Lewisburg Alleghanian

MISCELLANY

For the Baltimore Visiter.

INDIAN CRUELTY

"A friend is worth all hazards we can run."

Young

In the spring of 17**, Maron with his interesting family, consisting of his wife, daughter, nephew, and two faithful domestics, a male and female, removed from the eastern part of Maryland, and settled in Kentucky, near Licking river, which part of the country was at the time an almost uninhabited wilderness save of savages. Mrs. Maron's delicate health had been the most urgent cause for Maron to leave a peaceful home in the midst of friends, where affluence spread her silken wings, and entwined them with those of contentment and love around him. He had married a beautiful and accomplished girl, who gave him an undivided heart, 'twas all she had to give. Then to preserve her more dear to him than his own, he was willing to deprive himself of every other enjoyment, to restore the lost bloom to her cheek. But Maron possessed a spirit of enterprise, that also bid him leave his native abode, and emigrate with many others, who were anxious to clothe a benighted land in heavenly garments of civilization. Their only darling child Amanda, was the nurse of her mother, for she alone could feel all those tender duties encumbent on her, which her declining health demanded. Amanda had been placed at school at an early age where she remained until a year previous to their emigration, at which place every accomplishment was acquired necessary for one in her station of life. To these were added a sweetness of disposition and fortitude of mind, which has seldom been equalled. In her infancy a share of her parents' affection had been bestowed on a brother, her senior. His death, a double portion was lavished on their Amanda, who had been beloved, but who was now doted upon. The loss of their son had within two years been replaced, by an orphan nephew, who came to reside with his guardian uncle, until he should arrive at an age capable of managing his own large estate. He was exactly two and a half years older than Amanda; unity of disposition and tastes, made them agreeable companions. Never was Amanda more happy, than when Alphonzo assisted her to trim her flowers, or to amuse her afflicted mother, whose health appeared to return with the summer. The summer glided peacefully away, and fall with its more sable robes had began to array the forest; when one evening as they sat within doors, as it had become too cool for Mrs. Maron to be longer an inhabitant of their tastefully formed arbour, in which so many happy evenings had been spent. Amanda appeared more pensive than usual, Alphonzo observed her eyes were often averted from the book she held in her hand, and the crystal drop trembled on the lash. What, thought he, can it be, that thus disquiets her? It is true our mother is not so well. but she would confide a trouble like that to me. She at length hastily took her shawl and left the apartment. What causes Amanda to walk alone? said her father, as his eyes followed her along the lonely enclosure, who had not noticed her disquietude; he had been intensely perusing a file-fold newspapers, which brought to his memory the transactions of other days. Alphonzo my boy follow her, she is not timid, nor do I wish her to be but do not let her walk alone in these wilds. Alphonzo was not slow to obey this mandate, and soon joined her. Why my heroic cousin do you walk alone? and why not as usual, ask me to accompany you? The anxiety, her too apparent unusualness had caused him, had overspread his face with a deep blush, which was naturally pale. Amanda raised her eyes to his, she had never before thought him so handsome, perhaps never before been convinced she loved him, they were again averted, a tear fell on his hand just as they reached their favorite seat.— Amanda. said he, this is the first tear of yours I have ever seen, save the tears of joy—Can you not tell me, can you not confide to me, your adopted brother—yes Alphonzo, all, everything, but I have nothing worth confiding I have nothing new. Here our eyes always behold the same objects—there is no variety—Alphonzo took her hand in an agony of mind. he in vain endeavored to conceal Oh! Amanda, my dear cousin, how much I am surprised to hear you speak thus -to me there is no other, I never think of any there may be, but those I enjoy in the society of your parents: and pressing her retained hand to his heart. added in low voice—and you Amanda, the day-star of my existence to me the dearest being upon earth. I - Alphonzo, my cousin, you misunderstand me, drawing her hand from his compassionated embrace, can you suppose for a moment, I could enjoy anything more than the society of my parents and brother. B.t I have such gloomy presages, to morrow, will be my natal day, it was once attended with festivity and joy And can yet be attended with happiness, A. manda, and content. Yes, but Alphonzo, to- morrow I will be eighteen years of age, you are two and a half years older, and recollect your business calls you from us, when you reach your 21st year the time must be near when you have to leave us—my mother gets weaker, and soon will be summoned to a better world—my father is getting old, oh! Alphonzo, what will be my destiny I know not. Although he felt the same with Amanda, his thoughts had not been expressed; his heart beat in unison with hers. he felt their future destinies must be blended it he was happy, and his heart became too large for its tenement, when he reflected that in a short time they must be separated. After a pause of some minutes he affected a gayety that was visibly hard, asked her if she could not enjoy their nativity aside with cheerfulness the coming winter while she anticipated their reu- mion in the spring, as he should then visit them I can leave you here in this delightful spot, safe from all the captivating. Sa. no more said she, oh speak not of safety, when we will be left so lonely.