in the border wars of the Revolution. -He was a renegade from the American army, and for a long -while was the scourge of the New York frontier. His deeds were -marked by an equal boldness and cruelty, that made him the terror -of all who had the misfortune to be ranked as his enemies. His -principal employment was the abduction of citizens to be conveyed -into Canada, for each of whom he received a bounty; and in his -expeditions for this purpose, he was always accompanied by small -bodies of Indians. His hour for executing his projects was at night, -and it frequently happened that his conduct was not confined to the -securing of prisoners, but he often reveled in the destruction of property -and the infliction of cruelty, and his victims were often tormented -by every means his savage ingenuity could devise. Cold-blooded -murder, and reckless barbarities of every kind, continually -stained his soul. The section of country which suffered from his -marauding expeditions, to this day is rife with stories of his daring -and ferocity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the year 1776, he entered as Sergeant in the New York forces, -in which capacity he served his country faithfully, until, being exasperated -at the treatment which he received from one of his superior -officers, and retorting with threats and menaces, he was reduced to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>the position of a common sentinel. This was more than he could -bear, and he would have deserted, had not Lieutenant Ball, who had -before befriended him, anticipating such a step, applied and procured -for him appointment as Sergeant on board one of the vessels on Lake -Champlain, commanded by Arnold, which he accepted. In an action -that ensued, Bettys displayed a wonderful daring and gallantry, -which receiving no other notice than the thanks of his General, he -conceived himself slighted, and determined to retaliate. In the -spring of 1777, he deserted and went over to the British forces, where -he was soon elevated to the position of a spy, in which character he -carried on the depredations we have spoken of.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Among the prisoners that he secretly seized and carried off in the -early part of his career, was Samuel Patchim, afterward a Captain in -the army. The account of his captivity and subsequent hardships, -as here given, is as it was related by himself:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I was captured by Bettys, taken into Canada, and confined in -Chamblee prison, in irons. I was the only prisoner whom he had -on this occasion brought into Canada. There were six or seven -more of my neighbors when we started, to whom he gave the oath -of allegiance and sent them back. As for myself, he said I had -served Congress long enough, and that I should now serve the king. -He wished me to enlist in his company, but soon found that this was -not agreeable to my feelings. He then swore, that if I would not -serve the king, I should remain in irons. I was confined in Chamblee -prison four months; then I was removed to Montreal, and -thence to an island, forty-five miles up the St. Lawrence, opposite -Cadalake Fort. There I remained about one year. There were five -prisoners in all, and we were guarded by sixty soldiers, seven sentinels -at night. They had left no boats on the island by which we -might make our escape, yet we all crawled out of the barracks at -night, and went to the river side; there we made a raft by means of -two or three logs and our suspenders, on which we sailed down the -river five miles, when we landed on the Canada shore. There we -appropriated to our own use a boat belonging to the British, and -crossed over to the American shore. While going down the rapids, -we had lost our little stock of provisions, and for eight days out of -twelve which we spent in the woods, we had nothing to eat save -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>frogs and rattlesnakes, and not half enough of them. We were -chased eight days by the Indians, and slept every night on the boughs -of some hemlock trees. At length we arrived at Northwest Bay, -on Lake Champlain, when my companions, unable longer to travel, -utterly gave out. I then constructed a raft on which to cross the -lake, and having stripped my companions of their clothing, in order -to make myself comfortable, left them to die of hunger and fatigue, -and committed myself to the wintry waves. When in about the -center of the lake, I was taken by the crew of a British ship, and -conveyed to St. John's, from thence to Quebec, and finally to Boston, -where I was exchanged and sent home."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Bettys seemed to have a particular delight in taking prisoners -among his own townsmen, and especially those against whom he -held any grudge. On one occasion, having taken one whom he supposed -to be the object he sought, and his prisoner managing to -escape, he deliberately shot him dead, and then discovered that he -had made a fatal mistake, and killed one of his best friends.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But his bloody career was destined to find a retributive end. One -day, in the winter of 1781-2, a suspicious-looking person was seen to -pass over the farm of one John Fulmer, situated near Ballston Lake, -in Albany County. A son of the farmer, Jacob, immediately obtained -the aid of three of his neighbors, James and John Cory, and -Francis Perkins, and started in pursuit of the suspicious stranger. -There was a light fall of snow on the ground, by which means his -course was easily tracked. But we will give an account of the enterprise -in the words of Jacob Fulmer, one of the party:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The morning had been foggy, and it appeared by the track that -the man had made a circuitous route, as if lost or bewildered. After -making several turns, we came at length in sight of a log house, -where one Hawkins, a noted Tory, lived, toward which it appeared -he had laid a regular line. We followed the track, and found that -it went into the house. We approached undiscovered, for the snow -was soft, and our footsteps were not heard. We went up to the -door, and found it was unfastened, but heard people talking within. -John Cory, who was the strongest of the party, now went forward, -we following closely behind, and burst open the door. The man -who was the object of our suspicions and search sat at the table -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>eating his breakfast, with the muzzle of his gun leaning upon his -shoulder, and the breech upon the floor between his knees. He -grasped his musket, and presented it to fire at us, but was hindered -for a moment to remove the deer-skin covering from the -lock, and that moment lost his life. We seized him, took possession -of his gun, and also two pistols, which he had in his coat -pockets, and a common jack-knife. We then bound his arms behind -him, with a pocket handkerchief, and conveyed him to my father's -house. As yet, we knew not the name of our prisoner, but having -asked him, he said: 'My name is Smith.' My mother knew him, -and said: 'It is Joe Bettys.' He hung his head, and said: 'No, -my name is Smith.' My sister Polly then came to the door, and -said: 'This is Joe Bettys, I know him well.' She had known him -before he went to Canada, as he had boarded at Lawrence Van Epps, -in Schenectady Patent, while she lived in the same house. We then -conveyed him to John Cory's house, about a quarter of a mile distant, -where we pinioned him more firmly. He sat down in a chair by the -fire, and asked permission to smoke, which was granted, and he then -took out his tobacco box, and seemed to be engaged in filling his -pipe, but as he stooped down, under pretence of lighting it, he threw -something toward the fire which bounded from the forestick and fell -upon the hearth. He then seized it, and threw it into the fire, before -any one could prevent. John Cory then snatched it from the fire, -with a handful of live coals. It was not injured. It was a piece of -lead about three inches long, and one and a quarter inch wide, pressed -together, and contained within it a small piece of paper, on which -were twenty-six figures, which none of our company could understand. -It also contained an order, drawn on the Mayor of New -York, for thirty pounds sterling, payable on the delivery of the sheet-lead -and paper inclosed. Bettys showed much uneasiness at the loss -of the lead, and offered one hundred guineas to allow him to burn -the paper. This we refused, for, though we did not understand the -figures, we well knew the character of Bettys, as I had heard that -he had killed two men at Shenesborough, near Whitehall, for fear of -being betrayed in regard to the burning and plundering of a house in -Chaughnawaga, and that he was generally known as a spy."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The narrative goes on to give the particulars of the journey to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>Albany, and the precautions taken to convey their prisoner safely -through a district abounding with Tories, who were affected to Bettys, -but no rescue was attempted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Much rejoicing was expressed at the capture of the notorious Bettys, -and when he was marched through Albany, the people gathered -in masses to look upon him. In a short time he was brought to -trial, on the charge of being a spy, found guilty, condemned, and accordingly -executed in the month of April, 1782.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Among other similar excursions, Bettys once made an audacious -eruption into the city of Albany, for the purpose of abducting General -Schuyler, for whom he would have received a most liberal reward -from the authorities in Canada, who so long and so vainly endeavored -to get that chivalric officer into their possession. He was unsuccessful.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The attempt, referred to above, of Joe Bettys, to assassinate or -take prisoner General Schuyler, was not singular in the history of -that brave and beloved officer. He seemed fated to be ever surrounded -with perils, in the seclusion of his home quite as much as -on the field of battle. His noble private character, his fortune, and -his high, unequalled, unresting patriotism, made him a shining mark -for the malevolence of the British and Tories. His beautiful mansion, -on Fish Creek, with his mills and property, to the amount of -twenty thousand dollars, was wantonly burned by order of Burgoyne; -and his life was in constant jeopardy from the hatred of his -minions.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On one occasion a Tory, by the name of Wattenneyer, with a -gang of miscreants like himself, assaulted his house, burst in the -doors, took the guards—who were asleep in the basement—prisoners, -and sought the person of the General; but, by a well-managed ruse, -he frightened them into the belief that they were being surrounded, -and they decamped, taking with them a large amount of silver plate -and other valuables. At another period, an Indian had crept stealthily -into the house, and concealed himself behind the door, where he -awaited an opportunity to strike General Schuyler as he should pass -to his chamber. A female servant, coming in through the hall, seeing -the gleam of a blade in the dim light, which just enabled her to -recognize the outline of a dusky figure, with much presence of mind, -appeared not to have made the discovery, but passed into the room -<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>where the General sat, and, while pretending to arrange some articles -upon the mantel, in a low voice informed him of her discovery at -the same time adding, aloud:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I will call the guard!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>This alarmed the secreted warrior, and, hearing the servant tread -upon a creaking board in another hall, and believing the household -aroused, he fled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the surrender of Burgoyne, the Tories, smarting under the -disappointment of that event, and more deeply incensed than ever at -General Schuyler, in whom they recognized one of the active causes -of the British defeat, resolved upon his destruction. To attain this -object, they selected two individuals, an Indian and a white man. -The former had been in the habit of hunting and fishing on the -General's place, and knew every part of the grounds, with the places -in which they would be most likely to meet him, in his daily perambulations. -He was a powerfully-built and active fellow, a dangerous -opponent under any circumstances. The other was a weak-minded -Irishman, who had received many favors from the General, and was, -even then, in his employ; notwithstanding which, he could not resist -the offered bribes, and consented to imbue his hands in his benefactor's -blood, for a price. On the afternoon of a certain day, the two -secreted themselves in a leafy copse, near which the General must -pass in his accustomed ride. It was not long before they saw him -approaching on horseback, and they proposed to shoot him as he -passed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>General Schuyler had been made fully aware, by the abduction of -so many of his friends and neighbors, who had been dragged from -their homes and carried off to Canada—there to be retained as prisoners -until exchanged—as well as by the many attempts to get possession -of his own person, that he was in constant danger of being -seized; but he did <em>not</em> imagine that his enemies would descend to -the use of the assassin's knife, and much less did he fear that such a -blow would come from those whom he had befriended—who had -eaten of his bread and been nourished by his bounty. His was one -of these generous natures which, being devoid of guilt, loved not to -suspect others. But civil war destroys all ties, severs all bonds, -arouses man's most vindictive passions, arraying friend against friend, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>sometimes brother against brother. Conscience will, at times, assert -herself, even under such influences. She reminded the Indian—savage -as he was, unlettered, untutored in the finer feelings—of the -many favors he had received at the hands of the man he was about -to destroy; even as his eye glanced along the barrel of the rifle aimed -at his benefactor, he repented his intention, and, with an impulse -which did credit to his heart, he struck up the weapon of his companion, -saying:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I cannot kill him—I've eat his bread too often!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>The General rode by, unconscious that his life hung by the slender -thread of an Indian's conscience.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One of the saddest pages in the history of our struggle for Independence -is that which tells of hearths and homes desecrated, which -should have enjoyed immunity, even in times of warfare. Not only -did the British encourage the marauding of such desperadoes as -Moody and Bettys, but their more brutal Hessians seemed hired to -wreak the horrors of war upon the innocent dwellings of women -and children.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Rev. James Caldwell, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church -in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, acted as Chaplain of the American -army while in New Jersey, and, by his zealous patriotism, and patriotic -appeals, often contributed to arouse the spirits of the soldiers, -and to inspire them with a greater energy in the performance of their -trying duties. He was very popular in the community, and received -the unlimited confidence of Washington.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But his lofty patriotism, and unflinching zeal in the American -cause, made him hated by the enemy, who sought every means to get -him into their power, and a price was set upon his head. When -preaching, he frequently was compelled to lay his loaded pistols by -his side in the pulpit. At one time he resided in Springfield, but -afterward removed to "Connecticut Farms," about four miles from -Elizabethtown. Here was enacted the first part of the tragedy we -are about to relate.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A company of British troops from New York, under command of -the Hessian General, Knyphausen, landed in Elizabethtown, in June -of 1780, and, marching directly into the interior, proceeded to wreak -their cruelty upon every living thing that fell in their way. Houses -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>were fired, cattle destroyed, helpless people murdered, or left without -shelter, clothing or food. Mr. Caldwell heard of their approach, and -immediately prepared to escape. He put his elder children in a -wagon, and sent them on to some of his friends for protection. He -then desired his wife, with the younger children, to take means of -flight, but she announced her determination of remaining, as none -would have cause to offer injury to her. Finding she would not yield -to his persuasion, and believing it impossible that their resentment -could extend to an unprotected mother, with her babe clasped to her -heart, Mr. Caldwell resolved to leave them, and seek his own safety -alone. He was mounted, and receiving the last assurance of her resolve -to stay, when the gleam of arms announced the approach of -the enemy, and he rode rapidly off.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mrs. Caldwell, having concealed what things were of value, took -her infant in her arms, and retired to her chamber, the window of -which commanded the road. Here, with her three little ones around, -she awaited the approach of the enemy, feeling conscious that her -unprotected state would secure respect and safety. One little girl -was standing by the window, watching the approach of the troops, -when one of the soldiers left the road, and came to the window, -which he had no sooner reached than he placed the muzzle of his -gun against it, and deliberately fired, when Mrs. Caldwell fell suddenly -back, and almost instantly expired.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Not content with depriving her of life, the inhuman monsters -wreaked their cruelty on her senseless body. Her clothes were -nearly torn off, and her body removed to the roadside, where it was -subjected to every indignity, while the torch was applied to the -dwelling, and then the work of destruction was done.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The effect of this terrible blow upon the husband can only be -imagined. He was, that morning, standing upon the heights of -Springfield, and, by the aid of a spy-glass, could see the smoke from -the burning houses.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Thank God," he exclaimed, "the fire is not in the direction of -my house."</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was too soon to learn the sad mistake.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The royalists attempted to throw off the responsibility of this act, -by asserting that Mrs. Caldwell was killed by a chance shot. But -<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>all the evidence goes to show that it was deliberately planned, and -that the soldier by whose hand the bloody deed was committed, only -acted in accordance with his orders. The fact that her body was allowed -to be so rudely treated, while many of the officers felt their -abhorrence for the deed, proves that, although they felt respect for -her remains, they knew the will of their superiors, and therefore -dared not show it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The following anecdote, connected with this invasion, shows pretty -clearly who were the murderers of Mrs. Caldwell. The flames from -the burning dwelling could be seen from "Liberty Hall," the residence -of Governor Livingston, who was, at that time, absent from -home. Parties of soldiers were continually passing the house, but, -for some reason, it was spared. But about midnight a party of soldiers, -partially intoxicated, rushed into the house. The maid-servant—all -the males in the establishment having taken refuge in the woods, -early in the day, to avoid being made prisoners—fastened herself in -the kitchen; and the ladies—Mrs. Livingston and her daughters—crowded -together like frightened deer, locked themselves in another -apartment. Their place of retreat was soon discovered by the ruffians; -and, afraid to exasperate them by refusing to come out, one of -Governor Livingston's daughter's opened the door. A drunken soldier -seized her by the arm; she grasped the villain's collar, and, at -the very moment, a flash of lightning illuminated the hall, and, falling -upon her white dress, he staggered back, exclaiming, with an -oath:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"It's Mrs. Caldwell, that we killed to-day."</p> - -<p class='c000'>One of the party was at length recognized, and, by his intervention, -the house was finally cleared of the assailants.<a id='r2' /><a href='#f2' class='c009'><sup>[2]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='footnote' id='f2'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r2'>2</a>. </span>Life of Livingston.</p> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>But the vengeance of Mr. Caldwell's enemies was not yet satiated; -the tragedy so far was incomplete. It was on the 24th of November, -1781, that he himself fell beneath the ruthless murderer's hand, and -the blow this time came from a source where he thought himself -secure. On the day above mentioned, he went to Elizabethtown -Point, for a Miss Murray, who had come from New York, under a -flag of truce. After conducting her to his gig, he returned to the -boat, to obtain a bundle which had been left behind. As he came on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>shore, the American sentinel challenged him, and demanded what -"contraband goods" he had there. Mr. Caldwell stepped forward -to tender the bundle to the proper officer, not wishing to enter into a -dispute about it then, when the report of a musket was heard, and -he fell dead, pierced by two balls. He had been shot by a man -named Morgan, who had just been relieved from duty as a sentinel. -He was arrested, tried, condemned, and was executed. There can -be no doubt but that he was bribed to the deed by British gold, as -there was no shadow of a cause to suppose that enmity existed between -Mr. Caldwell and him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Viewed from any point, these two murders were among the most -atrocious acts perpetrated by the invaders of our country, and, in a -history full of atrocities, they will always rank as bloody, fiendish -and treacherous.