Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1827-06-07
HISTORICAL
Fem lhe Kenlnek.p Gareffe.

ers, which is now known as the Slate
creek works, and owned by Col. Thorn.
as Dye Owings.
Que morning a young man by the
name of Yates, together with Mr.. Dow
ming, went out in search ola horse that
had s,rayed away from the fort. After
travelling six or eight miles in search of
the horse, Downing began to be alatm.
ed at the idea of danger from Indians,
and observed to Yates, (who was much
older than himself, and to whom he look
ed up for protection) that he thought he
heard noise like sticks cracking be-
hind them. Yates laughed at him and
told him not to be coward-khat it was
only his imagination, and that there was
no danger whatever. Downing, howe
yer, was not convinced, but embraced
the first favorable opportunity afforded
bin for concealment, TO stop in thick
cluster of whortleberry bushes, while
Yates went on. La few minutes ain
Indian was seen by Downing, running
towards him, until be was within about
one hundred yards, when he suddenly
stopped. Downing, to use bis own ex-
preston, was, as it were, fhuaderstrrck.
lie resolved, however, as be had gun,
! 10 fire and run; but unfortunately his
gun having double trigger, before be
raised her to bis face, went of, and, az
he remarks, he instantly psni off too!
After running soma distance he met
Yates, who having heard the report of
the gun, had turned to ascertain what
was the matter, and learning that they
we're closely pursued by Indians, they
ran together. AT length they reached
deeliviiy, and were compelled, in fol
lowing the path, to descend into a val
ley surrounded by bills. Here they
sosn saw two Indians, who had taken a
shorter course, and were running by a.
mother route towards the bottom Of the
valley. There was no alternative: it
was absolutely teeessary to keep the
path. and to run with the utmost posi-
BILE rapidly, although from the superior
knowledge possessed by the Indians of
the different roads, they had gained
considerably on the pursued, and seem
ed likely soon TO oveftaks them. Both
parties ran on until they reached dry
gutter in the middle of the valley, about
six feet deep, and OF considerable width.
The Indians had by this time approach
ed very near them, and attempted to
leap across the gutter at about the same
tune with the whites. All got across
safe, except Dir. Downing, who Just
reached the edge of the gutter. against
which striking his foot, he fell upon his
breast, reboundsd and fell backward.
into the gutter. The violence OF the
fall almost deprived him IF breath for a
short time, but fortuna tely the Indians
were too intent upon the chase to OBJ
serve his remaining behind, and both
happening to direct their attention SOLE
~ to Mr.. fates,c ontinued to pursue him
Mr.. Downing at length recovering from
the shock, walked along in the gutter,
which grew shallower as he advanced.
and soon ceased to serve the purpose of
concsaling him from the sight OF the In
dams AT length he discovered -ne Of
them returning in search of him--he
instantly dropped his gun, and left the
gutter: and ran back the same way he
had came. The injury he had received
from his fall, affected his speed, and the
Indian gained upon him rapidly. After
running considerable distance, coiisi-
dering bis case desperate one, and his
being overtaken inevitably, he came to
large poplar tree which was blown
down by the wind 1t so happened that
whilst be ran alohg on one. side of the
tree, the Indian pursued him on the o.
Their. At this critical moment he felt
himself caught by the leg, land was COM
PEELED to make a momentary pause,
when he perceived that he had been
stopped by small dog, which instantly
ran away from him. This pause bad
given the Indian considerable advan-
tage, and he perceived himself likely 10
be caught at the root of the tree. Most
fortunately, however, just at THAT spot
large she bear had taken up her abode
with several cubs. Not being pleased
with the violence with which the Indian
approached her young. she instantly at.
tackled him, when Mr.. Downing, taking
advantage of this unexpected coadjutor,
suddenly wheeled around, and left the
savage engaged in most violent sirug-
gle with his new adversary. What was
the result Of the rencouufer. we are not
informed. II bad, however, the happy
| effect of preserving Mr.. Downing from
almost inevitable destruction: and asno