—Indeed Alphonzo my fortitude gives way when I think of being left so destitute of assistance t-surrounded by savage individuals, who occasionally commit horrid depredations. Our nearest neighbor and friend, Mr. Fleming a few miles distant, the g ris on six-I'my were nere inter- ru; ed by Mesner the s rvant, who came to in- form them of a sudden change in Mrs. Maron they hastened to her and found her just recover- eing from a fainting fit in the arms of her hus- band. Some time elapsed—Mrs. Maron grew a lafunnngl, worse The day at length arrived lut puvuzo depir ure-always silent grer. do not make known your intention of leaving us to my mother said Amanda, it will only agg:a v t. her dioe.st; she is so low she may never iss you who she once loved so dearly Ma- ron took his nephew and daughter into the gar- den. My children, said he, I have always de signed you for each other, I hope you feel that at'tachment, I have anticipated and wished-- Alphonzo was not backward in grasping the extended hand of Amanda Maron pronounced a blessing upon his children—and hastened to the bed of his dying partner. The vows of Alphonzo and Amanda were mutually exchan- ged alphonzo placed around the neck of his betrothed a double strand of gold with a minia ture of himself, and received a lock of her jark brown hair. This, said he as he placed the miniature is the likeness of Alphonzo, it is out a bad one, but when you behold it, remember you have the heart of the original. Mrs. Fiem ming informed them Mrs. Maron could not last many hours Alphonzo tore himself from this interesting family. A second sun shed its set- ting beams on the grave of the best of wives and mothers; Maron and his daughter remained two weeks in this desolate abode, and were prepar ing to follow Alphonzo, where Maron anticipai- ted his children's union One moonlight even- ing as they sat by their small window, which led them a confined view of the river Amanda conversing on some lively subject to amuse her parent, (their domestics having retired) There was occasionally a spark flew from the dying embers that proved there was yet remaining a portion of the element, that had rendered the comfort they now enjoyed. There were a few dark clouds hung far to the west, that threaten- ed wind—Amanda's eyes had for some time ap- parently been riveted upon them she could hide her uneasiness no longer—father I am sure I see figures on the shore. I think human beings. Calm your apprehension, my dear your fancy for us them—but it was not fancy—he looked and saw a company of Indians rapidly approach- ing the house. The first impulses were to awake Mesner and Betty, secure his daughter in her own apartment and procure his rifle. They ap proa hed the house: Amanda's heart beat vio lently, as she heard her father fire on them Oh my father, what have you done? a want of presence of mind I fear has ruined us. The war cry was immediately yelled from many a savage. The next moment he heard them vio lently enter the house, but amid the shout and uproar could not distinguish her parent's voice. It subsided when she distinctly heard their ser- vant- beg them to take their lives but spare those of their master and mistress. There en- treaties were not understood or regarded, but Me-ner, the faithful Me-ner placed himself a- gainst his mistress' door to prevent their enter ing, where he died, after taking the life of one and wounding a second. Amanda fell on her kness, and prayed to the Almighty to spare the life of her parent, if it was not taken, and en- able her to bear the affliction that might befall her. Whilst engaged in fervent prayer. the door was burst open when the most horrid sight met her eyes+the chief held as she supposed, the mangled and bleeding head of her father- as it was so clotted with blood as not to be recognized. She remained stationary—the Indians had entered with the determination of murdering all, but now stood in reverential awe before her. Amanda extended her hands in a suppli- cating manner. He immediately dropped the bloody trophy, took her hands and raised her, but motioned her to be quick to follow him.- She hastily snatched her fur cloak and bonnet, and as she left the apartment took up her basket, which contained her bible, ink, paper, and small presents from her parents, and left her once peaceful home; the shouts, smoke, and crackling flames; assured her the last act was done, but she could no turn to see. The heart-wrung girl, after crossing the river, was conducted by two savages whose brutal rudeness she could not endure to reflect on, her purity was as that of an angel. Thoughts like these almost severed her heart strings -how much more pleasant would it be, to be torn in pieces by those terrific beasts that howl around us. than to be subject to these worse than beasts in human form, yes it would be almost a pleas- ure These wretches no doubt would have treat- ed this defenceless maid with all the violence they were capable, had it not been dread of their chief; but Montour, the Shawnee Chief, possessed a soul too noble to injure the delence- less female, he was noble and commanding in appear