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='p46' class='c005'>THE LEAP FOR LIFE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>At the siege of Fort Henry, near Wheeling, by a band of Indians, -under the infamous Simon Girty, Major Samuel McCullough performed -an act of daring—nay, desperate horsemanship, which has -seldom, if ever, been equalled by man or beast, and before which the -effort of the Pomfret hero pales into insignificance. Let us turn to -the record.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Fort Henry was situated about a quarter of a mile above Wheeling -Creek, on the left bank of the Ohio river, and was erected to -protect the settlers of the little village of Wheeling, which, at the -time of its investment, consisted of about twenty-five cabins. In the -month of September, 1775, it was invested by about four hundred -warriors, on the approach of whom the settlers had fled into it, leaving -their cabins and their contents to the torch of the savages. The -whole force comprising the garrison consisted of forty-two fighting -men, all told; but there were among them men who knew the use of -the rifle, and who were celebrated throughout the borders as the implacable -enemies of the red-man, and as the best marksmen in the -world. Of these, however, more than one half perished in an ill-advised -<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>sortie, before the siege commenced, and, when the fort was -surrounded by the foe, but sixteen men remained to defend it against -their overwhelming numbers. But their mothers, wives and daughters -were there, and nerved the Spartan band to deeds of heroism to -which the records of the wars of ancient and modern history present -no parallel. Here it was that Elizabeth Zane passed through the -fire of the whole body of red-skins, in the effort to bring into the -fort the ammunition so necessary to its defense; here it was, also, -that the wives and daughters of its noble defenders marched to a -spring, in point blank range of the ambuscaded Indians, in going to -and fro, for the purpose of bringing water for the garrison.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Messengers had been dispatched at the earliest alarm to the neighboring -settlements for succor, and, in response to the call, Captain -Van Swearingen, with fourteen men, arrived from Cross Creek, and -fought his way into the fort without the loss of a man. Soon afterward, -a party of forty horsemen, led by the brave and intrepid McCulloch, -were seen approaching, and endeavoring to force their way -through the dense masses of Indians, which nearly surrounded the -station. Their friends within the fort made every preparation to receive -them, by opening the gates, and organizing a sortie to cover -their attempt. After a desperate hand-to-hand conflict, in which -they made several of the Indians bite the dust, they broke through -the lines, and entered the fort in triumph, without the loss of an individual. -All except their daring leader succeeded in the effort. He -was cut off, and forced to fly in an opposite direction. McCulloch -was as well known to the Indians as to the whites, for his deeds of -prowess, and his name was associated in their minds with some of -the most bloody fights in which the white and red-men had contended. -To secure him alive, therefore, that they might glut their vengeance -upon him, was the earnest desire of the Indians, and to this end -they put forth the most superhuman exertions. There were very -few among them who had not lost a relative by the unerring aim and -skill of the fearless woodsman, and they cherished toward him an -almost phrensied hatred, which could only be satisfied in his torture -at the stake.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With such feelings and incentives, they crowded around him as he -dashed forward in the rear of his men, and succeeded in cutting him -<span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>off from the gate. Finding himself unable to accomplish his entrance, -and seeing the uselessness of a conflict with such a force opposed -to him, he suddenly wheeled his horse, and fled in the direction -of Wheeling hill, at his utmost speed. A cloud of warriors started -up at his approach, and cut off his retreat in this direction, driving -him back upon another party who blocked up the path behind; -while a third closed in upon him on one of the other sides of the -square. The fourth and open side was in the direction of the brow -of a precipitous ledge of rocks, nearly one hundred and fifty feet in -height, at the foot of which flowed the waters of Wheeling Creek. -As he momentarily halted and took a rapid survey of the dangers -which surrounded him on all sides, he felt that his chance was a desperate -one. The Indians had not fired a shot, and he well knew -what this portended, as they could easily have killed him had they -chosen to do so. He appreciated the feelings of hatred felt toward -him by the foe, and saw at a glance the intention to take him alive, -if possible, that his ashes might be offered up as a sacrifice to the -manes of their departed friends, slain by his hand. This was to die -a thousand deaths, in preference to which he determined to run the -risk of being dashed to pieces; and he struck his heels against the -sides of his steed, who sprang forward toward the precipice. The -encircling warriors had rapidly lessened the space between them and -their intended victim, and, as they saw him so completely within -their toils, raised a yell of triumph, little dreaming of the fearful energy -which was to baffle their expectations. As they saw him push -his horse in the direction of the precipice, which they had supposed -an insurmountable obstacle to his escape, they stood in amazement, -scarcely believing that it could be his intention to attempt the awful -leap, which was, to all appearance, certain death. McCulloch still -bore his rifle, which he had retained, in his right hand, and, carefully -gathering up the bridle in his left, he urged his noble animal forward, -encouraging him by his voice, until they reached the edge of the -bank, when, dashing his heels against his sides, they hung, shivering -on the brink of the abyss:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"For the horse, in stark despair,</div> - <div class='line'>With his front hoofs poised in air,</div> - <div class='line in2'>On the last verge rears amain.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>"Now he hangs, he rocks between,</div> - <div class='line'>And his nostrils curdle in;</div> - <div class='line in2'>Now he shivers, head and hoof,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And the flakes of foam fall off,</div> - <div class='line'>And his face grows fierce and thin!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"And a look of human wo,</div> - <div class='line'>From his staring eyes did go;</div> - <div class='line in2'>And a sharp cry uttered he</div> - <div class='line in2'>In a foretold agony</div> - <div class='line'>Of the headlong death below."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The next moment horse and rider were in the air. Down, down -they went with fearful velocity, without resistance or impediment, -until one-half of the space was passed over, when the horse's feet -struck the smooth, precipitous face of the rock, and the remainder of -the distance was slid and scrambled over until they reached the bottom, -<em>alive and uninjured</em>! With a shout which proclaimed his triumphant -success to his foes above him, McCulloch pushed his steed -into the stream, and in a few moments horse and rider were seen -surmounting the banks on the opposite side.</p> - -<p class='c000'>No pursuit was attempted, nor was a shot fired at the intrepid -rider. His enemies stood, in awe-struck silence, upon the brow of -the bank from whence he had leaped, and, as he disappeared from -their view, they returned to the investment of the fort. They did -not long continue their unavailing efforts, however, for its capture; -the numerous additions it had received to its garrison, the fearlessness -exhibited in its defense, together with the feat they had witnessed, -disheartened them, and they beat a hasty retreat on the morning after -the event I have attempted to describe—not, however, until they -had reduced to ashes the cabins without the stockade, and slaughtered -some three hundred head of cattle belonging to the settlers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>An adventure equally marvellous, and somewhat resembling this, -is related of Major Robert Rogers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Among the most noted characters, whose exploits upon the frontier -a century since were the theme and admiration of every tongue, -the leader of the celebrated "Rogers' Rangers" stands pre-eminent. -He was a man tall, vigorous, and lithe as the panther of the forest, -with an eye that never quailed before the gaze of any human being. -A perfect master of the art of woodcraft, he was resolute and fearless, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>and yet so cautious at times as to incur a suspicion of cowardice; -but, although his name is tarnished by treachery to his own native -state and country, the impartial observer of his life and actions cannot -fail to award him the most unflinching courage and bravery.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Robert Roberts was born in New Hampshire, and, about the year -1760, was the leader of a body of provincial rangers, known by his -own name. Among his associates was Israel Putnam, whose most -daring exploits were performed while engaged with him in his forest -warfare.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The date which brought Rogers into notice was that in which the -great rival nations, France and England, were striving for the possession -of the American continent. The rivalry had been going on -for years, and, as might be expected, the Indians had been brought -into the contest. These, almost invariably, were upon the side of -the French; but it availed nothing in the end. The steady, indomitable, -persevering spirit of the English settler could be stayed by no -obstacle, and France saw that slowly and surely the red cross was -supplanting her own <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">fleur de lis</span></i> in the depths of the American -forest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Rogers' principal theater of action was that wild, mountainous -region round Lake George, "the dark and bloody ground" intervening -between the hostile forts of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. -Here, in these gloomy solitudes, his resolute spirit encountered the -jealous French, with their wily Indian allies, and here some of the -most sanguinary conflicts and desperate encounters of the war occurred. -More than once did the lonely hunter encounter this band -threading their way through the woods as silent and as cautious as -the savage himself; in summer they glided across and around the -lake in their canoes, building their camp-fires in the wildest gorges of -that romantic country; and in winter they skirted it on snow-shoes, -or shot from one portion to another on skates. Their daring soon -made their name famous through every civilized portion of the country. -If a French messenger left Ticonderoga, he was almost certain -to fall into the hands of Rogers, and any scouting party that ventured -forth was sure to get a taste of the mettle of these fellows before -they returned. But for the subsequent course of Rogers, he -might be not unaptly termed the <em>Marion of the frontier</em>.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span> -<img src='images/i020.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>The Leap for Life.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p46'>46</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>It was sometimes the custom of Rogers to leave his men in camp, -and venture into the forest unaccompanied by any one. At such -times he often wandered a dozen miles away, easily making his way -back through the trackless forest at night again. It was on one of -these occasions that he met with the following adventure.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was in the dead of winter, and his men, as usual, were on snow-shoes. -They encamped at night in a deep hollow along the lake, -and the next morning Rogers left them, with instructions to remain -in their present quarters until his return.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He took a direction toward Ticonderoga, and, about the middle of -the day, reached a point near the northern end of the lake. During -this journey, it is hardly necessary to say that he was on the alert for -his enemies. He knew they lurked in every part of the forest, and -that the scalp of no white man would afford half the rejoicing that -his would. Up to this point, however, his experienced eye had failed -to detect the first signs of their presence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was contemplating the scene around, carefully taking in all its -parts, when he heard the breaking of the snow-crust behind him. -Turning his head, he discovered, in one instant, that he had walked -directly into a trap. On one side was the steep, precipitous side of -the mountain, descending down to the lake; while on the other, radiating -outward, so as to cut off all escape, he saw nearly thirty Indians -rapidly shuffling toward him on their snow-shoes, yelling with delight -and exultation at the prospect of his certain capture.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They had probably followed him for miles, in the hope of taking -him alive, and he had thus given them a better opportunity than even -they dared hope for.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Rogers comprehended his imminent danger, but he stood a moment -as quiet and self-possessed as if they were his own men approaching. -It took scarcely a second for him to understand his situation. He -saw it was impossible to elude the Indians by undertaking to <em>dodge -through them</em>—that is, by running toward them; they were too many, -and the space afforded was too small.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Howsumever, here's my compliments," said Rogers, raising his -rifle and shooting the leader of the party, "and you haven't got my -top-knot yet."</p> - -<p class='c000'>With this, he threw his rifle from him, and started off at the top -<span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>his speed, the pack pursuing with yells and shouts. Rogers was very -fleet of foot, and for a short distance he gained ground upon his pursuers. -It was not exactly running, as a man on snow-shoes can not -properly be said to do that. The motion is entirely different, the -feet not being lifted, but shoved forward with all rapidity possible. -As Rogers expressed it, he did some "tall sliding" on that occasion, -the truth of which will soon be apparent.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the moment of starting he had no well-defined idea of what he -should do; but after going a few rods, he formed the determination -that, before falling into the hands of the Indians, he would <em>go over the -mountain</em>! Those who have seen the mountain, near the northern -end of Lake George, known as "Roger's slide" (the name of which -is derived from the circumstance here given), will understand the -appalling nature of such an exploit as Rogers contemplated. Any -sane man would consider it downright suicide. We know not the -exact distance of this descent, but are certain that it is more than <em>one -thousand feet</em> to the edge of the lake, and the entire distance a sheer -precipice.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Rogers did not hesitate; there was no time for hesitation. -His mortal enemies were behind and approaching. He reached the -edge of the mountain. He saw the white, field-like surface of Lake -George far below him, and the long, glistening snowy descent stretching -down, down, down, till the brain grew dizzy with looking. He -appeared but a mere speck on the summit, viewed from below, so -great was his height. He gave one glance behind him, sprang high -in the air, so as to give his body a momentum at starting, and squatting -on his snow-shoes, down he went.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Oh, the ecstacy of that ride! Nothing on earth could equal it. -Rogers has said that the most thrilling moment of his life was the -one occupied in that fearful descent. As his body gathered motion, -a feeling similar to that produced by electricity passed through him, -and for the space of five minutes he was in reality insane. Downward -he shot like a meteor, his passage through the still air making -it seem like a hurricane, and the fine, sand-like particles of snow -making him appear as if shrouded in mist to the amazed Indians -above. Rogers scarcely breathed. He saw nothing, felt nothing but -a wild ecstacy, and knew nothing, until he awoke, as it were, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>found himself gliding far out on the surface of the lake, carried forward -by the irresistible impulse he had gained in his descent.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he arose and looked about him. His snow-shoes were worn -out by the friction, and taking them off, he cast them from him. -The Indians still stood at the top of the mountain; but on beholding -his exploit, they believed him under the protection of the Great -Spirit, and did not attempt to continue the chase. Rogers made his -way back to his company, reaching them late at night, and none the -worse for his adventure, except in the loss of his snow-shoes and -his rifle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There are many other incidents connected with Rogers' career, but -the one given will suffice to show the intrepid spirit that ever characterized -him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As if to prove that, brave as the pioneers were, they had their peers -amid the "red-skins," we find the record of a leap, almost as marvelous -as that of McCullough, performed by Weatherford, the celebrated -half-breed, who gave Jackson trouble in his efforts to rid the -southern country of the Indians.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was on the 29th of December, 1813, that the Mississippi volunteers -attacked the Indians, under circumstances of almost unparalleled -difficulty, after enduring incredible hardships. Without tents or -blankets, without proper clothing, more than half starved, some of -them without shoes, in inclement weather, this heroic band had -marched over one hundred miles through a pathless forest, to meet -and subdue the wary foe. And now, on this 29th of December, says -General Samuel Dale, who was one of the party, "the weather was -very wet and bitter cold; we had neither meat, coffee, nor spirits." -The savages were fortified in a strong defensive position, a town -which they called their holy city, and which their prophets declared -was invulnerable to the whites—that the ground would open and -swallow them up, should they venture to set foot on it. Nevertheless, -the gaunt volunteers, worn with their sufferings, gave such fierce -battle to the confident Indians, that they drove them out of their holy -city of refuge, and Weatherford, one of their most trusted leaders, -barely escaped destruction. He was mounted on a powerful charger, -and being hotly pursued by a band of whites, who knew him well, -and were eager to secure the prize, he urged his horse to its utmost -<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>speed. Soon a ravine, at least twenty feet wide, and of great depth, -yawned before him; the very barrier of nature which he had relied -on as a protection in case of assault from enemies, now rose before -him, to threaten his own life. But he only drew the rein a little -tighter, spoke a low word to his favorite steed, and over the horrible -ravine flew the obedient animal, as if love and fear had given it -wings—over the gaping ruin, and down the bluff into the Alabama. -The gallant courser swam the river scornfully, his chief holding his -rifle excitedly over his head, and shouting his war-whoop exultingly, -as he ascended the opposite bank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This renowned leader was born at the Hickory Ground, in the -Creek nation; his father, Charles Weatherford, was a Georgian; his -mother, the beautiful Schoya, was half-sister of the famous Creek -chieftain, General McGilivray. William Weatherford had not the -education of his grandfather, but nature had endowed him with a -noble person, a brilliant intellect, and commanding eloquence. He -was, in every respect, the peer of Tecumseh.</p> - -<p class='c000'>And now that we have mentioned the name of General Dale, we -can not forbear giving, in his own words, an account of one of his -characteristic adventures. His life was full of such. He calls it his -canoe fight:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"After this rencounter, I put thirty of my men on the east bank, -where the path ran directly by the river side. With twenty men I -kept the western bank, and thus we proceeded to Randon's Landing. -A dozen fires were burning, and numerous scaffolds for drying meat -denoted a large body of Indians; but none were visible. About -half past ten, <span class='fss'>A. M.