to theirs, a few miles distant, without uttering even a word of complaint.
You are aware, I dare say, that to act in this manner was the best policy,
as you understand that by so doing, I proved to the Indians at once,
that I was born and bred as fearless of death as any of themselves.
" When we reached the camp, great rejoicings were exhibited. Two
squaws and a few papooses appeared particularly delighted at the sight
of me, and I was assured, by very unequivocal gestures and words, that,
on the morrow, the mortal enemy of the Red-skins would cease to live.
I never opened my lips, but was busy contriving some scheme which
might enable me to give the rascals the slip before dawn. The women
immediately fell a searching about my hunting-shirt for whatever they
might think valuable, and, fortunately for me, soon found my flask filled
with monongakela (that is, reader, strong whisky). A terrific grin was
exhibited on their murderous countenances, while my heart throbbed
with joy at the anticipation of their intoxication. The crew immediately
began to beat their bellies and sing, as they passed the bottle from mouth
to mouth. How often did I wish the flask ten times its size, and filled
with aqua-fortis ! I observed that the squaws drank more freely than
the warriors, and again my spirits were about to be depressed, when the
report of a gun was heard at a distance. The Indians all jumped on their
feet. The singing and drinking were both brought to a stand, and I saw,
with inexpressible joy, the men walk off to some distance and talk to the
squaws. I knew that they were consulting about me, and I foresaw that
in a few moments the warriors would go to discover the cause of the gun
having been fired so near their camp. I expected that the squaws would
be left to guard me. Well, Sir, it was just so. They returned ; the
wen took up their guns, and walked away. The sq uaws sat down again,
and in less than five minutes had my bottle up to their dirty mouths,
gurgling down their throats the remains of the whisky.
" With what pleasure did I see them becoming more and more drunk,
until the liquor took such hold of them that it was quite impossible for
these women to be of any service. They tumbled down, rolled about,
and began to snore: when I, having no other chance of freeing myself
from the cords that fastened me, rolled over and over towards the fire,
and, after a short time, burned them asunder. I rose on my feet, stretched
my stiffened sinews, snatched up my rifle, and, for once in my life, spared
that of Indians. I now recollect how desirous I once or twice felt to lay
open the skulls of the wretches with my tomahawk ; but when I again
thought upon killing beings unprepared and unable to defend themselves,
it looked like murder without need, and I gave up the idea.
" But, Sir, I felt determined to mark the spot, and walking to a thrifty
ash sapling, I cut out of it three large chips, and ran off. I soon reached
the river, soon crossed it, and threw myself deep into the cane-brakes,
imitating the tracks of an Indian with my feet, so that no chance might
be left for those from whom I had escaped to overtake me.
" It is now nearly twenty years since this happened, and more than five
since I left the Whites'" settlements, which I might probably never have
visited again, had I not been called on as a witness in a law-suit that was
pending in Kentucky, and which I really believe would never have been
settled, had I not come forward, and established the beginning of a certain
boundary line. This is the story, Sir.
" Mr moved from Old Virginia into Kentucky, and having
a large tract granted to him in the new State, laid claim to a certain
parcel of land adjoining Green River, and as chance would have it, took
for one of his corners the very Ash tree on which I had made my mark,
and finished his survey of some thousands of acres, beginning, as it is expressed
in the deed, ' at an Ash marked by three distinct notches of the
tomahawk of a white man.'
" The tree had grown much, and the bark had covered the marks;
but somehow or other, Mr heard from some one all that I have already
said to you, and thinking that I might remember the spot alluded
to in the deed, but which was no longer discoverable, wrote for me to
come and try at least to find the place or the tree. His letter mentioned
that all my expenses should be paid, and not caring much about once
more about going back to Kentucky, I started and met Mr .
After some conversation, the affair with the Indians came to my recollection.
I considered for a while, and began to think that after all I could
find the very spot, as well as the tree, if it was yet standing.
"Mr and I mounted our horses, and off we went to the Green
River Bottoms. After some difficulties, for you must be aware, Sir, that
great changes have taken place in those woods, I found at last the spot
where I had crossed the river, and waiting for the moon to rise, made
for the course in which I thought the Ash tree grew. On approaching
the place, I felt as if the Indians were there still, and as if I was still a
prisoner among them. Mr and I camped near what I conceived
the spot, and waited until the return of day.