nce. and deeply scarred, which was a mark of great honor, as they were received in his victorious battles. They halted about day- light; this was the first view she had of her cruel master and his allies; here were several squaws, who had awaited their arrival with re- treshments, but such they were not to poor A manda. She was at first gratified when she be- held those of her own sex, b t this gratification soon changed into disgust are these, said she, who rear me with so much derision indeed fo- males, her thoughts may be anticipated, but never described My father, my Alphonzo, she would repeat to herself; oh Alphonzo! thy grief will know no bounds, but my dear parent's thue are over; happy father he did not live to know my captivity and sufferings As she sat thus pensive, she took from her basket her Bi- ble, the first words she beheld were: "Fear not little flock for I am with thee, be not dismayed for I am thy God". She then laid her head upon her hands and prayed most fervently. for for- titude and strength, and called upon death to strike her sooner than she should be a captive for life Amanda welcomed the approach of night that she might hasten on to the doom that awaited her Her fatigue of body, and mind were great but those of the latter were so much more acute, she almost forgot the former. She was still borne up by hope, but she would sigh, what do I hope for? come welcome death. I a' thy champion, how much more consoling would it be to my poor torn and pierced mind; to know that thou art near, to be every moment nearer to a weary life of captivity among this blood-thirsty band. About midnight the moon arose in splendour. This was the first time A- manda had felt the kind relief of tears, since she shed them with Alphonzo. As she burst into tears she sank on the ground unable to proceed farther; Oh! my home, on? my --, here her voice failed her, the scene had called up so many tender reflections, that she was overpowered T hiedistress of her poor heart-wrung sufferer, called forth a burst of miniment, especially from the females. A young Indian of a delicate Cast of features, and not so tall as the others now advanced, who Amanda had not seen, and who had just joined them. He addressed her in her own language, asked her why she sat up- on the ground, and why she wept—she informed him she could proceed no further, that she was faint and her feet were blistered. He disappeared ow minutes and returned, leading her fa- ther's well known and noble palfrey. She imme- diately felt a glow of joy that brought anima tion, she sprang on her feet, hung around the animal's neck who appeared to partake of her joy, and expressed it by pawing, rubbing his neck against her, and making a friendly noise he young Indian (Leskioski) informed her she might expect nothing but kindness, and the Montour had commanded the company at their peril to use her respectfully for the future It was a great satisfaction to Amanda to have one being with whom she could converse, and who ap peared to be possessed of kindness. There was a beam of friendship streaming from his eye; that was never withdrawn, no, not in death. He led the palfrey until day; they continued their march in about the same manner, until they halted at their village of huts, which was situated between the Miami and White Water Rivers, near the line that separates Ohio and In diana. We are now at the end of our journey, said Leskiosko and added in a low voice, be submissive in all things and you will fare well; be cautious they will try by every stratagem, to put enmity between you and our chief; be of good cheer I will be a friend to you, here she was lighted from her horse and placed upon an untanned hide, she laid down drew her cloak over her, and resigned herself to her fate. But in Leskiosko she found a friend indeed; His fa- ther, a chief. was an older brother of Montour, Loskiosko emigrated to the north east with his parents, when twelve years of age, where his mother was attacked with a fever, that termina- ted her existence. The chief was persuaded to leave his son; to receive an education. Leski- osko remained five years, when his parent ar- rived he burst into tears, and bewailed himself in most pitiable terms, beseeching his parent to suffer him to remain. But his father deeply wourning over his ruined child, his only son, commanded him to follow him to his native woods The chief soon after fell in battle. lea ving his son to his brother, requesting him to be a friend to him in every respect and to remember his father's noble blood Montour promised to be a father to his ruined son; who ever knew an Indian promise broken? Leskiosko sus- tained Amanda with promises of escape, when the spring should arrive. Montour intended go- ing with about half his tribe on a trading expe- dition from which he would not return for some weeks; he told Leskiosko to inform the white squaw, she must now consider herself as one of them, and he would give her the privilege of choosing a husband for herself, in future she must use their dress and address, which would be no difficult matter, as she had been employ- ed of late learning it of Leskiosko. This was communicated to her in the presence of Mon tour, he apparently cheerfully acquiesced and replied to him herself, but begged she might not exchapge her dress until the summer as she was naturally delicate. This was assented to, she also wished to be permitted to make choice of a husband, and inform him on his return: this was also assented to but with more harshness than