</span>, we discovered a large canoe coming down stream. -It contained eleven warriors. Observing that they were about to -land at a cane-brake just above us, I called to my men to follow, and -dashed for the brake with all my might. Only seven of my men -kept up with me. As the Indians were in the act of landing, we -fired. Two leaped into the water. Jim Smith shot one as he rose, -and I shot the other. In the meantime, they had backed into deep -water, and three Indians were swimming on the off side of the canoe, -which was thirty odd feet long, four feet deep, and three feet beam, -made of an immense cypress-tree, especially for the transportation of -corn. One of the warriors shouted to Weatherford (who was in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>vicinity, as it afterward appeared, but invisible to us): 'Yos-ta-hah! -yos-ta-hah!' ('They are spoiling us.') This fellow was in the water, -his hands on the gunwale of the pirogue, and as often as he rose to -shout, we fired, but didn't make out to hit him. He suddenly showed -himself breast-high, whooping in derision, and said: 'Why don't you -shoot?' I drew my sight just between his hands, and as he rose -again I lodged a bullet in his brains. Their canoe then floated down -with the current. I ordered my men on the east bank to fetch the -boats. Six of them jumped into a canoe, and paddled to the Indians, -when one of them cried out: 'Live Injins! Back water, boys, back -water!' and the frightened fellows paddled back faster than they -came. I next ordered Cæsar, a free negro, to bring a boat. Seeing -him hesitate, I swore I would shoot him as soon as I got across. He -crossed a hundred yards below the Indians, and Jim Smith, Jerry -Anstill, and myself, got in. I made Cæsar paddle within forty -paces, when all three of us leveled our guns, and all three missed -fire! As the two boats approached, one of the red-skins hurled a -scalping-knife at me. It pierced the boat through and through, just -grazing my thigh as it passed. The next minute the canoes came in -contact. I leaped up, placing one of my feet in each boat. At the -same instant, the foremost warrior leveled his rifle at my breast. It -flashed in the pan. As quick as lightning, he clubbed it, and aimed -at me a furious blow, which I partially parried, and, before he could -repeat it, I shivered his skull with my gun. In the meantime an -Indian had struck down Jerry, and was about to dispatch him, when -I broke my rifle over his head. It parted in two pieces. The barrel -Jerry seized, and renewed the fight. The stock I hurled at one of -the savages. Being then disarmed, Cæsar handed me his musket -and bayonet. Finding myself unable to keep the two canoes in -juxtaposition, I resolved to bring matters to an issue, and leaped into -the Indian boat. My pirogue, with Jerry, Jim and Cæsar, floated -off. Jim fired, slightly wounding the savage nearest me. <em>I now -stood in the center of their canoe, two dead at my feet, a wounded savage -in the stern, who had been snapping his piece at me, during the fight, -and four powerful warriors in front.</em> The first one directed a furious -blow at me with a rifle; it glanced upon the barrel of my musket, -and I staved the bayonet through his body. As he fell, the next one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>repeated the attack. A shot from Jerry Anstill pierced his heart. -Striding over them, the next sprang at me with his tomahawk. I -killed him with my bayonet, and his corpse lay between me and the -last of the party. I knew him well—Tas-cha-chee, a noted wrestler, -and the most famous ball-player of his clan. He paused a moment, -in expectation of my attack, but, finding me motionless, he stepped -backward to the bow of the canoe, shook himself, gave the war-whoop -of his tribe, and cried out: '<em>Samtholocco, Iana dahmaska, ia-lanesthe, -lipso, lipso, lanestha!</em>' ('Big Sam, I am a man! I am coming! come -on!') As he said this, with a terrific yell, he bounded over the dead -body of his comrade, and directed a blow at my head with his rifle -which dislocated my shoulder. I dashed the bayonet into him. It -glanced around his ribs, and hitching into his backbone, I pressed -him down. As I pulled the weapon out, he put his hands upon the -sides of the boat, and endeavored to rise, crying out: '<em>Tas-cha-chee is -a man. He is not afraid to die.</em>.' I drove my bayonet through his -heart. I then turned to the wounded villain in the stern, who -snapped his rifle at me, as I advanced, as he had been snapping it -during the whole conflict. He gave the war-whoop, and in tones of -hatred and defiance, exclaimed: '<em>I am a warrior—I am not afraid to -die!</em>' As he uttered these words, I pinned him down with my -weapon, and he followed his eleven comrades to the land of spirits. -During this conflict, which was over in ten minutes, my brave companions, -Smith and Anstill, had been straggling with the current of -the Alabama, endeavoring to reach me. Their guns had become -useless, and their only paddle was broken. Two braver fellows never -lived. Anstill's first shot saved my life. By this time my men came -running down the bank, shouting that Weatherford was coming. -With our three canoes we crossed them all over, and reached the -fort in safety."</p> - -<p class='c000'>This fight occurred November 13, 1813, at Randon's Landing, Monroe -County, ten miles below Weatherford's Bluff.</p> - -<p class='c000'>If any one thinks this a Munchausen account, given by Dale, of -his rencounter, he can satisfy himself of its exact truth, by reference -to the records, all the circumstances of this memorable fight having -been verified before the Alabama Legislature.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One of the leading spirits in those stirring days was Mrs. Catherine -<span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>Sevier, wife of one of the most distinguished pioneers. Her -maiden name was Sherrill, and her family, as well as that of her -future husband, emigrated from North Carolina and Virginia to what -is now East Tennessee, settling first upon Watauga river. Mr. Sherrill's -residence was finally upon the Nola Chucka. He was a tiller -of the soil, a hard-working man, and "well-to-do in the world;" but -he was also skilled in the use of the rifle, so that it was said, "Sherrill -can make as much out of the ground and out of the woods as -any other man. He has a hand and eye to his work—a hand, an -eye, and an ear, for the Indian and the game."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Buffalo, deer, and wild turkeys came around the cabins of those -first settlers. A providence was in this which some of them recognized -with thankfulness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Jacob Brown, with his family and friends, arrived from North -Carolina about the same time with the Sherrills, and these two families -became connected by intermarriage with the Seviers, and ever remained -faithful to each other through all the hostile and civil commotions of -subsequent years. The Seviers were among the very earliest emigrants -from Virginia, aiding in the erection of the first fort on the Watauga.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With few exceptions, these emigrants had in view the acquisition -of rich lands for cultivation and inheritance. Some, indeed, were -there, or came, who were absconding debtors, or refugees from justice, -and from this class were the Tories of North Carolina mostly -enlisted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The spirit of the hunter and pioneer cannot well content itself in -a permanent location, especially when the crack of a neighbor's rifle, -or the blast of his hunting-horn can be heard by his quick ear; therefore -did these advanced guards frequently change their homes when -others <em>crowded</em> them, at <em>miles distance</em>. It must be remembered that -their advance into the wilderness could only be made by degrees, -step by step, through years of tedious waiting and toilsome preparation. -And thus, though they had a lease of the land for eight years -from the Cherokees, a foothold in the soil, stations of defense, and -evidently had taken a bond of fate, assuring them in the prospect of -rich inheritances for their children, they could not all abide while the -great West and greater Future invited onward. Richer lands, larger -herds of buffaloes, more deer, and withal so many Indians were in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>distance, upon the Cumberland and Kentucky rivers. The emigrants -advanced, and they took no steps backward. In a few years they -were found organizing "provisional governments" in Kentucky, and -at the Bluffs, the site of the beautiful capital of Tennessee. These -Watauga and Nola Chucka pioneers were leading spirits throughout.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the first Cherokee war of 1776, the early settlements were in -great danger of being destroyed. The prowling savages plucked off -the settlers in detail, and, though somewhat successful in these aims, -they resolved to attack the settlements and stations at different points -on the same day—in June, 1776. But they were so defeated in the -battles of Long Island, and at the Island Flats, on the Holston, and -in their attack and siege of the Watauga Fort, that a happy chance -was wrought, and hopes of quiet were encouraged.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The attack on the latter station was conducted by an experienced -Indian chief, Old Abraham, of the Chilowee Mountain region. This -was a fierce attack, but the fort fortunately held within it two of the -most resolute men who ever touched the soil of Tennessee—James -Robertson and John Sevier—they having then no higher title than -Captains. Some thirty men were under their command or direction.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The approach of the Indians was stealthy, and the first alarm was -given by the flight and screams of some females, who were closely -pursued by the Indians in large force. One of the women was killed, -and one or two captured. In this party of females was Miss Catherine -Sherrill, daughter of Samuel Sherrill, who had moved into the -fort only on the previous day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Miss Sherrill was already somewhat distinguished for nerve, fleetness -of foot, and decision of character. Although at other times she -proved herself to "know no fear," and could remain unmoved when -danger threatened, yet on this occasion she admits that she did run, -and "run her best." She was very tall and erect, her whole appearance -such as to attract the especial notice of the savages, who pursued -her with eagerness; and, as they intercepted the direct path to -the gate of the fort, she made a circuit to reach its inclosures on -another side, resolved, as she said, to "scale the palisades." In this -effort, some one within the defenses attempted to aid, but his foot -slipped, or the object on which he was standing gave way, and both -fell to the ground on opposite sides of the wall. The Indians were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span>coming with all speed, firing and shooting arrows repeatedly. "Indeed," -she said, "the bullets and arrows came like hail. It was now -leap the palisades or die, for I would not live a captive." She -recovered from the fall, and in a moment was over and within the -defenses, and "by the side of one <em>in uniform</em>."</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was none other than Captain John Sevier, and this the first -time she ever saw him—the beginning of an acquaintance destined -in a few years to ripen into a happy union which endured for nearly -forty years. "The manner in which she ran and jumped on that -occasion was often the subject of remark, commendation and -laughter."</p> - -<p class='c000'>In after life she looked upon this <em>introduction</em>, and the manner of -it, as a providential indication of their adaptation to each other—that -they were destined to be of mutual help in future dangers, and -to overcome obstacles requiring the peculiar strength of both. And -she always deemed herself safe when by his side. Many a time -she said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I could gladly undergo that peril and effort again, to fall into his -arms, and feel so <em>out of danger</em>. But then," she would add, "it was -all of God's good providence."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Sevier was then a married man, his wife and younger -children not having yet arrived from Virginia.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1777, Captain Sevier received a commission from the State of -North Carolina, and was thus decidedly enlisted in the cause of -American Independence; not long after this he was honored with the -commission of Colonel, bearing the signature of George Washington. -Two years later, his wife died, leaving him ten children. The following -year he married Miss Sherrill, who devoted herself earnestly to -all the duties of her station, and to meet the exigencies of the times.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It may well be supposed that the women spun, wove and made -up the most of the clothing worn by these backwoods people. Girls -were as well skilled in these arts, as were the boys to those belonging -to their circle of duties. It was always a source of much gratification -to Mrs. Sevier, and one of which she fondly boasted, that, -"among the first work she did, after her marriage, was to make the -clothes which her husband and his three sons wore the day they -were in the memorable and important battle of King's Mountain." -<span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span>And she would remark: "Had his ten children been sons, and -large enough to serve in that expedition, I could have fitted them -out."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mrs. Sevier was often left alone to manage domestic affairs, not -only within doors, but without. The life of Colonel Sevier was one -of incessant action, adventure and contest. The calls of his fellow-citizens, -and the necessities of the times, withdrew him frequently -from home. No commander was more frequently engaged in conflicts -with the Indians, with equal success and such small loss of men. -Yet it is a notable fact that he enjoyed, to a remarkable extent, the -respect of the tribes and chiefs with whom he contended. It is an -historical fact that he took to his own home, on the Chucka, a number -of Indian prisoners, where they were treated with so much -kindness by his wife and family, that several of them remained for -years, although they performed very little work, and this wholly -at their own option. The influence of Mrs. Sevier was intentionally -and happily exerted upon these captives, that it might tell, as it did, -upon their friends within the nation; and the family, no doubt, enjoyed -more immunities than otherwise they could have expected.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Colonel acquired a sobriquet among the Indians, which was -some evidence of their familiarity with, and attachment to him. As -long as he lived they called him "Chucka Jack." They had one, -also, for Mrs. Sevier, but it has not been preserved. She usually remained -at the farm, and never would consent to be shut up in a -block-house, always saying:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"The wife of John Sevier</div> - <div class='line'>Knows no fear."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>"Who would stay out if his family <em>forted</em>?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was the spirit of the heroine—this was the spirit of Catherine -Sevier. Neither she nor her husband seemed to think there could -be danger or loss when they could encourage or aid others to daring, -to duty and to usefulness. Colonel Sevier at one time advised her to -go into the fort, but yielded to her respectful remonstrance. At one -time the Tories, who were worse and more troublesome enemies than -the savages, came to her house, and demanded her husband's whereabouts, -finally avowing their intention was to hang him on the highest -tree in front of his house, but that if she would tell them where -<span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span>he was, she and her children should be safe. Of course she refused -to give the information. One man drew a pistol, threatening to blow -her brains out if she did not tell, or, at least, give up all the money -she had.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Shoot, shoot!" was her answer; "I am not afraid to die! But -remember, while there is a Sevier on the face of the earth, my blood -will not be unavenged!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>He dared not—did not shoot. The leader of the gang told the -man to put up his pistol, for "such a woman was too brave to die."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Would it not be a good thing to make the study of the biography -of such heroines as Mrs. Sevier a part of the "course" in the accomplishment -of the fastidious young ladies of to-day?</p> - -<p class='c000'>A peculiar incident is connected with the formidable attack upon -Bryant's station, Kentucky, made by six hundred savage warriors, -headed by the infamous renegade, Simon Girty. Having been forewarned -of the contemplated attack, the garrison was already under -arms when Girty and his savage band appeared. Supposing, by the -preparations made to receive them, that their actual presence in the -vicinity was known, a considerable body of Indians were placed in -ambush near the spring, which was at some distance from the fort, -while another and smaller body was ordered to take position in full -view of the garrison, with the hope of tempting them to an engagement -outside the walls. Had this stratagem been successful, the remainder -of the forces was so posted as to be able, upon the withdrawal -of the garrison, to storm one of the gates, and cut off their -retreat to the fort. Unconscious of the snare which had been laid -for them, and unaware of the full strength of the enemy, the garrison -were about to sally out, having already opened one of the gates for -this purpose, when they became alarmed by a sudden firing from -an opposite direction, and hastily falling back, they closed and secured -the gates.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One difficulty they had, however, to encounter—the want of water. -It was an oppressive day in the middle of August, and the want -was soon aggravated to an intolerable degree by the heat and thirst -consequent upon their exertions. To perish by thirst was as cruel as -to die by the rifle and tomahawk. Under these circumstances, a plan -was proposed, calculated to try the heroism of the women within -<span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span>the fort. Acting on the belief that, although there might be an ambush -at the spring, yet the Indians, in desiring to effect the capture -of the fort by stratagem, would not unmask themselves to the women, -these were urged to go in a body to the spring, and each of them -bring up a bucket full of water.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They would hardly have been human had they not quailed a little -at this daring proposition; but, upon listening to the arguments of -the men, a few of the boldest declared their readiness to brave the -danger, and the younger and more timid, rallying in the rear of the -elderly matrons, they all marched down to the spring, a valiant company, -each dipping her bucket, within point blank shot of five -hundred Indian warriors. Not a shot was fired. They filled their -buckets with the precious water, and regained the shelter of the fort -in safety. How their blood must have turned cold, as they reached -the dangerous spring, and how it must have thrilled and tingled in -their veins, as they turned their backs to the concealed enemy, unarmed -and perfectly helpless as they were! How long the distance -to the gate! How sweet the relief when their buckets of crystal -comfort were set down within the enclosure!</p> - -<p class='c000'>Had this thing occurred in the days of the old Roman glory, it -would have won immortality for the maids and mothers who participated -in it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When General Greene was retreating from the Catawaba, an incident -occurred which indicates the self-sacrificing spirit of the American -women. On the line of his retreat he stopped at a house for -repose and refreshment. He had ridden all day in a severe rain -storm; he was wet, fatigued, and he was oppressed by gloomy forebodings. -His landlady observed his despondency, and, upon asking -him about his condition, he replied that he was tired, hungry and -penniless. Refreshments were provided for him, and, after he had -partaken of them, the woman drew him into a private apartment, -where she placed in his hands two bags of specie, saying:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Take these; I can do without them, and they are necessary to -you."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Let us imagine that this noble act cheered the saddened heart of -the General in the hour of his trouble.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In one district, during the war, the young women, at harvest-time, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span>formed themselves into a company of reapers, going to all the farms -of the neighborhood, and, if the reply to the question "Is the owner -out with the fighting men?" was in the affirmative, they would set -to, and cut and garner all the grain. It was no small undertaking, -as five or six weeks of unceasing toil were necessary to complete -their rounds. Similar companies were formed in New York and Long -Island. A Whig paper of July 25th, 1776, says:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The most respectable ladies set the example, and say they will -take the farming business on themselves, so long as the rights and -liberties of their country require the presence of their sons, husbands -and lovers, in the field."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Pride in such ancestors is an ennobling sentiment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>During the siege of Augusta, two ladies, Grace and Rachel Martin, -residing in the ninety-sixth district, South Carolina, learning, upon -one occasion, that a courier, under the protection of two British soldiers, -was to pass their residence, bearing important dispatches, resolved, -by a well-planned stratagem, to surprise the party, and deprive -the courier of the papers. Disguising themselves in male attire, -and provided with arms, they concealed themselves in a thicket on -the roadside, and patiently awaited the approach of the enemy. It -was twilight, and the darkness favored their plan. They had not remained -long in their concealment, when the courier and the escort -made their appearance. They were riding carelessly along, when -suddenly two figures sprang from a bushy covert, loudly demanding -the dispatches, and at the same time presenting their pistols. Bewildered -and alarmed, the surprised party yielded, without attempting -resistance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The ladies then placed them on parole, and, hastening home -through a short route by the woods, had hardly arrived there, and -divested themselves of their male attire, when the same trio came -riding up to the door, requesting accommodations. The mother of -the heroines admitted them, asking why they had returned, after -passing her house but a short time before. They replied by exhibiting -their paroles, and stating that they had been taken prisoners by -"two rebels." The young ladies, unsuspected by their guests, rallied -them on their unfortunate adventure, asking "why they did not use -their arms?" to which they replied that they were fallen upon so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span>sudden, they had not time. During their stay, they were as severely -overcome by the malicious wit and raillery of the ladies, as they had -before been by their superior bravery and cunning. The dispatches -obtained in the heroic manner described, were sent to General Greene, -and proved of importance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>These ladies should have had the rank of "Sergeant," at least, -conferred upon them, in acknowledgment of their bravery, wit, and -the good service rendered!