American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1827-05-11
From the Boston Trarelier, May /.

INTERESTING ARRIVAL.--Three men.
Gregory, Nichols, and another whose name we
have not learned, former residents Of this city, ar
rived in this town last week, after fifteen years
captivity among the Indians. Early in the late
war, William Gregory, then at the age of only
eleven years, enlisted in the U. 5. service, under
Capt. Watson of this city and the others enter
ing the army about the same time, they were all
ordered to the western or Canada lines together
They had not remained long on that station before
they were compelled to engage Ill several skir-
mishes with the Indians, in Of which these three,
with sixty others, were captured After chan
cling masters several times, they at last found them
selves in the power of the tribe called Flat Heads,
by whom they were taken to the Rocky mountains
and taught the red mems art OF hunting and fish
ing.
During the long, lingering years OF their servi-
tude Gregory with the other two made four sever
al attempts to escape, but were as many times re-
taken; and as punishment for their bold endeav-
or, they were subjected to the most cruel and ex-
cruclating tortures which the untutored mind could
devise or savage barbarity execute.-At one time
they were made fast to tree or post and their
scalps taken off: after which, the little remaining
flesh ON the top of their heads was violently reno
we'd, and the bleeding scalps replaced, and per-
mitted to remain and adhere.-'The flesh thus cut
from their heads roasted and forced down
their threats to sustain exhausted nature.
At another time piece was dissected from the
heshy part Of the thigh which was also cooked and
given them to eat. No resistance in this case
would avail, and they submitted without opposi
ton to the crueles Of their barbarous oppressors
Gregory however became so exasperated with pain,
that in state Of wdness approaching insanity, he
arose upon his tormentors and actually succeeded
in bringing several of them to the ground Upon
this some of the Indians in their Language excalm
ed he is good soldier - but for his reward, his
right arm which had done the deed, was strlpt, and
on the inside cash was cut from the wrist to the
shoulder, into which was introduced hot walnut
rod, and the flesh again closed. AS if this was
not sufficient entirely to disable this member, they
Immediately shot several bullets through his arm
in different places, and then left him to groan and
sigh that his hours of existence might be few and
his lingering torments soon overpower the pulsa-
tons of life.
At another time their tongues were cut ont;
Gregory's about one third, and the others entirely
to the roots. Consequently, Gregory is the only
one who can utter word and he indistinctly, and
from him the principal information is derived
They finally succeeded in eifecting their escape by
the assistance of squaw who in kindness accompa-
MED them through the forest, distance OF - miles
and placed them on track by which they succeed
ed in reaching the white settlements. At the time
they made the last attempt to free themselves, they
were 800 miles from any white habitatons. Ma
nv more of their sullerings and harships could be
told, but what we have already related is sufficient
to shock the feelings of humanity and to excite the
warmest sympathy for these miserable fellow be
ngs who at this late day. SO long after the exc
cuton Of the heal!tess deeds, bear about them but
the too visible proofs Of the truth OF their stony
Nichols and the third we understand left wives
and families in this city, and Gregory mother,
vshu had long since numbered them with the dean.