he had ever before shown her And com manded her to give him her chain and locket she had concealed in her bosom, to prevent his squaw taking it by violence as her pappoose hod cried for it the day before, and she had re- fused to give it her, when commanded, but taking a silver snuff-box from her basket, a present from her dear father, kissed it and handed it to the squaw, and was hastily leaving the apart- ment, the enraged creature threw the box after her, which struck with violence on her head, and broke the glass top that contained the hair of both her parents. She stopped to gather the fragments of the dear pledge, but was commanded to depart and let it alone; she h wever could not leave the hair, and hastily taking it up, left the hut. She howe- ver drew the precious jewel from her bo- som, when commanded by Montour, look- ed mournfully at the features of her dear Alphouso, who smiled upon her and seem- ed to say, mourn not, we will meet where the cruel savage shall never part us; then handed it to her unfeeling master, who pla- ced it around the neck of his filthy pap poose. This was the severest trial she had met with since the night of her captivity, She began to despair of ever being released. You, my fair readers, who only have to m ke known your wishes to have them gratified, can imagine what this poor des- titute must have suffered. Take example from her fortitude and presence of mind. -not only the pappoose but the wife of the chief, was ornamented with Amanda's little trinkets, her scissors, thimble, &c. &c, afforded amusement for her.—Amanda endeavored to teach her to use them. She was one day poring over her bible, her bosom friend, Montour, entering asked her what it told her, she replied, the good spir- it talked there, that he came from his place in the sky, far above the moon and stars. and told good men to put all that down, no looked steadfastly at her for some time, then asked her if those good men were pale fa- ces. She said it did not say so, perhaps they were not, It's no truth, white man no tell the truth, try to deceive red man; and taking the book, while the poor trem- bler thought, 'thy word, Oh God, is to be destroyed, as wicked men endeavored to destroy thee, and as he cast his eyes exult- ingly on her, consigned it to the flames. Amanda's prayers ascended with the smoke which arose as a sacrifice to Heaven. The time drew near for Montour's departure, a council was held to decide whether or no a man should not be sent to the late abode of Maron, to discover whether all was peace and to pry into the state of the garrison. Lesk:osko was chosen as the most trust- worthy and thought the most fit on account of his familiarity with their language; he accord- ingly was despatched, and after a lucky journey returned, informing Montour that peace reigned through the garrison and set- tlements at large, The day arrived for Montour's departure; Leskiosko, who had always dissembled. and feigned harshness to Amanda when in the presence of Mon. tour, now saw the necessity more than ev- er of so doing, and requested Montour to leave him to guard the pale face, although her tribe was now so silent, they might come forward to battle in his absence, thinking they had remained silent long enough for the red men to think the insult forgotten; and if he remained at home, he would conceal her, and talk kind in the white man's tongue, and send them among their enemies; he also told him to leave the horse, (which he did not object to, as he preferred travelling on foot,) for said he, of they come, and do not depart in peace, I will fly to you on this noble beast with the speed of the wind. Montour listened to this proposal with attention, thinking Les- kiosko knew the custom of the whites. he was always consulted on such occasions. The day after Montour's departure Les- kiosko introduced an Indian of another tribe into the camp, as a servant he had purchased while on his last tour. 'Leski- osko now their chief until Montour's re- turn, began to plan his and Amanda's es- cape, called the tribe together after sending Amanda to one of the most distant wig- wams, (who had previously been informed of the whole.) he imparted to them in a si- lent and impressive manner, his suspicions that white men lurked in the woods and the pale face tried to escape. Fury was in every countenance. Be not angry, said he, leave all to me. take no notice of her, but watch the woods, and if she escapes, do not pursue, as I shall watch her, and she shall not escape. The night was dark—Leskiosko left A manda in the hut, took the steed from his place (where Amanda had daily visited him,) he led it slowly and cautiously away, -the animal trod lightly, and appeared to be afraid of making a noise. He fastened him to a tree at some distance and returned to Amanda. She attired herself in the dress of a squaw, and making a bundle of provisions, silently followed Leskiosko. The servant mounted, Amanda was seated behind him as Leskiosko lifted her to her comfortable seat, where several blankets were placed. He found she trembled vio lently. Be not alarmed said he, if they discover us; you are safe: I will tell them I have discovered you & brought you back. They then set off, Leskiosko running before until daylight. When they dismounted, he rode about two hours, and they then halted for the day, and became quite refreshed. They travelled on in this manner for se- veral days, keeping the exact road Montour was to return. Leskiosko now thought
Standing there fronting that they would stop