</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the commencement of the American Revolution, when one of -the British king's thundering proclamations made its appearance, the -subject was mentioned in a company in Philadelphia; a member of -Congress, who was present, turning to Miss Livingstone, said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Well, Miss, are you greatly terrified at the roaring of the British -lion?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Not at all, sir, for I have learned from natural history that <em>that -beast roars loudest when he is most frightened</em>!" was her quiet reply.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span> -<img src='images/frontis.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>The Chieftain's Appeal.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p9a'>9</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span>TALES,</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='sc'>Traditions and Romance</span></div> - <div class='c003'>OF</div> - <div class='c003'>BORDER AND REVOLUTIONARY TIMES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>THE CHIEFTAIN S APPEAL.</div> - <div class='line'>THE IMPLACABLE GOVERNOR.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. SLOCUMB AT MOORE'S CREEK.</div> - <div class='line'>BRADY'S LEAP.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>NEW YORK:</div> - <div>BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS,</div> - <div>118 WILLIAM STREET.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1864,</div> - <div>by <span class='sc'>Beadle and Company</span>, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United</div> - <div>States for the Southern District of New York.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span> - <h2 id='p9a' class='c005'>THE<br /> CHIEFTAIN'S APPEAL.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Sullivan's campaign into the Indian country, in the fall of 1779, -realized none of the anticipations regarding it; for, although the -severity of the ensuing winter, and the privations they suffered from -the destruction of their homes and their crops, kept the Indians from -making any predatory excursions upon the settlements, yet, on the -opening of spring, they swept over the country in clouds, burning -with revenge, and breathing vengeance against the pale-faces.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Early in April, a party of forty or fifty Indians and Tories, under -the command of Captain Brandt, the Mohawk chief, made an incursion -against Harpersfield, which they surprised and destroyed. Most -of the inhabitants, however, had, owing to their exposed situation, -left the place, and nineteen prisoners and a small amount of plunder -was all that graced their triumph. On his way from Niagara, Brandt -had detached a party of eleven Indians, under a young chief called -Cheyendowah, to attack the settlement at Minisink, and bring in -some prisoners. This was successfully accomplished, and five of its -male inhabitants were led captive into the wilderness, as far as Tioga -Point. Here, however, they rose upon their captors while asleep, -and in a few moments nine of them lay in the agonies of death, while -the other two fled, one being mortally wounded. At the time that -Harpersfield was destroyed, a party of fourteen militiamen, under -command of Captain Alexander Harper, were in the woods making -maple-sugar for the garrison at Old Schoharie. Not dreaming of the -proximity of an enemy, they were attacked by the party under -Brandt, and two of their number shot down before they could seize -their arms; and when they attempted to reach them, they found -themselves completely cut off and surrounded. Nothing remained, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span>therefore, but to surrender. The Tories composing a part of Brandt's -party, were opposed to taking prisoners, and wished to kill them at -once, that they might not be an incumbrance at the attack of the -Schoharie Fort, which was one object of the expedition. A frightful -massacre would have ensued, without doubt, had not Brandt's forethought -prevented it. He had raised his tomahawk to strike Captain -Harper, which would have been the signal for the death of the others, -when, thinking he might get valuable information from him, he -lowered his weapon, and, looking the other sternly in the eye, he -asked: "How many regular troops are there in the fort?" Harper -saw the object of the chief, and, without any hesitation or prevarication, -told him that three hundred Continentals had arrived but a few -days before to garrison the forts. This was not true, but the manner -in which Harper told it imposed upon the chief, who, by the way, -had been a schoolmate of his, and, although the circumstance disconcerted -his plans, yet he was induced to believe him. One of Harper's -men, fearing that the Indians would put them all to death if they -should discover the fraud, informed the chief of the true state of the -case; but he, thinking it a ruse to lead him into danger, and thus -facilitate the escape of the prisoners, put no faith in his story, but, on -the contrary, was the more convinced of Harper's truthfulness. A -conference was held between Brandt and his subordinate chiefs in -regard to the disposal of the prisoners. The former was in favor of -taking them to Niagara, but the latter, disappointed at the failure of -the main part of their enterprise, and thirsting for blood, were for -massacring them at once. During the controversy, the prisoners, -bound hand and foot, were thrust into a pen of logs, where they were -kept under guard of the Tories and their leader, an infamous wretch -by the name of Becraft. The pen was near enough to the council to -hear what was going on, and Harper understood enough of the -Indian language to catch the import of their "talk." Becraft took -pains, too, to inform them of the wishes of the majority of the -Indians, and in abusive language told them that they would "all be -in hell before morning." The influence of Brandt—at all times -powerful—enabled him to prevent bloodshed, and the others were -induced to forego their bloodthirsty desires, for the present, at least. -In the morning, Harper was again brought before the chief and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_327'>327</span>interrogated. With great presence of mind he reasserted his story, -and, although the other eyed him with the most searching gaze, he -betrayed no evidence of indecision; and at length the chief, convinced, -apparently, of the truth, gave the order to commence their -march for Niagara. The prisoners were not allowed to reach their -destination, without passing through fearful ordeals. One day they -stopped at a mill kept by a Tory, who, with both of his daughters, -counseled Brandt to destroy "the infernal Whigs." This coinciding -with the desires of the Tories and a majority of the Indians, the -chief found it difficult to restrain them, and prevent the sacrifice. On -another occasion they met a loyalist, who was well acquainted with -Brandt and Harper, who told the former that he had been deceived—that -there were no troops at Schoharie. This led to another searching -inquiry, but Harper persisted in his story with so much apparent -candor as again to elude detection. But when the party reached the -Chemung River, they had to pass a still more fearful trial. On -reaching this point, Brandt and his warriors raised a whoop, as is -customary with the Indians when they have prisoners—it was -answered by a single <em>death yell</em>! In a few moments a single Indian -made his appearance, who proved to be the young chief Cheyendowah. -His story was soon told. Of the eleven who started for the -Minisink settlement, he alone was left so tell the tale of their massacre -at the hands of their prisoners. The others had gathered about -him, excited listeners to the melancholy narrative, and the effect of -the recital upon these already implacable warriors was fearful in the -extreme. "Revenge!" seemed to leap from every tongue, and their -faces were wrought into an expression of the fiercest determination -to immolate the unhappy prisoners on the spot. Every hand sought -a weapon simultaneously, and the glittering tomahawk and keener -scalping-knife leaped into the air, while their eyes glared ferociously -upon Harper and his companions, who, conscious that their fate was -inevitable, awaited it with what composure they could command. -With one accord, the savages rushed in a tumultuous throng, with -uplifted weapons, upon their victims. Brandt had no power to -control the storm, and did not attempt it. As well might he attempt -to stay the whirlwind in its fury, or beat back the mountain torrent -in its course; the doom of the white men was apparently sealed, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_328'>328</span>It was to the magnanimity of one from whom they could least -anticipate such forbearance, that they were indebted for their lives. -Rushing between the infuriated warriors and their anticipated prey, -the young chief Cheyendowah waved back the crowd with an imperious -gesture which commanded attention. When silence was -restored, he surprised his auditors by an urgent appeal in behalf of -the prisoners. "It was not they," he said, "who had killed their -brethren, and to take the lives of innocent men would not punish the -guilty. The Great Spirit would be angry with them if they should -do this wicked thing." Pointing upward, in words of majestic eloquence, -he told them that "Manitou was looking upon them, and -would send his thunders to destroy their families, their homes, and -themselves, if they sacrificed the white men in their vengeance." -He told them it was cowardly to kill men who could not defend -themselves, and none but squaws would take such an advantage. -Appealing thus alternately to their fears, their humanity, and their -superstition, he wrought upon their better nature, and was successful -in inducing them to forego their anticipated vengeance. One by one -their weapons were returned to their accustomed places, and with -subdued and less excited feelings, they recommenced their onward -march to Niagara, which they reached at length; not, however, -without the severest suffering by the way.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The eloquence of the red-man is proverbial. Many a time has -the captive trembled when it has been exercised against him; and -thrilled with joy, when it was exerted in his behalf. In the swift -future, when all traces of his existence, who was once the master of -this mighty continent, is swept away, and our children's children -read of him, as an ancient and perished myth, the records of his -eloquence shall be left alive. One of the best specimens of Indian -rhetoric, is the speech of Tecumseh, at the grand council of the -Creeks. One, who was present, and heard it as it fell from his -lips, General Dale, says:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I have heard many great orators, but I never saw one with the -vocal powers of Tecumseh, or the same command of the muscles of -the face. Had I been deaf, the play of his countenance would have -told me what he said. Its effect on that wild, untutored, superstitious, -and warlike assemblage, may be conceived: not a word was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_329'>329</span>said, but stern warriors, the 'stoics of the wood,' shook with emotion, -and a thousand tomahawks were brandished in the air. Even the -big warrior, who had been true to the whites, and remained faithful -during the war, was, for the moment, visibly affected, and more than -once I saw his huge hand clutch, spasmodically the handle of his -knife."</p> - -<p class='c000'>But, to the speech:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"In defiance of the white warriors of Ohio and Kentucky, I have -traveled through their settlements, once our favorite hunting-grounds. -No war-whoop was sounded, but there is blood upon our knives -The pale-faces felt the blow, but knew not whence it came.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Accursed be the race that has seized on our country and made -women of our warriors. Our fathers, from their tombs, reproach us -as slaves and cowards. I hear them now in the wailing winds.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"The Muscogee was once a mighty people. The Georgians -trembled at your war-whoop, and the maidens of my tribe, on the -distant lakes, sung the prowess of your warriors, and sighed for their -embraces.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Now, your very blood is white; your tomahawks have no edges; -your bows and arrows were buried with your fathers. Oh! Muscogees, -brethren of my mother, brush from your eyelids the sleep of -slavery; once more strike for vengeance—once more for your -country. The spirits of the mighty dead complain. Their tears -drop from the skies. Let the white man perish.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"They seize your land; they corrupt your women; they trample -on the ashes of your dead. Back, whence they came, upon a trail -of blood, must they be driven.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Back! back, ay, into the great waters whose accursed waves -brought them to our shores.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Burn their dwellings! destroy their stock! Slay their wives and -children! The red-man owns the country, and the pale-face must -never enjoy it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"War! war! War forever! War upon the living! War upon -the dead! Dig their very corpses from the grave. <em>Our</em> country -must give no rest to a white man's bones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"This is the will of the Great Spirit, revealed to my brother, his -familiar, the Prophet of the Lakes. He sends me to you.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_330'>330</span>"All the tribes of the North are dancing the war-dance. Two -mighty warriors across the seas will send us arms.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Tecumseh will soon return to his country. My prophets shall -tarry with you. They will stand between you and the bullets of -your enemies. When the white men approach you, the yawning -earth shall swallow them up.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Soon shall you see my arm of fire stretched athwart the sky. I -will stamp my foot at Tippecanoe, and the very earth shall shake."</p> - -<p class='c000'>It appears that the wily orator had been informed by the British -that a comet was shortly to appear; and the earthquake, of 1811, -had commenced as he came through Kentucky; so that, when the -arm of fire was actually stretched forth, and the earth did shake -under old Tippecanoe, his auditors attributed it to Tecumseh's supernatural -powers, and immediately took up arms.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We think the speech of Weatherford, one of the Creek war-chiefs, -engaged against General Jackson, an equally fine example of their -oratory, while it illustrates the remarkable dignity of mind which -enabled him to support his humiliating position with such grandeur. -It was after our doughty General had nearly annihilated the tribes -in his department, the Indians, seeing all resistance at an end, came -forward and made their submission; Weatherford, however, and -many who were known to be desperate, still holding out.</p> - -<p class='c000'>General Jackson, determined to test the fidelity of those chiefs -who had already submitted, ordered them to deliver, without delay, -Weatherford, bound, into his hands, to be dealt with as he deserved. -When they made known to the sachem what was required of them, -his high spirit would not submit to such degradation; and, to hold -them harmless, he resolved to give himself up without compulsion.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Accordingly, he proceeded to the American camp, unknown, until -he appeared before the commanding General, to whose presence, -under some pretence, he gained admission. Jackson was greatly -surprised when the chief said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I am Weatherford, the chief who commanded at the capture of -Fort Mimms. I desire peace for my people, and have come to -ask it."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The General had doubtless resolved upon his execution, when he -should be brought, bound; but, his unexpected appearance in this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_331'>331</span>manner, saved him; he said to the chief that he was astonished at -his venturing to appear in his presence, as he was not ignorant of -the warrior having been at Fort Mimms, nor of his inhuman conduct -there, for which he richly deserved to die.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I ordered," continued the General, "that you should be brought -to me bound; had you been brought as I ordered, I should have -known how to treat you."</p> - -<p class='c000'>In answer to this, Weatherford replied:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I am in your power; do with me as you please; I am a soldier. -I have done the whites all the harm I could. I have fought them, -and fought them bravely. Had I an army, I would yet fight—I -would contend to the last; but, I have none. My people are all -gone. I can only weep over the misfortunes of my nation."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Jackson was of too audacious a nature himself, not to be pleased -with this fellow, and told him that he would take no advantage of -his present situation; that he might yet join the war-party, and -contend against the Americans, if he chose, but to depend upon no -quarter, if taken; and that unconditional submission was his, and his -people's only safety. Weatherford rejoined, in a tone both dignified -and indignant:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"You can safely address me in such terms, now. There was a -time when I could have answered—there was a time when I had a -choice—I have none now. I have not even a hope. I could once -animate my warriors to the battle—but I can not animate the dead. -My warriors can no longer hear my voice. Their bones are at -Talladega, Tallashatches, Emucklaw, and Tohopeka. I have not -surrendered myself without thought. While there was a single -chance of success, I never left my post nor supplicated peace. But -my people are gone; and I now ask it, for my nation, not for -myself. I look back with deep sorrow, and wish to avert still -greater calamities. If I had been left to contend with the Georgian -army, I would have raised my corn on one bank of the river and -fought them on the other. But your people have destroyed my -nation. You are a brave man. I rely on your generosity. You -will exact no terms of a conquered people, but such as they should -accede to. Whatever they may be, it would now be madness and -folly to oppose them. If they are opposed, you will find me among -<span class='pageno' id='Page_332'>332</span>the sternest enforcers of obedience. Those, who would still hold out, -can be influenced only by a mean spirit of revenge. To this, they -must not, and shall not, sacrifice the last remnant of their country. -You have told our nation where we might go and be safe. This, is -good talk, and they ought to listen to it. They shall listen to it."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Weatherford is described as having possessed a noble person and -a brilliant intellect. After peace was declared, he settled amid the -whites, and General Dale, who had fought against him often, had the -pleasure of standing as groomsman at his wedding.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='p14' class='c005'>THE IMPLACABLE GOVERNOR.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>When the infamous Tryon succeeded Arthur Dobbs, as Colonial -Governor of North Carolina, in 1766, he found the inhabitants of the -upper part of the State in the highest state of excitement—almost in -open rebellion—on account of the passage of the Stamp Act, which, -to them, was like piling Pelion upon Ossa, for they had suffered for -years from the rapacity of public officers, the oppression of the courts, -and exorbitant taxes levied to support a venal government. They -had petitioned the Governor and Council for a redress of grievances, -until they found that each petition was followed by increased extortion—until -their situation became so oppressive, that they resolved -to take matters into their own hands. A solemn league was thereupon -formed, called the "<span class='sc'>Regulation</span>," and the members of it -"<em>Regulators</em>." The leader of this movement was Herman Husband, -a quaker, a man of strong mind and great influence. These Regulators -resolved to pay no more taxes, unless satisfied of their legality; -to pay no more fees than the strict letter of the law allowed; to -select the proper men to represent them, and to petition for redress -until their object—a retrenchment of the exorbitant expenditure of -the Government, and the consequent high rate of taxes—was -obtained. The exasperated feelings of the people were somewhat -calmed by the repeal of the odious Stamp Act; but soon after -that event, which had quieted and put to rest the stormy, riotous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_333'>333</span>assemblies of the "Sons of Liberty," as the Regulators were sometimes -called, Governor Tryon succeeded in obtaining, first, an appropriation -of twenty-five thousand dollars to erect a gubernatorial palace, -"suitable for the residence of a Colonial Governor," and a further -sum of fifty thousand dollars to complete the same. This, together -with the expense of running the boundary line between the State -and the Cherokee nation, which was incurred by the vanity of the -Governor in calling out the militia, and marching at their head into -the Cherokee country, with the ostensible object of protecting the -surveyors, and that, too, in time of peace, had the effect to excite the -indignation of the Regulators, and they determined to resist the -imposition of the tax for these objects. Tryon, observing the -threatening storm, sent a proclamation by his Secretary, David -Edwards, and a lawyer named Edmund Fanning, to be read and -enforced among the people. Fanning was a man who was detested -by the Regulators, for his extortions; but he managed to cajole them -into the belief that justice was about to be done them, and they -agreed to meet him, to heal all difficulties and settle the existing -differences. While waiting the time of meeting, however, they were -astonished and highly exasperated by the arrest of Husband and a -number of friends, who were thrown into jail by Fanning's orders. -A rising of the people followed, and a large body of Regulators -marched to Hillsborough to release the prisoners. They were -induced, however, by the solemn assurance of Edwards, that their -grievances should be redressed, to retire without committing any -overt act. From this time forward, the temporizing policy of the -Governor, and the rankling hatred of the Regulators, caused frequent -and serious outbreaks, until the former, determined to crush the -spirit of disaffection, collected the militia, and marched into the -disaffected district. He was met by a large body of the Regulators, -and a serious battle was fought, in which nine of the Regulators and -twenty-seven of the militia were killed, and a great number on both -sides wounded. The Regulators had no acknowledged leader, and -all was confusion after the first fire from the militia, every man -fighting on his own account, and in his own way. The result was -a victory for the Governor, who took a number of prisoners, upon -whom he vented the implacable revenge which was as a consuming -<span class='pageno' id='Page_334'>334</span>fire within him. His conduct was more like that of a small-minded, -vain, and vindictive man, than that of a Royal Governor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Among others whom fortune had thrown into his hands, was -Captain Messer, one of the most influential of the Regulators, and -the father of an interesting family. Tryon could not wait the tardy -course of trial for this man, but sentenced him to be hung the day -after the battle. He must sate his desire for revenge in the blood -of some of his victims, or his victory would be incomplete. Messer -begged to see his family before he died; but this boon was denied -him, and he was told to prepare for death. Information of his -captivity, however, was conveyed to his wife by the fugitives from -the field, and she repaired at once to the spot, with her eldest boy, a -lad ten years old, to comfort him in his confinement. She did not -know that he had been condemned to die, until she reached the -scene of the late encounter, where she was informed of it by seeing -the preparations made for his execution. In an agony of mind -which threatened to unseat her reason, she flew to Tryon, and -besought him on her knees to spare her husband's life. Every -argument and appeal which her affection could command, was used -in vain; the stony heart of the victorious Governor was not to be -touched, and he spurned her from him in disdain, telling her that -her husband should die, though the <em>King</em> should intercede in his -behalf. The poor woman fell weeping to the ground, while her little -son, with the spirit of his father beaming in his eyes, endeavored to -console her by assuring her that Tryon would yet relent. While this -was passing, the Captain was led forth to die. Mrs. Messer, on -seeing her husband in the hands of the executioner, uttered a shriek -of agony, which seemed to sever the cords of her heart, and swooned -away. The noble-hearted boy at her side, instead of giving way to grief, -determined to make another appeal to Tryon, who stood near viewing -the proceedings. Throwing himself at the Governor's feet, he said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Sir, hang me, and let my father live."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Who told you to say that?" asked Tryon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Nobody," was the reply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"And why do you ask it?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Because," replied the lad, "if you hang father, my mother will -die, and the children will perish."</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_335'>335</span>The Governor's heart was touched, and he replied:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Your father shall not be hanged to-day."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The execution was stayed; while the noble boy went to his -mother, and restored her to consciousness by the news.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The unfeeling tyrant, however, annexed a condition to his reprieve, -which was, that Messer should be set at liberty only on condition -that he should arrest and bring before him the person of Husband, -who had fled before the battle commenced. Reflecting that success -might attend his efforts, and, at worst, he could but suffer if he failed, -he consented, while his wife and son were detained as hostages for -his fidelity. He pursued Husband to Virginia, where he overtook -him, but could not persuade him to return, and was obliged to surrender -himself again to the tender mercies of his captor. He was -bound in chains with the other prisoners, and in this condition was -marched through the various towns and villages on the route toward -Newbern. At Hillsborough, a court-martial was held, and twelve of -the captive Regulators were sentenced to be hung. Six of these -were reprieved, and the others suffered death on the scaffold. Among -the latter was Captain Messer, who met his fate with the resignation -of one who felt that he died in the cause of liberty. His broken-hearted -wife returned to her home, now rendered desolate by her -husband's death; while the tyrannical Governor marched in triumph -to Newbern, from whence he was soon after called to the head of -colonial affairs in New York.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The execution of Colonel Isaac Hayne, which took place later in -the history of the Carolinas, presents a still more touching picture of -the devotion of a child and the tyranny of a British minion. After -Charleston had fallen into the hands of the British, many of the -Whigs of South Carolina were induced to take the protections which -were offered by Lord Cornwallis. They were led to this step by the -belief that in the South the cause was hopeless, and were promised, -by virtue of these protections, to be allowed to remain quietly in their -homes and take no part in the contest. Their surprise was great, -when, soon after, they were called upon to take up arms under the -British commanders and against their countrymen. Conceiving that -faith had been broken with them, and their promises of neutrality no -longer binding, they tore up their protections, and at once ranked -<span class='pageno' id='Page_336'>336</span>themselves under the Continental leaders. Among those was Colonel -Hayne, a man of unblemished reputation, fine talents and lofty -patriotism. Indignant at the course pursued by the British, he hastened -to the American army, and began to take active part in the -contest. Unfortunately, he fell into the enemy's hands, was conveyed -to Charleston, submitted, by order of Rawdon, to a mock trial, and, -to the horror of all, was condemned to death. He received his -sentence with calmness, but the whole country was horrified. Both -English and Americans interceded for his life, and the ladies of -Charleston immortalized themselves by the spirited address which -they framed and delivered to his captors in his behalf. All was of -no avail. The cruel heart of Rawdon could not be moved; not even -the captive's motherless children, with bended knees and tearful -prayers, could move his obdurate nature.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hayne's eldest child was a boy of thirteen, who was permitted to -remain in prison with him up to the time of his execution. This -boy was actuated by an affection for his father of the most romantic -earnestness and fervor. Beholding him loaded with irons and condemned -to die, he was overwhelmed with consternation and sorrow; -nothing could alleviate his distress. In vain did his parent endeavor -to console him by reminding him that this unavailing grief only -heightened his own misery—that he was only to leave this world to -be admitted into a better—that it was glorious to die for liberty. -The boy would not be comforted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"To-morrow," said the unhappy father, "I set out for immortality. -You will accompany me to the place of my execution, and when I -am dead, take my body and bury it beside your poor mother."</p> - -<p class='c000'>In an agony of grief the child fell weeping on his father's neck, -crying:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Oh, my father, my father, I die with you!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>The chains which bound the prisoner prevented his returning the -embrace, but he said, in reply:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Live, my son—live to honor God by a good life—live to take -care of your brothers and sisters."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next morning the son walked beside his father to the place -of execution. The history of the war scarcely affords a more heart-rending -incident. There was not a citizen of Charleston whose -bosom did not swell with anguish and indignation. There was -sorrow in every countenance, and when men spoke with each other, -it was in accents of horror.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_337'>337</span> -<img src='images/i021.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>The Implacable Governor.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p14'>14</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_339'>339</span>When the two came within sight of the gallows, the parent -strengthened himself, and said to the weeping boy:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Tom, my son, show yourself a man! That tree is the boundary -of my life and all my life's sorrow. Beyond that the wicked cease -from troubling, and the weary are at rest. Don't lay too much at -heart our separation—it will be short. 'Twas but lately your mother -died; to-day I die; and you, though young, must shortly follow."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Yes, my father," replied the broken-hearted boy, "I shall soon -follow you; for, indeed, I feel that I can not live long."</p> - -<p class='c000'>And this melancholy anticipation was fulfilled in a manner far -more dreadful than is implied in the mere extinction of life. When -his father was tom from his side, his tears flowed incessantly, and -his bosom was convulsed with sobs; but when he saw that beloved -parent in the hands of the executioner, the halter adjusted to his -neck, and then his form convulsively struggling in the air, the fountain -of his tears was suddenly stanched, and he stood transfixed with -horror. He never wept again. When all was over he was led from -the scene, but there was a wildness in his look, a pallor in his cheek, -which alarmed his friends. The terrible truth was soon made known. -His reason had fled forever. It was not long before he followed his -parents to the grave, but his death was even sadder than his father's. -In his last moments he often called the beloved name in accents of -such anguish that the sternest hearted wept to hear him. But the -merciful all-Father took him home and restored him forever to the -side of that parent, the shock of whose rude death sundered the -tender strings of a child's heart.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Lord Rawdon should have been proud of this noble feat. He was -one of those who</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>"Stand, to move the world, on a child's heart."</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The outrageous oppression of Governor Tryon and Lord Rawdon -were only a few among many instances of the spirit shown by -Government officials, until the people of the Colonies were driven -to that universal rebellion which resulted in the establishment of -our independence. And when that struggle was begun, British -<span class='pageno' id='Page_340'>340</span>arrogance and cruelty asserted itself, in her officers and minions, in -those equivocal shapes which ought to make British history blush -with shame along the ensanguined record. It has been truly said -that a wrong begun is only maintained by a wrong continued.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The first contest of England with America sprang from tyranny; -she was the aggressor, the offending party: and it seems to have -been a moral consequence, that a war, thus unrighteous, should have -been characterized by a violation of every humane and honorable -purpose. The extent to which British cruelty was carried in the -memorable contest of the Revolution, is scarcely appreciated by us. -Nothing equals the vindictive, bloodthirsty fury which characterized -it in some quarters of the Union. It was almost a war of extermination -in the South. There, lads were often shot down, that they -might not live to be full-grown rebels, and mothers murdered, that -they might bring forth no more enemies to the king. Among the -people in villages, and in the open country, existed the greatest -suffering, and often was manifested the loftiest patriotism and the -grandest fortitude. With such ferocity were they pursued by the -British soldiery, that their only retreat became the army. At no -moment were they safe. Neither in their beds, nor by their firesides, -nor on the highways. Daily and nightly murders frightened -the time with their atrocities. Reckless marauders traversed the -country in all directions, sparing neither sex, age, nor infancy. -Nightly, the red flame glared on the horizon, and houseless children -hung over the desecrated, butchered forms of their parents.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But of all atrocities, those committed in the prisons and prison-ships -of New York were most execrable; there is nothing in history -to excel the barbarities there inflicted. It is stated that nearly twelve -thousand American prisoners "suffered death by their inhuman, cruel -and barbarous usage on board the filthy and malignant prison-ship, -called the <em>Jersey</em>, lying in New York."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The scenes enacted within the prisons almost exceed belief. There -were several prisons in the city; but the most terrible of them all -was the Provost (now the Hall of Records), which was under the -charge of Cunningham, that wretch, the like of whom the world has -not many times produced. He had a love for inflicting torture; it -was his passion, his besotted appetite; he seemed to live upon the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_341'>341</span>agony of human beings; their groans were his music, their sufferings -his pastime. He took an eager delight in murder. He stopped the -rations of the prisoners and sold them, to add to the luxuries of his -own table, while his victims were starving to death. They were -crowded into rooms where there was not space to lie down, with no -blankets to protect them from the cold, to which the unglazed windows -exposed them, while they were suffering from fevers, thirst, -and hunger. In the summer, epidemics raged among them, while -they were denied medicine or attendance, and compelled to breathe -the damp and putrid air. But, hear what Cunningham himself says -of his acts, in his dying speech and confession, when brought to the -gallows, in London, for a forgery of which he was convicted:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I shudder to think of the murders I have been accessory to, both -with and without orders from the Government, especially in New -York, during which time, there was more than two thousand prisoners -starved in the different prisons, by stopping their rations, which -I sold. There were also two hundred and seventy-five American -prisoners and obnoxious persons executed, out of all which number, -there was only about a dozen public executions, which consisted -chiefly of British and Hessian deserters. The mode for private executions, -was this: a guard was despatched from the Provost, about -half-past twelve, at night, to the barrack, and the neighborhood of -the upper barracks, to order the people to close their window-shutters -and put out their lights, forbidding them, at the same time, to look -out, on pain of death; after which, the unfortunate victims were conducted, -gagged, just behind the upper barracks, and hung without -ceremony, and there buried by the Black Pioneer of the Provost."</p> - -<p class='c000'>These murders were common, nightly pastime of this monster.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The saddest of the tragedies in which Cunningham bore his -ignominious part, was the execution of that glorious young martyr, -whose name shall glow brighter and brighter on the record of his -country's heroes, as the ages roll away.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The impartial reader will question the justice of history, which -has done so much for the memory of André, and left that of Hale in -comparative oblivion. And yet we can discover but little difference -in their cases. Both were possessors of genius and taste, both were -endowed with excellent qualities and attainments, and both were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_342'>342</span>impelled by a desire to serve the cause they respectively espoused, -and both suffered a similar death, but under vastly different circumstances. -And yet a magnificently sculptured monument in Westminster -Abbey, perpetuates the name of the English officer, while -none know where sleep the ashes of Hale, and neither stone nor -epitaph tells us of the services rendered by him; while the first is -honored in every quarter where the English language is spoken, the -name of the latter is unknown to many of his countrymen. "There -is something more than natural in this, if philosophy could find it -out."<a id='r3' /><a href='#f3' class='c009'><sup>[3]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='footnote' id='f3'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r3'>3</a>. </span>About ten years since, the ladies of Windham and Tolland Counties, Conn., -caused a handsome monument to be erected to the memory of the young martyr.</p> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Nathan Hale was not twenty years of age, when the first gun of -the revolution broke upon the ears of the colonists. The patriotic -cause at once aroused his enthusiastic love for liberty and justice, -and without pausing for a moment to consider the prudence of such -a step, his ardent nature prompted him at once, to throw himself -into the ranks of his country's defenders. Distinguished as a scholar, -and respected, by all who knew him, for his brilliant talents, he was -at once tendered a Captain's commission in the light infantry. He -served in the regiment commanded by Colonel Knowlton, and -was with the army in its retreat after the disastrous battle of Long -Island.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the army had retreated from New York, and while it was -posted on the Hights of Harlem, the Commander-in-Chief earnestly -desired to be made acquainted with the force and contemplated -movements of the enemy, and for this purpose, applied to Colonel -Knowlton to select some individual capable of performing the -hazardous and delicate service. Knowlton applied to Hale, who, on -becoming acquainted with the wishes of Washington, immediately -volunteered his services. He stated that his object in joining the -army, was not merely for fame, but to serve the country; that as -yet, no opportunity had offered for him to render any signal aid to -her cause, and when a duty so imperative and so important as this -was demanded of him, he was ready to sacrifice not only life, but all -hope of glory, and to suffer the ignomy which its failure would cast -upon his name. His friends endeavored to dissuade him from the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_343'>343</span>undertaking, but lofty considerations of duty impelled him to the -step.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having disguised himself as a schoolmaster, he crossed the Sound -at Fairfield, to Huntingdon, and proceeded thence to Brooklyn. This -was in September, 1776. When he arrived at Brooklyn, the enemy -had already taken possession of New York. He crossed over to the -city, his disguise unsuspected, and pursued the objects of his mission. -He examined all their fortifications with care, and obtained every -information relative to the number of the enemy, their intentions, etc. -Having accomplished all that he could, he left the city, and retraced -his steps to Huntingdon. While here, waiting for a boat to convey -him across the Sound, his apprehension was effected. There are -great discrepancies in the various accounts which are given of his -arrest, but all agree that it was through the means of a refugee -cousin, who detected his disguise. According to one account, while -he was at Huntingdon, a boat came to the shore, which he at first -supposed to be one from Connecticut, but which proved to be from -an English vessel lying in the Sound. He incautiously approached -the boat, and was recognized by his Tory relative, who was in the -boat at the time. He was arrested, and sent to New York.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There can not be a more striking proof of the different value set -upon the services of André and Hale by their respective nations, -than the fact afforded by the different manner of their arrest. There -was not a single circumstance connected with the capture of André, -but what is known to every reader of history, but in the case of -Hale, who stands André's equal in every particular, it is not even -known with certainty how he was apprehended. We have a few -uncertain legends relative to it, but these are widely different, some -making him arrested on the Sound, some on the island, and others -on the outskirts of the city. But there was one circumstance connected -with Hale's capture, which should enhance our sympathy for -him. André fell into the American hands by means of the sagacity, -watchfulness, and fidelity of our own soldiers; but Hale was betrayed -by the base perfidy and treason of a renegade relative. And what -two opposite phases of human nature does the contrast between these -two incidents afford! In the first, we find three men, three poor -men, so fixed in principle and determined in right, that the most -<span class='pageno' id='Page_344'>344</span>tempting offers—offers when an assent would have given them -wealth, ease, and luxury—were refused. Strong honesty overcame -temptation, and they were content to struggle on in poverty, oblivion, -and privation, with unsullied hearts, rather than feast and riot in -luxury. But in the latter incident, we find one of the most execrable -acts recorded in history. The betrayal of Hale by his relative, contrasted -with the stem integrity of André's captors, affords a most -striking picture.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We are all aware of what followed the capture of André. He was -tried before an honorable court, and while strict justice demanded -his life, the necessity was deplored by his judges, and his fate aroused -in every heart the keenest sympathy and the deepest sorrow. But -how widely different was the unhappy end of the noble Hale! He -was surrendered to the incarnate fiend, Cunningham, the Provost-Marshal, -and ordered to immediate execution, without even the -formality of a trial.