meet him. He conducted them about half
a mile into a gloomy forest, and waited for
the approach of night. About midnight
he discovered a fire, and approaching found
it to be those he sought. He then rode back
three miles, and in the morning threw water
from a rivulet on his horse and rode
forward with the speed of the wind. Being
a warm spring morning, the animal
seemed to be laboring
under great fatigue. As soon as Montour
beheld him he shouted the war cry. He
was soon informed of the escape of Amanda,
but in a different way from the reality.
Leskiosko was suffered to travel slow to
revive his horse. Montour hastened on.
but twas to destruction.

On his way to his village, he met a company
of whites headed by the reverend parent
of Amanda, whom Leskiosko had seen
at the garrison, and learned from him the full
history of her captivity and sufferings, and
had formed him the precise one to surprise the inmates of the village, and what
route it take to meet Montour, which advice being punctually obeyed, he found the
inhabitants of the village an easy prey, and
Montour and his small band equally so. It
is necessary to inform the reader of Marcus's
narrow escape the night that the savages
entered his peaceful abode, knowing
their determination was to murder all he
fled amid the confusion to a back door
and sped to the garrison, stung with
remorse for leaving his dear child, but
thought it the only chance of ever again
beholding her, for had he remained
they would have taken his life. and he
reflected that Amanda's extreme beauty
might be the cause of saving herself.
His feelings can never be described.
when returning in the morning he beheld the ruins, in searching amid the
ashes, and stones, the remains of three
persons were discovered, which confirmed
his worst fears, that Amanda had
shared the fate of Messner and Betty.
(The third remains found were those of
the Indian, slain by the faithful Messner.)

The heart wrung sufferer, returned
to the garrison, to wait the arrival of
Alphonzo, to conduct him to his remaining friends, it was in this situation
the day after the arrival of his adopted
son, he was informed of his daughter's
welfare by the noble and amiable Leskiosko. We will now return to Amanda
who we find endeavouring to conceal her uneasiness and alarm. She
was at last convinced she was in the
power of a monster. After sitting with
his eyes riveted on her for some time.
he sprang forward and clasped her in
his arms. Her friend, her dirk, a present from Alphonzo, to defend her from
danger was instantly drawn from its
sheath, and buried in the side of the
Indian, who sprang or rather fell back
to avoid the plunge, Leskiosko at this
moment rushed forward (having been
hastened by her shriek,) in time to see
the deed, and screamed in an agony of
despair, what have you done? you have
murdered your own lover your Alphonzo. She looked at on his savage breast. beheld the locket she had given
him (for in his fall the Indian blanket
had dropped off.) She saw, she knew
no more, until she revived in the arms
of her father. While Leskiosko loitered
around the ruins of Marcus's once
peaceful home, (before he had visited
the garrison) the report of a pistol.
alarmed him, and the bullet whizzed
through his blanket. The first impulse
was to cry aloud for mercy, in a language Alphonzo (for 'twas he who shot)
understood; he was astonished to hear
a savage use such perfect language, and
hastened to him.

Leskiosko imparted all he knew concerning Amanda. and delivered him
a letter from her addressed to any one
of her friends who might chance to receive it. The intention of his going to
her as a servant. was to guide and preserve her life, if she should be detected
in her escape. A discovery of his person
would have caused an unavoidable
change in her conduct, that would have
betrayed them, and at the moment he
could refrain from a discovery no longer, that moment was well nigh costing
him his life. Her arm was so much confined by the pressure of his, as to prevent her committing an act that would
have taken the life of her betrothed
husband. The dirk went into the hilt.
but glanced against the ribs, which prevented its making a deep wound. Leskiosko left the insensible Amanda in
the arms of her mourning Alphonzo,
and hastened to meet the triumphant
band who were joyfully marching forward to meet them.

Leskiosko emigrated with them to
the east, where he lived but two years.
his death was lamented bitterly, and
his memory dearly cherished.

B. K.