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The twenty-first of September, 1776, was a day to be remembered -in New York. From Whitehall to Barclay Street, a conflagration -raged along both sides of Broadway, in which, four hundred and -ninety-three houses, or about one-third of the city, was laid in ashes. -The College Green, and a change of wind, only arrested the swift -destruction. On that day, the dignified, harsh, cold, and courtly -Howe, had his head-quarters at the Beekman House, (now standing -at the corner of Fifty-first Street and First Avenue) on the East -River, about three and a quarter miles from the Park. The conflagration, -checked, but not subdued, still clouded the air, when a -generous youth, of high intelligence, kindly manners, and noble -character, was brought into the presence of this stern dignitary. -That youth was charged with being a spy, and the allegation was -substantiated by some military sketches and notes found on his -person. In this court of last resort, Hale dropped all disguises, and -at once proclaimed himself an American officer and a spy. He -attempted no plea of extenuation; he besought no pardoning clemency; -he promised no transfer of allegiance. He waited calmly, -with no unmanly fears, the too evident sentence which was to snap -his brittle thread of life. Howe kept him not long waiting, but at -once wrote a brief order, giving to William Cunningham, Provost -<span class='pageno' id='Page_345'>345</span>Marshal of the Royal army, the care and custody of the body of -Nathan Hale, Captain in the rebel army, this day convicted as a spy, -and directing him to be hung by the neck until dead, "to-morrow -morning at daybreak."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Dare we allow our sad and sympathizing fancies to follow the -young hero to the old Provost, where one night only remained to -him of earth? It is difficult to conceive a night of greater distress, -or more thronged with memories, endurances, and anticipations. -Never was prison presided over by a more insatiate monster than -this Cunningham. All the surroundings were of the most forbidding -character. The coming morning was to conduct the prisoner, -through unspeakable contumely, to the portals of eternity. He -calmly asked that his hands might be loosed, and that a light and -writing materials might be supplied, to enable him to write to his -parents and friends. Cunningham denied the request! Hale asked -for the use of a Bible, and even this was savagely refused.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thank God, there was one there with enough of the heart and -feelings of a man, to be roused to energetic remonstrance by such -malignant inhumanity. The Lieutenant of Hale's guard earnestly -and successfully besought that these requests be granted. In the -silent hours, so swiftly bearing him on to the verge of his dear and -happy life, the strong soul of the martyr was permitted to write, for -loved eyes its parting messages. Doubtless, one of these was to the -sweet Alice Adams, the maiden to whom he was betrothed. On -came the swift and fatal morning, and with it the diabolical Cunningham, -eager to luxuriate in another's woe. Hale handed him the -letters he had written; Cunningham at once read them, and, growing -furious at their high spirit, <em>tore them to pieces before the writer's eyes</em>. -He afterward gave, as his reason, "that the rebels should never know -they had a man who could die with such firmness."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Confronted by this representative of His Majesty, cheered by no -voice of friendship, or even of sympathy, beset by the emblems and -ministers of ignominious death, Hale stood on the fatal spot. His -youthful face transfigured with the calm peace of a triumphant -martyr; a life, suffused with religious sensibilities, and blooming -with holy love, then and there culminated.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The ritual of disgrace had been performed, and a single refinement -<span class='pageno' id='Page_346'>346</span>of malice, was all that even Cunningham's ingenuity could devise; -he demanded "a dying speech and confession." Humanity had -begun to assert itself in the crowd of curious gazers, for pity was -swelling up in many hearts, finding expression in stifled sobs. Firm -and calm, glowing with purification and self-sacrifice, Hale seemed to -gather up his soul out of his body, as, with solemn emphasis, he -gave answer to this last demand of malignity:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"<em>I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.</em>"</p> - -<p class='c000'>Why have not we a sky-piercing monument, wherein is set a tablet -of solid silver, whereon those words are printed in letters of pure -gold?</p> - -<p class='c000'>Honest Tunis Bogart, a witness of Hale's execution, said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I have never been able to efface the scene of horror from my -mind—it rises up to my imagination always." Ashar Wright, who -was Hale's personal attendant, was so completely overwhelmed by -his fate, that his understanding reeled from its throne, never to be -fully reinstated.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was such lamentation among relatives, friends, and brother -officers, when his death was learned, as betokened how he had -endeared himself to all. His memory has been quietly cherished in -many hearts. And ever, as the tide of time rolls on, his fame -increases—his star sails steadily up among the immortal crowd of -illustrious dead.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A certain share of infamy attaches to Howe, on account of the -barbarities of Hale's execution. He could and should have known -that Cunningham was a devil, unfit for any earthly trust. He should, -too, have observed the due formality of a court-martial, and he certainly -should have taken care to have had the sentence executed -with decency. Howe is deeply blameworthy for his lack of humanity, -and for his unrestrained indulgence of such monsters as the Provost-Marshal. -He stands convicted of a tolerance of demoniac cruelty, -not only in this case, but in the prison-ships, and his general administration. -There is something even more damning in being an -ungenerous enemy, than an ungenerous friend. Let the disgrace -which it fairly won, rest forever on the name of Howe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As for that sweet Alice Adams, to whom Nathan Hale was -engaged, the events of a long life, the transformation of four score -<span class='pageno' id='Page_347'>347</span>and eight years, passed over her head. In life's extremity, when -shadows came and went, and earth was receding dimly, the first -loved name was the last word on her lips. Truth and love came -back to her in old age and death; perhaps she saw him standing on -the eternal shores awaiting to help her over—love, life and youth are -immortal there—and calling to him, she passed away.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='p27' class='c005'>MRS. SLOCUMB AT MOORE'S CREEK.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Mary Slocumb was the noble-hearted wife of one of the bravest -soldiers of the Southern army, and was a fair specimen of the heroic -women whose influence was so sensibly felt in the Carolinas at the -period when the Revolutionary storm was deluging that section with -all the horrors of civil war. Lieutenant Slocumb, her husband, like -many others whose patriotism would not allow them to remain at -home in the enjoyment of ease and comfort, while their country -called for the exertion of her sons to free her from the thraldom of a -foreign tyrant, had attached himself to the regiment of Colonel Caswell, -who, at the period of which we write, had collected his friends -and the yeomen of the surrounding country, to give battle to Donald -McDonald, and his Highlanders and Tories, then on their way to -join Sir Henry Clinton on Cape Fear, after having escaped from -Colonel Moore at Cross Creeks. In the battle of Moore's Creek, -which followed, Lieutenant Slocumb and his detachment, by turning -the flank of the enemy, secured the victory to the patriots, and captured -a large portion of the loyal Highlanders, among whom was the -brave McDonald himself. It was a hard fought and bloody battle, -and Slocumb, in after years, delighted to relate the incidents of the -obstinately contested field, among which none was so interesting as -his meeting with his wife on his return from the pursuit of the -defeated Tories. It seems that on the night after the departure of -her husband and his detachment, Mrs. Slocumb had dreamed of -seeing her husband's body, wrapped in his military cloak, lying upon -the battle-field, surrounded with the dead and dying. So strong was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_348'>348</span>the impression upon her mind, that she could sleep no more, and she -determined to go to him. Telling her woman to look after her child, -and merely saying that she could not sleep, and would ride down the -road, she went to the stable, saddled her mare—as fleet a nag as ever -traveled—and in a few moments was on her way after the little -army, sixty miles distant. By the time she had ridden some ten -miles, the night air had cooled her feverish excitement, and she was -tempted to turn back, but the thought that her husband might be -dead, or dying, urged her on, and when the first faint tints of morning -illumined the east, she was thirty miles from home. At sunrise, -she came upon a group of women and children, who had taken their -station in the road to catch any tidings that might pass from the -battle-field. Of these she inquired if the battle had been fought, but -they could give her no information, and she rode on, following the -well-marked trail of the troops.</p> - -<p class='c000'>About eight or nine o'clock she heard a sound like distant thunder. -She stopped to listen; again it boomed in the distance, and she knew -it must be cannon. The battle was then raging.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"What a fool!" thought she. "My husband could not be dead -last night, and the battle only fighting now. Still, as I am so near, -I will go on and see how they come out."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Every step now brought her nearer the field, and she soon heard -the sound of the musketry and shouting. In a few moments she -came out into the road below Moore's Creek bridge. A short distance -from the road, under a cluster of trees, were lying perhaps -twenty men. They were wounded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I knew the spot—the very trees; and the position of the men I -knew as if I had seen it a thousand times. I had seen it all night! -I saw all at once; but in an instant my whole soul was centered in -one spot; for there, wrapped in his bloody guard cloak, lay the body -of my husband. How I passed the few yards from my saddle to the -spot I never knew. I remember uncovering the head, and seeing a -face clothed with gore from a dreadful wound across the temple. I put -my hand on the bloody face; 'twas warm, and an <em>unknown voice</em> -begged for water."</p> - -<p class='c000'>What a revulsion! It was not her husband, then, after all! She -brought water, gave him some to drink, washed his face, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_349'>349</span>discovered that it was Frank Cogdell. He soon revived, and could -speak.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I was washing the wound on his head. Said he: 'It is not that; -it is that hole in my leg that is killing me.' A puddle of blood was -standing on the ground about his feet; I took his knife, cut away his -trowsers and stocking, and found the blood came from a shot-hole, -through and through the fleshy part of his leg."</p> - -<p class='c000'>She sought for some healing leaves, bound up his wounds, and -then went to others, whose wounds she dressed, and while engaged -in this charitable work, Colonel Caswell came up. He was surprised, -of course, to see her, and was about to pay her some compliment, -when she abruptly asked for her husband.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"He is where he ought to be, madam, in pursuit of the enemy. -But, pray, how came you here?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Oh, I thought," said she, "you would need nurses as well as -soldiers. See! I have already dressed many of these good fellows; -and here is one," going to Frank, and lifting up his head so that he -could drink some more water, "would have died before any of you -men could have helped him."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Just then she looked up, and her husband, covered with blood and -dirt, stood before her.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Why, Mary!" he exclaimed, "what are you doing there? Hugging -Frank Cogdell, the greatest reprobate in the army!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I don't care," she cried, "Frank is a brave fellow, a good soldier, -and a true friend to Congress."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"True, true! every word of it!" said Caswell; "you are right, -madam," with the lowest possible bow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I would not tell my husband," says she, "what brought me there. -I was so happy; and so were all! It was a glorious victory; I came -just at the hight of the enjoyment, I knew my husband was surprised, -but I could see he was not displeased with me. It was night -again before our excitement had all subsided. Many prisoners were -brought in, and among them some very obnoxious; but the worst -of the Tories were not taken prisoners. They were for the most -part left in the woods and swamps, whenever they were overtaken. -I begged for some of the poor prisoners, and Caswell readily told me -none should be hurt, but such as had been guilty of murder and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_350'>350</span>house-burning. In the middle of the night, I again mounted my -mare and started for home. Caswell and my husband wanted me -to stay till next morning, and they would send a party with me; -but no; I wanted to see my child, and I told them they could send -no party who could keep up with me. What a happy ride I had -back! and with what joy did I embrace my child as he ran to meet -me."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Could the inventive genius of the most able writer of fiction suggest -a more thrilling narrative? Alas! how many such intensely -interesting incidents are buried in the graves of those noble men and -women who sacrificed everything but honor, that we, their children, -might live free and independent.</p> - -<p class='c000'>How many females of the present age could be found to ride a -hundred and twenty-five miles in less than forty hours, even on such -an errand?</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was not the only adventure of this spirited lady, living, as -she did, in the midst of contending armies, and entering with ardor, -into all the plans and hopes of her husband.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Another couple, living at the North, had some spirited adventures, -quite worth chronicling. In the town of North Castle, Westchester -County, New York, resided, during the War for Independence, a -young married couple, who were both, heart and soul, enlisted in -the patriotic cause, and whose best services were devoted to their -country. Mr. Fisher was an eminent and active member of a partisan -band, under Major Paulding, whose confidence and esteem he always -enjoyed to an eminent degree, and who by his unflinching patriotism, -and the energy and skill with which he thwarted the plans and -designs of the Tories, made himself particularly obnoxious to them. -His active duties as a scout, sometimes kept him for months from -his home, where his young wife had nothing but her heroism of -spirit to oppose to the marauding bands that traversed the "Neutral -Ground," and whose creed it was, to make war upon women and -children indiscriminately. While the high-minded Whig, therefore, -was serving his country, in the swamp and on the mountain, the wife -had to undergo scenes, requiring an equal courage and fortitude, -with those of his.</p> - -<p class='c000'>She was one of those women of the revolution, by whose indomitable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_351'>351</span>spirit and active benevolence our armies were often held together, -and our soldiers encouraged to persevere in the glorious course they -had begun. She was without fear, and was always ready to serve -her country, or defend herself, upon any emergency. The American -soldier, too, often found relief from suffering, through her benevolence. -She was one of those, who attended upon the wounded of White -Plains, and administered comfort to the dying, and relief to the -wounded. After this battle, when Washington's army was encamped -near her residence, the Commander-in-Chief's table was often indebted -for many of its delicacies, to the prudent attention and care of Mrs. -Fisher. Washington often expressed his obligations to her in person.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Many anecdotes are related of her daring. On one occasion, a -favorite colt was stolen, when she mounted a horse and rode down -to Morrissania, where the loyalists were encamped, and demanded of -the English officer in command, the restoration of her property. The -Englishman courteously assented, and the colt being found, it was -restored to her. This was considered at the time, a most daring -expedition. Her route, which was a long one, was through a section -of country beset with marauders, who were never in the habit of -hesitating to make war on a woman.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We remarked that the danger from the marauding Tory bands, -prevented Mr. Fisher from visiting his home, but at long intervals. -There was one band of Tories notorious for its cruelty, headed by -one Blindberry, a most bloodthirsty wretch, whose memory to this -day, is only preserved to be execrated. This fellow was the terror -of the whole community. On one occasion, after having been absent -for six months, Mr. Fisher's anxiety to see his family, became so -great, that one evening he cautiously approached the house, and was -admitted unseen. Late that night, after he had retired, steps were -heard without, and presently there was a loud knocking at the door, -with a peremptory summons for it to be opened. This not being -heeded, it was repeated, with a threat to break open the door, if it -was not complied with. The house was a simple old-fashioned cottage, -the door opening directly into a room, which was used by Mr. -Fisher and his wife as a sleeping room. The party now discharged -their pistols three or four times through the window, but the balls -lodged harmlessly in the walls. This proceeding effecting nothing, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_352'>352</span>they begun at once to demolish the door, and in a few moments they -burst roughly into the room. Mr. Fisher sprung from the bed, prepared -to defend his wife and himself to the last. But the only object -of this band was plunder. In those times, the country people were -compelled to convert their effects into money, as every thing moveable, -would be sure to be captured, and having no means of investing -their wealth, it was generally concealed in secure places. But these -concealments rarely availed them any thing, if their persons should -fall into the hands of the Tories, as every means of torture that ingenuity -could suggest, was availed of to force the hapless victims to -betray the hiding place of their wealth. Hanging, roasting over slow -fires, or a pistol at the head, were the usual modes adopted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Tory leader, who was no other than this same Blindberry, -demanded of Mr. Fisher his gold. The stern patriot, who was a -man of unconquerable will, calmly refused. The marauders became -enraged, and he was threatened with death if he persisted in his -denial. But neither the flashing swords that gleamed around him, -the musket at his breast, nor the furious aspects of the wretches, -could move him a jot from his determined purpose. The word was -given to try hanging. In an instant a rope was thrown over the -branch of a tree, that stood by the door, and their victim was drawn -beneath it, and the rope adjusted to his neck. Once more he was -asked to give up his money. Without the tremor of a muscle, he -refused. The next moment he was dangling high up in the air. He -was allowed to suspend for a few seconds, and lowered to the ground. -His reply to the same question was given, in an undaunted refusal. -Again did his tormentors run him up into the air; but when they -again lowered him, he had fainted. In a few moments, however, -he revived, and as the knowledge of the affair gradually broke upon -his mind, he thundered out, "No, not a farthing!" Once more did -the wretches swing him off, and this time he was kept suspended -until they thought he was dead, when they lowered him, and seeing -now no chance of obtaining the coveted gold, they departed.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_353'>353</span> -<img src='images/i022.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Mrs. Slocumb at Moore's Creek.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p27'>27</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_355'>355</span>The agony of the wife during this scene, can only be imagined. -A Tory was stationed by her side, and with a pistol at her head, -enjoined silence on the penalty of her life. In those few minutes -were crowded a life of torture and suffering. When they had gone, -she tremblingly stole out to the side of her husband, and with what -little strength she possessed, dragged his lifeless form into the house. -With the vague hope that he might not be dead, she applied restoratives, -and soon had the unspeakable joy of detecting signs of life. -Ere morning, he was entirely restored, and that very day joined his -scout.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Continuing their route, the Tories fell upon several of the neighbors, -all of whom suffered some cruelty at their hands. At one -house they placed its master in a chair, tied him down, and built a -fire under him, by which means he was at last compelled by his -unsupportable agony to reveal the hiding place of his gold. But a -terrible retribution was preparing for them. Major Paulding had -gathered a party of his men, and was in hot pursuit of them. As -the Major was following up their track, he stopped at the residence -of Mr. Wright, an old Quaker, who felt a strong sympathy for the -American cause, but whose principles prevented him from taking an -active part in the contest. To the inquiry, if such a party of Tories -as has been described, was seen, the Quaker replied in the affirmative, -pointing out the course they had taken.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"What do you say, my men," said the Major to his followers, -"shall we follow them up?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>A unanimous consent was given.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Jonathan, if thee wishes to see those men," said Mr. Wright, -approaching Major Paulding, with a knowing look, "if thee wishes -to see them particular, would it not be better for thee to go to -'Brundage's Corner,' as they are most likely from the North, and -will return that way. There thee can'st see them without doubt."</p> - -<p class='c000'>The shrewd insinuation of the Quaker, was caught in an instant. -The place referred to, afforded a most admirable place for an ambuscade, -and by secreting themselves there, the enemy was certain to -fall into their hands.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Whigs had not been concealed long, ere the party was heard -approaching. At the signal, the patriots sprung forward, and discharged -their weapons. At the very first fire, the bloodthirsty Tory -leader fell, some said from a bullet discharged by the hand of Major -Paulding himself.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The intense hatred felt by the people toward Blindberry, and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_356'>356</span>universal joy manifested at his fall, prompted some to make a public -rejoicing on the event, and in order to express their uncompromising -hostility to their foe, his body was hung before the assembled patriots -of the district, amid their jeers and expressions of pleasure. Among -the assembly was Mr. Fisher, who, but a few hours before had so -nearly fallen a victim to his cruelty.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Some little time after the preceding events, while Mr. Fisher was -on another visit to his family, sudden word was brought, that the -Tories were approaching. This, as before, was during the night. -Mr. Fisher had reason to suppose, that the object of this party, was -to secure his person, and it became necessary to obtain a place of -concealment. The most advantageous one that offered, was beneath -the flooring, which was loose, where was ample room for him, and -where it was hoped, the Tories would not think of looking for their -enemy. Scarcely had he secreted himself, when the Tories appeared. -They burst into the presence of Mrs. Fisher, in a boisterous manner, -and with brutal jests and extravagant threats, demanded to be -informed, where her husband was. To these inquiries, the undaunted -woman deigned no reply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Come, give us a light," said the leader, "that we may ferret out -your rebel husband's hiding place. I'll swear, that you've got him -stowed away somewhere here."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I have no light," was the calm reply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The difficulties of procuring stores, sometimes left Whig families -for weeks without the common necessities.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Come, my woman, none of that!" broke in the Tory; "a light -we want, and a light we must have, so bring out your candles!"</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I have none," reiterated Mrs. Fisher.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Tory, with an oath, drew a pistol, cocked it, and coming up -to her, placed the muzzle in her face.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Look here, my lady," said he, "we know that you've got your -rebel of a husband somewhere about here, and if you don't at once -give us a candle, so that we may hunt out his hiding place, I'll blow -your brains out."</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I have told you," replied the lady, "that I have no candle; I -can not give you one, so you may blow my brains out the moment -you please."</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_357'>357</span>The heroic spirit that breathed in her words, and the firm look -from her undaunted eye, convinced the Tory that she was not to be -intimidated. They were compelled to make their search in the dark. -After rummaging into every nook and corner in vain, they gave up -their object. On several other occasions, Mr. Fisher had similar -narrow escapes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We can not refrain from referring to one enterprise in which Mr. -Fisher was engaged, by which means fifteen Whigs put to flight, over -three hundred Hessians. The news of their approach was spread -abroad, and the utmost consternation prevailed. The Hessians -were always held in great terror by the country people. On this -occasion, they fled at their approach into the forests and other secure -fastnesses. Coney Hill, was the usual place of retreat on these -alarms. This was a hill somewhat off from the main roads, and -which was surrounded by narrow defiles, and reached only through -dense thickets, while its rocky and irregular surface, afforded a means -of defense impregnable. No fortress could have been more secure. -All the inhabitants, therefore, retreated to this fastness, Mrs. Fisher -alone of all neighbors, venturing to remain within her own house.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The usual road traveled by the armies, that led north from White -Plains, in one place described a wide circuit, but there was a narrow, -irregular road, sometimes used, that shortened the distance considerably. -But this road was very dangerous to any large body of men. -It led by the Coney Hill, which we have mentioned, and its whole -length was through a rocky region, overgrown with tangled thickets -of laurel, that would have afforded effectual protection and concealment -to a body of assailants, and have made a small force formidable -to a large one.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At a point on this road, therefore, Major Paulding and fifteen -followers stationed themselves, with a belief, that from the irregular -and incautious manner the Hessians were marching, they would be -induced to lessen their route, by taking the shorter cut. The belief -proved to be well founded. The spot where Major Paulding posted -his ambuscade, was one remarkably well adapted to that kind of -warfare. It was, where the road passing through a defile, made a -sudden turn around a large rock, and where it was so narrow, that -six men could not pass abreast, while the whole rising ground -<span class='pageno' id='Page_358'>358</span>on either side was irregular, with rough, jagged rocks, and covered -with a dense growth of laurel.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Stationed at different points, and protected by rocky battlements, -the little band quietly awaited the coming of their enemy. At last -they appeared, approaching carelessly, and with an utter want of -military prudence. Not a sound, nor breath betrayed to them the -presence of a foe. The rocks, and laurel bushes, gave forth no sign -of the deadly messengers to be launched from their bosoms. Part -of the Hessians had already passed the turn of the road, when suddenly, -like a clap of thunder from an azure sky, an explosion burst -from the flinty rocks that surrounded them, and several of their -number, pitched headlong to the earth. Those in front, panic struck, -fell back upon those in the rear, while those in the rear pressed forward, -uncertain of the danger, and discharged their muskets into the -thickets, but the bullets rebounded harmlessly from the rocky walls, -that inclosed their enemy. Another volley completed their panic. -Terrified at the presence of an enemy, that seemed to fight from the -bowels of the earth, and unable to estimate the full extent of their -danger, which their imagination greatly magnified, they gave a wild -cry, and fled precipitately.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This event afforded the Whigs for a long time much merriment, -particularly as it was accompanied with no loss to the little party, -who had given the Hessians their terrible flight. Mrs. Fisher was -accustomed to give an amusing relation of the manner they appeared, -as they flew by her house, each running at his utmost speed, with -the tin cannisters and other numerous accouterments with which the -Hessian soldiers were always so plentifully provided—flying out in -a straight line behind them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The following incident, admirably illustrates the presence of mind, -and the many resources of this courageous lady. One day, a Whig -neighbor burst hastily into her presence, saying, that he was pursued -by a body of Tories, and if not concealed immediately, he was lost. -It did not take a moment for Mrs. Fisher to decide upon her course. -There was a large ash heap just out of the back door, some four or -five feet in hight, and as many long. Seizing a shovel, in a moment -she made an excavation, into which the fugitive crept, and the lady -covered him with ashes, having first taken the precaution to procure -<span class='pageno' id='Page_359'>359</span>some <em>quills</em>, which she placed one in another, and thus formed him -a breathing-hole, by which he sustained life, while the Tories sought -in vain for his hiding place.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A more humble family, but one which did good service in the -cause of liberty, was that of William Maybin. Maybin was taken -prisoner, it was supposed, at Sumter's surprise, on Fishing Creek, -August, 1780. He was carried to Charleston, and died in one of -those charnel-houses of freedom, a prison-ship. Here, just as he was -dying, he was discovered by his wife's brother, Benjamin Duncan, a -soldier in the British army, who obtained permission to bring his -corpse on shore for burial. Duncan then visited his bereaved sister, -and, after a short stay, returned to his duty, promising, as soon as -possible, to come back and provide for her and his other sister, a -married woman. As a pledge, he left with her his watch, and some -other articles. The news of this valuable deposit was soon spread -among the loyalists; it was rumored that the watch was of gold, -falsely, for it was a silver one. Spoil was ever first in the thoughts -of many of those guilty traitors; and two marauders soon came to -the house of the widow and orphans. They demanded the watch, -threatening to take the lives of the helpless women and children, if -it was not delivered. Mrs. Maybin, anxious only, like a true mother, -for the safety of her children, fled to the woods, leaving her sister to -contend alone with the ruffians. She succeeded in baffling their -cupidity. They did not find the watch, although it was hidden -under the head of the bed. It became the property of Maybin's son, -who valued it as a memento of the courage of his aunt.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This family had their full share of trial and privation. When -Rawdon's army pursued General Greene on his retreat from Ninety-six, -they encamped about a week at Colonel Glenn's Mills, on the -Enoree. They then marched through the Fork, and crossed at -Lisle's Ford. On this march, the soldiers plundered everything on -their way. The only piece of meat she had left for her family, and -which she had hidden on the wood-beams of the house, was found -and taken away. A small gray mare, called "Dice," her only beast, -was also stolen, but was afterward recovered. This disgraceful -foray, had, it is said, the sanction of Lord Rawdon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On another occasion, a Tory visited Mrs. Maybin's cabin, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_360'>360</span>finding a piece of homespun in her loom, cut it out and bore it away -as a prize. The wretch who could look upon the almost naked -children of a poor widow, and take from her the means of a scanty -covering, did not, however, escape. Little Ephraim Lyle, afterward -met him, and, finding the cloth upon his legs in a pair of leggins, -inflicted upon him a severe drubbing, and forced him to relinquish -the spoil.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Horrible, truly, were these sufferings and privations, but far more -real than the trials of fortitude to which some "leading citizens" -were subjected.</p> - -<p class='c000'>John Clark, settled on the Enoree, near the place now called -Clarke's Ford. He was a staunch and zealous Whig during the -war. In a skirmish at the ford, under the command of Captain -Jones, he was shot through the leg, and with difficulty escaped to a -bluff a mile distant. To this place the enemy traced him, by his -blood, and took him prisoner. His mother furnished him with a bit -of salve, and a piece of cloth to draw and bind up his wound. His -captors compelled him to mount a very poor horse, and ride him, -with nothing to separate him from the animal's sharp backbone but -an old bed-quilt, which his mother had given him from her own -scanty covering. With his feet bound under the <em>garron</em>, he was -compelled to ride, in great and increasing agony, more than forty -miles, to Ninety-six. There he was cast into prison, in his wounded -condition, in the midst of poor fellows suffering under a virulent -type of small-pox. He was the tenth sufferer, and marvelously -recovered, was liberated, made his way home, and lived long after -the close of the revolutionary struggle. His descendants are still to -be found in Newberry district.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_361'>361</span> -<img src='images/i023.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Brady's Leap.—<em>Page</em> <a href='#p43'>43</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_363'>363</span> - <h2 id='p43' class='c005'>BRADY'S LEAP.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Captain Samuel Brady was the Daniel Boone of Ohio, and was as -efficient in the settlement of that State as his illustrious cotemporary -was in establishing the domain of the white man in the State of -Kentucky. He entered the army at the commencement of our Revolutionary -struggle, and was engaged at the siege of Boston, as well -as in many other important contests, during the war for independence. -He was a Lieutenant under Wayne at the massacre of Paoli, -when that officer was surprised, and the greater portion of his command -cut to pieces and destroyed in cold blood. Toward the close -of the war, he was Captain of a corps of rangers at Fort Pitt, under -General Brodhead, and rendered effectual service against the Indians, -who were in league with the British. He had lost a father and -brother at the hands of the red-skins, and swore to take a terrible -revenge.</p> - -<p class='c000'>To a mind fertile in expedient, and quick as a flash of light in its -deliberations, he added a frame well-knit, though slight, and a constitution -of iron mold. He was an Indian-fighter <i><span lang="it" xml:lang="it">con amore</span></i>, and the -greater portion of his time was spent in the war-path. Many are the -deeds of daring and thrilling adventure related of him. A volume -might be written embracing the adventures and hair-breadth escapes -of the gallant Captain; but, in common with an immense mass of -unwritten tradition equally valuable and interesting, they are fast -being forgotten and buried in the graves of the past generation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On one occasion, while out with a small party of his rangers in -pursuit of the Indians, he had gone as far as Slippery Rock Creek, a -branch of Beaver River, in Western Pennsylvania, without seeing any -signs of his foe. Here, however, he struck upon a fresh trail, which -led up the creek, and he hastened in pursuit of the savages, who -were some distance in advance. He followed the trail until evening, -when he was obliged to wait the return of daylight before he could -pursue it further. At the earliest dawn he started afresh, and without -<span class='pageno' id='Page_364'>364</span>stopping to break his fast, he hurried on, bent on coming up with -the enemy before they could reach their towns. His precipitancy -had nearly cost him his life, for although the party in front did not -dream of his proximity, yet a body of warriors, far outnumbering his -own small band, had discovered <em>his</em> trail, and were following it with -as much avidity as he was pursuing their comrades.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Brady discovered those in front, just as they were finishing their -morning meal and preparing to renew their journey. Placing his -men in such a manner as to intercept them, should any attempt to -escape, at a given signal they delivered a close and well-directed -volley, and started up to rush upon the enemy with their tomahawks, -when the band in their rear fired upon them in turn, taking them -completely by surprise, killing two of their number, and throwing -the remainder into confusion. Finding himself thus between two -fires, and vastly outnumbered, there was nothing left but flight; and -Brady, directing his men to look out for themselves, started off at his -topmost speed in the direction of the creek.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indians had a long and heavy account to settle with him, -however, and deemed this the opportunity to wipe it out with his -blood. For this purpose they desired to secure him alive, and fifty -red-skins, regardless of the others, who had scattered in every direction, -dropped their rifles and followed him. The Indians knew the -ground, Brady did not, and they felt secure of their victim when they -saw him run toward the creek, which was at this point a wide, deep, -and rapid stream. A yell of triumph broke from them as he arrived -at the bank and comprehended his desperate situation. There was -apparently no escape, and for a moment the Captain felt that his time -had come. It was but for an instant, however. He well knew the -fate which awaited him should he fall into the hands of his enemies, -and this reflection nerved him to a deed which, perhaps, in his -calmer moments, he would have found himself incapable of performing. -Gathering all his force into one mighty effort, as he approached -the brink of the stream, and clinging with a death-grip to his trusty -rifle, he sprung across the chasm through which the stream run, and -landed safely upon the other side, with his rifle in his hand. Quick -as thought, his piece was primed, and he commenced to reload. His -feet had barely made their imprint upon the soft, yielding soil of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_365'>365</span>western bank, before his place was filled by the brawny form of a -warrior, who, having been foremost in the pursuit, now stood amazed -as he contemplated the gap over which the Captain had passed. -With a frankness which seemed not to undervalue the achievement -of an enemy, the savage, in tolerable good English, exclaimed: "Blady -make good jump! Blady make very good jump!" His conflicting -emotions of regret at the escape of his intended victim, and admiration -of the deed by which that escape had been accomplished, did not -hinder the discovery that Brady was engaged in loading his piece; -and he did not feel assured but that his compliment would be -returned from the muzzle of the Captain's rifle. He incontinently -took to his heels as he discovered the latter ramming home the bullet, -which might the next moment be searching out a vital part in his -dusky form; and his erratic movements showed that he entertained -no mean idea of his enemy's skill at sharp-shooting. The outline of -the most intricate field fortification would convey but a slight idea -of the serpentine course he pursued, until satisfied that he was out of -rifle shot. Sometimes leaping in the air, at others squatting suddenly -on his haunches, and availing himself of every shelter, he evinced a -lively fear, which doubtless had its origin in a previous knowledge -of the fatal accuracy of the Captain's aim. Brady had other views, -however, and was not disposed to waste time and powder upon a -single enemy, when surrounded by hundreds, and when the next -moment an empty barrel might cost him his life; and while the -savage was still displaying his agility on the opposite bank, he darted -into the woods, and made his way to a rendezvous previously fixed -upon, where he met the remainder of his party, and they took their -way for home, not more than half defeated. It was not a great while -before they were again on the war-path, in search of further adventures.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Brady afterward visited the spot, and, out of curiosity, he measured -the stream at the place where he jumped, and found it to measure -twenty-three feet from shore to shore, and the water to be twenty -feet deep.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A similar incident is related of Brady in the "Historical Collections -of Ohio," as having occurred on the banks of the Cuyahoga, in -which it is stated that, as he was crawling up the opposite bank, the -Indians fired upon him, and wounded him in the hip, but he managed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_366'>366</span>to stanch the wound and escape, by hiding himself in the hollow -trunk of a tree until the search for him was over, when he crawled -out, and, after incredible hardship and fatigue, arrived safe at his -quarters. The two stories may have had their origin in the same -occurrence, but the details are so dissimilar, except in the distance, -which is in both cases about twenty-three feet, that it is possible, nay, -more than probable, that the Captain was called upon to exert his -great powers on two separate occasions to save himself from the torture -or the stake.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the time of this famous occurrence, Brady was under orders -from General Brodhead. The Indians did not return that season to -do any injury to the whites; and early that fall, moved off to their -friends, the British, who had to keep them all winter, their corn -having been destroyed by Brodhead.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the General found the Indians were gone, at the suggestion -of Brady, three companies were ordered out, with a sufficient number -of pack-horses, to kill game for the supply of the garrison. These -companies were commanded by Captains Harrison, Springer and -Brady. Game was very plenty, for neither whites nor Indians ventured -to hunt, and great quantities were put up.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In putting up his tent, Captain Brady's tomahawk had slipped and -cut his knee, by which he was lamed for some time. This occasioned -him to remain at the tents until he got well, which afforded -him the opportunity of witnessing some of the peculiar superstitions -of his Indian allies, for he had his Indians and their families along -with him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One of these Indians had assumed the name of Wilson. The -Captain was lying in his tent one afternoon, and observed his man, -Wilson, coming home in a great hurry, and that, as he met his squaw, -he gave her a kick, without saying a word, and begun to unbreech -his gun. The squaw went away, and returned soon after, with some -roots, which she had gathered; and, after washing them clean, she -put them into a kettle to boil. While boiling, Wilson corked up the -muzzle of his gun, and stuck the breech into the kettle, and continued -it there until the plug flew out of the muzzle. He then took it out -and put it into the stock. Brady, knowing the Indians were very -"superstitious," as we call it, did not speak to him until he saw him -<span class='pageno' id='Page_367'>367</span>wiping his gun. He then called to him, and asked what was the -matter. Wilson came to the Captain, and said, in reply, that his gun -had been very sick—that she could not shoot; he had been just -giving her a vomit, and she was now well. Whether the vomit -helped the gun, or only strengthened Wilson's nerves, the Captain -could not tell, but he averred that Wilson killed ten deer the next day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Beaver Valley was the scene of many of Captain Brady's stirring -adventures. We have heard from many of the older citizens their -accounts of his thrilling exploits. They speak in unbounded terms -of admiration of his daring and success; his many hair-breadth -escapes by "field and flood;" and always concluded by declaring that -he was a greater man than Daniel Boone or Lewis Wetzel, either of -whom, in the eyes of the old pioneers, were the very embodiment of -dare-devilism.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The following, illustrating one of Brady's adventures in the region -referred to, we give from a published source. In one of his trapping -and hunting excursions, he was surprised and taken prisoner by -Indians who had closely watched his movements.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"To have shot or tomahawked him would have been but a small -gratification to that of satiating their revenge by burning him at a -slow fire, in presence of all the Indians of their village. He was, -therefore, taken alive to their encampment, on the west bank of the -Beaver River, about a mile and a half from its mouth. After the -usual exultations and rejoicings at the capture of a noted enemy, and -causing him to run the gauntlet, a fire was prepared, near which -Brady was placed, after being stripped, and with his arms unbound. -Previous to tying him to the stake, a large circle was formed around -of Indian men, women and children, dancing and yelling, and uttering -all manner of threats and abuses that their small knowledge of -the English language could afford. The prisoner looked on these -preparations for death and on his savage foe with a firm countenance -and a steady eye, meeting all their threats with truly savage fortitude. -In the midst of their dancing and rejoicing, a squaw of one of their -chiefs came near him with a child in her arms. Quick as thought, -and with intuitive prescience, he snatched it from her, and threw it -into the midst of the flames. Horror-stricken at the sudden outrage, -the Indians simultaneously rushed to rescue the infant from the fire. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_368'>368</span>In the midst of this confusion, Brady darted from the circle, overturning -all that came in his way, and rushed into the adjacent thicket, -with the Indians yelling at his heels. He ascended the steep side of -a hill amid a shower of bullets, and darting down the opposite -declivity, secreted himself in the deep ravines and laurel thickets that -abound for several miles in the West. His knowledge of the country -and wonderful activity enabled him to elude his enemies, and reach -the settlements in safety."</p> - -<p class='c000'>Shortly after he entered the service of General Broadhead, he was -sent, on a scout, as far west as Sandusky. Captain Brady was not -insensible to the danger, or ignorant of the difficulty of the enterprise. -But he saw the anxiety of the father of his country to procure information -that could only be obtained by this perilous mode, and -knew its importance. His own danger was an inferior consideration. -The appointment was accepted, and, selecting a few soldiers, and -four Chickasaw Indians as guides, he crossed the Allegany river, -and was at once in the enemy's country.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was in May, 1780, that he commenced his march. The season -was uncommonly wet. Every considerable stream was swollen; -neither road, bridge nor house facilitated their march, or shielded -their repose. Part of their provision was picked up by the way, as -they crept, rather than marched through the wilderness by night, and -lay concealed in its branches by day. The slightest trace of his -movement, the print of a white man's foot on the sand of a river, -might have occasioned the extermination of the party. Brady was -versed in all the wiles of Indian "strategy," and, dressed in the full -war dress of an Indian warrior, and well acquainted with their languages, -he led his band in safety near to the Sandusky towns, without -seeing a hostile Indian.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The night before he reached Sandusky he saw a fire, approached -it, and found two squaws reposing beside it. He passed on without -molesting them. But his Chickasaws now deserted. This was -alarming, for it was probable they had gone over to the enemy. -However, he determined to proceed. With a full knowledge of the -horrible death that awaited him if taken prisoner, he passed on, until -he stood beside the town, and on the bank of the river.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His first care was to provide a place of concealment for his men. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_369'>369</span>When this was effected, having selected one man as the companion -of his future adventures, he waded the river to an island partially -covered with driftwood, opposite the town, where he concealed himself -and comrade for the night.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In constancy of purpose, in cool, deliberate courage, the Captain -of the Rangers will compare with any hero of this age, or any other. -Neither banner nor pennon waved over him. He was hundreds of -miles in the heart of an enemy's country—an enemy who, had they -possessed it, would have given his weight in gold for the pleasure of -burning him to death with a slow fire—adding to his torments, both -mental and physical, every ingredient that savage ingenuity could -supply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Who that has poetry of feeling, or feeling of poetry, but must -pause over such a scene, and, in imagination, contemplate its features! -The murmuring river; the sylvan landscape; as each was gazed upon -by that lonely, but dauntless warrior, in the still midnight hour.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next morning a dense fog spread over hill and dale, town and -river. All was hid from Brady's eyes, save the logs and brush around -him. About eleven o'clock it cleared off, and afforded him a view -of about three thousand Indians, engaged in the amusements of the -race ground.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They had just returned from Virginia or Kentucky with some -very fine horses. One gray horse in particular attracted his notice. -He won every race until near evening, when, as if envious of his -speed, two riders were placed on him, and thus he was beaten. The -starting post was only a few rods above where Brady lay, and he had -a pretty fair chance of enjoying the amusement, without the risk of -losing any thing by betting on the race.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He made such observation through the day as was in his power, -waded out from the island at night, collected his men, went to the -Indian camp he had seen as he came out; the squaws were still -there; he took them prisoners, and continued his march homeward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The map furnished by General Broadhead was found to be defective. -The distance was represented to be much less than it really -was. The provisions and ammunition of the men were exhausted -by the time they got to the Big Beaver, on their return. Brady shot -an otter, but could not eat it. The last load was in his rifle. They -<span class='pageno' id='Page_370'>370</span>arrived at an old encampment, and found plenty of strawberries, -which they stopped to appease their hunger with. Having discovered -a deer track, Brady followed it, telling the men he would perhaps get -a shot at it. He had gone but a few rods when he saw the deer -standing broadside to him. He raised his rifle and attempted to fire, -but it flashed in the pan, and he had not a priming of powder. He -sat down, picked the touch-hole, and then started on. After going a -short distance the path made a bend, and he saw before him a large -Indian on horseback, with a white child before, and its captive mother -behind him on the horse, and a number of warriors marching in the -rear. His first impulse was to shoot the Indian on horseback, but, -as he raised his rifle, he observed the child's head to roll with the -motion of the horse. It was fast asleep, and tied to the Indian. He -stepped behind the root of a tree, and waited until he could shoot -the Indian, without danger to the child or its mother.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When he considered the chance certain, he shot the Indian, who -fell from his horse, and the child and its mother fell with him. -Brady called to his men with a voice that made the forest ring, to -surround the Indians and give them a general fire. He sprung to -the fallen Indian's powder-horn, but could not pull it off. Being -dressed like an Indian, the woman thought he was one, and said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Why did you shoot your brother?"</p> - -<p class='c000'>He caught up the child, saying:</p> - -<p class='c000'>"Jenny Stupes, I am Captain Brady; follow me, and I will secure -you and your child."</p> - -<p class='c000'>He caught her hand in his, carrying the child under the other arm, -and dashed into the brush. Many guns were fired at him by this -time, but no ball harmed him, and the Indians, dreading an ambuscade, -were glad to make off. The next day he arrived at Fort McIntosh -with the woman and her child. His men had got there -before him. They had heard his war-whoop, and knew it was Indians -he had encountered, but, having no ammunition, they had -taken to their heels, and ran off. The squaws he had taken at -Sandusky, availing themselves of the panic, had also made their -escape.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In those days Indian fashions prevailed, in some measure, with the -whites, at least with rangers. Brady was desirous of seeing the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_371'>371</span>Indian he had shot, and the officer in command of Fort McIntosh gave -him some men in addition to his own, and he returned to search for -the body. The place where lie had fallen was discovered, but nothing -more. No pains were spared to search, but the body was not -found. They were about to leave the place, when the yell of a <em>pet</em> -Indian, that came with them from the fort, called them to a little -glade, where the grave was discovered. The Indians had interred -their dead brother there, carefully replacing the sod in the neatest -manner. They had also cut brushes and stuck them into the ground, -but the brushes had withered, and instead of concealing the grave, -they led to the discovery.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was buried about two feet deep, with all his implements of war -about him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>All his savage jewelry, his arms and ammunition were taken from -him, and the scalp from his head, and then they left him, thus stripped, -alone in his grave. It is painful to think of such things being -done by American soldiers, but we cannot now know all the excusing -circumstances that may have existed at the time. Perhaps the husband -of this woman, the father of this child, was thus butchered before -his wife and children; and the younger members of the family, -unable to bear the fatigues of traveling, had their brains dashed out -on the threshold. Such things were common, and a spirit of revenge -was deeply seated in the breasts of the people of the frontiers. -Captain Brady's own family had heavily felt the merciless tomahawk. -His brave and honored father, and a beloved brother, had been -treacherously slain by the Indians, and he had vowed vengeance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After refreshing himself and men, they went up to Pittsburg by -water, where they were received with military honors. Minute guns -were fired from the time Brady came in sight until he landed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Chickasaw Indians had returned to Pittsburg, and reported -that the Captain and his party had been cut off near Sandusky town -by the Indians. When General Broadhead heard this, he said -Brady was an aspiring young man, and had solicited the command. -But on Brady's arrival in Pittsburg, the General acknowledged that -the Captain had accepted the command with much diffidence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A few days after Brady had left Sandusky with his squaw prisoners, -keeping a sharp look-out in expectation of being pursued, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_372'>372</span>taking every precaution to avoid pursuit, such as keeping on the -dryest ridges, and walking on logs whenever they suited his course, -he found he was followed by Indians. His practised eye would occasionally -discover in the distance, an Indian hopping to or from a -tree, or other screen, and advancing on his trail. After being satisfied -of the fact, he stated it to his men, and told them no Indian -could thus pursue him, after the precautions he had taken, without -a dog on his track.</p> - -<p class='c000'>"I will stop," said Brady, "and shoot the dog, and then we can -get along better."</p> - -<p class='c000'>He selected the root of a tall chestnut tree which had fallen westward, -for his place of ambush. He walked from the west end of -the tree or log to the east, and sat down in the pit made by -the raising of the root. He had not been long there when a small -slut mounted the log at the west end, and, with her nose to the -trunk, approached him. Close behind her followed a plumed warrior. -Brady had his choice. He preferred shooting the slut, which -he did; she rolled off the log, stone dead, and the warrior, with a -loud whoop, sprung into the woods and disappeared. He was followed -no further.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Many of Captain Brady's adventures occurred at periods of which -no certainty as to dates can now be had. The following is of that -class:</p> - -<p class='c000'>His success as a partisan had acquired for him its usual results—approbation -with some, and envy with others. Some of his brother -officers censured the Commandant for affording him such frequent -opportunities for honorable distinction. At length an open complaint -was made, accompanied by a request, in the nature of a demand, that -others should be permitted to share with Brady the perils and honors -of the service, abroad from the fort. The General apprised Brady of -what had passed, who readily acquiesced in the proposed arrangement; -and an opportunity was not long wanting for testing its -efficiency.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indians made an inroad into the Sewickly settlement, committing -the most barbarous murders of men, women, and children; -stealing such property as was portable, and destroying all else. The -alarm was brought to Pittsburg, and a party of soldiers under the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_373'>373</span>command of the emulous officers dispatched for the protection of the -settlement, and chastisement of the foe. From this expedition -Brady was, of course, excluded; but the restraint was irksome to his -feelings.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The day after the detachment had marched, he solicited permission -from the commander to take a small party for the purpose of -"catching the Indians," but was refused. By dint of importunity, -however, he at length wrung from him a reluctant consent, and the -command of five men; to this he added his <em>pet</em> Indian, and made hasty -preparation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Instead of moving toward Sewickly, as the first detachment had -done, he crossed the Alleghany at Pittsburg, and proceeded up the -river. Conjecturing that the Indians had descended the stream in -canoes, till near the settlement; he was careful to examine the -mouths of all creeks coming into it, particularly from the Southeast. -At the mouth of Big Mahoning, about six miles above Kittanning, -the canoes were seen drawn up to its western bank. He instantly -retreated down the river, and waited for night. As soon as it was -dark, he made a raft, and crossed to the Kittanning side. He then -proceeded up the creek, and found that the Indians had, in the meantime, -crossed the creek, as their canoes were drawn to its upper or -north-eastern bank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The country on both sides of Mahoning, at its mouth, is rough and -mountainous, and the stream, which was then high, very rapid. -Several ineffectual attempts were made to wade it, which they at -length succeeded in doing, three or four miles above the canoes. -Next, a fire was made, their clothing dried, and arms inspected; and -the party moved toward the Indian camp, which was pitched on the -second bank of the river. Brady placed his men at some distance on -the lower or first bank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indians had brought from Sewickly a stallion, which they had -fettered and turned to pasture on the lower bank. An Indian, -probably the owner, under the <em>law of arms</em>, came frequently down to -him, and occasioned the party no little trouble. The horse, too, -seemed willing to keep their company, and it required considerable -circumspection to avoid all intercourse with either. Brady became -so provoked that he had a strong inclination to tomahawk the Indian, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_374'>374</span>but his calmer judgment repudiated the act, so likely to put to hazard -a more decisive and important achievement.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At length the Indians seemed quiet, and the Captain determined to -pay them a closer visit, which he succeeded in doing, then returned, -posted his men, and in the deepest silence all awaited the break of -day. When it appeared, the Indians arose and stood around their -fires, exulting doubtless in the scalps they had taken, the plunder -they had acquired, and the injuries they had inflicted on their -enemies. Precarious joy! short-lived triumph! the avenger of blood -was beside them. At a signal given, seven rifles cracked, and five -Indians were dead ere they fell. Brady's well-known war-cry was -heard, his party were among them, and their rifles (mostly empty) -were all secured. The remaining Indians instantly fled and disappeared. -One was pursued by the trace of his blood, which he seems -to have succeeded in staunching. The pet Indian then imitated the -cry of a young wolf, which was answered by the wounded man, and -the pursuit was again renewed. A second time the wolf cry was -given and answered, and the pursuit continued into a windfall. Here -he must have espied his pursuers, for he answered no more. Brady -found his remains three weeks afterwards, being led to the place by -ravens that were preying on the carcass.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The horse was unfettered, the plunder gathered, and the party commenced -their return to Pittsburg, most of them descending in the -Indian canoes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Three days after their return, the first detachment came in. They -reported that they had followed the Indians closely, but that the -latter had got into their canoes and made their escape.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Brady married a daughter of Captain Van Swearengen, of -Ohio County, who bore him two children, John and Van S., both of -whom are still living. He possessed all the elements of a brave and -successful soldier. Like Marion, "he consulted with all his men -respectfully, heard them patiently, weighed their suggestions, and -silently approached his own conclusions. They knew his determination -only by his actions." Brady had but few superiors as a -woodsman; he would strike out into the heart of the wilderness, and -with no guide, but the sun by day, and the stars by night, or in -their absence, then by such natural marks as the barks and tops of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_375'>375</span>trees he would move on steadily, in a direct line toward the point of -his destination. He always avoided beaten paths and the borders of -streams; and never was known to leave his track behind him. In -this manner he eluded pursuit, and defied detection. He was often -vainly hunted by his own men, and was more likely to find them, -than they him.</p> - -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES</h2> -</div> - <ol class='ol_1 c002'> - <li>Many of the entries in the Contents are not actually references to chapters. They - are more like index listings. - - </li> - <li>Correct many page number errors in the list of Illustrations, e.g. corrected - "DEBORAH, THE MAIDEN WARRIOR" from p. <a href='#Page_99'>99</a> to p. <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>. - - </li> - <li>The page numbers in the illustration captions refer to the page within the section - instead of the book page number. - - </li> - <li>Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical errors. - - </li> - <li>Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Tales, Traditions and Romance of -Border and Revolutionary Times, by Various - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES, TRADITIONS OF BORDER TIMES *** - -***** This file should be named 51864-h.htm or 51864-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/8/6/51864/ - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, David Edwards and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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